Downtown Branson Archives

29Nov 2018 by ridesparky

A 70-Year Downtown Branson Tradition

It's visible from practically all of downtown day or night this time of year ... across Lake Taneycomo from downtown Branson is the locally famous Adoration Scene. Originally built in 1949 by businessman Joe Todd and designed by local artist Steve Miller, it depicts the Christmas nativity scene in the style of a classic Christmas card and sits atop Mount Branson. The scene has remained largely unchanged for seven decades, though many pieces had to be rebuilt or restored after the site took a direct hit from a tornado in 2012. At a towering 28 feet tall, it is one of the Ozarks largest and longest-standing holiday traditions. Hanging above the scene is the brilliant 20-point Star of Bethlehem, unveiled in 2012 and far outshining the original 1949 star (which…

07Nov 2018 by ridesparky

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…

30Oct 2018 by ridesparky

Downtown Parade Highlight of Annual Veterans Homecoming Week

Downtown Branson, Events, Veterans

Branson is known for honoring our veterans every day throughout the year, but that dedication takes on a special significant each year during Veterans Homecoming Week, November 5-11. This seven-day event is held throughout the city and features numerous reunions, special events, tribute shows, memorial ceremonies and more. The week of tributes culminates in Branson's annual Veterans Day Parade, the city's largest annual parade. Now in its 80th year, it is the longest-running Veterans Day celebration in the region. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11. The route starts at the southern Branson Convention Center parking lot and then proceeds up Branson Landing Boulevard. Crossing the train tracks, the route returns southward on Commercial Street and winds through Historic Downtown. 2018 Branson Veterans Day Parade Route Sparky…

17Oct 2018 by ridesparky

Great spots to experience Downtown Branson’s beautiful fall foliage

Downtown Branson

This time of year everyone is picking Halloween costumes, carving pumpkins and starting to notice that the leaves are slowly taking on yellow, red and orange hues. And who could forget pumpkin spice ... everything? Here are a few great spots to enjoy Historic Downtown and the Branson waterfront's beautiful fall scenery (hopefully while you enjoy warm pumpkin spice something)! North Beach Park and the Branson Landing Boardwalk For a mile alongside the scenic Lake Taneycomo waterfront is a concrete walking path that connects North Beach Park and the Branson Landing Boardwalk. In North Beach Park it's a good idea to have crumbs or bird seed for the feathered locals. They don't mind the company as long as you come bearing gifts. North Beach Park is home to some of…

30Aug 2018 by ridesparky

Let Sparky Take You to the Autumn Daze Festival

Downtown Branson

This mid-September brings back the Autumn Daze Festival for its 45th year in Historic Downtown Branson! This wonderful fall extravaganza brings craftsmen and artisans from all over the Ozarks. Handmade crafts, homemade foods, live entertainment are all just part of the fun brought to you by the Downtown Branson Betterment Association. Thursday, September 13 marks the start of the fun and continues till Saturday the 15th. Sparky can get you to and from the free festive fun, so you don't miss any of it! Autumn Daze takes place at Atlantic and Commercial St., so there are many good spots to catch Sparky and ride to the event. Changes to Sparky Route: During the Autumn Daze event, Sparky Stop #7 (Awberry Parking Lot) will not be available. Riders should use stop…

23Aug 2018 by ridesparky

Jog, bike or walk? Downtown is Perfect for Your Next Outing

Downtown Branson

It's definitely no secret that the Ozarks have so much to offer in the way of scenery, fun, entertainment and food ... for locals and visitors alike! Historic Downtown Branson is home to friendly shops, home-style eateries and of course some of the best trout fishing in the nation. It's also home to some of the region's best trails and pathways! In fact, MapMyRun lists more than 700 jogging trails in the Branson area. If you're visiting our wonderful area and don't want to neglect your exercise regime, here are some great paths you need to visit! (If you're a local looking for a place for a leisurely stroll, then hey, this is for you too!) Branson Landing Boardwalk If you park in the North Branson Landing parking lot and walk…

27Jul 2018 by ridesparky

Thousands of Shriners Return to Downtown Branson in August

Downtown Branson, Events

Downtown Branson is honored to welcome the Central States Shrine Association back to Branson this August! The Branson Convention Center is the site for the organization's annual convention August 22-25, and downtown will be chock full of fellowship, fun and fezzes! It's also a great opportunity for Branson's locals and visitors to watch a truly unique circus parade on Saturday, August 25th. Kids especially love the Shriners' clowns, music and the miniature vehicles as they zip around and cause an uproar of giggles, pointing fingers and lots of "Look, Mom!" The parade begins August 25th at 8 am and goes till 10 am. The route begins on College Street and goes along Commercial Street and around to the Branson Landing Boardwalk. Branson and downtown have so much to…

29Jun 2018 by ridesparky

Celebrate Independence Day in Downtown Branson

Downtown Branson, Events

Around Branson we have a deep love of the outdoors, fishing, food ... and a good time ... We also definitely know how to celebrate our Independence! Here's how Downtown Branson plans on marking July 4th this year. July 3rd, 7:00-9:30pm, Branson Landing. Billboards Top 40 Nashville artist Jason Pritchett and The Steel Horses will be performing lakeside on the Landing. Following his performance will be a spectacularly choreographed fireworks display over Lake Tanecomo. July 3rd-4th, Main Street Lake Cruises. With an early reservation (tickets go quickly) you and the family can enjoy the fireworks show above the Lake from the decks of either the old world classic Lake Queen paddle boat or the ultra luxury Landing Princess Yacht. July 4th, 7:30am-9:30am, 18th Annual Firecracker 5000. A 5k/10k/mile fun run…

20Jun 2018 by ridesparky

Boat Trips and Dinner Cruises on Lake Taneycomo

Downtown Branson, Shows and Attractions

Ozark summers are unsurprisingly hot and humid. Luckily, respite and excitement can be found on the chilly waters of the gorgeous Lake Taneycomo. Of course at several marinas you can rent a boat for fishing, paddling or just floating along leisurely. But if you're in the mood to let someone else steer, consider these three popular options to get out on Downtown Branson's breathtaking lake. Main Street Lake Cruises 9 South Boardwalk Branson Landing 417.239.3980 Dine in your choice of old world style or ultimate luxury on Lake Taneycomo with Main Street Lake Cruises. You'll enjoy a fresh lunch or dinner as you cruise past the Landing and watch the famous Branson Landing Fountains and their masterfully orchestrated show from one of the viewing decks. Main Street Lake Cruises operates…

12Jun 2018 by ridesparky

Get Out On the Water In Downtown Branson

Downtown Branson, Shows and Attractions

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…