ridesparky, Author at RideSparky

29Nov 2018 by ridesparky

A 70-Year Downtown Branson Tradition

It's visible from practically all of downtown day or night this time of year ... across Lake Taneycomo from downtown Branson is the locally famous Adoration Scene. Originally built in 1949 by businessman Joe Todd and designed by local artist Steve Miller, it depicts the Christmas nativity scene in the style of a classic Christmas card and sits atop Mount Branson. The scene has remained largely unchanged for seven decades, though many pieces had to be rebuilt or restored after the site took a direct hit from a tornado in 2012. At a towering 28 feet tall, it is one of the Ozarks largest and longest-standing holiday traditions. Hanging above the scene is the brilliant 20-point Star of Bethlehem, unveiled in 2012 and far outshining the original 1949 star (which…

18Nov 2018 by ridesparky

Let Sparky Help This Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

Shopping

The Christmas season (and holiday shopping) are in full swing, and there's no better place to shop than Downtown Branson! The city’s highest concentration of shopping in town is in the downtown district, which includes dozens of unique shops in Historic Downtown Branson and more than 100 stores at Branson Landing. You'll find everything on your list and more. This Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, come see our welcoming shops and amazing selections! We’re going to let you in on a Branson secret: Christmas shopping is easier when you park the car and ride Sparky, the free downtown trolley. The comfortable trolleys operate all day long throughout downtown, and there’s room for you and your shopping bags. And did we mention that it’s free? The new routes are divided into…

07Nov 2018 by ridesparky

Sparky Starts New Color-Coded Routes on Nov. 7th

Dining, Downtown Branson, Events, Shopping, Shows and Attractions

To better serve our riders, the free "Sparky" Downtown Branson trolley is dividing its previous single-loop route into two color-coded routes. The new covered trolley stop at Liberty Plaza will serve as a transfer point between the two routes. The new trolley routes are coded by color and are easier to follow. The eastern route, or "lower downtown," includes the historic downtown, Branson Landing, convention center and Lakeside RV Park and is served by the 8-stop Orange Route. The western portion, or "upper downtown," includes stops at hotels, stores, restaurants and the Taneyhills Library and is served by the 5-stop Green Route. Transferring between the two routes can be done at Liberty Plaza (Stop O8-G1), which has a covered trolley stop to shelter riders from the weather. The trolleys now…

30Oct 2018 by ridesparky

Downtown Parade Highlight of Annual Veterans Homecoming Week

Downtown Branson, Events, Veterans

Branson is known for honoring our veterans every day throughout the year, but that dedication takes on a special significant each year during Veterans Homecoming Week, November 5-11. This seven-day event is held throughout the city and features numerous reunions, special events, tribute shows, memorial ceremonies and more. The week of tributes culminates in Branson's annual Veterans Day Parade, the city's largest annual parade. Now in its 80th year, it is the longest-running Veterans Day celebration in the region. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11. The route starts at the southern Branson Convention Center parking lot and then proceeds up Branson Landing Boulevard. Crossing the train tracks, the route returns southward on Commercial Street and winds through Historic Downtown. 2018 Branson Veterans Day Parade Route Sparky…

17Oct 2018 by ridesparky

Great spots to experience Downtown Branson’s beautiful fall foliage

Downtown Branson

This time of year everyone is picking Halloween costumes, carving pumpkins and starting to notice that the leaves are slowly taking on yellow, red and orange hues. And who could forget pumpkin spice ... everything? Here are a few great spots to enjoy Historic Downtown and the Branson waterfront's beautiful fall scenery (hopefully while you enjoy warm pumpkin spice something)! North Beach Park and the Branson Landing Boardwalk For a mile alongside the scenic Lake Taneycomo waterfront is a concrete walking path that connects North Beach Park and the Branson Landing Boardwalk. In North Beach Park it's a good idea to have crumbs or bird seed for the feathered locals. They don't mind the company as long as you come bearing gifts. North Beach Park is home to some of…

26Sep 2018 by ridesparky

Firefighter Combat Challenge Returns to Downtown Branson

Events

Returning to Downtown Branson is the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge. The three-day event is being held in the Branson Landing parking lot from October 5-7, 2018. For the past two years, Branson has hosted the regional firefighter challenge. In 2018, Branson is hosting the U.S. National competition and will draw competitors from all over the United States and other countries. As the event grows, Branson is on target to host the World Championship in coming years. The Challenge seeks to encourage firefighter fitness and demonstrate the profession's rigors to the public. Wearing "full bunker gear" and the Scott 5.5 Air-Pak breathing apparatus, pairs of competitors race head-to-head as they simulate the physical demands of real-life firefighting by performing a linked series of five tasks including climbing the 5-story tower, hoisting,…

16Sep 2018 by ridesparky

Awesome antiques and flea markets on Sparky’s route

Shopping

One of the best things to do when you visit Downtown Branson is to ride the free Sparky trolley and hop off to explore the many antique shops and flea markets in the district. You'll discover vintage jewelry, clothing, rarities, novelties or the perfect antique furniture item (though we highly discourage bringing furniture on the trolley!) Here are a few of the amazing downtown collectibles and antique shopping spots you can find in Historic Downtown: The Classy Flea Down the long, hand-painted hallways at The Classy Flea, shoppers can find collectibles from re-purposed items to primitives and antiques. There are kitchen items, home decor, coins, jewelry, Coca-Cola collectibles and even fishing gear. Located at 107 E. Main Street, the store also offers a large selection of collectible vinyl records. Cadwell's…

30Aug 2018 by ridesparky

Let Sparky Take You to the Autumn Daze Festival

Downtown Branson

This mid-September brings back the Autumn Daze Festival for its 45th year in Historic Downtown Branson! This wonderful fall extravaganza brings craftsmen and artisans from all over the Ozarks. Handmade crafts, homemade foods, live entertainment are all just part of the fun brought to you by the Downtown Branson Betterment Association. Thursday, September 13 marks the start of the fun and continues till Saturday the 15th. Sparky can get you to and from the free festive fun, so you don't miss any of it! Autumn Daze takes place at Atlantic and Commercial St., so there are many good spots to catch Sparky and ride to the event. Changes to Sparky Route: During the Autumn Daze event, Sparky Stop #7 (Awberry Parking Lot) will not be available. Riders should use stop…

23Aug 2018 by ridesparky

Jog, bike or walk? Downtown is Perfect for Your Next Outing

Downtown Branson

It's definitely no secret that the Ozarks have so much to offer in the way of scenery, fun, entertainment and food ... for locals and visitors alike! Historic Downtown Branson is home to friendly shops, home-style eateries and of course some of the best trout fishing in the nation. It's also home to some of the region's best trails and pathways! In fact, MapMyRun lists more than 700 jogging trails in the Branson area. If you're visiting our wonderful area and don't want to neglect your exercise regime, here are some great paths you need to visit! (If you're a local looking for a place for a leisurely stroll, then hey, this is for you too!) Branson Landing Boardwalk If you park in the North Branson Landing parking lot and walk…

10Aug 2018 by ridesparky

Great Last-Minute Back to School Shopping in Downtown Branson

Shopping

The hustle and bustle of the school year is just days away! And Downtown Branson, home to dozens of unique and convenient shops, is a great one-stop destination for all those last-minute duds, supplies and more. Here are a few of the many great downtown shops where you can outfit your kiddos and college-bound students. And don't forget that the free Sparky Trolleys can help you get around, serving 13 stops around downtown every day from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.! Historic Downtown Alex & Alaina's Treasure Chest Alex & Alaina’s Treasure Chest is a small shop with many one-of-a-kind, handmade and old-world items. You'll find handmade moccasins, Native American jewelry, silver and gemstone jewelry, handcrafted Navajo pottery, frontier artwork and more. 102 West Main Street Branson, MO 65616, 417-335-4376 Dick's Old Time…