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Road TripsWhat to Do in Branson Spend the day at Silver Dollar City (399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy.). This 1880s village-themed park preserves Ozarks heritage with its working crafters and a bevy of festivals devoted to holidays, music and folk culture. It also has some pretty awesome thrill rides and tasty theme park eats.
With so much live entertainment on the Branson Strip, what (or who) should you see? Put Branson's Famous Baldknobbers at the Branson Famous Theatre (645 SR 165) and the Presleys' Country Jubilee (2920 SR 76W) near the top of your list—both of these down-home music and comedy shows are pure family fun.
See how small a third-class cabin actually was, feel the icy ocean water and clamber into a lifeboat at Titanic—World's Largest Museum Attraction (3235 SR 76W). It's not only a total immersion experience; you'll relive James Cameron's 1997 movie blockbuster all over again.
Handpicked by Louise Harrison (George's big sister), the Liverpool Legends are the ultimate Beatles experience. They perform songs from the time of the band's first U.S. appearance on the Ed Sullivan show to the music of the Sgt. Pepper's album at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre (2500 W. 76 Country Blvd.).
svariophoto/iStockphoto.com
Have breakfast at the Farmhouse Restaurant (119 W. Main St.) and then amble the downtown streets, which still conjure up small-town charm in an age of iPhone apps. Dick's 5 & 10 (103 W. Main St.) has everything from coconut incense to Lucy and Ethel lunch boxes; it's certain to stir up some nostalgia.
Branson Landing (100 Branson Landing) is a village-style shopping and entertainment complex along the shore of Lake Taneycomo. Non-shoppers won't want to miss the daily dancing fountain water show combining water fountains, fire cannons and lights choreographed to music.
Branson shopping isn't all about T-shirts and souvenirs. Explore Branson Mill Craft Village (3300 Gretna Rd.), where local artists sell a wide array of high-quality crafts.
Watch contortionists, acrobats and jugglers perform astounding (and in a few cases, death-defying) feats at the Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre (3455 SR 76W). This mesmerizing show by the Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai is a dazzling display of bravura skill.
With its Ozark Mountains setting, Harold Bell Wright's 1907 novel “The Shepherd of the Hills” sparked initial interest in Branson as a place to visit. The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead (5586 SR 76W) re-creates the farm at the center of Wright's inspirational story, which also is dramatized at The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre.
Once upon a time Branson was a speck of a town in the middle of the Ozarks, and you can still appreciate the region's natural beauty on a relaxing cruise around Table Rock Lake aboard the Showboat Branson Belle (4800 SR 165). The scenic cruise on board a late 1800s-style paddle wheeler includes a three-course meal and a sensational show with live music.
Courtesy of Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa
Indulge yourself at the Spa Chateau. This luxurious retreat at the Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa (415 N. SR 265) offers deep massages, salt scrubs, mud baths, facials and other treatments, with pampering touches like chamomile-infused towels.
Branson, MO
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
Save 5% or more when booking AAA/CAA rates plus earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program
Best Western Center Pointe Inn3215 W Hwy 76 (Country Blvd). Branson, MO 65616
Book NowMembers save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing3 Branson Landing. Branson, MO 65616
Book NowMembers save 5% or more and earn Marriott Bonvoy™ points when booking AAA/CAA rates!
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott220 Hwy 165 S. Branson, MO 65616
Book NowSave 5% or more when booking AAA/CAA rates plus earn bonus points with the AAA Preferred™ BWR Program
Best Western Music Capital Inn3257 Shepherd of the Hills Expwy. Branson, MO 65616
Book NowCity Population
10, 520
Elevation
722 ft.
Sales Tax
The Branson/Lakes area levies general retail sales, tourism sales and food and beverage sales taxes based on three different jurisdictions: Branson Landing/downtown, citywide and Branson Hills. General retail sales taxes range from 8.6 to 9.6 percent; sales that include a tourism sales tax range from 11.6 to 12.6 percent; food and beverage sales taxes range from 8.975 to 9.975 percent.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(417) 334-3300
Time and Temperature
(417) 336-5000
Hospitals
Skaggs Regional Medical Center, (417) 335-7000; CoxHealth Cox North (Springfield, Mo.), (417) 269-3000; CoxHealth Cox South (Springfield, Mo.), (417) 269-6000; Mercy Hospital (Springfield, Mo.), (417) 820-2000.
Visitor Information
269 SR 248 Branson, MO 65615. Phone:(417)334-4084 or (800)214-3661
Air Travel
(BKG), 1 mile south of the Hollister exit off US 65, east on Branson Creek Boulevard, then following signs to 4000 Branson Airport Blvd., is served by Buzz Airways and Frontier and handles commercial and general aviation; phone (417) 334-7813.
Rental Cars
Hertz, which only operates out of Springfield-Branson National Airport, offers discounts to AAA members; phone (417) 597-5313, (800) 654-3131 or (800) 654-3080. Rental cars are available at Branson Airport.
Buses
Gray Line Branson
Taxis
Cab companies include Jerry’s Shuttle, (417) 348-1419; and Checker Cab, City Cabs and Yellow Cab, all of which can be reached at (417) 332-2227 (Branson Cab Service).
Public Transportation
Unless you're part of a motor coach tour, getting around Branson is much easier if you have your own vehicle. One convenient alternative to driving is a free ride aboard the Downtown Trolley. The red-and-gold, hop-on and hop-off trolley makes 12 stops in the historic downtown area, including two stops at Branson Landing. It operates daily 9-6, Mar.-Dec.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Trolley maps are available at downtown retail locations and at the Downtown Branson Betterment Association, 112 W. College St.; phone (417) 334-1548 or (866) 523-1190.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
