Located in southwest Missouri, Springfield is about 250 miles southwest of St. Louis, and about 170 miles south of Kansas City. Branson is 45 miles south of Springfield. Eureka Springs, Arkansas is about 65 miles southwest of Branson.

The Branson road system has been noticeably improved in recent years, including Highway 65, now a four-lane road from Springfield to Branson. Highway 76 (a.k.a. The Strip) is where many of the theaters are located, so be sure to ask your innkeeper for advice on all the new roads and shortcuts that will save you time.

Although deservedly popular for romantic getaways, southwest Missouri is a great family destination. Many inns have suites and cabins ideal for families, and most of the attractions, entertainment, and outdoor activities are perfect for kids. If business takes you to Springfield, we'd suggest staying a few extra days to enjoy the region's many attractions, from fishing to golf, country music to antiquing and outlet shopping.

Branson is the most popular destination you've never heard of. Seven million people annually visit this city of 6,000. It has 46 live music theaters, three man-made lakes for fishing and boating, twelve championship golf courses, three exciting theme parks, four factory outlet centers, and a lovely setting in the Ozark Mountains. River-like Lake Taneycomo (named for Taney County, Missouri) goes right through town and is famous for its trout-fishing. Table Rock Lake is just west of Branson and popular for bass fishing, plus all other water sports. Ready for indoor sports? Visit Talking Rocks Cavern with explorations of varied difficulty. Family vacation? A trip to Silver Dollar City will give every kid a fun and lively taste for the Wild Wild West in one of the area's most popular theme parks. More info.

Set in the Ozarks, Springfield is Missouri's third largest city, and is probably best known for Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, the state's most popular visitor attraction. Across the parking lot is the equally worthwhile National Fish and Wildlife Museum Wonders of Wildlife. Downtown Springfield has been restored and revitalized, and is alive with great restaurants, galleries and clubs. We had a first-rate meal at the Gallery Bistro (417-866-0555), but one could choose a different place for every night of the week and not run out of choices. Click here for more recommendations. More Springfield info.

Whether you are looking for a romantic retreat, a business traveler's refuge, or a family getaway, you'll find an area B&B that is an excellent value for your money. Inns are listed below alphabetically by town, then by inn:

Branson

For country charm and true Ozark's hospitality, visit Aunt Sadie's Garden Glade Bed and Breakfast. The Secret Garden cabin has a covered front porch and a swing, a back deck with your own private hot tub, and inside, a king-size bed, private bath with large shower for two, fireplace, whirlpool tub, and more.

Built in 1993, the Emory Creek Victorian Bed & Breakfast is a romantic fantasy of lavish period décor and antiques. Owner Beverly Gray will start your day off right with an elegant four-course breakfast, accompanied by the piano playing of her talented husband Sammy.

Tucked into the trees on the shores of Table Rock Lake is Falls on the Lake, a handsome contemporary home with three private, spacious, well-equipped guest suites, each with lakeside balconies, private hot tub or whirlpool, and king-size bed. A boat ramp is 200 feet away.

Red Bud Cove also overlooks Table Rock Lake, where guests enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing. The comfortable guest suites are ideal for an extended stay, and owners Rick and Carol Carpenter will do everything possible to help you enjoy your stay in Branson.
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Fordland

The Red Oak Inn is located 18 miles east of Springfield, and makes a fine base for area touring Springfield and Branson attractions, as well as the Amish community in Seymour, the Laura Ingalls Wilder home in Mansfield, and the Antique Mall in Ozark. The inn itself is a converted 1940s barn, with ample areas for guest relaxation, and appealing country-style guest rooms.

Marshfield

An imposing turn-of-the-century Greek Revival mansion, The Dickey House is an easy 22-mile-drive northeast of Springfield. Guest rooms in the main house are lovely and affordable, while the carriage house suites are perfect for romance. Owners Michaelene & Larry Stevens pamper their guests with welcoming tea and cookies, great breakfasts, and much more.

Springfield

Owned by the adjacent Cornerstone Church, the Mansion at Elfindale , is a stone castle built in 1890. Restored as a B&B inn, each of its thirteen guest suites is individually themed and decorated. When we visited, a bible lay open on each bed, welcoming guests with an inspirational psalm.

Gary and Paula Blankenship enthusiastically welcome guests to the Walnut Street Inn, a beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian B&B that's as well equipped for business travelers as it is for romantic getaways. Guest rooms vary widely in color and décor, but all are comfortably uncluttered and very attractive. A personal favorite is the Robertson Room in the Carriage House; rough beams, exposed brick, and stucco walls contrast with a collection of brass, wind and string instruments. More inns
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