Dozens of shops, restaurants stay open during January, February, March.

Branson is a shopper’s paradise and during the winter months, prices at outlet shops, gift boutiques, antique stores, arts and crafts studios, and name brand chains are the lowest of the year. During Hot Winter Fun, January through March, shoppers in Branson will find dozens of stores open seven days a week offering great deals on name brand clothing, house wares, electronics, home décor, gourmet food, jewelry, furniture, novelty gift items and hand-crafted art.

Merchants in the Branson area want shoppers and diners to know they’re open this time of year, so many of them have joined forces with the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Convention & Visitors Bureau to get the word out by participating in special events, advertising and other promotional activities.

Branson’s three outlet malls offer guests name brand merchandise at discounts of 25-65% off regular retail prices. All three malls are open seven days a week. Tanger Outlet Center features stores such as Bombay Gift Outlet, Mikasa, Old Navy, Dress Barn and many more. In 2005, shoppers have the added advantage of convenient Monday through Saturday hours of 9a.m. to 9p.m. and Sunday hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Tanger.

Engler Block is an ideal destination for shoppers looking for one-of-a-kind hand-made items. Visitors can even watch craftsmen blow glass, paint or carve wood right on site. Engler Block features several shops all under one roof, including a restaurant.

No trip to Branson is complete without a visit to the historic downtown area. Be sure to visit Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10. It’s a trip back in time at this popular shopping destination filled with a variety of items you haven’t seen since you were a kid.

At Alaska Down South, shoppers will find Alaskan and African art, décor, jewelry, furniture and textiles. Many of the items are hand-made, one-of-a-kind heirloom-quality.

Artists and woodworking hobbyists can find a wide-range of raw materials at Art & Woodcrafters Supply. Shop for numerous wood patterns, paints, tools and more. The knowledgeable staff is there to help bring your ideas to life.

Whether you’re a novice photographer eager to see those vacation photos, or an experienced professional, Flash Photo, located on Highway 76 has the supplies, equipment and staff to help with your one hour processing, framing and equipment needs.

The Branson Wal-Mart is conveniently located on the Hwy. 76 Strip adjacent to the Branson Mall and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

While you’re shopping, enjoy a meal at one of Branson’s great restaurants or eateries to relax and refuel for the next round. From fine dining to fast food, Branson boasts a wide variety of choices, even during the winter months.

Start off your day with a mouth-watering Krispy Kreme donut. Located on the Strip, near Tanger Outlet Center, Krispy Kreme opened in 2004 and has quickly become a local hot spot.

Enjoy a great breakfast, lunch or dinner buffet at Branson’s Golden Corral, the largest one in the world!

For family fun, don’t miss the new Playtime Pizza, which opened in 2004, and features great games and activities for kids of all ages. Located on Gretna Road, between Branson’s three outlet malls, Playtime Pizza is an excellent choice for birthday parties, and other special events.

Branson has a great mix of cuisine styles to choose from at places like Pasta House, Lone Star Steak House, California Bar & Grill, Bob Evans, Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen, McFarlain’s Family Restaurant, Candlestick Inn, B.T. Bones and Rib Crib. The atmosphere and service are fantastic and with all the calories you burn shopping, you’ll definitely want to order dessert!

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