Author Archives: Gary Groman

There’s more than turkey cooking for Thanksgiving in Branson

The "Andy Williams Christmas Show" is just one of the spectacular Branson shows that will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

BRANSON, Mo., November 10, 2012 — Oh there’s plenty of turkey to be had in Branson on Thanksgiving Day at one of its many fine restaurants or buffets. The neat thing about Branson however, is that after you eat, and perhaps catch a quick nap,or not, there is so much more to see and do.

“The celebration of Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas continues right through Thanksgiving Day and its long weekend to the end of the year” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With drive through Christmas lighting displays; Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival; the majority of its attractions and live shows open, great shopping and the wide choice of exciting fun filled things it offers for the whole family, Branson is the ideal place to spend your Thanksgiving,” she continued.

From the wonders of Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas or an exciting “voyage” aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction with its “Fantasy Princess” bringing “new Holiday Magic to Branson,” butterflies to tigers, cruises to Go Karts, mini golf to 18 hole championship golf courses and much more, Thanksgiving in Branson is filled with exciting attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Among others, these include the following which are sorted alphabetically:

Adventure Ziplines of Branson

Branson Limousine Christmas Light Tour

Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

Castle of Chaos

Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors

Hollywood Wax Museum

IMAX Adventure Films

Inspiration Tower

Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess

National Tiger Sanctuary

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf

Silver Dollar City

The Track Family Fun Parks

Titanic Museum Attraction

Trail of Lights

Vigilante Ziprider

Branson’s two major drive through Christmas Lighting displays, the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights will also be open for the enjoyment of Branson visitors. Each is filled with spectacular displays containing millions of sparkling Christmas lights.

As would be expected in the “Live music show capital of the world,” there will be a full slate of Branson’s live shows offering Branson famed live entertainment available on Thanksgiving day as well as over the Thanksgiving weekend. The following list of Branson shows scheduled to be open on Thanksgiving Day is sorted by time. The full schedule of Branson shows will resume on Friday, November 23. Click here for complete information, schedules, pictures, or tickets on any of Branson’s shows.

10:00 am

A Tribute to John Denver

Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band

Christmas in Hollywood

Fountains of Faith

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

10:30 am

A Neil Diamond Tribute

1:00 pm

Fountains of Faith

2:00 pm

A Tribute to Marty Robbins

Doo Wop and Chico Vega Drifters

Lennon Sisters Christmas Show

Paul Harris & The Cleverlys

Tribute to Four Seasons and The Beach Boys

3:00 pm

Acrobats of China featuring New Shanghai Circus

Amazing Pets

Dixie Stampede

Legends in Concert

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

5:00 pm

Absolutely Patsy

Johnny Cash Songbook

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

5:15 pm

Christmas on the Trail

6:00 pm

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show

7:00 pm

Motown Downtown

7:30 pm

3 Redneck Tenors

Andy Williams Christmas Show

8:00 pm

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express

Dixie Stampede

Duttons

Hamner Barber Variety Show

Jim Stafford

Kirby VanBurch

Legends in Concert

Sanders Family Christmas

Tony Orlando Christmas

Twelve Irish Tenors

Anchored by its two major outlet malls, Tanger Outlets, and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, Branson Landing and featuring a variety of specialty stores, Branson provides an unique unrivaled shopping experience. From the specialty stores, shops and galleries of historic downtown Branson and surrounding areas to specialty gifts made by the craftsmen at Silver Dollar City and from stores as unique as Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10 to the national chains at Branson Landing it’s hard to imagine a more exciting and unique shopping experience than in Branson, particularly during Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging over the Thanksgiving weekend pointing out that Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the busiest time of the year in Branson. For additional information on any of Branson’s shows, attractions activities or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center,one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Titanic birthday celebration for Branson’s most cuddly celebrities “Molly” and “Carter”

Molly and Carter ready to party.*

BRANSON, Mo., November 7, 2012 — In a town filled with celebrities of every variety what makes the birthday of two dogs so special? Is it because they are the mascots of the Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction? Is it because they represent the dogs that were aboard the Titanic when she sank; that they are so cute and cuddly; just love meeting and interacting with the guests who visit the Titanic each day or something else? If those two dogs just happen to be “Molly” and “Carter,” this writer feels safe in saying that it is a wonderful combination of the above and simply because they are two of the warmest, most personable and cuddly animal celebrities in Branson or anywhere else.

During a recent interview with Kelli Sanders their head trainer, she said that Molly and Carter, who are “King Charles Spaniels,” both female, are “sisters” and were born on different days about a month apart, will be celebrating a special joint 4th Birthday on November 24th at the Titanic Museum Attraction. Guests to the attraction will have an opportunity to participate in the special celebration, which will be held in conjunction with the “Noon Presentation” near the bow of the ship and will include birthday cake, balloons, decorations, a large birthday card for them to sign as well as an opportunity to meet with their trainers and to pose with the dogs for birthday pictures.

Sanders said that since assuming their duties as the Titanic’s mascots on March 19, 2010, Molly and Carter’s primary purpose has been to “help us remember that there were dogs on board” the Titanic when she sank and to pay them tribute. “Part of what I do outside of their viewing area is to teach about the ten dogs that were on board and point out little known facts about them such as who they belonged to, where they boarded, how many survived and lots of other interesting facts about the dogs that not too many know about,” she continued.

Another important thing they do is enhance the overall experience and memories that guests to the Titanic have. “They just fall in love with these two and it makes their whole day,” she said. When asked, “How do people tell them apart she said that Carter has “freckles,” a little round spot on the side of her face and Molly does not. She also pointed out that “the girls,” as they are affectionately called aboard the ship, were named after passengers on board the Titanic on that fateful voyage.

Prior to assuming their duties aboard the Titanic, the dogs received intensive training from noted dog trainer Matt Matney, during which, in addition to their basic training, they were trained on socializing with children and crowds so that they would be comfortable with the atmosphere at the ship. In addition, with the help of their trainers, Molly and Carter have incorporated a few cute entertaining tricks into their repertoire. One such trick is Molly’s response when Kelli asks her, “What she thinks of icebergs?”

The dogs look forward to interacting with passengers when they are outside their quarters on the ship. Typically that occurs during their trips throughout the ship in their 1920 baby “pram” and their ceremonious “Noon Presentation” when the ships horn blows and they walk down from the bow of the ship with their handler and past the iceberg to meet and greet the ships guests and pose for pictures.

Carter, left, and Molly with handlers, Kelli Sanders, left, Kelli Riely and Kim Brent.*

The dogs “work” five days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM. When they are not working and are at home, Monday through Friday with Kelli Sanders and her family and the other two days with trainers Kelli Riley and Kim Breit, they love to play outside, go for walks and just enjoy cuddle time with “their” family.

Although the loving care that Molly and Carter receive at the Titanic is obvious, their care is monitored by three levels of government authority, national, state and county. Of these, the primary agency is the U.S. Department of Agriculture which conducts multiple unannounced inspections each year. These inspections include their accommodations both at the at the ship and in the homes of the trainers; how the dogs are handled, treated and transported; working conditions; required paper work such as daily logs and permits and many other areas impacting on the welfare and environment of Molly and Carter.

In addition to their duties at the Titanic, Molly and Carter use their lovely cuddly celebrity status to help the Branson community in a variety of ways. Among other things they have raised thousands of dollars for local humane societies and for a future dog park in Branson; have visited libraries “to champion and advocate literacy” and “nursing homes to warm the hearts of the residents” in addition to attending “Branson Chamber Breakfasts and ribbon cuttings for new businesses in the community.”

“Molly and Carter make an already exciting and fun filled adventure at the Titanic Museum Attraction even more memorable and unique,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We would take this opportunity to wish Molly and Carter an early Happy 4th Birthday and to thank the “crew” of the Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction for adding these wonderful animal celebrities not only to their attraction, but to the total experience Branson visitors can enjoy.”

NEWS FLASH: Just prior to publishing this article we received information that Molly and Carter are entered in the Royal Spaniels Magazine Photo Contest and out of thousands of contestants, have made it to the Top 10 and NEED YOUR VOTE! To vote for Molly and Carter click here.

* Photo courtesy Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction

Branson’s three major Christmas Lighting Displays

One of many Christmas lighting displays in the Branson Area Festival of Lights drive through display.

BRANSON, Mo., October 31, 2012 — In Branson, Missouri, last glimmer of Halloween and the Jack O Lantern is quickly replaced by the glow of millions of sparkling Christmas lights as it begins its celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas. Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “At this time of the year, one of the questions we are asked the most is, ‘Where are the best places to see Christmas lights?'”

Johnson points out that the entire Branson area is decorated for Christmas. However, in terms of Christmas lighting displays, by far the three areas that are the most extensively decorated and attract the most visitors to see their lights are Silver Dollar City with its Old Time Christmas, Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction is an 1880s-styled theme park that hosts a number of world class festivals each year. Its last festival each year is An Old Time Christmas, running from November 3 through December 30 this year. It has been recognized as one of the nation’s top theme park Christmas celebrations as it is transformed into a glowing Christmas spectacular with over four million sparkling lights throughout the park and a twice nightly 100,000 light Holiday Light Parade that winds through Silver Dollar City’s town square and by its five-story musical Special Effects Christmas Tree adorned with over one million colorful, sparkling and twinkling lights.

"Trail of Lights" display in shadow of Inspiration Tower.

The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a drive through light display located east of Silver Dollar City on Highway 76 between it and the famed “Branson Strip” on the 160 acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. The Trail of Lights is unlike any Christmas lighting display anywhere. Its two and a half miles has been integrated into the natural terrain of the “Trail that Nobody Knows How Old” made famous by Harold Bell Wright in his novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” offering a Christmas wonderland unlike anything else anywhere.

As would be expected, the drive through includes millions of colored Christmas lights. It also includes hundreds of beautiful displays, most in their own themed area including music; many animated scenes beautiful lighted displays and a trip to Inspiration Tower where you can ride glass elevators up 230′ for a unique view of the lights.

The “Branson Area Festival of Lights,” produced by North Pole Productions, is located a few blocks north of the Branson Strip on Expressway Lane with its entrance located at the northern intersection of the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Expressway Lane. The drive through display is “a one-mile drive along a path illuminated with more than 175 displays” that “will delight children of all ages.”

Realized wish of Daniel O’Donnell becomes part of Andy Williams legacy

Lynn Meredith and Daniel O'Donnell at press conference.

BRANSON, Mo., October 30, 2012 — At a press conference today, Lynn Meredith, General Manager, of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, announced that the family of Andy Williams has committed to carrying on his legacy and that the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre “will continue to be the home of great singers and exciting entertainers “with a full 2013 schedule to be announced soon. He then introduced one of the exciting entertainers who would be performing at the theatre announcing, “We are very excited that Daniel O’Donnell will be moving to the Moon River Theatre starting in November of 2013.”

In his comments, O’Donnell said that he first performed in Branson in 1997 as a relatively unknown. Then in 2002, “thanks to our fortunate meeting with the people from Public Television it allowed our shows and …names to be known throughout the United States and Canada and there began the success that we have enjoyed here in Branson.”

Going back farther than that, O’Donnell related his first visit to Branson in the mid 90s, when he and his manager came to Branson to see if it would be possible for him to come to Branson and do shows. He said that they traveled around to many theaters and enjoyed many wonderful shows including seeing Andy Williams in concert at the Moon River Theatre. He said that although, since that first visit, they have performed in a number of Branson’s theatres, on that visit he said to his manager, “”Maybe one day I’ll get to do shows in that theatre.”

O’Donnell continued, “The only thing that saddens me is that that ‘one day’ will come after Andy’s life. As he nodded toward the theatre’s marquee he said, “And now my wish of the mid nineteen nineties comes true and next year my name will be somewhere out there, with all the other great entertainers, carrying on the legacy of one whose shoes we will never fill, but I hope we will do his memory proud, Andy Williams.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and largest seller of show and attraction tickets, said, “What great news it is that the legacy of Andy Williams and the Moon River Theatre will continue to be an important part of the Branson entertainment scene. How cool is it that Daniel O’Donnel gets to realize his wish of performing in the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre as part of continuing that legacy.”

Johnson also reminds potential Branson visitors that the Daniel O’Donnell show will not be performing at the Andy William Moon River Theatre until November of 2013 and that his 2012 performances will be in the Branson Events Center. For information or tickets for Daniel O’Donnell’s 2012 show please call the Branson Tourism through their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

Tribute to Four Seasons and the Beach Boys, Twelve Irish Tenors and Christmas in Hollywood reopen King’s Castle Theatre

Even with out its signage and finishing touches, it's obvious that the King's Castle Theatre has come a long way since....

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2012 — “What a blessing it is that Branson audiences will be able to see Christmas in Hollywood, The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys and The Twelve Irish Tenors in time for Branson Veterans Homecoming and Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We are just so delighted that the ordeal that our friends, at the newly remodeled and renamed King’s Castle Theatre, have been going through since the February 29 tornado, has been mitigated and that they are back doing what they do so well, providing Branson audiences with some of the finest entertainment available in Branson.”

Danell Shoemaker – Tennison, General Manager of the Kings Castle Theatre recently thanked their friends, vendors and fans for their support throughout the extensive recovery process. She also announced that they are proud to be reopening with the following shows starting on October 30th:

Christmas in Hollywood on October 30th at 8 PM

The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys on October 31st at 8 PM

The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Show on November 1st at 8 PM with

the early morning hours of Feb. 29. This is just a glimpse of the havoc and damage the storm caused to the the theatre.

Two out of the three shows are obviously Christmas shows and Shoemaker – Tennison points out that there will be some Christmas in The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys show also. She sounds excited about some of the new additions and changes in the The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Show.

As the theatre proceeded through its extensive recovery remodeling process, David King, the Owner and Producer agreed to the Killarney Castle idea to stay within its Ireland theme. Formerly known as the “Bobby Vinton Theatre” and the “Branson Variety Theatre,” the newly remodeled re-themed theatre will now be called the “King’s Castle Theatre.” Shoemaker – Tennison said that there are a few things to finish over the off season, some of the signage has been delayed, but that the theatre is open and ready for business and invites people to “come by and have a look.”

For additional information or tickets for the Christmas in Hollywood, The Tribute to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys or The Twelve Irish Tenors Christmas Shows or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Pierce Arrow pierces Branson with laughter and music

Jarrett Dougherty during toaster routine with Bobby Blackburn.

BRANSON, Mo., October 26, 2012 — If you like great comedy and vocals, the hilarious comedy and wonderful vocals of the Pierce Arrow show are for you. It’s hard to imagine laughing any harder or hearing a broader variety of music any better sung than at Pierce Arrow and it’s easy to see why it is one of the hottest shows in Branson.

The first cast member the audience gets to meet is Jarrett Dougherty, the shows comedian and one of the funniest comedians in Branson. Dougherty, with the periodic assistance of his faithful “straight man” Bobby Blackburn, who is also the shows lead guitarist and band director, has the audience in stitches and laughing from the beginning to the end of the show with a variety of comedy routines, artfully woven into the flow of the show with its various vocal and musical elements to provide a constantly evolving entertainment experience filled with laughter and music.

As one sits in the audience listening and watching Dougherty they can almost feel a personal connection with him and his material. Not only is he funny, but he is a master of his craft down to the costuming and his manner of presentation. Whether it’s Edwin the Maintenance Man, Brother Cecil, his rendition of the James Brown hit, “I Feel Good” or one of his other routines, he is simply one funny guy that will have you laughing throughout the whole show. One thing’s for sure, after seeing his “toaster routine” you will never look at your toaster the same again.

Pierce Arrow quartet, Luke Menard, left, Gary Korebia, Scott Fraker and Tim Storms

Pierce Arrow’s vocalists and instrumentalists are a perfect illustration of why Branson, Missouri, is called, by some, “The live music show capital of the world.” The Pierce Arrow band is composed of Bobby Blackburn/band leader, lead guitar; Randy McConnell/bass guitar; Colt Straub/keyboards/mandolin and Michael Jackson/drums. The quality of their instrumentality is demonstrated time and time again as their talent is combined with that of the vocalists, over a wide variety of music to present a truly memorable musical experience.

The quartet “Pierce Arrow is composed of Luke Menard, Gary Korebia, Tim Storms and Scott Fraker. Their opening number “Gonna Have A Party” gets things rolling and sets the tenor that illustrates why Pierce Arrow is one of the hottest quartets in Branson. From among many memorable numbers this writer’s two favorites were their version of the 1983 Statler Brother’s hit “Elizabeth,” featuring Luke Menard, and “Long Lost Friend” featuring Gary Korebia. What a beautiful song, that leaves no doubt about who is the “Long Lost Friend.” The groups acapella “voice band” version of “Down On The Corner, with Bobby Blackburn giving an assist, was another favorite.

The featured female vocalist is Kim Boyce-Koreiba sang a variety of music beautifully. What a blessing her performance of “There Is A God” was. The audience really loved her rendition of “This One’s For The Girls. CeCe Day, a young Branson teenager did a nice job on the Taylor Swift songs “Our Song” and “Mean.”

Pierce Arrow presents two shows a day, an afternoon and evening show. Although each contains the same cast, the music and comedy for each is different. It really makes no difference which show you see, “If you love great singing and music and want to laugh until you hurt don’t miss the Pierce Arrow Show.”

For additional information or tickets for Pierce Arrow or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Daniel O’Donnell peforming in Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas

Daniel O'Donnell.

BRANSON, Mo., October 20, 2012 — A collective sigh of relief was breathed by Daniel O’Donnell fans when he said, “We will continue to do our block of shows in Branson Missouri” as he announced he would be cutting back on his touring schedule after his 2011 tours. Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, ” Branson audiences and Daniel O’Donnell are an ideal fit. We are so delighted that he will continue to perform in Branson.”

Johnson points out that Daniel O’Donnell show will start its 2012 limited engagement in Branson on November 1. It will run through December 8 with 2:00 PM shows every day of the week except Sunday and Thursday and Friday November 23.

Known in the United States through his many PBC Specials and tour appearances, O’Donnell has been called “Ireland’s most popular ‘easy listening’ entertainer and is immensely popular in Branson. His discography history in the UK is phenomenal with 14 Top 10 Music Videos, 20 “UK chart albums” and his newest music video, “Songs of Faith” topping “the UK music charts.” His Branson shows will feature guest artist Mary Duff as they “bring a little bit of Ireland “to the Ozarks singing a wide variety of cherished Irish and American classics “as well as songs celebrating the Christmas Season.

O’Donnell is known for his charismatic performances and ability to connect personally with his audiences. The story, entitled Daniel O’Donnell illustrates the ‘heart’ that makes Branson so special, published on line on Branson.com/news in November of 2011,” illustrates that his stage persona goes to the genuineness of the man and, helps explain why is so special to his fans.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests that Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, O’Donnell is very popular and that it might be advisable to make advance arrangements for tickets not only to see Daniel O’Donnell, but for other Branson shows, attractions and lodging as well. She invites anyone wanting more information or tickets to the Daniel O’Donnell show, other Branson shows, attractions or lodging to call 1-800-785-1550 for assistance. The Branson Tourism Center may also be reached through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Historic Downtown Branson presents a unique shopping opportunity

Dick's 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson provides one of the most unique shopping "adventures" available anywhere.

BRANSON, Mo., October 18, 2012 — Branson is called the “Live music show capital of world” because of the number and quality of its live shows, but it is also a shopper’s dream. From small specialty shops to the $400 million Branson Landing, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, with its 100 specialty retail stores, shops and services, Branson offers one of the broadest selections of stores, values and merchandise available in any travel destination of a similar size..

Interestingly, as thousands of people each day go to Branson Landing they either drive through or around Historic Downtown Branson and some of the most best and easily accessed shopping opportunities in Branson. Cris Bohinc, executive director of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association points out that the Historic District has about 80 specialty retail stores, shops and services. She said, “If people want a great selection, unique specialty items and a great value, all offered in a comfortable laid back down home environment, Historic Downtown Branson is a place that should be on their ‘Branson Shopping Bucket List.'”

“Dick’s 5 & 10,” one of Branson’s most popular shopping attractions and easily the anchor of Historic Downtown Branson’s shopping, illustrates the uniqueness and excitement that shopping in downtown Branson offers. Steve Hartley, the son of the stores original founders, Dick and June Hartley, points out that it’s not just the number of items they have in the nostalgic “5 & 10,” over 175,000, or their low prices, it’s the breadth of their selection that makes the shopping experience in Dick’s so unique. He said, “In candy alone we have one of, if not, the largest selections of candy in Branson. We specialize in Old Time and hard to find candies such as ‘Rocky Road,’ ‘Big Hunk Candy Bars,’ and ‘Abba-Zaba;’ novelty candies such as ‘Wax Lips’ and ‘Nickle Nips’ and a full selection of regular candy.”

There is a local saying, “”If you can’t find what you want in Dick’s then you don’t need it.” When asked about the saying in connection with the celebration of Dick’s 50 Anniversary Hartley said, “Well, we do have over 175,000 items, from basics, toys, novelties, gifts, souvenirs and just about anything most people would expect in a variety store and more.”

Another unique downtown experience, is available at “Crain Creations Gallery” located at 214 S. Main Street just a few doors west of Dicks. T.(Tom) Morgan Crain, is Branson’s preeminent wildlife, bird, western, outdoor and nostalgia painter who can be found painting, most Mondays through Saturdays, in his downtown studio, located just inside the window of the gallery. The gallery and studio, are as warm, comfortable and inviting as are the artist and his wife Susan.

The Burlington Annex is another store featuring artist and gift lines that are unique and not available anywhere else in Branson. Its wide selection of unique gifts, glassware and jewelry coupled with the expertise, friendliness and helpfulness of their employees make shopping at the Burlington Annex a special shopping experience only available in downtown Branson.

The “Hollywood Studio Store & More” located at 109 S Commercial Street is yet another example of the unique and fun filled shopping experience available in the historic downtown shopping district. Its selection of Hollywood collectibles, jewelry, gifts, art glass, wind chimes, and much more is as phenomenal and interesting as it is value priced.

“Branson is filled with so much great shopping,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, “but these and the dozens of other stores in the downtown shopping district, coupled with the ambiance, variety and uniqueness of the shopping they offer creates and exciting, unusual one of a kind shopping experience.” For additional information on downtown Branson’s shopping and everything else it has to offer please call either the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 866-523-1190.

What makes the Duttons show so special?

The Duttons, siblings Jonathan, right, Benjamin, Abigail, Timothy, and Amy with parents Sheila and Dean starting the second half of the show with a little "Motown."

BRANSON, Mo., October 16, 2012 — What is it that makes the Duttons show so special? Is it their singing, their amazing instrumentality, the flow of the show as it seamlessly progresses from one entertaining segment to the next or the familial synergy and energy that permeates everything they do on stage? In this writers opinion, it includes all of that, which in and of itself equals two of the most entertaining hours available on any stage in Branson and “then some;” an intangible that infuses itself into that entertainment to create a truly unique, special and memorable experience that should not be missed.

A clue to that “intangible” comes as the Duttons open their show with a medley including “We Are Family.” Anyone who has ever seen the Duttons perform, whether in Branson; as they progressed to the Finals of the NBC prime time hit, “America’s Got Talent;” in their PBS Specials; on the road or in their winter stomping grounds in Mesa, Arizona, knows just how important family is to them. In the opinion of this writer, it is their innate ability to share themselves and their family with their audience and, even if for only a couple of hours, make the audience not only want to be part of that family, but feel the perception that they are that takes an already great entertainment show and elevates it to a special personal experience.

From a musical variety perspective this show has it all from country and western to classical, Motown, gospel, patriotic and more. With the Duttons show it’s not just what they do, it’s how they do it. Many have heard and seen the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” performed, but when you see and hear it performed “Dutton style,” as the whole family participates, with each soloing on their favorite instrument, you realize and appreciate just how talented this family is. Bluegrass or classical, it makes no difference. Their “Classical Medley” with Timothy on Guitar for “Capricho,” “Czardus” featuring Judith on the keyboards and Amy on the violin and “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Summer Movement” with Amy on the violin and the rest of the family accompanying her, is simply a joy to hear.

Another thing the Duttons do is vary their method of presentation during each different segment to hold their audiences interest and keep them in a constant state of anticipation. Whether it’s Timothy and Judith singing their beautiful duet “When you Say Nothing at All” with Dean and Sheila dancing to it; Benjamin’s cousin “Julio,” who looks a lot like Benjamin, “horning” in with Jonathan in one of the funniest and unique versions of “Dueling Banjoes” in existence; “Highway Patrol,” featuring Dean with some of his younger grandchildren, Leila, Luke and Damien providing a special “driving touch;” the “Girls Medley,” with “Da do ron ron” featuring Abigail, “It’s My Party” featuring Rachel, “Johnny Angel” featuring Amy or “Lollipop” featuring Jessica, the audience is invested in the show and eagerly waiting to see what comes next.

The Duttons, Benjamin, left, Jessica, Abigail, Jonathan, Amy and Timothy performing their signature Finale.

Some who have seen the show are probably thinking, “You didn’t mention my favorite part of the show, Timothy and Amy’s fiddle duet of ‘Orange Blossom Special,’ the ‘Rock Around the Clock’ number featuring the dancing of Benjamin and his wife Brande or their outstanding Veterans Tribute featuring a touching narration and dancing by Jonathan’s wife Belle, Julio’s comedy etc. They would be absolutely right, but any review describing a show having this much quality entertainment and variety packed into it must be broken into highlights if it is to fit into an article. If someone else were writing the article there would be different highlights and that’s the wonderful thing about the Duttons show.

It is a show that truly has been designed and produced to have highlights for everyone, adults as well as teens and younger children. Each performance is a celebration of family, one of the finest entertainment experiences available in Branson or anywhere else and is a special sharing of their family with yours. It is a wonderful experience that will be remembered long after the curtain comes down.

For additional information or tickets for the Duttons or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Main Street Lake Cruises featured by CNN as 1 of 8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises

Taken today, this picture shows that Lake Taneycomo's foliage is into its "Color turn" and headed towards its anticipated "peak" within the next two weeks

BRANSON, Mo., October 14, 2012 — Like the quality of its many entertaining live shows, Branson is also known for the natural beauty that surrounds it. From its pristine lakes to the scenic splendor of the Ozark Mountains within which it is set, Branson’s natural beauty presents itself like an infinite variety of snowflakes on a day by day basis.

Nowhere is it more obvious, or well known, than in the Fall of each year as its trees and foliage put on one of the best shows in Branson. Perhaps not as well known, until now, was one of the best and most spectacular ways to see this show, but that changed recently when CNN Travel published an online article entitled, 8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises. The article said, “As the masses descend on America’s most colorful country roads this season, why not try an alternate route? Autumn’s gold-and-yellow leaf show is just as breathtaking from the deck of a boat…” and went on to list Branson’s Lake Taneycomo as “…a perfect place to revel in it” and a cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen or Landing Princess as one of its “8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises.”

The article points out that Main Street Lake Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen, a replica of the historic paddle wheel riverboats that used to ply the waters of the White River and the Landing Princess, a 100 foot luxury yacht, offer different options including dinner cruises, and sightseeing itineraries on a scheduled basis throughout the day. Larry Milton, one of the principals of Main Street Lake Cruises said, “A cruise on one of our boats is always a unique fun filled adventure offering beautiful scenic panoramic views of the Ozarks not available anywhere else which become even more spectacular with the beauty and color of the Fall foliage. We are honored that our cruises were chosen as one of ‘8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises’ in the article.”

As the accompanying picture, taken today shows, Lake Taneycomo’s foliage is into its “color turn.” It is anticipated that it will “peak” within the next two weeks if the colder nights persist. For information about Main Street Lake Cruises sightseeing, dinner or charter cruises please contact them either by phone at 417-239-3980 or via their website www.MainStreetLakeCruises.com.