Sure Branson tourism is known for incredible live shows, museums, theme parks and scenic lakes. But visitors may not be expecting the amazing shopping opportunities that await them in the Live Music Show Capital of the World. Whether it’s upscale shopping at the Branson Landing or unbelievable deals at the Tanger outlets, there’s plenty to buy in Branson. But right in the heart of Branson is another shopping venue that is truly Ozarks in nature. The Branson Craft Mall, located in the center of the famous Highway 76 strip and near many hotels, features 16,000 square feet of artisans, their wares and plenty of hillbilly fun. From hand-painted home goods and holiday décor to iron works and candles, the Branson Craft Mall truly has it all.
Visitors can stroll through more than 200 booths of arts and crafts created by imaginative artisans from all over America. Open seven days a week, year-round, the Branson Craft Mall features crafts such as:
- Bedazzled apparel
- Quilts
- Leather
- Magnetic jewelry
- Brass engraving
- Crafted silver
- Custom wood carvings
- Stained glass
- Woven baskets and rugs
- Hand-painted pottery
- Bead design
- Christmas decorations
- Potato bags and more
The Branson Craft Mall isn’t just a shopping experience. Visitors can witness creation first hand while viewing working craftsmen in their creative environments. Artisans include basket weavers, silversmiths, potters, engravers and carvers, as well as clothing, bead and stained-glass artists who not only create wares sold at the craft mall, but even take custom orders and sometimes give classes so others can learn the tricks of the trades.
Skilled and experienced artisans, such as rug and basket weaver Marty Bartlett, who took her first basket class 23 years ago, make a variety of crafts for sale, fill custom orders and even lead classes on their trades. Another craftsman is potter Gary Mortenson, who prides himself as a functional potter who loves knowing his creations will be used in the home. Mortenson mixes his own glazes and uses his keen sense of form, decoration and glaze application to design pieces of art customers can enjoy displaying as much as using. A true showman, forming pots on the wheel while patrons watch gives him the opportunity to “ham it up” while he explains the process and answers questions.
Branson visitors love spending time at the Branson Craft Mall. Recent reviews of the facility brag of the venue’s friendly staff, excellent food and plenty of comfortable places to sit, not to mention the outstanding window-shopping opportunities and the Christian atmosphere. Shoppers love not only the crafts, but also the affordable price tags.
“We stopped in the Branson Craft Mall just to check it out. We ended up staying for several hours and shopping and eating!” one satisfied customer wrote on TripAdvisor. “Bring the whole family, you won’t forget it.”
Of course no Ozarks shopping experience could be complete without a host of delicious handmade goodies. The Branson Craft Mall’s Hillbilly Nut and Fruit Co. offers a variety of dried fruits and roasted nuts, as well as jams, jellies, salsas, soup mixes and even local honey. Any visitor with a sweet tooth can satisfy that craving by trying the Branson Fudge Co.’s scrumptious fudge. When browsing reviews of the venue, one pattern quickly emerges: Visitors LOVE the fudge!
Top it all off with Branson Coffee Co.’s gourmet coffee that’s not only ground fresh daily but also sold exclusively at the Branson Craft Mall. With coffee beans from across the world, the exclusive private gourmet coffee label features more than 50 roasted flavors.
The Branson Craft Mall also features five varieties of locally-sourced and no-sugar-added Muscadine grape juice. Grown at Post Vineyards since 1880, the grapes have been cultivated by five generations, and it all started with a German immigrant who sold his first Altus wines straight from his cellar to passengers of the Iron Mountain Railroad when the train stopped by his farm for fuel and water.
Once they start perusing the arts and crafts available at the Branson Craft Mall, visitors are unlikely to leave as soon as they planned, but that’s OK. They can grab lunch at the Pickin’ Porch Deli and savor some Ozarks’ mouthwatering sandwiches, soups and salads. Visitors claim they can’t get enough of the chicken salad, and the wraps are the best found anywhere.
Located on Highway 165, just a hop, skip and a jump south of Branson’s famous 76 Country Boulevard, the Branson Craft Mall is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and has plenty of parking for your group’s motorcoach.