Grand Country Inn Branson

Capages: Noisy race track threatens beauty of the Ozarks

"They paved paradise, put up a ... NASCAR track?"

My apologies to Joni Mitchell, but you get the drift. Why build a noisy, dusty racetrack in what's left of the peace and beauty of the Ozark lake country? It boggles the mind.

Eight-hundred acres of Missouri farmland near Hollister deep in our Ozark Mountain Range will be scraped into the shape of a bowl with grandstands, if developers have their way. Add to that the roads and interchanges to get folks in and out that will follow. Imagine the gridlock at U.S. 65 and Highway 86 when 65,000+ people fill the roads after a race. Think Branson's Highway 76 is tough to navigate?

It's bad enough that nasty Seadoos defile the morning quiet of a shimmery, glassy lake view. But this race track is just plain ridiculous. Yet, there's money to be made! Temporary construction jobs will result, so some think the desecration is worth it. And 800 racetrack jobs may seem good, until you think of what those jobs might be. Ticket takers? Concessions? Cleaning crews?

Perhaps I'm cranky because I'm still mourning the loss of the quaint little fishing cabins on Old Branson's waterfront, now replaced with shiny Branson Landing stuff. Not much money from the fishing cabins; lots o'money for Bass Pro, et al.

Perhaps it's lingering memories of the Ozarks in the late 1950s when Silver Dollar City was just a road sign. We stayed in Branson back then where the only motel to my recollection was the Anchor Inn. My New York City father fell in love with Missouri, and Mamma, a Georgia girl, loved the old mountains, so we settled here.

It was a wilder place back then, not as accessible to humans as it is now. Some improvements are good things. The controversial corralling of the White River was no mean feat, but the lakes that were born are a boon to the area's economy and introduced the world to the Ozarks' wonders. Then, the Herschends did a grand job with Silver Dollar City, building it in contour with the land and Ozarks history in mind.

Our majestic Ozark Mountains -- hills by Rocky Mountain standards -- weren't formed by volcanic upheaval, but were ground down slowly after eons by weathering.

That is, until the music business arrived, and suddenly tree-covered mountains were sheared off faster and more rudely than nature can do it for theaters, roads, airports, shopping malls and hotels.

It's as if people lost their sensibilities. What about the land, the trees and animals? The air and water quality? God made us stewards of this land. We should ask for forgiveness from the Creator of this world for the terrible job we've done in taking care of it because of our greed.

Grand Country Buffet - Get Branson

Grand Country buffet

Rather you’re staying at the Grand Country Inn or not, The Grand country buffet is the resturant to start off you’re amazing day in Branson. Come on by for a fufilling southern style breakfast. With plenty of choices from fresh fruits, homemade breads,fresh farmed raised eggs, bacon, sausage, with plenty more excellent breakfast treats! This buffet is an ideal breakfast  for a light diet or a traditional meal.

Lunch at the Grand Country buffet is an experience all in it’s self! With different southern style meats from the grill,deep fried and let’s not forget, good ol barbeque. Delicious bakery breads and a full bar of desserts. If you’re looking for that perfect way to end you’re day. Dinner here is worth the wait,slow roasted ham and delicious roast is served here everynight! Five bars are opened filled with plenty of meat choices,separate vegatable and salad bar.Don’t let the dessert bar bypass you either, fresh bakery desserts are also served nightly. Close off  you’re hearty meal with an all-time favorite, an ice cream Sunday with you’re choice of toppings.What a great day to be in Branson.

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