A Budget-Friendly, Top-Notch Vacation Destination

Summer beckons with the sweet promise of vacation season. Far off tropical destinations and European vacations may call to you in your dreams, but the budget may be saying, “Stay close to home.” If you're dreaming of a family trip without breaking the bank, then Branson may be just the ticket.

Branson, “vacation capital of the Midwest,” is home to Silver Dollar City, a one-of-a-kind 1800s-themed amusement park, world-class live entertainment and fun resorts! Plus, you’ll find several free and budget friendly options for fun.

Get back to nature with a day at Table Rock Lake or Lake Tanneycomo. Both lakes offer several great places to stay overnight, whether you are in the mood for resort lodging or a summer campout with roasted hot dogs. Take the family fishing for a variety of bass, crappie and walleye. New to fishing? Check out Lilley’s Landing, an affordable family-friendly resort perfect for boating and fishing for all experience levels. Try out the boat guide trips that include rods and reels, fishing equipment and boat rental with experienced fishing guides who teach tips for success.

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s largest trout-rearing hatchery, producing between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds of rainbow and brown trout each year. Children love to watch the fish, feed them and visit the exhibits in the nature center. Best of all, a visit to the hatchery is free!

If shopping is a must on your dream vacation agenda, Branson is home to several outlet malls that feature favorite retail stores offering great discounts. For a novel bargain-hunting experience, visit Dick’s Oldtime 5 & 10. The store carries 50,000 different items, including nostalgic collectibles, novelty candies, old-fashioned toys and games.

A visit to Branson wouldn’t be complete without seeing a great show. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is an entertaining dinner show unlike any other. The audience is seated around an arena where a live horse competition takes place complete with music, games and a variety of animals from ostriches to pot belly pigs. While you watch the show, you're served a full meal complete with soup, bread, chicken, corn and dessert. One catch—the entire meal is "finger food."

New “Roman Ride of Fire” debuts at Dixie Stampede, celebrating its 20th season in 2014. Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction celebrates its 20th season with the all-new, amazing  “Roman Ride of Fire,” making the show bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before! In 2014, Dixie Stampede brings new equestrian excitement to guests as they experience dramatic demonstrations of horsemanship and nearly impossible feats of skill and agility. The “Roman Ride of Fire” highlights a special type of trick riding featuring the rider’s standing astride two horses moving side-by-side, with precise timing at a full gallop, jumping the horses through the ring of  fire. “I want my guests have some jaw-dropping equestrian excitement this year,” says Dixie Stampede owner Dolly Parton. “Part of the fun at my Dixie Stampede is giving the audience the unexpected. It’s just amazing!”

The Sight & Sound Theatre presents live theatrical portrayals of epic Bible stories. Other great shows include the Kirby VanBurch Magic Show, the Acrobats of China and, of course, great movies on the Branson IMAX. Learn more at www.ExploreBranson.com.

Why Kids Say, “Once is Not Enough” First Class Maid JAMIE. The first time is magic. The second or third time is magic magnified a hundred times. I’ve asked some of our “regular kiddies”, what it is about the Titanic Museum Attraction that brings them back? They say there’s so much to see and do that they couldn’t possibly experience it all in one visit. They know that new exhibits and interactive children’s event  happen all the time. There are always new Titanic artifacts to surprise them. Now, of course, that could be because our ship’s Admiral, Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, is constantly reshuffling the decks to make room for new and exciting Titanic tributes. Admiral Mary knows how children think and what it takes to hold their interest. You might say, twenty years as a Senior Executive at Disney has something to do with that. Visit as a special guest and leave as a Titanic passenger.

Branson is a terrific family destination. Less than a tank of gas from Kansas City, this spot offers world-class entertainment, affordable family fun, a fabulous theme park and two beautiful lakes. This year as you plan your perfect family getaway, make it a Branson vacation.