Author: ridesparky

Parakeet Pete's Waterfront Zipline Fall is finally here, and the crisp cool days make for the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful foliage and sights in Downtown Branson! Whether taking in the vibrant red, yellow and brown of the hills reflected on picturesque Lake Taneycomo, going for a stroll or just relaxing on a park bench with a book, it’s easy to see why this season is a favorite with many Branson visitors. Here are some fun fall-themed activities you can enjoy without ever leaving the downtown area. Walk along the Branson Landing Boardwalk This level, paved walkway is more than 1-mile long and features many scenic spots along the Taneycomo lakefront. You’ll see plenty of ducks, geese along the way, as well as great views of…

2020 has been a challenging year for everyone, but the financial implications of the pandemic have disproportionately affected small businesses and the many people who work for those companies. Downtown Branson is a community of more than 150 locally owned businesses spanning retail, dining, lodging, entertainment and professional services. Here are some suggestions about how you can help your favorite Downtown Branson establishment (or any small business anywhere that you are passionate about). Reviews are Golden If you can't stop by or even shop your favorite business right now, you can help support that business by writing a great review online on popular sites like Facebook, Google or Yelp. Many small businesses benefit greatly from these customer reviews, and this is a great way to show your support and nudge…

Labor Day in Branson is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in Historic Downtown Branson, and also to get in some shopping for end-of-season sales! Be sure to ride the Sparky trolleys to get around as you travel from Lake Taneycomo to Branson Landing to historic Main Street and the nearby shops and artisans. While the usual Branson Landing summer concert series has been suspended to help visitors maintain social distance, there are still plenty of things to do in downtown, including watching the fire and water fountain show, walking along the boardwalk, or getting out on the water in kayak or on a paddleboard. Outside of Downtown: Chateau on the Lake will host its annual Labor Day fireworks celebration on Sunday, Sept. 6, at dusk. The presentation…

Without a doubt, 2020 is the strangest back-to-school season anybody can remember. Whether kids are doing in-person learning, online learning or homeschooling, parents are likely to still need supplies, gadgets and new clothes for their little students. Just in time for back-to-whatever, it's also time for the Missouri State Tax-Free Weekend! In 2020, the Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 7, and runs through Sunday, August 9. Before we go any further, we need to jump into the fine print. The Missouri Back To School Tax Free Weekend only applies to "certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers" and other related school necessities. Around Branson you'll still pay local taxes, but the Missouri portion of the sales tax that you'd normally pay (about 4.2%) is waived. Even…

The waterfall and picnic area at Liberty Plaza There's never been a better time to get out and enjoy the Great Outdoors, and in Downtown Branson our outdoors are truly wonderful! And why not let Sparky help get you there? Here is a list of the best parks in Downtown Branson ... all conveniently located within walking distance of Sparky stops. Each one features something unique, that sets it apart from the other. Fountains, bathrooms, disc golf, outdoor stages; the only thing missing is the ice cream cart. But we’ve got that covered in Downtown also! North Beach Park, 401 Eastlake St. Located about 200 yards from Trolley Stop #7 A total of 4.2 acres featuring walking paths, horseshoe pits, lake access, two fishing docks, picnic tables, and BBQ grills.…

Tasty summer treats from Dreamsicles in Historic Downtown Branson. Oh Summer ... that midwestern heat and humidity is something else, isn’t it? Downtown Branson has too many shops and flea markets and museums that still need exploring, so there's no reason to let the heat keep you at home or in your hotel. Besides, who is going to eat all the cold and sweet treats in Downtown if we don’t? Don’t fret! When you need to go Downtown, whether it’s in the Historic District or the famous Branson Landing, you can find relief from the heat (and an easy way to get around) on Sparky. As he circles the downtown route, he brings with him the gift of air conditioning! Hitting each stop about once every 30 minutes, you are…

The 13th Annual Liberty Light Up celebration is Friday, July 3! Great music, fireworks and The Branson Landing; what more could anyone ask for as we celebrate our great nation and its Independence Day? The Branson Landing is famous across the Nation, and for good reason! The fire and light show was designed and orchestrated by the same people responsible for the famous Bellagio Fountain in Las Vegas. It’s a show you don’t want to miss! With updated city laws on open container alcohol on The Landing, you can now enjoy an adult beverage while watching the spectacular fire and water show, live music and fireworks. Make a plan to join us as we watch the night sky brought to brilliant colorful display! Schedule of Events for the evening: 4:30…

Sparky is back and with an updated route! Check out the trolley's single loop through Historic Downtown Branson, which means that you can get anywhere in Downtown Branson without having to transfer routes. The famous (and free) Sparky trolley now has has 13 convenient stops.  Stop 1: Lakeside RV Park Lakeside Rv has always been the scenic, downtown go-to place for campers who want to be just feet away from gorgeous Tanyecomo Lake. Stop 2: Branson Landing South Perfectly located for ample parking and just steps from Bass Pro Shops, Garfields and other Branson Landing businesses!  Stop 3: Branson Convention Center  So often a home for major events, the Convention Center Hotel is a wonderful place to also spend the night in an upscale location adjacent to Historic Downtown and…

Revive Juice Co. in Downtown Branson Spring Break is a great time to experience all the fun attractions, dining and shopping in Downtown Branson, Missouri. And starting March 1, you can ride the free Sparky trolleys 7 days a week. THE ODD COUPLEOn March 19-22, the Branson Regional Arts Council proudly presents the local production of The Odd Couple by Neil Simon. Bring the whole family to the Historic Owen Theatre to experience this incredible production. BATTLE IN BRANSON CHAMPIONSHIP Join All Out Championships, a premier, cheerleading and dance event production company, for its Battle in Branson on March 7 at the Branson Convention Center. You'll be amazed at the talent that comes from participating cheer and dance teams! More information for spectators will be released soon, so watch here…

Spring is just around the bend and with it Sparky returns to the regular schedule! Starting March 1 the trolley will run throughout Downtown Branson from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., every day of the week. With a total of 14 stops and continuous running during hours, if you just miss Sparky by a hair, wait a few minutes and it'll be back around shortly! Downtown boasts of over 100 unique shops, restaurants, sweet treat spots, cafes, and of course shopping and attractions on the Landing. Let Sparky take you anywhere you need in Downtown Branson! Route Map