Branson's Greatest Treasures

Neil Sawford • June 1, 2022

The city of Branson has many best-kept secrets that include record-breaking attractions, historic landmarks, and many hidden gems like Branson mountain coaster waiting to be explored. So, it’s a good idea for every visitor in this popular vacation destination in the Midwest to step off the hidden places and enjoy some of Branson’s greatest treasures.

Branson’s International Cuisines

With so many restaurants in Branson, you can be sure to find a satisfying meal at any time of day. Branson brings international flavors from around the globe to the heart of the Ozarks. In the city of Branson, you can find Mediterranean fare at Vasken’s Deli, a local favorite that serves a tasty assortment of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and more.

You will surely enjoy any of Vasken’s delicious gyros such as the Firehouse Gyro (a spicy, savory combination of lamb and beef), Greek salad, chicken shawarma, or sample platter with falafel. For dessert, you can try their homemade baklava, a gooey, flakey pastry with layers of chopped nuts and honey.

For those who are craving Indian cuisine, you can visit India Clay Oven. If you’ve never tasted Indian food before, this Indian restaurant can make you an immediate fan. Their extensive menu of traditional Indian cuisine includes delicious tikka masala, pakora and warm naan bread. You can order from their menu or go for a hot lunch buffet.

If you’re looking for some Japanese steak and sushi in Branson, Wakyoto’s is the place to visit. This Japanese restaurant offers authentic Asian cuisine and specialties. You can try their teriyaki entrees, tempura shrimp, edamame, and the wasabi special roll (a signature menu item).

Another favorite restaurant in Branson among locals is the Thai Thai Cuisine which offers dishes such as chicken satay, beef salad, deep-fried calamari, wonton soup, spicy noodles and more. You can try some of these international cuisines after you have experienced a great ride with Branson’s Mountain Coaster.

Record-setting Attractions

Branson is also home to many exciting roadside attractions. For example, you can find the world’s largest rooster, Mr. Peak that stands 43 feet tall at Branson’s Great American Steak & Chicken House. A good idea to snap a picture by the city’s feathered fiberglass friend. Then try the restaurant’s sizzlin’ steaks and farm-fresh chicken afterward.

Towering 47 feet in the air, the world’s largest banjo is a much visit located inside the Fun Spot at Grand Country Resort. This giant musical instrument is a working replica of a Gibson-style banjo. It’s a great stop for a quick pose to provide you with an unforgettable vacation photo.

Another record-setting attraction to visit in Branson is the Ripley’s Believe It or Not. This bizarre structure is a must-see attraction as it is full of eccentric items, including the world’s largest ball of nylon twine that weighs a whopping 12,000 pounds and totaling a circumference of over 40 feet. This unique museum is home to 450 exhibits and artifacts, including a toothpick stagecoach, rare animal skeletons, a spinning vortex tunnel, and more.

Another record attraction in Branson is the world’s largest fork and meatball outside Pasghetti’s. This unique attraction offers another great photo opportunity. So get ready for your appetite and eat in one of Pasghetti’s Italian-themed dining rooms. You will be entertained in a game room and indoor Ferris wheel ride while waiting for your food to arrive.

Nightlife Venues

If you are looking for nighttime entertainment, Branson has several venues with plenty of fun to provide you an entertaining nightlife. Overlooking Lake Taneycomo near Branson Landing, the Paddlewheel offers a great late-night stop for fun with drinks and great music. This music venue hosts “Rock the Rock” and open mic sessions, and local artists and bands are also showcased throughout the week.

You can also find a quaint café in Hollister called Vintage Paris. It is located just a few miles south of Branson. The café serves handcrafted espresso beverages into the evening. Vintage Paris also offers a large selection of fine wines, cigars, craft beer, and delicious pastries. Here, you can experience a great evening on the café’s string-lit porch, or you can stay comfy inside and enjoy performances from local entertainers.

You can also enjoy great nightlife at Andy B’s Bowl Social at the Branson Landing. The place offers a perfect experience for evening fun with family or friends. You can also play games inside, such as bowling, arcade games, private karaoke rooms, virtual reality games, escape rooms, and more.

Smith Creek Moonshine, located at the Branson Landing, also offers a great nightlife with tasty concoctions made with specialty moonshine. The venue also features a mouthwatering barbecue and fabulous evening entertainment. Don’t miss trying the caramel moonshine along with melt-in-your-mouth Pig Stickers (pork shanks that have been dry-rubbed smoked steamed, and then flash-fried to perfection).

If you have some plans to experience a great adventure ride with Branson mountain coaster, be sure not to miss visiting Branson’s greatest treasures.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.