ridesparky, Author at RideSparky

28Mar 2018 by ridesparky

Branson Farmers Market Begins in April

[caption id="attachment_666" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] The Branson Farmers Market runs from April through October in the south Branson Landing Parking Lot.[/caption] With Spring comes flowers, barbecues and spending time along Downtown Branson's gorgeous Lake Taneycomo waterfront! Another great thing about Spring is that starting April 24th the Branson Landing Farmers Market opens for another season of locally raised meats and produce as well as handmade artisan goods. Envision your first cookout of the year including a skewer of locally raised meats and fresh Missouri peppers and other veggies! The farmers market has so much more than just produce, herbs and meats from local farmers though. Local artisans bring talent to the table with baked goods, candles, jellies and handmade soaps. Bring the kids along too! They'll enjoy live music, balloon artists…

20Mar 2018 by ridesparky

Walking Tour Great Way to Experience Downtown

Downtown Branson

It's Spring, and a great way to enjoy the great weather and experience the beautiful spots in Downtown Branson is with our self-guided walking tour. Visitors can see many of the authentic and historic sites in Downtown Branson and also enjoy the newly completed brick-paved sidewalks and the new Liberty Plaza. The tour starts on Main Street in front of Dick's 5 and 10, continues down North Commercial Street, returns to South Commercial Street and ends up back on Main Street. The tour is at your own pace and can be modified as you wish. Plan on at least 2 hours to walk the entire route. The route is wheelchair/scooter accessible, but does include climbing some moderate hills. The nearest free trolley stops are noted where you can hop on…

14Mar 2018 by ridesparky

Branson Regional Arts Council Continues Historic Owen Theatre’s Legacy

Downtown Branson, Events

[caption id="attachment_671" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] "Annie the Musical" was the first production by the Branson Arts Council at the Historic Owen Theatre.[/caption] March brought an exciting change for Downtown Branson and the Branson Regional Arts Council when the ribbon was cut on March 8 for the opening night of "Annie the Musical," the first production at the Historic Owen Theatre under the management of the arts nonprofit. This began the first of hopefully many seasons for the freshly renovated theater and its exciting productions, workshops and events. The change is also a result of the merger of the Tri-Lakes Community Theatre with the arts council, allowing the 35-year-old theatre group a way to continue live performances in a new permanent home in Historic Downtown Branson. The Historic Owen Theatre was Branson's…

28Feb 2018 by ridesparky

In Time for Spring, Sparky Resumes Daily Schedule

Downtown Branson

[caption id="attachment_466" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Downtown Branson Trolley Stop #5/13[/caption] Spring is right around the corner here in the Ozarks, and that means Branson and Historic Downtown are getting back into full swing for the 2018 season. In fact, many of downtown Branson's businesses have already returned their year-round regular schedules. And so has everyone's favorite trolley, Sparky! The three trolleys run every day from 9 am - 6 pm beginning on March 1, serving 13 stops including two stops at Branson Landing. Maps of the route are available at every trolley stop as well as at many downtown business and on brochure racks around town. With three trolleys running in a continual loop, you're just a few moments away. So skip a day of spring cleaning and take a trip…

26Feb 2018 by ridesparky

What’s New in Downtown Branson in 2018

Downtown Branson, Shopping

The beginning of 2018 was an exciting time for the city of Branson. The new year came with a mention in the New York Times where Branson landed at No. 21 on the "52 Places to Go in 2018" worldwide list, among destinations such as New Orleans, Columbia and Bhutan. The city, as a whole, was cited for Silver Dollar City's new coaster "Time Traveler" and it's many amazing shows, including The Haygoods. There is so much more to mention though and most of it happens in downtown Branson. Liberty Plaza was finished last summer and it features a waterfall, rock walls and benches, heated and air conditioned bathrooms and a covered trolley stop while you wait for Sparky! The renovation of the intersection of Main and Commercial Streets has…

20Feb 2018 by ridesparky

Branson’s Visioncon is Back for 2018!

Downtown Branson, Events

[caption id="attachment_649" align="aligncenter" width="1584"] Keegan Connor Tracy and Casper Van Dien will be in Branson for the 2018 Visioncon.[/caption] Thousands of people from all over the Midwest — many dressed as their favorite sci-fi, anime, and comic book heroes — come to Downtown Branson for Visioncon, the region's largest celebration of fandom. There are celebrity Q&A's, tons of art, a costume contest, and so very much more. Last year alone boasted an attendance of over 4,000! Here is everything you need to know to prepare for this year's extravaganza. The Hilton Branson Convention Center is where you'll need to be. The fun begins Friday February 23rd and continues through to Sunday. More information and the full schedule is available here: https://visioncon.net/ Registration Table Hours: Friday: 12 pm-9 pm Saturday: 9 am-9…

31Jan 2018 by ridesparky

Spend Valentine’s Day in Downtown Branson

Downtown Branson, Events

With Valentine's Day in the middle of the week this year, there are several great opportunities leading up to February 14th to get away to Downtown Branson with your sweetheart. The free Sparky trolleys are running on their winter schedules from Thursday-Sunday each weekend. Our trolley seats are perfect for couples to snuggle up and enjoy a fun ride around Downtown Branson. Be sure to snap a selfie and tag #RideSparky in your photo! If you're looking for a great couple's getaway, the Best Western Plus Landing View (which is located at Trolley Stop #8) is offering sparkling cider and chocolates for guests who request the Valentine's Special. The Hilton Promenade and Hilton Branson Convention Center hotels (accessible from Trolley Stop #4) are offering a variety of packages that each…

24Jan 2018 by ridesparky

Ride Sparky to the Branson Wedding Expo!

Events

Great news brides to be! The 2018 Branson Wedding Expo is coming, Feb. 11th from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.! And you can ride Sparky the convenient (and FREE) trolley to get there! Downtown Branson has ample parking and you can catch Sparky at any of his 13 stops to get to and from the Branson Convention Center during the show. 2018 is the 21st year for the ever-popular expo. Admission is free as usual and you can cheer on the six couples competing in this year's "Race To The Altar" dream wedding giveaway, which is bigger than last year's! The couples will compete in a five-round elimination competition. At the show you can also see more than two-dozen amazing vendors, including Rosewood Floral, Pastries by Carla, Sugar Leaf Bakery…

13Jan 2018 by ridesparky

Wintertime a great time to visit Downtown Branson

Downtown Branson

[caption id="attachment_43" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Trolley Stop #6 at the North End of Branson Landing[/caption] Everything seems a little slower in the winter. But despite the short days and colder weather, these weeks leading up to spring are a great time to visit Historic Downtown Branson and to ride the free Sparky trolley. Shopping, dining, and more are downtown, year round. January and February are a great time to get lots of one-on-one attention and to take your time exploring the district. You'll also find some great deals ... just don't expect big crowds this time of year. Some of the downtown Branson businesses are making changes this season as well as operating under seasonal hours. Many of the popular downtown businesses are open and their winter schedules are listed below. Don't…

29Dec 2017 by ridesparky

Sparky’s Winter Hours for January & February 2018

Downtown Branson

[caption id="attachment_43" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Trolley Stop #6 at the North End of Branson Landing[/caption] January and February are typically slower (and colder) months in Branson. It's a great time to bundle up and visit downtown Branson because many of our downtown businesses are still open, and the warm Sparky trolleys are running on a special schedule during these months. In January and February, the trolleys run from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays weather permitting. Spring is just around the corner, so in March the trolleys will return to a schedule of 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., 7 days a week. If you know Downtown Branson, then you probably have seen Sparky a time or two. He's the helpful free trolley, ready to take you…