According to the Branson Chamber of Commerce, the City entertains 8 to 9 million visitors every year. If you live in Branson or if you just enjoy visiting as so many people do, you probably have your own reasons for loving Branson.
Here is my own list of reasons for loving Branson, Missouri:
1. Friendly people. No, it’s not a put on. Most people who live and work in Branson are genuinely happy. Almost no one is originally from here. Most are entertainers, artisans, retailers and entrepreneurs. The foundation of our economy is the entertainment and the many tourists who come to see the shows and enjoy the City.
You will find a genuine attitude of gratitude if you are a visitor here. A lot of good people come to see us here and we really do appreciate you. Your visits make it possible for most of us to live here.
2. It is generally safe. Overall, Branson feels safer than just about anywhere else in the U.S. I’ve been. The unfortunate truth is that we are buried inside the meth capital of the country. But, if you are a visitor here that is something you will probably never see. If you live here, especially in the surrounding areas, it is a problem. Every place has some kind of problem. Meth and meth-related crime is ours.
The good news is we have excellent law enforcement people here. I don’t claim they are perfect, but they are better than the police state-style corruption that exists in a lot of other places in the country. So, another reason to love Branson is that it is generally pretty safe and we have a pretty good bunch of people working for us in Taney and Stone Counties and in the City of Branson. So you can rest assured and feel reasonably safe whenever you are in or near Branson. Even if there are some bad guys around, there are lots of good guys, too.
3. There is so much to do. Branson changes every year. And, every year we get a flood of people from all over the country and all over the world. Living in Branson has many of the advantages of a big city without the drawbacks.
You’ll find plenty of high-quality live shows, museums, tours and other attractions. There is plenty for the outdoorsman to do, too. If you like fishing and boating, Branson is a paradise. We also have a number of excellent resorts, golf courses and golfing communities. In fact, our golf courses are among some of the most challenging. If you like golfing, you’ll find a large number of courses to choose from in this small geographical area in and around Branson.
We also have plenty of fine dining. This is a wonderful place for people who enjoy living well. Many retirees and a number of highly successful people have homes here because it is so beautiful and it has so much to offer.
4. It’s a great place to shop. Do some high-end shopping or bargain shopping. Either way, it’s all right here in Branson. Branson has long been known for its bargains and discount shops. But, it also sports some charming boutiques. A lot has changed since the Branson Landing arrived. You’ll find many nice things in the stores at the Landing, downtown on Lake Taneycomo.
#5. It’s an all-American City. Branson epitomizes the real America and the real American spirit. It is acknowledged, year after year, as the most patriotic city in the U.S. You don’t have to support war to appreciate the sacrifice of so many for a cause they believe in. Military service is understood here. Military personnel and veterans are always welcomed with open arms.
I have lived in other places in the U.S. and it is my feeling that people in Branson tend to have a stronger understanding of the principles upon which the country was founded. This is another fact that makes Branson a little safer and friendlier than some other places.
Branson is all-American in other ways, too. Here and in the surrounding area, you’ll find a variety of fairs, festivals and rich, historical roots if you look a little bit closer.
Another way in which Branson is an all-American city is that there are people living here from all over the U.S. Many people fall in love with Branson while on vacation and decide to move here. So, you’ll see Americans here from, literally, sea to shining sea and every other direction.
If you’ve never visited Branson, Missouri before, I urge you to make it your next vacation destination. You’re sure to feel right at home.
