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Back from Branson

August 20th, 2017 at 09:23 pm

A couple of months ago, DH and I saw a flyer from a local travel company for a short trip to Branson, Missouri. It seemed like a good deal with six shows and some the meals being picked up as well as the hotel and the bus. We had the money saved in our vacation fund. We view bus trips like this -- it is like a buffet -- it may not exactly be what we want, but we do get to meet different people and try different things.

It turned out to be a pretty neat trip overall. We received the schedule a few days before and other than lunch on Monday and lunch on Thursday when we returned, all the other meals were either picked up or it was a free hot breakfast at the hotel. On our way, we stopped at a Sirloin Stockade for lunch. She had called ahead and they offered a deal -- $10 for the lunch buffet which included the buffet, drink, tax, and tip. The menu said the buffet alone before tax was $8.99 so we felt that was a pretty good deal. We have never eaten at one, but felt it had some nutritious and tasty items. On the way home we stopped at an area that had a McDonalds and Arby's side by side and we went to Arby's for two reasons -- we like their food better and they give a senior discount.

We actually saw 7 shows. The show Monday night was a talented couple playing at the restaurant. The other shows were diverse -- one was singing and dancing in lovely costumes with music by Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter, and another was a Creedence Clearwater Revival group. We left the hotel at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and didn't return until after 10 p.m. Busy days, but fun ones.

We owe no money. We did shop a bit. DH bought a belt at a leather shop to replace one he has that is worn out. I bought a couple of gifts for people. One was a jar of jam -- what do you get a 94 year old besides food? I also bought post cards to send to the ladies I write each week and wrote those out and mailed them. But, the trip was paid for with savings and we took some spending money with us, so we didn't charge anything. Other than the two before mentioned meals, we wouldn't have had to spend anything.

I will say, and I know that part of the price was for tourists, but as expensive as jam is, those jars I have been making and canning are worth far more than I ever thought! Yikes!

We had a nice time, it was a great get away and what even added to the enjoyment was it was the first week of school here -- I always wanted to travel when we were in school so that was an added benefit. That was the reason we went to Tybee Island in January last year -- we went because it wasn't as busy and we couldn't when I taught. Same thing with the Branson trip -- there were plenty of things to do and see, but it wasn't so overly crowded that it was a hassle.

5 Responses to “Back from Branson”

  1. Carol Says:
    1503284336

    Sounds fun and that fact that it was during school time does make it better! 😊

  2. snafu Says:
    1503289603

    Glad you had a good time and felt you had value for it's cost. A lot of the bus tour directors are retired teachers. I've a friend who does a few each year and raves about the wonderful clients like yourselves. She's always surprised by their generous tips, as professionals, teachers never get bonuses or tips

  3. CB in the City Says:
    1503321290

    I've never done a bus trip -- not sure I would like it, as I like to strike out on my own. But as I age, I see it might be an option to consider.

  4. laura Says:
    1503326596


    I love that you bought postcards. I have a collection of them from when I was very young (and then added PCs from my grandparents' things). I still buy them, too. But sadly I hand delivered the one I purchased in July for someone I just saw.

    I love that you write regularly to people! I miss pen-pals!

    Sounds like a great trip!

  5. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1503365865

    Branson - what fun! Smile

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