I live not too far away...If the entertainment on offer is your kind of thing, you'll have a blast, if not, you'll probably be bored after a couple of days.

Think of it as a little bit like an old-time rustic Vegas in the hills, only minus the gambling and with much more of an emphasis on the shows. Most of the entertainment down there is NOT my kind of thing so I'm not much good when it comes to show recommendations, but if you're at all a Beatles fan the Liverpool Legends are a very good Beatles tribute band.

Don't overlook the scenic beauty around either...Branson is set amid several lakes that are quite picturesque and it's pretty easy to get out on the lake, either as part of a group or renting your own boat. The Big Cedar Lodge is very nice but a bit pricey, especially in the tourist season, but if nothing else it's worth eating at, especially the weekend brunch. There's also a scenic railway that leaves from downtown Branson that seems to be well-liked but I've never ridden it myself.

If you do come, find a map that shows the "Traffic Relief Routes" (Red Route, Blue Route, etc.) and learn and use them...they will save you many headaches. In the summer traffic can crawl along bumper-to-bumper on the main drag for MILES. Imagine if Las Vegas Blvd was a winding two-lane highway and you'll get the picture.