First-time visitors to Branson can find it all pretty confusing to navigate through the hills, lakes, and condo complexes. I’m going to break it down into sections for you, so you don’t miss a thing!
Today, we’re looking at Downtown & The Branson Landing.
Get up early and have breakfast at The Farmhouse Restaurant on Main St. (This is the east end of Hwy. 76 Country Blvd., or “The Strip”). Once you’ve had your fill of biscuits and gravy and fried eggs, stagger outside to the unique local shops of the historic downtown Branson.
The Fudge Shop is next door to the restaurant, so pick up a foot of chocolate for your snack later. Then cross over to Dick’s Old-Time 5 & 10 store. It’s a carnival for the senses, with nostalgia items and variety store flair you won’t soon forget. One block down is Cadwell’s Flea Market, a well-organized arrangement of vintage and antique goods. Crafters will want to slip into Plum Bazaar – the big purple building at the foot of the hill – to drool over the beautiful beads and jewelry supplies.
Just when your feet are sending signals for a sit-down, hop on “Sparky”, the free Branson trolley. It will take you to the Branson Landing. If you get out on the north end, have a delicious lunch at Black Oak Grill before walking the boardwalk and shopping Belk and the other modern stores. If you hop off at the south end, consider White River Fish House and Bass Pro for some outdoor fun. Either way, you’ll want to make tracks to the central plaza to see the Fire and Fountain show. It explodes every hour on the hour.
When you’re ready for an adventure, there are several options. Ride The Ducks has an outpost at the Landing for you to see Branson by land and sea. It’s a little over an hour, and one of the best city tours you’ll ever do. Branson Scenic Railway is the ticket to seeing the Ozarks in style, winding through the hills and over bridges where few people go. If getting airborne is more your style, try Parakeet Pete’ Steampunk Balloon for a bird’s eye view, or sail right over Lake Taneycomo on a zipline!
Come evening, there’s no need to go anywhere for the night life. Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub has a drink to wet your whistle (and wonderful fish and chips). They have music most weekends, as does Ernie Biggs Duelling Piano Bar. For a romantic dinner lake-side, visit Cantina Laredo or Texas Land & Cattle – they both have balcony seating over the water, and it’s a spectacular view of the Fire and Fountain show at night!
That’s an action-packed day seeing the highlights of Downtown Branson. Next up, we’ll take on The Strip.
– Photos courtesy of Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
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