We’ve made our way to
Branson. It’s known as a
family vacation destination. There used
to be mostly country music performers but now there are a lot of other things
to see and do. Mark and I have never
been particularly interested in coming here but since it’s on our way to our next stop we decided to go ahead and stay a few days.
We started seeing the
billboards before we left Arkansas!
Branson is just a few
miles from the state line. We only drove
about 200 miles today so we got parked and settled at our RV site around noon. I needed to do laundry so Mark found an RV
park with laundry facilities. We’re
staying at America’s Best Campground (ABC).
It’s not too pricey and is really nice ($40 per night with Good Sam
discount).
The weather is not very nice (cold, cloudy) so we looked for something indoors to do. We ate a quick lunch then headed to the Butterfly Palace.
Entry fee was $18
(senior rate plus a $2 off coupon). We
have found that there are discount coupons for everything, including
restaurants. You get a wristband that is
good for 3 days. There are a lot of
things to do in the Butterfly Palace.
We headed straight for
the Butterfly Aviary. The brochure said
to wear bright clothing so the butterflies will land on you.
Brightest shirt I could find - it worked!
When you first walk into the aviary you can pick up a complementary nectar flower.
I think the tube is filled with Gatorade.
There were lots of butterflies flying around
I was holding 2 nectar flowers and had
several butterflies landing.
Next we went to the Rainforest Theater to watch
the Hidden World of Butterflies. It
tells the story of how the butterflies come from Costa Rica to the Butterfly
Palace. After watching the movie we went
through the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze.
Left? Right? Straight
ahead? Backtrack a bit.
Did I mention it was dark in the maze?
We went back to the
Rainforest Theater to watch 3D Flight of the Butterflies.
The 3D movie was
pretty good although I don’t think the 3D glasses were the best.
After the 3D movie we
went back into the Butterfly Aviary.
Chrysalis room.
There is more here than just butterflies.
Beautiful water feature with orchids and ferns.
Closed.
Open.
We found the Living
Rainforest Science Center very interesting.
I love looking at the critters!
After seeing the Poison Dart Frogs
we’re ready to get back to Costa Rica!
Red Bellied Piranha
They looked like they had gold speckles.
Panther Chameleon (12-24 inches long).
Can you tell why this is called an Eyelash Gecko?
Meet Betty (Formerly
known as Buddy - until she laid an egg!).
She was in the Live Critter Encounter show:
Betty’s favorite foods
are peaches and cockroaches - Yum!
After playing with Betty we went back through the Mirrow Maze. This time we went in the exit. It was a little easier the second time through. We were quicker at finding the openings.
After playing with Betty we went back through the Mirrow Maze. This time we went in the exit. It was a little easier the second time through. We were quicker at finding the openings.
Last stop - the gift
shop. It’s also the first stop since you have to walk through the gift shop in
order to buy your tickets.
Gift shop.
Of course I bought a
magnet!
If you enjoy butterflies this is a great place to visit.
The next day we went to the Acrobats of Shanghai show. It was quite good. Although we were on the 10th row, my little camera just couldn't focus. I only had a couple of pictures worth showing.
These are the types of shows we like.
Teri
We'll add the Butterfly Palace to our list. Looks cool.
ReplyDeletePeaches and cockroaches, with fresh frog main course sound delicious.
Our list just keeps growing too!
ReplyDeleteLast time though there We visited with Joe and Barb Sutherland who have a lovely house there. They have a a tour of the town. We alsostayed at Tablerock State Park. Lovely.
ReplyDelete