Saturday, November 21, 2009

Fall is Definitely My Favorite Time of the Year

We've been here for all four seasons now, and while each season has its own attractions, I can unequivocally say that I like fall the best. Now maybe that is because I spent more than half of my life in Odessa, Texas. There, I knew it was fall because I was surrounded by the sights and sounds of football (a la Friday Night Lights). Here, I know it is fall because I'm surrounded by the brilliant reds and oranges and yellows of the turning leaves. Here, I can see and smell the piles of burning leaves, while in West Texas there really aren't enough leaves to make a good pile.

I LOVE driving Hwy. 165 from Hollister to Branson just so I can look at the trees, stop at the Scenic Outlook, and drive across the dam. I just can't get enough of those views! It's possible that after I've been here a few years, I'll get so used to the scenery that I won't feel the need to take the longer scenic route just to go to Wal-Mart, but I don't think so. You see, I used to drive 4 hours to get to a nice lake with trees so a 20 minute drive across Table Rock is nothing. Byron and I have spent time in other areas that had nice fall color--Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas and even Oklahoma--but this is the first time that we've actually lived right in the middle of it. I know, I know, you think I'm getting a little carried away, but I can't help it. You'd feel the same way if you'd grown up surrounded by flat and dry and brown. If you happened to have seen Friday Night Lights then you know what I'm talking about. The opening scene of the flat highway between Odessa and Midland was filmed a quarter mile from our house. This is not to say that West Texas doesn't have its own unique beauty. You can see the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets there nearly every day, and they seem to stretch on forever, but right now, I am VERY happy to be surrounded by trees and mountains and water.

The question is how to take the best advantage of all this fall beauty. There are a number of ways to experience a great fall in the Ozarks. The easiest, of course, is to just take a drive through the surrounding countryside. You might even consider driving to Eureka Springs, Ark. It is only about an hour's drive and the unique town is well worth the drive.

I understand there are also a number of good hiking trails. One is at a 130acre national park on the edge of town which overlooks Lake Taneycomo. If you don’t mind 315 historic stone steps, you can hike down to the lake. Unfortunately, you would also have to hike back up which could be a challenge for some of us.

We have not taken a trip on the Branson Scenic Railroad yet, but it is definitely on my list for next fall. I can only imagine how beautiful the 40 mile round trip through the trees must be. The Showboat Branson Belle is also on my list. The trip across Table Rock looking back at the tree-covered shoreline is probably spectacular.

Or, how about a helicopter or hot air balloon ride? Both are available in the area.

I think my number one choice, though, would be a day at Silver Dollar City. I have done this, and I must say that you would have a hard time coming up with a better way to experience the Ozarks. The park is absolutely beautiful anytime of the year, and the shows, the food, and the craftsmen are great. Plus, if you are into roller coasters, they have some real heart stoppers. If you are able keep your eyes open you can even get a great view just before you and your heart go over the edge. (By the way, SDC recently was voted the friendliest amusement park in the United States).



By the time I decided to start this blog, the fall color was pretty much over, but it is never too early to start planning for next fall. I hope some of you will come see us.

We’re headed to Oklahoma and Texas for Thanksgiving so I won’t be writing again until after Dec. 5th. I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!


http://allaboutbranson.blogspot.com/

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Welcome to My Blog--ALL ABOUT BRANSON

Welcome to the first post on my new blog ALL ABOUT BRANSON. I am using this first post just to let you know a little about me and my purpose in writing the blog so be sure and check out the About Me section. The plan is to post at least once a week, but this is my first attempt at blogging so we will just have to see how it goes. Be sure to add to the conversation if you have additional information or an opinion about the subject, and we can all enjoy learning more about what makes the Branson area so unique.
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