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| Heading down the promenade to Bass Pro. |
Five years in the making, spanning nearly 100 pristine waterfront acres, the $420 million premier tourism destination, Branson Landing has boasted 4.9 million visitors in its first year of operation.
“By strategically mixing entertainment, eateries and unique shopping opportunities, we’ve created an environment that appeals to a wide segment of both area residents and tourists,” stated Richard Huffman, CEO of HCW Development Company—the Branson based developer of the Landing. With traffic counts exceeding first year projections by over 20 percent, consumers are proving this formula of “shoppertain-ment” has taken the 93-year-old Branson market into a new era of tourism. Visitors experience an eclectic blend of shopping, outdoor and indoor entertainment and lodging—creating an extremely successful marriage of integrated experiences.
Shopping
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| Five and Dime General Store |
Over 100 retail establishments are divided into six key shopping districts. Flanked by national chain, Belk’s Department Store and regional icon, Bass Pro Shops, a strategically designed mix of select strong brand chain retailers and specialty shops line the pedestrian oriented urban streetscape. Consumers discover a host of shopping opportunities that aren’t accessible anywhere within the area.
Guests won’t find the typical mall offerings or outlet stores. “The Branson Landing is the only location within the region for such retailers as Justice—Just for Girls, an affordable, “tween” apparel shop and Fresh Produce Handpicked, a specialty store featuring casual resort and sportswear for women and children,” explained Tammy Scholten, Marketing Manager for Urban Retail Properties Co. “In addition, we’ve included brands geared specifically towards the male demographic with such stores as the Bud Shop and Cardinal’s Clubhouse where fans can choose from a fantastic assortment of merchandise and souvenirs.”
Dining
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| Famous Daves Bar_B_Que. |
The uniqueness of the Branson Landing extends far beyond shopping. Visitors can select from an array of signature waterfront dining options, from highly themed restaurants to intimate cafes, including
such national family favorites as Famous Dave’s BBQ, Joe’s Crab Shack and Garfield’s Pub & Restaurant. In addition, guests can stop in at any of the many specialty food shops and kiosks for a light snack or lunch. Plus, with upscale adult oriented dining options including Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Cantina Laredo and Bar Louie, there is something to satisfy every consumer’s taste. Moreover, with the much-anticipated openings of Piztro’s Pizza Bistro Bar, Bass Pro’s White River Fish Co., Wedding Italiano, Ernie Biggs Classic Dueling Piano Bar and more – the food fare options are abundant.
Entertainment
Between shopping and dining, visitors are treated to a wide range of entertainment. Patrons of the Landing will meet a diverse mix of street entertainers. From enjoying the antics of local comedians, magicians and clowns to watching a real cowboy in action, over a dozen talented entertainers will delight audiences of every age. The Landing’s major focal point of activity centers around the Town Square where a series of live, free concerts and events are slated throughout the year including a special summer concert with Sony Recording Artist, Jake Simpson, 2004 Star Search Winner, an MDA Benefit Concert featuring the region’s favorite band, M-Dock, and an exclusive performance by the Springfield Symphony with special guest, Andy Williams.
The outdoor waterfront stage is back by a $7.5 million spectacular water attraction featuring the first-ever merger of fire, light, water and music. The dazzling interplay of 120-foot geysers and fountains complimented by blasting fire cannons and a musical lighting show create a beautifully choreographed spectacle. Daily performances of the Branson Landing Fountains run at the top of every hour from noon to close. In addition to free entertainment, waterfront adventures, including Ride the Ducks—a one hour sightseeing land and lake tour and Gage’s Branson Landing Marina and Shoppes—specializing in cruise experiences on historic Lake Taneycomo are easily accessible to visitors.
Lodging
With shopping, eateries and lakeside entertainment all encompassing a 1.5-mile waterfront destination, the addition of premiere lodging completes the overall tourism package. Opening in August,
the 12-story luxury Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel with 293 rooms and suites and the Branson Convention Center offering 220,000 square feet of meeting space, exhibit halls and a grand ballroom will provide the perfect facility for individual families and large group events. The recently opened 242-room Hilton Promenade located near the Town Square, offers travelers an indoor pool, health club, meeting rooms and dining at their Famous Liberty Tavern Restaurant.
“Clearly, the addition of the Branson Landing has not only assisted in increasing our overall tourism traffic but has proven to be a magnet for attracting day trippers from our region. Our city tourism tax revenues are up by 12.6 percent for the year and a large percentage of these dollars are utilized to fund Branson’s marketing budget,” explained, Dan Lennon, Vice President, Marketing & Public Relations for the Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Thus, the opening of this monumental, one-of-a-kind, shopping venue has launched Branson into an entirely new realm of local, regional and national appeal. For additional information and a complete list of shopping, entertainment, dining and lodging options, visit the Branson Landing website at www.bransonlanding.com.