As Branson Landing opened last weekend it seems that everyone had an opinion about when it should have opened, why this feature wasn’t ready, why it doesn’t have this or that type of store, etc. Without getting into the merits, or lack thereof, of those opinions, may an Ole Seagull suggest that what is important is what Branson Landing is, not what it isn’t. Why?
The most obvious fact is that Branson Landing is built and is open for business. In terms of concept, design, anchors, structure, features, and initial tenants it is what it is. Like San Antonio’s River Walk, Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Bloomington, Minnesota’s Mall of America, Branson Landing provides visitors and locals with the opportunity to experience something that is unique not only locally but in the entire world.
The location of Branson Landing on Branson’s Lake Taneycomo’s lakefront, proximity to historic downtown Branson and all the rest that Branson has to offer, coupled with its design, public square, and street entertainment, combine to provide it with a uniqueness that is solely its own. When that is blended in with the soon to open fire and water show, the Lake Taneycomo Boardwalk, a condominium residential component, its own hotel, and the variety of shopping and restaurants available at Branson Landing the result is an exciting incomparable experience available only at Branson Landing in Branson, Missouri.
Trying to compare Branson Landing to a traditional mall serves no useful purpose simply because Branson Landing is an “unmall” hybrid life style project. This leading edge retail concept is currently replacing malls and their traditional multiple department store anchors all over the country. In the case of Branson Landing there is one department store anchor, Belk’s, an “alternative anchor,” Bass Pro Shops and a host of specialty stores and restaurants that are consistent with the developers vision for the project, space limitations, and what the Branson market can support.
The result is a shopping experience that offers customers everything from boats and fishing tackle to clothes, jewelry and accessories for just about all ages and demographics, shoes, candles, souvenirs of every type, and just about everything else in between. It is a shopping mix that offers an infinite choice that should appeal not only to Branson’s current visitors and locals, but to the younger visitor and their families that are so vital to the future success of Branson.
Its specialty sandwich, pretzel, ice cream, wrap, popcorn, coffee, gyro, pizza, and candy shops provide many different quick food choices for Branson Landing visitors. Factor in Branson Landing’s excellent selection of full service restaurants offering everything from general fare, to specialty restaurants serving Bar-B-Que, fine steaks, sea food, and Mexican food, all located within one convenient destination, and the result is an epicurean delight with a selection of food, drink, and pricing to fit just about every desire and budget.
Branson Landing is designed, consistent with the reality of the size constraints of the land upon which it is built, to maximize the beautiful Lake Taneycomo lakefront. Its center piece, the town square and fountain, is keyed to the lake and will provide direct access to the boardwalk. The design of the mile plus long boardwalk offers visitors to Branson Landing an opportunity to walk its length and experience the majestic beauty of Lake Taneycomo separated from the bustle and excitement of Branson Landing that is taking place just a few feet above them. A number of the restaurants have locations that feature views of the lake and its bluff from their dining room or patio.
Like Branson itself, Branson Landing is an exciting vibrant, entertainment experience. Street performers of just about every type help create an atmosphere of fun and excitement. The fire and water show on the lakefront at the town square will provide a spectacular show that will be unique and, like Branson Landing itself, will become an icon for Branson and a must see experience. Blend that with special events on the town square, a dinner theatre experience, and other specialty events that tenants will be sponsoring and the entertainment possibilities for Branson Landing become endless.
Branson Landing might not be a lot of things but this one thing it is, a unique exciting experience unlike anything else available in Branson. An experience that is, at one time, complete in itself yet blends in with, and compliments, the rest of what Branson has to offer. It is another reason to visit Branson for the first time or to come back again which can now proudly proclaim, “Our doors are open –come on in.”
