that was voted the Best New Ride food in your mouth, you can owes its exis­ of2013 by . wander around the park and tence to this natural cave, which There are plenty of other rides if marvel at all the local craftsmen was opened as a tourist attraction that is your cup of tea. However, who have booths set up to display in 1894. The park was literally it is not ours. their wares and demonstrate built around the entrance to the City, tucked away their art. From glass blowing to cave. The founders realized their in the beautiful Ozark Mountains But speaking of cups of tea, Silver pottery to leather work and even shops and restaurants, actually of Missouri right outside Bran­ Dollar City is a veritable cornu­ a blacksmith, you can spend the designed to keep visitors who son, were extremely low. Since copia of culinary delights. Situ­ day learning about these talented were waiting to get into the cave, we are not fans of amusement ated throughout the lovely rolling artisans who are delighted to talk were becoming very popular, and parks, if we had the choice we hills of the park are shops, restau­ about their Ozark crafts. None of so Silver Dollar city was born. would have taken Silver Dollar rants and outdoor vendors, all of them are in a hurry. The pace of City off our list completely. But which provide the most amazing, life at the park is slow, and every­ If you want a completely non­ we were on a press trip, it was on tantalizing and delicious food one is there to have a good time. traditional the schedule and we are nothing you have ever tasted. From baker­ experience, check out Silver Dol­ if not good sports. ies with fresh homemade pastries When you're ready for a bit of lar City. You will enjoy it just as to vendors dipping from huge adventure, take a tour of Marvel much as we did. Lucky for us. frying pans full of succotash, each Cave, located right in the park. dish is more wonderful than the Silver Dollar City was absolutely last. There is even a professional nothing like we expected, so it culinary school that offers a vari­ turned out to be the highlight of ety of classes. our entire visit. Although techni­ cally an amusement park, it is a Ifyo u hear music, it's probably unique and wonderful location. from one of the 40 live daily First, it looks nothing like a typi­ shows, all of which are included cal amusement park. It has me­ in your ticket price. Bluegrass, andering paths, hundreds of trees country, western, gospel - you and lush foliage. Yes, there are will find it all here. The wonder­ rides - in fact, Silver Dollar City ful performers are very profes­ has a new $10 million wooden sional. In between catching called shows and stuffing that delectable