[sightseeing] + [history] + [fun] Exploring Branson

Used our NWA location as a springboard for a couple more roadtrips - this time to Branson (yes, we went to Branson) and Little Rock.

Let's start with Branson, Little Rock is next.

There are lots of preconceived ideas about Branson, most negative. Is it a tourist town? Oh yeah. Are there tacky shows and country-themed tourist traps at every turn? Oh yeah. But what I didn't realize is that it's nestled into a really beautiful pocket of the Ozarks. Quick changes in elevation and windy roads give way to views of Table Rock Lake and rocky outcroppings. Natural beauty in Branson; who knew?

// enyndlessphotography.com //

Branson is absolutely a family vacation destination. For you Wisconsinites, think Wisconsin Dells on steroids. Oh and add in a big 1800s-themed amusement park. Silver Dollar City! This is where D and I, and D's parents spent a sunny May day, and had a great time. The two-part secret to our fun-filled day was the fact that it was beautiful weather in the low 80s and that it was a weekday while kids were still in school. Pretty sure the outcome would have been markedly different if we were swarmed by thousands of kids on an August scorcher.

Silver Dollar City grew around the popularity of Marvel Cave (which was closed due to flooding while we were there) and was run by Chicagoans Hugo and Mary Herschend. The family came up with the idea of recreating a 1880s Ozark town around the cave to increase tourism. Mary didn't want cheap storefronts, she commited herself to authenticity and preservation during the development of what is now Silver Dollar City (named for the idea of giving silver dollars as change).

// marvel cave then and now // photo credit: silverdollarcity.com //

I'm admitedly not much of a thrill-seeker when it comes to roller coasters but D managed to get me on a few! Upside-down is my roller coaster M.O. - WildFire. Big drops and jerky turns are very much NOT - Outlaw Run. Bonus of riding the roller coasters are the views - gorgeous! With feet planted firmly on the ground we had fun exploring the craftsmen's shops: glassblowing, candy making, pottery, leather, blacksmiths, creamery, furniture making and carpentry. And there is some serious skill and artistry - these are not just trinkets with a Silver Dollar City logo slapped on.

// roller coaster with a view // fire in the hole! // not-so-lazy river //

After a full day roaming the park and riding the rides we headed back to our hotel at Branson Landing for a quick refresh and then dinner. The Landing was built in 2006 along Lake Taneycomo. It offers some shopping, restaurants and entertainment geared towards the familys and tourists pouring into the area. We found a pretty outdoor dining area at Cantina Laredo to enjoy the riverwalk water and light show. Bottomless chips and salsa with margaritas on a 70-dgree night is the perfect end to any day in my book.

// the fam at branson landing // photo credit: bransonlanding.com and cantinalaredo.com //

We topped off our Branson excursion the next day with a requisite stop at a Northern favorite: Culver's Frozen Custard. Got my standard order - butter burger with cheese, fried onions and ketchup with a side of fries...and that scoop of Snickers custard (how could I say no). Didn't get the chocolate malt this time // regrets //

// culver's // a wisco fave //

[outdoors] Whitaker Point / Hawksbill Crag + Glory Hole Waterfall

The Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area has no shortage of hiking trails. Especially good day-hiking trails...which are right up my alley. D might be of another opinion, as overnight backpacking is more his cup of tea.  Me? Well I'm happy to have a day exploring the great outdoors capped with AC and a down comforter.

The Upper Buffalo Wilderness (part of the Ozark National Forest) is one of 154 national forests, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. Most of the trees here are oaks, hickory and pine. In the 12,108 acres of the wilderness, the only official trail is the one leading to Hawksbill Crag. This area is remote and pretty uninhabited!

Check out this cool National Forest locator map.

We set out with a pretty ambitious agenda for our day. Knowing we wanted to see Hawksbill Crag / Whitaker Point , we decided to tack on a hike to Glory Hole Waterfall (let's take a moment to get our giggles out of the way).

See why we were set on seeing this? Beautiful.

// flickr // exploretheozarksonline.com //

After a pretty hour and a half drive over hills and into valleys (with a couple large coffees and breakfast), we hit the Glory Hole Waterfall trailhead. It is NOT marked from the highway, so use GPS coordinates (35.828473, -93.390474). Understand that there isn't any designated parking here, so pull over onto the generous shoulder off the highway at your own risk. The trail starts as a jeep road that we didn't feel like testing our Outback on - a bit muddy and rutted out. With the extra 1/4 mile to the trailhead, it's a 2.5-mile round trip. The trail winds down along the unfortunately named Dismal Creek and dumps you at the base of the overhand and Hole. It's a 30-foot fall that bore straight through the limestone rock overhead. Pretty fun to take some time exploring inside the overhang and watching the water rush out.

Overall, it's a quick, fairly easy hike to a unique waterfall that's absolutely worth it...all jokes aside.

// our pics //

Next up...one of the most iconic places in our state, Whitaker Point. Outside of Boxley Valley, Cave Point Road took us waaaaay up a dirt road to the trailhead. When I say 'waaaaay' I mean about 5 miles. At the top there's some parking and a dedication to Governor and Senator Dale Bumpers who was dedicated to preserving Arkansas' natural beauty. Seems it's aptly placed!

Check out these awesome photos from the interwebs. Isn't this place amazing?!

// fineartamerica.com // thousandwonders.net // buffaloriver.com //

The hike to Hawksbill Crag is about 1.5 miles (3 round trip). You wind down through a forest and creek and hit Haley Falls below you. It's a wide, trickling fall, so you could easily miss it! We opted to continue along and get to the Crag - next time it would be nice to hike down around the falls. But we pressed on, followed the bluff line and kept anticipating the view of the Crag. At last we got to see our first glimpse from an overlook - breathtaking. Made me wish we had come at sunrise or set for that beautiful light. Next time. And there definitely be a next time.

// view from Hawksbill Crag // our pics //