I took Grandma to Branson, and liked it!

Trip Guide

MORE INFORMATION

BRANSON/LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU Tourism information includes restaurants, lodging, shows and lake activities (800/214-3661; www.explorebranson.com).

DOWNTOWN BRANSON MAIN STREET ASSOCIATION Information on the historic downtown businesses and the Branson Landing project (417/334-1548; www.branson.com).

BEST READ GUIDE A magazine featuring a listing of all Branson shows with showtimes and contact numbers as well as a helpful map. Available free at businesses around Branson or $5 per copy in the mail (417/336-7323; www.bestreadguide.com/branson).

ATTRACTIONS

BRANSON VARIETY THEATER Offers four shows at a time. (The Rat Pack: Direct from Las Vegas is no longer playing.) Ticket prices vary; discounts for children (888/462-7267; www.bransonvarietytheater.com).

SHOJI TABUCHI SHOW (417/334-7469; www.shojitabuchi.com).

DICK'S 5&10 Open 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays (417/334-2410).

BRANSON SCENIC RAILWAY Schedule varies (800/287-2462; www.bransontrain.com).

THE ORIGINAL BRANSON CARRIAGE COMPANY Leave from Commercial Street (north of Main Street) and Branson Landing. (417/331-0316).

DINING

ATRIUM CAFE & WINE BAR In Chateau on the Lake hotel.

A tree, waterfall and patio umbrella tables make the indoors feel like the outdoors (888/333-5253; www.chateauonthelake.com).

OUTBACK STEAK & OYSTER BAR Family restaurant with all-wood decor and big booths. Australian-influenced menu is heavy on steaks and seafood. The Aussie Bush Bucket offers spiced shrimp, crab legs, mussels, crawfish, corn on the cob and red potatoes (417/334-6306).

BRANSON CAFE Began in 1910; the oldest restaurant in Branson. This booth-filled diner offers eggs, pancakes and other basic breakfasts, plus burgers and sandwiches for lunch. (417/334-3021).

THE RAILS Split-rail wainscoting, white walls, plastic plates and a big buffet with lots of fried food and lots of seafood. (417/336-3401).

LODGING

CHATEAU ON THE LAKE Upscale rooms and suites, on-site restaurants include casual and fine dining. Outdoor and indoor pool. (888/333-5253; www.chateauonthelake.com).

CASCADES INN Clean rooms, indoor pool, free Continental breakfast and great location next to the Shoji Tabuchi Show Theater. (800/588-8424; www.cascadesinn.com).

ANGEL INN Victorian-style exterior. Clean, recently updated rooms with high-speed Internet access. Indoor pool, free Continental breakfast, convenient location just off the Strip. (417/334-6500; www.letsgotobranson.com).