I am going to Harrison Ark/ Branson Mo. next week to scatter my Father's ashes.

I am finding it harder than I realized.

I haven't been to that area in years. I used to spend my summers there as a kid. I will be taking my two kids (5&8) and of course DH. What kind of fun distractions should we try there?

I'm so sorry that is what is taking you back. That would have to be difficult, I am sure.

Harrison was the home of Dogpatch, USA, wasn't it? With Li'l Abner and Daisy May? I don't think there is much there anymore.

Branson is a different story. There are so many shows, and things like the Ripley's museum (I'd give it a five out of ten stars).... and the Titanic exhibit (nine out of ten)... and of course there is Silver Dollar City. Your kids would probably like that. I think there is also a White Water water park that is pretty nice.

Dogpatch closed in the 90's sometime I think

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I was just there for my nephew's wedding three weeks ago and there's not much in Harrison itself except for the Buffalo River. I know you can swim there and there are probably other river-related activities. Your best bet is to go into Branson and see some of the things there.

What do you like to do? There's Silver Dollar City and White Water for all day activities. There's Tanger Outlet and Branson Landing for shopping. There's lots of mini golf places and The Track for go karts and other fun things to do.
Do you like to see shows? There's Noah the Musical at the Sight and Sound Theater. How about Dixie Stampede for a show and a good meal. I believe your children are just the right age to enjoy this show.
Do you need suggestions about where to stay and good places to eat? How long will you be there?

We will be there nearly a week.

Its been so long since I've been up there I have no idea whats there anymore. We are staying at a little hotel in Branson that a friend of my Aunt owns.

We are plannning to go to Silver Dollar city one day.

I know the restaurants there are notoriously bad so if you know any that are good I would love to hear it.

Is there a place to get discount tickets for any of the shows? If you know of a show that you really loved I would love to hear about it too.

I have been trying to not thing too much about the trip so I haven't done any research or made any plans which is unlike me.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Go to Eureka Springs, AR: wonderful shopping, Christ of the Ozarks, The Great Passion Play, lots of stuff! I love Eureka Springs and the surrounding area.

Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce

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I believe you'd love Dixie Stampede.
If it's been a long time since you've been, you probably don't know the restaurants not to go to. Don't go to the Baldknobbers Restaurant, the Plantation, Peppercorn's, Whippersnappers, BT Bones, Fall Creek Steak House. Good places to eat include Danna's BBQ on 165, Chester's beside Hillbilly Inn, Hard Luck Diner, Luigi's Pizza, Odee's BBQ. If you want chain restaurants there's Ruby Tuesday, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Golden Corral.
Do not fall for the cheap ticket scams that involve seeing a time share presentation. There is a business called 2 for 1 with no gimmicks. http://www.branson2for1tickets.com You won't find all of the show tickets here but you'll find some of them.
What hotel are you staying at?
Another show: SIX - a.k.a. The Knudsen Brothers. Real Brothers! Real Music!