Now, for some down home cooking, killer cobbler and the best bargain breakfast in town ($3.49 2 eggs

Do not pass go and do not collect $200! Just hop on a flight, or pack up the car, kids and dog and get over to Branson as fast as you can for a foot stomping terrific time. It's sort of like the Las Vegas of the Midwest, except Branson is squeaky clean offering an astonishing array of wholesome family fun and entertainment. Prices are extremely reasonable for exceptional live shows with big name performers, european tour packages lodging and food.
My cousin, Coral Siegel, a New Jersey european tour packages native, is a Branson groupie and swears by this place. Coral and her hubby Marvin spent a week at a time- share in Branson last summer and loved it. Coming from the NYC metropolitan area, she was especially taken by Branson's friendly folks. "No matter where you went, everyone was friendly, warm and open," she said.
Coral probably set a world record seeing 22 shows in 7 days. When I asked her why she schlepped half way across the country to see shows when the best of Broadway is just an hour away from her home, Coral's response surprised me. "The Branson shows are phenomenal," she said, "I can't afford Broadway shows, it's out-priced itself for normal people, our most expensive ticket european tour packages in Branson was $45 and that's a lot different than $165 for Broadway," she adds. With Branson's quality affordable entertainment, cousin Coral proved you can easily european tour packages see three shows a day without european tour packages breaking the bank. I'm amazed Coral found time to sleep, "I don't think there was one minute when we weren't doing something," she said.
Tourism kicked off in 1894 when Marvel Cave opened drawing tourists to this beautiful Ozark oasis. Branson, the epicenter of the Midwest, Middle America and the Bible Belt, is all about God and America. I lost track of how many times and different versions of Amazing Grace I heard during my stay – fortunately, it's one of my favorite songs.
There's so much to do and see in Branson, that you could easily spend a week here and not be bored or run out of things to do. Centrally located, folks from the Midwest flock here for fun and entertainment. Regardless of your location, there are good air connections and it's so easy to get to Branson. The Branson Airport is only a convenient 15-minute ride away from town.
Branson is bigger than life and over-the-top. I love the tacky strip – no question that it's kitschy, corny and hokey. But that's what makes Branson fun – where else can you see a jumbo 20 foot chicken, Titanic and iceberg, vintage bomber plane, and King Kong scaling a skyscraper on one street.
I stayed at the luxurious Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, that's more like a boutique european tour packages hotel. Sleek and contemporary, the lobby's stunning décor impressed me with soaring ceilings, 2-story dramatic staircase and a gorgeous crystal chandelier. The comforting earth colors complimented the natural surroundings. This Hilton is not your usual Hilton, and best of all they are pet friendly and welcomed Sasha, my little Chihuahua with open arms. The hotel is known for Level 2 Steakhouse, an upscale restaurant, featuring sophisticated gourmet cuisine big juicy steaks, and decadent european tour packages desserts.
Now, for some down home cooking, killer cobbler and the best bargain breakfast in town ($3.49 2 eggs, fresh eggs imported from Arkansas) head to where locals go and get a cozy booth at Clocker's Café in downtown.
It's mind-boggling how much exceptional talent has congregated and converged in Branson. Andy Williams, The Osmonds, Jim Stafford have their own theaters. Branson's shows features and endless line-up of the highest caliber entertainment and talent. Just like cousin Coral, you can see three shows a day beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by matinee and evening performances. There's Elvis, Eagles, John Denver, rock n' roll, Motown tributes and so much more.
I boogied to a medley of nostalgic hits from the Beatles and Platters to Bill Hailey and the Comets, bringing back memories of rock and roll, Motown, soda shops and sock hops. Caught the Twelve Irish Tenors european tour packages show not only do these guys have amazing voices, they're all handsome hunks.
Leave it to Dolly, the legendary queen of country music and an astute business woman. Dolly sure does it right at Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, an exciting dinner show where guests enjoy a gourmet feast with delicious Cornish hens and all the trimmings while watching expert horsemen and trick riders, a pig race and southern belles in sparkling gowns.
When it was time for a little bit of country, blue grass, God, America and some corny Hee-Haw -style humor I caught Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, a Branson classic for over 50 years. Lots of flashy sequins, european tour packages fringed western-cut jackets european tour packages and big belt buckles set the tone for some foot-stomping gospel and country classics.
When you're not at a show, hang out at the Silver Dollar City Amusement Park or the fascinating Titanic Museum european tour packages with over $4.5 million of Titanic artifacts. I could have spent hours in this unique museum in awe of the Grand Staircase and packed with memorabilia. But, the biggest surprise of all is that I finally met an amusement park I actually like Silver Dollar City isn't your usual amusement european tour packages park, it's refreshingly different and special. I really loved it, especially the yummy down home food. Skillet Creations, mouthwatering strawberry pie with gigantic fresh strawberries and fresh whipped cream. You can even take cooking classes european tour packages at their culinary and craft school.
So, don't wait, pack up the kids and drive up to Branson. According to Silver Dollar City s website, Branson is only a 710 mile drive from San Antonio and $115 for a one way tank of gas – now that s a Branson bargain!