Hidden Gems in Branson

Neil Sawford • June 29, 2022

Branson has many hidden gems to explore, ranging from international cuisines and unique attractions to live entertainment venues and historical sites. The Branson Mountain Coaster is one of the hidden gems you should try exploring with the entire family on your summer vacation trip. Don't miss out on discovering Branson's best-kept secrets so you can have a one-of-a-kind experience in this popular Midwest vacation destination.

International Cuisines to Satisfy Your Appetite

With the variety of international restaurants in Branson, you will have no trouble finding a sumptuous meal during your vacation. The world's entertainment capital welcomes visitors to the heart of Branson with various international flavors from around the world.

Vasken's Deli, a local eatery that serves a tasty selection of hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and more, will give you a taste of the Mediterranean. Vasken's delicious gyros (a spicy, savory combination of lamb and beef), chicken shawarma, Greek salad, or sample platter with falafel will satisfy you.

Dine at India Clay Oven if you want to experience the satisfying taste of Indian cuisine. If you haven't tried Indian food yet, this restaurant will entice you to return for more. This Indian restaurant serves a diverse menu of traditional Indian dishes such as tikka masala, pakora, and warm naan bread. You can go a-la-carte or munch on the hot lunch buffet.

Wakyoto is another international restaurant in Branson that serves authentic Asian cuisine such as Japanese steak and sushi. You can eat teriyaki entrees, tempura shrimp, edamame, and the special wasabi roll (a signature menu item).

Thai Thai Cuisine, a local favorite, serves dishes such as chicken satay, deep-fried calamari, beef salad, wonton soup, spicy noodles, and more. Other international restaurants in Branson include Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Irish, and many more.

Record-setting Attractions

Branson is proud of its numerous roadside attractions. One of these is Mr. Peck, the world's largest rooster, standing 43 feet tall at Branson's Great American Steak & Chicken House. It's a fun place to stop for a photo with the city's feathered fiberglass friend while eating sizzling steaks and farm-fresh chicken.

When you see the world's largest banjo towering 47 feet in the air inside the Fun Spot at Grand Country Resort, you'll know Branson is a music capital. The banjo is a reproduction of a Gibson banjo. It's a fun place to stop for a memorable photo souvenir.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not is another unusual attraction in Branson, with bizarre displays such as the world's largest ball of nylon twine. The fantastic ball is a must-see attraction, weighing 12,000 pounds and over 40 feet in circumference. This museum features unusual exhibits and artifacts such as a stagecoach made entirely of toothpicks, a spinning vortex tunnel, unique animal skeletons, and more.

Another fantastic photo opportunity with the Ozarks' newest attraction, the Branson Mountain Coaster, awaits at Branson Mountain Adventure Park. As the Midwest's longest and fastest roller coaster, it has been visited and enjoyed by many roller coaster enthusiasts looking for a thrilling mountain ride adventure at the park. The Mountain Coaster is an exciting ride attraction in Branson that every thrill seeker wishes to experience.

Local Sweet Spots

Dreamsicle is another shop that serves sweet treats to both locals and visitors. In Historic Downtown Branson, we serve ice cream, gelato, and sorbet. To make made-to-order pops, this sweet shop uses organic, in-house ingredients.

Another hidden gem in Branson is the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks, where you can enjoy ice cream from its creamery that is 100% made from scratch.

Sugar Leaf Bakery, Café & Espresso at the Grand Village Shops is another Branson best-kept secret that serves a delectable selection of bakery products, sandwiches, salads, specialty coffee, and more. This cozy spot is ideal for resting your feet after a fun morning or afternoon on the Branson mountain coaster.

Nightlife Venues

If you want a fun night out after visiting many exciting attractions, don't hesitate to visit some of the best night spots in Branson. The Paddlewheel, located near the Branson Landing and overlooking Lake Taneycomo, is a great late-night stop for drinks and music. The venue hosts "Rock the Dock" and open mic nights and showcases local artists and bands throughout the week.

Andy B's Bowl Social at the Branson Landing offers guests a perfect evening out with friends or family. Bowling, arcade games, private karaoke rooms, virtual reality games, escape rooms, and other activities are available. Andy B's entire restaurant and bar will keep you going all night.

If this is your first visit to Branson, don't miss the opportunity to see the hidden gems listed above, as they will help you have a wonderful vacation in this popular Midwest vacation spot.

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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.