Branson

So I was probably ten years old the last time I was in Branson, Missouri. Everyone that I’ve talked to has told me that I wouldn’t recognize it, that it had become like Las Vegas. I guess maybe my expectations were too high because I can’t say that I was overly impressed. I can see the comparisons to Las Vegas, if it’s the aging, retro, Fremont Street Vegas to which people are comparing the Branson strip. But that’s not necessarily a good thing.

We stayed at the Hilton on Branson Landing, and this is a great place for families to stay. This was our first family vacation since Josie was born, and our condo suite was just right for us since we could pull out the sofa bed and put the kids in one room, and we still had access to the balcony from our bedroom.

Overall we had a good time, but there were some disappointments. Our food experiences were, in general, not good. We ate the first night at a little gyros/pizza place just a short walk from our room. I would recommend you avoid this place like the plague. The pizza tasted like it was a day old, and the gyro did nothing for me. The Cantina Laredo was good, although the entree I ordered was a bit too spicy for my tastes. Our best meals were at the Chateau on the Lake, and, sadly, at Backyard Burgers, a fast-food chain we tried because they don’t have them in St. Louis.

The kids (especially Noah) had a blast at Silver Dollar City. The rides in the kids area were just right for him. He especially loved the roller coaster. We also went to see the Titanic museum, which is well worth seeing, although it’s not a great attraction for young children. Photos from our trip are now available in my album.