Downtown Branson, on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, is where Reuben Branson and his wife, Mary, built the Branson General Store, around 1881, and the town had been growing and changing ever since. You will see several shops and restaurants in the historic downtown district. Like Hollister, this is a place you will want to come back to after the tour is over. No franchise restaurants or retail shops in this district. However, Branson Landing Mall, is just down the hill and across the railroad tracks. So you can shop old and new!