Branson

We arrived here in Branson Thursday, October 1 after a good and scenic trip from Columbia, Mo. where we stopped for an over night stay at Cottonwoods RV Park. We're finally out of the corn belt it seems. We saw plenty of corn on the way, but guess the terrain is too hilly and the soil too rocky for much agriculture use. We're staying at the Ozark Country Campground,about 3 miles south of town. The park here accepts Passport America, so we're getting a full hook up site for $23/night, which is a good deal and is a nice park. This is the same park we stayed at when we were last in Branson, about 5 years ago.
       Our first day here we drove to Springfield, Mo to look for a sewer hose fitting at  Camping World, but of course, they didn't have what we need. I think we can get by on what we have until we can find one somewhere down the road. While in Springfield, we decided to check out the Bass Pro Shop  store, which is their original and largest store. They claim the store is over 500,000 square feet and I can believe it. The store is on three levels and includes waterfalls, large fish aquariums, mounted wildlife, a museum, restaurants, and so much more. It's huge and we only saw a small part of it. All that walking worked up a powerful appetite and we had a perfect fix in mind. Lambert's Cafe is on the way back to Branson, in Ozark, Mo. and is one of our favorite eating establishments. They have 3 restaurants which are located, in Ozark, Mo, Sikeston, Mo. and Foley, Al. They're well known for their large servings and throwed rolls. Of course, we over ate while there, but it was sooooo good. We didn't even have any room left for one of their "hubcap cinnamon rolls"! If you've never been, I highly recommend it!
         We've been to three shows so far, Mickey Gilley, The Oak Ridge Boys, and the Texas Tenors, all of which were top notch. One of the things I like about Branson is that the shows cost much less than they charge on tour. It does seem like some of the old established artists are not here as much, or at all, and a lot of the shows here are "tribute shows". It's still a neat place to visit, but can be overly crowded in the summer season. The crowds are not too bad at this time of year and is a good time to visit. We also plan to see the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Ar. while here.

Highway 65 near Branson. As you can see, the area is very hilly

One of several water tanks that are illuminated  with neon around the graphics.

Entrance to our campground, Ozark Country.

Our camp site, C-11. It was a little challenging backing the rig onto the site because there's a wall on the lower side of the rig, but thanks to our campground host, we prevailed!

Parking lot at Lambert's. If you've never been, put them on your bucket list but be sure and be hungry before going.

This young lady is serving up one of their "pass around" sides, macaroni and tomatoes. You order your entree from the menu which comes with two or three sides and then they bring around the "pass arounds" consisting of macaroni and tomatoes, okra, fried potatoes and onions, and black eyed peas. Of course the hand thowed rolls are included in the meal. Thanks to our good friends, Lee and Mary for turning us on to Lambert's.

We were seated in the back section of the restaurant which is adjacent to the main dining room. The fellow with the red bow tie in the top right of the photo is throwing out rolls.

Here's one of the rolls I snagged! They serve them as soon as they come out of the oven and they're soooo good!

The servings are so large, Crickett and I decided to share a meal. They keep bringing out more and more.

Our entree was this center cut ham that was about 1/4" thick. We couldn't eat it all, so we brought it back with us and had it for breakfast.

The throwed roll guy who was delivering rolls to non-catchers.

How about some more fried taters?

Entrance to the Branson Belle Showboat that offers shows and cruises aboard a paddle wheeled boat on Table Rock Lake. It looked cool but was a little pricey.

We spotted this rubber chicken hanging from the back of a RV

We went to the Mickey Gilley Show that was very good. He had a health set back about 5 years ago when he fell and ruptured vertebrae in his neck resulting in some disability. It hasn't affected his vocal ability at all and still puts on a good show. He's had 17 number one hits in his career. He has put his theater on the market to be sold and will not be a regular in Branson any longer. He said he will be 80 in March but still plans to keep touring.

Inside Mel's Hardluck Diner in Branson which is decorated in 50 & 60's decor. One of the coolest things about the diner is that the servers are also singers and are very talented.

I spotted this couple who were trying to eat this huge sundae. They didn't make it!

Our server, Kelly, who was super talented. They told us most of the servers had worked at the shows in Branson but wanted to get away from them due to the demanding schedule. They have much more flexibility performing in the diner. 

Oak Ridge Boys Show.

Sign to restaurant we discovered near the campground. Some of the best Barbecue I've eaten outside of Shelby. This is one of those places the locals frequent but most tourists aren't aware of.

Hollywood Wax Museum across the road from the Star Lite Theater where we saw The Texas Tenors.

Texas Tenors who were a top 4 finalist in the 2009 America's Got Talent Show. They have become very popular  in Branson and on tour. Very good show.

They sang to this lady who they brought up out of the audience. Her hubby was given a camera and told to take pictures.

One segment of their show was devoted to the Righteous Brothers and Bill Medley. Their rendition of You've Lost that Loving Feeling and Unchained Melody were excellent.