Booming Branson

Branson, MO (population 6,050) is a town that could probably rest on its laurels. After all, what other town its size has 46 theaters, bringing in 7 million tourists/year? The strip along route 76, west of the downtown is lined with these theaters, restaurants, shops and hotels.

But, not all of the activity is taking place on the strip. Branson’s historic downtown is also thriving. I had trouble finding a parking place when I tried to park on Main Street at about 11 am one day last week. I saw no vacancies and lots of people on the streets.

And, the new Branson Landing is going to be incredible! This $420 million investment located on the banks of Lake Taneycomo, adjacent to Main Street, is set to open next spring. It includes a 220,000 sf convention center (paid for with a $54 million TIF), 450,000 sf of retail space (100 shops including Bass Pro Shops), $80 million of luxury condos, a $7.5 million computer-driven fountain and a one mile Boardwalk. You can see it being built at their webcam at www.bransonlanding.com.

Branson is down-home. It is fueled by bus tours and people driving to the town for All-American entertainment. The Presley family was one of the first entertainers in the town. They are still there. Grandpa and Grandma Presley still live on the grounds of their theater complex in a rather modest house. Fame hasn’t gotten to their heads, just as it hasn’t gotten to the town.