It seems that you can't go anywhere in Branson without finding a live music or entertainment show. However, the largest concentration of entertainment in Branson is located along Highway 76. This area, known by locals as "the strip," is where the first live entertainment shows began. The Baldknobbers, a variety show that was started on the strip in 1959, still entertain crowds from their theater on the strip. In addition to live entertainment, the Holiday Hills Resort and Golf Club is on the strip. If you want to stay close to the action in Branson, then consider a hotel located on or near Highway 76.
The Clarion Hotel at the Palace
The Clarion Hotel's location on Branson's strip is a five-story pink stucco edifice that looks like it was transported from Palm Springs. The rooms open to interior hallways, and each room has an exterior balcony. The hotel is convenient to show venues that include the Baldknobbers Country Music Theater, the Prestly's Country Music Jamboree and Andy Williams Moon River theater; the Titanic and Ripley's Believe It or Not museums; the Dixie Stampede dinner theater; amusement parks such as White Water and Silver Dollar City; shopping at the nearby Tanger Outlet and Grand Village shopping centers. Amenities include wireless Internet, morning newspaper and continental breakfast. The hotel features both an indoor and outdoor heated pool, hot tub, sauna and fitness center.
The Clarion Hotel at the Palace
2820 W. Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 334-7666
clarionhotel.com
Howard Johnson Hotel, Branson
For large families and groups, the Howard Johnson Hotel in Branson offers 345 guest rooms and suites; 120 of them have a connecting door. The hotel offers meeting and event facilities and group rates. According to the Howard Johnson website, the standard rooms are 20 percent larger than the average standard-sized hotel room in Branson. Both smoking and nonsmoking rooms are available, as well as in-room coffee makers, ironing boards. hair dryers, satellite television and alarm clocks. The hotel is pet friendly, and for an added fee, guests can request an in-room refrigerator. The hotel features an outdoor pool complex with a children's wading pool and two hot tubs.
Howard Johnson Hotel, Branson
3027-A W. Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
(888) 336-3212
hojobranson.com
Thousand Hills Resort and Golf Club
For those looking for an upscale golf retreat that is still close to the Branson area attractions, Thousand Hills Resort and Golf Club offers lodgings are within walking distance of both the golf course and Branson hot spots. In addition to the golf course, the resort has six swimming pools including an indoor heated pool, a fitness center, tennis courts and a sandwich shop.
Thousand Hills Resort and Golf Club
2380 E. Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 334-4838
holidayhills.com
About The Author
Tracy S. Morris has been a freelance writer since 2000. She has published two novels and numerous online articles. Her work has appeared in national magazines and newspapers, including "Ferrets," "CatFancy," "Lexington Herald Leader" and "The Tulsa World."
