New season begins in Branson

Ken White/Daily Mail-- One of the most popular and most enduring attractions at Silver Dollar City is the train. The theme park is just one of many places to find unique opportunities for fun in the area.

Each year thousands of people from all across the country choose Branson as the spot for their vacation or to just enjoy a short visit. Its no wonder with all the scenery, good boating and fishing lakes and lots of fun filled activities from one of the many different shows to pick from, to golfing on one of the designer golf courses.

This popular spot in the Missouri Ozarks has something for everyone. You can be in the middle of all the activity on the "strip," but if you like it quiet like we do, a cabin at Big Cedar Lodge is a great way to go.

This hide-a-way is located some 10 miles south of downtown Branson, close enough to hit the shows and other attractions the area has to offer, but far enough away to enjoy the natural beauty pf the surrounding area and all the activities at the scenic resort from fishing and boating out of the Bent Hook Marina to a complete fitness center.

A trip to the Branson nearly always includes a visit to the popular Silver Dollar City for a trip back in time as well as enjoying the rides and crafts from leather crafting to broom making.

From April 3 to May 4, SDC will present America's largest international festival, World Fest. This year the World Fest will feature an all new Irish Celebration with the production show, Feet of Fire. The festival also presents the Zuni Acrobats of China, the new Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda, steel drummers from Trinidad and pan-flute musicians from Ecuador as well as preforming dancers, singers and musicians from all over the world.

A visit to the Branson includes a visit to downtown where the 95 acre Branson Landing features a smorgasbord of shops and restaurants.

The Landing is located along the shore of trout filled Lake Taneycomo. One of our favorite spots to dine is the new Fish House located on the water at the south end of the newly constructed waterfront community next to the Bass Pro Shop that anchors the south end of the pedestrian street located in the middle of the many shops.

A visit to downtown Branson isn't complete without stopping at Dick's Old-time 5&10. This landmark store has a wide variety of items from toys to seeds and has been in the same location for 35 years.

As we spring into Spring, the Branson area has geared up for another season of fun filled activities. Its no wonder that the growing number of vacationers choose Branson as one of the most popular destinations in the country. For more information on the Branson area, contact the Branson/lakes area Chamber of Commerce at www.explorebranson.com.