••• Insider Guide to Shows, Sights, Lodging & More •••
Love it or hate it--Branson seems to elicit strong reactions from just about everyone, especially from those who have never been here and dismiss it as a hick town filled with kitsch and country music. If youre checking out this App, however, youve probably already guessed that Bransons 8 million annual visitors must be on to something. The truth is, Bransons small-town friendliness, quaint historic downtown and improbable pairing of outdoor recreation and big-time entertainment make Branson an irresistible lure. Surrounded by pristine lakes and nestled in the scenic hilly Ozarks, Branson is known for fishing, golfing and boating, yet its also home to more than 100 live shows daily covering everything from great hits of the 60s to comedy, acrobatics and magic. If thats not enough, theres also shopping (from specialty shops and antique stores to discount outlets), one-of-a-kind museums and attractions, and Silver Dollar City, one of the countrys best theme parks. As for country music and kitsch? You betcha! Bring it on.
*HOW THIS APP CAN HELP YOU
Everywhere you turn in Branson there are ticket agencies and publications trying to sell you their shows, hotels and attractions. This App isnt trying to sell you anything (well, this app!), but rather gives opinionated reviews of major and minor sights, shows, restaurants, accommodations and even side trips, recommended by a travel writer covering the Branson area for 20 years (as opposed to someone gathering information from websites instead of researching it firsthand, or from companies pushing specific clients). Whether youre in Branson for the first time or an old hand, this App will help you make the most of your time. Want to know about a specific museum, a wooded hike, or an interesting side trip? This App can point you in the right direction. There are cool links to websites and YouTube videos, giving you quick access to restaurant information, more in-depth information on specific places and people, and to useful planning tools like a weekly calendar of upcoming shows and which roads to take to avoid congestion. More than 700 photos convey the essence of each locale and help guide you in your decision of what to see and do, as well as maps (available also offline) showing exact locations. And as you explore Branson, youre sure to find discoveries of your own, which is what travel should be about.
••• About the Author •••
Beth Reiber grew up in Kansas, and after living four years in Germany and three years in Tokyo, decided that the Midwest was where she wanted to be. A freelance travel writer for more than three decades, she first went to Branson on assignment about 20 years ago and covered it for Frommers USA for more than a decade. She has watched it explode from a country music destination popular mostly with retirees to an exciting family and couples getaway (her family has accompanied her to Branson several times). In addition to Branson, Reiber has also covered Kansas City, St. Louis, Oklahoma City and Omaha for Frommers USA. For more than 20 years she has also been the author of Frommers Hong Kong, Frommers Japan, and Frommers Tokyo. She also wrote the Hong Kong Explorations app.
••• About Sutro Media •••
This guide is published in partnership with Sutro Media. By enabling local writers to share their expertise on mobile phones, Sutro Media is making it easier and more fun to explore the world!
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