Has Branson Missouri Changed Since 1987

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Please, “LIKE”, “SUBSCRIBE”, and leave a comment. We love making memories, preserving history, helping others and hearing from you. Stay tuned, you never know where we will go next. Thank you for your support.

[@julied334]

Thank you. Nice job and thank those that let you use their older video.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@blueroanspecial]

Branson was a real treat back in the day. Too much commercialized stores has ruined it. What a shame.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I miss the old days of Branson too.

[@dennisclimer2780]

I miss the old days of everything but Branson is still a great place

[@deltonwatts9726]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. We enjoyed it more back then..

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

@deltonwatts9726 glad you enjoyed our video.

[@cindysmith4967]

Great job on this ! I started going with my family to SDC in the 70s. So much has changed.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

We first started coming to Branson yearly in 1976 then moved here in 1993. I really miss the way it was but I guess we have to move forward. It's fun to look back though. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@propdoctor21564]

This was a fun video to see. I'm originally from Wisconsin and took my first trip to Branson in 1996 and then moved to Branson West in 2001.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@oldchickenlady]

My family started going to Branson in the dry early1960s. It was such a beautiful place.... I went in2022 after not seeing it for about30 years, I will never go back.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Sorry to hear this. There has been a lot of changes, some good and some bad. I guess everything must change. I do miss a lot of the old things that created Branson.

[@hotwired6798]

I kinda miss the ole 90 outlet mall as well as passing the old Riverboat Motel. The Riverboat was old, We stayed there before it was torn down. But, I always hoped they would build one back because looked cool and served as a landmark.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I remember the Riverboat. Cool looking place. One year, we had a heavy snow and my mother ended up driving on the sidewalks at the old Red Roof Mall. Security stopped her just before she went down the steps. It was hilarious!!!

[@leighcameron2065]

This video was awesome!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Thank you so much. We are so glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@joannstoner9938]

Thank you for making this! My parents owned the Ozark Family Steak House and Cottonpicker Lounge in the late 70’s and early 80’s. At that time, it was the biggest restaurant in Branson. The Cottonpicker, later named the Down Under, was a popular spot. After the music shows, the musicians, particularly from the Baldnobbers, came to the bar and played.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

We used to love going to Down Under. It was so much fun.

[@chriscosby2459]

My wife and I like Branson a lot. I first went to Branson around 1968 when I was 8 years old. I remember it wasn't much back then. Tablerock Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in the region.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I agree. The water is beautiful almost all the time. We started visiting Branson in 76 then moved here in 93. A lot has changed since those days.

[@JohnEBurns]

Oh JeroJero, this is Fantastic. Keep it Up my Good Friend!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@kellymetcalf3690]

I just ran across your channel and oh it brought back some wonderful memories of being there in the 70s and 80s...i went back in 98 and alot had changed...id probably be lost now if i went back...we usually stayed at hollister at 3 bears motel....

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I'm so glad you are liking our videos, and they are bringing back memories. I'm not sure where that place was. This area has changed so much in the 31 years we've lived here, some bad but mostly good. Keep watching for some pretty cool stuff coming up.

[@georgemcfly1205]

That was a great place to visit in the 80s. My great grandmother lived 10 minutes away in Forsyth. Spent many summer vacations there

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

@georgemcfly1205 those were the days when all the who built Branson were still alive. Fun times back then.

[@AirAmerica]

Nice job! Didn't even forget Ben's wishing well. Like walking through space and time at the Silver Dollar City Tree House!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

So glad you enjoyed it.

[@HarveyTalksPrison]

Thanks for bringing back memories

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

You are very welcome. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@Ray-sj2iw]

Thanks for the memories. I loved that go-cart track. We would go there once or twice a year.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

We loved the tracks too. We spent many hours chasing each other in circles.

[@cheryl2962]

Really enjoyed this Blog!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Thank you so much. Keep watching we have some exciting things coming.

[@BradDison]

I enjoyed this one a lot. If I could subscribe twice I would. Keep it up. :)

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Glad you enjoyed it. It took a while to get everything laid out and put together.

[@princessmarlena1359]

I haven’t been to Branson, MO in forever. Some of my former dance troupes would perform there, but we were only there for the day or night. The last time I was there was just for a nighttime performance with my stage magician boss/mentor as his assistant during our tours. Great video.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Glad to hear this brought back memories.

[@MrAvalanche04]

I appreciate what you have done here! I also long for the 70’s and 80’s Branson!! Miss it, miss the mom and pop hospitality! We would come every summer for 2 weeks felt like home away from home! Met a lot of nice people here! We would stay at Compton ridge campground every year! Does anyone have any pictures of the water slide at the entrance! It was owned by silver dollar city, Any video or pictures of Compton ridge campground would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for sharing this video!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I thought I had shot a drive thru video at Compton Ridge but I haven't. I will try to get on that as soon as possible. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I don't have any photos of it either but I will try to find some. I'm glad you liked what we have done with our Then & Now.

[@arfrunningbear7022]

I lived in Branson for 16 years starting in 1978. My father owned a few businesses including the Jesse James Motel. My first job was for Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise. Blast from the past.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I remember those very well. I loved the horse statue in front of the motel. The old downtown Branson was a lot of fun back then. Glad you enjoyed our video.

[@arfrunningbear7022]

@@HaveFunLetsTravel That horse statue ended up at my father's retirement property in Montana. Not sure what happened to it when he sold the property.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I always wondered. Back in the early 2000s, there was one at the Roy Roger's Museum. I think it's gone now too.

[@hotwired6798]

There was and old Wendy's location where the new one is today headed downtown. The old one smelled like a barn before it was torn down. We were very happy to see it replaced. Also, Clay Cooper Theater was located in the old Theater next to old water chute and 3D Theater. It suffered a fire and was torn down.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I remember that Wendy's as well as the theater. I was the soundman for 2 shows for 2 years there.

[@kathybelcher7521]

My first visit to Branson was in 1979 and we stayed at the Jesse James Motel. There was hardly anything along the strip. The road out to Silver Dollar City was a very narrow 2 lane, curvy, hilly road cut thru rocks, not much ditch line and a scary drive in traffic, especially after dark.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I remember those days myself. It's fun remembering old times like that.

[@zombieman1114]

that 87 video was my childhood i was 9. good memories

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Glad you liked it.

[@cindychapman9686]

Thoroughly enjoyed that! Made me homesick. I lived in the area from '78 to '98 and can confirm that there was Wendy's on the right - across from McD's - back in '87. I'm sure it's a different building by now, but it was there. I don't remember the name of the theatre over by Jim Stafford - but maybe it will come to me later - it could have been a magic show for a time?

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

[@dave3657]

I have never been there but I always pictured it differently. This looks like areas near me now for the most part.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Where are you located?

[@benfranklinskite5975]

You just might have had some of my cookin'. I cooked for Sammy's Cabin in Mutton Hollow 1985-86, above your fun spot at The Down Under when The Sliders played there and the Ladd family owned it, and at the Farmhouse Restaurant downtown in 1987. Thanks.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Although we hadn't moved to Branson yet, we visited every year or so. We ate at the places you mentioned. I miss Mutton Hollow and Down Under. Those were some fun times.

[@lizogden2458]

In the mid 80's somewhere on the strip used to be a campground that had a pool and showers.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

You got me there. Not sure.

[@JacquiKremer]

On a recent trip I was trying to remember what used to be there, so this was great. Do you or anyone else remember toward the end of the strip after White Water was a little diner or food place called Little Pete’s? Seeing the road named “Little Pete’s” made me think that there once was such a place:). Great video

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Little Pete is a character of the Shepherd of the Hills, book and outdoor drama. So, I'm pretty sure it was and maybe still is part of the Shepherd of the Hills complex. I haven't stopped by there in many years so I can't be sure.

[@kellymetcalf3690]

Oh I was hoping someone would remember little Pete's, they also had pottery and crafts next door...my mom loved that place. I still have some of the things....

[@serena_took]

This made me kind of sad. I grew up around Branson in the 80s, spent my weekends at Silver Dollar City. My mom waitressed at several restaurants, including Sammy’s Cabin in Mutton Hollow. I feel Branson has lost a lot of the history, beauty, and uniqueness that brought people there in the first place. Thanks for the memory trip!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Glad it brought back memories, but didn't mean to make you sad. We all have to be very thankful for each good memory we have. This is the exact reason we are doing videos. Making memories, preserving history, and helping others.

[@scottmcdowell4269]

At 9:27, the name of the theater between Gateway Inn and the Lowe's Country Music Theater that you're looking for is called The Country Music Castle Theater

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Thank you so much for letting us know. We have been trying to find out, but no one knew for sure.

[@dougchapman1751]

Traveling west on 76, on left from the Jim Stafford theater was the Cavervell theater which was the puppet palace in 1987, then Gateway inn, then box car willy's, which is now Duttons

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I remember those shows. Glad others do too.

[@JGanes]

Adam's Rib and Ma Brarker' were some of the best BBQ in the world!!!! I sure do miss the old Branson. The other theater was the Caravelle Theater. I believe Brenda Lee was there and later Barbara Fairchild. You can't forget the Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I never ate at Adam's Rib. I miss the old Branson too. You are right about the Caravel Theater. Branson will never be the same as it was.

[@kellymetcalf3690]

Oh my goodness, my family went on that Sammy lane cruise and the guy taking us on the tour asked us all our names and his mom had same name as my mom...it tickled both of them...oh the memories this brought back....🥲

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Glas to hear you enjoyed it. We must keep our memories alive.

[@ChefPatrickChase]

my cousin used to own Starvin Marvin’s and the adjoining motel

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

That's very cool.

[@jerrysullivan8424]

I still say " I am Starvin Marvin "when I'm really hungry. I do not know where I picked that saying up, but I know that I have said it for over 50 years. :)

[@ozarksrebel]

I am from Branson and currently live in another state. But in 1987 while still in high school at Hollister I worked for Ray Turpin & Turpin Enterprises. They also owned a motel behind the KFC as well as the KFC where Hong Kong Buffet is today and I worked 2nd shift at KFC for the Turpins. They also had a vintage car collection in a garage under the motel. Ray and his crew restored vintage cars (mainly European cars) and sold one or two now & then. I also remember when Grand Country was Walmart then it became 76 Mall, I remember the Jesse James Motel because of the Fireman's Museum I used to frequent in the same parking lot and the white stallion out front of the motel was always getting its private parts painted by some local kid with graffiti thinking it was funny. Just a few of my memories that I can share with you. all from when I was still living at home and in high school.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

There was a motel on the opposite side of KFC from the church. Was the motel called Hillbilly Inn? This is the one that was taken out by the tornado.

[@briankriz5271]

My wife and I honeymooned there in 1996, weeks went there last year and I didn’t even recognize it. We stayed in the best western by historic downtown and that even looked different

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

@briankriz5271 I agree. Lots of changes have been made. Some good and some not so good, but changes keep coming with time.

[@davidsullivan5700]

Miss the old 70s Branson......my folks bought a house at twin island estates in 73 , and they were there for twenty years or more.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I know where that is. The state is rebuilding Long Creek Bridge in that area. The 70's-2000 were the best years of Branson. Glad you enjoyed our video.

[@johnfullerton5952]

The theater next to Lowe's in 1987 was the Puppet Palace theater. It would become the John Davidson Theater in the mid 90s and the Moe Bandy Theater in 1999.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Thanks, I couldn't remember exactly. Things sure have changed over the years.

[@bkelectricinc]

Wow thanks for the flashback! I do remember the Copper Penny! I can’t remember much about Celebration City….When was it thriving? When was it demolished? I remember it being near IHOP!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Celebration City, now a church community, sat where the original Mutton Hollow was. Many of the original buildings are still in use today. It was open from 2000-2006, I think. The park closed and later sold to the church.

[@Mariaamparopostigo2317]

Hola amigo Podrías mostrarnos Farmington Missouri? Quiero conocer xf Gracias 👍👋🙂

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

We are planning a trip to that area later this Summer. Thanks for asking.

[@Mariaamparopostigo2317]

@@HaveFunLetsTravel Muchas gracias Estaré esperando con ansias Bendiciones 👍😃

[@Clarinetboy82]

My family moved to Springfield from Oklahoma in 1988, and I have vague memories of the old strip from way back. A few years ago I ran across a photo from 1925 of the old "Jim Lane" cabin and after some research I found out it used to sit where Olive Garden is at the west end of the strip. The Faucett family last lived there before the place was left abandoned, and in 1988 don't recall seeing a cabin in that area.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Hmm... I wonder if that was the old cabin that was at the Mutton Hollow entrance until it closed down?

[@Clarinetboy82]

@@HaveFunLetsTravel I haven't the foggiest. My parents never went to Mutton Hollow. I bet some of the old-timers would know though.

[@robertwade1273]

my families first time down there was before Silver Dollar city... It was Marvel Cave only and they had just moved in a few of the old cabins to draw people into see the cave.... We stopped going down there when it took us 2 hours to drive up the 76 strip.. That was before they built the bypasses.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I would have liked to have seen it back then. Come on back. Traffic isn't bad at all these days.

[@marktatum2592]

The "Ozark Wildcat" 🎢 wooden roller-coaster near Shepherd of the hills expressway & Hwy 76 Branson USA. (1999-2001) Celebration City (2003-2008)

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

That one was tons of fun. I miss Celebration City too.

[@paulyboy1951]

My father was an engineer at Silver Dollar City in the early 70's. I was in college in Springfield. I would spend summers building houses there. It was a great town then. My parents lived at the end of Indian point road. Waiting in line trying to get to their house was a pain with people going to Silver Dollar City.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Those had to be some great times. We started coming here in 1976 and then moved here in 1993.

[@chrissmith7669]

I remember Branson in the 80’s. Nothing like today

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I agree. But times do change and we have to accept it.

[@kellymetcalf3690]

Does anyone remember the George Lindsey restaurant on that strip?? My family didnt care for it at all and not sure how long it was there..i still have a sugar packet from there...

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I don't remember that one. Sorry

[@danshelburne1948]

In the area around the stafford theater on the opposite side was the roy clark an mickey gilly theaters where.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

That is correct.

[@ChefPatrickChase]

i remember the motel that looked like a riverboat

[@JGanes]

The original Ride the ducks were nextdoor to the grocery store that is now Apple Tree Mall (behind the current God and Country Theater). Also, you can't forget the drive through Animal Safari. But those were more in the early 80's.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Now that you mention it, I remember the ducks being in that location. There were two different companies of the duck rides back then. I think Ride The Ducks bought them to make it all in one. I haven't driven down Safari Road in many years. Thanks for reminding me.

[@terryvlunsford1610]

When I went to Branson in 1986 it was too crowded with too much traffic for me back then, to want to ever go back.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I remember those days. Today, you can drive from end to end of the strip in a matter of minutes. It's nothing at all like it was back then.

[@richardmetcalfjr.1552]

I'm into the same thing for the last year; I wish there was footage of pulling into Sammy lanes, and down that area. There's a little bit not really enough. Glad there's someone that cares the same way I do. I don't know if me holding a grudge about the changes is ok. I guess so, because I was looking forward to my kids experiencing all the things I did, but won't. So yeah. Idknow.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Did you ever get a Juicy Lucy and fries from Dillon's Pub? They were the best!

[@richardmetcalfjr.1552]

@@HaveFunLetsTravel let's just say I did everything but that 😆. I'll put that on the list! Sammy lane, blue haven, ride the ducks, seen the lake Queen, stayed at the old pier 76 motel right next to the bridge, the water chute, trout fished, all the tracks, silver dollar city, and funnel cakes from the 50's diner! Even put in a wave runner on lake taneycomo; that was crazy! I'm trying to figure out if Sammy lane had a real natural spring, or was it just a pump. 😆 Anyways let me know. The water chute was my favorite; and watching the lake Queen go by. I miss that.

[@richardmetcalfjr.1552]

I just thought of something really funny I'd like to share and see what you think. You know how there used to be a pizza hut in Branson. Could you imagine that poor delivery driver in the summer on a Friday or Saturday having to deliver pizzas? 😆 Maybe that's one reason why they closed. Idknow, it's funny how I think.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I knew people who delivered for Domino's during the big boom. One of the guys put all, 100%, of his tips in the bank for one season. At the end of the season, he paid cash for a brand new truck. It blew our minds!!!

[@richardmetcalfjr.1552]

@@HaveFunLetsTravel awesome! Poor guy 😆

[@TerryFlynn-sd1ho]

When I hear 'Branson ' I think of the 'Simpsons ' when Homer said Branson was like Las Vegas if it were being Run by Ned Flanders, Homer's Churchy Next Door Neighbor. 😊

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I remember that episode. It was hilarious!

[@AcuraLvR82]

The Leap Day tornado absolutely demolished the original Taco Bell. The one you see now is a completely brand new one.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Yes, it did destroy lots of things. Some places rebuilt nicer buildings, some are still vacant lots, and a couple still look like the morning after it hit.

[@AcuraLvR82]

@@HaveFunLetsTravel The damage path of the tornado is kinda strange from the perspective of driving down 76. The tornado did travel in a straight line but 76 has a few spots that are a bit of an s-curve. So you have stretches with heavy damage and spots where everything was fine.

[@cindymcvey7610]

I go back further than that. Silver Dollar City was only 1 block long and the parking lot was between Marvel Cave and Silver Dollar City. Main street ws still brick and there was nothing between Shepherd of the Hills and Silver Dollar City.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

That has been a few years. I would love to see photos from back then.

[@RebeccaMiller-v4z]

I remember the ducks and riding them with my brother

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

We loved riding them. We haven't been on the new ones yet but will soon. I will be sure to add a video of it.

[@lauraash7657]

Brings back good times when Beanson was cool.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

It sure did. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Arkinals]

My dad's band played Branson when it was nothing but a pavilion in the late 40s.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Wow!!! What was his name?

[@dhy3130]

I think Boxcar Willy had a theater close to Jim Stafford

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

You are correct. It was a few businesses west of Jim Stafford's Theater directly across from White Water. It is now The Dutton's Theater.

[@dhy3130]

It's been a few years since I've been Branson it sure has changed!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Yes, it has in some areas.

[@davidbandler]

​@@HaveFunLetsTravel In my memory I'm vaguely remembering the theater you can't remember as possibly being a red, white, blue Americana-themed theater. It might have been at one time one of the many locations the Braschlers performed at. Possibly the same theater that housed Yakov at one point too?

[@turboshelby8322]

I miss 1980s Branson.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

We do too. I know things have to change with time but it would be fun to be able to travel back to those days for a day or two.

[@parsith7620]

My best friend lived behind King Kong. We could see his butt from their front yard. They just moved from there, the summer traffic is a nightmare, to Table Rock Lake about a year ago......

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Traffic is nothing today like it was in the 90s. 3 hours or more to travel the strip end to end.

[@parsith7620]

@@HaveFunLetsTravel Gads!

[@teresamurphy874]

Anita Bryan theater, I think, was next to Jim Stafford...

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

You are correct. Anita Bryant was in what later became the Caravel Theater, which was next to Boxcar Willie's. Fun times back then.

[@cbkeno81]

How about the plantation restaurant

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

We've never been there.

[@SCBran2002]

I remember someone being killed at the copper penny. What year would that have been? I think it was a front desk clerk

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Sorry, I don't remember that.

[@tomdalton4293]

Loved Branson in the 70s and 80s it was busy but still had an easy laid back vibe and it was an affordable vacation. By the mid 90s it had become overbuilt and expensive. Steal (your) Dollar City

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

It was fun back in those days.

[@jerrysullivan8424]

Branson is not the same without Boxcar.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I miss Box. He was such a nice man.

[@katydid2877]

I moved to Branson in 2021. According to the locals I talk to, Branson was way better before the Landing was built. After that, they say it became much more commercial. I was also asking them about jobs, because the employers hiring minimum wage folks all seem to have crazy expectations for the pay. I moved here from a suburb of a large city and have worked many minimum wage jobs. The few I attempted after I moved to Branson were pretty insane, expected to work you like a dog, were super stressful and I quit. Seems like the opportunities for jobs boil down to a doctor at Cox or cleaning hotel rooms. And on a side note, MO has a ton of taxes that nickel and dime you to death, so when you think a place has a lower cost of living, note to self, look at more than gas and housing prices. Live and learn.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I think everywhere has changed since covid. Or, at least the places we've been.

[@RebeccaMiller-v4z]

I was born in 1980

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

We were born in 70 and 71.

[@jonleibow3604]

I miss how Branson had a lot more original performers. Now it seems to be mostly "tribute" acts like Legends in Concert and Awesome 80s.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Me too. I worked with about 50 big names back in those days. Either as drummer, sound, lights, and/or tech crew. I heard so many wonderful stories from some of them that I should write a book. Glad you enjoyed our video.

[@Walkercolt1]

I used to like to go an RV near Branson at the lake (Kimberling City). Since 2000-ish you couldn't PAY me enough to go there! Roaring River State Park has likewise gone from peaceful and pretty to overcrowded with drug/booze "glampers" and almost ruined. Park rangers boss around families and quiet people (like me) and IGNORE 4AM drunken NUDE PARTYERS and "music" blaring so loud, you can't sleep a mile away in a "hardside" RV. The last time I camped in Corps of Engineers campground, I put a .38 Super (auto) into a "sound system" BLASTING in the back of a van and told the 20-odd semi-homeless to leave! One attacked me and I put one in his groin. There were gone in less than ten minutes, but THAT'S NOT MY JOB!!! Other people put over $200 in $1's and $5's (and some $20's!) on my table with "thank you's" on scraps of paper under a rock.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Ouch!!!

[@sharondunlap6879]

None of that in 1969, trees trees and more trees

[@cbkeno81]

Nits not country anymore

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I agree that it's not like it once was.

[@barbaradudley4083]

Where was country tonight? And are the ducks still in operation?

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Country Tonight had 2 locations when it was here. First location was at the west end of hwy 76 in the huge theater with a red metal roof and the second was directly across from Presleys. The show left Branson many years ago. The Ride The Ducks, white military vehicles, shut down after the sinking accident. Now, the Branson Water Ducks, a brand new style of vehicle, is located at the Branson Landing.

[@barbaradudley4083]

@HaveFunLetsTravel thank you, we are going to be there in Sept

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

Have you seen our series called, "Branson In A Minute"? Currently, there are commercials for 73 local businesses. You can find them at kzbin.info/aero/PLbQvbqKVSJpMynPQh-7wP0wF_aN0iX_Us

[@tonyxenos1818]

Dimitri’s Restaurant!!

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

That's a good one too.

[@hesavedawretchlikeme6902]

In the 80's it was more country/rural oriented. There are not as many localized owners of businesses. Motels hotels have changed. One of the first places we stayed on the 76 hwy was The Hillbilly Inn, which you mentioned. It's long gone. There are not as many music venues any more, not like the latter day country music stars like Mickey Gilley, Mel Tillis, Boxcar Willie, Jim Stafford, Charlie Pride, Ray Stevens, and Christy Lane. They are gone, and many young folks have come to be entertained by more of the other draws such as race tracks, amusements, water features. And more chain restaurants. There dosent seem to be as many bus tours bringing seniors to music shows. We are glad we got to see Andy Williams and later the Rockets at the Grand Palace. Don't like some changes, but Branson has had to.

[@HaveFunLetsTravel]

I agree with you. I had the wonderful opportunities to work with everyone you mentioned except for Christy Lane. Those fun times. Most bus groups are coming for the Christmas season now instead of all season. The only constant in life is change. We have to be thankful for our memories.