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