Fall Foliage Driving Tour

Fall Foliage Driving Tour
Distance: 60 miles
Time: 90-120 minutes

I wanted to take a driving tour of the area surrounding Branson to soak in as much of the fall foliage as possible, and the route I took on Oct. 27 didn't disappoint.

The majority of oaks and other hardwood trees were showing a mixture of yellows and golds with some leaves still making the transition from green. This yellow paintbrush across the landscape was interrupted by flashes of rust and red, and then deep greens from the occasional stand of evergreens.

My route made a loop around Branson, and took about an hour and half. Along the way there were many places to stop and take photos, and numerous public-use areas for picnics or walking a pet.

I started my drive at the Branson Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center at Highway 248 (Red Route) and U.S. Highway 65. Leaving the Welcome Center, I turned left onto Highway 248 and followed it to the right at the intersection of Gretna Road. When the "Red Route" turned left at Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, I went straight on Highway 248. The road leaves town quickly and narrows into a two-lane highway, and then climbs a ridge toward Branson Hills Parkway and the Ozark Mountain Highroad. Looking back and out the side window, I saw some great views of the city.

At the intersection of Highway 248 and the Ozark Mountain Highroad (Highway 465), I turned left onto 465 South. The four-lane highway, recognized as a scenic "Missouri Byway," provided some great mountain views with the Shepherd of the Hills observation tower perched on the horizon.

Highway 465 ends at West Highway 76. I exited and headed west on Highway 76 past Indian Point and Silver Dollar City. It was this stretch of highway, with the trees closing in on the roadway, that provided some of the most brilliant golds and vibrant reds, with leaves tumbling across the highway.

In Branson West, I turned left at the stoplight, and then left again onto Highway 13 south. Driving atop the ridge on the road to Kimberling City, I caught the first glimpses of the mountains giving way to Table Rock Lake. Within moments, I was in Kimberling City, where I stopped to grab a cup of coffee and take some pictures of the lake bridge set against the mountains and colorful foliage. The lake was shimmering with reflections of bright sunlight and the light blue sky.

I crossed the Kimberling City Bridge, and as Highway 13 climbed another ridge and continued toward Lampe, the trees seemed to close in on the highway, and I quickly noticed leaves presenting more deep gold, rust and crimson. Along the way, several Bradford Pear trees and maples were showing intense reds.

Passing Dogwood Canyon, I continued on Highway 13 until it dead-ended at Highway 86, where I turned left. The two-lane highway continued along a mountain ridge, and I was able to catch occasional glimpses of mountain valleys painted yellow. Highway 86 descends quickly toward the Long Creek Arm of Table Rock Lake, and much like the view at Kimberling City, I witnessed another breathtaking view of Table Rock Lake with the colorful mountains as a backdrop.

Highway 86 climbed away from the lake, and within a few minutes, I found myself back at U.S. Highway 65. I turned left at the stoplight and headed back to Branson.

View more photos from my driving tour at Flickr.

Snow Day!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Martin Luther King, Jr. day. Congratulations to Branson School's students for their first snow day of 2008. Freezing rain last night combined with a 12 degree sunrise this morning led to icy roads and locked doors at the school. Be extremely careful if you are driving this morning!

On Saturday I got a chance to check out NICA's (National Ice Carving Association) 2nd Annual Ice Sculpting event at the Titanic Museum. It was a very unique experience. I got to watch at least 17 entries being carved by bare-handed sculptors ranging in age from 13 to over 50. Each sculptor was on a time limit and you got points for using as much of the ice as possible, including the scraps. I didn't stick around for the awards ceremony, but the sculptures were still there the next day completely finished. If you ever get a chance to see something like this I would highly recommend it.



Well I hope everyone is staying warm. Have a wonderful day and drive safe!

Baldknobbers, Branson Tradition

For 100 years, Branson has been entertaining visitors with its authentic Ozarks hospitality and down-home fun. One of America's best novels, "The Shepherd of the Hills," portrayed the Ozarks as a place of natural beauty. After reading this classic book, tourists wanted to see this almost legendary region in Southwestern Missouri. The rest is history. Although much has changed in the past 100 years, Ozarks tradition and values remain strong and welcome you with open arms.

Branson's first show, the Baldknobbers, is an important tradition in the Ozarks. The Mabe Family has entertained folks in Branson since 1959 and is one of the must-see shows for new and returning visitors.

Four generations of Mabes put on an outstanding show, playing both country classics and new hits along with gospel and make you laugh-out-loud with comedy. "We truly believe that healing through laugher is important and there is not much in life you can't laugh at and with a family as big as our, there is always lots to laugh about," said Tim Mabe, comedian and show's producer.

Baldknobbers are expanding their legacy in 2007. Legendary gospel and country singer, Barbara Fairchild returns to Branson in November and December to present her gospel matinee show. "I love Branson and can't wait to be back. Christmas season just isn't the same without Branson," says Barbara.

For more information about Baldknobbers, visit http://www.baldknobbers.com/.

My recent trip to Branson ...

I love visiting Branson ... as often as I can. Each time I try to see a new show and admire the talented performers in Branson. During my last trip, I saw the new morning show, "The Entertainers," at the Andy Williams' Moon River Theater.

The show is great -- 12 performers with lots of familiar faces! Donna and Jackie are the main female singers. Getting to hear their amazing voices is wonderful. Bucky Heard, the 2005 Best Singer in Branson award winner, is another one of the great vocals you get to hear. The energy in this show is enough to wake you up and get you going!

"The Entertainers" feature all types of music ... everything from oldies and country to Cajun. The costumes are top notch with coordinating shoes -- even for the guys! I was impressed. Dean Church plays fiddle and is the guy that put the entire show together.

At the end, the performers pay tribute to the Veterans but they don't sing the usual song; instead you are treated to a Bucky Heard original, "America, Come Dry Your Eyes." It's a song of hope, not sadness, and they play a patriotic video while he is singing.

This show is only a few weeks old so not a lot of folks know about it yet. But they should. It's one of the best morning shows in Branson and I highly recommend it!

Mary
Springfield, Missouri