Three sites and sounds Branson, Missouri, weren’t difficult to find, but since it rained while we were there, we had to be a little selective of time frames. The Cuz, my traveling buddy, and I promised our tag-a-long that we would do something with her after visiting the American Quilting Society Quilt Show in Branson. Since I wanted to take her to not only fun things, but also educational sites, we chose three things to do while there. The three sites and sounds Branson, we chose were the tried-and-true Titanic, the new Branson Aquarium at the Boardwalk, and just for fun the mountain coasters.
In 2017, the mountain coasters first opened in Branson, but they are new to us. The “sidekick” couldn’t wait to go down this ride since Silver Dollar City had been rained out on the day her dad came up to take her. Amusement parks are their “thing”. Instead, the day was saved by doing other fun stuff that interested them both. Since the “coasters” were also rained out that day, it was also saved for a non-rainy afternoon. Since the next day was cold, but no rain, we were able to get the experience in before rain started again. As you can see by the picture, the rail runs around the mountain and is built high from the ground. Evidently, you can control the speed yourself, which adds to the thrill of it all. She had a great time and it seemed to meet her “need-for-speed”.
The Titanic, One of the Older Sites and Sounds of Branson
The Titanic attraction is another one of the sites and sounds of Branson and is next on the agenda. Entering, each visitor was given a card that informed about one of the passengers on board the ship. Walking through the various displays, we looked for our character. This helped to keep us on task since we read each vignette to discover if our character was included in the story.
As you can see by the face, the “sidekick” loves a challenge!
One sign and that’s all it took for her to try to meet the challenge. The water is 29 degrees and the sign challenged the participant to try to keep his/her hand in the cold water for 3 minutes. 29 degrees was the temperature of the water when the Titanic went down. Of course, she was going to meet the challenges!
Next, the decks! They simulated the “tip factor” of the ship as it went down. Another challenge–but, unmet! She managed to hold onto the rail on the middle deck that was tipped at the angle the deck was on during the middle of the Titanic going down. But, she could barely run up the deck that was tipped the most. She tried this one many times.
There were many displays that honored the Jewish and Irish people on board. Both our characters thankfully were saved and lived on to experience full lives. All in all, we learned new things about the Titanic. The exhibit provided a lot to talk about. It also served to keep her off her phone for some time. Win/win!
Newest Site, Branson, Missouri, The Boardwalk Aquarium
This huge 55-foot-tall stainless steel octopus greeted us as we arrived at the new Aquarium at the Boardwalk in Branson. It was impressive, to say the least. This was my favorite of the 3 sites and sounds, Branson. The aquarium opened in November, 2021. I won’t list all the details here, but encourage you to check out all the offerings by tapping the link below the picture. The aquarium is well worth the visit, especially on a rainy day or evening. The “side kick” truly enjoyed the tough pool. She spent a lot of her time petting the sting rays.
The Jelly Infinity Room was truly something to see! The room held many vertical cylinder aquariums holding bioluminescent jelly fish that glowed in different colors. We controlled the colors–blue, purple, pink. Yes, that is right, the participant is able to control the colors in the room. Fun! I must admit though, all the mirrors and changing light colors really messed with my equilibrium. But, the “side kick” loved it as your side kicks will, too.
There are many small aquariums that hold various sea life. Some of them are even built over head so that they surround you with fish swimming above your head. We were absolutely awed at each turn.
Again, great follow up conversation and kept her off her phone for quite some time. Win/win!
Well, hopefully, 3 sites and sounds of Branson you haven’t experienced. Hope you enjoyed and will visit. But, in the meantime, the fabric shops in Branson.
Sites and Sounds, Branson–Fabric Shops
The day we chose to visit the fabric shops around Branson they were both full to the max–full like two busloads of fabric-hungry shoppers. I tried to get pictures without people, but not happening! You can see more on this shop and another one here minus all the crowds. We previously visited these shops after a business trip to Arizona. Enjoy! Hope you had a great time admiring the sights and sounds, Branson, Missouri, and can plan a trip soon for your crew. Join my newsletter for more info and receive downloadable quilt labels. These are printable! Simply print onto fabric printer sheets, cut, press and attach to your quilt to preserve vital details about your important work of art.
