Historic Downtown Hollister: One of the Branson Area’s Best-Kept Secrets

Historic Downtown Hollister: One of the Branson Area’s Best-Kept Secrets

Everybody talks about spending fall in Branson, but I think one of the best-kept secrets in the Branson area is Historic Downtown Hollister.

Cross the bridge, head toward downtown Hollister, and the minute you turn onto Downing Street, it feels like you’ve stepped into a little English village. Between the old English architecture, cozy pubs, unique shops, seasonal festivals, and some of my favorite restaurants around Branson, I find myself coming back again and again.

If you’re traveling as a couple, planning a girlfriends’ getaway, or you’re an empty nester looking for something beyond the Branson Strip, don’t skip this little town. Plan on spending anywhere from two hours to half a day, depending on whether a festival is happening and how long you decide to linger.

Fall Is My Favorite Time to Visit

I enjoy Historic Downtown Hollister year-round, but fall is when this little town really shines.

The weather is finally cool enough to enjoy the patios, festivals fill the streets, and it’s one of my favorite excuses to slow down for an afternoon.

State of the Ozarks Fest

Every September, Historic Downtown Hollister hosts the State of the Ozarks Fest, and I honestly never know what I’m going to see.

I mean that in the best way.

One year you’ll find incredible artists and craftsmen. Another year you’ll stumble across demonstrations, musicians, historical exhibits, or something completely unexpected. It’s one of those festivals where you never know what you’ll discover next, and that’s half the fun.

Grape & Fall Festival

Then in October comes the Grape & Fall Festival.

Downtown fills with craft vendors, food, live entertainment, family activities, and of course, the famous grape stomp. It’s a great excuse to wander the streets, browse a few booths, and soak up one of the prettiest weekends of the year.

One of My Favorite Saturdays

If your trip happens to fall on the fourth Saturday of the month, don’t miss Dirt Road Gatherin’ at Dirt Road Dryfter.

I’ll usually grab a coffee or lunch from Back Door Meats, wander through the vendors for a while, and somehow end up taking something home.

Last fall, I came home with the cutest wreath for my front door.

Apparently, I have zero self-control.

The event features local vendors, handmade goods, live music, baked treats, and plenty of unique finds. Even if you’re just browsing, it’s a fun way to spend part of the afternoon.

Come Hungry

One of my favorite things about Historic Downtown Hollister is the food.

Downing Street Pour House

From the outside, Downing Street Pour House looks like something straight out of a little English village. Walk through the lobby of the Old English Inn, and suddenly you’re standing inside what feels like an old English pub.

If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the patio.

If it’s chilly or raining, you’ll be just as happy inside.

And let me save you some time when you open the menu.

Order the Reuben.

It is the best Reuben I have ever had, and I do not say that lightly.

Taps on Downing

If Cheers took place in the Ozarks, it would probably be Taps on Downing.

Everybody knows everybody, and they’re glad you came.

If your trip lines up with Taco Tuesday, this is where I’d send you. Their patio is covered in twinkle lights, they often have open mic nights, and it’s just a fun place to hang out with a cold drink.

Turkey Creek Brewery

Whenever I ask my husband where he wants to eat in Hollister, the answer is always Turkey Creek Brewery.

He’ll tell you it’s because of the wood-fired pizza.

I know better.

We’re really going for the beer.

The pizza is fantastic, though, so everybody wins.

Don’t Skip Kendall’s Treasures

Before you head back to Branson, make one last stop at Kendall’s Treasures.

I never know what I’m going to find in there, but I also have absolutely no self-control.

I always end up leaving with something.

If You Have a Little Extra Time…

If you’ve got another hour or so, the College of the Ozarks campus is only a few minutes away. I won’t go into detail here because it deserves its own guide, but it’s an easy addition if you want to stretch your afternoon a little longer.

My Final Thoughts

Historic Downtown Hollister isn’t where you go to check another attraction off your vacation list.

It’s where you go when you want to slow down.

Grab lunch.

Browse a few shops.

Catch a festival.

Sit on a patio.

Have another drink because you’re not quite ready to leave yet.

I think that’s why I keep coming back.

If you’ve never spent an afternoon exploring Historic Downtown Hollister, this fall is the perfect time to change that.

Before You Finish Planning Your Trip…

Before you book your Branson vacation, be sure to check out my Branson Discounts & Deals page. I’ve partnered with many of my favorite attractions, shows, hotels, and businesses to help you save money throughout your trip.

Then head back to my Fall in Branson Hub for more seasonal guides, itineraries, festivals, and hidden gems to help you plan the perfect fall getaway.