Part 1 of our Branson/Brooks 2013 Vacation -

Day 1: Sunday, May 12 - We boarded the Megabus from Ann Arbor to Chicago about 7:30am. This was a 4-hour bus ride with a quick stop in Marshall. Got to Chicago about noon and boarded an Amtrak train from Chicago to St. Louis. This was a 4-hour train trip. Boarded a Metrolink in St. Louis to the airport (because it was after hours) and rented a car so we could drive the remaining 4 hours from St. Louis to Branson, Missouri. So we started the day at 7:30 a.m. and got to our Bluegreen Vacation Resort after midnight. Whew!

Checked into Falls Village, Branson, MO. Here's a link to the resort:

http://www.bluegreenvacations.com/resorts/mo/falls-village

Quite an adventure getting here but very beautiful scenery and room.

Day 2: Monday, May 13 - Chuck and Roger went out early and got food supplies at the local Walmart. We cooked our breakfast and lunch in the kitchen in our room and ate out on the patio while listening to music. We relaxed all day by the pool and hot tub, shot a few games of pool, and freshened up for dinner out at Applebees a few miles away. We reviewed brochures for "things to do in Branson" and came up with our vacation game plan.

Day 3: Tuesday, May 14 - Breakfast in our room, compliments of Roger, then out for the day of sight seeing in: HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BRANSON/BRANSON LANDING. We walked around the shops, took a fun paddle boat ride on the Branson's Lake Queen, up and down the Lake Taneycomo. Beautiful weather out, we saw a bald eagle's nest and shooting water fountains. Lunch at Joe's Crab Shack in the center of the outdoor mall. Back to our room for some R&R. We made dinner in our kitchen tonight.

Day 4: Wednesday, May 15 - Breakfast in our room, relaxing, then out for a scenic drive and lookout point. Enjoyed a late lunch/early dinner at Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House (where they throw bisquits at you). Afterwards to God and Country Theater to see one of Lyn's faves "Statler Bros. Revisited" tribute band. Excellent music and entertainment.

Day 5: Thursday, May 16 - Cleaned up and checked out at 10am. Drove the 4 hours back to St. Louis to return the car rental at Budget. Took the MetroLink back to the Amtrak Station and boarded the train to Chicago. Arrived in Chicago about 9pm at Union Station.

See the Chicago Blog / 2013.