If I can go to SDC and avoid the tourist trap that Branson is I will. Not much there that interests me at all and besides it all seems so broken down and old. Trashy empty lots and cheap motels. Unfortunately most of the AirBNBs are located where you have to travel through this mess or take a long route around. Hopefully the new resort will help and we can come in from the west and avoid it all.
In the '70s and early '80s, we were staying at Kimberling City and coming in from the west. The only times we went into Branson proper, was to see a music show. Other than that, it was SDC and SOTH, and we didn't have to worry about turning left on 65.
(Those of you of a certain age might remember when locals put bumper stickers on the front saying, "I'm a Branson native and I will help you TURN LEFT! <---", and would stop while you did.)