ridesparky, Author at RideSparky

12Jun 2018 by ridesparky

Get Out On the Water In Downtown Branson

The summer season in our beautiful neck of the woods is a great time to find cool opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. Right along the shores of Historic Downtown Branson we've got the coolest spot in the region: Lake Taneycomo. Even in the heat of summer, the lake stays amazingly cold and creates a zone of "air conditioning" along its shores. Lake Taneycomo became a cold water lake in 1958 following the completion of Table Rock Dam. The dam releases the chilly water from the depths of Table Rock Lake, not from the warm surface of that lake. As a result Lake Taneycomo is a frigid, 48 degrees year-round. The consistently cold waters create the ideal breeding ground and habitat for trout. Taneycomo now boasts some of the finest trout fishing in…

06Jun 2018 by ridesparky

Branson Honors Law Enforcement With Special Week

Events

[caption id="attachment_405" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The Light Cruise at Branson Landing gives the public a chance to honor law enforcement officers.[/caption] Again this year Branson is hosting National Law Enforcement Week, which honors the hard work and dedication brave men and women of law enforcement have given our communities. Law enforcement officials from across the county will be in Branson for these special events. If you see them around town this week, please thank them for everything they do. The events begin June 9th with a 5k/10k Trail Run and closes out the 16th with a Collectors Show followed by a dinner dedicated to those who are serving and have served. This wonderful yearly event is for active and retired law enforcement and their families. Some of the events honoring our…

25May 2018 by ridesparky

Memorial Day Weekend and Summer Fun in Downtown Branson

Downtown Branson, Events

Memorial Day is the day Americans remember and honor those who have sacrificed, many with their lives, to protect the things we hold so dear. Flower arrangements, fireworks, and gatherings with friends and family over food are just a few of our favorite traditions. Memorial Day weekend is also the official start to summer in Branson! The weather is warmer (nay, HOTTER!), and there are literally hundreds of fun things to do here! Downtown has some wonderful events planned for this big weekend. Here is a roundup of downtown Branson Memorial Weekend events, along with a few other notable events in the area. Great Sales at Downtown stores This weekend is a great time to explore Historic Downtown Branson's many stores. There's specials and sales everywhere, so you never know…

18May 2018 by ridesparky

7 Great Picnic Spots in Downtown Branson

Dining, Downtown Branson

[caption id="attachment_515" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Lake Taneycomo at Branson Landing is popular for recreation like boating, fishing and kayaking.[/caption] It's no secret that the Midwest has some of the best summers in the country. Lakes and rivers to camp near and fish, national parks to hike and explore, and plenty of parks if you can't get to far out of the city. Sitting on the banks of picturesque Lake Taneycomo, Downtown Branson is particularly blessed in this regard. So pack a lunch, take a leisurely walk and ride Sparky to some of these great picnic spots. North Beach Park, 401 Eastlake St. About 200 yards from Trolley Stop #6 A total of 4.2 acres featuring walking paths, lake access, 2 fishing docks, picnic tables, and BBQ grills. Epps Park, 201 Long…

19Apr 2018 by ridesparky

Beautiful Parks You Can Find With Sparky’s Help!

Downtown Branson

The Ozarks has always been known for its beauty. Lush deciduous forests, expansive lakes and myriad snaking rivers and streams are everywhere you turn, so it's easy to see why tourists come from all over to experience the scenery of the area. For those visiting, planning to — or for locals — here is a list of some of the beautiful parks that are accessible from Sparky's convenient stops in the historic Downtown Branson area. From Stop #1 you can reach Lakeside RV Park. With 160 sites, all with hookups, it's the largest camper park in the area. It really is lakeside, with fishing docks on Taneycomo Lake just steps from the campsites. The park also features a leash-free dog park, free wireless internet and cable hookups, clubhouse, shower…

10Apr 2018 by ridesparky

When and Where To See Classic Cars in Downtown Branson

Downtown Branson

[caption id="attachment_680" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] A 1967 Austin Healey is one of the classic cars at the Spring 2018 Branson Auction.[/caption] This year's Classic Car Auction is almost here! April 20th and 21st bring car enthusiasts, collectors, mechanics, and everyone in between. Hundreds of classic, new, and custom built cars are lined up and ready for your garage. Some of the featured show stoppers on the block this year are a 1941 Cadillac Coupe Convertible, series 62, and a 1966 Cherry Red Ford Mustang GT Fastback. But that is barely the tip of this gigantic car shaped iceberg! The collection features other stunning vehicles! A quick peek at the website, BransonAuction.com, revealed a black Aston Martin almost identical to the one Agent 007 had in Casino Royale! Except, this one may…

28Mar 2018 by ridesparky

Branson Farmers Market Begins in April

Downtown Branson, Shopping

[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] NOTE: The Branson Farmer's Market has moved locations for 2018. The market is now in the north Branson Landing parking lot and conveniently accessed via Trolley Stop #6. 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 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…

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…

Author: ridesparky