News Summary
Afar Magazine has recognized Branson, Missouri, as the leading travel destination for September, offering a beautiful alternative to busy New England routes. The city’s stunning fall foliage, ample outdoor activities, and family-friendly events, such as the Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City, make it a perfect getaway. With diverse accommodations and golf courses designed by legends, Branson promises a memorable experience for all travelers this season.
Branson, Missouri has been named the top travel destination for September by Afar Magazine in its article “The 11 Best Places to Travel in September.” The recognition highlights the city as an ideal alternative to the often crowded leaf-peeping routes in New England during the fall season.
According to the publication, Branson’s scenic appeal is enhanced in September when the foliage begins to shift to warm hues around mid-month. This color change is attributed to the city’s elevated position in the picturesque Ozark Mountains, which provides not only vibrant visuals but also ample opportunities for outdoor adventures.
A key feature of Branson’s picturesque scenery is the 22-mile loop along Highway 165, which grants travelers breathtaking views over Table Rock Lake. Additionally, the 1,500-acre Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area offers numerous hiking trails for visitors looking to explore nature.
Visitors seeking accommodations can choose from a variety of options that cater to all preferences, including newly opened hotels like The Ozarker Lounge, which boasts a camp-themed design. The city also provides a range of lodges, motels, and rustic cabins, ensuring that every traveler can find a suitable place to stay.
The city will also host the Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City starting from September 12. This event features an impressive display of 30,000 pumpkins, along with pumpkin-inspired food offerings and various family-friendly evening activities, making it a perfect attraction for families and visitors of all ages.
In addition to its natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, Branson is recognized as an excellent golf destination. The city features multiple golf attractions, including three lakes and several top-notch golf courses. Branson was included in Golf Digest’s 2025-26 “Best in State” rankings as Missouri’s top public play golf destination, showcasing four notable 18-hole courses designed by renowned figures such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player.
The prominence of Branson as a golf destination is largely due to the influence of Big Cedar Lodge, which has contributed significantly to the rise in evaluations and rankings of golf courses in Missouri.
Heather Hermen from Explore Branson underscored the city’s seasonal appeal, noting that visitors can anticipate beautiful autumn foliage alongside a variety of attractions. Such diverse offerings include live theatre performances, museums, historic downtown, and the scenic Branson Landing waterfront.
Branson’s accessibility further enhances its appeal as a travel destination. It can be reached by car within an 8-hour drive for approximately one-third of the U.S. population or through flights to the nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF). Golf enthusiasts can create customized stay-and-play itineraries thanks to the close proximity of the numerous courses and lodging options.
Overall, Branson promises a versatile vacation spot with a wide array of activities, including outdoor adventures, live theatre shows, theme parks, and shopping opportunities. This multifaceted approach to tourism, combined with its scenic landscapes, positions Branson as a top choice for travelers looking to explore this September.
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Additional Resources
- The Golf Wire: Branson, Missouri Best Place to Visit in September
- Wikipedia: Branson, Missouri
- Bass Pro: Big Cedar Lodge Named #1 Golf Resort
- Google Search: Branson Missouri
- First Call Golf: Golf Digest Ranks Branson Golf Courses
- Encyclopedia Britannica: September
- News-Leader: Best Golf Courses in Missouri
- Google News: Golfing in Branson
- Global Golf Post: Branson Delivers Big on Ozarks Drama
- Ozarks First: Top Golf Courses in Missouri
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
