Branson

Nestled in the Ozarks, Branson has been known since the 1960s as a place to hear country music. It wasn't until the 1980s, however, that theaters began popping up all over the town - some purpose built; others tilt-up warehouses with their interiors gussied up and neon signs outside. Now more than 40 theaters line thoroughfares like W. Highway 76 and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Although country music still predominates on the musical bill of fare, you'll find other entertainment as diverse as Dick Clark's American Bandstand and Acrobats of China, with about 70 shows from which to choose. Nature lovers will want to stay on the shores ...

Nestled in the Ozarks, Branson has been known since the 1960s as a place to hear country music. It wasn't until the 1980s, however, that theaters began popping up all over the town - some purpose built; others tilt-up warehouses with their interiors gussied up and neon signs outside. Now more than 40 theaters line thoroughfares like W. Highway 76 and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Although country music still predominates on the musical bill of fare, you'll find other entertainment as diverse as Dick Clark's American Bandstand and Acrobats of China, with about 70 shows from which to choose. Nature lovers will want to stay on the shores of Table Rock Lake, billed as one of the best bass fishing lakes in the hemisphere. Anglers catch trophy trout in another lake, Tanycomo, created by the 1913 construction of the Power Site Dam on the White River, which runs through Branson. About four miles west of town, Silver Dollar City is one of the finest living history theme parks in the country. It's especially interesting during The Festival of American Music and Craftsmanship (early September through Late October). One of the best places for breakfast, lunch or dinner is the student-operated Friendship House at College of the Ozarks, where students work for their tuition.

About the Expert

Connie Emerson is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Cheapskate's Guide to Branson, Missouri and Eyewitness Top Ten Travel Guide – Las Vegas.