All About Branson Missouri

Neil Sawford • September 5, 2022

Branson is a favorite vacation spot in the country that attracts both in-state and out-of-state visitors. Because this popular entertainment hub is frequently visited by millions of tourists each year, it makes the place one of the top vacation spots in America.

While most visitors come to this favorite vacation getaway to enjoy live shows and other exciting attractions, many vacationers come here to enjoy thrilling rides with Branson roller coasters. Below are some unique facts you probably don't know about Branson.

One-third of America's population is within a day's drive of Branson.

Branson is ideal for quick romantic getaways, long family vacations, and summer escapes. The beautiful, rolling Ozark hills provide the perfect setting for a relaxing and scenic drive. Branson will be at the top of the list for road trip must-stops with family fun attractions, live shows, three pristine lakes, and ample hiking trails to keep you entertained.

Branson's Entertainment District is thriving.

Traveling down W 76 Country Blvd will reveal the hidden treasures of Branson's Entertainment District. More than 100 world-class live shows are shown in 50 amazing theaters. Various exciting activities and attractions, shopping, dining options to suit any taste, and lodging are all available in the Entertainment District. Thrilling rides like the Branson roller coasters also thrive in this favorite vacation spot.

Travel Channel named Branson of the "Most Christmassy Places in America"

In November and December, Branson transforms into a Christmas Wonderland like no other. Celebrations last from early November to New Year's Day - no waiting for Thanksgiving to kick off the holidays here!

Christmas lights are displayed all over the Branson area. During the An Old Time Christmas festival, everyone can experience the wonder of Silver Dollar City, where over 6.5 million lights cover the city. Don't forget to walk the Christmas Tree Trail, which features over 700 colorful, unique, and creative trees of all shapes and sizes throughout Branson!

Branson Has More Theater Seats Than Broadway

Music is integral to Branson's identity, and its energy is palpable. With over 50 stunning theaters and 60,000 theater seats (more than the Broadway District in New York City), Branson certainly fits its high popularity as a Top Live Show Destination in America. For over 50 years, live shows (and encores!) have been a staple of Branson vacations. Magic, music, comedy, and even animal-based performances are among the many forms of entertainment available.

Since Prohibition, Branson has been home to the Ozarks' first distillery

The first distillery in the Ozark Mountains, Copper Run Distillery, settled in Branson since prohibition ended in 1933. Copper Run sources its grains, water, and oak barrels locally because the oak trees in the Ozarks are known for producing the best whiskey barrels. The Copper Run tasting room has a $5 cocktail menu, which includes a moonshine margarita and a "moontini," as well as more traditional drinks.

Some of the episodes of Beverly Hillbillies were filmed in Branson.

Many people remember watching the classic television show 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' which was written about a backwoods family who discovered oil and became millionaires. In the late 1960s, five episodes of the Beverly Hillbillies were filmed at Silver Dollar City. In October 1969, the show aired. The publicity surrounding the airing of this popular show put Branson on the map, causing many out-of-town visitors to visit!

Forbes Magazine named Branson as having the best lakefront views in America.

Forbes ranked Branson second among the best lake towns in 2020. Table Rock Lake's 43,000 acres are ideal for paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. Branson has over 100 resorts adjacent to Table Rock Lake and numerous campsites, so there are plenty of lodging options. Anglers love Table Rock Lake for its excellent bass fishing. Bring your own or rent one here. Branson even has many fishing guides who can help you navigate the area.

Branson is a golfer's dream.

Branson is one of America's most exciting and rapidly growing golf destinations. Several new and highly regarded courses have recently opened, including designs by Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Bill Coore, and Ben Crenshaw.

They are a great addition to an existing collection of popular playing venues, providing golfers with ten fantastic courses, all close to one another and open to the public. Furthermore, the rolling landscapes and striking natural features of the Ozark Mountains will take your breath away at Branson golf courses.

Table Rock Lake Offers More Shoreline Than Many Beaches

Branson is surrounded by three beautiful lakes, with a shoreline in every direction. Hiking, swimming, boating, and fishing are popular activities in the Tri-lakes area. Moreover, Table Rock Lake provides excellent trout fishing all year and is also the country's best bass fishing lake. On the other hand, Lake Taneycomo offers spectacular lake views while shopping and dining. Exploring Bull Shoals Lake by kayak is an excellent way to do so.

After you know all about what Branson has to offer, the next adventure you might want to experience is to take a thrilling ride with the Branson roller coasters.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.