Branson Travel Reviews: Part 2

Branson Landing

Branson Landing is a nice outdoor shopping strip along Lake Taneycomo.  We went during the evening when it was a little cooler.  There are all sorts of retail stores, restaurants, a small playground and fountains synchronized to music.  It would be a great place to go on a date.

RideMakerz

RideMakerz is the Build-A-Bear Workshop for kids that prefer hot rods.  You pick out the model of your car and tires for a flat fee.  Then for small upgrades you can add all sorts of things to customize your vehicle like lights, mufflers, sound effects, remote control, and so, so much more.  

Preston decided on a black mustang.  Then, he had to head over to the "workshop" to start adding tires and attaching the body to the casing.

He was so excited to do some of the mechanics himself.

Preston decided to add stickers to his car.  He also got sound effects to make it sound like a police car.

The finished car.  This is Preston's second RideMakerz car and he can't get enough of them.  It's such a cool place, especially for a boy that's obsessed with cars.  I hope one opens up close to us soon.

Lego Store
There was a Lego Store on the Landing that is for play only.  There's nothing for sale, but lots of different Lego stations where kids can build and play as long as they want.  Preston built a Lego car (of course) and got to race it on the ramp.

Preston's peeking at me through the blocks.

There were some amazing Lego statues.

Kaitlyn bought another pillow pet at Justice and then we ate dinner at Garfield's Restaurant and Pub.  Great food and we had a great view of the lake from our table.

Ride The Ducks
We've heard about this so many times and finally decided to do it.  This boat travels on land and then floats in the water.  It was so much fun, our tour guide was hilarious, and Preston kept asking to go again.

Everyone was given a "Quacker Whistle" as they boarded.  It got pretty annoying very quickly!

We went up into the mountains into a secluded place that only the "Ducks" are allowed to go.  This mountain is where they blew up rock and sediment to form the Table Rock Dam (no, we didn't take the dam tour).  These are old army vehicles that used to frequent the area.

We had great views from land and water.

Our tour guide asked for volunteers to drive the boat and Preston AND Craig volunteered.

It was actually a very informative tour and Preston could repeat a lot of it back to us later that day. Well worth the time and money.

Branson Travel Reviews: Part 1

We spent 5 days in Branson, MO recently and enjoyed the time away.  I've had lots of people tell me that they have either been to Branson or would like to go someday.  Hopefully, over these next few postings, your mind will be swayed even more one way or the other.

We stayed at the Welk Resort, named for Lawrence Welk.  There are several locations across the country.  We always get a package that includes a breakfast buffet for each morning of our stay, tickets to a show of choice for each night of our stay, a $25 gift card to be used at the resort restaurant, and a Welcome package.  It is a great deal and you can customize it how you choose.

This is the outdoor walkway that leads to the restaurant.  Across from the restaurant is the Welk Theater that is currently playing a live version of The Price Is Right.

There's an onsite miniature golf course.  We didn't get a chance to play this time, but it is fun.

This was our welcome package:  an insulated cooler full of lots of goodies.

There's a Splash-a-torium that is indoor/outdoor.  The kids love spraying water everywhere.

This picture of the indoor waterslide doesn't do it justice.  The indoor swimming area is beautiful with a pool that connects to a lazy river that goes to the indoor pool.  There's also a hot tub inside and a hot tub outside.  Different times of the day, the Splash-a-torium is full of families participating in water games, scavenger hunts, snacks, crafts, and various activities.

We opted for just a regular room with 2 queen beds, but lodges are another option too.  Preston liked to build a fort using all the pillows.

Dixie Stampede
The Dixie Stampede is one of three locations and was founded by Dolly Parton.  It's a family friendly country show with lots of singing, dancing, animals, and a four course meal.

As you walk into the building, you pass by all the stables full of gorgeous horses.  Preston loves waving at animals.   The show also had buffalo, pigs, longhorns, and doves.

One of the show's performers is grooming her horse before showtime.

No, these 3 are not part of the show.  :)

Here's a peek of what it looks like inside.  It's similar to Medieval Times, if you've ever visited one of those places.  You get a great view no matter where you sit, you eat while watching the show, and no utensils are used.  Plus, if you arrive early, there's a very entertaining pre-show.

We were very entertained and had very full tummies by the time we left.

I Have Some Very Exciting News

Wow, time has flown by.  I've been on a little longer blogging hiatus than originally planned.  Life has just been so busy and full and I feel extremely blessed.  Check out my family blog for updates on what's been going on with us.

But for now, I have some very exciting news...I feel very blessed to be a guest blogger at New Life Steward!!!  Mary Beth has started a series called When Motherhood Comes Softly.  Several guest bloggers will share their own journey of motherhood and today you can read mine.

Please stop by New Life Steward and read more posts from the series and other wonderful topics.  Thank you for stopping by!  And big THANKS to Mary Beth for including me in this special series!