Trip Ideas - Page 21 of 27

18May 2018 by ridesparky

7 Great Picnic Spots in 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 house and…

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…

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…