Destination Spotlight: Branson!

Branson, Missouri might not be your first thought when considering luxury destinations, but as we start looking into fall travel, I’m going to spotlight one of the best places in the country to experience fall foliage while playing world-class golf, and dining at top-tier restaurants.

Every time I find myself in northwest Arkansas or southern Missouri, I’m always taken aback by the beauty of the Ozarks. I don’t know why I’m always surprised; poets, scribes and minstrels have long waxed o’er the wonders of the southern Missouri countryside. Living in Austin, getting out of the summer heat is certainly a reason to travel, and the Ozarks don’t offer that much of a respite during those months, certainly not as much as, say, central Colorado or Jackson Hole, but when the weather starts to cool off and the colors change, there are few places on the planet more striking than the region surrounding Branson.

Long known as a haven for country music lovers and seekers of exceedingly family-friendly entertainment, Branson has over the years evolved into a much more diverse destination, perhaps due in no small part to Johnny Morris, the ebullient visionary behind the Bass Pro brand. In fact, the first and flagship Bass Pro Shop is located in Branson and should absolutely be a stop on your itinerary.

Mr. Morris has reinvested a large part of his considerable wealth into the area by developing Big Cedar Lodge among other ventures. The luxury resort features four championship golf courses designed by legendary names such as Tiger Woods and Coore/Crenshaw. The newest course, Top of the Rock,  is a par-3 track designed by the Golden Bear himself. Woods’ contribution to the pantheon is Payne’s Valley, a truly inspired tribute to the region’s late son, Payne Stewart, and is Tiger’s only track open to the public.

Beyond golf, Morris has also developed Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre monument to conservation that features wildlife tours, fishing, waterfalls and some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the incredible talent that put Branson on the map to begin with. Since 1959, live entertainment has been the hallmark of the city. Roy Clark, the first true celebrity to open a theater on Branson’s strip, opened his theater’s doors to the public in 1983. Today there are more than 80 theaters in Branson presenting shows morning, noon and night.

After a day of golf, fishing, immersing yourself in nature, or taking in shows, finding great food and drink isn’t hard to do. From down-home cooking to fine dining, options abound. For the latter, our top recommendation is the Osage Restaurant at Big Cedar Lodge. The spectacular regional cuisine matches the views, and if you time it right, there’s a nightly sunset bagpipe ceremony.

Other fantastic restaurants in town include the Level 2 Steakhouse where you choose your own knife, and after five visits it becomes yours, and if you’re into trying something truly out of the ordinary, reserve a table for up to 18 at the Chateau Grille where, if arranged in advance, the chef will prepare a menu specifically for you and your party.

Lodging and accommodations are abundant with all of your standard hotel chains represented throughout the area, but none is more diverse and certainly as immersive as Big Cedar Lodge. The Lodge offers every kind of Ozark overnight experience from standard hotel rooms to upscale glamping tents to private log cabins nestled deep in the woods.

Branson Airport (KBBG) serves as the private aviation hub of the region and Branson Jet Center provides top-tier FBO services. On a recent trip, our Hawker was joined on the ramp by a Falcon 2000, a few Citations, and a King Air 350. Rental cars and shuttle service to most hotels are available at the FBO, and private car service can easily be arranged.

So, this fall, if you’re looking for outdoor adventure as the weather starts to cool and the leaves change, I highly recommend that you take a closer look at Branson. It surprises me every time.

Clayton Corn is Dir. of Sales & Acquisitions for APEX and is our resident travel blogger. clayton@apexflightsolutions.com