Seeing Fall Foliage in Branson and Eureka Springs
Fall arrives in brilliant colors to the Ozarks, making trips to Branson and Eureka Springs special this time of year. Both cities marry attractions and entertainment well with the stark beauty of the northern Arkansas and southern Missouri natural landscape, giving visitors an exceptional variety of vacation fun.
For those who prefer a more relaxed trip to a theme park, Silver Dollar City just outside Branson fits the bill. The park began as an avenue to show off the massive cave on the property — which visitors may still enjoy today — but developed into an attraction that features artists and crafters, theatrical experiences and family-friendly rides as well as roller coasters.
But if you must have a thrill, this year saw the debut of the Midwest’s largest indoor family roller coaster. Titled “Fire in the Hole,” the ride follows a fictional account of the night a former Ozark Mountain mining town was burned by vigilantes. Riders board a pumper wagon and travel through a five-story building to save the town from fire. The ride is part of the park’s newly incorporated Fire District, which also includes 10 family-friendly attractions and a new food venue serving the park’s popular handmade “pretzel dogs.”
Get Outside
Hike, bike or ride a horse through the 10,000 acres of beautiful Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in nearby Lampe. There’s so much to see from rolling hills with wildlife to waterfalls and plenty of fun activities, all with the goal of environmental conservation.
New this year to the Ozarks is Ozark Nights, an immersive night walk on an illuminated trail through the former homestead of the Owen family, settlers who mysteriously disappeared on the winter solstice in the 1880s. According to the attraction’s website, the family experienced strange lights in the sky before they evaporated — if you believe.
Don’t Miss This year’s Harvest Festival Sept. 13-Oct. 26 features thousands of illuminated pumpkins, visiting craftsmen from across the nation, a Cowboy Emporium, night rides and more.
Where to Eat
If you love a meal to write home about or post to social media, order a themed sandwich from the new Mythical ’Wich in Branson, crazy combinations such as the White Walker, a biscuit with hash browns, shredded cheese and bacon smothered with house-made sausage gravy and topped with a fried egg and a dash of hot sauce. The Yard Milkshake Bar serves up their own culinary artwork that you must see to appreciate — we’re talking dessert creations that will eat up your caloric intake for the day. The Yard is nationwide but original to Branson is “In My Taylor Era,” strawberry cheesecake ice cream with accoutrements and a friendship bracelet.
Where To Stay
Numerous accommodations can be had in Branson but for those who prefer a more relaxing stay, one closer to nature, there’s Big Cedar Lodge on Table Rock Lake south of the city. Choose from lodge guest rooms, cabins, cottages, glamping or special accommodations like the 2,500-square-foot Governor’s Suite that sleeps 10 to 12 people. The massive resort created by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, offers everything a vacationer would desire: unique dining options, sunset lake cruise, Swimmin’ Hole pool, lake beach, fire pits and more.
Closer to town, The Ozarker Lodge opened last year to offer 102 guest rooms, including those with bunk beds for families. It makes a great basecamp for Branson adventures and features a heated outdoor pool and cedar soaking tubs. The Lodge’s “Sip & Savor Fall” package includes 10 percent off stays during select dates and a complimentary s’mores kit for use at the property’s firepits.
Since we’re heading into that spooky time of year, just over the border in Arkansas, the 1886 Crescent Hotel of Eureka Springs hosts one of the best ghost tours in the South — mainly because so much of it is true. The hotel owns some shaky history, so naturally, so do their ghosts.
