Travel in city Branson, state Missouri

The beauty of Branson is in its variety – from touching an iceberg at the Titanic Museum to zooming down a mountain coaster.

One of my favorite hidden-gem theme parks is Silver Dollar City, nestled in the Ozark Mountains in Branson, Missouri.

Sure, the concerts and comedy shows still bring in crowds. But I discovered that you can be within miles of downtown Branson and never enter the popular town. That’s because there is so much territory to cover, and so much to do in Southwest Missouri, that you won’t have time. It’s like being in Disney World, but the fun, the adventure, and the discovery emanate from the flora and fauna rather than roller coasters and concession stands.

As I stood surrounded by photographs of the musicians who bravely played on as the Titanic sunk deeper and deeper toward her icy fate, I felt myself fighting back tears. The live pianist had paused briefly — leaving space for me and others in the room to reflect on the moment's significance.

The Ozarks may have a branding problem. Built up in the ’80s and ’90s with big hotel chains and arguably kitschy attractions, Branson has garnered a reputation among some as “the Las Vegas of the Midwest” — just more family-friendly. But the team behind The Ozarker Lodge in Branson, Missouri, which opened June 30, has some fresh ideas.

A new Americana-themed amusement park and resort complex — with amenities comparable to Disney World — is coming to Oklahoma.