Explore Branson Like a Pro #ExploreBranson {Branson, Missouri}

Last week, Mr. Houseful and I were invited on a press trip to Explore Branson by the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau to check out all of the awesome things that Branson, Missouri has to offer. Having been to Branson before, we were totally not expecting what we were treated to this past weekend. It’s all too much to include in one post, but I will be doing a breakdown and roundup of everything that we’ve done. 

While most people who hear mention of Branson, Missouri would often quip back that it’s a destination only for seniors, I’m going to be quick to let you know that not only is it family friendly, right down to the shows, but it’s friendly enough for young people without any children. Mr. Houseful and I enjoyed our time sans children, and we felt PLENTY comfortable! 

We arrived in Branson on Thursday afternoon, checked into Castle Rock Resort & Waterpark – which I won’t be reviewing this time around, because we’ll be heading back down in a couple of weeks for a review opportunity – and freshened up. Upon doing that, we headed out to Mel’s Hard Luck Diner for an early dinner, and to meet the other bloggers who were invited to Branson along with us.  In our company was Betsy from Dallas Socials, Donna from Donnahup.com, Ericka from Ericka Saves, Heather from The Food Hussy, Sherryl from Simply Sherryl, and Kelly from Kelly’s Thoughts On Things. They were all a blast to hang with and I look forward to continuing a friendship that started in Branson!

The best thing about Mel’s is that all of the waitstaff are singers. and before you know it, you’re being serenaded while being served. 

This is our server singing Colors of the Wind from Disney’s Pocahontas. I absolutely loved it, and I think that I may be turning into one of those people who will break out into random song at any given moment. Mr. Houseful has perfected that already, so it was bound to happen. 

We were treated to great diner food and a visit from Mel himself. Whenever you do pack up your car to go and Explore Branson, make sure you stop by Mel’s Hard Luck Diner and try the Smoke In Your Eyes Burger. It was fantastic! We were also able to try fried pickles which were done spear style instead of sliced, and I had sweet potato tater tots that were served with a marshmallow dip. I even rounded it off with a root beer float to rival all root beer floats. 

After we finished at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner, we congregated at the Mickey Gilley Theatre to listen to the musical stylings of SIX. They are a six brother group that only uses their voices to create the music and songs that they entertain everyone with. They are definitely family friendly, and will keep you laughing during the two-hour show that they host each night outside of Sundays. I have to say that my favorite part of the evening was being able to hop up on stage with them and perform a rendition of Macho Man by the Village People. 

SIX is currently in their seventh year of performing in Branson, and it doesn’t look like they are slowing down. Each brother wears a signature color, and they each, even have a Camaro with a racing stripe that matches their performance colors. It’s quite ingenious! What’s even more hilarious is that this would not be the last time that we would see this group of singers while in Branson. 

Photo courtesy of donnahup.com

In case you are keeping track, this was just our first evening in Branson, Missouri. It was full of great things to do, and we definitely went to bed exhausted in a great way! So, to recap, when you do decide to plan your trip to Branson, Missouri, one of your first stops should be to Mel’s Hard Luck Diner and the show that you need to see is The SIX Show. Great bang for your buck! 

Stay tuned tomorrow for our adventures in ziplining, our Duck Tour  and Hollywood Wax Museum visits, and our time on the Showboat Branson Belle. It was an early morning and late evening, but once you read about it, you’ll be just as impressed as I was. 

Disclosure: I was invited as part of a press trip to Branson, Missouri in exchange for my opinions. All opinions are my own, and they’re awesome. 

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