A Small Town With Big Time Entertainment

How can anyone possibly have a good time when it is 100 degrees F?  Trust me when I say it can be done.  Yesterday, we covered the wonderful little town of Canon City.  The weather made it easy to enjoy all activities since it is found in the cool mountains of Colorado.  Today, we will look at the jewel of the Midwestern states, Branson.  Yes, I understand that the summer months in Missouri are hot and humid.  I am happy to report that it doesn't seem to matter.  There are so many ways to stay cool. 

Inside Silver Dollar City's Marvel Cave near Branson, MO

The first place I want to mention is an amusement park called Silver Dollar City.  There are many great activities to do that all come as part of the price of admission.  Aside from the numerous water rides, one of the best ways to stay cool is to take a tour of Marvel Cave.  The temperature inside is a constant 60 degrees F.  Also, we have always enjoyed going to the Saloon shows, many of which are set inside air-conditioned theaters.  At around 7 pm, the park has a country music show that we really enjoyed.  Again it is included in the cost of admission.  The same company that operates Silver Dollar City also runs a water park.  "Whitewater" is another fantastic way to spend a day.  I really enjoy the Lazy River.  On that 'ride', I simply get to lay on an inter-tube and let the flow of the water drift me around in nice, cool water.  There is no line in which to stand.  You simply walk into the water, find an inter-tube, and you are on your way.   

Sunset on Table Rock Lake near Branson, MO

If you like being in the water, I would suggest that you take a trip to any one of the lakes that are found in the area.  Table Rock, Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals are great places to go fishing, swimming, or boating. 

Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum in Branson, Missouri

You will not be disappointed in the number of shows that you have to chose from in Branson.  It is known for its ties to country music, but there are a variety of other shows as well.  Besides country music you will find gospel, comedy, magic, museums, and acrobats.  You really could spend a month there and not come close to seeing all the shows that are available.

There are two more attractions that I think bear mentioning.  There is a relatively new shopping district in the old historic downtown area of Branson.  It is called Branson Landing.  There you will find shops, dining, and you can listen to live music in a series of concerts from April to October.  The final place that is worth mentioning is the IMAX movie theater.  We always try to take in at least one movie each time that we go on their 6 story tall movie screen.  Every time I go, I feel like I am actually in the scenes of the movie that I am watching.   It is a great experience if you haven't been. 

We have had a wonderful summer.  Today was our first day back at work, so the blogs may not come quite as often as they have been.  One of the reasons why we have enjoyed doing it, is because of the love that we have for this life-style.  We have wanted to show everyone just how much fun it is to live in an RV.  (or even smaller vehicles like our truck).  The next series of posts will be a bit more serious in nature as we discuss the many of the advantages of living a simpler life.  Happy Trails to everyone!