Visitors from all over the United States flock to Branson, Missouri each year, turning this once-sleepy Ozarks town into one of the country’s top driving destinations. The city is the Midwest’s entertainment capital featuring exciting live music shows, heart-pumping attractions, and world-class dining and shopping that will thrill the entire family. Most of the action in Branson is centered around the Highway 76 Strip but, for a glimpse of the city’s olden days, make sure to visit Historic Downtown Branson. Here you will find a wide variety of locally-owned shops and restaurants that give you a glimpse of what it’s like to live in this tourist mecca year-round.
One of the first things you’re sure to notice about Historic Downtown Branson is how many options you’ll have to get around the area. Downtown Branson is extremely walkable, so just park your car in one of the two parking garages or along Main or Commercial streets and be on your way! If you prefer not to walk, you can hop on the free trolley at one of its seven convenient pick-up spots. This is a wonderful way to see all the sights beautiful Downtown Branson has to offer!
Downtown Branson has plenty of restaurants to satisfy any taste. No matter when you visit the downtown area, you can have bacon and eggs, hash browns, or biscuits and gravy at Clockers Café-they serve breakfast all day! If you’ve got your heart set on home-style comfort food, look no further than the Farmhouse Restaurant. This long-time Branson business is famous for their down-home country dishes and their legendary blackberry cobbler. A meal there will be sure to fuel you for the rest of your day! If your family wants to try something different, a trip to Dimitri’s Greek Gyros and Deli is in order. This small, family-owned restaurant uses only the freshest ingredients for their dishes and the result is a meal you will never forget. Whether you are already a lover of Greek food or if you’ve never tried it before, Dimitri’s Greek Gyros and Deli has a meal for you. If sushi is what you crave, give Momo Sushi and Grill a try. Momo has a large menu with a wide variety of dishes from which to choose. You could start things off with an order of edamame or a sushi sampler, choose a couple of the restaurant’s signature hand rolls for your main course, and finish things off with drinks from Momo’s full bar. If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, stop by Mr. B’s. This old-fashioned ice cream parlor has a large selection of ice cream, sundaes, and sodas.
When it comes to shopping, you won’t find a better variety of stores than Downtown Branson. A great way to spend an afternoon is exploring one of Downtown Branson’s many flea markets. Those looking for antiques, furniture, home décor, or even just a little piece of history will delight in the one-of-a- kind treasures at Caldwell’s Flea Market, Main Street Flea Market, or the Classy Flea. You’ll be able to find beautiful and unique décor and gifts at the Burlington Store Annex and P. Graham Dunn. Visit If the Shoe Fits for high-end shoes and personal service that hearkens back to the good old days, and Pure Country Western Wear will outfit the cowboy or cowgirl in your life.
No trip to Historic Downtown Branson is complete without a visit to Dick’s 5 and10. This Branson landmark first opened in 1961 and moved to their massive 10,000 square foot location in the early 1970’s. The store remains family-owned and operated all these years later! There is virtually no limit to the things you can find at Dick’s 5 and 10. You can shop for useful items like housewares, tools, and pet supplies. You’ll also be able to find everything you need to throw your next birthday party or baby shower. There is no shortage of candy, novelty items, and toys here, and you’ll even be able to find some inspirational and uplifting gifts. Dick’s 5 and 10 also carries a whole line of pop culture and superhero memorabilia as well as every Branson souvenir you might ever want to buy. If you’re looking for something you haven’t been able to find anywhere else, make sure to check out Dick’s 5 and 10.
If you’re looking for something different to do in Branson that’s away from the bright lights and fast pace of the Strip, look no further than Historic Downtown Branson. You’ll be able to make a day out of visiting the unique shops and cozy restaurants these streets have to offer. Make sure to plan a trip downtown on your next vacation to Branson, Missouri!
