This year, 2011, will be the 75th Anniversary of the Ozark Empire Fair. The fair takes place in Springfield at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds starting July 29 – August 7. Branson is just about 43 miles from Springfield, so if you’re planning a trip to Branson it would be a short (and not to mention worthy) drive to come experience the fair. Just grab some convenient lodging in Branson, check out the many remarkable shows and exciting attractions there, and then head to Springfield for the Ozark Empire Fair!

If you’re a food fanatic, you can’t miss the fair. Classics like funnel cakes, BBQ chicken, corn on a stick, and fried taters will be yours to enjoy. But not only are the traditional fair foods featured, there’s also sushi, fried green tomatoes, and deep-fried snickers, twinkies, and oreos! Wash it all down with a delicious drink such as blackberry tea, smoothies, or hand-dipped shakes. The fair is a paradise for lovers of savory treats.

Fun-seekers will have a blast will all the carnival attractions. The White Water Log Flume is a rare carnival ride (only four in the nation) that puts you in a boat and drops you down slopes that could you get you soaking wet! The largest portable slide ever made, the Mega Slide, spans 190’ so you’ll speed down the track with the wind in your hair. Reaching 120’ up in the air, the Giant Gondola Wheel is the classic Ferris wheel that will give you a bird’s-eye-view. Those are just a few of the rides coming to the fair, and the young and old will find attractions suitable for them.

There’s also going to be a lot of music happening. Disney’s Imagination Movers will be performing July 29th and the next night will be Smash Mouth. Dwight Yoakam, Ernie Haase, and Three Dog Night will all be showing up for a set. The Happy Together Tour will be coming August 3rd and the days after that will include bull blasts, truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby. You won’t want to miss any of this!

Whether you are a pie-making novice or are just looking for some new tricks to add to your repetoire, you can join the Introduction to Pie Making class held at Silver Dollar City’s Culinary & Craft School. On select dates during May and June, Master Craftsman of Culinary Arts Debbie Dance Uhrig will guide students through the process of making a wonderful chocolate cream pie. The 60-minute class will feature special instructions on how make a delicious crust and the perfect meringue. At the end of the class, you will get to enjoy a sample of the pie. A One-Day Admission Ticket or Season Pass is required for park entry and reservations for the class are required. The Culinary & Craft School is located just past the entrance to Echo Hollow Amphitheatre.

Feel free to check out the Introduction to Pie Making class schedule.

While you’re in Branson, make sure to catch a show or visit some of the popular attractions the city has to offer. To compare prices and make reservations for lodging and to purchase tickets for shows, visit BransonShows.com for a convenient way to plan you next Branson vacation!

Following a long day of shopping, attractions, and shows, there’s only one thing on the minds of the average visitor to Branson, Missouri: food. Sure, you can swing by any old fast-food joint and satisfy your need for nourishment, but why not top off your memorable visit to Branson by stopping at a restaurant that boasts fine dining at affordable prices? Branson offers a wide variety of dining facilities serving everything from classic comfort foods such as meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy to gourmet delicacies such as trout amandine with a healthy helping of expertly sauteed vegetables. For a fantastic dinner (or lunch!) experience, try these restaurants the next time you’re in town.

Andy Williams Moon River Grill

Located near the famed Moon River Theatre, Andy Williams Moon River Grill is a favorite of the legendary performer himself. It is said that he dines here nightly! Even if you don’t get a chance to see the singer at his most casual, you can enjoy all of his favorite homemade- inspired dishes offered on the menu. Savor a meal that will fill you up and leave your wallet feeling the same!

Candlestick Inn Restaurant & Lounge

This lounge offers a classy though laid-back dining experience with live music and delicious entrées  that will keep you coming back for more. Enjoy the option of being able to dine on everything from classic club sandwiches to gourmet fillets of lobster and tilapia. A diverse selection of wines are also available for enjoyment with your meal.

Rocky’s Italian Restaurant

Delight in great food and great service at a great price when you dine here! The Italian dishes served here range from simple favorites such as spaghetti and meatballs to gourmet masterpieces such as veal scaloppini. A downtown favorite for more than 20 years, you’ll be glad you chose this restaurant as your last stop for the day as the food offered will tantalize your palette and satisfy even the most discriminatory of tastes.