Skipping the shows - Nature drawing new visitors to Branson

BRANSON, Mo. -- Deb Bruggeman and Robin Mitra visited the self-proclaimed "live entertainment capital of the world" and didn't see a single show.

The two friends spent their weekend away from Branson's traffic-clogged strip and the likes of indoor crooners Andy Williams and Bobby Vinton, instead enjoying the pristine lakes and lush Ozarks mountains that surround the southwest Missouri resort town.

"I would rather be doing something outdoors," said Bruggeman, who lives along with Mitra in suburban St. Louis. "We're both very active and enjoy new adventures."

They're just the type of visitors that Ty Lewis is counting on to make his adventure company, Down Hill Bikes and Trek The Ozarks, successful.

Lewis opened in 1996 and has already created a niche market that lets visitors experience the tranquil, yet outdoor, side of Branson by way of guided kayak, canoe and bicycle.

"What initially attracted people here was the lakes and streams -- to me, they're still the main attraction in Branson," Lewis said.

Haven for anglers

Indeed, the area was a haven for anglers interested in trout from Lake Taneycomo and big mouth bass from Table Rock Lake long before theaters began popping up in the 1990s along Missouri 76 faster than dandelions from an unkempt lawn.

"The Ozark Mountains are one of the best-kept secrets in the country," Lewis said. "The theaters are sort of 'the goose that laid the golden egg,' but there's so much here beyond that."

Lewis' Trek The Ozarks caters to beginners, although trips can be arranged for more experienced enthusiasts.

"You don't have to be an athlete to enjoy kayaking," Lewis said. "Most of the people who come to us just want to get out and have fun."

On this day, Lewis and assistant Eric Davis are guiding six kayakers on an 8-mile trip on Lake Taneycomo.

The group -- which includes Bruggeman and Mitra -- gathers at the business on Missouri 76 at 8:15 a.m. Each person pays a $68 fee -- which includes a bottle of water and light snack -- and signs a waiver form before boarding the van that delivers them to the waterfront in downtown Branson.

The sun is forcing the mist off the 50-degree water as the groups gets a quick lesson on safety and paddling. Lewis uses "touring kayaks" that are longer and more stable than whitewater boats. Foot peddles control the rudder and double-bladed paddles provide the push.

The group glides along the shore as Lewis and Davis point out broad-winged blue herons circling above and native fish swimming in the crystal water.

Brian and Victoria Willard traveled with their 8-year-old son, Tyler, from West Chester, Pa., for a week at a Branson time share.

"We didn't know what to expect really, but it's beautiful here," Brian Willard said.

Seeking younger people

That's exactly the message Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hopes to deliver.

It's not that officials aren't grateful for the 7 million yearly tourists that fill the 60,000 theater seats -- more than New York's famous Broadway -- to be entertained by Williams and others.

But most of those visitors are in the 50-70 age group. Branson needs to strengthen its appeal among those age 25 to 50 if it's going to continue thriving, Chamber spokeswoman Claudia Vecchio said.