An essential beginner's guide to Branson, Missouri

The log cabin/gas station-turned-breakfast/lunch eatery that is Billy Gail's is an iconic stop in Branson. Homestyle, country cafes are part of the Branson experience, and this one, hidden a bit off the main strip of Route 76, is a local favorite. The whole place is crammed with rustic antiques (think bird houses and rocking chairs), most of which are for sale. Red-checkered tablecloths and mismatched vintage mugs set the scene for a big, home-cooked meal. Grits, massive hubcap pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and other Southern staples are all prepared with love... and served in ginormous portions. Come hungry, bring cash, and be prepared for a bit of a wait that will be worth every minute!

Branson is famous for its shows. The city's main strip, Route 76, is lined with theaters that host nightly performances by musical acts. Branson's longest running first-generation show is The Haygoods. This family act (featuring 5 brothers and 1 sister) has the Haygood siblings playing, singing, and dancing in harmony. It all started when the oldest, Timothy, saw a violinist on Sesame Street as a child and asked to learn the instrument. Eventually, he worked his way through fiddle lessons from a famed Texas fiddler, and his brothers and sister started to learn various instruments as well. Now, they've been performing in Branson for over 20 years, and regularly sell out shows each season. They're all accomplished performers who even write their own songs, and each show is a guaranteed good time.

Branson is also naturally a stunning place. Table Rock State Park is a great example of Branson's outdoorsy side. It encompasses Table Rock Lake and the surrounding woodlands, and it's a favorite of those looking to spend a day on the water. Boats are available for rent at the marina, but fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, and even scuba diving are also popular here. The park has an awesome campground for those looking to spend the night in nature. If you don't have an RV or a tent, there is a yurt you can rent: a round canvas structure that's already set up, so all you have to do is bring your gear and make yourself at home! Whether you just visit for a day or camp out and make this your home base, it's worth it to experience the natural beauty that abounds here.

Located in remote Big Cedar Hollow, Big Cedar Lodge is an incredible resort. The 800-acre property feature a marina, riding stables, an indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, and tons of walking paths. You'll find several restaurants on site as well. The rooms range from cottage and private log cabin rentals to luxury suites and value rooms, so there's something for every traveler here. The lodge also has a stellar spa and there are golf courses nearby, so you can get the perfect luxury resort experience.

Top of the Rock is part of Big Cedar Lodge. Meant to preserve and enhance the beauty and fun of the Ozarks, there's a lot to experience here. Three restaurants, a wine cellar, golf courses, and a Civil War cabin for rent (it has not one, but two grand porches and an outdoor shower offering lake views), are a few of the things to find here. Top of the Rock is also home to the Lost Canyon Cave Nature Trail, a nature park featuring waterfalls, covered bridges, and soaring rock formations. There's even a cave with a bar inside! The attraction includes the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, inspired by Chicago's Field Museum and featuring exhibits and artifacts from the Ozarks’ past. Things like woolly mammoth and saber tooth cat bones are on display!

Branson is also a great destination for shopping. Hundreds of stores and restaurants can be found at Branson Landing, on the banks of Lake Taneycomo. Hop on The Paddlewheel, a riverboat-themed eatery that serves up great views and food, along with fun drinks. Live music, a farmer's market, and other fun events happen occasionally, so it's always a lively spot to visit. It's also home to an incredible fountain that puts on hourly shows that combine fire, water, and music between noon and 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. It's an incredibly well-choreographed show, and the song changes each hour, so stop by to see it set to everything from the Star Spangled Banner to Kung Fu Fighting.

If you're looking for quiet accommodations, check into the Branson Hotel. Built in 1903, it's been well maintained, but still retains oodles of vintage charm. The rooms are impeccably furnished and have just the right amount of antique touches. Plus, right off the lush, peaceful garden, you'll find a cafe/wine bar that makes for a perfect spot to wind down a day exploring Branson. The central location is another added bonus to a stay here!

Another popular show is Dolly Parton's Stampede. The dinner theater performance combines comedy, musical numbers, and some incredible trick horseback riding into a fun and exciting Americana show. You get to enjoy a four-course feast featuring rotisserie chicken, barbecued pork, biscuits, corn, dessert, and more while you're entertained by the performance. It's one of the most popular dinner theater shows in town, so stop by and see why it's so well-loved!

Branson's Track Family Fun Park has epic go-karts, laser tag, mini golf, and more, but it's also home to one of the newest attractions in Branson: the Ferris Wheel. Chicago's iconic Navy Pier Ferris wheel was packed up and moved to the Track Family Fun Park, and now offers riders views of Branson and the Ozarks. The 150-foot-tall wheel's 40 gondolas can hold six passengers apiece, and as if that's not impressive enough, it's covered in thousands of LED lights for several nightly music and light spectaculars!