SDCFans - The Unofficial Fan Site For Silver Dollar City
General Category => Branson Talk => Topic started by: shavethewhales on May 19, 2015, 11:33:21 PM
-
The issues of how Branson is failing in various areas and how to deal with it is a continual topic on these forums, but we're starting to repeat ourselves in multiple threads, so here is a mega thread to keep the discussion in one place.
-
I vote for a "What's Right With Branson" Mega-Thread, too!
-
Shave, great idea. Be interesting to see how soon before the first conflict of opinion comes up.... ;D
-
My biggest issue is the prices of activities. We generally don't even go in to town, unless we are without kids or headed in to white water.
-
My biggest issue is the prices of activities. We generally don't even go in to town, unless we are without kids or headed in to white water.
Ringling Bros. Is stopping in Ft. Smith. It's using the convention center for the performances. I never take the kids there cause it's a crappy venue. But they offer kids tickets for 10 bucks. They clearly think the back end merchandise sales will make the money and they do do uness you are a hard hosed parent.
I've often commented that Branson needs a venue/ arena with an attached 3* or higher hotel that could bring in and market the traveling kids shows with room packages and use it for other events in between. I think they missed this opportunity when they didn't add that kind of venue to the downtown convention center.
-
My biggest issue is the prices of activities. We generally don't even go in to town, unless we are without kids or headed in to white water.
I don't go into Branson either unless I'm with others, nieces, nephews, etc., that spend time there. I don't think the price of activities is any higher than most tourist places - Gatlinburg, Pidgeon Forge, Galveston, Lake of the Ozarks. - When you think of the cost of going to a Disney area, San Francisco or Atlanta - it's going to cost quite a bit more.
-
Easy. They closed down the dollar shop on 76. All went down hill from there. ;D . I actually do miss that junk. Honestly. The Statler Brother Christmas ornaments were always a trash gift hit at stocking time. A tradition. I almost had the whole set :) Darn you dollar store! ;)
-
No more Uncle Joe's. :'(
-
For me it's the fact that the rickety old tower at that intersection on 76 and the nearby (old, independent) wax museum is no longer there. ;)
Seriously though I used to work for The Kansas City Star, and I distinctly remember a story we did a few years ago about Branson having a serious demographics problem...that old people are vacationing there and the young are not.
-
One of the things that is wrong with Branson is being torn down -- at the intersection of US 65 and 76 is the awful looking Branson Harbor complex. It is now being torn down. More info from Branson Tri-Lakes:
http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_0e694ae0-1abb-11e5-9aff-afa9a77e711b.html
-
Yes! I thought that building was ugly too and Im glad to see that some construction for the Spirit Of 76 Project is now getting started. So excited! :D ;D
-
I agree it was probably time for it to go, but that building has been there as long as I can remember. Seeing it always meant that my 7 hour drive was over, and that I made it to 76. It was the first building I saw when coming onto the strip. It's a landmark for those of us who come to Branson from the north on 65. Oh well...time marches on I suppose.
-
I agree it was probably time for it to go, but that building has been there as long as I can remember. Seeing it always meant that my 7 hour drive was over, and that I made it to 76. It was the first building I saw when coming onto the strip. It's a landmark for those of us who come to Branson from the north on 65. Oh well...time marches on I suppose.
Me too! I know I've reached my destination.
-
I'm not sure that building was even on my wishlist for Branson structures to be demo'd, which is of course a long list. At least it had a smidge of character, unlike the generic strip mall structure that will likely soon replace it.
At least parking will be in the back, and there's a chance the developer will try to take advantage of the location and invest in something that will help define the area architecturally, but we should have learned by now not to get our hopes up.
Just look at the building next to it for an example of what is likely to come. ::)
-
In regards to Branson Harbor, back in the day when it was something else and in good condition, I did see it and feel as though I had arrived in Branson. But over the last 5 years it has really deteriorated and for over a year it was used as a storage lot for trailers and junk.
-
Branson Harbor used to be an Ozarkland 35 years ago. It had been falling apart, and it was time to go.
-
So last weekend was the first time in awhile that I've driven through the first part of the strip in the daylight. I didn't realize it was still so rough since the tornado. I don't understand why progress has been so slow with all that prime real estate.
-
I paid particular attention this time. Everything is just ugly. I tried running and the sidewalks are coming apart. They have terrible slopes to them. There is a lot to do to make the strip pedestrian friendly. Might be my last trip ever to Branson. If they are having record tax revenues like what was reported last year, it would be nice if they invested some of it back in the infrastructure. Also hold property owners accountable for the ugly non maintained empty lots. Also some of the motels are really sketchy. Lots of flophouses.
-
I paid particular attention this time. Everything is just ugly. I tried running and the sidewalks are coming apart. They have terrible slopes to them. There is a lot to do to make the strip pedestrian friendly. Might be my last trip ever to Branson. If they are having record tax revenues like what was reported last year, it would be nice if they invested some of it back in the infrastructure. Also hold property owners accountable for the ugly non maintained empty lots. Also some of the motels are really sketchy. Lots of flophouses.
Accountability would be great. Living in the area, you really get a feel for how badly certain parts of the town have been neglected. The strip from the exit from 65 to around Dixie just looks bad and could use a lot of love. Seems Branson is more interested in developing more around the Branson Hills area and not making improvements to continue building the tourism industry. I'm fine with them making improvements to make Branson a better place for the locals but they need to keep bringing in new elements and maintaining and improving what really drives this city.
-
After the Joplin tornado, I can assure you that it takes time for insurance claims to go through and FEMA investigations, and lots of other government and EPA red tape. The city should issue deadlines and fines after these things all go through, but it wouldn't be fair to do so prematurely. It's ridiculous how long it takes for some of this junk.
-
Accountability would be great. Living in the area, you really get a feel for how badly certain parts of the town have been neglected. The strip from the exit from 65 to around Dixie just looks bad and could use a lot of love.
I noticed this weekend as I was leaving town this weekend, the Crown Club Inn (south of 76 close to Auto Museum area) is installing a new façade on the front of the building. Looks like they are raisin the front about 10 feet. I would guess when that is down they will put a whole new face on the front and sides. that will update the looks of that building quite a bit.
Alos the Demo of the old ozarkland is coming along.. building is gone, no demo yet on house(s) behind. and no dirt work started yet.
-
I don't know what this tells you, but KY3 says there is a big need for workers, and Branson businesses are raising wages to attract them:
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/looking-for-a-job-branson-is-hiring/21048998_34227272 (http://www.ky3.com/news/local/looking-for-a-job-branson-is-hiring/21048998_34227272)
-
After the Joplin tornado, I can assure you that it takes time for insurance claims to go through and FEMA investigations, and lots of other government and EPA red tape.
I am pretty sure FEMA is/was not involved.. Not enough damage for the size of town.. Am I remembering that right?
-
Regardless, the paperwork and insurance requirements are ridiculous. Then there's the possibility of asbestos or other EPA-identified stuff. I don't really think that's the whole problem, but it could have contributed to the delays.
-
Branson's problem is simple, they have abandoned the middle and upper class families. Everything in Branson seems to be targeted to the lowest tier, from hotels to restaurants. Look at the hotels on the "strip", if you are looking for a nice upper tier hotel, your options are slim. Try finding a healthy place to eat!
-
^Not long ago I was suggesting hotels to someone coming for the first time. He likes nicer places, and other than the Holiday Inn and the convention center hotel I was scratching my head to think of another "nice" hotel in the $80-$200 range. I know there are a few around, especially out at the resorts, but there's not much right on the strip or in the downtown area where people want to have nightlife or hang out.
Just like most development in Oklahoma, investors are scared to do anything too "nice" because it might not pay off. It's better from their perspective to just go for the cheapest route and get the low hanging fruit until forced to do otherwise. It's up to the local government to grow a backbone and start enforcing a few standards that will improve the area for everyone.
-
^Not long ago I was suggesting hotels to someone coming for the first time. He likes nicer places, and other than the Holiday Inn and the convention center hotel I was scratching my head to think of another "nice" hotel in the $80-$200 range. I know there are a few around, especially out at the resorts, but there's not much right on the strip or in the downtown area where people want to have nightlife or hang out.
Just like most development in Oklahoma, investors are scared to do anything too "nice" because it might not pay off. It's better from their perspective to just go for the cheapest route and get the low hanging fruit until forced to do otherwise. It's up to the local government to grow a backbone and start enforcing a few standards that will improve the area for everyone.
What about the Radisson, the Comfort Inn on Gretna that consistently wins awards, the Hilton at the Landing (the sister hotel to the convention center), the Hampton on 76, the Hampton at Branson Hills, the Branson Hotel downtown (think it is over $100 a night)?
-
Hampton in is nice but as comon as that type of hotel goes. I myself would check out the French Quarter. Nice resort type property next to the Olive garden. They have a nice water play area for kids and hot tubs ect.
-
Hampton in is nice but as comon as that type of hotel goes. I myself would check out the French Quarter. Nice resort type property next to the Olive garden. They have a nice water play area for kids and hot tubs ect.
I agree with MH, have stayed there before using a time share. very nice area... Also I would be tempted to try Stone Castle, IF someone else was paying the tab..... LOL
-
I agree with MH, have stayed there before using a time share. very nice area... Also I would be tempted to try Stone Castle, IF someone else was paying the tab..... LOL
If stone castle is where the indoor water park is I have heard reviews. The one this I have heard is the clorine smell is overkill, they have it up too strong I guess. It apparently gets all over not just in the pool area. But to be fair I have not been.
-
Stone Castle does not have an indoor waterpark. You might be thinking of Grand Country.
-
Stone Castle does not have an indoor waterpark. You might be thinking of Grand Country.
Probably thinking of Castle Rock which does have an indoor waterpark.
-
Probably thinking of Castle Rock which does have an indoor waterpark.
You're correct, I was mistaken
-
Probably thinking of Castle Rock which does have an indoor waterpark.
You're correct, I was mistaken
Actually I think I said Stone Castle , and I meant Castle Rock. LOL. Would stay at either place, as long as someone else is picking up the tab ;)
I didnt mention Grand Country, They do have nice rooms and some nice suites. Some very recently remodeled, but gand country isnt really considered upper level hotel/motel.. An oversight by some..
-
Castle Rock has a waterpark. Stone Castle is across the street.