The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Be entertained and educated
Branson is an experience for all ages
Branson, about 40 miles south of Springfield, Missouri, in the Ozarks Mountains, had at one time earned the reputation for being a destination spot for retirees. it actually caters to multiple generations with offers of adventure, fun, entertainment and education fitting for the solo traveler, families or even large groups. Museums, indoor and outdoor activities, and a wide variety of shows provide a variety of entertainment for the young to those simply young at heart.
Titanic — World’s Largest Museum Attraction is a permanent interactive museum where guests enter and leave as a passenger. The museum’s exterior is a replica of half the Titanic’s shape with the interior designed to look like the interior of the ship, including the grand staircase. Upon entry into the museum, guests are greeted and presented with a boarding pass of one of the passengers aboard that fateful 1912 voyage.
Individuals are instructed to look throughout the museum for stories and details about the passengers they represent. Only at the end of the experience do they find out if the passenger survived. The museum contains recovered artifacts and 2,208 stories to share all spread throughout 20 galleries. The 90-minute tour also includes a chance to feel the chill that was in the air that fateful night the ship crashed into an iceberg and to also touch the frozen surface of one. Titanic provides an educational and enjoyable activity for all ages.
College of the Ozarks, known as Hard Work U, is a fully accredited university that does not charge students tuition. Instead students work on the campus in various jobs, such as basket weaving, in the greenhouse tending plants, in the mill producing whole grains or in the kitchen making a variety of jellies and fruitcakes, which are available for purchase. The school also has a renowned culinary program, where visitors to the campus can dine on such items as a pork duo with a baconwrapped pork loin and pepper jelly glazed spare rib accompanied by a side of garlic mashed potatoes and garden vegetables, followed by a peaches and cream cake. Those who visit the campus can tour the mill and greenhouses and talk with students while they work. Also on the campus is a small river with swans.
For those who like the outdoors but prefer to experience it from inside, The Branson Scenic Railway can accommodate with a ride on the Ozark Zephyr. With the train departing from the historic depot in downtown Branson, passengers enjoy a 40-mile round-trip ride through the Ozarks. The train cars are historic and include several domed passenger cars along with several dining cars and a coffee shop.
The Showboat Branson Belle, a three-story 700-passenger paddlewheeler boat, provides dinner and entertainment as it sails on Table-Rock Lake. Dinner entertainment showcases the improv comedy of Christopher James, who also emcees the show, singing by Cassandre Faimon Haygood, along with a male vocal group, The Showman, and dancing by Rhythm, a four-man troupe billed as the fastest feet west of the Mississippi. It is ideal for all ages. Passengers can enjoy lounging on the top deck enjoying the view of the lake or opt to sit in the dinner theater. The performance consists of tributes to some of the biggest country acts of the 1990s, along with performances of classic rock and an eight-minute medley of songs from favorite television shows and movies.
Branson has more than 50 theaters, many of them spread along Highway 76, with shows such as the Legends of Rock, Smoke on the Mountains with classic gospel tunes, Acrobats of China and a Patsy Cline and friends tribute.
Branson serves up many different dining experiences, as well.
Gettin’ Basted is a newly opened barbecue restaurant within the Starlight Theater with all things ’cue. The owners are specialists who have won many rib burn-off championships. The sampler platter includes chicken, pulled pork, brisket, baked beans, onion rings, coleslaw and more.
Mel’s Hard Luck Diner is home to the singing servers, some of whom were “American Idol” contestants. Mel’s is known for its ’50s style décor, soda fountain drinks and the Avalanche, a 13-scoop banana split loaded with all the toppings.
After dining at Mel’s, head right across the street to year-round Christmas shopping at Kringles Christmas store in the Grand Village or check out Branson Landing, an open-air market with shops, bakeries, and outdoor entertainment such as ziplining or Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon, a ride giving a view of Branson.
Dick’s 5 & 10 in Downtown Branson will take you back to yesterday with souvenirs and toys for sale from a time goneby.
Branson Landing is also home to a fountain with a water-and-fire show beginning at noon every day. “The Star Spangled Banner” accompanies the water and fire effects from the fountain. The fountain display happens every hour on the hour through 10 p.m.