Branson Itinerary - October 2-4, 2025 

Total Cost: $390, includes $100 non-refundable deposit and the remaining balance of $290 due by August 18

Thursday - October 2

8:00 am - Arrive and stage luggage by the gym
8:15 am - Load Charter Bus
8:30 am - Leave FBCLC
10:30 am - 11:00 am: Restroom Break at Arkansas Visitor Center
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Lunch at Golden Corral in Conway, Arkansas (cost included in fee)
5:30 pm -  Arrive at Grand Oaks Hotel in Branson
5:45 pm - 6:15 pm - Pizza & salad available in the lobby for supper/ snack (cost included)
6:30 pm - Leave the hotel for the Haygoods show
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm - The Haygoods show
10:00 pm - Arrive back at the hotel
11:00 pm - 1:00 am - Dance in the Lobby!! (Sorry, just kidding.)

Friday - October 3

6:00 am - 9:00 am - Breakfast in the lobby (optional)
8:20 am - 9:30 am - Early Bird Trip to Dick's 5 & 10 (optional)
10:00 am - 11:50 am - Grand Village Shops (optional)
12:00 pm - Sandwich and dip lunch in the Lobby (price included in the fee)
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Downtime: take a nap, go for a walk, play games, or visit in the lobby
2:20 pm Leave Hotel for Site and Sounds "David"
3:30 pm - 6:15 pm - "David"
7:00 pm - Supper at Billy Gail's - good ole home cooking (Pay for your own - $12 - $25 range)
8:30 pm - Leave Billy Gail's and drop off anyone interested in riding the Ferris Wheel. All others will go back to the hotel. Keith & Jolie will shuttle Ferris Wheel folks back to the hotel as they finish. (The cost of the Ferris wheel is $15-$20) 

Saturday - October 4

6:00 am - 8:30 am - Breakfast in the lobby
8:10 am - 8:30 am - Load the bus
8:30 am - Leave for return trip
10:30 am - Restroom break - possibly at a church
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - Lunch at Wood Grill Buffet in Benton, Arkansas (cost included in fee)
3:45 pm - Restroom break at Texas Travel Center
5:00 pm - Approximate time to arrive back at FBCLC 

Here are the two shows we have tickets for (Price included in fee) 

Sight & Sound's David (Friday from 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm 

Experience the legendary story of David brought to life on stage with stunning sets, live animals, and powerful original music. This Broadway-caliber production at Sight & Sound Theatre follows the shepherd boy who became king, highlighting his battles, triumphs, failures, and unwavering faith in God. It's a deeply moving and visually spectacular portrayal you won't forget. 

The Haygoods (Thursday from 7:30 pm - 9:30pm)

Get Ready for a high-energy, family-friendly performance featuring six siblings who play over 20 instruments combined! The Haygoods deliver a fast-paced show packed with tight harmonies, amazing special effects, and a mix of musical styles, from country and rock to pop and gospel. It's Branson's most popular show for a reason!

Dick's 5 & 10 - A Branson Ole-Time Tradition (Option for 8:20 am - 9:30 am on Friday Morning) 

  • Historic Landmark: Family-owned and operating since 1961, Dick's 5 & 10 is a downtown Branson icon. Its current 10,000 sq ft location, home to over 175,000 items, continues founder Dick Hartley's vision of a well-stocked, old-time variety store. 
  • Nostalgia Meets Novelty: Step inside and you'll find aisles of vintage toys, collectible souvenirs, sewing notions, houseware, games, and novelty gifts, many items reminiscent of a bygone era and others delightfully quirky and unexpected. 
  • Candy & Soda Emporium: With over 1,100 varieties of candy and more than 100 unconventional soda flavors, including bacon and pickle, this shop is a sugar lover's dream. Try taffy in 60+ flavors or classic penny candies like Big Hunk, Bit-O-Honey, and Slo-Pokes.
  • Unique Collections Throughout: Beyond retail, the store houses spectacular exhibits, including a Baseball Wall of Fame second only to Cooperstown, signed WWII aviation prints, White River arrowheads, overhead G-scale trains, antique washing machines, and more.

In Summary 

If you love surprises, nostalgia, or just want to take a fun excursion, Dick's 5 & 10 should be at the top of your Branson itinerary. It's not just a store, it's an experience you'll talk about long after your visit! 

Grand Village Shops - A Charming, Senior-Friendly Shopping Destination (Option for 9:45 am - 11:30 am on Friday morning) 

  • Cozy Village Atmosphere: Tucked in on Highway 76, Grand Village Shops is a compact, Victorian-style shopping enclave comprised of about 26-27 boutique stores and two restaurants. Its small layout, paved walkways, and places to sit and rest make it easily navigable, ideal for seniors and anyone preferring minimal walking. 
  • Locally-Owned, Artisan Focused: Every shop is locally owned and operated, offering handcrafted goods such as wood carvings, soaps, jewelry, specialty gifts, and holiday decor. Examples include Missouri's largest Christmas store (Kringles), Peter Engler Designs, Thomas Kindade Gallery, and Mulberry Mill.
  • Picturesque & Walkable Layout: Designed with brick paths, fountains, and period-style storefronts reminiscent of Old Charleston, the environment is inviting and manageable, with no sprawling mall to traverse. 

In Summary: 

Grand Village Shops offers a delightful blend of shopping, snacks, and ambiance, all within a compact, cozy setting that avoids long walking distances. It's a peaceful yet engaging stop suitable for anyone.