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PrintBRANSON'S BEST: Just Me & You, Babe.
photograph courtesy of Missouri Food and Wine Festival
Branson, Missouri, has many family-oriented attractions, shows and venues, but this month, we’re suggesting you leave the kids and grandkids behind and enjoy some of the best the city has to offer.
Taste the Best
The Missouri Food and Wine Festival is a treat for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike. Held at the scenic and luxurious Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa, the festival features more than 60 vendors booths — local restaurateurs and vintners, chocolatiers, and brewmasters — offering attendees a sample of their specialties. Entertainment will be provided by the Lennon Sisters, who rose to fame on “The Lawrence Welk Show,” and celebrity chef Marc Weiss, who has been dubbed the “DJ Chef.” Cooking demonstrations are also
a part of the fun as are “Best of Fest” burger and pizza contests. The Missouri Food and Wine Festival will be held April 29 and 30. While there, you cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy the AAA Four Diamond-rated accommodations, the delicious cuisine offered at their restaurants and their many spa services, including massages, body treatments and body movement therapy; (417) 699-6199, mofoodfest.com.
Enjoy the great outdoors
If outdoors is more your thrill, you’ll find wonderful lodging, great food and activities all in a scenic setting at Big Cedar Lodge Resort. The resort offers several types of lodging, including private cabins and suites; water activities, such as boating, fishing and skiing (seasonally); horseback riding; golf and miniature golf; board games; and spa services. Big Cedar is home to one of the best Sunday brunch buffets in the state; it’s served at the Worman House, one of four of the fine restaurants at this 300-acre resort; (800) 225-6343, bigcedar.com.
Take a load off
Take in one of Branson’s numerous musicals or shows … there are way too many to mention them all; however, we’ll recommend a few. New this year: “Hooray for Hollywood” is showing at the Branson Variety Theater; this show features all of the show-stopping tunes from the most popular movies of the last 50 years. Continue the thrill with “Noah The Musical,” a spectacular experience with live animals, a larger-than-life set on a 300-foot stage and a familiar story told in a new way. Follow the life of Chun Yi, from boy apprentice to master as interpreted through color, acrobatics and more. “The Legend of Kung Fu” is an incredible show. Love to laugh? Don’t miss Jim Stafford’s Comedy Show. It is a combination of musical talent, hilarity and energy; explorebranson.com.
Go Back to School
The Keeter Center at The College of the Ozarks offers fine dining and top-notch lodging. Dobyns Dining Room is fabulous and offers something for every palate. Keeter grows its own produce, so some of what’s on your plate hasn’t traveled far. Turndown service at The Keeter Center includes cookies and milk from their own bakery and dairy. Each room and suite is spacious and is distinctively and elegantly decorated with a cozy fireplace as a centerpiece. The building has an extraordinary story, modeled after the State of Maine Building from the 1904 World’s Fair. The Keeter Center rivals many of the area's top lodges in beauty and comfort, with a cozy, secluded lodge-like atmosphere and modern amenities; (417) 239-1900, keetercenter.edu.
Pull up a chair …
And dine at one of the city’s fine eateries. The Moon River Grille is owned by famed crooner Andy Williams. Diners will enjoy its warm atmosphere and delicious food. The menu includes classic appetizers and salads, an array of sandwiches, good-home cookin’ dishes and Andy’s favorites; (417) 337-9539, andywilliams.com.
Enjoy an Aussie experience at the Outback Steak & Oyster; you’ll find a fine selection of steaks, seafood, beers, Australian wines and unique offerings such as alligator tail and oysters with bacon and mozzarella. The pub offers more casual dining with billiards and live entertainment; (417) 334-6306, outbackbranson.com.
Greek cuisine is presented at its best at the Bleu Olive Mediterranean Grille and Bar. Spanakopita, tapenade and santorini are just a few of of their delicious dishes. Diners also love classics such as Greek salad, kabobs, moussaka, and pizzettas and Italian dishes, such as linguine a al Bolognese and chicken tortellini; (417) 332-2538, bleuolive.com.
For more information about shows, lodging, attractions, shopping, outdoors and restaurants in Branson, log onto explorebranson.com.
