Gayle's Thinking Spot: Branson Vacation April 2026

Fred and I have heard friends talk about their trips to Branson for years.

We decided it was time. We choose to drive. We stopped about 1/2 way and spent the night in Joplin Missouri. We took this detour because we wanted to drive to the Bentonville, AR

to see the new temple there.

It was a bit of a rainy day when we got to the temple. We had to quickly take a selfie.

We stayed at Westgate in Branson. It was a very nice room and located very

conveniently to everywhere we wanted to go. Our room was on the third floor.

This is was the creek/stream/river behind the resort.

One of my desires was to drive to Clarksville, AR and find my uncle Easton's gravesite.

He was my Mom's oldest brother born August 20, 1920. He died 7 days later on August 27, 1920.

I was born exactly 37 years later on that exact date. August 27, 1957

Fred and I walked through the headstones at least two times and we could not find it.

We had a picture from Find a Grave. No luck.

I emailed the woman who posted the pictures and asked if she could give us more specific directions. We still couldn't find it.

We drove away pretty disappointed, but I was glad I could at least say I was there.

It just so happened that this woman lived nearby the cemetery. The next day she drove to the cemetery and took these two pictures and we instantly remembered walking by the headstone.

It's that little white square at the low left of the cemetery.

Here is a close up. The headstone is the first one you see on the edge of the rows of headstones.

At one time, the headstone was probably above ground like the Jacob's headstone right next to it.

Through the years, it broke in half and one half fell to the ground.

I was so disappointed that I didn't think to call her from the cemetery and she could have run by.

Our first excursion was The Redneck Comedy Bus Tour.

It was fantastic. It lasted at least an hour and we saw many tourist highlights.

The bus tour guide was a professional comedian there in Branson.

He was hilarious and so good at his job and very knowledgeable.

The tour guide had several costume changes. This one was worth taking a picture of.

This was a look out on the tour. Looking over the ritzy part of town I suppose.

Beautiful green everywhere.

The main strip of Branson is a miniature replication of the Las Vegas Strip.

Lots of interesting tourist attractions. Lots of activities for families.

This is Denver's mascot the Blue Devil Horse.

You see it as you drive to the Denver Airport.

It is crazy looking and somewhat of a joke around here.

Well, it looks like Branson has it's own mascot. A big Pink Bull.

One day Fred and I parked in the Historic Downtown area. We simply walked up and down the street to see the store fronts and restaurants. Very cute little place.

This is the downtown waterfront park.

We tried to eat at local places.

This restaurant was Jackie B. Goode's Uptown Cafe. It's a 50s/60s style diner.

This was basically a BBQ place we ate at while driving around the streets.

The platter was not at all what we expected, but it was delicious!

We went here to Cakes and Cream Fifties Diner twice. First for this delicious Strawberry Funnel Cake.

It's a very cute place.

We went back a second time just for ice cream.

While walking around the Downtown Outdoor Mall, we choose this place for lunch.

I don't remember what we ordered. We did share whatever it was because this place was pricey.

I have to say I wouldn't mind living in Missouri.

It is a very conservative state.

Actual Trump stores, patriotic merchandise everywhere as well as billboards inviting everyone to attend church. Not specifying any church specifically. A spirit of patriotism and love of God in this part of our country. Very refreshing!

This is where we attended a rodeo that included dinner.

The stands were in a U shape and the rodeo was in the center.

The servers basically walk in front of your dinner plate and splat the food on your plate.

A rustic dinner for sure, but the food was very good and the entertainment too!

Cute pig races.

This is the Sight and Sound Theater.

So beautiful inside too. They put on biblical music productions throughout the year.

We saw David. Inside the theater the stage area covers not only front stage, but side stages where a lot of action takes place too. As well as live animals during the productions. They walk down the aisles from the back up to the stage. I'm talking big animals. Lots of sheep.

We have never seen such a thing. Worth the price of the tickets!