Weekend in Branson

This weekend was a lot of fun, and got a tad picture heavy. To spare you the scrolling, I have done my best to compile my favorites and only feature the best highlights of our weekend in Branson with Scott’s family.

I have heard it before, but I never realized how much Scott really is from Branson, Missouri. My northern friends would agree when I say he has a bit of a southern accent, and whenever people ask where is from I always answer with Arkansas.

After this trip, I have learned to now include Missouri as well. Check out one of the houses he grew up in, literally right behind the main strip!

Well hey there every body! (Lovin’ the pose.)

After a morning in Springfield, Scott’s mom, step-dad, sister and her family drove about two hours over to Branson. We checked into the condo we would all be staying at and were excited to get out and explore.

A few minutes after we arrived, two more of Scott’s nieces walked through the door and we made sure to get a quick picture of the ladies before we walked back out.

Everyone younger than me in this picture is a niece of Scott’s. He comes from a family of three siblings and two step-siblings, which makes for a lot of people to try to coordinate and get together at the same time. It was great to have so many here!

It took us a good while to figure out exactly what we wanted to do once we got settled in. Branson is known as the live entertainment capital of the world and has an entire strip of nightly shows, restaurants, and fun spots for the entire family.

We couldn’t all seem to agree on a show we wanted to see, so we set out for dinner and a night of go-carts and mini golf instead.

We started with dinner at Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House.

I have only been to one other restaurant where they are known for tossed rolls, and it was on my last trip to Missouri. While I can normally resist dinner rolls, I just couldn’t help to indulge in at least one dinner roll that came flying towards me.

It’s the funniest thing! There is someone assigned to throwing rolls every so often and will walk through the entire restaurant saying “hot rolls!” They look for waving arms and hands ready to catch, and launch them right at you. Good thing they had good aim!

For dinner, I chose to eat off of the salad bar that came with their house Steak & Vegetable soup. It was good, but which nothing special.

Scott’s meal, however, was more exciting! He ordered a steak that came with a side of green beans and a huge sweet potato. Man, I forgot how much I am in love with those. I am already dreaming of the loaded sweet potato I am going to make when I get back home! Mmmm mmm mmmm.

After dinner, we hurried over to Presleys’ Country Jubilee, which we made a last minute decision to buy tickets to on the way out the door.

This show has been around for over forty years and is the first original live music show to hit Branson. When I think of the city and it’s culture, I think of shows like this one that have a mix of country music, skits, and families performing together on stage.

Although I was part of the minority of the audience who was under thirty, I appreciated the music and enjoyed the comedy.

During intermission, Scott’s mom mentioned that one of the Presley’s bought her old house in Branson back in the day. After the show, Scott introduced himself to the drummer and mentioned his last name. He lit up right away and knew exactly who he was… or who his father and grandfather are.

Apparently, Scott’s grandfather, Chuck, knew the Presley family well when they were first starting to perform and market themselves. He was even the one to suggest them to name their show Presleys’ Country Jubilee, instead of Music!

Every time we come home, I learn more and more about Scott’s routes, and I think this time he did too.

After the show, we made a stop for ice cream, and I enjoyed a “single scoop” of chocolate.

We spent the remainder of the night chatting away at the condo and with more than a few rounds of Jungle Speed. I am really starting to love that game!

Saturday on the Lake

It was supposed to rain all day Saturday, which made planning a day on the lake pretty risky. Lucky for us, the clouds were only threatening and not raining over State Park Marina.

With a few more of Scott’s siblings and their kids to add to our group, we were at maximum capacity to rent a boat.

(He may seem a bit on the dramatic mellow side, but believe you me Scott was ready to roll!)

With a huge bag full of snacks and coolers full of drinks packed, eighteen of us squeezed onto one boat for the entire day.

Eighteen of us, and one mega slide that is.

Say what you want, but I enjoyed hanging in the boat for the day with Scott’s sister, Brooke, while the rest of the bunch took turns down the slide and tubing. Orrrrr maybe they all just piled up at the same time.

We swung by The Bluff a few times, which is a well-known jumping spot on Trevor Lake. Have y’all ever heard of the song Redneck Yacht Club? This is literally the lake and spot it was written about!

The kids loved it here, and their Uncle Scott even got them to coordinate a family jump.

Considering we were supposed to get rained out, our day on the lake was pretty nice. We even saw the sun here and there!

We all headed back to the condo for showers and pizza before heading back out for the round of go-carts we skipped over the day before. Wild Woody’s here we come!

It had been ages since I had last driven a go-cart. I forgot how much fun they were! I started out in the lead and because there were two people in front of me who buddied up, Scott somehow flew by me (and them), along with a few others. I was so irritated. Who goes to hold hands instead of race? I’m just curious.

Sunday at The Landing

Sunday morning was our last of family time before Scott’s sister and family left us for Houston. They actually live in Dubai, so it is always special when they get to join us at home.

On our way out of the city, Scott and I made a final stop at The Landing.

We have a special connection to this place, because it is where Scott surprised me with a trip to Branson and an engagement dinner with his family the day he proposed.

The Candlestick Inn is barely visible behind the fountains, but it’s up there.

We spent the afternoon walking the shops and left with a few goodies, thanks to Scott’s incessant sweet tooth for candy these days.

Along with some salt water taffy, we are looking forward to enjoying a few new salsas at home. We even found a hot sauce that honor’s Scott’s alma mater school (and my shirt!), which we actually already own.

Woooooo Pig Sooie!

And just like that, we were off to Fayetville, home of the Razorbacks. More stories of our trip to come!

Hope you had a marvelous weekend and a great start to the week!