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by Tim McDonald
After a dose of nature, it's back to the Strip. Branson has become a huge, entertainment industry, and some people refer to it as the "live music capital of the world," with acts ranging from the Oak Ridge Boys to Petula Clark, to well-known rock and roll bands. It has an outdoor mall now and even some upscale shopping.
Next month, Branson will open what it claims is the first privately-funded and operated airport in the country. The $140 million airport will have non-stop service to and from Milwaukee, Atlanta and Dallas and they're expected to announce another West Coast stop soon.
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They had to, literally, move mountains, cutting off the top of a mountain to make room for the 7,140-yard runway.
But, it's never forgotten its roots. I like the way they've held on to their history here, retaining the original name instead of changing it to something country-gaudy, like – there's no way around this – Dollywood. Branson gets its name from a man named Rueben Branson, who operated a general store and post office. Nothing fancy there, just an honest, hard-working man helping out the community. And the city started out in the entertainment industry by holding square dances in a cave. If that's not Americana, I don't know what is.
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Oh, and the airport will offer "concierge-level service" to everyone, not just well-heeled business travelers.
But, the biggest tradition Branson has held on to, and I like to think the biggest part of its success, is that Ozark friendliness.
I remember that as I sit at yet another country restaurant and a middle-aged waitress with flaming red hair says, "Ya'll want some more sweet tea, honey?"
"Oh yeah," I say. "And I'll take a slice of that sweet potato pie, too, please ma'am."
Next Article - RED SOCK NATION: OUT OF THE PARK!
Jaed shows you how to experience a Red Sock game with out even entering the ballpark.
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