October 13, 2018. Yep, There's More To Do Here.

October 13, 2018.  Yep, There's More To Do Here.  Branson is an unusual place.  It is hidden in the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri.  In the late 19th Century, a group of vigilantes called the Bald Knobbers dominated the area.  The name originated from their organizational meetings which took place atop a grassy bald mountain in the area.  The purpose of the group was to aid law enforcement in maintaining the peace.  However, they soon became a law unto themselves and harrassed locals that they simply didn't like.  They soon embarrassed the authorities and were ultimately dissolved.  The federal courts played a role in the elimination of the Bald Knobbers.  

Branson began its life as a tourist attraction in 1894 when Marvel Cave was opened for tourists.  The Herschend Family leased the cave in 1950 and modernized it by installing electricity.  The Herschends opened Silver Dollar City in 1960 initially featuring five shops, a church and a log cabin.  Branson is now a thriving small town featuring scores of theaters and occasionally nationally known performers who are looking for an audience and a slower life.  

We arrived yesterday and met our youngest daughter and her husband.  We had lunch and then went to see "Samson," the story of the biblical strongman.  It was presented in a state of the art theater with very impressive scenery.  The production was not great, but the sights and sounds were.  If you are in the area, it is worth your time.  

Today, it was back to Walmart to stock up for the next ten days.  There are other things we'd like to do.  Top of the Rock gets good comments.  We may return to Silver Dollar City to see if I can get Annie on a roller coaster.  Oh, there is a Tanger Outlet Mall here, too.  There are scores of other entertainment offerings, too.  

The pictures show you some of the sights along Highway 76 and the theater.  Also shown is the view from our deck.  We are near Silver Dollar City on a finger of Table Rock Lake.  We can hear the screams from the roller coasters.  

Tomorrow is Sunday, a day of rest.  We will likely do just that.  The streets are jammed with weekend tourists.  We'll wait until Monday to venture out again.  

For now, goodnight.