ridesparky, Author at RideSparky

13Apr 2017 by ridesparky

Ride the Branson Trolley to Beautiful Spots on Lake Taneycomo

Visitors and resident love to ride the free Downtown Branson trolley while they are shopping or dining, enjoying events or live entertainment. But the Sparky trolley can also take you to the most scenic spots and parks along the Taneycomo lakefront. Here are some of the parks, scenic spots, jogging trails and more you can access via the trolley: North Beach Park [caption id="attachment_370" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] North Beach Park is popular with walkers, joggers, picnickers and nature-lovers.[/caption] Near trolley Stop #6 is North Beach Park, a 4.2 acre city park at the junction of Lake Taneycomo and Roark Creek. This park is a favorite for walkers, joggers, bike riders, picnickers and nature enthusiasts. The park features a paved walking trail that connects with the Branson Landing Boardwalk to create a…

06Apr 2017 by ridesparky

Let Sparky Take You to Downtown Branson Shows

Downtown Branson, Events, Shows and Attractions

[caption id="attachment_363" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Keith Allynn pays tribute to Neil Diamond at the Historic Owen Theatre[/caption] Branson has been known for tourism and entertainment for more than a century, and Historic Downtown Branson is where that tradition began. The district continues to be home to exciting live music shows, and the free Sparky trolley system is a great way to get to and from your show, and also take advantage of all of the shopping, dining and excitement downtown has to offer. Downtown is home to two live-performance theatres and frequent special events that include live music. The Historic Owen Theatre/Branson’s House of Comedy on Commercial Street is home to several Branson shows, including A Neil Diamond Tribute, Carpenters Once More and Cover of the Rolling Stone. Shows are scheduled…

29Mar 2017 by ridesparky

Classic Cars Come to Downtown Branson

Events

[caption id="attachment_346" align="aligncenter" width="900"] This 1951 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible is one of the cars on the auction block in Spring 2017.[/caption] Downtown Branson has a number of fun and unique events each year, and one of the favorites for attendees is the twice-a-year Branson Auction, a sale of classic, collectible and historically significant cars. The Spring 2017 auto auction is being held April 21-22 at the Branson Convention Center. [caption id="attachment_352" align="aligncenter" width="900"] This 1949 Ford F1, coming to Branson in April, is as all-American as they come.[/caption] Typically held in April and in October, the auction is one of the nation's largest car collector events and draws several hundred visitor to Downtown Branson. Spectators and buyers can see dozens of unique and historic vehicles, ranging from early 20th…

22Mar 2017 by ridesparky

Get Up-Close with Branson’s History on Downtown Walking Tour

Downtown Branson, Shows and Attractions

With this self-guided walking tour, visitors can experience many of the authentic and historic sites in Downtown Branson. The tour starts on Main Street in front of Dick's 5 and 10, continues down North Commercial Street, goes through the Town Square portion of Branson Landing, returns to South Commercial Street and ends up back on Main Street. Branson's downtown started taking shape in the first years of the 20th century. The city of Branson was incorporated on April 1, 1912, and only four months later in August a devastating fire destroyed most of the downtown. On this tour, you can see the historic sites and a handful of buildings that survived the fire. The tour is at your own pace and can be modified as you wish. Plan on at least…

18Mar 2017 by ridesparky

Major Portion of Streetscape Phase 3 Completed

Downtown Branson

[caption id="attachment_330" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The intersection of Main and Commercial streets reopened on March 2.[/caption] It's a great time to visit Historic Downtown Branson and see in-person the great changes that have been happening this winter. A major portion of the Streetscape Phase 3 renovations have been completed, and Main Street has reopened. Also completed is the section of Commercial Street between Main Street and Pacific Street, now open with new wide sidewalks and clearly marked parking spots. Construction on the block of Commercial Street north of Main is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by May. [caption id="attachment_326" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Workers lay brick pavers and set up concrete forms at the intersection of Main and Commercial Streets in mid-February 2017.[/caption] The Phase 3 renovation…

10Mar 2017 by ridesparky

Downtown Branson Welcomes Spring Breakers

Downtown Branson, Events

[caption id="attachment_316" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Spring in Historic Downtown Branson[/caption] Where would you like to go on your Spring break? How about somewhere you can find attractions, shows, shopping, and dining all in one? Historic Downtown Branson welcomes all Spring breakers to stroll the streets and check out all of the unique items in each store, enjoy a tasty meal, or take in a show! Just a short distance from the Branson Landing, you won’t want to miss out on all the fun! And businesses will have out Spring discounts on your visit. Downtown Casual Wear will be having 20-25% on their boots and have various sales on their shirts. Rya Bella will have a free hair accessory with every outfit and an extra 10% off each clearance item. Henry’s Warehouse…

07Mar 2017 by ridesparky

Branson Trolley Provides Free Transportation Throughout Downtown

Downtown Branson

[caption id="attachment_61" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Trolley Stop #2 at the southern end of Branson Landing[/caption] Downtown Branson includes the Historic Downtown district, the Branson Landing, the Taneycomo lakefront and surrounding areas. And you can get around easily (and for no cost) by using downtown's free trolley system. The "Sparky" trolleys operate year-round, making a continual loop throughout the day and stopping at 13 predefined trolley stops. From March through December, the trolleys run daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. During January and February, the trolleys run Thursdays-Sundays from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Each trolley is quaint, comfortable and also wheelchair-accessible. You can ride from Point A to Point B and back again. Or you can hop on and stay for an entire loop, getting a great tour of Downtown Branson…

23Feb 2017 by ridesparky

Coffee, Tea and Sparky: 7 Great Places to Get Your Caffeine Fix Downtown

Dining, Downtown Branson

[caption id="attachment_257" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Coffee and a Cinnamon Roll at Clockers Cafe[/caption] If you're looking for the perfect handcrafted coffee beverage, a fresh-brewed cup of Joe, or maybe an authentic down-home breakfast go to with your steaming hot mug, you need look no further than Historic Downtown Branson ... home to some of the best Java in town. Three All-American Coffees Branson's three locally owned downtown diners, Clockers Cafe, Farmhouse Restaurant and Branson Cafe, serve cafe coffee at its best. It's hot, it's fresh, it's bottomless ... and there's always a waitress nearby waiting to top off your mug. Clockers Cafe is located on Commercial Street between Main Street and Pacific Street. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but may be best known for breakfast, which it serves all day. In addition…

16Feb 2017 by ridesparky

One of Downtown’s Largest Conventions: Visioncon

Downtown Branson, Events

[caption id="attachment_251" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Branson Convention Center[/caption] Now in its 26th year, Visioncon, has grown into one of the largest annual conventions held in Branson. Last year, the weekend-long event drew 2,500 attendees at the Branson Convention Center. Visioncon is Missouri's premier comic con and pop culture convention. This year's convention is Feb. 24-26 at the Branson Convention Center. [caption id="attachment_254" align="alignright" width="214"] John W. Shipp[/caption] Headlining the event is John W. Shipp, who played The Flash in the 1990s TV series by the same name. He also appears as Henry Allen in the current CW remake of the series. In addition to Shipp, also coming to Branson for the convention are: Samantha McMillian, author of the urban fantasy City of the Gods series Brian Muir, the sculptor and artist who created…

11Feb 2017 by ridesparky

Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2017 in Historic Downtown Branson

Dining, Downtown Branson, Shopping

This Valentine’s Day, come celebrate the holiday of love with your special someone in Historic Downtown Branson. Come stay at any one of the 8 hotels in Historic Downtown. Spend the night at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at the Branson Landing where you will enjoy their luscious accommodations including their Instant Getaway package. Each location is a short distance from shopping in Historic Downtown and the Lakeside Shops. Visit Dick’s 5 &10 where during the Valentine’s week they will have a drawing for a winner for a $100 shopping spree in their store. Check out Fashion House where they are having their “Sweetheart Sale” and treat yourself to a new outfit where anything white or pink is 20% off. You can even enjoy a…

Author: ridesparky