JOPLIN, Mo. — I get a lot of mail asking for Branson travel advice -- where to stay, what to see and how to avoid traffic on the 76 Strip are only a few of the regular questions I receive from readers of my Best Read Blog Branson.

It’s nice to know I have readers and that they trust my take on the Midwest’s Music City. I always answer and I hope it helps.

Choosing the right accommodations depends on what you plan to do, how deep your pockets are and how deep you’re willing to dig. Branson offers hundreds of different lodging options including hotels, motels, camping, condos and cabins.

The summer travel season is in full swing and many places sell out on the weekends. Here are a few lodging recommendations based on my personal experience:

~ Baldknobbers Motor Inn is a great spot to stay if you have shows to see on the Strip. Located next door to the Baldknobbers Theater, 2835 W. 76 Country Blvd., the motor inn offers affordable rooms, great home cooking next door at the Baldknobbers Restaurant and is an easy walk to many central Strip shows and attractions.

Earlier this week I checked out a couple of specials currently offered. For $139 plus tax, a family of five can get a night lodging, up to five Baldknobbers’ show tickets, three souvenir T-shirts and a commemorative photo. For only $109 a couple can spend the night, enjoy a Baldknobbers show and get a T-shirt and photo. That’s a good deal.

Grand Country Inn, 1945 W. 76 Country Music Blvd., has a good special going, too. For only $268 plus tax, a family can get two nights lodging, passes to Splash Country Water Park, show tickets, mini-golf passes, a motor cycle stunt show and two large pizzas from Papa Grand’s. The Summer Fun Special lasts through August 14.

Grand Country’s rooms are clean; the complex is on the Strip and offers several great shows, food, a water park and mini-golf all in one family-friendly complex. On the adult side, Outback Pub is across the street for when you need to escape from the family fun.

~ The Grand Plaza Hotel, 245 N. Wildwood Dr., is a couple of blocks off the central Strip. I’ve stayed there several times and will again.

I last stayed at Grand Plaza during Branson’s Veteran’s Weekend. The veterans loved the top-floor lounge and the bartender made them all feel like kings -- and heroes.

The non-smoking hotel is clean and well located. Outlet malls are close with easy access to and from the Red Route. From the Plaza, you can navigate Shepherd of the Hills Parkway or it’s a quick hop across the Strip to the Yellow Route.

Both alternate routes will save you hours of frustration and gallons of gas. Pick up a Best Read Guide for Branson’s best map.

The Grand Plaza’s breakfast buffet will save you a few dollars and it’s built into the room price. Go to the Plaza Web site for special deals and to register for the hotel’s loyalty card, which will save you 20 percent on your stay.

~ The Grand Victorian Hotel (2325 W. Highway 76) is, I think, one of the best lodging bets in Branson. Close to many attractions, shopping and good restaurants, it is a good bet for families.

Indoor and outdoor pools will keep the kids busy and the complementary continental breakfast and afternoon tea and cookies will save you some cash. Sign up for e-mail offers on their site and check out Grand Victorian on Facebook for specials. And don’t leave the four-legged family at home -- Grand Victorian is pet friendly.

~ The Radisson in Branson was my home last weekend.

A few years ago I reserved a weekend room there and when I arrived ask if an upgrade available. There was: I landed a two-story, loft-style penthouse for only a few dollars more than a standard room.

It was sweet. I stood on the top-floor balcony and watched a mean Ozark’s thunderstorm roll in.

That was about five years ago, and the hotel has since seen a remodel. The rooms are nice, the Wi-Fi is free and the cocktail lounge is still a lot of fun.

Radisson is close to Andy Williams’ theater and Moon River Grill and just a block off Highway 76 with easy access to the Yellow Route. I didn’t find any Branson-specific deals online, but Radisson has good offers on nation-wide booking. Radisson is pet friendly and there’s a Panera Bread down the street.

I’m a big fan of the Branson Hiltons, The Villages at Indian Point, The Wilderness and Thousand Hills Trout Grand Legacy, too. I’ve stayed with them all and written about them before.

Want to know more about someplace I’ve talked about? Give me a call at the Globe or drop me an e-mail. I’ll do what I can.

Lodging reservations:

www.baldknobbers.com

(417) 334-7948

www.radisson.com/branson

(800) 395-5767

www.grandcountry.com/hotel

(888) 514-1088

www.bransongrandplaza.com

(800) 850-6646

www.hotelgrandvictorian.com

(417) 336-2935

www.1hiltion.com

(417) 336-5500

www.thevillageatindianpoint.com

(800) 984-7847

www.thousandhills.com

(800) 864-4145

www.thewildernesslogcabins.com

(800) 477-5164