Just finished a week long trip in Branson for 10U Softball World Series. I don't know why, maybe because of all the growth from the rain, but hillsides and everything just seemed more full, clean and beautiful. There are a couple areas that need work, but overall I thought Branson looked better.
We had opening ceremonies on Monday night in Echo Hollow, it was humid and hot, but we stil had a load of fun. SDC is a great host and the kids loved hitting the huge beach balls all around the theater. The Harlem Globetrotters were the entertainment and I couldn't tell you how many of our girls didn't know who they were.....after the show they were interested in learning more, but I was really surpised on how many had no clue.
Maybe I'm getting older, but I just really had a great time this week. We stayed at Pointe Royal and the condo was nice as was the pool. We spent a lot of time here and at the Branson Rec Plex for games. On some of our free time, we went to Branson Landing and had a great time (bought some strawberry basalmic vinegar and lots of candy). Watched the fountains and fire, and walked around. I had been to the landing several times before, but this time was the most pleasent.
Other nights we did go carts, outlet mall, Pasghetti's and Tequila's 2. I was pleasently surprised by Pasghetti's, this is now one of our go to resturants when in town - we all enjoyed our dinner very much. I thought it was going to be more of a "kid" place, but I was wrong. There is a little kid section, but nothing that would make it like an Incredible Pizza or D&B. Tequila's 2 food was very good, but their service wasn't all that great, but it wasn't horrid either....if you wanted or needed anything, you had to ask, it was not just brought to you.
Most of our time was spent at the ball fields, or waiting at the condo between games, but on Wednesday we did get to go to Silver Dollar City. This too was a great time - but with a big group it does make it challenging. My thoughts on Fireman's landing: it looks good and it is perfect for the young ones. My group was made up of 10/11 year old girls so we did not spend much time in there at all...nor did we spend much time in the Grand Expo. They loved Fire in the Hole, Outlaw Run, Wildfire, American Plunge, Thunderation, and Lost River. These rides they would just return into the line time and time again. Poweder Keg was having issues, but they didn't seem interested for some reason. We had a little down time because of lightning, so I took them to make candles. Several of the girls, even though they come often, had no clue that shop was even at the park (this is something my family does every visit). The park looked great, the ride operators were doing a great job, and I really enjoyed myself (just wished we had even more time).
Anyway, we finished second in Nationals on Saturday, did a quick jaunt at the outlet mall, then headed home. I was a little disappointed in the Outlet Mall, just because it seems like there are not the deals that used to be at these places. The stores are not outlets anymore, just specality stores. When you pick up a pair of shorts at Nike and they are still over $40 bucks, and I can purchase them less at my local sporting goods store, I may not have a reason to return here in the future.
Jay
