With over 100 productions, 2 amusement parks, several water parks, 3 lakes, many different golf courses (both full scale and Putt Putt), numerous places to shop and dine and so many choices for lodging, it not hard to understand why it's easy to become overwhelmed. It is also easy to see why people return to Branson year after year.

There is no way that you will be able to see it and do it all in a three day visit, a long weekend or even a full week, don't even try.

The best advise that you can be given for the first time visitor and those who come again and again, pick from the most recommended list and a few from the whorthwhile list along with a few extra activities (if you have the time), but don't try to do everything. Take your time and relax, isn't that the reason that you are on vacation in the first place. Branson will be here for your next visit.

So what are the most recommended shows and activities for a family with children and a small budget and what about those couples whose children have left home?

Branson has become the live entertainment capital of the world. There are more live performances performed everyday for most of the year than are performed in New York City and Las Vegas combined. It is the 3rd most visited destination in the United States and the #1 destination to visit by car and tour bus. Every year over 7 1/2 million people from all over the world come for a visit. Half of the people living in the United States live within a 12 hour drive. It is easy to understand why it has become the place that it is.