Off the Beaten Path in Branson

Get up close and personal with tigers, lions, leopards and mountain lions at this nonprofit rescue organization a half-hour drive from Branson. Guided tours allow you to learn more about these big cats, feed them yourself and even spend a day alongside the sanctuary director, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look into the animals’ care.

You’ll find a quirky collection of items at this Ozarks-themed museum ranging from a historic one-room schoolhouse to the original truck used in the television series "The Beverly Hillbillies." Looking for fun things to do with kids? The Children’s Discovery Room offers hands-on activities for kids ages 4 to 9.

Pack a picnic and escape to the outdoors at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, just southwest of downtown Branson. You can tour the hatchery, which raises brown and rainbow trout, take in exhibits and aquarium displays in the visitor center and explore the hiking trails in the wooded area near the Table Rock Lake shoreline. A waterfowl pool offers excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Board this turn-of-the-20th-century-style paddle wheeler and enjoy spectacular views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains. The two-hour lake cruises include a three-course lunch or dinner and live entertainment with comedy, magic and music.

While not exactly an escape from the crowd, this AAA GEM® is outside the fray of the theater district and is a don’t-miss attraction for all ages. The park, themed as an 1880s Ozarks mining town, offers thrilling rides such as Outlaw Run, billed as “the world’s most daring wood coaster,” and the shirt-soaking American Plunge, a float trip with a five-story drop. Artisans demonstrate woodworking, glass blowing, candy making and other crafts throughout the park, and a variety of musical and comedy shows will keep you entertained. The park evolved around the entrance to Marvel Cave, another AAA GEM attraction not to be missed.

Whether you’re looking for adventurous things to do such as mountain biking or kayaking or simply seeking a relaxing setting for a family picnic, Table Rock State Park offers something for everyone. Spot a bald eagle as you stroll along the Lakeshore Trail or tackle the more rugged White River Valley Trail, where you’ll be rewarded with views of small waterfalls. Explore the lake on a pontoon boat or a catamaran excursion, take a scuba lesson or try your luck at landing a brag-worthy bass.

If you’re visiting in the summer, there’s no better way to escape the heat than exploring the underground landscape of sparkling crystals known as Talking Rocks Cavern. See formations such as “cave bacon” and the 100-foot-tall Cathedral. After your tour, you can mine for semi-precious gems and minerals in the sluicing area, walk nature trails, play miniature golf and crawl through two crawl mazes.

While this hotel is on the same highway as many of the shows and tourist attractions, it's a scenic 10-minute drive from downtown. You'll pass Inspiration Tower, which offers stunning panoramas of the Ozarks, and will find the hotel just steps away from Silver Dollar City and conveniently near Table Rock Lake. The hotel features an indoor pool and game room and accommodations with private balconies overlooking the mountains.

Looking out over Table Rock Lake from your private balcony at this AAA Four Diamond resort, you’ll forget you’re only 10 miles from Branson’s bustling downtown. With its scenic outdoor pool, elegant spa and fine dining, this Ozarks oasis is the perfect place to unwind after a day of attractions, shows and shopping.

Treat yourself to locally caught fish or an aged steak at this AAA Three Diamond restaurant overlooking Table Rock Lake. A piano player entertains on weekends. Reserve the Chef's Table for a custom-created, five-course meal with wine pairings. This restaurant is a popular spot for special occasions, so call ahead for reservations.

Whether you choose the Branson West location near Silver Dollar City or the one south of the busy strip, the draw here is barbecue: pork or beef that is marinated, coated in a secret rub and slow-smoked to perfection. Burgers, fried catfish, sandwiches and salads round out the menu, and you can top it all off with a frosty root beer float.