BRANSON, Mo – Branson is known for many attractions. Its most notable are Silver Dollar City, its theaters and the Shepard of the Hills outdoor play to name a few. However, Downtown Branson is also noteworthy.

The city of Branson was founded in 1882. Since then, it has been graced with the attention of millions of tourists every year. Highway 76 is home to shows like the “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” and many others. The “60 Minutes” dubbed “live music capital of the entire universe” offers even more to its residents and visitors. Downtown Branson saw more growth with the opening of the Branson Landing on Lake Taneycomo. The waterfront attraction opened in the summer months of 2006.

The Branson Landing is filled with stores like Bass Pro Shops, Sunglass Hut and even a Build-A-Bear Workshop. The Branson Landing Fountains are placed along a boardwalk near a Hilton Hotel property, all of this is right in the center of the property attraction. The Landing is also known for hosting events throughout the year; summers at this Branson hot spot see live concerts ranging from rock to country bands. All of this is enjoyed by local residents too!

Tristan Williams has been a Branson resident for quite awhile now. “I’ve lived in Branson going on 21 years; Historic Downtown Branson is always fun no matter what. Good food, shopping and even the arcade and not to forget fishing on Lake Taneycomo! But my absolute favorite thing to do in Downtown Branson is to go to The Landing, have a nice meal somewhere and then hit the Andy B’s bowling alley and smoke my opponents,” Williams said.

Andy B’s recently opened its doors on The Landing. The area is always changing what it offers. Flavors of food and fun are evolving; an arcade now sits on the lakefront property. Saltgrass Steak House now neighbors Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que among other restaurants. Mayor Karen Best has been serving Branson since 2015.

“My favorite part of Downtown Branson is the celebration of Branson’s rich history and Branson’s future. Where else in America can you go to a historical museum, be reminded of great things from your childhood and even buy candy and toys from your childhood at the local 5 and 10? Then, you can turn around and get some of the greatest food in the world and walk it off next to beautiful Lake Taneycomo or grab some friends and head over to the Landing to bowl, sing karaoke or shop. In other words, all of Downtown is my favorite,” Best said.

According to the Branson Tourism Center’s website, Branson sees an annual 7.2 million visitors and that number continues growing.