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

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…
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7 Great Picnic Spots in Downtown Branson

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…
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Exploring Trolley Stop #9: Upper Main Street

Exploring Trolley Stop #9: Upper Main Street

Dining, Downtown Branson
[caption id="attachment_489" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] Trolley Stop #9[/caption] Added when the trolley's transportation district was expanded in 2014, Trolley Stop #9 gives riders easy access to shopping and dining at the top of the Main Street hill, affectionately called "Hamburger Hill" by locals because it's home to several fast-food restaurants. This stop is located on the access road between Chick-fil-A and McDonald's. It is best used to access the businesses on the north side of Main Street between 5th Street and U.S. Highway 65. Nearby businesses include: Simply Red Salonspa Steak 'n Shake McDonald's Chick-fil-A Casey's General Store CVS Pharmacy Should you need to cross Main Street, a new signaled crosswalk has been installed near the trolley stop to make crossing easier and safer. Most riders will opt to stay on…
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In Branson for a Sporting Event? Discover Fun Downtown!

In Branson for a Sporting Event? Discover Fun Downtown!

Dining, Downtown Branson
[caption id="attachment_383" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The Branson Shootout Futsal Tournament held at the Branson Convention Center[/caption]   If you're coming to Branson for a martial arts tournament, a dance competition or some other sporting event, downtown is the perfect place for event attendees to grab a meal, shop and find lots of fun activities. Downtown and the Branson Convention Center are home to a number of tournaments and sporting events, including dance and cheer competitions, futsal indoor soccer tournaments, basketball and more. The Branson RecPlex, just a few minutes north of downtown, is also the site of a number of outdoor softball, baseball and soccer tournaments. Many youth baseball players come to the area from May through August to compete at the Ballparks of America facility. For the week-long tournaments, Wednesday…
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Coffee, Tea and Sparky: 7 Great Places to Get Your Caffeine Fix Downtown

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…
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Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2017 in Historic Downtown Branson

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…
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Shop Local in Downtown Branson and Support Your Neighbors

Shop Local in Downtown Branson and Support Your Neighbors

Dining, Downtown Branson, Shopping, Shows and Attractions
Historic Downtown Branson is full of locally owned businesses, and the district is quickly getting ready for the 2017 tourist season with new streets, new sidewalks and even some new businesses. The winter months are a great time for locals to rediscover downtown and also support your neighbors who work or own businesses in downtown. Even with street construction taking place over the winter and early spring months, all the sidewalks are open and it's still easy to get around downtown. You're never more than a one-block walk from any business in downtown! Come see us! Lots of Parking Even with the Downtown Branson Streetscape project underway in the first months of 2017, there's still plenty of convenient parking along downtown's streets and parking lots. Parking on Main Street The section…
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Many Downtown Businesses Open in January and February

Many Downtown Businesses Open in January and February

Dining, Downtown Branson, Shopping, Shows and Attractions
[caption id="attachment_213" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Construction is proceeding on the new Liberty Plaza in Historic Downtown Branson. The new plaza, entertainment stage, picnic area, trolley stop and restrooms will be completed by early summer 2017.[/caption] The months of January and February in Branson are sometimes referred to as the "off-season," a time when many visitors are busily planning their Spring Break or Summer trips. However, many Downtown Branson shops and restaurants are still open, and these slower months are a great time to browse at your leisure and find great deals! Below is a list of some of the great Historic Downtown businesses that are open in January and February 2017 and ready for your visit: Dining & Restaurants: Branson Cafe (Winter hours: 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. daily) Chick-Fil-A Clockers Cafe (Mon-Thu…
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The Easy Way to Shop at Branson Landing

The Easy Way to Shop at Branson Landing

Dining, Downtown Branson, Shopping
[caption id="attachment_43" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Trolley Stop #6 at the North End of Branson Landing[/caption] On the eastern edge of Downtown Branson is the popular Branson Landing, a mixed-use shopping center that sits on 1.5 miles of the Lake Taneycomo waterfront. The center has more than 100 specialty stores and restaurants and is home to the $7.5 million Branson Landing Fountains, a unique fire and water show that is synced to music. Smart shoppers can take advantage of the free Sparky trolley system to get to and from Branson Landing, while also exploring the many other great things that downtown has to offer. The trolleys offer front-door drop-off and pick-up at both ends of the Landing. Stop #2 is located in the circular drive outside of Bass Pro Shops on the southern…
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Historic Downtown Branson: One-Stop Christmas Shopping

Historic Downtown Branson: One-Stop Christmas Shopping

Dining, Downtown Branson, Shopping
So you're one of those shoppers who likes to stay away from the stampede, instead finding unique or one-of-a-kind gifts that delight your friends and family members. Historic Downtown Branson has everything you're looking for. Unique crafts, handmade gifts, hard to find classic toys and more. Just to help jump-start your list, here are a few unique items you can find in Downtown Branson shops and flea markets. Unique Christmas Decorations A number of stores around Downtown Branson have unique or hand-made ornaments. Some are blown glass, others are fabric. All make wonderful gifts! You can find scented candles and potpourri, advent calendars, beautiful nativities and more. You can also find other inspirational items to decorate the homes of you or your family members. And where else can you find those bubble…
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