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3 Day Getaways and Long Weekends
3 day or “long weekend” getaways are perfect mini vacations for busy executives who cannot afford the time away from work. A 3 day vacation is a great way for couples to recharge their batteries and their marriage. It allows both vacationers a chance to get away and forget their businesses or personal challenges for a short period of time.
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The question then becomes where to go and why you should choose one place over another for a 3 day vacation. The choices are varied and many. Here are three choices that allow people living a short driving distance away to get away and have a terrific time.
Branson, Mo
Branson, Missouri meets the requirements for a fun place to visit during the Christmas Holidays. There are many entertainers in town doing special holiday shows, like Andy Williams, and unique attractions at Silver Dollar City. A visitor can check out what is happening by visiting www.bransonwebmania.com or www.branson.com. Branson offers many attractions that are open until the end of the year for the pleasure of the tourists. The weather usually cooperates at that time of year. For most visitors coming to Branson it is an easy freeway drive and a great place to get a 3 day vacation package.
Many of the places to stay for a 3 day vacation have holiday deals for their guests, including show deals when asked. Places to eat and be entertained like the Dixie Stampede are enjoyable places to see a show and have a good meal. A visitor would be well advised to visit the many sites found on the Internet associated with Branson.
For those folks that like gospel and country music, there are many shows that offer both. Magic shows that will amaze the viewer are easily found. Vegas type shows are also running in the month of December.
Some helpful advice about Branson is to take your long weekend during a time when there are fewer visitors but still good entertainment. A search on the Internet can help you figure out the best times to visit.
Eureka Springs, AR
Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a great place to get a 3 day vacation package, and is only a short hour drive southwest of Branson. It offers some very unusual sites and attractions for the 3 day visitor. The Great Passion Play is offered and the imposing statue of Jesus is at the same hilltop venue. This facility is inspirational and well worth the visit. This is particularly true in December or around the holidays.
There are some outstanding first-class restaurants in this Ozark hideaway. One of the historic places to stay while in Eureka Springs is the landmark Crescent Hotel, which was opened in 1886. This highlights an interesting point: Eureka Springs was in the tourist business long before Branson was even thought of. In those days visitors came by train for the waters. The springs were thought to have curative powers. Guest were well taken care of, and spent time relaxing in the springs and being cared for by the staff.
Another reason to visit Eureka Springs is the large artist colony that resides there and the great art galleries that are in the Swiss-like downtown area. You can get around town in all directions by taking the trolley. If you like bed and breakfast type lodging, there are several that are located in homes that were built in the 1880s. These homes have wonderful cabinetry, stained glass windows, and transoms. Some have tin ceilings with artwork stamped in by hand.
Another place worth visiting while in Eureka Springs for a long weekend is Blue Springs. This exquisite spring is a must-see on anyone’s visit. Blue Springs was considered a sacred place by the several Indian tribes that lived in the surrounding countryside. Their pact to keep weapons away from the spring was honored by the tribe members and adds to the lore of the place. The spring has a large pool that is crystal clear, and is the home of some extremely large brown trout. It flows year round and offers a quiet place of beauty for those who want a peaceful repose. The setting around the spring is trees and plants of every description. All in all, this is an unusual tourist attraction that lives up to its name.
The Ozarks in General
The Ozarks are a treasure to be enjoyed both visually and mentally. The foothills and the bodies of water make for very interesting scenery. There are several lakes and the White river for those who like to fish or walk water trails, and if you love the outdoors you could probably find a great 3 day vacation package that includes outdoor activities. The forests are almost virginal and make grand vistas.
The Ozarks have another special feature that is unique. This feature is the artwork and woodcarvings that are home grown. The sculptured pieces are amazing and show remarkable creativity. A visit to an Ozark crafts show is a visual experience. You will find something that you must take home. Many of the craft shows also offer entertainment to watch and hear. If you see one advertised while in the area, you should visit for a while.
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