Category Archives: Attractions

Ozark Mountain Christmas – Branson’s unique traditional American Christmas celebration

Silver Dollar City's "City Square" with its five story special effects Christmas Tree and the "Gifts of Christmas Holiday of Lights" parade passing through.

BRANSON, Mo., October 27, 2013 When Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, was first asked, “What exactly is ‘Ozark Mountain Christmas?” she said, “It’s not just one thing. It is a unique Branson wide celebration of the true spirit of a traditional American Christmas that has been celebrated for over two decades.”

From its live Christmas Shows to drive through Christmas lighting displays with millions of lights, Santa, Fantasy Princess, decorations, all sorts of shopping Branson is aglow with the festive look and feel of the season and everything one would expect from a world class holiday celebration. If that was all however, Ozark Mountain Christmas would be just another politically correct “holiday,” but that’s not all!

Ozark Mountain Christmas is the celebration of the traditional American Christmas filled with the spirit and message of the true meaning of Christmas as it has been traditionally celebrated. Its roots go back to a community celebration dating back 65 years as its 65th Annual Adoration Parade, and Nativity Scene Lighting, dedicated to “Keeping Christ in Christmas,” is held on Sunday December 8 in Historic Downtown Branson.

While appreciating and respecting those who celebrate other holidays associated with that time of the year such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and others, Ozark Mountain Christmas, is unique in that it is one of the few open and public community celebrations for those who celebrate the traditional American Christmas and the reason for the season. Each year, between November 1 and December 31 hundreds of thousands come to Branson for this special celebration and to experience Ozark Mountain Christmas and all that it has to offer.

Silver Dollar City’s world class festival, An Old Time Christmas, running from November 2 through December 30, is a major focal point of Ozark Mountain Christmas and is constantly recognized as one of the nation’s top theme park Christmas celebrations. The 1880s-style theme park is transformed into a glowing Christmas spectacular with a twice nightly 100,000 light “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade; over four million sparkling lights throughout the park; one-of-a-kind handmade gifts made and showcased by Silver Dollar City’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen; foods of the season and special shows including the Broadway style production of an original musical adaptation of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” produced by Silver Dollar City; “The Living Nativity” and a special production of “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights are the two major drive through lighting displays. The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a two and a half mile journey through hundreds of gorgeous displays, millions of Christmas lights, holiday music, and animated scenes most of which have been integrated into the natural terrain of the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. It is one of the most unique and memorable drive through lighting experiences anywhere and also includes a trip to the top of Inspiration Tower where guests can ride glass elevators 230 feet up for a ‘Santa’s eye view’ of the lights from one or the highest points in southwest Missouri. The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a one mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated. It is conveniently located a few blocks off the heart of the Branson Strip.

One of the many spectacular scenes from Sight and Sounds "Miracle of Christmas."

As would be expected in the place that many call the “Live music show capital of the world” there is a wide selection of Christmas Shows that are only available during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Some such as Miracle of Christmas; Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Christmas in Hollywood, The Andy Williams Christmas Show starring the Osmonds and the Lennon Sisters; The Toy Shoppe, Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas and many others are totally Christmas shows. Most of Branson’s regular season shows also have Christmas shows which include a mixture of their regular season show and a major Christmas segment, usually during the second half of the show. Each is unique and special. This includes some of Branson’s most popular shows such as Clay Cooper’s Country Express; Duttons; George Dyer; Hamner and Barber Variety Show; Haygoods; Legends in Concert; Mickey Gilley; Pierce Arrow; Presleys’ Country Jubilee; Rankin Brothers; Shoji Tabuchi; SIX and many more. Click here for a complete list of Branson Shows or call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 for information about any Branson show.

Many of Branson’s attractions have special activities for Ozark Mountain Christmas. A partial list includes the Titanic Museum‘s with its Fantasy Princess starting Thanksgiving weekend,, Ride the Ducks Land and Lighting Tour With Splash’s Winter Wonderland and White Flight at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest.

Branson’s shopping is legendary and the Christmas shopping during Ozark Mountain Christmas is no exception. From the shops at Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo to handcrafted items by the craftsmen and artists at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, three outlet malls and specialty shops for just about every interest, Branson is a Christmas shopper’s paradise.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests that Ozark Mountain Christmas is a wonderful way for locals and visitors alike to get into the true Christmas spirit, reminds everyone that it is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson and advises advance reservations for shows and lodging.

For additional information on Ozark Mountain Christmas please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number, 1-800-785-1550.

Titanic Violin sells at auction for $1.45 million

Shoji Tabuchi viewing the Titanic Violin while it was on display in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo., October 21, 2013 – The “Titanic Violin,” which was on display at the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction during the month of August and believed to the long lost violin that Titanic’s bandmaster, Wallace Hartley played as the R.M.S. Titanic sank during the early morning hours of April 15, 1912 after hitting an iceberg, was sold at auction on Oct. 19 for $1.45 million. The amount is a record setting price for a piece of Titanic memorabilia, easily eclipsing its nearest “competitor,” an actual plan of the Titanic used at the admiralty hearings on the sinking in 1912, by a multiple of more than four.

Although there were many skeptics as to the authenticity when its discovery was originally made public in 2006 years of testing and authenticating seems to have carried the day. While the violin was on display at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Craig Sopin, one of the largest private collectors of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia, who was initially one of the violins biggest skeptics was asked if he believed the violin was authentic. He replied, “I am absolutely convinced.” He said that he changed his mind based on his own investigation, the extensive physical testing that has been done on the violin and case and provenance evidence tracing the violin back to the Titanic.

The auction was held at Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, England who are specialists in auctioning Titanic memorabilia. Prior to the auction it was estimated that the violin would sell in the $322,000 to $488,000 range, but according to reports, after starting out at about $80,000 the bidding quickly rose to the point where, at the end, there were only two telephone bidders going head to head. The name of the victorious bidder was not announced.

In announcing the exclusive United States hosting of the Titanic Violin earlier this year Mary Kellogg, the co-owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions, said “We are so honored that, out of all the places in the United States, our Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge and Branson were picked to host this violin and the opportunity to share this historic icon with our guests.” “How fortunate is Branson to have an attraction like the Titanic Museum Attraction with the reputation and ability to provide Branson visitors with the opportunity to get to see such an historic, iconic and valuable piece of history,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center.

Mayflower Tours VIP group has unique Branson experience

Mickey Gilley performing private show for Mayflower VIP Group

BRANSON, Mo., September 30, 2013 – After the fun, pleasure and excitement of helping the 150 members of the Mayflower VIP Group have a special and unique Branson experience Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales, Branson Tourism Center said, “It was a joy to be the Branson partner of Mayflower Tours in the planning, implementation and fulfillment of this special VIP group trip. The result was a phenomenal experience for their travelers and one that very few of millions of visitors coming to Branson each year get to have.”

In its day to day operations, BTC’s groups department specializes in helping groups of all sizes and kinds, from student, family and bank travel to churches, military, reunions, meetings or conferences, weddings, travel agents and tour operators, have a great Branson experience. The genesis for the VIP event was when Mayflower Tours, a tour operator operating deluxe escorted holidays, wanted to offer their travelers a special unique escorted VIP tour of Branson and, because of the special relationships that BTC has built up over the years with Branson shows, attractions and lodging facilities, partnered with BTC to make it happen.

How well did it work out? Vicki Martin, a Mayflower Tour Manager, said that, from the time they left the hotel in the morning until they got back at night, each day was a busy, exciting and enjoyable blend of a variety of activities, relaxation and adventure including shows, attractions, boat rides and other things highlighted by a series of special events. She said, “Branson Tourism Center makes this very easy for a tour manager like myself” and pointed out that in a lot of places they go there is minimal assistance, but here, “Branson Tourism Center has it all taken care of for us.”

Mayflower VIP Travelers with Main Street Lake Cruises "Lake Queen."

Martin pointed out that the schedule was full of a variety of things to see and do. One of the many things planned into their varied itinerary was time to relax on Lake Taneycomo at the facilities of Main Street Lake Cruises. While there they took a sightseeing trip on the riverboat replica Lake Queen and enjoyed a special vintage carnival, including games, candy, soda, popcorn etc. at Main Street Lake Cruises’ “Paddlewheel.”

The carnival was just one of the unique special features the Mayflower VIP travelers enjoyed. Among others there was a private meet and greet on the stage of the theatre with Clay Cooper after seeing Clay Cooper’s Country Express with Clay entertaining them at dinner that evening; a personal welcome and introduction to the Titanic Museum Attraction by John Joslyn one of its owners; a private meet and greet with the Oak Ridge Boys after seeing their show; Breakfast with the Brett family prior to seeing the Bretts show; dinner with a member of the Hughes Brothers family at each table prior to seeing their show it; a very exclusive private show from Mickey Gilley along with an up close and personal question and answer period and a private meet and greet with Shoji and Christina Tabuchi after seeing the Shoji Tabuchi show.

Mayflower’s Martin said that many of her travelers have been to Branson multiple times with other groups and never have they had an experience and access to the entertainers like they did on this trip. She said she doesn’t know how they did it but that, “It wouldn’t have happened without [the] Branson Tourism [Center.]”

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood, from a BTC perspective, credits the relationship that BTC has with the Branson shows, attractions and other providers it works with and with the hard work and dedication of BTC Group Sales Manager Becky Jewsberry, who personally coordinated the planning of the event with Mayflower as well as its execution in Branson. “Whether it’s 150 or a family reunion of 20, we work hand in hand with each and every group to be an extension of their team,” said Wood. “The BTC Groups Department has a staff of 11 people dedicated to just one thing, helping those having an interest in for bringing a group to Branson to plan and execute an event that will be a successful, memorable and enjoyable experience.”

Wood invites group planners to contact the Branson Tourism Center Groups Department for a quote, information or assistance in planning a group trip to Branson by calling 1-800-268-4014 or through its website, http://www.BransonGroups.com.

Heavenly match of fun, music and food at Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic

Great Southern Gospel music and fun at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

BRANSON, Mo., August 12, 2013 — “Running for only 11 days, from August 23 – September 2, Silver Dollar City‘s Southern Gospel Picnic has one of the shortest running times of any of Silver Dollars City’s world class festivals,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s almost ‘Heavenly,’ the way they integrate and combine all the rides, excitement and adventure of a world class theme park with over 60 of the finest Southern Gospel music acts available anywhere and a ‘picnic’ Silver Dollar City style.”

Information received from Silver Dollar City about the event said there will be over 60 acts performing Southern Gospel music throughout the park during the festival. The Festival’s coordinator D.A. Callaway said that they will feature everything from “…legendary performers and Dove award winners to contemporary artists and family bands,” offering “impeccable harmonies and uplifting songs” that will be appreciated by fans of Southern Gospel Music while offering those “new to the genre” an excellent opportunity to sample different types of Southern Gospel Music presented by some of the top artists in the field.

Guy Penrod the host of the show “Gospel Music Showcase” on the Daystar network and one of Southern Gospel’s premier performers will be performing at the Festival. In addition to his album “Hymns” being the top selling Southern Gospel album of 2012 Penrod’s credits include more than a decade of performing with the Gaither Vocal Band, singing backup for Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain as well as being nominated as the Inspirational Country Music Awards Entertainer of the Year.

And that’s just one of the acts that will perform hundreds of performances during the Festival. Other acts include Karen Peck & New River, 2012 Dove Award Country Song of the Year & Southern Gospel Album of the Year; Triumphant Quartet, Four 2012 Singing News Fan Awards including Favorite Traditional Quartet, Favorite Musician & Album of the Year; The Hoppers, 2012 Singing News Fan Awards Favorite Soprano – Kim Hopper and dozens of others. Click here for a complete schedule.

The daily performances will be followed each night by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concert which will be held in Echo-Hollow, Silver Dollar City’s 4,000 seat amphitheater and will be hosted by gospel emcee Duane Garren. On Sunday August 25 and September 1 there will be a special worship service featuring the Hosea Bilyeu Family on August 25 and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 1.

“Well that takes care of the ‘Southern Gospel’; the The House of Chicken & Fixin’s on the Square is going to add the ‘Picnic,'” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. In addition to all the delicious food normally available throughout the park The House of Chicken & Fixin’s will be offering the park’s guests mouthwatering double-battered fried chicken, smoked barbecue chicken and more with their favorite “picnic fixings.”

In addition to all the special activities and events involved in the Festival, all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s theme park is noted for is also available. This includes 100 resident craftsmen and over 30 rides and attractions including Silver Dollar City’s new ground-breaking wood coaster Outlaw Run featuring “the world’s first and only double barrel roll on a wood coaster, with a 720-degree (double) barrel roll.

For further information on Silver Dollar City, its Southern Gospel Picnic or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles

One of the majestic Lake Taneycomo Eagles.

BRANSON, MO, July 17, 2013 –Along with viewing magnificent vistas, beautiful stone cliffs carved by the mighty White River, wild life and the constantly changing beauty of Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline thousands of passengers aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen sightseeing trips have met “Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles”. Although from time to time, especially during the winter months, other Bald Eagles visit Lake Taneycomo short periods of time, the pair of Bald Eagles referred to in this piece as the “Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles” are have been nesting downstream from the junction of Roark Creek and Lake Taneycomo virtually year round for the last few years providing a rare opportunity to see these majestic birds in the wild on a fairly “regular” basis.

Bald Eagles, are “Raptors,” birds of prey, having an average length of 36 inches, a wing span of 84 inches and a voracious appetite for fish. Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles have had their picture taken on more than one occasion feasting on one of the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the finest trout fisheries in America.

Dinner time in the trees.

They have one of the largest nests of any bird which can be up to seven feet across and ten feet deep. The nest of the Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles is located a short distance back from the banks of Lake Taneycomo and is best observed in the spring before the foliage blocks the view. The eagles themselves however, are often seen sitting in trees right on the banks of Lake Taneycomo providing an excellent opportunity for photos of these majestic birds.

Although many people have seen Lake Taneycomo’s Eagles at various times, including the eaglets “emerging” from the nest, according to Leah Eden, Naturalist, for the Missouri Department of Conservation, no official records have been kept of the number of eaglets born each year etc. She said that typically, each pair will have two eaglets. When asked if the parents will kill the weaker eaglet she indicated that what could happen, in a situation where food is scarce, is that the one born first, generally the stronger, will survive, because it gets the majority of the food.

When asked why, based on the number of years they have been nesting on Lake Taneycomo, there were not more Bald Eagles permanently around she said that after fledging, getting feathers and leaving the nest, there is a gradual process where they leave their home nesting area. For the next couple of years the immature eagles travel seeking food as they reach maturity and find a mate. Bald Eagles mate for life.

No one knows exactly how old Lake Taneycomo’s Eagles are, but the average life expectancy is about 20 years. Meanwhile, one of more or these majestic birds are observed quite frequently from those boating or fishing on Lake Taneycomo. Quite often, while on a sightseeing cruise aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen or a dinner cruise on the Landing Princess they will stop the boat just so that people can take pictures of Branson’s natural stars, the Lake Taneycomo Eagles. How many places can one go and have the opportunity of sharing something like that with their family? Not many, not many at all and once shared, it will be a memory not soon forgotten.

Ozark Mountain Christmas planning in July?

The center of Silver Dollar City's "Old Time Christmas." It's town square and five story special effects Christmas Tree.

BRANSON, MO, July 13, 2013 — “It might seem strange talking about Ozark Mountain Christmas, running from November 1 through December 31 each year, as we swelter in the heat in the middle of July ” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “In addition to the cooling effects that such thoughts might have on ones psyche however, it should be noted that Ozark Mountain Christmas, is the most colorful, exciting, inspirational and busiest time of the year in the Branson,” she added. “To get the ‘hottest’ deals and best availability on a trip to Branson for Ozark Mountain Christmas, planning in July might just be the ‘cool’ thing to do.”

Johnson explains that Ozark Mountain Christmas, is a unique and special Branson Christmas experience that is not available anywhere else on earth. From the Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” to the West to the large Adoration Scene on top of Mount Branson to the East, Ozark Mountain Christmas, sets Branson aglow with Christmas lights, shows, shopping and, most important of all, the true spirit of Christmas that “resonates in the hearts of those wanting to celebrate and experience the traditional celebration of Christmas.”

Over a million sparkling Christmas lights transform Silver Dollar City into a Christmas wonderland as it celebrates its “Old Time Christmas,” as only it can do with special shows and activities in addition to everything else it offers.  The Shepherd of the Hills’ Trail of Lights and the “Branson Area Festival of Lights” both provide spectacular drive through lighting displays with millions of glowing Christmas lights and numerous beautiful displays. And the glow of Christmas lights doesn’t stop there as Christmas decorations and lights adorn utility poles, the Branson Landing Roundabout, the Titanic Museum Attraction as the ship celebrates Christmas with the Fantasy Princess, Branson Landing and many of Branson’s shops and theatres.

And speaking of theatres, the vast majority of Branson’s shows share the spirit of Christmas by devoting a portion of their shows to the celebration of the traditional Christmas. In addition, there are a number of shows that are only available during Ozark Mountain Christmas, such as the Andy Williams Christmas Show staring Osmond Brothers and Lennon Sisters, Sight and Sounds spectacular production of the Miracle of Christmas presented on a 300 foot surround stage, Christmas in Hollywood, Tony Orlando staring in the final Branson season of his Great American Christmas show and others.

“Its large variety of unique boutiques, specialty shops, galleries and craft shops, Branson Landing and discount malls like the “Tanger Factory Outlet Center” and “The Shoppes at Branson Meadows” provide a great shopping experience in Branson year round,” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson continued. “Mix in a little Ozark Mountain Christmas, and it’s not hard to see why many do their Christmas shopping in Branson.”

She points out that during Branson’s regular season there are periods when shows and lodging fill up, but that during Ozark Mountain Christmas, particularly with the more popular shows and lodging establishments, the situation increases exponentially. Johnson explains that not only do the chances of nonavailability increase, but the chances of getting the best show seats, choice of accommodations, and the best prices decrease the longer one waits to make their Ozark Mountain Christmas, travel plans. She reiterates, “To get the ‘hottest’ deals and best availability on a trip to Branson for Ozark Mountain Christmas, planning in July might just be the ‘cool’ thing to do.”

For additional information on Ozark Mountain Christmas, or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions 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 calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/ .