We arrived today at the Escapees campground, Turkey Creek RV Village, in Hollister, Missouri, just across from Branson.  We are going cross-eyed trying to learn about the various shows and also looking at prices.  Shows are something we rarely do since we normally like natural stuff so we are out of our element. 

Since many here have been to Branson shows, what have you liked and why?  I am definately looking for more information than the blurbs, so a bit of detail is helpful.  Those who know us might know our preferences, but this is a wide open question since other people read these posts might have different views. 

There are also restaurants and stores and attractions here, so if you have good memories of these or want to mention someplace to avoid, please tell us all. 

We workamped at the city RV park just across the "Lake" from you. We enjoyed walking thru the Landing, the flame show on the hour is worth checking out, and it's free! We like Six, Liverpool Legends, Platters, Everly Bros. Because we worked for the city we saw a bunch of shows free during the business appreciation shows. Look for discounted tickets! I didn't check out Turkey Creek while we were there but they should be able to help you find deals. A couple shows were out of our price range, in the $60 range, yikes! We just skipped those. Hope the traffic is better than when we were there...

Pierce Arrow and Yakov Smirnoff. Don't miss either one.

Best Regards!

-- Edited by Old Snipe on Monday 4th of October 2010 01:43:18 PM

I went several years ago and I just called to confirm the restaurant was still in business. The College of the Ozarks operates a wonderful restaurant on campus, The Keeter Center. The students work their way through college and you can't beat the prices. Good value, helping students, nice drive = sweet deal! It is about 10 minutes from Branson. Check out the web: www.keetercenter.edu and the phone number 417-334-6411 ext 2101 I seem to recall I nice train ride in the area as well (mom likes trains so I always try to find one) Enjoy!!!

Yakoff, You gotta see Yakoff. The magician is really good also. I cannot think of his name. The riverboat dinner theater is the best dinner and show in my opinion. Don't waste your time on the Titanic. Just my opinion.

We have friends and family who have showed us their videos of Shoji, Yakov and Mickey Gilley. We decided that since we only had limited time we would go to shows we had not seen videos of, so those three were out. We also decided one a day was our style, though many we have met are doing three a day. I am not sure we would choose to spend that kind of money, these shows are not cheap. They are cheaper than Vegas. Most shows end up about $30 to $35 each, cheaper if you can stand a timeshare presentation.  There is also a place to get cheaper last minute tickets in town which would work for patient people staying longer.
Monday we saw Acrobats of China, which we really enjoyed. Pretty amazing what those acrobats can do.
Tuesday we took Showboat Branson Belle. Good food, a nice lake cruise and a good show. The show was a Broadway review plus Todd Oliver, a ventriloquist and comedian. Todd Oliver will be moving to his own show in March on the strip.
Wednesday we saw SIX, the best show we saw. Six brothers who make all the sounds you hear with their voices, including the drums. They were excellent mimics and had great voices and fun batter with comedy. This show was getting recommended by everyone we know who had seen it.
Thursday we and some friends who came here went on the Ride the Ducks tour. Lots of fun.
Friday we saw Kirby VanBurch, a magician, who is probably who J Riechman was thinking of. He is a very good magician that specializes in disappearing acts, including big ones. For an extra $10 each, which you can buy there, you can take the back stage tour at the end, with a visit to the big cats.
We have also watched multiple fountain shows at Branson Landing, those are free.
For restaurants we have enjoyed Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub in Branson Landing, Lambert's in Ozark, MI and Thai Thai Cuisine, which recently moved next to Dixie Stampede. We found Farmhouse Restaurant just OK and the same for Mediterranean Grill.
There are lots of other shows and attractions in town, especially for those into country western and also those who were adults in the 50s and early 60s. There are even two ziplines in town for those into thrills.
The Escapees park, Turkey Creek RV Village, is a good basecamp. $78 per week for 30AMP and $100 for 50AMP, close to old town Branson and Branson Landing. Right now business 65 can be a mess as they put a new bridge over the river.
Today, Saturday, we are spending with our friends who are also camped here, with vague plans to see the by donation shows at Branson Mall.
We leave Sunday and plan to see the memorial in Oklahoma City on Tuesday before heading to Amarillo/Palo Duro Canyon and then into New Mexico to see friends in Santa Fe.


-- Edited by bjoyce on Saturday 9th of October 2010 09:10:07 AM

-- Edited by bjoyce on Saturday 9th of October 2010 09:12:53 AM

Bill, Thanks much for the details of your visit to Branson. We have it on our list. Sounds like it is a fun time! Posts are always helpful when deciding where to stay, what to do, etc.

my friend saw The Musical "Noah" and said it was very good.

-- Edited by SkyJean on Monday 11th of October 2010 02:43:40 PM