Vacation Time and Fall Colors

Just got back from a quick trip to Branson, Missouri. The countryside was beautiful even though the leaves hadn't really started changing color yet. The traffic in Branson was horrendous!! Gridlock about 12 hours a day! We quickly learned how to get around on the lesser used streets, but it was still a real mess trying to get from one place to another.

Being in the Ozarks was refreshing, though! Those rolling hills and terrific vistas just took my breath away at times. So much green, and so many shades of green! (can you tell I live in western Oklahoma?) Made me want to stop and look into building a log home of my own. It's too bad Branson has become so congested with traffic. I can see that at one time it was an ideallic oasis for the rustic lifestyler. It's a beautiful location.

One day of our trip, we went down to the historic district and enjoyed some good home cooking at one of the cafes there. The next day we went down to Branson Landing and found a wonderful mall that gives you the feel of old time business districts where shops are lined up along the street and you stroll from shop to shop while checking out street vendors or catching a ride on the street car. I think I have Christmas pretty much taken care of with all the shopping I did!

We found two great restaurants in Branson - one at Branson Landing - Cantina Loredo which offers gourmet Mexican food, and one up on the top of the hill across from Branson Landing called Candlestick Inn. This was a true dining experience as we ate Champaign Chicken Breast and watched the Branson Landing water show across the river far below us.

Now, where should we head for next year's fall color tour trip?

Keep it rustic!
Cabin Girl