Famous BBQ, a lively blues music scene, and two professional sports teams – those are just a few of things that have helped put St. Louis on the map. But sooner or later, despite all the excitement that takes place in the city under the arch, you’ll want an escape. So where do you go when you need a break from a busy metropolis, but still want plenty of great things to do? The answer is simple: Branson, MO, one of the best weekend getaways from St. Louis. Less than four hours away from St. Louis, Branson offers fun for visitors of any age, surrounded by the beauty of Ozarks. Here are a few of the reasons why Branson is one of the best weekend getaways in the midwest.
World-Class Entertainment
Branson is commonly referred to as the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, a title it rightly holds. Pick any day of the week, and you can choose from dozens of live shows. Dinner shows, captivating theatre performances and concerts from some of the biggest names in the music industry. There’s the Showboat Branson Belle, which takes its passengers on a cruise around beautiful Table Rock Lake while featuring a great live show and dinner. Or, for an incredible live production of biblical stories (complete with live animals and impressive stages sets), there’s the Sight and Sound Theatre. You don’t want to miss an evening at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, either! Add to the mix concerts from the Oak Ridge Boys, Charlie Daniels Band, and more, and you won’t have any trouble finding an exciting show or concert. Amazing live entertainment is just one of the many things that make Branson one of the best weekend getaways from St. Louis.
Amazing Attractions
Revisit your childhood at The World’s Largest Toy Museum, explore the fate of history’s most well-known cruise ship at The Titanic Museum, and witness the weird and wild at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Branson. Or, head to Silver Dollar City, Branson’s premier theme park! Roller coasters, annual festivals, the White Water water park, live craftsmen, and much more are part of the excitement at Silver Dollar City. Fascinating museums and family fun at Silver Dollar City should put Branson at the top of your list of weekend vacations near St. Louis.
Outdoor Beauty
Live shows and theme park fun are great, but what makes Branson one of the best weekend getaways from St. Louis isn’t solely its entertainment value. Branson is surrounded by the Ozarks, and finding a part of the area that isn’t beautiful is a difficult task. If you need the peace and quiet that only the outdoors can afford, you’ve come to the right place. Branson is home to Table Rock Lake and Table Rock State Park, where you can enjoy the serenity of a hike on of the area’s many trails, or spend a day fishing on the lake. Anyone who finds their escape on the fairway will love the award-winning golf courses in Branson. They feature pro-worthy layouts and picturesque scenery! Take a breath of fresh air and enjoy nature when you visit Branson.
Enjoy Branson With the Best Accommodations in Town
The folks here at Amazing Branson Rentals want you to experience what makes our city one of the best weekend getaways from St. Louis. Stay in one of our vacation cabins, and enjoy the features and amenities of a vacation home, combined with the rustic appeal and surrounding scenery that only our Branson accommodations can offer. Fully equipped kitchens, WiFi, hot tubs, and TVs in every bedroom – what more do you want? How about a convenient location, only minutes aways from Branson theaters and Table Rock Lake. Call us today at (972) 849-6363 for availability, and book your vacation today.
Branson, MO, “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” is home to amazing theme parks and nine gorgeous golf courses. Outdoor activities are endless for family members of all ages and range from a scenic railroad trip to a hot air balloon ride to a zip line adventure. The shopping is amazing, and with more than 250 dining options in the area, you will be able to please even the pickiest eaters. And then, there are the theaters, where the industry that has helped put Branson on the map lives. More than 60 Branson theaters provide audiences with a variety of shows from acrobatics and impersonations to classical violin!
Branson Theaters
In Branson, there is something for everyone, an extravaganza to experience every day. And the town’s theaters only add to the lineup. Each show is as different as the theater that houses it. Take a look at some of the features that make Branson theaters among the best in the country!
Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theater
Located on West Highway 76 on 16 acres of conservation award-winning landscape, this 48,000-square-foot theater was designed by Andy Williams himself. Andy was a pioneer of sorts in Branson – the first non-country artist to build a theater in this Ozark entertainment area. His theater is now the venue for country and non-country artists, magicians, and comedians as well as two over-the-top Christmas shows. Check out the Celebrity Weekend Concerts at www.andywilliamspac.com. Information on this beautiful theater as well as performance schedules are available at 1-800-MOON-094 or on the website.
Sight and Sound Theater
“Samson” is now live in Branson! Come learn Samson’s secret as you watch his story unfold! The Sigh and Sound theater is a long-running favorite in Branson, at the top of the “must see” list for those who want to experience the emotional story of a larger than life man leading his people on a dangerous journey. Make reservations for this wonderful show online.
American Bandstand Theater
With 970 seats (and not a bad one in the house), one of the largest stages in the area, and a $125,000 sound board, this location is a not just ones of the biggest Branson theaters, but a theater complex! There is a gift shop with one of the largest collections of Elvis souvenirs, a restaurant decorated with American Bandstand memorabilia, and a show featuring all of the music business names famous through the years. “Legends in Concert” is a live tribute show featuring talented impersonators who transform themselves into the likes of Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley which runs through Dec. 29, 2016. Contact www.BransonTourismCenter.com or call 1-800-407-9780.
Shoji Tabuchi Theater
“Shoji Tabuchi” brands the show as a Japanese-American royalty experience. The lavish theater is home to an extravagant show and extravagant restrooms. In fact, these restrooms are often the first place theatergoers head when they enter the building. There are even postcards picturing the restrooms available at the theater gift shop. But, you came to see a show, and you will not be disappointed. This grand production features Shoji, a sensationally talented man who sometimes shares the stage with his singer-dancer daughter in a show produced by his wife. Enjoy a program of Shoji’s classical violin, country, and pop music showcased by intricate sets and exquisitely talented singers and dancers using skills practiced for generations by Japanese entertainers.
For more information on booking any of the near 150 shows in the famous theaters of Branson, visit the Branson Tourist Office’s website.
Plan Your Trip
Pick your travel dates, book your shows and other activities, and then explore your Amazing Branson Rentals options on our website. See pictures of the beautiful cabins you can choose from for your exciting vacation in Branson. Then click or call to reserve one of the log cabins with all of the luxury amenities you could want! Amazing Branson Rental‘s goal is “Create Memories Worth Recreating.” With 5-star reviews from tripadvisor.com, let this company help you create those memories soon.
DOLLY PARTON’S STAMPEDE IS BRANSON’S MOST FUN PLACE TO EAT
Dolly Parton, the most honored female country performer of all time, has her own dinner attraction called the Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Arguably the most entertaining dining experience in Branson, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is the dinner show that you don’t want to miss when you visit the Live Entertainment Capital of the World!
THE PRE-SHOW IN THE Saloon
Included in your ticket for the Stampede is pre-show entertainment! Start off with the Horse Walk which is guided tour through the show horse stables to meet the four-legged stars of our show. Then make your way over to our Saloon to enjoy our all-new pre-show. There you can enjoy the sounds of live bluegrass and country music as you sip on a cold drink from a souvenir Boot Mug.
THE SHOW
Dolly Parton’s Stampede, is a family-friendly blend of comedy, phenomenal music, beautiful dancing, and spectacular special effects. Watch as 32 magnificent horses and a cast of top-notch riders thrill you with daring feats of trick riding and friendly competition. New for 2024, Dolly Parton’s Stampede takes the competition up a notch, high into the treetops! Don’t miss the exciting new feature, “Rumble in the Treetops”, showcasing the strength and agility of skilled lumberjack teams as they climb, chop, saw and log roll their way through a four-event relay. To get an idea of what to expect, check out this video! You’ll quickly see why this is “The Most Fun Place to Eat in Branson”!
THE MEAL
Not only are the main event and the pre-show entertainment spectacular, their four-course feast is out of this world! The menu at Dolly Parton’s Stampede consists of their Original Creamy Vegetable Soup and hot buttery biscuit, as well as a mouth-watering, tender, and whole rotisserie chicken, delicious hickory-smoked pulled pork, hot-buttered corn on the cob, tasty herb-roasted potatoes, a specialty dessert, and unlimited Coca-Cola®, tea, or coffee. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free meals available upon request.
STAY WITH AMAZING BRANSON VACATION RENTALS
After enjoying an exciting dinner show and a possible combo deal attraction you’re going to be stuffed and tired from such an amazing day. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet surrounding our cabins here at Amazing Branson Rentals. You can choose from the wide variety of cabins offered here, which are all equipped with the best amenities and accommodations. We provide guests with the very best, as we are known as one of the best places to stay in Branson, MO. Don’t forget to contact Amazing Branson Rentals, and we’ll help you find the perfect cabin rental for your vacation needs.
We have a lot of theatres here in Branson – 50, to be exact. With that many options for live shows, it can be overwhelming for a visitor to narrow down their choices. However, there’s one theatre we can suggest where we guarantee you won’t be let down: The Andy Williams Performing Arts Center. Home to a wide variety of shows and concerts, the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center (also known as the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre) offers high-quality entertainment for the whole family. Here’s a look at some of the amazing upcoming performances!
The Andy Williams Performing Arts Center
Named after and designed by the late Andy Williams, the legendary performer’s theatre hosts some of the best concerts and live shows in Branson! Amazing vocalists, touring bands, tribute concerts, comedians, and more are set to take the stage at the theatre this year. Here’s a look at this year’s shows:
Rick Thomas: Renowned illusionist Rick Thomas will perform his world famous show to Branson audiences through October. Don’t miss this mind-boggling performance!
The Lettermen: Since the 1960s, The Letterman have been wowing crowds with their show-stopping voices. Enjoy one of the best shows in Branson when you this chart-topping trio live.
The Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza: This star-studded Christmas show is one that you won’t want to miss. Featuring the Lennon Sisters, the Osmond Brothers, and illusionist Rick Thomas, the Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza is a production worthy of its namesake.
Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol: If you’ve ever shopped for birthday or Christmas card, you’ve undoubtedly stumbled across a Hallmark card featuring a sassy character named Maxine. Maxine’s trademark grumpiness comes to life in Maxine’s Christmas Carol, presented by Hallmark!
Celebrity Weekend Shows
Celebrity Weekend Shows at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center feature a variety of great performances! Contemporary Christian artists Big Daddy Weave, Plumb, and We Are Messengers are scheduled for Sept. 18, and the following weekend will feature MJ Live (Sept. 24), an amazing tribute concert to the late pop star. Other standout shows include comedian Bill Engvall (Oct. 7), Air Supply (Oct. 9).
Tickets, Visiting, and More
Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 800-MOON-094. If you and your family are attending a show, consider attending a Sunday show, and children 12 and under will get in for free!
More information about the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre can be found online.
The Andy Williams Performing Arts Center is located at 2500 West Highway 76, Branson, MO 65616.
Excellent Accommodations Just a Short Drive From Branson’s Theatre District
If Branson’s theatres are bringing you to our lovely Ozark city, then you’ll want lodging as impressive as the entertainment. Amazing Branson Rentals provides just that, offering guests with the best vacation cabins in the area. But don’t let the words “cabins” concern you. Our beautifully-designed cabins are loaded with both rustic appeal and modern comforts: TVs in every room, fully-furnished kitchens, WiFi, hot tubs, and more. Whether you need room for two, or enough space to sleep well over a dozen, we have a cabin for you. Plus, you’ll be within minutes of local attractions like the Branson Theatre District, Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, and more. Check out our selection of Branson vacation cabins, and then contact us today, online or by calling (972) 849-6363.
So you want to see a live show in Branson – after all, this is the Live Entertainment Capital of the World. But where do you start? With 50 theatres and over 100 show a week, finding a show can appear to be a daunting task. However, the quality of shows here are top-notch, so rest assured, you’ll find a great show with ease. If you want to experience some of the best productions in Branson though, then a Sight and Sound show needs to be on your list. Known for their stunning performances of Biblical stories involving music, live animals, and more, Sight and Sound Theatres is home to some of the best shows in Branson.
Sight and Sound Theatres
Sight and Sound Theatres was founded in Lancaster County, PA in 1976 with the first full-length stage production being held in 1987, according to the Sight and Sound website. Since then, Sight and Sound expanded, opening a new, impressive theatre in Ronks, PA in 1998, and a 2000-seat in Branson in 2008.
A Sight and Sound show involves amazing set designs (up to 40 feet high, according to the theatre’s website!), live animals, dazzling costumes, and an audio/visual experience that’s hard to match. No matter your age or beliefs, seeing Biblical stories performed like this is a rewarding experience.
Shows
The 2016-17 season at the Sight and Sound Theatres Branson location features two great shows and an exciting tour of the theatre!
Moses (March 5 – Dec. 31, 2016, March 4 – Oct. 20, 2017)
If you’ve never been to Sight and Sound, start with Moses. An incredible account of trials, trust, and redemption, Moses’ story has been speaking volumes to this day.
Behind the Scenes Tour (April 12 – Dec. 10, 2016, March 21 – Dec. 16, 2017)
Have you ever wanted to know how Sight and Sound produce their shows? Take the hour-long Behind the Scenes Tour, and you’ll enjoy a fascinating look at the set, animals, lights, the scene shop, and more.
Miracle of Christmas (Nov. 4 – Dec. 30, 2017)
The 2017 holiday season will feature Miracle of Christmas, Sight and Sound’s retelling of Jesus’s birth, its impact, and the events surrounding it.
Tickets
Tickets for both Sight and Sound Theatres locations can be found online.
Sight and Sound Theatres Locations
The Sight and Sound Theatres location in Branson can be found at 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, Branson, MO 65616. The Lancaster County theatre is located at 300 Hartman Bridge Rd, Ronks, PA 17572. For more information, visit Sight and Sound online, or call the Box Office at (800) 377-1277.
Enjoy the Sights and Sounds of Branson When You Stay With Amazing Branson Rentals
Sight and Sound Theatres, Silver Dollar City, Branson Landing – the list of Branson attractions is a lengthy one (to say the least), and the best way to experience it is by staying with Amazing Branson Rentals. Our Branson vacation cabins are the perfect place to stay when you visit Branson, now matter how big or small your group is. Conveniently located only minutes from downtown Branson, you can enjoy the beauty of the Ozarks with the comfort of modern amenities in our cabins. Features include hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens, TVs in every room, WiFi, and more. Contact Amazing Branson Rentals, online or by calling (972) 849-6363, and start planning your Branson vacation today.