Published: September 26, 2009 06:48 pm      

Branson is a total experience for the family

There are dozens if not hundreds of reasons to go to Branson, but last weekend I found a brand new one. Frozen custard.

What’s the difference between ice cream and frozen custard, you might ask? I Googled custard and found it’s made from milk and eggs, vanilla, etc. There’s also something about a double broiler. The point is if you try the frozen custard at Culver’s on Hwy 248 in Branson, you’ll experience a cold, creamy, delicious concoction even better than the gelato in Italy. Try a vanilla waffle cone, it’s absolutely delicious.

Lee Greenwood and The Bellamy Brothers are at the Welk Theater in Branson through Oct. 24. The Bellamy Brothers sing only their number one hits, one after another, and it takes them over an hour to do it. I had forgotten what wonderful music they made over the past 35 years. They finally throw in one of their new songs just to keep you on your toes.

Lee Greenwood is a dynamo. He sings, he dances, and he tells stories and cracks jokes. He is a well rounded entertainer who ends his show with a stirring rendition of “I’m Proud to be an American” which brings the entire audience to their feet dabbing away their tears. What a great show.

You need to allow at least one and a half hours for your tour of The Titanic Museum. This is an emotional experience that mesmerizes you from the moment you step inside the replica of the hull. The iceberg you lay your hands on at the beginning of the tour sets the tone. Floating in twenty-eight degree water is incomprehensible until you touch that iceberg. You are assigned the identity of an actual Titanic passenger. At the end of the tour you find out if you lived or perished. Don’t miss out on this one.

Six Real Brothers remains the number one show in Branson, and it’s a great one. There is never a dull moment as the brothers utilize every ounce of their energy to entertain you. There is no band; the brothers make all of the instrumental sounds from their own mouths. You simply have to see it to believe it. They sing, they dance, and they are hysterically funny. You are going to love their show.

Cantina Laredo at the Landing has great Mexican food. Be sure and order the delectable tableside guacamole. From this primo location you can also watch the water and fire show on the lake.

Speaking of The Landing, what a lovely place to spend the day. Brick paved streets for foot traffic, trolley cars, gorgeous landscaping, first class food and shopping; its relaxing atmosphere takes you back to a more civilized time.

Granny’s on Shepherd of The Hills Parkway is not on any tourist map, it isn’t even in the phone book, but for my money it offers the best breakfast in Branson. $5.99 for the breakfast buffet, complete with several varieties of fresh fruit, pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, bacon, link sausage, polish sausage and home made biscuits and gravy. It’s right next door to the Shoji Tabuchi Theater.

The Polar Express will be running to the delight of your little ones during the Christmas Season. You and your child board the train in your pajamas and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while listening to that beautiful story “The Polar Express.”

Santa comes onboard and gives a special gift to each of the children, and then back to town you go. What a wonderful gift for your little ones this year.

Branson has so many opportunities for fun in the Fall or over the Holidays. Wouldn’t you like to get away to Branson this year?

Joy Gawf Crutchfield owns The Joy of Travel. Contact her at www.thejoyoftravel.us