Branson Missouri (7/31-8/3) POST 4

We left Duck Creek on Tuesday morning and headed for Branson Mo. The route we selected was the same route that we took back in 2014. The road from Paducah takes you across a very narrow bridge that crosses the Mississippi River. It's a little of a white knuckle crossing and Eileen hates height anyway. I had forgotten that you actually cross into Missouri, then a sliver of Illinois, and then back into the great state of Missouri a crazy crossing.

We arrived at Acorn Acres RV in the afternoon and after setting up we visited the playground before cocktail hour. This is an older campground but we had a great site, toward the back, with a super place for a nice campfire and smores. We had two nights of campfires and a lot of fun in the park.

What can I say about Branson? We arrived here about a week and a half after the Duck Boat disaster that killed a number of people. Needless to say my dreams of a Duck Boat ride went down the tubes.

Our main events here included two shows. The first show was an animal show that was great fun for the kids. Sebastian and Sofia went on the stage with a bunch of other kids in one act, and Sebastian got to tell one of his jokes on another occasion. The second show was on the last day. It was titled "Buckets and Boards" This was a super entertaining show put on by two guys who also work on the Disney Cruises on the Branson off season. The music was cool, the jokes and entertainment were really well done. "I Knowwwww"

The other major event was our two visits to an escape room in downtown Branson. At first I thought it was a crazy idea but after our first session we all agreed that we had to return the next day. It might have had something to do with the fact that we didn't escape on day one. Day two turned out to be a much better result, but I will have to admit we needed a few clues to break the code. This is a fun thing to do if you every get the chance.

We did some shopping in Dick's 5&10, a place with everything. Unique gifts and much much more. Sebastian liked the "As seen on TV" store across the street because it had a variety of Rubix cubes that he had been looking at.

We had a great time in the town and the campground. The three days went very quickly. An Escape Room would be a hit in the Emerald Isle area, it is a lot of fun for all ages.

Buckets and Boards (I Knowwww!)

Great Guys!

Future Drummer?

Wild Bunch!

This was our first try. Close but no Escape!

Day two. Different Room different results. Sofia entered the escape code after everyone helped us to figure out the clues.

Great Fun!!

Modern cowboy at Dick's 5 & 10

Lunch in Branson. Hog rider!

Nashville TN and Paducah KY (7/29 - 7/31) POST 3

On Sunday 7/29 we departed Pigeon Forge and moved on for a one day stop in Nashville. We stayed at a KOA very near the Grand Ole Opry and the Opryland Hotel. It was Sunday so attending a show wasn't possible. We went to the Hotel which I covered in a post last year, and just walked around. This is a enormous hotel with great restaurants, shops and lots to see. We just walked around and then returned to the campground for dinner. Jen went out to dinner with a friend and we had fun with the kids. A short visit to the heart of Country Music but fun.

Monday morning we headed out to Paducah, Ky. Duck Creek RV. We toured downtown Paducah and met up with Susanne and Charles Alexander, friends who we had met in Lazy Days last June. They treated us to a nice dinner at a local restaurant. Thank you guys so very much for the very nice treat.

Paducah is the home of the National Quilt Museum. Eileen and I took the tour of the museum while Jen played with the kids outside. The museum was much more than what we expected. It's an amazing display that changes from time to time as different shows come through. I never thought I would say this but there were some amazing quilts in this place. The art is just totally amazing. (Sorry no pics because cameras were not allowed).

There are murals along the river depicting the history of Paducah a really neat town. We only spent one night here then moved on to Branson, Mo. Our highlight here was catching up with Susanne and Charles. Thanks again for the dinner.

Inside the Opryland Hotel under the enormous atrium. A successful selfie of five happy people. Love you guys!!

What can I say, we are 71 years old!

Beautiful Hotel.

Along the river. 

They are hiding the sign that says do not stand on the train!

The murals along the wall!

Amazing artwork.