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MYTH: “Country” is the only type of music in Branson.
BUSTED: Branson is well-known for (and proud of) our “country” roots and if you like country music, you will have no difficulty finding fabulous shows to satisfy your appetite.
However, of the 100+ shows in Branson today, less than 50% of them feature country music. Branson now offers an impressive array of entertainment for today’s varied audiences. Examples include: Pop, Rock, Blues, tribute performances, Broadway, Irish step dancing, magic & illusion, variety shows, comedy, ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, outdoor dramas, acrobats, original musicals, Motown and more.
Add to this a revolving calendar of top acts in town for individual concerts or limited engagements such as: John Tesh, Johnny Mathis, Natalie Cole, B.B. King, the Moody Blues, STYX, REO Speedwagon, Poison, Bill Cosby, Daniel O’Donnell, Paul Rodgers, American Idol Finalists, Amy Grant, Ray Price and Bobby Vinton, to name a few.
MYTH: Traffic is often backed up for miles.
BUSTED: This remark is usually referring to what locals call “the strip” which is highway 76. This road runs primarily east and west through the heart of Branson and many theaters and attractions are located on it, creating a colorful, neon-lit driving experience.
This traffic can in no way be compared to frustrated, gridlocked freeway drivers with road rage. The folks who are on the strip are patient and courteous drivers, who are mostly “cruising the strip” to enjoy the sights. They use the “Branson Wave” a friendly hand gesture to signal to other cars that they may cut in front of them.
From the furthest eastern edge of Branson (Town Square) to the most western edge (Celebration City) the distance is only 4.71 miles – so Branson is just not that big! Even so, millions of dollars have been invested to add a center turning lane on the strip as well as three color-coded alternative routes, each beginning and ending on the strip. So if you need to get somewhere more quickly, options and solutions have been made available. But we suspect that you too, will want to cruise the strip!
MYTH: Branson is filled with Senior Citizens traveling on motor coaches.
BUSTED: For many years now, Branson has been one of the top bus destinations in the world. We are happy to welcome thousands of coaches per year.
But to put that in perspective, it is important to know that more than 90% of the eight million visitors to Branson each year travel by car. Less than 10% of Branson’s tourism business results from group markets and of that, less than half comes via a motor coach.
So while this is a part of our business, it represents a very small percentage of the overall picture. Branson is in fact, one of the fastest growing destinations for families and empty nesters. We are also becoming well known among outdoor enthusiasts, who tend to be younger and more active.
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