Category Archives: Branson Attractions

Championship wakeboarding event makes first Branson appearance

MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour coming to Branson

BRANSON, Mo. The terms “Krypt,” “Tantrum,” “911,” “Tweety Bird” and “Tootsie Roll,” just to mention a few, all have different meanings and connotations to many people, but not to the athletes and who will be competing in Branson on June 8 and 9, 2012 in the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour.  “What a testimony to Table Rock Lake and the Branson area that it is able to host championship water events as diversified as the FLW and Bass Masters fishing tournaments and the  Pro Wakeboard Tour,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The competitors, fans and spectators will experience an action filled exciting event and be just minutes away from Branson shows, attractions, shopping, value priced lodging and all the other fun things Branson has to offer.

“Wakeboarding” is an exciting action filled sporting event involving a rider on a wakeboard being pulled behind of motorboat at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour. Just how fast depends on the skill of the rider, water conditions, the tricks they will be performing and other factors. The terms “Krypt,” “Tantrum,” “911,” “Tweety Bird” and “Tootsie Roll,” are all names from the “trick lexicon of these championship athletes, competing in a sport that combines the excitement of water skiing, surfing and snowboarding into one action filled event.

Ross Summers, CEO of the Branson Lakes Chamber of Commerce and CVB, one of the events sponsors, along with,Ozarks Rivers Heritage Foundation, said, “The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour is one of the premier wakeboarding events in the country.” He also pointed out that this is the first time that the event has been held in Branson and is a new stop for the tour.

The Branson stop is the third stop on the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour and an integral part of winning the Pro Tour Title. Tour competitors accumulate points during every stop on the Tour based on their placement in each contest. The one earning the highest total number of points at the end of the five stop Tour is  crowned the “Pro Tour Champion.”

The event will be held at Table Rock Lake’s Moonshine Beach on June 8 and 9, 2012. The Pro Men’s Qualifying, Junior Pro Men’s Quarterfinals and Pro Women’s Semifinals will be held on Friday, June 8. The Pro Men’s Quarterfinals, Junior Pro Men’s Semifinals, Pro Men’s Semifinals and Junior Pro Men’s and Women’s Finals will be held Saturday June 9, prior to the Pro Men’s Finals and the “Big Air Kicker Contest”  which will conclude the days competition.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said the Moonshine Beach area of Table Rock Lake will provide excellent viewing for spectators, both from land and the lake, and is only minutes south of the Branson Strip on State Route 165. It should be noted that although the Wakeboard Tour will span two days, June 8 and 9, Sunshine Beach will be open to the public both days with standard Day Use Rates applying on June 8 and the Wakeboard Tour rate on Saturday June 9.

She points out that Branson’s summer season will be fully underway and suggests that those planning to attend the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour or visit Branson that weekend give consideration to making advance arrangements for lodging and shows. Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Experience the excitement and awakening of Spring in Branson

View the beauty of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake from the top of "Wildfire." SDC's world class coaster.

BRANSON, Mo. From a temperature perspective, it seems as if the Winter of 2011-2012 forgot to come to a large part of the country including Branson, except in name. The unseasonably mild weather since Fall almost mutes the fact that the official first day of Spring begins at 12:14 (CDT) on March 20. Temperatures and weather aside however, as the other harbingers of Spring begin to manifest themselves, Branson’s Ozark Hills come to life, not only with their natural beauty, but with the sounds and sights of people simply having fun and enjoying themselves as they bask in the first natural blush of Spring.

The first wave of those celebrating Spring Break in Branson are just in time to experience the explosive natural beauty of the Ozarks with a spectacular display including the Bradford Pears, Dogwoods and Redbuds along with the opening of Branson’s great live shows, activities, shopping and attractions, including the opening of “Silver Dollar City.” The majority of Branson’s major attractions such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum,” “Hollywood Wax Museum,” “Veterans Memorial Museum” and many others are open year round, but Spring brings the excitement of the reopening of many of Branson’s other exciting seasonal attractions such as “Ride the Ducks,” “Branson Scenic Railway,” Branson’s many outdoor mini golf courses including “Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf” and of course, its biggest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is an internationally recognized 1880’s style theme park that opened its 2012 season on March 15. The park features over 30 rides and attractions including its high-flying multi-looping world class roller coaster “WildFire” reaching speeds of up to 66 miles per hour; demonstrating craftsmen working at crafts that have been passed down from generation to generation; some of the best live shows in Branson; unique shopping and food and a series of world class festivals starting with “World-Fest,” the country’s largest international festival, running from April 12 through May 6

Spring brings freshness and  renewal to most of Branson’s live shows as they present their new 2012 shows. From the addition of “Rumble in the Tree Tops” at “Dixie Stampede,” the spectacular new production of Joseph and shows as varied as the Acrobats of China, “The Baldknobbers Jamboree,” Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Haygoods, “it presented by the Hughes Brothers,” “the Duttons,” SIX, “George Dyer,” “Grand Jubilee,” Shoji Tabuchi, Pierce Arrow, “Jim Stafford,” “Doug Gabriel,” “Legends in Concert” and “Amazing Pets,” just to mention a few, Branson’s offers a variety of live entertainment that is unrivaled in any destination city of its size anywhere.

Branson is almost as famous for its shopping as it is for its live shows, attractions and other activities. “Branson Landing,” with its lakeside location, fire and water show, restaurants, “Bass Pro Shop” and 100 other retail shops, two factory discount malls, countless specialty shops in historic downtown Branson and throughout Branson provide a unique and unparalleled shopping opportunity.

Spring activities for a lot of people include golf. The mild winter and excellent course maintenance has Branson’s world class golf courses, including the Payne Stewart Golf Course at Branson Hills, Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and Branson Creek, among others, ready to provide a great golfing experience for the seasoned champion tournament player and challenge for the beginner as well as.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, also reminds potential visitors that the Spring of 2012 will be very special in Branson. The city of Branson is celebrating its Centennial with special activities on April 1 and 15 and the Titanic Museum Attraction is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic during 2012, including a Night to Remember on April 14 and other events. For additional information on any of the shows, attractions, events or activities mentioned in this article please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Spring Break starts Silver Dollar City’s biggest festival and show year ever

The beauty of the Ozarks with a glimpse of Table Rock Lake from the top of SDC's world class coaster "Wildfire."

BRANSON, Missouri – March 6, 2012  “As great as Silver Dollar City already is, it seems like it just keeps outdoing itself in a constant quest to provide its guests with a fresh, exciting and memorable experience every season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The addition of new shows, events and expanded festivals’ shows that 2012 is certainly not going to be an exception.”

Silver Dollar City starts its 2012 season on March 15, the first day of its “Family Spring Break Days.” This first event of its 2012 season not only provides families and those on Spring Break a opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Ozarks during the Spring, but to ” be among the first to launch into the 2012 season on the thrill ride ‘PowderKeg,’ soar above the high flying, multi-looping cobra rolling roller coaster ‘WildFire,’ and fly over seven stories high on the ‘Giant Swing.’ The Grand Exposition includes 10 rides ranging from the Magnificent Wave Carousel to the Royal Tea Party. Entertainment includes Doc Gizmo Science Theatre, making science fun with amazing experiments.”

The full 2012 schedule of Silver Dollar City’s Special Events is as follows:

Family Spring Break Days – March 15-18; March 22-25
Young Christian Weekend – March 30 – April 1
Easter Weekend – April 5-7
World-Fest – April 12 – May 6
Bluegrass & BBQ – May 10 – June 3
National KidsFest – June 9 – July 22
Independence Day – July 4
Moonlight Madness – July 21 – August 5
Southern Gospel Picnic – August 24 – September 3
Country Music Weekend – September 8-9
National Harvest Festival – September 13 – October 27
An Old Time Christmas – November 3 – December 30

Although not on its “2012 Special Events Calendar,” Silver Dollar City will also be hosting “Midwest’s Premier Christian Youth Event: Young Christians’ Weekend. March 30-April 1.” This event will include Christian performers including “The Museum,” “The Afters!,” “Chris August” and much more.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson says that all the activities involved with Silver Dollar City’s festivals and events are in addition to everything else that the internationally award winning 1880s-style theme park offers, including 30 rides and attractions, demonstrating craftsmen, shows and restaurants. She also points out that those purchasing their Silver Dollar City tickets through the Branson Tourism Center get a bonus day, two days for the price of one.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please 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.

Branson Mayor expects famed Branson Strip to reopen tomorrow

BRANSON, MO. In a telephone interview completed earlier this evening, Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that she was so grateful for the support shown to Branson by so many and reiterated her thankfulness that so few were injured and there were no fatalities as a result of the EF-2 Tornado that hit Branson during the early morning hours today. She expressed her concern and sympathy to the businesses that were directly hit by the storm.

When asked when the Branson Strip would reopen she said that the western end was never closed and that crews are working hard installing poles and other infrastructure necessary to completely restore power and expects that the closed portion will be reopened sometime tomorrow. She points out that the vast majority of Branson’s theatres, attractions and other activities were not damaged by the storm and will continue providing Branson visitors with the same great experience for which Branson is famous.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that Branson’s 2012 season is just beginning to unfold. In addition to most of its major attractions being open this week the following shows are scheduled to perform this weekend with more opening up next weekend:

A Tribute to Marty Robbins
Comedy Jamboree
Dixie Stampede
Grand Jubilee
Hank Williams Revisited
Haygoods
Hamner Barber Variety Show
it at the Hughes Brothers Theatre
Ozark Mountain Jubilee
Ozark Murder Mysteries
Pierce Arrow
SIX
Sunday Gospel Jubilee
The Petersen Family Bluegrass Band

For additional information on the status of the storms effect on Branson, these Branson shows or the other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements in Branson, 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, through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/bransontourismcenter.

Branson Centennial is a celebration of history, heritage, fun and excitement

The gravestone of Ruben Branson, the man Branson is named after, is readily visible. without having to go into the cemetery, from the northwest corner of the intersection of Okalahoma and Commerical Streets in historic downtown Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. In 1882, when Ruben S. Branson started a general store near the mouth of Roark Creek and the White River and named the post office “Branson” he had no idea of what was to follow. Who could have known that decades later the railroad would come down Roark Creek into the heart of a developing community benefiting not only from the intense logging industry in the area, but the building of the Power Site Dam on the White River near Forsyth and the tourism resulting from the publishing of the epic story of life in the Ozarks, Harold Bell Wright’s novel, “The Shepherd the Hills?”

Interestingly, all that took place prior to the incorporation of “Branson” as a city. In fact, in 1902 the name of the post office was changed to “Lucia” as competing sites and interests tried to get land and plat their own towns. The issue was settled in 1903 when Charles Fulbright and his “Branson Town Company” acquired both town sites and the name of the post office was changed back to “Branson” in 1904. A short eight years later the city of “Branson” was incorporated on April 1, 1912.

As  the city of Branson begins the celebration of its Centennial Year, it might be appropriate to note that Branson’s first show, The Baldknobbers Jamboree was 47 years away as was Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City was 48 years away and its first show on the now famous “Branson Strip,” Presley’s Country Jubilee was 55 years away. Yet today, as the city of Branson celebrates its Centennial, an estimated 8 million visitors a year come to Branson making it “Missouri’s top vacation destination.”

Why do they come? “To experience all that Branson has to offer,” says Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Where else in America’s heartland, or perhaps anywhere, can a person go and experience the unique combination of 100 plus live shows, attractions, family entertainment, shopping, water activities, championship golfing and everything else Branson has to offer? What other destination has so beautifully integrated the entertainment, adventure and excitement of what it offers into the surrounding natural beauty of its magnificent and spectacular hills, valleys, lakes and hollows?”

Branson’s Centennial, “100 YEARS OF BRANSON, MISSOURI – a Story of Heritage, Harmony and Hospitality” has events scheduled to run from April 1 through July 7 with the “Centennial Heritage Museum” remaining open from April 1 throughout, at least, the rest of the year. It is a celebration of Branson’s history, heritage and spirit combined with all the fun and excitement that makes Branson such a wonderful family vacation destination.

The “Centennial Kick-Off Event” will be on April 1, exactly 100 years to the day from Branson’s initial incorporation, in its historic downtown district. The day will begin with the dedication and opening of the “Centennial Heritage Museum,” with the National Anthem being sung by Branson tenor George Dyer, comments by Branson’s Mayor Raeanne Presley and other dignitaries and other entertainment. Bogie Bohinc, the producer of the festivities that will follow, said that the entire historic downtown area will be a celebration of fun, action and entertainment until 4:00 p.m., including street performances; horse and buggy rides; bands; music of all genres from Bluegrass to Dixieland and much more including a “few surprises.”

Throughout the Centennial, there are a number of activities and events contributing to the excitement of the celebration. These include Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s styled theme park; the Titanic Museum Attractions “A Night to Remember,” on April 14, providing a once in a lifetime opportunity to participate in the 100th year remembrance of the fateful night the great ship sank in the north Atlantic; the Branson Centennial Celebration Show on April 15; the “52nd Annual Plumb Nellie Days Arts and Crafts Festival” in historic downtown Branson, May 17 through 19 and “Branson’s 100th Fest and Street Dance” on July 7.

Ross Summers, President/CEO, Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, “Throughout the town, our community welcomes you to our once-in-a-lifetime celebration. And our birthday wish is that you leave with a rekindled spirit and renewed hope for the next century.”

Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Milton suggests that Branson visitors make advance reservations for shows and lodging during the Centennial to ensure they get not only availability, but the seating and accommodations desired. She also points out that there is a limited number of VIP tickets available for the Titanic Museum Attractions “A Night to Remember,” on April 14 and that BTC’s exclusive package for the event also includes a special keepsake coin incorporating an actual segment of a piece of coal that has been brought up from the Titanic.

For additional information on Branson’s Centennial Celebration, any of the events connected to it or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact 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.

AAA Midwest Traveler shares 10 surprising things about Branson you didn’t know

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many fun things for families to share in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. An article entitled, “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Branson, Mo,”* written by Marge Peterson, is featured in the March-April edition of AAA’s “Midwest Traveler Magazine.” It said that Branson is one of the “Midwest’s most popular vacation spots” and that a “multitude of stories have been written about Branson over the years about the music, theatres, stars, water recreation and the natural beauty of the area.”

After inquiring as to the depth of the reader’s knowledge about Branson, in a rhetorical sense, the article offers “10 Branson tidbits that may surprise you.” From the “King of Branson,” to “Mullets and Music,” and the “City’s Deepest Darkest Secret,” this interesting article about the city some call the “Live music show capital of the world,” shares 10 “tidbits” about Branson “that may surprise you. “One thing for sure though,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “surprising or not, they illustrate the variety and depth of the fun, excitement and adventure that Branson offers.”

From a date perspective, two things are mentioned; the fact that the city of Branson, incorporated on April 1, 1912, is celebrating its Centennial and that the Titanic Museum Attraction is remembering the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Johnson points out that there will be special events in connection with each. For example, on April 14 a special VIP event, “A Night To Remember,” will be held as the Titanic Museum Attraction remembers the tragic sinking with a day full of tributes, choral groups, the lighting of the Titanic Eternal Flame and the launching of distress fire rockets as the “once-in-a-lifetime event, not to return for 100 years,” concludes.

Other tidbits in the article include how the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle was launched in 1994 with tons of bananas lubricating the launch ramp as she slid into Table Rock Lake; the world class fishing offered in Branson’s three lakes, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lake’s that make Branson a fisherman’s “Paradise;” America’s largest Veterans Day celebration, “Branson Veterans Homecoming;” the many animals involved with Sight and Sound’s spectacular production of Joseph which will be premiering in Branson on April 14; interesting facts on Branson’s “popular and insightful comedian, Yakov Smirnoff;” the initial challenges Shoji Tabuchi faced and the uniqueness of his theatre’s restrooms, how “3 Redneck Tenors” get to Carnegie Hall and the wonder’s of Silver Dollar City‘s Marvel Cave. Some might say, “But you haven’t told us who is the “King of Branson” and what the “The City’s Deepest Darkest Secret” is.

Johnson would suggest that, although in terms of the article, the answers are contained above, that the real “King of Branson” is each of the millions of guests who visit it each year and that Branson’s “deepest secret” is not dark at all. It is the simple fact that there is not a place on earth that offers families the combination of spirit, natural beauty, water recreation, entertainment, excitement, shopping and adventure that Branson offers. “The 10 things that people don’t know about Branson illustrates one big reason for families to plan to spend their vacation in Branson, during 2012,” she added.

Johnson said that the knowledgeable staff of the Branson Tourism Center would be happy to help in answering any questions about Branson that people might have or assist them in planning a trip or vacation to Branson experience. The Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Article based on review of hard copy of issue. No link provided because, as of the time of the posting of this article, none was available on the AAA Midwest Traveler site.

“Ozarks Romance” first of many Branson historical exhibits during Centennial Celebration

This 1894 nightgown was worn by Delphia Francis Spradlin following her marriage to John Samuel Reish.Nightgown from the Reish Family Collection on loan to the WRVHS courtesy of Joe and Barbara Reish.

BRANSON, Mo “The White River Historical Society’s ‘Ozarks Romance’ is yet another unique and diversified activity for Branson visitors to consider while visiting Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The items from the Reish Family collection are opportune because Branson is celebrating its Centennial this year and the family still operates Branson’s longest running commercial business, ‘Reish Shoes,’ in historic downtown Branson,” she continued.

Information received from The White River Historical Society says “When did the tradition of a bride wearing white develop? What homespun remedy is a ‘sure cure, for a complexion problem? How can you be sure you dream of your future spouse? Answers to these questions and more are answered during the White River Valley Historical Society’s ‘Ozarks Romance’ exhibit, where love is in the air, through March 30.

“The exhibit, created by members of the Society, gives visitors a look at marriage and courtship in the area, including folklore, chivarees, anniversaries, hope chests, and shotgun weddings.  Vintage gowns and nightgowns are part of the display, as well as valentines from the 1930’s, albums, hope chest items, and a ‘parlor’ ready for the big day!”

The White River Valley Historical Society is located at 297 Main Street, Forsyth, across from the Taney County Judicial Facility, its operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and there is no admission charge. For further information on the “Ozarks Romance” exhibit, any of the many other special events that will be taking place during the celebration of the Branson Centennial or Branson’s shows, attractions or lodging, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Last Two Days to Vote for Silver Dollar City as Best Theme Park

The beauty of the Ozarks with a glimpse ofTable Rock Lake from the top of SDC's world class coaster "Wildfire."

BRANSON Mo. “There is only two days left, including today, to vote for Silver Dollar City as the Best Theme Park in the ’10 Besties Readers’ Choice Travel Awards,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Johnson points out that voting in the online competition for the “Best Theme Park” and other categories, is open through Sunday and that voting is done by simply mouse clicking on your favorite. Those wishing to vote may do so at www.10best.com/TravelAwards/Vote/best-theme-parks.

Martha Bohner, Publicist for Silver Dollar City Attractions said that “everyone has an opportunity to log on and vote, check rankings and cast additional votes each day through Sunday. “Nominations like this show that Branson and its attractions rank high in popularity for family travel,” she added.

Johnson said, “We congratulates Silver Dollar City on its nomination and our prayer is that they win the Best Theme Park Award. It would be wonderfully deserved by the park and their employees and yet another indication of the quality of the entertainment experience provided by Branson’s shows and attractions. She points out the international award winning 1880s-style theme park, with its 30 rides and attractions, demonstrating craftsmen, shows, restaurants and eight featured festivals and events will open its 2012 season on March 15 and that it will run through December 30.

For additional information on Silver Dollar City, any of its festivals or events 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, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day, or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A great Branson experience does not depend on whether the weather is fair or stormy

Branson's Titanic Museum Attraction takes passengers on an exciting voyage no matter what the weather.

BRANSON, Mo. “It seems as if everyone, no matter what state they are from, with the possible exception of Hawaii, has a weather related saying that says something like, ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes it will change,'” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, the weather in Branson over the last few days could be the near perfect illustration of what the saying means, ” she added.

Milton was referring to the fact that the weather has varied from the balmy 50s and 60s of last week to the coldest day of the winter, in the teens, last Saturday; the first measureable snow along with a dash of sleet and ice on Monday; temperatures that quickly rose into the 50’s to erase just about every vestige of the snow and are forecast to average in the high 50s for the next several days. “A neat thing about Branson however,” Milton continues, “is that no matter what the weather or how it changes, in the vast majority of weather related situations, there is always something that is fun and exciting for Branson visitors to do and share with each other.”

On Monday, this writer was out and about, taking pictures of the Branson’s first “major “snow fall of the season,” and, as usual, the roads, thanks to the efforts of the road crews of the City of Branson, Taney County and the Missouri Department of Transportation, permitted him and his little Chevy HHR, to safely access Branson shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and other activities. Except in the middle of a storm, when prudence and common sense would dictate staying “home” that has been the case throughout his 26 years of living in Branson.

The Haygoods are one of the hottest and most entertaining shows in Branson.

Although the activities of some Branson attractions such as golfing, Silver Dollar City, ziplines etc. are weather dependent, the vast majority of Branson’s attractions, shows and shopping are not. As an example, the frigid temperatures of last weekend had no impact on Branson’s famed live shows with shows such as the Hamner Barber Variety Show; Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, and Amazing Pets; the Hughes Brother’s presents “It;” The Haygoods and Pierce Arrow all performing. This weekend even more shows will be performing including the premier of Branson’s newest show, Tribute to the Four Seasons and The Beach Boys.

The vast majority of Branson attractions are not are not weather dependent. Attractions such as Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, Grand Country’s Fun Spot, Grand Country’s 36 hole indoor golf course, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, the indoor activities of The Track Family Fun Parks and many other attractions are open year round. 2012 is the anniversary of the 100th year of the sinking of the Titanic and the Titanic Museum Attraction is hosting special exhibits and activities in remembrance of the disaster and those who perished.

One of the most popular activities in Branson is shopping and weather has only minimal, if any, effect on its availability. From the quaint shops of historic downtown Branson, including its major attraction “Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10,” to Branson Landing with its 100 shops, restaurants and entertainment opportunities, factory outlet discount malls such as Tanger Mall and 100s of specialty shops throughout Branson, Branson provides a unique unparalleled shopping experience regardless of the weather.

For current information on Branson shopping, attractions, shows, and lodging Milton offers the assistance of the staff of the Branson Tourism Center, in answering any questions; assistance in getting tickets for Branson shows and attractions or in making lodging arrangements. The Branson Tourism Center may be contacted, toll free, at 1-800-785-1550, every day of the year except Christmas Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson named one of 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many fun things for families to share in Branson.

“Another confirmation about what a great place Branson is for families to plan to spend their vacation,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Milton was referring to Branson being featured in a January article entitled, 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations, published by Away.com, a division of Orbitz.com.

While referring briefly to Branson’s musical heritage, the article called Branson “One of the family-friendliest destinations in the United States” and emphasized another family friendly point, the opportunity for families to experience “the beauty of the Missouri Ozarks.” It specifically mentioned three of Branson’s many attractions, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Showboat Branson Belle, and its biggest and most popular paid attraction, the 1880s styled award winning theme park, Silver Dollar City with its world class festivals, dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and over 30 rides and attractions, all seamlessly blended into the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Milton said that Branson’s most recent recognition follows right on the heels of Branson being recognized throughout 2011 by various national travel organizations including being recognized as Number 7 by TripAdvisor.Com on their list of the 15 Destinations on the rise which included travel destinations such as Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. She feels that such recognition, for a little town in Southwestern Missouri, is in large part not only due to the breath and uniqueness of the fun, entertainment and everything else that Branson offers, but the family friendly environment in which it is provided.

Milton says that national recognition is a wonderful indication of what visitors to Branson can expect and suggests, “Why not plan to spend your family’s vacation in Branson during 2012 and share in all the fun and excitement it has to offer?” She also offers the assistance of one of Branson Tourism Center’s knowledgeable local Branson Vacation Planners to assist anyone in planning their Branson vacation at absolutely no charge. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached either by calling, toll free, 1-800-785-1550 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week, or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.