🇺🇸 Weekend Getaway from St. Louis → Branson, MO 🚗💨

Just a 4-hour drive from St. Louis, Branson is the perfect weekend escape! 🌟 This charming town is largely supported by its warm and lively senior community. Though some spots might feel a bit retro, the positive energy and welcoming vibe are truly heartwarming 🥰👵👴. Nestled beside a massive dragon-shaped lake 🐉🌊, Branson offers plenty of water-based fun. Here’s what we recommend: ⛪ Top of the Rock $10 per vehicle entry Take the shuttle from the Welcome Center to a stunning chapel with breathtaking lake views. Open to the public after 4 PM on weekends – and it faces perfectly for sunset! 🌇 We helped with a friend’s proposal here – and oh my, what a spot! Beautiful views = successful proposal 💍❤️ 🍽️ Osage Restaurant Located in the same building as the chapel. Enjoy upscale dining with sunset views. Around $70 per person. Must-tries: Crab cake, pork belly, ossobuco 🍖 Also in the building: a more affordable Mexican restaurant and a wine bar downstairs 🍷 🚣‍♂️ Kayaking Adventure We went with Kayak Branson – booked their 2.5-hour River Adventure ($40/person). They shuttle you to the dam, and you paddle downstream. Super safe, no experience needed, and the water is crystal clear! 💧 Pro tip: Avoid peak sun – there’s little shade on the water! ☀️ 🍗 Must-Try Brunch Spot: Mid-Town Cafe Walked in to a room full of cheerful seniors – knew it had to be good! Their fried chicken tastes just like KFC in China – crispy, juicy, and nostalgic 🍗😋 The menu is full of fun inside jokes, and the owner knows most customers by name! Also try: homemade blueberry muffin & cobbler (good, but the chicken steals the show 👌) 🦓 On the way to Branson, stop by Springfield and visit the awesome zoo mentioned in my previous post! Hashtags:| #WeekendGetaway #HiddenGems #OutdoorAdventures #Missouri #StLouis #TravelUSA #DayTrip #ExploreMO #STL #Foodie #FriedChicken #Kayaking #SunsetLovers #Nature #ProposalSpot #ChapelWedding #StudyInTheUS