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The Ozark Mountains in southwest Missouri became our spring and summer home. To our Rockies-conditioned eyes, these old mountains looked like hills until we drove their steep slopes. In early spring, redbud and dogwood trees dappled the leafless forests with pink and white blossoms. Unfurling leaves gradually turned the slopes into a rainbow of greens-from iridescent to deep emerald hues. We basked in the rich greenery of the deciduous forests and still reveled in its beauty months later.

We settled into the small resort town life of Branson. The RV park where we work-camped was within walking distance of a dozen theaters and attractions. Except for the hours scheduled to take reservations and help guests get situated, we were free to explore.

Branson is part show town, part midway, part theme park, part lakeside resort and part small town Main Street. We explored it all. Although the population is only 7,500, as many as 100,000 people visit on peak season days. We liked it best in off-season when the streets weren't congested and the temperatures were mild.

Live Music Show Town

The age of Branson visitors skews to the older, retired crowd except in summer when it's popular with young families. Branson takes deep pride in its theaters' wholesome, family-friendly live entertainment, and in its patriotism and fundamental Christian values. Typically, theater audiences include both toddlers and octogenarians. Most shows honor U.S. veterans with a round of appreciative applause. And performers think nothing of praising Jesus from the stage. These are the qualities that nurtured Branson's growth, and the town holds on tight to them.

Since we're not country music fans, we were relieved to discover that the majority of theaters feature other types of entertainment, including classic rock, popular music, comedy and rhythmic dance. We also found shows that embraced a broader world view and some that appealed primarily to younger adults. I loved JEERK - five crazy, handsome Swedes who use hockey sticks, oil drums and other unusual props as instruments to accompany their frenetic tap dancing.

Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff got us to see ourselves from a different, often hilarious perspective, while the Moscow Circus and Legend of Kung Fu transported us into magical worlds. We got to experience Ozark humor at its best at the Paul Harris show, with hilarious material derived from the comedian's roots in Arkansas hillbilly country. And a preview show of the Texas Tenors of "America's Got Talent" fame whet my appetite for more of their classical, pop and, yes, country music.

Outdoor Adventures

Springtime temperatures were ideal for hikes around Table Rock Lake and into Mark Twain National Forest. Rains created tumbling waterfalls and nurtured wildflowers. But, as David painfully discovered, the forests also were ripe with poison ivy and ticks. In June, lightening bugs created a fantasyland of twinkling lights in the woods alongside our site, stirring childhood memories of summers in Pennsylvania.

While the waters were running high, we joined a canoe trip on the Buffalo River in Arkansas. The water was so swift that we didn't have to do much paddling; but, it was also so high that we couldn't see the eddies whirling below the surface. All but one canoe in our group capsized. Fortunately all our gear was tied down and getting dumped in the cool water actually felt delicious.

Reminiscent of Manitou Springs, historic Eureka Springs, Arkansas, entertained us with art galleries, rock shops and such unique boutiques as Babes and Blades. Elegant Victorian homes graced the residential streets.

In summer, the high humidity and temperatures became unbearable to us, even on walks at 10 p.m. One respite was the cool breezes on the decks of the Showboat Branson Belle during a dinner cruise on Table Rock Lake. The ventriloquist's "talking" dogs had me in tears of laughter. It amazes me how hilarious the simplest comedy routines can be.

Playing "Tourist"

Before leaving Branson, we did many of the tourist must-dos. We spent a day at Silver Dollar City, a popular theme park. We checked out Dick's Old Time Five and Dime and other quaint shops in Historic Downtown Branson. And we enjoyed live open-air concerts and the fountain's light-and-fire shows at Branson Landing.

During our time there, we developed a network of dear friends which made it tough to leave. But we were eager to hit the road again. Next stop, Colorado and points west!

WHEN YOU GO

Branson Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Eureka Springs
Comedian Yakov Smirnoff
Silver Dollar City Theme Park
Buffalo National River
Showboat Branson Belle
Branson Landing

Rose and David Muenker, a travel writer-photographer team based in Denver, are traveling the roads of North America by motorhome. Read about their adventures in every issue of Out of Denver and on their blog davidandrose.com. Email them at DavidandRose.OTR@gmail.com.