Category Archives: Branson

Five Interesting facts about how Branson got its name

The gravestone of Ruben Bransonis readily visible driving by the NW corner of Oklahoma and Commercial Steets in historic downtown Branson.

The gravestone of Ruben S. Branson is readily visible driving by the NW corner of Oklahoma and Commercial Streets in historic downtown Branson.

“Branson” is known, and justly so, as a top tourist destination because of all it has to offer in terms of beautiful scenery, pristine lakes, exciting shows, attractions, shopping and so much more. In fact, so much so that it made the top 25 List of U.S. Destinations in “TripAdvisors® 6^th Annual Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards: along with cities such as New York, Orlando, and New Orleans.”

With “Branson” being as popular as it is, we thought it would be interesting to share some information about the history of how it got its name and the difference between the “city of Branson” and “Branson:”

1. Ruben S. Branson was not the founder of “Branson:” In about 1882, Ruben S. Branson opened a general store near the mouth of Roark Creek and the White River to service those in the area that were already here. He had a post office in the store. Anyone want to take a guess at the official name of that post office?

2. Branson is named after its first “Post Office:” Not surprisingly Ruben S. Branson named the post office in his store, “Branson” and even though he moved away, the name stuck, well, kind of.

3. “Branson” almost became “Lucia:” In the early 1900s, as the railroad came into the “Branson area,” there were competing interests trying to get land and plat towns. The first town platted was “Lucia” on October 2, 1903 with the town of “Branson” platted soon after on October 26, 1903. Charles Fulbright and his “Branson Town Company” acquired both town sites by the end of 1903, but the official records of the U.S. Post Office indicate that the name of the “Branson” Post Office was changed from “Branson” to “Lucia” in 1902. It was changed back to “Branson” in 1904.

4. Branson was incorporated as a city on April 1: No April Fool’s joke, Branson was incorporated April 1, 1912.

5. “Branson” and “the city of Branson” are two different entities: Many people have been coming to “Branson” for decades to go to Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake and other areas. To this day, Silver Dollar City and the vast majority of Table Rock Lake are outside of the city limits of Branson. In fact, when the Presleys built the first theatre on what is now known as the “Branson Strip” and started performing their iconic show, Presleys’ Country Jubilee in 1967, it was outside of the city limits of Branson. As tourism expanded, along with the need for services, the city of Branson annexed the surrounding areas which now includes the entire theatre district, the famed “Branson Strip” and the majority of Branson’s attractions.

Branson Tourism Center’s 4 millionth ticket surprises 1st time Branson visitors

Don and Marsha Meeker right after the balloon drop.

It was their first trip to Branson and they knew that Branson was known for its excitement and friendliness, but Don and Marsha Meeker, from Remus, Michigan, were surprised at the reception they received when they arrived to check-in at the Reception Area of the Branson Tourism Center on July 2nd. Hundreds of blue and white balloons fell from the ceiling and everyone was clapping and cheering as they were informed that they had purchased the 4 millionth show and attraction ticket sold by the Branson Tourism Center.

The Meekers were greeted by Lianne and Larry Milton, CEO and co-founders of the Branson Tourism Center, and Dave Hamner, co-owner and star of Hamners Unbelievable Variety Show, one of the five shows on their Branson itinerary. They were thrilled to find out that, in celebration of their purchase of the 4 millionth ticket, that all the lodging, shows and other activities they had booked through the Branson Tourism Center for their entire six day five night Branson vacation was as guests of BTC and at no charge to them. In addition, $100 BTC Gift cards were handed out to all of BTC’s customers who were in the reception area checking in at the time the announcement was made to the Meekers.

When asked what made them decide to come to Branson for the first time Marsha said, “My parents have been here two or three times and friends have been here two or three times. Everybody that I know that has been here has either come back or said that they wanted to come back. I’ve never heard of anybody who said, ‘I will never go back to that place again.'” She pointed out that they have been trying to get to Branson for some time and were considering a bus tour, but decided to come on their own when none was available.

The 4 millionth ticket was actually sold on June 1, 2014, by BTC Travel Planner Irving Garcia, was to the Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show and remained a secret to the Meekers, and just about everybody else, until they checked in at the Branson Tourism Center on July 2. Garcia, a Branson Tourism Center Travel Planner, sold the ticket as part of BTCs unique, free, personal “concierge” type service, offered through a toll free phone call 1-800-785-1550, which helps potential Branson visitors plan their vacation, get answers to questions and, as was the case with the Meekers, purchase their tickets and lodging.

Marsha said she called the Branson Tourism Center when she went on line, saw their website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com, and thought that would be the right place to get Branson information. When asked if she was right, she replied, “Absolutely!” She went on to say, Even before all this happened, “Everybody, was so friendly and so helpful.”

Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center said, “That’s one of the great joys in selling our 4 millionth ticket; they were all sold one at a time, with the same friendliness and helpfulness the Meekers felt, to wonderful people like the Meekers.

Branson Tourism Center celebrates 4 Millionth Ticket with Gift Card Giveaway

Use your gift card to see Sight and Sounds spectacular production of "Jonah" the smash hit of Branson's 2014 season.

Jonah, the smash hit of Branson’s 2014 season, is just one of the many Branson shows, attractions and lodging facilities that winners can use their gift cards on.

BRANSON, Mo., June 6, 2014 – “We are so excited that the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has sold just under 4,000,000 tickets for Branson area shows and attractions and will pass that milestone later this month,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Just to think of the number of people those 4 million tickets represent, who have come to Branson and experienced its fun, excitement and adventure, is a humbling thought,” she added.

Wood said that, in celebration of the selling its 4 millionth ticket later this month, the Branson Tourism Center is having a 4 Millionth Ticket Celebration Sweepstakes giving away a Grand Prize of a $400 Branson Tourism Center Gift Card and 4 runner up prizes of $50 Branson Tourism Center Gift Cards. The gift cards can be used at BTC for the purchase of any the shows, attractions and lodging that it sells.

Entering the contest is simple and requires no purchase or requirement to have any social media account. Simply go to BTC’s 4 Millionth Ticket Celebration Sweepstakes page, enter your email address, read of the contest rules and submit your entry by clicking “Enter Now.” Once you have entered you’ll have the opportunity to get more entries by helping spread the word about the contest.

“At BTC the words, ‘We don’t sell discount vacations. We sell amazing vacations at a discount,’ are more than a slogan and one of the primary reasons why we will be selling our 4 millionth ticket this month,” Wood said.

Three tips that every first time Branson visitor should know

Christina Tabuchi, right, Shoji Tabuchi and Sharlyn Smith performing during the “Dixieland” segment of the Shoji Tabuchi Show.

It’s no mistake that Branson, Missouri was listed on the “Top 25 List of U.S. Destinations” in “TripAdvisors® 6^th Annual Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards.” There is just so much to do in Branson and so many ways for families to relax, have fun and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here are three tips for first time visitors that we hope will help them enjoy Branson to its fullest:

1. Start relaxing while planning your vacation: With all there is to see and do in Branson, deciding what you want to see and do, making show and lodging reservations, etc. why not relax, avoid the hassle and start your vacation early by using the free vacation planning services of a company such as the Branson Tourism Center. Just one toll free call to 1-800-785-1550 is all it takes to put you in contact with one of their Branson based Vacation Planners who will be delighted to help plan your Branson trip, answer questions and make all the reservations. “One call does it all.” All you have to do is show up in Branson and enjoy your vacation.

2. Plan to see a Branson show: Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing, for the Branson Tourism Center, who has sold over 3,900,000 Branson show and attraction tickets points out that Branson is noted for the quantity and quality of its shows. With Branson shows as diversified as Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Shoji Tabuchi, SIX, Le Grand Cirque and almost a hundred others there is a Branson show for everyone. Wood points out that Branson’s shows are some of the most reasonably priced anywhere and made even more so when the fact that many of its most popular shows offer Family Show Passes, which can save families quite a bit, is considered.

3. Pick lodging that will enhance your overall vacation expectations: On any trip, a bad lodging experience can spoil the trip and that is even more so when you are on vacation. The “good news” is that Branson has over 18,000 rooms and 200 lodging facilities to pick from. Whether its enjoying the relaxing atmosphere and quality service of a reasonably priced full service resort such as the Welk Resort, the lakeside luxury of the Chateau on the Lake or the quaint hominess of the Gazebo Inn, centrally located in the Branson Strip, or any one of Branson’s 197 other lodging properties there is sure to be lodging that is just perfect for your vacation. The use of Branson Tourism Center’s Lodging Page and its filters makes it easy to find the lodging you want by just clicking a few buttons or you can call 1-800-785-1550 and one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Vacation Planners will help you find the perfect lodging for your vacation.

You’ve probably been to Branson if…

Silver Dollar City is Branson’s most popular paid attraction.

You’ve experienced one or more of the things mentioned below. When most of us tell someone we have been to a major tourist destination there are generally certain places or things that come up in the conversation. It’s hard to imagine mentioning that you have been to New York City, particularly to someone who has been there before, and not having one or more of the following com up as part of the conversation the “Statute of Liberty,” “Broadway,” the “Empire State Building,” the “911 site” or other key things New York City is noted for.

While certainly not on the same size scale as New York City, Branson has been named as one of the top 25 U.S. Travel Destinations and, like the mention of New York City or other major travel destinations, has certain places or things that come to mind when discussing a visit to Branson. Based on a history that started with visiting Branson in 1976 and living in Branson since 1986, it would be my opinion that most discussions about having visited Branson would include at least one or more of the following:

Branson’s Spirit: It would be hard for me to imagine that the same spirit of hospitality and values that drew me back to Branson year after year, until I finally moved here over 28 years ago, would not be a special memory of a Branson visit. In my opinion, Branson’s spirit and unabashed love of family, God, country and our military; coupled with a sincere desire and commitment to insure that every Branson visitor has a great Branson experience would be something that most people who visit Branson would feel, appreciate and associate with what makes Branson so special.

The Branson Strip: Located on Highway 76, called by some “Country Music Boulevard,” the “Branson Strip” is where most of Branson’s theatres and major attractions are located. It is said that Branson “has more seats than Broadway” and its signage, particularly at night, reminds one of Las Vegas, but its entertainment, personality, value and spirit is rooted in the history and tradition of the Ozarks and family.

Silver Dollar City: This award winning 1880’s styled theme park is Branson’s oldest continually operated attraction and is easily its most popular paid attraction. It features dozens of rides, including the record setting wooden coaster, “Outlaw Run” and its “Wildfire” coaster; practicing craftsmen; shows; six world class festivals including “An Old Time Christmas,” and everything else one would expect from a world class theme park.

Branson Landing: The 95-acre, $435 million public/private multiuse project spans 1.5 miles of waterfront on Lake Taneycomo and is conveniently located adjacent to historic Downtown Branson. It’s combination of luxury condos and over 120 retail stores, kiosks and restaurants including “eclectic shops, national retailers, fine dining, intimate cafes and nightspots,” Main Street Lake Cruises, a zip line, two “floating restaurants, lakefront boardwalk on Lake Taneycomo and the spectacular free $7.5 million Branson Landing Fountain synchronized fire, water, light and music show make it one of the most popular attractions in Branson.

Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction towers above the famed “Branson Strip.”

Titanic Museum Attraction: The iconic, two story, ½ size, replica of the Titanic opened in 2006 and dominates the intersection of State Highway 165 and the Branson Strip. This permanent museum holds hundreds of Titanic artifacts in its many galleries and is an interactive adventure that makes the guests part of their own Titanic experience from beginning to end.

Inspiration Tower: Located in the historic Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, where Harold Bell Wright wrote his 1907 classic novel “The Shepherd of the Hills,” Inspiration Tower stands 230 feet above one of the highest points in southwest Missouri and on a clear day, provides a unique spectacular view of the Ozarks that extends over 90 miles into Arkansas.

Tanger Outlet Mall: It might seem strange to list an outlet mall as one of the things people who visit Branson are more than likely to talk about, but its central location in the middle of the Branson Strip, the fact that its Branson’s biggest outlet mall and one of the most popular shopping destinations in Branson combine to put it on the list.

Branson’s Live Shows: Although certainly not everyone who comes to Branson attends one of its live shows, the vast majority do and just about everyone who has visited Branson is aware of its shows. From the Acrobats of China and Jonah to Clay Coopers Country Express, Shoji Tabuchi, The Haygoods, Legends in Concert, SIX and dozens more, Branson has a variety, quantity and quality of shows that is unmatched by any travel destination anywhere near its size.

Presleys’ Theatre: Home of the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the theatre was the first theatre on the Branson Strip in 1967. Two of its current cast members, Drummer, Steve Presley and comedian, “Herkimer,” Gary Presley have been performing continuously since that time.

Spectacular Beauty the Ozarks: Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Branson is surrounded by the constantly changing tapestry of the beauty of the Ozark Mountains and its two pristine lakes, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo.

Those who have had a Branson family vacation share why they “Got It”

Silver Dollar City’s record setting wooden coaster “Outlaw Run” is just one of the many exciting and fun things awaiting Branson visitors.

Over 12,000 people who have ‘Liked’ our Facebook page and have, at one time or another, interacted with us to get or share information about our favorite town, Branson, Missouri,” said, Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing, Branson Tourism Center. “Earlier this week we asked the question, ‘Why should someone who has never been to Branson before pick it for their family vacation this year?’ We think that some of the responses, in the words of people that we believe have been to Branson, are insightful, particularly to those who have never shared a Branson vacation with their families before,” she added.

Here is a list of six of the reasons along with the supporting response from the post:

1. Family Friendly – Stacy Smith-Frost: Because it is family friendly! I can bring my two girls to Branson and know the shows I watch are going to be clean and good for my girls!

2. Wide Variety of Fun Things to Do – Patricia Eidschun: There is such a wide variety of fun things that can be done in Branson: great food, water fun for kids, beautiful music for the entire family, friendly atmosphere to name a few.

3. Kids Love It – Amy Sooter: Because my kids have been to Disney world and they say Branson is also the best place on Earth!! We love it.

4. Genuineness – Tammy Mullins Witte: There’s just so much to do for all ages of the family! We usually need a vacation to rest after a week in Branson because we’re just going, going, going. Another reason we love Branson is no matter where we go in town, we’re not treated like “just another tourist”. Everyone seems genuinely glad we’re there. Branson is our favorite vacation spot.

5. Create Precious Family Memories – Susie Edge: Because you said “family” and Branson screams family! I have the most precious memories of several family vacations to Branson!!!!

6. Relaxation – Diane Sartori Kelemen: For years there were people around me going to Branson and raving about it. I thought, what’s the big deal? Sounds like another tourist place. Well, we finally went, and now I get it. There is something about all the sights and sounds and things to do …like a mini Vegas with lights! It is crowded, but you don’t care, because it comes with a sense of relaxation. Everyone is friendly, and there is plenty to do. It takes repeated trips to do it all, so it can be a new adventure every time you visit.

The words, “For years there were people around me going to Branson and raving about it. I thought, what’s the big deal? Sounds like another tourist place. Well, we finally went, and now I get it,” in number 6 above, is a common reaction of first time Branson visitors. It sums up the feelings of those who have heard about Branson for years and once they came, for all of the reasons mentioned above and more, “Got It.”

Five unique Branson attractions you might not know about

Just a few of the things at Branson Attractions that you might not know about.

“The quality and quantity of Branson’s live shows, its spectacular Ozarks beauty, pristine lakes and major attractions, such as the 1880s styled theme park, Silver Dollar City, the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction and major national attractions like the Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not,” are well known,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It has dozens of other attractions, that while perhaps not as well known, add to the excitement, fun and adventure that is available for Branson visitors to enjoy on a daily basis,” she added.

Here’s a list of five of those attractions, most of which are unique to Branson, that you might not have heard about:

1. Branson’s Wild World: Bull Sharks, crocodiles, alligators, wolves and snakes in the middle of the Branson Strip? Well the location of this incredible interactive animal attraction, unlike any most have ever seen, certainly is. Its “aquarium is filled with all sorts of exotic sea creatures; including eels, a full reef tank, and of course, Sharks. Branson’s Wild World is one of a very few places in the USA to display bull sharks” along with the only Sea Turtle in the Midwest that you can feed and that’s not mentioning the other animals, snakes, opportunities to interact with some of the animals and other activities the attraction offers. It’s worth noting that this attractions, as is the case with the majority of Branson attractions, is not weather dependent and is contained totally within its own environmentally controlled building.

2. Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure:

Another thing Branson visitors do not expect to find in Branson is a tropical experience such as the “Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure.” The unique Butterfly Aviary, located in its own palace overlooking Branson, features hundreds of living, flittering exotic butterflies carefully imported following strict USDA regulations, sharing their forest environment with a unique collection of birds and other botanical specimens. And that’s not all, “you’ll find a Living Rainforest Science Center, an Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, a Rainforest Theater, and the Banyan Tree Bungee Adventure. It’s a unique, beautiful, fun, educational, and challenging experience that the whole family will enjoy.

3. Lake Taneycomo Ozark Natural Beauty Sightseeing Cruise on the Lake Queen

Main Street Lake Cruises’ L”ake Queen” is a riverboat replica reminiscent of the boats and the White River that played such an important part in Branson’s early history. While many destinations offer cruises none offer the blend of boarding at a modern shopping attraction like Branson Landing and witnessing a $7.5 million dollar spectacular water attraction featuring the first-ever merging of water, fire, light and music with water fountains shooting 120-foot geysers into the air and “fire cannons,” all choreographed to lights and music as part of their itinerary. And that’s just the first 15 minutes! From Bald Eagles and the other birds and wildlife abounding on Lake Taneycomo’s shore line, amazing natural bluffs stretching back into the eons of time and the spectacular majesty of Ozark vistas this 1.5 hour cruise is a unique experience not seen by the vast majority of the millions of visitors who come to Branson each year. Produced primarily by Mother Nature it is one of Branson’s most extraordinary shows and will provide memories that will last a lifetime. The Lake Queen offers a full set of modern amenities, is fully handicap accessible, has full sized modern restrooms; a full bar, snack food service and a fully enclosed environmentally conditioned lower deck and open air upper deck.

4. The National Tiger Sanctuary: Most people coming to Branson don’t expect that there will be a chance to meet a lion or tiger up close and personal, but thanks to the National Tiger Sanctuary, a non-for-profit organization established in 2000 to create a safe and protected environment and a safe, stress free, forever home for the big cats such as lions and tigers, that too is a possibility. To limit the stress on the animals under their care, there is a limited number of guided tours conducted Wednesday through Sunday that provide a unique opportunity to meet these large cats and learn how they ended up at the sanctuary as part of this educational experience that is unlike any other. This attraction is weather sensitive.

5. The Track Family Fun Parks: Ok so go-karts and fun parks are not unique to Branson, but having four unique parks and the number of go-kart tracks Branson has creates a choice of go-kart opportunities that some have called a “go-kart paradise.” In addition to the traditional go-karting there’s the steel and concrete, 1,200 foot and four story tall “Heavy Metal High Rise,” the four-story spiral climb of the “Wild Woody” the spirals and “blind peak” of the “Lumber Jack!” And there’s more, everything from Bumper cars, batting cages, laser tag, mini-golf, arcades to the incredible “Skycoaster,” a 100-foot-tall super swing that combines the elements of skydiving and hang-gliding into its 70 mph swinging adventure. “The Track” also has plenty of kid-friendly rides and lots of fun for the little ones.

For information on the attractions in this article or any of Branson’s attractions, shows or lodging feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550.

Three ways to a great value vacation in Branson

Shoji Tabuchi and his daughter Christina, start in the Shoji Tabuchi Show, one of the many Branson shows that offer Family Passes.

Having lived in Branson for over 28 years it is easy for me to understand why travelers picked Branson to be on the “Top 25 List of U.S. Destinations” in “TripAdvisors® 6^th Annual Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards.” It would be hard to find any other destination of a similar size anywhere in the world that has a bigger variety of fun filled, entertaining and exciting things to do than Branson and offers more value in terms of the pricing for its outstanding shows, attractions and lodging.

Here’s three ways to add even more “value” to a great Branson vacation:

1. Family Show Passes: “Branson’s shows are known for their outstanding quality entertainment and value,” says Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing, for the Branson Tourism Center, who has sold over 3,800,000 Branson show tickets. “Many of our shows have enhanced that value even more by offering ‘Family Passes’ which, when combined into a package with lodging makes an already great value even better,” she added.

Typically a Family Pass will include two adults and up to a certain number of children for a substantially reduced rate. As an example, Clay Coopers’ Country Express is a great show that the entire family will absolutely love and is one of Branson’s most popular shows. By using its Family Pass, a family of two adults, three children through ages 16 can save over 34%. Here is a list of some of Branson’s most popular shows that offer Family Passes:

Adventures of Marco Polo

Amazing Pets

Ayo Starring Voices of Glory

Bretts

Clay Cooper’s Country Express

Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute Show

Presleys’ Country Jubilee

Rankin Brothers

Shoji Tabuchi

2. Bundling/Packaging Shows, Attractions and Lodging Together: If you are dealing with a Branson travel service such as the Branson Tourism Center, they not only have a variety of packages already set up, but will custom design a package to meet your specific needs and save you money. One example of many packages available through the Branson Tourism Center is a saving of $195.00 on a four night two adult package including your choice of two of Branson’s most popular shows such as Dancing Queen ABBA’s Greatest Hits, Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies, New Jersey Nights and many others; dining vouchers and more.

3. Convenience and Saving Time: To many, “value” includes more than dollars and cents. They realize that in addition to money spent on vacation there is only so much time in a day. To maximize the value of your time, both in planning your Branson trip and to help make sure that you make the best use of your time while in Branson and don’t miss doing something that you want to do, it might be advisable to use the free planning services of a company such as the Branson Tourism Center. Just one toll free call to 1-800-785-1550 is all it takes to put you in contact with one of their Branson based Branson Travel Planners who will be delighted to help plan your Branson trip, answer questions and make all the reservations.

All you have to do is show up in Branson and have a great time. There’s a reason they have sold over 3,800,000 Branson show tickets and I just have to believe that their “One call does it all” approach is a large part of that success.

Branson, Missouri has it all. With all its fun, excitement, adventure, shopping, entertainment, the spectacular relaxing beautify of the Ozarks and its pristine lakes, it might be the best travel “value” available anywhere.

What you should know about Branson’s newest fine dining experience, La Piazza Ristorante Italiano

A portion of La Piazza’s warm intimate dining room.

Seven of us, friends who love a “fine dining” experience and have eaten at a number of Branson’s restaurants over the years and virtually all of its “fine dining” restaurants at one time or the other, enjoyed one of the finest dining experiences we have ever had in Branson. What is amazing is that La Pizza just opened, at 2900 Green Mountain Drive, in the old “Cosmopolitan Grill” location, on Friday April 11, was in the process of a soft opening and still provided such a wonderful experience.

The ambiance, lighting and size of the L shaped room was very comfortable and inviting with a full service bar tastefully integrated into one end of the room. Our server Johnathan did a wonderful job and provided a quality of service that contributed immeasurably to our enjoyment of the evening.

There were seven of us and we started off from the “Antipasti” section of the menu with two orders of “Portobello Rimini” which we split. The dish is a huge stuffed Portobello Mushroom baked with fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil served on a bed of polenta with Marinara sauce. One order would be perfect for two to split and it was delicious. Fresh sliced Italian bread, made “in house,” was served with a delightful garlic flavored butter.

The entrees of our party ranged from their daily special, “Wild Alaskan Salmon,” to a variety of pastas and their “Bisteccalla Florentina,” LaPiazza’s grilled rib eye steak. To a person, everyone said that what they had was excellent.

One of the ladies with us said, her “Linguini Al Vongole,” a delightful combination of linguini noodles with clams, shrimp, white wine, garlic, chili flakes, basil and parsley was one of the best pasta dishes she has ever eaten. The “Wild Alaskan Salmon” special, was lightly smoked just prior to serving under a Plexiglas dome that was removed as it was served. What a beautiful presentation in terms of sight and smell and all who ordered it said it was wonderful.

Those of us who got the “Bisteccalla Florentina, were delighted. The large grilled rib eye steak, topped with a red wine demi-glaze, was served with seasonal vegetables and some of the best garlic mashed potatoes I have ever eaten. One of us ordered their steak medium rare and the other rare. Both were cooked to perfection and were delicious.

There really wasn’t room for desert, but a couple of the girls each ordered one, “Tiramisu.” Like everything else, it was delicious. I know that the word “delicious” is used a lot in describing our experience at LaPiazza, but that’s the way it was.

Executive Chef Donny Jay Cummings had previously worked at the “Table 22 Restaurant” and is really excited about the menu, quality of the ingredients used and providing diners with one of the best fine dining experiences in Branson. Owner Fidel Gomez, said that in addition to providing his guests with great food he wanted the restaurant to provide a comfortable, warm and hospitable atmosphere for his guests. If our experience is any indication he has succeeded. It is a place that we will visit again and often.

All meals are served ala carte and are priced very reasonably considering the size of the portions, quality the food, the service and wonderful fine dining experience provided. “LaPiazza Ristorante Italiano” opens at three daily, is open seven days a week, accepts reservations and can be reached by phone at 417-334-2562.

Branson earns Traveler’s Choice for Top 25 U. S. Destinations

Main Street Cruise’s Landing Princess and Lake Queen viewing Branson Landing’s spectacular Water and Fire Show.

“Branson visitors are just amazing,” said Annette Wood, director of sales and marketing, for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a humbling experience that so many of them would take the time to comment on TripAdvisor® that Branson, a little town in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, would, for the first time, make the top 25 List of U.S. Destinations in ‘TripAdvisors® 6^th Annual Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards’ along with cities such as New York, Orlando, and New Orleans,” she added. Joining Branson, who was number 19 on the list, as “newbies to the top 25 was San Diego (7), Austin (18), Atlanta (20), Phoenix (21), St. Louis (23) and Nashville (24).

In announcing the awards, Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor said, “If you’re looking for trip inspiration, look no further than the Travelers’ Choice Destinations.” The award is based on the “quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, attractions and restaurants in destinations” that are “gathered over a 12-month period.” The description accompanying the award listing highlighted the number and variety of Branson shows, the natural beauty of the Ozarks and the “great fishing, hiking, biking and water sports” available in Branson.

Larry Milton, owner of Main Street Lake Cruises whose two boats, the Lake Queen and the Landing Princess, are featured in the illustration of the description accompanying the award listing said, “How neat is that, Branson is featured in the top 25 of this award list because of the efforts that travelers to Branson have made based on their own great Branson experiences. What a testimony to the efforts of our entertainers, shows, attractions, lodging providers and everyone else in Branson’s tourism industry who help provide our guests with that great experience.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood invites everyone to visit Branson and experience firsthand why this special little town nestled in the Ozarks is listed as one of the top 25 destinations in the U.S. For information on Branson shows, attractions, lodging and everything else that Branson offers please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center toll free at 1-800-875-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.