Highway 76 entrance with Mel's Diner and, to the left, a glimpse of "interior" of Grand Village Shops.
Shopping is an integral part of the Branson experience for many people,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She also points out that its availability, like the majority of Branson’s other attractions, is year round and not weather or seasonally dependent.”
The variety and quality of the shopping offered by Branson’s outlet malls, Branson Landing, its historic downtown shopping district and other specialty shops is well known. Perhaps not as well known, but providing one of the most unique, interesting and attractive shopping experiences in Branson, is the Grand Village Shops located in the middle of Branson’s entertainment district at 2800 W. Highway 76 on the famous Branson Strip.
Opened in 1993, the Grand Village Shops’ architecture and design is a not an attraction to be missed. Its beautiful fountains, plantings, brick walkways, flower beds and buildings were designed based on “the look of old town Charleston, South Carolina” and provide a charming relaxing shopping venue that is unique in Branson.
From apparel, gift, specialty, toy. book and jewelry stores the shopping experience provided at the Grand Village Shops is exceptional. The confluence of the gallery and fine arts of Helwig Art Glass, Peter Engler Woodcarving and Design, Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Gallery and Mark Karpinski Photography add to the total shopping experience available at the Grand Village Shops.
The Grand Village Shops has two restaurants that are as unique as its design and shopping. “Sugar Leaf Treats” has some of the most delicious hand crafted treats, cookies, cakes and pies available in Branson to go with their specialty soups, salads, quiches, sandwiches and other items.
Mel’s Hard Luck Dinner, is noted for serving “the biggest banana split in Branson,” its “famous Root Beer Malts” and serving hearty portions of good home cooked food and one other thing, entertainment. As it serves up its delicious food, Mel’s staff of singing servers, interface with the customers in an up-close and personal one on one entertainment experience that the customers from kids on up just love. The singing servers come from varied backgrounds such as Broadway, cruise ships, shows and TV. Two of these servers, Jason Yeager and Matt Kester, appeared on the hit Fox Show “American Idol,” Yeager in 2008 and Kester in 2005.
The Grand Village Shops has great shopping, food, entertainment all presented within a unique and relaxing environment. “It’s another of those unique quality experiences that makes Branson so exciting and interesting,” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson added. For additional information on the Grand Village Shops or Branson’s other shopping, shows, attractions, or lodging please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.