Branson

Nestled among three picturesque lakes, the year-round holiday town of Branson is a live entertainment capital that has become known as a family-friendly Las Vegas or 'Ozark Disneyland'. With dozens of theatres and more than 100 daily shows all firmly geared towards families, as well as a number of exciting theme parks and family entertainment centres, Branson attracts thousands of visitors in search of a commercialised celebration of the American spirit. In fact, more than seven million visitors holiday in Branson annually, and added to the local population of about 7,000, the town has gained recognition as the country's 'biggest small town'. At night the main road, known as 'The Strip', becomes a huge parking lot that is crammed with cars lining the gaudy conglomeration of theatres and theme parks.Branson's best-known attraction is Silver Dollar City, a combination of craft village and theme park. Branson Landing offers world-class shopping and dining options along the waterfront and features a nightly water show. The beautiful area around the lakes, particularly Table Rock Lake, and the hills and valleys of the Ozark Mountains, allows for a peaceful escape from the town, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping and water-based activities.