Set among the rolling hills of southern Missouri, Branson is a celebration of the American spirit.
Sure, this town is a hub for country & western music with multiple venues for a genre that connects so melodiously to American storytelling, heritage and values.
But it is so much more than that: I’ve covered 4,000 miles of the American landscape over 26 days before finally discovering so strong a fervor for freedom and patriotic pride.
And I’m not talking about the Donald Trump Store.
Blowing through nine states, I haven’t seen any Biden stores—or any support for the sitting (some say sleeping) president.
While in Oxford, Mississippi, when I told The Oliver’s restaurant & bar manager I was aiming for Branson, he did not say I must see this show or that (I’m not into Elvis Presley impersonators or tribute bands).
He said, “Go to Hard Work U.”
Huh-what?
College of the Ozarks, on Lookout Point just outside of town.
It is called Hard Work U because students must work on campus for an education instead of paying tuition. And if they want room and board, they work on campus through the summer.
So: Having received this unexpected message from the universe, my first stop upon awakening with a view of Table Rock Lake is the Ralph Foster Museum tucked within the college campus.
Among the Americana collected here is the jalopy used in the popular 1960s TV sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies.
I take old Jed Clampett’s seat behind the steering wheel and marvel about how folks from the Ozarks once flocked to Californie.—and now it’s the other way round.)
Hard Work U’s campus includes a quite magnificent hotel…
…staffed (of course) by students, who also work on the campus farm and campus creamery to produce a farm-to-table culinary experience in their own restaurant…
And their gift shop?
Vocational goal: “To promote a strong work ethic encouraging the development of good character and values.”
Patriotic goal: “To encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it.”
It is clear everywhere you look—on campus, around Branson—that this town (probably the whole state) looks after its military veterans, from statues in honor of their service to special parking privileges.
Lunch is Mel’s Hard Luck Diner, whose servers sing for their tips.
Cheery smiles, happy faces, ice cream sundaes.
If there is ever a place to bring my grandsons it is Branson: Family-friendly, full of wonder and adventure.
Come sunset, a restaurant called Osage, part of Big Cedar Lodge.
First a Negroni in their Buffalo Bar…
…followed by a bison tomahawk (enough meat for three + Lulu) in their palace of rusticity.
“Y’all come back soon, ya hear?”
Loud & clear!
The Hard Work U was on a UK travel documentary recently... came across as a must-stay!
Pure Americana, embracing the days and ways that made America great. ❤️