Photo Credit: Flickr user Adventurer Dustin Holmes
I`ve been traveling from the time I was 3 years old, and I guess thats why I have an undying passion for travel. Growing up my mom would always marvel at how I would remember the places Ive been by the food I had there. So 20 some years later, its no wonder then that my culinary tastes go hand in hand with my travel experiences.
One of the most unexpected places Ive been to is without a doubt Branson, MO. It was unexpected because I wouldnt describe myself as being a country music fan, and quite frankly it wasnt on my bucket list of must go places. If it wasnt for our annual family trip, and my mothers desire to go, I probably would have never gone and I wouldve sadly missed a fun-filled opportunity. I loved Branson so much, I went twice! I even got engaged there.
If I had to describe Branson, I would say that its the PG version of Las Vegas. There is just so much to do and see that I couldnt give justice to it all in just one post. However, if youre looking for an unforgettable show coupled with good food, I would suggest that above all else, you find yourself at the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede.
Photo Credit: Flickr user Adventurer Dustin Holmes
This is a family-friendly show that relives the American Civil war between North and South. Its filled with excitement, music, dancing horses, a love story and of course a fight between North and South. An hour or so before the show starts guests are treated to a pre-show with a mixture of comedy and magic thats worth arriving early for. Afterwards, the main show and dinner is served in the arena, where guests are quite appropriately seated on either the North or the South. Whichever side you are seated on, is the side you will be cheering for during the show.
Photo Credit: Branson.com
Just before dinner is served by union soldiers or confederate soldiers (depending on which side youre on), the host gives a warm welcome and informs you that your utensils for dinner will be none other than your own two hands! This is a true Southern four course feast! In fact the absolute best I have ever had. Even the drinks are served in jars (Sweet tea or Pepsi).
Photo Credit: InsidePigeonForge.com
The first course is their signature creamy vegetable soup and fresh homemade biscuits. Next you will be served juicy, buttered Corn on the cob and herb roasted Potato, followed by a whole rotisserie Chicken and hickory-smoked BBQ Ham. If you think it cant get any better, the dessert is a fresh, flaky warm apple pie that just melts in your mouth.
The food is so good you could very well forget there is a show going on. Every single item on this menu is skillfully prepared and flavored with the very best ingredients. At least thats how good it tastes! After a finger-licking meal like this you may be tempted to literally lick your hands, but the gracious hosts will serve you a warm, moist towel to remove the evidence.
This is just a microscopic taste of all that Branson, MO has to offer. If an island girl like me could like it enough to go twice, I would say just about anyone would find something to like about this place. Even if its just the food!
More on this Guest Blogger
@FoodTravelDiva is passionate about many things in life. There are two though, that she thinks make a good combination – food and travel. Why? you might ask, well because the more she travels, the more cuisine she gets to experience and incorporate in her cooking. Some say they live to eat and some eat to live, but I say I eat to live so I can travel and eat!! Life tastes better with good food! So eat, drink and travel… Check her blog Food and Travel with Des for more Food & Travel.
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