When choosing a honeymoon destination, there are a handful of factors to consider-budget, weather, scenery, and more. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has made international travel challenging and perhaps your bucket-list destination is no longer an option.
While visiting a foreign country certainly has its appeal, there are also hidden gems scattered across the United States-perhaps in your very own backyard! Branson, Missouri is one of them. This midwest town is a popular wedding and honeymoon destination, thanks to its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and many attractions.
Whether COVID-19 has canceled your Italy honeymoon or whether Branson is a destination you've always wanted to visit, here are nine of the best honeymoon ideas to enjoy during your trip to Branson, Missouri!
1. Book tickets to a dinner show
What's better than treating your partner to a romantic dinner or a night of live theater? How about dinner and a show!
The town of Branson boasts world-class entertainment and offers multiple dinner show options for you to consider. Visit Dolly Parton's Stampede to enjoy a delicious country meal and witness more than two-dozen horses and riders race around on the big stage.
If mystery is your favorite genre, book your tickets at Branson's Murder Mystery or WhoDunnit Hoedown. If you prefer sleight of hand, enjoy your dinner at Escape Reality Magic & Illusions, where you'll be constantly impressed by the mind-blowing tricks from magic masters Garry and Janine Carson.
2. Spend a day at Silver Dollar City
If you and your partner are thrill-seekers, consider spending a day at Silver Dollar City-the largest family-owned amusement park in the nation.
Silver Dollar City was also voted as USA Today's #1 overall amusement park in 2020 and it's easy to see why. With roughly 40 attractions, 10 water rides, multiple shows, and countless dining options, the park has plenty of excitement to keep you occupied for the whole day.
What's more, over 100 demonstrating craftsmen are scattered throughout the park. Stop by a few exhibits to pick up your very own handcrafted souvenirs!
3. Witness a Branson Landing fountain show
Cap off your day with a romantic stroll down the Taneycomo Lakefront; and while you're at it, stop by Branson Landing to view a spectacular fountain show.
Shows start at noon daily and play through to 10 or 11 PM, depending on whether you visit on a weekday or over the weekend. Each show uses a combination of water, fire, light, and music to showcase a different theme each hour. Choose from the Star-Spangled Banner, Kung Fu Fighting, Living on a Prayer, and others!
4. Get acquainted with nature at Table Rock State Park
Do you and your partner prefer the serenity of the outdoors to the hustle and bustle of a busy downtown area?
Branson's very own Table Rock State Park features 356 acres of campgrounds, trails, and other outdoor amenities. Enjoy a hike, bike ride, or picnic with your significant other!
What's more, much of the park is positioned on Table Rock Lake, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of water-related activities. Visit State Park Marina to rent a boat, book a scuba diving session, or reserve spots for a cruise on The Spirit of America.
5. Soak up the sun at Moonshine Beach
If your ideal honeymoon includes some quality time spent at the beach, you're in luck! While Missouri is a landlocked state, Moonshine Beach Recreation Area offers a beautiful waterfront view of Table Rock Lake.
Whether you want to go for a swim, bury your toes in the sand, or simply take in the scenic view, an hour or two at Moonshine Beach is the perfect outdoor activity for some much-deserved rest and relaxation!
6. Get your shopping on at Tanger Outlets
There's no wrong time to go shopping-your honeymoon included! When you get the urge to splash a little cash, visit Branson's Tanger Outlets.
This large shopping center features 78 different stores and deals up to 70% off. Whether you're craving new clothing from your favorite designer or a brand new pair of kicks, Tanger Outlets is bound to have exactly what you want.
The outlets are open from 9 AM to 7 PM every day so make sure you leave some time to walk around!
7. Take in the charm of Historic Downtown Branson
Don't be fooled by Branson's modest population of roughly 11,000-the town sees thousands of tourists each year and boasts a lively little downtown area.
In heart of Branson, there are hundreds upon hundreds of stores, restaurants, and attractions to discover. While you're meandering through the town's streets, keep an eye out for the Historic Downtown district.
With more than 40 unique stores, Historic Downtown contains all sorts of boutiques and mom-and-pop shops that you won't want to miss out on. You and your partner will love the small-town atmosphere and cordial shop owners!
Not to mention, there are multiple statues, memorials, and other exhibits located throughout Historic Downtown where you can learn more about Branson's rich history.
8. Enjoy a breathtaking view from Inspiration Tower
If you and your partner are comfortable with heights, climb to the top of Inspiration Tower. This impressive structure, built back in 1989, stands at 230-feet tall and offers a full panoramic view of western Missouri.
Tickets to this attraction are fairly inexpensive and there's no time limit to how long you wish to stay.
After you've savored the view-and if you're feeling extra adventurous-check out the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider. This exhilarating zipline ride will launch you from the top of the tower to the ground!
9. Explore Branson's caves and caverns
There's more to Branson than that which you're able to see above ground. Explore Missouri's enormous underground cave system by booking a guided walking tour through Talking Rock Caverns.
A beautiful escape on a scorching hot day, Talking Rock Caverns is kept at a cool 63 degrees year-round. Observe colossal stalagmites, stalactites, and other impressive rock formations up to 100 feet below the earth's surface.
Stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick out your very own rock, and enjoy a round of putt-putt at Talking Rock's Cave Country mini-golf course!
