(BRANSON, MISSOURI – July 21, 2025) – Labor Day may mark the end of summer, and summer vacations, but that can make it an excellent month for less-crowded vacations, Afar Magazine stated in its recently published article titled “The 11 Best Places to Travel in September.” Afar named Branson No. 1 in the best-of list.
“September is great for an alternative to New England’s crowded leaf-peeping routes,” wrote Afar’s Mark Ellwood. “Consider a trip to Branson, Missouri, where maples, oaks, and ashes turn warm hues starting around mid-September, thanks to the higher elevation of the Ozark Mountains. Get on Highway 165 for a 22-mile scenic loop that offers superb views, including across Table Rock Lake. Or hop out of the car and go hiking around the more than 1,500-acre Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.”
Afar recommended staying at The Ozarker Lounge (theozarkerlodge.com), a 102-room boutique hotel that opened last summer. If offers a stylish, camp-themed vibe and decor. Visitors who seek other lodging types, Branson boasts an array of accommodations including lodges, hotels, motels and cabins – the last for experiences ranging from glamping to rustic traditional.
The magazine suggested going to the Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City, which starts on September 12. There are 30,000 pumpkins on display by day and a menu of pumpkin-spice–inspired food. At night, expect “non-scary family fun,” with dance parties on Pumpkin Plaza and dozens of fairground rides.
For golf enthusiasts, Branson is an ideal place to tee it up and augment getaways with Branson’s array of other attractions. These include three lakes, live entertainment theatres, museums, family-friendly venues, historic downtown Branson, and modern waterfront Branson Landing.
Branson’s golf destination garnered several accolades via Golf Digest’s just released “2025-26 Best in State” compilation, including having four 18-hole courses recognized for excellence and the region as Missouri’s top place for public play.
Wrote Golf Digest in its published analysis accompanying the rankings: “Missouri golf continues to benefit from the momentum of Big Cedar Lodge’s development. The boom in travel to the new Branson, Mo., golf destination has led to an increase in evaluations from our course-ranking panelists across the state—which means we were able to boost our best courses in Missouri rankings to include five more deserving layouts this year.”
Branson Golf is home to courses designed by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Bob Cupp, Chuck Smith, Bobby Clampett, Tom Watson, Tom Clark, and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw.
“As Afar illuminated, Branson is a multi-faceted destination where there’s something for everyone, not the least of which is our famed foliage starting in latter September,” said Heather Hermen, Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing & Communications Officer of Explore Branson. “People enjoy the countless attractions they can choose from here, and with our golf destination rapidly emerging as one of the best in America, it’s an ideal place for golfers who appreciate playing the game amid autumn colors.”
Branson is easily reached by vehicle thanks to its middle America location (one-third of the U.S. mainland population is within an 8-hour drive). Those who prefer flying have many flights from which to choose via Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).
Visitors can create any number of stay-and-play itineraries due to the destination’s plethora of lodging options and proximity of courses to one another. For more information about Branson Golf and a menu of family friendly things to do in Branson, visit www.explorebranson.com
