Ottakee Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 We are looking at staying in Branson MO in the fall for a family trip. Likely mid Sept. to late Oct for 5-6 days. We are pretty flexible on the timing of the trip but want a bit cooler weather and smaller crowds but yet nice to do outside stuff......temps in the 60s to 70s would be ideal. Any tips on areas/places to stay (likely will be trying to get a week at a time share resort), things to do, etc. This will not be a bare bones trip but need very budget friendly things as all of our kids are in the "adult" price range for things. We enjoy fish hatcheries, nature trails, simple fishing, kayaking, bike riding, local/state/national parks, etc. We will be doing a day trip to the Aurora, MO area as well. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thessa516 Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 We like to stay at Still Waters Resort. It is somewhat pricier than other options, but you get a full kitchen and free access to lots of their amenities like kayaks, paddle boats, pools, bikes, mini golf, fishing poles, etc. You can also rent pontoons, ski boats, and jet skis. Things to do: Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery Dewey Short Visitor Center Lakeside Wilderness Area Dogwood Canyon - I haven't been here, but my friends just went and said they had a good time. However, it is not free. You have to pay to get into their hiking trails. Silver Dollar City - Again, not free, but if you're going, don't miss out on the Marvel Cave tour. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairiewindmomma Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 We went mid-October a couple of years ago; it was 40s and rainy. Know that the weather can be very mixed in October. Some years it is very hot, but in others it can be surprisingly fall-ish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Late September is usually beautiful there. I love SDC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamonlyone Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 My in-laws live in Branson West, so we go down several times a year. Bass Pro Shop owns Big Cedar Lodge, which is really, really nice. We were in the Bass Pro Shop at Branson Landing on Thursday. (Note: Branson Landing is a fun place to go! There is a free outdoor water fountain/music show on the river and lots of fun stores, including our favorite ice cream shop, Kilwin's.) Anyway, they were doing a Memorial Weekend promo of $199 for four nights and a $75 Bass Pro Shop gift card. Warning: You have to go to a "20 minute" presentation about timeshare in the property, and I have read some reviews of people saying they loved the place but hated the timeshare aspect, so take that with a grain of salt. My in-laws live in Stonebridge Resort, and there are lots of lovely rental properties there (condos and cabins). That area is minutes from Silver Dollar City (SDC), which is also nice. I agree that SDC is definitely worth visiting. We have been going there for over 20 years, and I just learned a few weeks ago that they have special homeschooling prices!! It's not advertised, but if you call and ask, you can get the deal. They told me it is $53.74 for ages 12 and up (and $41.92 for ages 4–11, in case anyone else is interested), but—here's the thing—that's for a two-day ticket! Normal one-day price for an adult is about $65! So, call ahead for the discount if you go to SDC. Two days would be good if you want to do rides, the cave, and the shows that are included in the ticket price. I hope you have a great time! We have many happy memories from visiting in all seasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamonlyone Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 Oh, another SDC money-saving tip, if you go: There are lockers to rent in the park, and outside food is allowed. So, if you want to pack sandwiches and fruit and veggies, you could save your fun money for the many interesting snacks, etc. or for something else. They will also fill water bottles for free or give you free cups of water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeenagerMom Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 Groupon has lots of great deals for Branson for things to do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 Never been but you can buy a timeshare stay off Ebay for there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ottakee Posted May 28, 2017 Author Share Posted May 28, 2017 Thanks for the help and tips. We have friends that will let us use one of their weeks from their timeshares. On Silver Dollar City...is it worth it if you aren't big roller coaster/ride people? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teresa in MO Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 We like to stay at Still Waters Resort. It is somewhat pricier than other options, but you get a full kitchen and free access to lots of their amenities like kayaks, paddle boats, pools, bikes, mini golf, fishing poles, etc. You can also rent pontoons, ski boats, and jet skis. I second the Still Waters Resort! We have stayed there twice and loved it. First time we had a two bedroom condo, the second time a three bedroom. Family owned and run. We booked through Expedia and got excellent rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamonlyone Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 (edited) Thanks for the help and tips. We have friends that will let us use one of their weeks from their timeshares. On Silver Dollar City...is it worth it if you aren't big roller coaster/ride people? It probably depends on your other interests. The cave tour is good. You could check to see which festival will be held when you visit to see if there are shows that interest you. (There are two large indoor theaters and a big outdoor amphitheater, where they stage a show after the rest of the park closes, as well as smaller stages with entertainment. All shows are included in the price of the ticket.) If you like watching craftspeople, there is a working blacksmith and glassblower, as well as candy (usually peanut brittle) makers and, sometimes, someone throwing pottery in the pottery shop. There are lots of shops—some with lovely handmade things, some clothing, some with things more like toys and trinkets, etc. There are may types of indoor and outdoor restaurants and food vendors. The train has a steam engine, and there is a comedy show halfway through (train robbery). Probably if you spend some time on the website, you can get a good general feel for it. The grounds are really lovely—lots of trees and flowers, and it doesn't have as much of a standard amusement park feel. There are certainly fewer rides than a more ride-focused amusement park and no super-hokey souvenir booths like glow-in-the-dark necklaces, etc. Edited May 28, 2017 by iamonlyone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamonlyone Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 Looks like you might be there during the crafts festival (125 demonstrating craftspeople, barn dance, etc.). http://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/Festivals/National-Harvest-Festival Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janeway Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 I want to do this too...... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.