{"id":3378,"date":"2011-05-10T13:37:04","date_gmt":"2011-05-10T20:37:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/robertfagan.com\/?p=3378"},"modified":"2011-05-13T23:59:04","modified_gmt":"2011-05-14T06:59:04","slug":"discovering-branson-missouri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theaposition.com\/robertfagan\/golf\/courses-and-travel\/3378\/discovering-branson-missouri","title":{"rendered":"Discovering Branson, Missouri"},"content":{"rendered":"\"\"<\/a>\n

Many people have heard of Branson, Missouri, but I’ll bet that closer to the two coasts relatively few people have visited there.\u00a0 If you are like me, maybe you had envisioned a few bus loads of old folks converging upon some out-of-the-way rural place somewhere in Missouri called the Ozark Mountains to watch a couple of worn out entertainers perform.\u00a0 Wow, was I wrong; it is more, much more.\u00a0 In fact, Branson rocks!<\/p>\n

Here is a town with a population of almost 7,500 people that is a fun magnet for more than ten million visitors a year.\u00a0 And there most definitely is a discovery process to the Branson experience.\u00a0 It goes something like this.\u00a0 First, you have already or will hear about the town from me here.\u00a0 Then if you or smart, lucky, or both, you will visit Branson.\u00a0 Your first day there you will likely say, “This is pretty neat.”\u00a0 Within a day or two, your enthusiasm will grow to “This is terrific!’\u00a0 and as you leave, you will say “I can’t wait to return and to also tell my friends.”<\/p>\n

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Branson Landing at night.<\/p><\/div>\n

So what is it that is so captivating and causes so many to make at least one annual pilgrimage there?\u00a0 I have several theories.<\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n

My many travels across the heartland of America have brought me to the conclusion that the folks in this area of the country are overall among the friendliest in the land and Branson, Missouri is the best evidence.\u00a0 In a contest of smiles, Branson smiles win by miles – both by locals and reflected by on the faces of their many visitors. Secondly, tourism has been the main business in this town now for more than fifty years.\u00a0 If a newcomer starts up and doesn’t cut it, they are quickly gone.\u00a0 Those who prosper have discovered the formula for good, clean fun at an affordable price – again with a smile.\u00a0 Quick-buck artists don’t last long here.<\/p>\n

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The Shogi Tabuchi Show has been running in Branson for more than twenty-five years. It is fantastic, but it is far from the longest running show.<\/p><\/div>\n

Branson is safe and wholesome.\u00a0 It is a place for family vacations, a romantic getaway, and sporting excursion be it golf, water, or other outdoor endeavors by the guys or the gals.\u00a0 It makes for a great corporate retreat.\u00a0 It most certainly is a good value for all its offerings.\u00a0 In short, it is a very versatile friendly destination.\u00a0 And yes, there is the entertainment
\nthere.\u00a0 I imagined the place to have six or eight shows, but did you know that on any night you have the choice of more than fifty?\u00a0 In fact, Branson’s 59,000 seats are more than either Las Vegas or New York City.\u00a0 And I’ll venture to say that that range and variety will capture anyone’s interest.\u00a0 The entertainment talent is evident as many performers have either opted out of or retired from the fame-producing travel to live a “normal” life in this wholesome community.\u00a0 (By the way, Branson is a great
\nspot for a vacation or retirement property.)<\/p>\n

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Silver Dollar City mixes the old, the new, the artisans and entertainers, and it's all good!<\/p><\/div>\n

There are many eateries and shopping opportunities ranging from the three Outlet Malls to the upscale waterfront Branson Landing area.\u00a0 The old town area harkens back into small town Americana where you will find your good old local family-owned restaurants and a Five-and-Dime store that has been prospering there for more than fifty years.\u00a0 Want a theme park steeped in the local traditions?\u00a0 Silver Dollar City is ranked among the Top Ten Theme Parks in America and features not only an array of exciting rides, but also many artisans and entertainers as well.<\/p>\n

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One of the many exquisitely appointed buildings that make up the Big Cedar Lodge.<\/p><\/div>\n

There is some famous lodging to be enjoyed as well.\u00a0 Most notable is the Big Cedar Lodge which features high-end rustic accommodations that has been visited by many rich and famous.\u00a0 Equally remarkable is the lodging at The College of the Ozarks.\u00a0 In a remarkable program, students work their way through this college by serving at various jobs at the school including the first-class lodge and restaurant, and the farm where everything is grown.\u00a0 You might be impressed that the Bushes, Tom Brokaw, Margaret Thatcher, Colin Powell, Sarah Palin, and a variety of many other notable speakers have stayed and spoken there.\u00a0 And speaking of food, you just might venture out to Billy Gail’s. Named Missouri’s “Best Hole-in-the-Wall” restaurant, they serve hubcap-sized pancakes.\u00a0 It’s one of those unique roadside places with a “down home” atmosphere and trinkets, and you just might be treated to meeting the owner Gail!<\/p>\n

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Now that’s a big pancake!<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n

You can probably sense my enthusiasm for I’m a “Branson Believer.”\u00a0 Yes, not long ago I thought that Branson was a just a “one-horse pony” entertainment town, but it’s much bigger, much prettier, and far more interesting than I had ever imagined.<\/p>\n

And did you know that Branson is now a bonafide golf destination?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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The par-3 sixteenth hole at the Payne Stewart Golf Club.<\/p><\/div>\n

<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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