It's not just for your grandparents

~ There's more to this Ozark town than country music and cheesy tourist traps.

BRANSON, Mo. -- It's the scene for young honeymooners, girlfriend get-togethers and male-bonding fishing trips.

No, not Las Vegas or Lake Tahoe. Not Atlantic City or Cancun. In the Midwest, we're talking Branson. And it's not just for your parents and grandparents anymore.

Laura Boren, 26, of O'Fallon, Mo., and her fellow bridesmaids are going to Branson the last weekend of July for a bachelorette party.

"If you go on vacation, you always feel like you have to get everything done during the day," Boren said. "That's what I thought was different about Branson. It's flip-flopped. You spend the day relaxing on the lake. It's more low key. Then the bar scene is hotter at night."

LaCrisa Downey, 24, and Ryan Menschik, 22, drove from St. Joseph to Branson for a few days in June. The pair pulled up to the Table Rock State Park marina and dragged a cooler, towels and sunscreen from their back seat. The day before they went parasailing and this sunny Friday they were renting a boat for a day on the lake.

Country shows and tourist attractions weren't on their to-do list.

"The only show I would be interested in seeing would be the magic," Downey says. "What's it? The master of illusion, Darren Romeo, because I'm not that into the country western legends."

So motor down Country Music Boulevard past Ozarkland Souvenirs, Catfish Crazy Buffet and the Andy Williams Theater. There's plenty to do in Branson.

Here's a step-by-step guide

Step 1: Lodging

Forget the high-priced, crowded hotels on the tourist strip and rent a condo. For just a bit more than a hotel room you can get two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a deck with a mountain view. Just Web search "Branson vacation rentals." Find a group of friends to split the cost and $150 a night isn't so expensive anymore.

Step 2: You gotta eat

Restaurants and buffets in Branson range from home-cooked heaven to chain nightmares. Avoid the traffic and save money -- bring your own food or stop by a grocery store and grill on the condo's porch. There are several Country Mart grocery store locations around Branson. Keep your eye out for little mom-and-pop groceries and delis along the road too.

Or hit Kimberling City -- the little town just west of Branson has several restaurants on Table Rock Lake.

Step 3: Outdoor fun

The real party in Branson is on the region's two lakes -- Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake. Rent waverunners, go parasailing or take scuba lessons at the Table Rock State Park Marina. Most condo developments come with fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs. Spend the evening lounging. Hiking trails are all over the area's parks and Moonshine Beach offers a family-friendly place to sun and swim.

Step 4: Go Shopping

How many plastic snowglobes with "Branson" written in gold do you need? None. But "factory store" and "outlet" are two regular sights in Branson, which offers deals for the most serious of bargain addicts. Some of the best:

* Tanger Outlets: Seventy shops here, including Banana Republic, Coach and Tommy Hilfiger.

* Factory Merchants Branson: The other big outlet mall in town, this center has more than 50 shops.

* Branson Landing: This multimillion-dollar development opened in June 2006 with more upscale and trendy offerings like Ann Taylor Loft, Bass Pro Shops and Hollister.

* Tired of outlets? Try Branson Wholesale Furniture Outlet, Amish Country Store and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows.

Step 5: Party

If the lights on Country Music Boulevard are too much to resist, give up and be lured in. Outback Pub is laid back with a younger crowd on the tourist strip. Shake It Up Show Club is your basic dance club and bar. But check out Branson Landing -- it's not just for shopping. Catch nightlife at an array of bars and restaurants.

Step 6: Relax and Give in

You don't have to be into country music to catch a show. Try the one LaCrisa Downey suggested: "Siegfried and Roy presents Darren Romeo." Among other tricks, Romeo makes a NASCAR race car disappear every night. And he's pop-star cute. If you're interested in seeing a show, this is the one to catch.