I just read an article on the Branson Landing in which they quoted Richard Huffman, CEO of HCW Development Co. (company behind the Landing project) as saying

More than shopping? An entertainment center? I realize they have street performers and a water fountain but calling it an entertainment center? I suppose most women would be highly entertained by 450,000 square feet of shops but I would not. I admit it's nice to see downtown Branson beautified but to me, Branson Landing is just another glorious outdoor mall like in so many other cities. I've seen beautiful outdoor malls in Orlando, Kansas City, Houston, Los Angeles, etc. I don't know if there is a big city around that doesn't have one. Each is different in their own right but several I know of do have water fountains. Whether or not Branson's is bigger and better remains to be seen. But to call the Branson Landing a "destination" doesn't work for me. I don't believe people are going to plan their vacations and tours around a mall. The Branson Landing is like any other glorified mall in just about any other city.

The Branson Landing will pull shoppers from the outlet malls like Tanger and the already struggling Red Roof and Branson Meadow malls. Branson Landing isn't increasing the pie, it's just taking a big chunk from already struggling Branson businesses. I just hope it doesn't really become an "entertainment center" and detract visitors from our 100+ shows. That alone could be the nails in the coffin for dozens of entertainers who are trying to scratch out a living here.

This last weekend I went down and spent the entire evening at the Landing with my wife. The water fountain was up and running and it was nice--nothing compared to the Bellagio in Las Vegas (supposedly the same company designed both). I took a bunch of photos so everyone could see what it looks like. They'll be posted in my gallery within a few days.

We went to Famous Dave's for dinner and it was packed. I don't think their air conditioning was up for the challenge to cool so many bodies as it was pretty warm inside. The BBQ pork and fries were excellent but the corn, mash potatoes, and beans left much to be desired. I asked the waitress if the corn was fresh and crisp. She replied that they only use the freshest and it was very crisp. Well, when the corn on the cob finally arrived it was mushy and bland. I never even had time to tell her because she was so busy I never saw her again until she dropped off the bill on her way by. Anyway, they're probably still getting a lot of the bugs worked out.

I must admit the Landing is quite a cosmetic improvement over the eyesore there before. It looks so nice to have a boardwalk along side lake Taneycomo and something nice to add downtown. It's just that when I step onto the Landing I feel like Dorothy in Oz--I'm not in Kansas anymore! When I'm walking down the street I feel like I'm not in Branson or anywhere near it. It just doesn't 'fit' the Branson culture. The Branson culture, of course, has been changing for some time and it may yet evolve into the modern metro tourist destination from the Ozark mountain hillbilly image. That Ozark mountain hillbilly image has been what has made Branson unique and special--different from any other tourist destination in the country. Now, that image is slowly disappearing although I'm sure some roots will always remain if you know where to look.

Branson Landing represents a new chapter in the history of Branson. A serious plight to attract younger adults, families, and businesses instead of the traditional older folks that come to see the shows. Approximately 80 percent of Branson visitors are repeats and the medium age is around 56. Branson knows it has to do something to increase the diversity of its tourist base and to attract more (much more) first timers. It will be interesting to see what happens in the next ten years to this beautiful tourist destination in the Ozarks...

Oh I don't think you have too much to worry about. I was there a few weeks ago and it's lovely! I don't see how it would detract from shows. I know what you mean by the image thing though. But that's okay too. Not everthing in Branson has to be Hillbilly

I hope on my next trip to Branson, I will get to go to the Landing. I've heard it's really a nice place.

Isn't there suppose to be a restaurant or something going in near Belk's that has something to do with Frankie Avalon. Italian Wedding or something like that where you are witnessing a pretend wedding and you are the reception guests, you get to eat and be a part of this whole for a lack of better word "show"?Sort of like those murder mystery dinners?? It really sounds like fun and I would go to it to check it out. Not opening I think until September or so. Maybe that would constitute part of the "entertainment" besides the street performers and fountain.

Yes, that's what I've heard. I'd love to see the Big Kahona! Isn't that what he was called in the Beach movies with Annette? I loved those old movies!!!

when we were at the Landing I saw very few people actually buying anything or carrying any sacks around, by contrast the people you saw at Tanger and at the Red Roof were all buying items, I really don't think the Landing will take business away from the outlets, in fact they may help people realize just what great deals they're getting and increase business.

I do agree with the statement that it's nothing more than a glorified mall, that's all it is, expensive stores behind new walls, I was less than impressed. The heat among the tall buildings, narrow street and all that cement was difficult to handle. Hopefully they'll still go ahead and build a convention center in the area if not nobody among my family showed any interest in going back, one remarked about how we had wasted our time there.

I agree. I would never go there during the day between June and August. At night it's much better because it's cooler plus you can see all the neat light designs they have including the water show.[/quote]

For those of you who wanted to see my photos of the Branson Landing, I finally have them up! Follow the link below to see my pics:
http://www.bransontalk.com/gallery/main.php

Great pictures!!!