Ease into Summer - BRANSON Style!

Day 1

Day 1: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
It’s still Spring, but Summer is just around the corner – it’s time to ease our way into the season with summer-like weather in Branson, MO! Come board the motorcoach from your choice of available departure locations where you will be greeted by one of our Trailways Travel friendly hosts and driver. Then it’s time to get to know your seat neighbors as we begin today’s journey to Branson. We will make rest and refresh breaks and a stop for lunch along the way as needed.
We will be overnighting for the next 3 nights at the Thousand Hills Resort Hotel, formerly the Radisson. Located near Branson’s entertainment district, it provides easy access to shows, shopping, and more, making it the perfect place to stay. Take time to freshen up before we depart for dinner this evening and a show to kick-off our time here.
Dinner will be at Johnny B. Goode’s Uptown Café, a lively 1950s-style diner known for its nostalgic atmosphere and hearty American cuisine. The cafe features retro decor, complete with jukebox tunes and classic diner fare, making it a popular spot with our past Trailways Travelers. This evening you may choose from their house specialty of Pot Roast seasoned and slow roasted to perfection, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and a vegetable; or other favorites including Hawaiian Chicken - Boneless and skinless charbroiled chicken breast glazed with our delicious teriyaki sauce, served on a bed of rice pilaf and topped with a grilled pineapple slice and a vegetable; Jumbo Fried Shrimp - Deep fried and golden brown, served with a lemon slice, a mild cocktail sauce and a baked potato; or perhaps the Country Fried Steak - Tender beef sirloin, hand breaded and deep fried to a golden brown, served with a vegetable, home-style mashed potatoes and creamy gravy.
The Hughes Brothers, their beautiful wives, and two generations beneath them bring you a production like no other. The Hughes Music Show is a culmination of over 40 years of experience and effort and is the biggest production The Hughes Brothers Theatre has ever seen. With a cast of 50 uniquely talented entertainers you’ll find actors, dancers, comedians, instrumentalists, and singers of all styles that will work their way into your heart forever. The show will astound you as you hear the best in pop, rock, R&B, country, classical, Broadway, patriotic, and even gospel music. It’s a big list, but it’s also a big show. And that’s their promise!

Day 2

Day 2: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Breakfast is waiting for you this morning at Jack Henry’s located downstairs in the hotel. Fuel up and then get ready to set out for a fun day of Branson exploration. We begin with Silver Dollar City, renowned for its live music shows and authentic craft demonstrations, offering us a unique glimpse into Ozark culture. The park hosts a variety of music performances, from bluegrass and gospel to country and classic tunes, showcasing talented local musicians. Craft demonstrations are a highlight, featuring artisans skilled in traditional crafts like blacksmithing, glassblowing, pottery, and woodworking. You’ll also find that there is plenty of shaded seating, accessible pathways, and nostalgic attractions like the steam train for you to enjoy. Feeling a bit adventurous? Take a spin on one of the roller coasters and have bragging rights for the rest of the day! Be sure to take advantage of the many lunch options, from hearty Southern comfort food to lighter fares. Enjoy mouthwatering barbecue at restaurants like Riverside Ribhouse, indulge in skillet meals cooked over an open flame at Buckshot Annie’s, or savor traditional Ozark recipes at Molly’s Mill, the park’s oldest restaurant. If you want something a bit lighter, there is plenty of those options as well.
We depart and make our way to Table Rock Lake for a cruise, dinner and entertainment aboard The Branson Belle Showboat. The Branson Belle combines a scenic voyage with top-notch dining and live performances providing the perfect way to sit back and relax. Enjoy a multi-course meal followed by a vibrant show that includes music, comedy, and dance, all set in a grand paddlewheel riverboat while taking in the breathtaking views of the Ozarks. It is sure to make it a memorable evening of relaxation and entertainment on the water.
We aren’t quite ready to head back to the hotel quite yet – we need to take a spin on the Branson Sky Wheel for more scenic views and a delicious frozen treat from Andy’s Custard, a favorite of Branson’s guests and locals alike. With this evening treat of frozen custard, we are now all ready to head back and get tucked in for a great night of rest because we have even more to do tomorrow!

Day 3

Day 3: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Have a hearty breakfast this morning at Jack Henry’s within the hotel before departing for the day. Branson has so much more to offer besides their top-notch, award-winning shows, and that includes a visit to Top of the Rock. We will all take part in a captivating golf cart tour that takes you through the scenic grounds, showcasing the stunning landscape and hidden gems of the property. Each cart will hold 4 passengers with one being the ‘designated driver’! The tour includes a visit to the impressive Bat Cave, a natural limestone cavern featuring unique rock formations and a rich history. Additionally, the onsite museum, owned by the renowned Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, offers a fascinating collection of historical artifacts, wildlife displays, and cultural exhibits. You will honestly be amazed with the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum that tells about the Indians that inhabited the area, wildlife, and more.
From here we will be headed to the Branson Landing and/or Historic Downtown Branson for time on your own for lunch and shopping. Branson Landing is located on the scenic shores of Lake Taneycomo and offers a wide variety of shops from boutiques to chain stores. Also, it is home to a very large Bass Pro. You can find a wide variety of dining options as well. It is just a short few blocks walk to downtown historic Branson where you can find the famous Dick’s 5 & 10 along with many other shops to browse. You can also find lunch options here as well, from ice cream to sandwiches and more. A favorite is the Farmhouse Restaurant and their warm blackberry cobbler! We will take some time to return to the hotel to freshen up a bit before departing for dinner this evening at SS Dockside - known for their big burgers and delicious seafood! After dinner we’ll be in for a real treat with a true Branson theatre favorite – the Sight & Sound Theatre with its production of David. This breathtaking theatrical experience brings the biblical story of King David to life with stunning special effects, elaborate sets, and live animals. You’ll be captivated by the epic tale of David’s rise from shepherd to king, featuring powerful performances, captivating music, and dramatic choreography. This is a fantastic close to a great few days in Branson!

Day 4

Day 4: Friday, May 30, 2025
One last breakfast is waiting for you this morning at Jack Henry’s before we check out and begin our return home. But wait, we have ONE MORE THING in store for you, but it’s a secret and we call this a “Mystery Stop!” It’s always a great time as passengers try to determine where they may be headed from some of the varied clues our host will be giving. Mystery tours have become favorites of many of our travelers and are often sold out very quickly. This is a fun way to get to experience a small taste of what a Mystery Tour can offer.
We will be taking our usual rest and refresh breaks along the way as needed as well as a stop for lunch along the way. We are sure you will have plenty to talk about from all that you have seen and done in Branson with your friends and family back home.