Samson in Branson & Other Adventures

As part of celebrating our 45th anniversary, we're taking little trips to special events, seeing concerts, and have two bigger vacations planned this year.

A few weeks ago, we went to Branson to see the musical drama, Samson.

But first stop was the big McDonald's rest stop on I-44. It's been remodeled since the last time a trip took us in that direction. It spans the highway. You can stand at the windows and watch fellow travelers zoom underneath.

Oklahoma's favorite son, Will Rogers, greets visitors.

Ceiling sculpture.

When you start going up and down the hills of Missouri, and see a cross in the distance, you know you're getting close to Branson.

We stayed at an older hotel with a Victorian flair and the most comfortable beds!

 At the Sight & Sound Theater. The "Samson" production was very good!

Ah, the good ol' strip. So stuffed with tackiness. Pure Branson.

 Outside a restaurant called "Pasghetti's".  {ok for families; I wouldn't go back}

We spent a morning at Top of the Rock, where you can rent a golf cart and ride through this beautiful park. It's absolutely gorgeous. Flowers, caves that you drive through, waterfalls.

And bonus for us - pouring rain! The morning started out great, but halfway through our trek, it poured and we got drenched. Still, it was a lot of fun.

It wouldn't be Missouri without caves.

We drove our cart across this covered bridge.

I just can't get the hang of the foamy-waterfall look.

The Chapel is a must-see. Unfortunately, I didn't get any good inside pictures because of other tourists. Humph. I'm supposed to be the only one who needs to take pictures!

While excavating for the golf course or something, they uncovered what they're calling 'a mini Grand Canyon."

 This was a stunning sculpture, sitting in the middle of a reflecting pool and overlooking the chapel and the lake.

There's a wonderful looking restaurant on the grounds; a gift shop (of course) and downstairs, a wine cellar and bar or party/reception venue.

This is where wine is kept prisoner.

This reminded me of the crypts of Winterfell. Which I plan to talk about next post!