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Branson

Branson vacation

view from a helicopter ride over the damMore Photos

by stsbabydol

A May 2005 travel journal

Last Updated: June 11, 2005

Journal Usefulness Rating 3 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
5
Reviews
4
Photos

Branson is a fun place not only for the kids but for the kid inside each of us. It allows you to reach for the stars and the rainbows, all inside the city limits.

Branson vacation

Overview

view from a helicopter ride over the dam
Where do I begin? Magic explains the time we had in Branson, MO. Family moments,those are the most important at least to me. Having timeshare allows my parents to travel with us. Now it's me as an adult being able to do for my parents what they did for me as a child, and it is a wonderful feeling. My children get the joy of vacationing with their grandparents. Branson is awesome, not the way it was when Hwy 76 was the only highway. There are green roads, yellow and blue, and every road leads to a different fascinating destination. In one day, you can soar with the birds in a helicopter and that night be watching fireworks at Celebration City. Or have a candlelight dinner at Candlestick restaurant. You can visit Table Rock lake or shopping the endless shops and stores Branson has to offer. Don't underestimate Branson; whether it's nightlife or entertainment or just relaxation, Branson is the place to find it. I was blessed I found it in all and didn't even leave my own state.

Quick Tips:

Branson, from the time you arrive into town, offers so many places that are kind enough to offer maps, and directions on the best routes to take to get you to the country the lake or to one of the best shows in Branson. Every restaurant, gas station, and shop offers friendly maps and discount coupons to shows shops or restaurants. Not useless coupons but the real deal--the ones that actually save you money. Breakfast in Branson--how does .99 sound? And that's not the cold cereal and danish... that is a full hot buffet offering you all the fuel you need to make it through the most awesome days of your trip. Care to dine? Nicer for dinner, and there are more than enough coupons for buy one, get one free, so you don't need to lie about the ages of the kids. You won't starve, but you will be able to dine amongst stars and entertainers, and if you go out far enough on Shepherd of Hills Expressway, even lumberjacks.

Best Way To Get Around:

One piece of advice for Branson and the roads--learn your colors, and they will lead you to a rainbow of excitement. Branson is made up of so many new roads, and they each take you to whatever you want, be it the water or the hills, and Branson has got beautiful hills. I never knew that my own state is so beautiful; everyone needs to sit at the top of Shepherd of the Hills expressway. Pull off to the side; you are on vacation, you know. Just sit and enjoy the view, because you actually feel like you're on top of the world! Breathtaking. The only word that should be spoken on a vacation--this is the true road to a memorable vacation!!!
Best Things Nearby:
Next door is more like it--if you walk out of your luxurous condo to nature, trees, hills, and an eighteen-hole golf course. Every inch of Branson has beauty, entertainment, and relaxation.

Best Things About the Resort:
Holiday Hills is quaint and still close to everything It is so close to downtown and yet near to all the excitement. Its on the thresohold to the new Branson Landing. Which is promising a whole new Branson.

Resort Experience:
Like walking into your own house, it's breathtaking from the moment you enter into the front door, with the beautiful stone fireplace and the table that is already set and asking for a family to sit at. The view from your own balcony is quiet and peaceful. Entering the master suite is beyond words--a large king-size bed and a simple spot to lay your head while knowing the kids are safe because a timeshare is just that--safe. The kids can go to the safe playground area or take a walk through the grounds. Pool? Which one? There were three to choose from, each as pretty as the next. Going to the main pool allows you to be able to go to the snack area, or if privacy is what you choose, there were two others to pick from.

Don't have the energy to get back into the car? There is no need--the kitchen has everything you could possibly need, and if not, you pick up the phone, and hospitality brings it right to your front door. Don't feel like cooking since you're on vacation? The Grill on the Green restaurant could certainly fulfill your dining needs, also right inside the beautiful gated Holiday Hills. Make sure before you end your stay that you take advantage of the hot tub right there--nothing is better than a long soak and a glass of wine to complete every vacation.

  • Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
  • Activities: Excellent
  • Amenities: Excellent
  • Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by stsbabydol on June 11, 2005

Silverleaf's Holiday Hills
620 East Rockford Drive Branson, Missouri
417/334-8353

Best Things Nearby:
Sheppard of the Hills, Tall Timbers, and Silver Dollar City

Best Things About the Resort:
The swimming pool was very relaxing, clean, and well-kept, and the playground was also very close to the pool, which makes it nice for older kids.

Resort Experience:
Compton Ridge was a good and safe place; they offered a small country store and clean restrooms and showers. There were nightly activities and a fresh, clean swimming pool. The rate was great and the staff was very polite.

  • Campground Type: Private
  • Campsite Type: Camper/Trailer
  • Price Range: $10 - $20
  • Cleanliness: Excellent
  • Campground Facilities: Excellent
  • Recreational Facilities: Excellent
  • Campsite Satisfaction: Excellent
  • Family Friendliness: Excellent
  • Service: Excellent
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by stsbabydol on June 11, 2005

Compton Ridge Foodservice
5040 Highway 265 Branson, Missouri 65737
(417) 338-5537

There's a whole lot of fun going on!!! As soon as you walk through the door, it's breathtaking. The decor is elegant and the girls are beautiful, Southern belle with more than a touch of class. It's airy and open. The pre-dinner show is so much fun, yet entertaining. As soon as you sit down, the staff is there to please your every need. A place that is so classy, yet you eat with your hands - what a concept.

The show makes the evening go so quickly, with a bit of comedy and style, and even the American patriotism is beyond words. It's definitely worth the money, and kids and adults alike will enjoy the show and entertainment.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by stsbabydol on June 11, 2005

Dixie Stampede
1525 West Highway 76 Branson, Missouri 65616
+1 417 336 3000; +1

Candlestick Inn

Restaurant

This restaurant is too beautiful for words; it is romantic and classy, with a beautiful setting right on the Tanneycomo Lake. If you don't look around, you would miss it, though, and that would be very disappointing. It holds a special place in my heart since that is where I was proposed to. The maitre d’ welcomes you as you enter, and the white linen tablecloths and glowing of the candles welcome you. The food is fabulous, with a large selection to choose from. This is one of the quaintest spots in Branson. It is a definite must-see to believe all the elegance of a big city snuggled within the trees.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by stsbabydol on June 11, 2005

Candlestick Inn
127 Taney St Branson, Missouri 65616
+1 417 334 3633

About the Writer

stsbabydol
stsbabydol
Imperial, Missouri

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