Paradise Point

Paradise Point is in Hollister MO, the show me state. This meant I was very interested in what the area had to show me. I have only been to MO twice before to the Branson area, but with the shows and entertainment I was happy to be going back.

Given the distance from home, I chose to fly into the area for the brief trip. This meant finding a decent flight to Branson Airport. Flights to the area are seasonal with pricing. Sometimes the seats get darn right affordable, at other times when fights are more limited the prices climb. I was about to find round-trip flights with only 1 stop for less than $500. Considering the travel time and effort I save by flying, I considered that a win.

Video by Wiser Living Realty

Day One Arrival

After arriving at Branson Airport I grabbed my rental car (I had pre-booked since this is a smaller airport). From the airport it was a short drive to the resort less than 20 minutes and truly only because there was now a straight road, you had to drive around a bit to get closer to the road leading to the resort.

They offer a number of rooms and sizes at this resort with 220 sqft studio units, 722 sqft Executive 1-bedroom suites, or spacious 1,257 sqft 2-bedroom and 1,375 sqft 3-bedroom suites. All 1- and 2- bedroom resort suites feature balconies, kitchens, fireplaces, and other comforts of home. Something to meet the needs of most travelers and their families.

The resort itself is located just 14 miles from Branson and it has a great location on the water. The setting is truly dreamlike because of the location, pools, and outdoor layout.

The resort offers many amenities.

Branson, if you have not been, offers the most live music anywhere outside of a fleet of cruise ships. Certainly, the most live music on the land of any vacation destination. In addition, there are many attractions in town and in the surrounding area. It is a great town to entertain the family or just to get away from it all, letting your mind get engaged by amazing entertainment and locations.

I had arrived at the resort early for check-in, but I stuck my head in anyway and spoke to the staff. (Sometimes they have things ready early and might let you put bags in your room or something). My room was not, but they did invite me to enjoy the grounds and facilities. I thanked them, but then headed for town and some early dinner instead.

Villa Amenities

Then the resort itself offers all of these options.

Resort Amenities

When I travel, I do not go to chain restaurants much. In Branson however, they do have some great chains that you do not find everywhere else. One that is available in many markets is Fuddruckers the two locations that used to be near me had closed so I chose to go there for one of their giant burgers like I used to enjoy.

It is hard to beat a freshly grilled burger and their fixings bar to make it just like you like it. You cannot complain that their burgers are as big as a half-pound either.

After the giant burger and milkshake dinner later I was ready to go back to the resort, take a nap, and then head out for a show.

I had checked online before my trip to find the best local shows playing in the area. I even took the time to make a few reservations. I can tell you I do not mind doing anything solo all that much, but it does feel weird booking shows for 1 guest. But I am often traveling without a lot of notice, and at the time I was not dating anyone special so solo for this trip it would be.

Tonight I had gotten a ticket to the Edge of Illusion experience. A magic show in town that had gained some good reviews from many guests recently. This was a case of social media influencing my choices, I believe. The reviews were very good, so I looked forward to the show.

After my nap and a shower to feel fresh and awake after the nice big meal and the 10 hours of travel today. I headed for the show itself. It was Thursday so the nighttime show would start at 8 PM, which after a good nap and break would be about 45 minutes from the time I stepped out of the shower and got dressed.
The show was at the Branson Famous Theatre, 645 State Highway 165 Branson, MO 65616 it was a quick and easy drive from the resort. I enjoyed the program, and I was happy to see the entertainer taking time with guests after the show. You could see the kids lighting up, seeing the talented headliner up close.

It was a great deal of entertainment for less than $40 per adult ticket. Sometimes you go to a magic show and you leave well underwhelmed. This was not the case, Reza did a great job, and the tricks were well done.

Day Two at Paradise Point

Waking up at the ideal resort location is not exactly hellish. The sun was shining in the sky, which was perfectly blue, and the view was a pleasant nature scene right outside my villa on the balcony.

Note to self get some breakfast items today for breakfast in the room for the next few days. With a view like this, it is a shame to leave it just to go eat. But it had been a while now since my large burger and I was hungry. I felt it was time to break my fast and head into town for some more good food.

For my breakfast, I wanted to do a buffet, so I headed to the Grand Country Buffet. For less than $10 per person, you can get the breakfast buffet here that has all the standard choices. Waffles, pancakes, eggs, sausages, grits, hash browns, and much more. Adding a drink and tip you can still get through on $15, which is a great price for a buffet. The food is good, and it is cafeteria-level fare.

After a breakfast of my choosing, I was fueled up and ready for the day. I had slept in some and not made it out until 8 AM and stayed here eating I while so I hoped by 9 AM some local spots would start to open for the day.

I was close to the Celebrity Car Museum which meant I could check that out since they opened at 9 AM. Here they have many original TV and movie vehicles from many decades of entertainment. The Original Batman Car, Kit, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, Road Warrior, and many more vehicles can be found and you may even be able to sit in a few or take a selfie.

I had a good time checking out all the cars and seeing them in person. It was a heck of a collection. There were so many that even as a TV and Movie fan, I had to read the signs for some to recognize what they were from.

Since it was just me on this trip and I could get away with it. Next, I went to the Veteran’s Memorial Museum. Not every family member or girlfriend will sign up to tour a Military Museum with the guys. This one is an impressive location. While not as large as many military museums, the collection is still impressive for any military or history fan.

Even outside you can see a helicopter from the 118^th bandits. Inside you learn more about the stories of many service members from many parts of the nation. The journey includes their military uniforms combined with the story of that soldier. But it is not all soldier’s stories either, here is one of the larger collections of historical photos and documents of Japanese internment camps and the people who were forced to stay in those camps during the war.
As you continue on you can see and learn more about weapons, gear, and what our heroic troops used in various wars. This massive collection even includes a great deal of material on military supplies for the civilian population as well. Gas masks for adults and babies, life rafts, and much more are all shown with real work examples.

You also learn about Presidents who have served the nation. Then more about various wars and conflicts.

I enjoyed my time at the museum and left even more grateful to all the men and women that serve, and have served our nation.

I had spent a good deal of time in the two museums combined so now I wanted to change gears some and get some lunch, then move on to something more active.

For lunch, I headed to Landry’s Seafood House I had been to their location in Myrtle Beach not long ago and enjoyed the food so I headed back to their Branson location today. This seafood house does its own version of southern and almost cajun food. I say almost because unless you are in New Orleans I do not think any cook would use as much butter and cream as they use.

I started with shrimp and crab gumbo which was tasty and then moved on to a panko-crusted Mahi which was great as well. The food here is good for sure, but it does run on the pricy side so if budget is a consideration (like you are feeding a large family) you may want to choose another location. When it is just 1-2 people, it is easier to splurge.

After lunch it was time to get moving again, and I headed for the Ferris Wheel in Branson. I had not been on one since a few trips ago when I was in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina so I thought this would be a good opportunity. Here the Ferris Wheel is with a bunch of rides, activities, and Branson Tracks.

So once I had read the wheel I kept on having fun. I hit some in the batting cages, played a round of mini-golf (as close as I usually get to the real game), and even played skeet ball in the arcade. It was like a trip down a childhood memory lane. Branson Tracks is a large site with a ton that kids and families will love.

After a ton of fun, I headed back to the resort to take a nap and refresh, then enjoy the resort some.

Waking at the resort later today, I wanted to try to sneak in another show in my schedule maybe two. I started with breakfast in my villa. Nothing huge, just a quick omelet and some juice. I am not a big coffee guy and usually drink it if I am making some for others on a trip. Or I might go once a year to coffee when working low on energy.

I started my day at the Promised Land Zoo today. What is unique about this zoo is the available personal access and experiences you can have thanks to their staff and the animals here. You can go on a ride with a zoo keeper for a little extra and meet and greet with several of your favorite animals. That is something that you do not find at other zoo locations.
There is a two-mile drive-through safari here, which I would say is a must-do when you visit.

After the zoo, I headed back to the main strip. I drove past the Titanic, which is a location that you may want to check out while you are here. I have been to locate myself on two previous trips, and felt like I needed to see other things on this trip. It is a little pricy but there is a good deal to see and I think most people who go come away happy that they went and learned more about the Titanic.

So instead, I drove to the Sheppard of the Hills Fish Hatchery to learn more about aquaculture and see their operation in person. The hatchery includes a free conservation center, where the public can learn more about trout culture, aquatic life, fishing, and the Missouri Department of Conservation’s role in aquatic resource management. Conservation Center hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday, and all state holidays.

This is a great location for a family with children interested in science, animals, and nature. It also is great that the site has a free conservation center. With so many tourist sites that cost, and cost, this is a great free option for families big and small.

Later tonight I had tickets for the Dolly Parton dinner show but before that, I wanted to see if I could catch an earlier show or do something else fun near the strip. I was kind of trying to jam in as much fun as possible into my 3 days.

I was able to secure a ticket to the Sight and Sounds theater which does faith-based shows. That link will take you to a video that shows their cast and some of the amazing sets. Branson itself is themed for the heart of America. So, it has strong biblical themes at many sites and locations, and it certainly has many country musics acts throughout the year as well.

If you are a person of faith, then go and see the show. The acting and amazing sets make the experience one most will enjoy. For others that do not find that appealing, there is plenty to do in the area.

On several previous trips, I visited the Silver Dollar City amusement park, and that 1880s-themed park is a lot of fun for the entire family.

You can easily spend an entire day or two at the park and have a great time with the whole gang. The park has lots of rides and unique for any amusement park are the cave tours. The park started its life as just a cave tour location and has grown to become a full-fledged amusement park.

The park does a great job with seasonal attractions like Smokey Mountain Christmas too. Unlike most parks here, you want to eat the food since it is high quality and not horrible with pricing.

After a great trip to the first show, then a little gift shopping downtown for all the people who did not make it on this trip, I headed back to the resort for a bit to shower and change before my dinner show. Hey you never know when you might meet the person of your dreams. Joking, I was just a little hot and needed to refresh before dinner time.

Going to the Dolly Parton dinner show is likely a must for people who love country music and can afford the price tag. But you have to be able to roll with the flow of things. There is no menu here. They do have some standard items they bring out but everything is designed to be a simple experience. That means largely finger foods, (although great) and basic non-alcoholic beverages. Most people who are traditional meat and southern food eaters will go away happy and full from the food after the show. But things are served as they are ready from the kitchen and depending on the night that might feel a little random.

All the while though you are entertained by very talented artists, and entertainers up to and including horses and fully acted scenes, with a lot of musical elements that made the show.

I think this is a well-designed family experience and knowing Dolly Parton from a distance I do not think she would lend her name to anything she was not proud of. Here I think younger kids might be a challenge to keep them entertained, but older kids who can get into the acts, music, and finger food should love it.

The takeaway from this trip like all I have made to Branson is that you can do the trip here on the cheap, but given the shows and amusement options, it helps to bring a budget for the extras. It is an amazing location and if I was on a budget, I might spend more time at the resort pools with the kids, and even go down to the lake for less costly fun during my vacation.

Regardless of what brings you to Branson or your budget, it helps to save on your vacation by booking through TZort.