How do I write a blog about a wonderful weekend that isn’t 50 million pages too long?  I don’t want to bore you, but if you go to Branson, you might need to know some of these things.

Our dear friends Bob and Betty invited us to join them, Johnny and Susan, and Bill and April for a weekend in Branson.  I want you to know that the best part of the trip was being with and relaxing with good friends.  These are the neatest people, and we are blessed to call them friends.

We stayed in the Presidential Suite at the Wyndham Meadows Resort.  It was nice!  Four huge bedrooms with super comfy beds, Jacuzzi tubs in the bathrooms, and a kitchen big enough to cook for Cox’s Army.  My favorite room though was the dining room.  The round table easily sat eight, and I would guess 10 or more could squeeze around that table.  What was unbelievable was the space around the table.   As Hot Rod would say, “I could get use to this.”

The first night in Branson we went to dinner at the College of the Ozarks.  Click on the link to read about this remarkable college.  At “Hard Work U”, students receive free tuition for working fifteen hours a week.  Not only do they get a good education, they establish strong work ethics.  People who rank universities give College of the Ozarks high marks.

This is the lodge.  You can stay there, and the restaurant is there also.  Impressive isn’t it!

We were so hungry when we got to the restaurant, I forgot to take pictures until I had eaten most of these corn cakes.  They are crunchy on the outside and so moist and flavorful on the inside.  Loved them!

Great presentation of the Chocolate Pudding Cake in the little iron skillet.  To top it off!  It was rich and delicious.

Bread Pudding made with croissants.  Wow.  Delish.

We enjoyed our meal so much on Friday night that we made reservations for the Sunday Brunch the waitress raved about.  We were not disappointed.

Look at this.  One of the students carved this ice sculpture.  I am impressed.

I do not think I have ever seen so much food as there was at the brunch.  There were breakfast foods – sausage, bacon, ham, eggs, made to order omelets, biscuits, gravy, sweet rolls, and waffles just for starters.  I know I left out items.  Then there were about seven or more entrees. (So much food – I never got to the entree table.)  The salad table was filled with greens, salad makings, slaws, fruit, and cheese.

Sweet Mother of Pearl, it is impossible to begin to explain to you the dessert table.  So many choices!  I have never seen anything like this.

After this meal, we all waddled home and took a nap.

The next day, we were ready to eat again, so we headed to Mel’s Hard Luck Diner for lunch.

Mel’s  is the home of the singing waiters.  Good food and entertainment make this a must stop in Branson.  Here is a picture of Ever-Lovin’ being serenaded.  I think he liked it.

Shopping around Mel’s Hard Luck Diner is great.  The Kringles Christmas Store is big – would you believe – three stores big?  Even in April, it will put you in the Christmas spirit.  Around the square, there are potters, wood carvers, soap makers, a jewelry story, a clock shop, etc… You get the idea.  Good shopping.

When you go to Branson, do not miss seeing the shows.  I think there is a show on every corner and probably three more shows in between the ones on the corners.  The shows are wonderful and very professionally preformed.  This was our third time to see a show at the Sight and Sound Theater.  In the past, we have seen Noah, and Miracle of Christmas.  This time we saw Joseph.  Do not miss seeing one of these shows that bring the Bible to life.  Did I mention that there are live animals, and the stages wrap around the audience?

The picture below is of the fountain in front of the theater.  Love the Lion and the Lamb.  Makes my heart go pitty-pat.

The show SIX was great.  Dear Gussie!  See if you can understand this.  There are six brothers who sing and also provide the accompaniment with their voices.  I do not know how they do it, but it is so entertaining.  Super Sister had told me how great they were, and I was not disappointed.

Andy’s Custard is my new favorite place in Branson.  Be still my heart.  Smooth, creamy, rich and delicious does not even begin to describe this custard ice cream.  You can get all sorts of add-in, but I went for the pure chocolate custard.  Yummy!  The next day I had to go back for another cone because I didn’t have my camera with me the first time.  Pity me!  You know the saying, “Any excuse will do!”

On our first trip to Branson, I must admit that I thought it would be a lot of OLD people, and I didn’t know if I was ready to be put in that category.  Yes, a lot of retired citizens are there, but they are alive and kicking (at least most of them).  I cannot stress enough that Branson is a wonderful place for children. All of the shows are family friendly.  What a blessing to be surrounded by people who love our God and our country.  Plus, the scenery around Branson is beyond gorgeous.  So load up your family and enjoy the wonderfulness of Branson.

This is not a paid advertisement.  Branson does not even know I exist, but go anyway.

PS:  I love Silver Dollar City.  At Christmas, it is lit up with a bazillion lights.  Put it on your bucket list.