Venture off the beaten path and explore under-the-radar vacation destinations like small towns, one of the top travel trends of the year. While big cities like New York City and Las Vegas are popular, small towns like Sedona, Arizona; Lake Tahoe, California; Breckenridge, Colorado and Williamsburg, Virginia, draw travelers with their unique charm, multi-generational attractions and growing foodie scenes.
Find a combination of outdoor adventures, live entertainment and great eats in Branson, Missouri, a small-town rising star. Here’s a three-day itinerary full of things to do (and restaurants to visit) in Branson, perfect for a long weekend or road trip.
Day 1
Morning: Start the day at Branson Cafe for a cozy brunch and coffee. Then head to Historic Downtown Branson and enjoy the area’s shops. Browse 417 Vintage Market & Supply Co. for antiques or Dick’s Oldtime 5 & 10, a variety store like the traditional “five and dimes.” Hop on Sparky, downtown Branson’s free trolley, to help get around.
Afternoon: For lunch, eat at Mellow Mushroom for stone-baked pizza, including vegan and gluten-free options. Then strap on your hiking shoes and take in the majestic beauty of the Ozark Mountains from Lost Canyon Nature Trail and Cave. Visit the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum and learn more about the region’s rich history, from prehistoric wooly mammoths to the Civil War era.
Evening: Fit in some theme park fun at Silver Dollar City. Branson’s number-one attraction is open until 10 p.m. during the summer, so add some thrills or relax in the Aloha River. Dig in to delicious barbecue at Danna’s BBQ & Burger Shop.
Day 2
Morning: For breakfast, take a trip into the 1950s at Jackie B. Goode's Uptown Cafe. Enjoy the classic American-style dinner and catch a breakfast show from 9–11 a.m. featuring live entertainment. Book your tickets in advance to see the Titanic Museum (save by purchasing online).
Afternoon: Pack a picnic and explore Table Rock Lake. Anglers can fish year-round for largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, thanks to Branson’s mild winters. Or swim along Moonshine Beach, dotted with picnic tables. If inclement weather forces you indoors, find the Dewey Short Visitors Center for interactive exhibits about the local watershed and enjoy the view from the lakeside overlook.
Evening: Sample sumptuous curries and other flavorful specialties at India Clay Oven. Then sip a nightcap at Copper Run Distillery, the first legal moonshine outfit in the Ozarks. Take a tour of the distillery and sample spirits on their open Tasting Room days.
Day 3
Morning: Grab a quick bite at K’s Koffee, a Branson local favorite, before heading to the Horse Walk at Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Meet the horses who star in the world-famous show and learn about the behind-the-scenes animal care.
Afternoon: Fill up on Southern comfort food at Farmhouse Restaurant or just skip to dessert at Mr. B's Ice Cream Parlor for old-fashioned ice cream. Hop on Sparky and explore more of Branson, including the Branson Centennial Museum — free for all ages. Starting at noon, catch the hourly Branson Landing Fountain Show along the Taneycomo Lakefront, combining water, fire and music into stunning shows.
Evening: Grab dinner at Wakyoto Japanese Sushi for a refreshing meal with A+ service. No trip to Branson, the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, is complete without catching a show at Little Opry Theater. If you prefer a more relaxed environment, hum along to singing waiters at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner while you wait for your generously portioned dessert.
Where To Stay
Be on the lookout for an upcoming Hilton Grand Vacations resort in Branson, Missouri. Until then, use your Hilton Honors™ Points to stay at one of Hilton’s existing properties.
Read “7 Hilton Grand Vacations Owners Dish On The Perks Of Hilton Honors Membership” to see how you can use vacation ownership with HGV to travel anywhere.