Saturday in Branson: Food, Fishing, Shopping, and a Whole Lot of Fun

Saturday morning in Branson starts the same way mornings should start anywhere in the Ozarks — with a good cup of coffee.

After that first cup kicks in, the next big decision becomes breakfast.

Now there are so many great breakfast places in Branson that choosing one can feel almost impossible. But if I had to narrow it down to my top two breakfast spots, I would probably choose either Paul's Breakfast House on the Strip or the Steamy Joe Café located inside the Bradford Inn.

Both places serve breakfasts that you will remember long after your trip is over. Paul’s has that classic Branson breakfast feel that people love, but if scenery matters to you, Steamy Joe Café probably gets the edge. It’s one of those places where you can sit down, relax, enjoy your coffee, and ease into the day.

After breakfast, I would probably take my wife shopping.

Now in Branson, that usually means one of two places:Branson Landing or Tanger Outlets.

Both have more than enough stores to keep her busy for hours, and just enough places nearby for me to either relax, grab a drink, or simply people-watch while pretending I enjoy shopping.

Of course, there’s always another option.

I could simply drop her off and go fishing.

Fishing in Branson is HUGE.

You have two major lakes to choose from, and both offer completely different experiences.

Table Rock Lake is the classic Ozarks fishing destination. It’s known for excellent bass fishing, but you can also catch crappie and catfish there as well. Whether you’re fishing from the bank or heading out on a boat, it’s hard to beat a morning on Table Rock.

Then below Table Rock Dam, you have Lake Taneycomo.

At the upper end, Taneycomo is primarily known as a trout lake. There’s even a hatchery nearby constantly stocking trout, which makes it one of the best trout fishing spots in the region. Further down the lake, though, the fishing changes and you can also find bass and crappie.

Honestly, if you love fishing, you could spend your entire vacation doing nothing but that around here.

Eventually though, I’m going to get hungry again.

And when lunchtime rolls around, I’m going back to one of my favorite spots in Branson — Crazy Craig’s Cheeky Monkey Bar.

Now most people think of it as a dive bar, but what many visitors do not realize is they also serve some incredible BBQ.

And I say that as somebody from Kansas City, where BBQ is practically treated like a religion.

The smoked mac and cheese alone is worth showing up for.

After lunch, I would probably slow things down a little and catch one of Branson’s famous shows.

If I had to pick my favorites, I would probably choose either The Haygoods, The Duttons, or The Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

These are three of the best variety shows in Branson and each one offers that classic Branson entertainment experience people travel here to see. Great music, comedy, talent, and family-friendly entertainment all rolled into one.

By the time evening rolls around, there’s a good chance I’m hungry again.

And if that happens, my next stop would absolutely be Dolly Parton’s Stampede.

The easiest way I can describe it is this:Imagine part rodeo, part dinner theater, and part live-action country spectacular.

In the center arena, riders and horses perform incredible stunts and shows while guests sit around the arena enjoying a hearty homestyle meal. It’s one of those Branson experiences that’s hard to explain fully until you actually see it in person.

And honestly, after a full day like that, I’m probably done.

I’d be looking for my bed and some serious sleep.

But if you’re the kind of person who still has energy left after all that, Branson still has options.

You could always head over to Crazy Craig’s Treehouse on the Strip, located next to Outback Steak & Oyster Bar — not related to that “other” Outback everybody thinks of.

Every Saturday night they usually have a live band, good music, and plenty of people looking to keep the night going.

Me?

I’ll be asleep.

But y'all have fun.