free “family friendly” things to do in Branson

The rolling Ozark Mountains and our three incredible lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo, make Branson, Missouri a beautiful, scenic outdoor wonderland that provides great opportunities for exciting and leisurely vacations. There are plenty of things to see and do. Even better, there are plenty of FREE things to do that are fun and interesting for everyone. Branson’s great variety of outdoor fun, unique attractions and interesting history make it the perfect place to live or discover a great vacation!

1. Table Rock Lake: The waters of this outdoor wonderland have become a haven for visitors nationwide. Take advantage of water activities such as boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, scuba diving, hiking and camping. Table Rock Dam is a massive engineering structure that was completed in 1958 and created Table Rock Lake. Crowds gather to watch the powerful structure hold back the waters of the White River.
2. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery: One of Branson’s most popular tourist sites, the fish hatchery is located below Table Rock Dam. The center has several beautiful aquariums showcasing Missouri’s native fish including both Rainbow and Brown Trout for not only Lake Taneycomo but other state trout fishing facilities. Self-guided and conducted tours are available. The hatchery is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
3. Moonshine Beach: Moonshine Beach is a great place to relax with the family. The sandy beach located on Table Rock Lake next to the dam allows families to swim, sun and enjoy beautiful views. ($4.00 per vehicle)
4. Bull Shoals Lake: Bull Shoals is a water sports paradise. Almost 1,000 miles of pristine shoreline is open to visitors from all over the nation who come to fish, scuba dive, houseboat, water ski, wake board, camp, and relax. Bull Shoals Lake water is very clean and clear. Swimming is enjoyable from mid May until late September. Fishing on Bull Shoals Lake is excellent all year with peak action in March, April, and May.
5. Lake Taneycomo: Lake Taneycomo’s clear cold waters provide some of the finest trout fishing available anywhere in the world. The Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout that ply the waters of Lake Taneycomo provide an exciting, year-round fishing experience. Full-service marinas and outfitters in the area offer canoeing, kayaking, fishing boats, motors, guides, tackle, and pontoons for relaxing and fun-filled lake activities. Other activities in and around this lake include hiking, scuba diving, and picnicking.
6. Shopping in Branson: Branson is a great place to shop and it doesn’t cost a thing to look! Explore the many outlet malls and the new addition to the Branson scene, Branson Landing.
7. Historic Downtown Branson: A small-town, charming glimpse into historic Branson. This popular area is filled with shops, restaurants and quaint stores filled with treasures.
8. Historic Downtown Branson’s Discovery Trolley: The green trolleys run a 15 minute loop through Historic Downtown Branson and the length and breadth of Branson Landing.
9. Branson Landing: The Landing has a beautiful level 1 ½ mile family friendly boardwalk. Visitors can stroll while enjoying scenic views, Lake Taneycomo, 100+ shops, 20+ restaurants and free entertainment.
10. Branson Landing Fountain Show: Fountains are located at the heart of Branson Landing at the foot of the “Town Square” on the Lake Taneycomo lakefront. The fountains are a part of the spectacular $7.5 million water, fire, and light and music show that shows every hour…most spectacular at night! Free concerts on some weekends.
11. Henning State Forest: This 1,534 acre-park, located on W. Highway 76 just one mile west of Branson, offers spectacular views, nature trails and nature studies. There is a naturalist on hand to answer questions and a beautiful scenic lookout area that provides an incredible view of the countryside.
12. Stockstill Park: This park offers Branson visitors 62 acres of outdoor enjoyment that includes calm streams, athletic opportunities and rolling, grassy meadows and is located just a few minutes from Lake Taneycomo. This very popular park is a hub of activities for adults and children alike. The park, which sets along Roark Creek, hosts softball and tennis leagues for all ages on its two softball fields and six tennis courts. Throughout the park are two large children’s playgrounds and four separate covered pavilions that are a popular for family picnics. A ½ mile paved walking trail surrounds the park. Public restrooms are available. A lighted soccer field and the newest feature, a skate park can also be found at the park. You may take either W Hwy 76, north on Walnut St., then west on Stockstill Lane into the park; or take Hwy 248 west, south on Epps Road, then east on Melody Penner Lane.
13. Stone Hill Winery: Experience a sparkling tour of wine making on this free tour, which ends with some fine wine tasting. Kids receive grape juice.
14. College of the Ozarks: This picturesque campus is complete with gorgeous landscaping, fountains and walking paths. Visitors will also want to experience the Keeter Center Restaurant and the free tours at Edwards Mill which is an actual working grist mill and is powered by a twelve foot water wheel driven by water flowing from Lake Honor in the center of the campus. Also check out the Ralph Foster Museum, which houses the area’s best collection of Ozark’s history. (Slight fee for museum admission.)
15. Free Sunday Shows in Branson: Several Branson theaters open their doors Sunday morning for gospel singing and praising.

 

 

SUNSET SCOOP

 

Hi. I would like to share some valuable information with you about Real Estate statistics for Branson according to Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors of Branson. Let us know if you would like additional information.

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Did you know that buying in the Branson area has never been better?

In 2004, the median sale price for condos was $86,532, and $141,536 for homes. In 2008, the median sale price for condos was $139,947 and $177,035 for homes. That’s an overall average increase of 10% per year for the last 5 years! In 2008, as compared to 2007, condo’s average sales prices increased by 13%, whereas residential sales prices decreased by 4%. Many investors have been coming to the area to take advantage of the steady growing market. Prices are still low and the growing continues! As reported by the City of Branson on January 7, 2009, new construction for 2008 surpassed the $100 million mark for the 4^th consecutive year. Branson is being called “recession resistant”.  For additional sales details, see the table below.

 

Real Estate Statistics for the Branson, Tri-Lakes area

2004 – 2008

 

						Avg Sales $ chg in 5 years	Avg Sales $ chg per year	Avg Sale $ chg since 2007
RESIDENTIAL
	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
# of Sales	1,565	1,720	1,623	1,346	1,009
Avg List Price	$146,928	$165,104	$173,492	$190,729	$187,719
Avg Sales Prices	$141,408	$159,005	$167,876	$183,886	$177,035	25%	6%	-4%
List-to-Sell %	96%	96%	97%	96%	94%
Days on Market	134	120	110	111	121
Sales $ Total	$221,303,141	$273,489,064	$272,463,011	$247,326,886	$178,451,081
CONDOS
	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
# of Sales	402	483	491	445	308
Avg List Price	$91,200	$116,691	$120,245	$128,784	$146,038
Avg Sales Prices	$86,703	$112,208	$116,415	$123,891	$139,947	61%	15%	13%
List-to-Sell %	95%	96%	97%	96%	96%
Days on Market	145	131	101	112	131
Sales $ Total	$34,854,544	$54,196,704	$57,159,632	$55,131,316	$43,103,565
LAND
	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
# of Sales	645	999	923	680	320
Avg List Price	$75,714	$72,175	$78,839	$100,010	$117,064
Avg Sales Prices	$57,556	$64,349	$65,031	$84,537	$96,011	67%	17%	14%
List-to-Sell %	76%	89%	83%	85%	82%
Days on Market	314	303	258	210	226
Sales $ Total	$37,123,449	$64,284,769	$60,023,201	$68,006,559	$30,723,495

NOTE: These stats were compiled from the Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors of Branson, Missouri Marketing Activity Report

 

*Did you know that property taxes in the Branson area are among some of the lowest in the country?

For Branson, the rate is $4.67 per $100 of assessed value. For Taney County, rates vary from $3.9611 to $5.2981 and for Stone County they are $3.2892 to $4.6063, both per $100 of assessed value. Homes are assessed at 19% of market value. Example - for a house valued at $150,000 in Branson, the yearly tax would be approximately $1,200.

 

*Rates may be adjusted in August, 2009

 

Did you know that TIME magazine calls Branson “an opportunity waiting to happen”?

In an September 6, 2007 article entitled “Home Free”, TIME suggests rent to own. TIME says if you are 5 to 10 years out from retirement, you should buy your retirement home now while prices are low and use it as a vacation rental. Areas they mention include…”BRANSON, MO”.

 

At Sunset Nightly Rentals, we offer a unique combination of real estate sales and vacation rental management. We know rentals! If you are looking for a vacation property to put in a rental program, we have the expertise to help direct you to the locations and types of properties that will do best in a program. 

 

Did you know that WHERE to RETIRE magazine suggests Branson as a great retirement area?  WHERE to RETIRE says that few know that Branson has increasingly become a retirement magnet. They go on to say that entertainment has something to do with that, but more important are the area’s scenic beauties, its below-average cost of living and its down-home atmosphere. Lakes are one of the primary attractions to the area. WHERE to RETIRE says “Beyond its noted entertainment strip, this star in the Missouri Ozarks is a laid-back, scenic retreat”.     

 

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We look forward to continue to work with you on your real estate needs. Call us toll free at 1-866-804-8361 and don’t forget our websites at www.SunsetRealtyServices.com and www.SunsetNightlyRentals.com. You can also text or call me, Dustin Hall, at 417-699-1070. If sending a text, you can either text from your phone or send from the attached Alltel link. http://www.alltel.com/wps/portal/AlltelPublic/SendATextMessage

 

Dustin Hall

Broker/Owner

Dustin@SunsetRealtyServices.com