Over Spring Break, my family took a road trip to Missouri.  We spent one beautiful, fun-filled day at Silver Dollar City.  If you have not visited Silver Dollar City before, it is a must see place to visit.  It has it all!  Rides, food, crafts, shows, and countless attractions to keep you entertained all day long.

Upon entering the park we stopped to rent a stroller.  The attendant asked if the stroller was for the baby or my 3 year old.  I said I wish they had one for the baby, it was mostly for all of my stuff.  He said they did have a couple of infant strollers and we were lucky enough to get one.  It worked out amazing.  My 6 month old was able to nap while we walked around, and we could put some of our bags in it.

Our first stop was at Marvel Cave.  We arrived 10 minutes before the first tour and decided to try it out.  We had absolutely no idea what we were getting ourselves into.  This hour long walking tour has you hiking 500 feet below the surface.  You will climb just under 600 stairs.  It is very strenuous, especially with a 6 month old baby attached to your body, but it is well worth it.  The cave is spectacular, and the guide is very knowledgeable.  We were even “lucky” enough to see some bats.  If my 63 year old mother-in-law, husband, 7 year old, 3 year old, and myself with a 6 month old can do it, so can you.  My kids talk about how neat this experience was every day.

This is the year for Food and Crafts at Silver Dollar City.  They have over 200 new food items this year, with something for everyone.  Some of the food items are normal such as chicken tenders, peanut brittle, and pizza; while others are a little different like mason jar sundaes and pork belly fries.  They had quite a few slushy stations throughout the park, and that’s where my kids headed to.  They have food stations and restaurants throughout the entire park.  We tried cinnamon rolls from Eve & Delilah’s Bakery, and they were just mouth-watering delicious.  We packed a picnic lunch for lunch, and ate it there.  It’s really nice they allow food to be brought in.  We could not leave without trying the kettle corn, which tasted just as amazing as it smelt.

Silver Dollar City has over 40 rides and attractions.  Some of my family’s favorites were Happy Frogs, Royal Tea Party, the Steam Engine, and the Magnificent Wave Carousel.  My kids even went on their first rollercoaster.

One of my family’s absolute favorite parts of visiting Silver Dollar City was seeing all of the real life crafters.  They watched a Blacksmith make a bottle opener right before their own eyes.  They were just in awe.  They enjoyed asking him questions and seeing how things really were made in the 1800’s.

Silver Dollar City has some very exciting new festivals and events this year, including

FESTIVAL OF WONDER (April 6 – 30)

The all-new festival presents amazing acts of curiosity and larger-than-life performances, all billed as “A Most Amazing Entertainment Experience:”

• NEW: The Earth Harp Collective, featuring the world’s largest playable stringed instrument, plays music on 75-foot strings stretched the length of Red Gold Heritage Hall as well as on a “drum cloud” and other unique musical instruments.
• NEW: The Flamenco Kings, the world’s foremost flamenco dancers, are seven brothers whose stunning performances combine flamenco, tap, music, martial arts and acrobatics.
• NEW: Balancing Wonders present gravity-defying performers in an extraordinary balancing show.
• NEW: Speed Painter Dan Dunn takes performance art to top speed, a talent showcased on stages from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to a Super Bowl pregame show.
• NEW: Glass “Armonica” showcases melodic sounds from one of the world’s largest instruments made of glassware.
• NEW: Shows present Harp & Hang Drum music, and Melodies on Air with incredible wind instruments such as 4-ft. pan flutes and clay whistles.
• New foods for the Festival of Wonder take an outrageous turn as well, including Curious Kabobs with shark or alligator on a stick, Fry Breads from Cajun Shrimp to Nutella S’mores, the World of Bacon with Bacon Cannoli and Chocolate Covered Bacon, plus new Bodacious Brownies and Blended Beverages.

We made so many memories visiting Silver Dollar City.  We will most definitely be back to visit.  It is a must see place to visit in the Midwest.

Share and Enjoy

My two children were on Spring Break last week and we took a little road trip out to Branson, Missouri to see the sights.  We had the absolute pleasure of attending Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner extraction.  It was quite an experience, one that will never be forgotten.

Dixie Stampede is an unbelievable dinner show which includes horses, buffalo, dogs, and more.  It is a friendly rivalry between the North and the South with history, trick riding, special effects, and LOTS of fun!  Not to mention the full plate of food that is absolutely mouth watering delicious.

We arrived around 3:30 and picked up our tickets which we had already reserved.  This is a must see attraction that usually sells out, so I would definitely plan ahead and buy your tickets ahead of time.  We were instructed to come back no later than 4:15 for the preshow.  In the meantime we walked around the stables to see more than thirty beautiful horses.

The kids loved reading each horse’s name, their favorite was “Star.”

We entered at 4:15 and stood in line for a few minutes.  A professional photographer took a picture of our family, which was then imposed upon different backdrops and then we were able to purchase them.  The prices were very reasonable and the pictures were beautiful.  We then entered the Carriage Room for the Opening Act.

We could sit either at the main level or go upstairs.  The kids of course wanted to go up.  The bar was open to purchase drinks and snacks including popcorn.  The Opening Act changes, but for us was a trio of brothers who sang amazing Bluegrass music.

They really got the crowd involved and we truly enjoyed the 50 minute show.  The dinner bell then rang and we walked into the next room.

My family was in awe when we entered the 35,000 square foot arena.  There was a real waterfall and pond, as well as seats all around.  I honestly don’t thing there was a bad seat in the house.  We found our assigned seats, which happened to be on the South side and were immediately asked what we would like to drink.

All drinks and food were included in the ticket price.  Children 3 and under were free if they sat on an adult’s lap.  The show began minutes later, and we were absolutely blown away.

Thirty-two horses came galloping out in the arena and were introduced as either being on the North or the South side.  We cheered for the South since that was where our seats were.  The show lasted over an hour.

In the beginning they gave some history about what life was like back then with real covered wagons, buffalo, and “belles of the ball” singing.

The second half of the show was dedicated to competition between the North and the South.  This included trick riding, pig races, dog races, lumberjack competitions, and help from the audience.  The finale was phenomenal.  It was all about being patriotic and the love for our country.  My 3 year old and 7 year old could not keep their eyes off of the show.  For me, it flew by.  It is definitely a must see show.

While the show was going on, you are served a 4-course dinner that does not include any silverware.  It begins with a delicious bowl of soup that you must drink since you have no spoon.  Then you are served a whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked barbecued pork loin, corn on the cob, a biscuit, and a potato.

It was so much food I could barely finish half.  They do offer to go containers for anything you do not finish.  Dessert was an apple turnover that was to die for.  The food was absolutely delicious.

I cannot say enough great things about the Dixie Stampede.  Not only was the show jaw-dropping spectacular, but the food was incredible, and the service was great.  Both of my kids have asked every single day if we can go back to the Dixie Stampede, they had so much fun.  We will definitely go back.  It is well worth it!

https://www.dixiestampede.com/

Share and Enjoy