We haven't been to Branson yet, but have been to the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area many times, which is another popular family friendly tourist destination.
For Gatlinburg, we usually go down during the middle of a week in April or May, when the weather is nice and with school still in session the crowds haven't really showed up so we don't spend most of our vacation sitting in traffic.
I understand that Branson normally attracts an older crowd, which might mean that whether or not school is in session won't affect the tourist population.
Is there any slow time of year for Branson or is it crowded all year long?
Thanks,
Christopher
1979 Airstream 31' International
2004 Ford F250 SD Powerstroke
The slowest time is probably mid to late August. This is when kids go back to school. I go to Branson several times a year and really there is no 'slow' time but if I had to pick a time it would be mid to late August thru September.
-Roger
2007 Forest River Salem 28FBSS
2006 F-150 Ford 4x4 S/B
Fall and Christmas are the peak times. Was at Branson last week, had a great time. Many regulars told us the attendance has been declining over the past few years. Maybe it's because there are so many shows.
We've been to both places, and honestly IMO....the 2 dont compare..
Branson (to me) is so spread out over a good size place (except the main drag) and the people there are some of the friendliest I have ever seen in my life...I have never seen so many people wave you through if you are trying to get line on the dragstrip. They are patient and kind and understanding of the tourists IMO...
I never got that impression of Gatlinburg/PF....although it is a wonderful place and we'd love to go back sometime, The traffic was merciless and tourististy segment there not quite the same friendliness I saw at Branson, you just had to fight to get on the main drag or be lucky enough to get to a traffic light...
I just thought Branson was the berries! I guess what I'm trying to say, even in peak traffic season, it would not stop me from going to Branson!
Good Luck on your trip!
Buffy America-Land That I Love
Hubby, Wife and Daughter (U. S. Navy Hospital Corpsman)
2006 Suzuki Boulevard M109
2002 Honda VTX1800C
2000 Kawasaki Ninja 600
1999 Ford F350 Dually
2005 K-Z New Vision 36KX2 Toyhauler
buffymb nailed it on the head...very nice folks...we go in September and would never think of not going because of traffic. Once you figure out where you want to go in branson there are alt. "colored" routes to keep you off the main drag. You can get anywhere in that town using these routes in about 15min. Must do's.
1. Silver dollar City
2. Celebration City (for the little ones)
3. Dogwood Canyon tour
4. Ride the ducks
5. Dixie Stampede is fun if you've got little ones.
6. Lake (boat rentals at the State park marina)
7. Shepard of the Hills outdoor show
8. New Noah's Ark show
Great area and quite Christian oriented content for shows...not bible thumpers but just good old fashioned family values.
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