Where to stay what to do what to see??? (Springfield: real estate, rental)

[2beamissourian]

Looks like we might be making a trip ...

Were going to be looking in the area around 30 minute drive from Springfield. Our son and his wife are going with us so these need to be selling points ..not real estate at this time.

We want to observe the area .. check it out .. see what its like so to say ...

Where do we need to be ..

Staying as far as a hotel rental cabin etc??

Places to eat?

Places to see?

All of you have been great so far thanks so much for all the past advice!

[DocGSD]

Originally Posted by 2beamissourian

Looks like we might be making a trip ...

Were going to be looking in the area around 30 minute drive from Springfield. Our son and his wife are going with us so these need to be selling points ..not real estate at this time.

We want to observe the area .. check it out .. see what its like so to say ...

Where do we need to be ..

Staying as far as a hotel rental cabin etc??

Places to eat?

Places to see?

All of you have been great so far thanks so much for all the past advice!

Branson is a pretty cool area about 30 min away. Im not too much in to the shows but its a neat little town. Springfield has all kinds of good eats! There are most of the usual chains and some really good others. For steak and that kinda thing, I prefer Colton's on Independence just west of Glenstone. Mexican, There is Zio's. I also like a little hole in the wall downtown but I am sorry I cant remember the name. If you ask a local, Im sure they will know. Its awsome food and its about a block from the tall Great Southern Bank building. Brew co is a cool place to catch a burger and brew or some tastey wings! Its also downtown near the ball field. I live in Joplin, about 1 hour to the southwest but I make it to Springfield often with work. I also enjoy the trip to Branson and usually stay at the Chateau near the Table Rock dam. If you go to Branson, you must check out an awsome bbq place on the landing called Famous Daves! Silver Dollar City is a cool experience. Hope I could help you some. Good luch and have a safe trip!
GSD353

[mrsgenealogy]

Originally Posted by GSD353

Branson is a pretty cool area about 30 min away. Im not too much in to the shows but its a neat little town.
...
I also enjoy the trip to Branson and usually stay at the Chateau near the Table Rock dam. If you go to Branson, you must check out an awsome bbq place on the landing called Famous Daves! Silver Dollar City is a cool experience. Hope I could help you some. Good luch and have a safe trip!
GSD353

I mean no offense to GSD at all here but I just wanted to warn you about Branson's traffic. If you're in the area and have time, it seems like a must to visit there ("You were right next to Branson and YOU DIDN'T GO THERE???!!!") but you should know that the traffic there is as bad as I've seen outside of California! I'm not telling you not to go but am guessing mornings and weekdays are the best times to avoid the traffic. Oh...and I suggest getting a map and tips from the Chamber of Commerce or a real estate agent...or something! On our first visit, we drove all over trying to figure out where we were and where anything was. Things are all spread out and it was kind of overwhelming. Nothing like Vegas, where the strip is easily found. Now, Fremont Street in Vegas is another matter.

By the way, GSD, we've been planning to visit Branson's Landing and we'll be sure to check out Famous Dave's! Thanks for the tip!

Hey, 2b...I've got to get busy but I'll come back later with my own humble attempts to answer a few of your questions. For now, I'll just ask one of my own: When are you coming?

MrsG

[2beamissourian]

I have been to Branson ...

Honest we want more of a REAL view ... community happenings?

Is there a beach where ppl swim?

what do young couples do with there children - fun things?
My son and wife have 2 young boys 2 and 3 years old.

[ShadowCaver]

Few suggestions:
Wonders Of Wildlife - Home
Welcome to Dickerson Park Zoo
General Sweeny's - A Museum of Civil War History ,,,and,,,
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield - Wilsons Creek National Battlefield (U.S. National Park Service)
and of course, Sporting Goods Equipment - Fishing, Camping, Hunting, Boating, Marine, & Outdoors Gear & Equipment - Bass Pro Shops

Many ideas here, depending upon your desires:
Branson-Springfield Missouri Tourist & Vacation Information.
Springfield, Missouri - Official Visitor Information
City of Joplin, Missouri
Carthage CVB

And of course,
Fantastic Caverns - Springfield, Missouri USA - America's Ride-Through Cave
,,,and,,,
7225 E Crystal Cave Ln
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 833-9599

[2beamissourian]

Wow I had no idea of all the things in the area..............here I was thinking of just getting away from it all.............and there is soo much to offer......... wow!!

Where I live now we have to drive at least 1 hour to get anywhere to do anything ..(concerts, nice dinning etc)

lol maybe the sticks are there to fool us!

[ShadowCaver]

lol,, yea, S'field and that area [sans Branson ] are excellent, much to offer and see.
Also, depending upon your tastes [and if have critters w/ yas at the time], there are some good local places to grab some vittles:

Agrario Restaurant & Bodega Bar - Downtown Springfield Fine Dining
Coyote's Adobe Cafe - Springfield, Missouri
Home Page
Italian Restaurant and Bar - Pasta and Seafood. Springfield, Missouri - Home
:: ZiggiesCafe.com ::
About Fish - Casual Fine Dining, Springfield, Missouri

James River Grill - but may be closed now for remodeling?

[jrsgirl]

Hi! Hope you have a great time on your trip.

The best thing about the Branson area is Table Rock Lake. If you don't have a boat, you can rent one at the area marinas.

Silver Dollar City is also GREAT!

Branson Landing is fun to walk around. Haven't checked this out yet but there is supposed to be a fantastic Mexican restaurant there.

Don't forget to relax! For those of us who live here the atmosphere is really laid back.

[deadliestformula]

the missouri department of conservation has many well stocked and maintained lakes for fishing......And there's nothing cuter than a little kids face when they catch their first fish.....And they have nice parks and nature trails.......

[la_missourienne]

Great place to take kids and meet local families that isn't touristy is Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
There are many nice hotels--pm me with price range/amenties/etc and I can give you great recommendations (I used to work as a hotel receptionist for some , thus I know about most all of them!)
Restaurants--there are tons of great places. For a great time with the kids, the Incredible Pizza Company (Battlefield and Campbell) got rave reviews all the time (even the adults like going there). Once you select your hotel, I could give you recommendations for nearby restos.