Category Archives: Branson Attractions

Best Branson Insider Highlights for February 2016

Grand Jubilee’s award wining quartet, “New South.”

“The four-day combined Valentine’s Day/President’s Day weekend in the middle of the month highlights both the romance of Branson and its signature live shows,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Romance is in the air as Branson celebrates Valentine’s day; a time when many of our most popular shows are opening for their 2016 Season,” she added.

Wouldn’t your sweetheart absolutely love an awesome Valentine’s Day in Branson? From the Titanic Museum Attraction’s celebration of Romance Month, to the Keeter Center’s Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dancing, to special Valentine’s Day menus at restaurants, the answer to that rhetorical question just has to be, “Yes!” In addition, many of Branson’s Most Popular Shows are welcoming the 2016 season that weekend.

Here’s our Featured Show and Event of the Month, along with a list of the major events you can enjoy in Branson during February, 2016:

Featured Show of the Month is Grand Jubilee, which has been performing its 2016 show since premiering on New Year’s Eve. Remarkably, this talented cast of producers, vocalists, musicians, and technicians develop and rehearse the next year’s show, at the same time they are performing their Christmas Show, so that it can be presented on New Year’s Eve. Branson’s “Grand Jubilee” boasts tight harmonies and a variety of musical styles; a show custom-made for all ages! Enjoy the dynamic performance of the quartet New South, female vocalist Jackie Brown, and the sound of the Grand Band as they perform it all, from country and gospel, to rock & roll favorites! Jamie Haage, aka “Jim Dandy,” and emcee extraordinaire, Mike Patrick, will keep you in stitches!

Event of the Month: The four-day combined Valentine’s/Day President’s Day weekend presents an ideal time for a winter getaway to Branson, where the feeling of romance will be in the air along with everything else Branson is noted for, including live shows, attractions, shopping and much more.

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Feb 1                           Hot Winter Fun Big Show
Feb 1 – Feb 29            Sweetheart Month at Titanic Museum Attraction
Feb 8 – Feb 21            Tanger Outlets Share the LOVE Event
Feb 12 – Feb 14          The 20th Annual Branson Tri-Lakes Building & Home Show
Feb 12 – Feb 14          Valentines at Chateau Grille
Feb 12 – Feb 15          Presidents Day Weekend Sale – Tanger Outlets
Feb 12 – Feb 15         Valentine’s Weekend in Branson
Feb 14                         Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dancing – Keeter Center
Feb 26 – Feb 28          25th Ann.VisionCon – Gaming, Science Fiction…Convention
Feb 27                         Vince Elfrink Memorial Tournament – Lilleys’ Landing

Due to the possibility of winter weather, seasonal show and attraction schedules, and the fact that some Branson lodging facilities are just opening for their 2016 season, Branson Tourism Center’s Wood suggests that that an easy way to avoid problems; save time and, in many cases, money, as well as making sure you have the most current information, is by simply calling the Branson Tourism Center toll-free at 1-800-785-1550 and talking with one of its Branson-based vacation planning specialists. They’ll be delighted to answer any questions and assist you with show or lodging reservations. There is absolutely no charge for this service.

Three fascinating ways you’ll conquer the winter blues in Branson!

Branson’s Hilton Convention Center Hotel is just one of the many ways you can pamper yourself and escape the Winter Blues in Branson.

“Call it what you will, post-Christmas blues, holiday blues, or one of the many other names for feeling melancholy this time of year, but many suffer a bout with the blues soon after the Christmas holiday season,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “An article entitled Got The Post-Holiday Blues? Here’s How To Beat ‘Em by Catherine Pearson, published in the Huffington Post on January 3, 2016, suggests that one thing people can do to help beat the blues is to ‘Get their pamper on’ by giving themselves a break,” she added. What better way to pamper yourself and take a break than an enjoyable getaway to Branson, Missouri? Let’s take a look at three ways Branson can help you relax, have fun, and ease those winter blues:

1. Relaxing Accommodations: From the quiet and soothing comfort of the Welk Resort, with its award-winning landscaped grounds, and its separate 10,000-square-foot Splash-A-Torium, to the luxury of the Branson’s Hilton Convention Center Hotel overlooking Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo, to the dozens of other hotels, motels, cabins, and condos, Branson offers a wide choice and variety of accommodations in which to relax and pamper yourself to your heart’s delight.

2.Shopping: How about easing those winter blues with a little shopping therapy? With hundreds of places to shop, Branson is a shopper’s paradise just about any time of year, but even more so during the slower-paced winter season. It’s hard to beat the reduced prices on clothing, housewares, designer shoes, gifts, luggage, and other unique merchandise at Tanger Outlets or The Shoppes at Branson Meadows. Add a unique assortment of flea markets, craft shops, boutiques, art galleries, local eateries, and other specialty shops, including the famous Dick’s 5 & 10, and Branson Landing’s department stores, galleries, and shops, along with lakefront dining establishments, and it’s hard to imagine a better shopping experience than that available in Branson!

3. Fun, Adventure, and Entertainment: Whether in the chill of winter or the heat of summer, Branson offers an unrivaled choice of activities and entertainment, like shows, attractions, museums, scenic walking trails, and so much more. An evening at Grand Jubilee, with the vocals of Jackie Brown, the harmonies of the New South Quartet, the sound of the Grand Band, and comedy courtesy of the multi-talented Jamie Haage, aka Jim Dandy, or an exciting “voyage” aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction as it celebrates its tenth year in Branson, are just a couple of the many fun, adventurous, and entertaining ways to escape the winter blues in Branson.

All it takes to plan your Branson escape is one toll-free phone call to the Branson Tourism Center, and talking with one of their Branson-based Travel Planners who will be delighted to assist you in planning the perfect Branson getaway. BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Five things you really need to know about having a fabulous Christmas Week in Branson!

Many of Branson’s most popular shows will be open Christmas Week.

“Branson is famous for its live entertainment, attractions, shopping, fun, and other exciting activities,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Christmas Week, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, is filled with all the things that Branson is famous for…and then some,” she continued.

Here’s a list of five things you should know about spending Christmas Week in Branson:

1. Many Branson Shows are still performing: Although many of Branson’s shows are closed for the season, a number of its most popular shows are open during Christmas Week. This includes such shows as The Acrobats of China, Amazing Pets, Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Comedy Jamboree, Dixie Stampede, Grand Jubilee, Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety, The Haygoods, Sight and Sound’s spectacular Jonah, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Paul Harris and the Cleverlys, Pierce Arrow, the Showboat Branson Belle, and many more.

2. The vast majority of Branson Attractions are open: The vast majority of Branson’s attractions will be open. This includes its oldest and most popular paid attraction, the international award-winning Silver Dollar City presenting its “Old Time Christmas;” the Titanic Museum Attraction decked out for its beautiful “Christmas and Winter Celebration;” the unique White Flight exhibit at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure; the National Tiger Sanctuary; Branson’s Promised Land Zoo, and others.

3. All major Branson Christmas lighting displays will still be aglow: All the major lighting displays including Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights, the giant 30 foot nativity scene on top of Mount Branson overlooking Lake Taneycomo, Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson, and the Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights & Village will continue throughout the week.

4. Shop ‘til you drop: – Branson’s shopping experience is legendary and Christmas Week is no exception. From the unique Branson Landing, with its 100 retail stores, to the shops of Historic Downtown Branson, featuring Dicks 5 & 10; from outlet centers such as Tanger Outlets and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, to the dozens of specialty shops offering arts and crafts and one- of-a-kind items, Branson’s Christmas Week shopping will satisfy the most avid shopper.

5. New Year’s Eve Fun: In addition to New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dancing – Keeter Center, and other area celebrations welcoming in the New Year, the following shows will have special New Year’s Eve celebrations:

Big Cedar Resort’s New Years Eve Celebrations
Chateau on the Lake New Years Eve Celebration
Clay-Goods Jambor-Eve
Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute Show
Grand Jubilee
Hughes Brothers
Legends in Concert
Million Dollar Quartet
Pierce Arrow
Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety

BTC’s Wood points out that the weather, Show schedules, and the fact that some Branson lodging facilities are closed should be considered when planning your trip. She suggests that an easy way to avoid problems, make sure you have the most current information, save time and, in many cases, money, is by simply calling the Branson Tourism Center toll-free at 1-800-785-1550, and talking with one of their Branson-based vacation planning specialists. They’ll be delighted to answer any questions and assist you with show or lodging reservations. There is absolutely no charge for this service.

5 things you need to know about Branson’s beautiful drive-thru Christmas Light displays

Just a few of the beautiful Christmas light displays lighting up the Ozark Hills.

Just a few of the beautiful Christmas light displays you will experience.

From Silver Dollar City to Branson Landing and the top of Mount Branson, Branson will be aglow with the spirit and lights of Christmas on trees, poles, and displays during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas is by far Branson’s biggest light display, with more than five million Christmas lights transforming the 1880’s styled theme park into a glittering Christmas wonderland.

Next, in terms of total lights and displays, as well as excitement and fun, would be the Drive-thru Christmas light displays. Here are five things you should know about Branson’s Drive-thru displays:

1. The two largest and most unique: Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights and Village and Trail of Lights are the biggest and most unique Branson Drive-thru displays, with each providing a totally different experience from the other.

2. Operation Schedule/Hours of operation: Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights and Village will be open from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM, seven days a week from November 5 through December 27. The Trail of Lights will be open from 5:30 PM to Midnight, seven days a week from November 1 through December 31.

3. Trail of Lights Overview: Drive through the historic Shepherd of the Hills Homestead with Christmas light displays that run from touchingly subtle to elaborate and exciting, themes from traditional to contemporary, and employing brilliant lights, delightful animation, and your favorite holiday music. They include characters in different types of buildings…you can take a peek at the Christmas-time activities taking place inside; many animated scenes, and many magnificently lighted displays. Also included is a trip to the top of the 230 foot Inspiration Tower with it’s a sensational view of Branson all aglow with holiday cheer!

4. Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights and Village Overview: Your adventure starts with a leisurely drive through, a magical musical mile and a half of hundreds of thousands of glittering, glowing Christmas lights on amazing displays. This unique drive-thru offers options other than driving through in your own vehicle, such as two-seater scooters, or in a carriage or wagon pulled by a Clydesdale!

And the amazing holiday experience at Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights and Village isn’t over after you drive through; an incredible Christmas village awaits you at the end! Discover 6,000 square feet of holiday cheer that stimulates the senses…hear the Christmas music…see the beautiful decor…smell the delicious aromas…taste the tantalizing treats like gourmet hot chocolate or hot cider, freshly made kettle corn and Bavarian nuts, and other tempting sweets and treats.”

In addition, the village has several complimentary features, like Selfies with Santa, occasional storytelling sessions with Branson historian, author, and storyteller extraordinaire, Bud Lynn; and a stunning, life-sized animated nativity to remind us all of the true reason for this glorious season. And, for a few belly laughs, check out the cacklin’ animated chickens that sing Christmas songs! Other activities available include family photos taken by a professional photographer, and the North Pole Express, a train ride that kids and adults can enjoy together!

5. Branson Christmas Shows and Drive-thru Christmas displays: The hours of operation of the drive-thru displays allow plenty of time to see one of Branson’s Great Christmas shows, whether you go to the show before or after; what better way to experience Christmas in Branson than by combining both!

For additional information on Branson’s drive-thru Christmas light displays or shows or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

How many of these October 2015 Branson Highlights would you like to see?

The amazing Clay Cooper performing “Crying.”

“During the month of October, Branson’s shows aren’t the only live entertainment in town. Mother Nature will be putting on a pretty special show of her own as she paints the Ozark Mountains with beautiful fall colors,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a beautiful compliment to the live entertainment, attractions, shopping, and other activities that Branson offers,” she added.

Here’s a list highlighting the major special events and limited engagement performances you can enjoy in Branson during October, 2015, as well as our Featured Show, Event, and Limited Engagement of the month:

Featured Show: Clay Cooper’s Country Express: “Clay Cooper’s Country Express” has everything you want in a great Branson show! With 24 veteran entertainers, there’s a variety of singing, dancing, comedy, and music. Backed by a live, 7 piece band, you’ll hear country and pop hits from the likes of George Jones, Hunter Hayes, the Doobie Brothers, and Bruno Mars!

The Texas Tenors, Marcus Collins, right, John Hagen, and JC Fisher .

Featured Limited Engagement: The Texas Tenors: “The Texas Tenors” continue to be one of Branson’s most popular acts! Ever since we met the extremely talented and exceptionally charming trio of handsome troubadours on America’s Got Talent, they’ve been delighting fans with several genres of music; country, gospel, pop, Broadway, and classical. Enjoy favorites like Rocky Top, Unchained Melody and many more, including a spectacular medley from Les Misérables.

Featured Event: Mother Nature’s Ozark Fall Spectacular: From the first tint of color, until the last leaf falls, the fall foliage of the Ozark Mountains provides one of Mother Nature’s most amazing and beautiful shows. If the past is any indication, and everything keeps on going like it’s been going, visitors to Branson can expect a spectacular fall foliage show this year!

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

Oct 1 – 31: Wake Up with Yakov
Oct 2 – 4: Boot Daddy Presents Rhonda Vincent
Oct 4: Loretta Lynn and Johnny Rodriguez
Oct 6 – 14: The Texas Tenors
Oct 7 – 9: Boot Daddy Presents Suzy Boggus
Oct 9 – 10: Boot Daddy Presents Mark Bilyeu and Cindy Woolf
Oct 11: Tanya Tucker
Oct 16 – 17: Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers
Oct 17: Kenny Rogers
Oct 18: Ronnie Milsap and Janie Fricke
Oct 19 – 31: The Hits starring the Osmonds
Oct 20 – 22: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Oct 24: Don Williams
Oct 25: Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley
Oct 26 – 27: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Oct 28 – 29: Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Oct 1 – 31: National Harvest & Cowboy Festival at Silver Dollar City
Oct 1 – Oct 3: Bassmasters Central Open
Oct 10: Hollister Grape Festival
Oct 19 – 31: Tanger Mall FB – Kids Halloween Photo Contest
Oct 23 – 25: Branson Balloon Dayz 417-336-6060
Oct 24: VVA Trout Fishing Tournament
Oct 31: Branson Landing’s Safe Street Trick or Treat 417-239-3002
Oct 31: Tanger Outlets Tanger-ween!

For additional information on these events, or any of Branson’s 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 calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

From tigers to butterflies, Branson’s animal attractions are as amazing as they are unique

Just one of the beautiful tigers at the National Tiger Sanctuary.

From ziplines, go-karts, and roller coasters to museum attractions featuring everything from giant dinosaurs to the Titanic; from classic cars and celebrity wax figures to Silver Dollar City, an international award winning 1880’s styled theme park, Branson has an amazing choice of attractions for all ages and interests. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the variety of the unique animal attractions it offers.

Branson’s Promised Land Zoo is an exciting zoo adventure like no other! It’s an up-close-and-personal experience not soon forgotten. Animals from cute and cuddly to grand and majestic, or scaly and slithering, you’ll find big cats, monkeys, kangaroos, camels, zebras, reptiles, and birds as well as unique, rare, and endangered species from a variety of locations around the world just waiting to be discovered by you and your family in this intimate zoo setting.

Want to get closer to exotic and fascinating wildlife than you’ll ever experience at a traditional zoo or aquarium? Then Branson’s Wild World, combining the adventure of both a zoo and aquarium into one unique attraction, is the place for you! This amazing animal attraction includes features such as Touch Tanks where you can actually touch sea animals; a hands-on Reptile Display that lets you interact with several different animals, like bearded dragons, snakes, lizards, and more; and Wings of the World, an aviary with exotic birds like macaws, cockatoos, and parrots! There’s also an interactive aquarium filled with fascinating sea creatures like eels and sharks. It’s one of only two facilities in the country to have bull sharks on display, the most feared by man in the shark world, and you won’t just see them; you can feed them!

These Orange Tip and White Kite butterflies are just two of the hundreds that will be flittering around iyou at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure.

These Orange Tip and White Kite butterflies are just two of the hundreds that will be fluttering around you in the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure.

How about an adventure that’s a little more delicate? The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure provides a unique tropical experience inside a beautiful palace in the middle of Branson. This interactive, educational, unique, and extremely entertaining family adventure includes the Living Rainforest Science Center, Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, and the Banyan Tree Bungee Adventure. It’s highlighted by a spectacular Butterfly Aviary featuring hundreds of beautiful, living, and flittering exotic butterflies in an unforgettable kaleidoscope of color and beauty.

You’ll be awed by the size, strength, beauty, and agility of the big cats at the National Tiger Sanctuary. It houses an African Lion, a Black Leopard, a Bengal Tiger, and several Bengal/Siberian Tigers, as well as several mixed-species animals adapting to their return to nature after enduring an inhumane, caged existence. You’ll also be amused at their playful antics, and deeply touched by the stories of how they came to live in this magnificent haven in the Ozarks. It’s Southwest Missouri’s only facility that’s expansive enough to shelter large, exotic animals in a habitat as close as possible to that of their home in the wild while, at the same time, providing an opportunity to view these magnificent creatures up close and personal.

The beautiful waters of Branson’s Lake Taneycomo teem with brown and rainbow trout, making it one of the best trout fisheries in the nation. The lake’s trout are raised at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, located just below the Table Rock Dam. Operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the hatchery features an entertaining and educational visitor center that includes a nature display, a short video on the hatchery and the process used to produce the trout, a giant aquarium with huge trout, and displays of wildflowers and plants indigenous to the area. It also offers tours of the hatchery, providing an up close and personal look not only at the hatchery operation, but the raceways, containing tens of thousands of trout it is raising. Their size ranges from very small to the large rainbow and brown Trout used for breeding.

For more information on these and other Branson Attractions 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 by visiting its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Mother Nature’s amazing Ozark’s Fall Foliage Show premiering soon in Branson

The first blush of the color to come spreads across a scenic Ozark vista.

The first blush of the color to come spreads across a scenic Ozarks vista.

For a limited time, Branson’s shows won’t be the only live entertainment in Branson! From the first tint of color, until the last leaf falls, the fall foliage of the Ozark Mountains provide one of Mother Nature’s most amazing and beautiful shows. If the past is any indication, and everything keeps on going like it’s been going, visitors to Branson can expect a spectacular fall foliage show this year!

Frances Main, a Forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation, said that the moisture this summer, all the good leaves on the trees, and the weather thus far portends a good foliage season that should peak during about the second week in October. She points out that it’s the cool nights followed by bright sunny days that really help bring out the brilliant colors; it starts in mid-September when species such as Walnut and Hickory start changing and really coloring up; the Oaks, Maples, Persimmon, and other trees and bushes start to change shortly thereafter. Click here for more information on “Why Leaves Change Color” from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

“It will be a magnificent, one-of-a-kind sight to behold,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of our most asked questions is, ‘What’s the best way to see the foliage?'” Wood says that one of the neat things about the fall foliage in the Branson area is that there really is no one best way to see it because just about everywhere one turns they will be surrounded by its vibrant, colorful beauty.

That said, however, Wood points out that it’s hard to top the magnificent view of the Ozark’s foliage from the lofty heights of the 230-foot-tall Inspiration Tower. Located on top of Inspiration Point at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, one of the highest points in southwest Missouri, it provides a unique and unparalleled panoramic view of the Ozarks’ countryside. Glass elevators transport guests up to the enclosed observation deck from which, on a clear day, they can see over 90 miles covering hundreds of square miles that presents a spectacular view of the fall foliage not available anywhere else.

There are a number of “Scenic Lookouts” that provide a superb panoramic view of the Ozark’s fall foliage. These include the Lookouts on State Route 165, about a mile south of its intersection with State Route 265, the Table Rock Dam Overlook, located on the south end of Table Rock Dam across the road from the Visitors Center, and the Henning Conservation Area Lookout, located about a mile west of the junction of State Route 76 and State Route 376 on the north side of the road.

Another excellent panoramic view of Branson’s beautiful fall colors is provided at “Point Lookout” on the campus of the College of the Ozarks. Located on top of a bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo, it provides a unique view of Branson’s fall foliage not available anywhere else. With the lake as a backdrop, it’s simply breathtaking. While at the college, you might want to eat at the Keeter Center, visit the Edwards Grist Mill, or enjoy the Ralph Foster Museum.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood also suggests two other ways to enjoy the fall colors in Branson: from the vintage dome cars of the Branson Scenic Railway, and from the deck of the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake. They both provide unique panoramic views of Branson’s fall foliage.

Three “free” Branson activities for families to enjoy

Raceways at the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery contain hundreds of thousand Rainbow and Brown Trout.

Raceways at the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery contain hundreds of thousands of Rainbow and Brown Trout.

“Branson is one of the best vacation values in the country,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It becomes even more so if the great value of its lodging, shows, and attractions is supplemented by one or more of the “free” activities available for visitors to enjoy,” she added.

From miles of trails, to a grist mill, scenic overlooks, and a $7.5 million synchronized fire; to water and music fountain show; a trout hatchery and much more, Branson has a variety of free activities for its visitors to enjoy. From among the many, here’s a list of three things selected especially for families with children:

1. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery: The “Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery,” is located at the foot of Table Rock Dam. It is located just off State Highway 165, is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, and is part of a complex consisting of trails, a wild life refuge, and a Visitor Center.

The Visitor Center features an interesting nature display and a short video on the hatchery and the process involved with producing the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the premier trout fisheries in the nation. It also has a huge aquarium with some “lunker” Brown and Rainbow Trout showing the size that some of the trout in Lake Taneycomo can reach.

Guided tours of the hatchery depart the Visitors Center from Memorial Day to Labor Day on weekdays at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m. Visitors are welcome to tour the “race ways,” by themselves, during normal business hours. They will see thousands of trout in the various stages of development from the smallest of trout to the large “brood stock” used to produce them. The Visitor Center opens at 9:00 a.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

2. Historic Downtown Branson’s “Free Trolley:” The Free Trolley is a great way to get an overview and perspective of the historic downtown area, the Branson Convention Center, Branson Landing, and the Lake Taneycomo shoreline. It operates on a constant loop which passes a number of Branson landmarks including the grave site of the man the city of Branson is named after, Ruben S. Branson; the Owens Theatre, Branson’s first theatre, the Branson Convention Center, Branson Landing and the spot where the “Baldknobbers” performed Branson’s first live music show over half a century ago.

Although there are many places to board the trolley in historic downtown Branson, we would recommend boarding at Branson Landing, either at its southern end near Bass Pro Shops or its northern end by the Belk store. This avoids the two-hour parking limitations that cover most of the parking in the historic district. The trolley operates March-December daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on Thanksgiving and Christmas. In February, the schedule is Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.

3. Feed the Lake Taneycomo Ducks and Geese: The “unofficial “duck feeding area, that most people coming to Branson never see, is located just south of Branson Landing in the shadow of Scotty’s Trout Dock, near the southeastern corner of the City of Branson’s Campground. Not only is it a lot of fun for the kids to feed the ducks and geese, it provides a unique one of a kind Branson photo opportunity.

For more information on these activities, Branson shows, attractions, and lodging, please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center toll free at 1-800-785-1550.

Answers to your questions about the famed Branson Strip

The iconic Presley’s Theatre, home of the “first show” on the “Branson Strip,” “Presleys’ Country Music Jubilee.”

“Just about everyone who comes to Branson, wants to see the famed Branson Strip and will, whether they want to or not because of its location,” says Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. Here’s some answers to some of the most asked questions about The Strip that we hope you will find interesting:

Where does the Branson Strip Actually Start and end? That depends. An argument could be made that, on its east side, it starts at the junction of Roark Valley Road and Highway 76, at the Veteran’s Memorial Park and runs west on Highway 76 until its intersection with the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway at its western end. Most however, say it starts .8 miles west on Highway 76 at the intersection of Fall Creek Road and Highway 76, and runs west on Highway 76 until its intersection with the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway at its western end, because that’s where the theatres and most of the attractions start. For purposes of this piece we are going with the majority view as to the eastern start of “The Strip.” There is minimal, if any, debate on its western end.

How long is the Branson Strip? As measured on my odometer today it is 3.3 miles long from its eastern end at the Intersection of the Fall Creek Road and Highway 76.

What is the first theatre on the Branson Strip? Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre, the home of two of Branson’s most popular shows the fabulous Legends in Concert Show and the Bretts morning show, is the first theatre on the Branson Strip. It’s right across the street from another of Branson’s most popular theatre attractions, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.

Wasn’t the Presleys’ theatre the first theatre on the Branson Strip? Yes, it was, it’s a matter of “tense.” In 1967, when they first opened and started performing Presleys’ Country Jubilee, there was no “Branson Strip” and not much of anything else near them, just Highway 76 heading west toward Silver Dollar City. As other theatres were built east and west of them what is now known as the “Branson Strip” developed, but first there was the Presleys and the Presleys’ Country Jubilee which has been performing there continuously ever since and is, perennially, one of Branson’s most popular and beloved shows. It has been said, “You haven’t seen Branson until you’ve seen Presleys’ Country Jubilee.”

Is there any formal signage showing that you are on the Branson Strip? No, but if you are on Highway 76, and you see a theatre marquee you are on “The Strip.”

Is Silver Dollar City or Branson Landing on the Branson Strip? No. Although Silver Dollar City, the 1880’s styled award winning theme park that is Branson’s most popular paid attraction is located on Highway 76, it is miles west of “The Strip” and is not actually inside the city limits of Branson. Branson Landing is located east of “The Strip” at the end of Main Street.

Didn’t the tornado of 2012 tear up “The Strip?” Actually very little damage was done to most of the attractions and theatres on “The Strip” by the tornado. The three major theatres that were extensively damaged have all been remodeled and are in operation. Interestingly, and illustrating just how spotty the damage was, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre was extensively damaged resulting in just about a new theatre while the Dixie Stampede, located immediately across the street, wasn’t damaged at all.

Where is the biggest concentration of shows and attractions on The Strip? Although there are dozens of major attractions up and down the strip it is hard to imagine that there is a more concentrated area than the .6 miles from Andy’s Custard west to the World’s Largest Toy Museum that includes White Water; popular Branson shows such as SIX, It starring the Hughes Brothers and their Families, the Duttons, George Dyer, Ayo staring the Voices of Glory and others along with everything from mini golf to multi story high go-kart tracks.

What do you get when you combine Bluegrass, BBQ and Silver Dollar City?

Seven time IBMA Female vocalist of the year, Rhonda Vincent and her award winning band "The Rage" are just one of 40 groups performing thoughout Silver Dollar City's "Bluegrass & BBQ."

Seven time IBMA Female vocalist of the year, Rhonda Vincent and her award winning band “The Rage” is just one of 40 groups performing throughout Silver Dollar City’s “Bluegrass & BBQ.”

Silver Dollar City’s “Bluegrass and BBQ” (Festival). The Festival combines the fun and excitement of an award winning world class theme park with a Bluegrass music event that has been awarded the “Bluegrass Event of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and the great tastes of a variety of succulent slow cooked BBQ. Bluegrass and BBQ begins on May 7 and runs through Memorial Day, May 25.

In terms of Bluegrass music there is nothing like it. Nancy Cardwell, the Executive Director of the IBMA, 2012-2014, said that the Festival “presents more bluegrass bands on multiple stages to more new audiences than any other event in the nation.” This year the Festival will feature “more than 40 bands on multiple stages throughout the park, with international award-winning musicians, Grammy nominees, fan favorites and chart-climbing new bands coming for the festival.”

This includes Rhonda Vincent, seven time IBMA Female vocalist of the year and her band “The Rage,” who won 2015 SPBGMA Awards for “Bluegrass Band of the Year; “Entertainer of the Year”, “Female Vocalist of the Year (Contemporary)” with their fiddler, Hunter Berry, winning “Fiddle Performer of the Year.” Along with dozens of other performers the following will also be performing, “Balsam Range, winners of the 2014 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year; Blue Highway, with 15-time IBMA Dobro Player of the Year and 2014 Songwriter of the Year; and the Grascals, two-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year.

“Newer artists include Flatt Lonesome, Driven, The Lindsey Family, The Baker Family and The Willis Clan, featured on America’s Got Talent and starring in their own show on the TLC network. Unique artists include The Kruger Brothers, bluegrass musicians from Switzerland, whose repertoire ranges from traditional bluegrass to Bach to R&B songs.

“Spotlighting the next generation of bluegrass talent, the park presents an annual Youth in Bluegrass band contest, set for May 23, with 21 bands from around the country competing for honors.” It should be noted that the performers will be appearing at different times during the Festival. Click here for a complete schedule of performances.

There will be plenty of mouth watering BBQ and the “fixins.”

Of course some of the finest BBQ around plays a big part in the Festival. “The House of BBQ,” located in the “Red Gold Heritage Hall,” features a variety of BBQ including slow-cooked pulled pork, ribs, chicken and brisket cooked on the parks massive 20-foot wood-fired smoker. Its new “Rib Extravaganza” features a variety of preparations such as Memphis Dry Rub – Traditional Spices; Root Beer Glaze – Sweet & Subtle; Cajun Rub – A Taste of New Orleans and Hawaiian Style – Mango-Pineapple Glaze. Want an all you can eat “Rib Fest?” Then the “All-You-Care-To-Eat Rib Feast,” in “Reunion Hall” located right next to “Molly’s Mill Restaurant,” served family style, from 3:00 p.m. until closing each day, fits the bill. The BBQ associated with the Festival is in addition to all of the other excellent food served throughout the park on a daily basis.

“But it gets better,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “All of the music and BBQ featured during the Festival is in addition to everything else the award winning 1880s styled theme park is famous for,” she added.

Silver Dollar City has over 40 rides and attractions, with four world class coasters, including it’s wooden coaster, “Outlaw Run,” with its initial 162 foot 81 degree drop and number seven ranking on the list of the “World’s Top 50 Wood Coasters;” dozens of demonstrating craftsmen; unique shopping and great live shows and entertainment. New in 2015 is the nearly two acre, $8 million Fireman’s Landing, with six new rides and four interactive activities designed for “kids ages 3 to 93!”

For additional information on Silver Dollar City or its “Bluegrass & BBQ Festival,” 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.