Category Archives: Branson

From Sushi to BBQ Branson has something to please every palate

Black Oak Grill

BRANSON, MO, May 27, 2013 – “One thing’s for certain,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), “with about 242 restaurants, offering over 37,000 seats and serving everything from Sushi to BBQ and fast food to fine dining, when it’s time to eat in Branson there’s something to please just about every palate.” Johnson suggests that the following list of restaurants, most of which BTC offers in its “packages” and sells Dining Certificates for, is an excellent cross section of the various dining opportunities Branson offers. They are listed alphabetically and each contains a brief description and a link to its menu:

Black Oak Grill

The black oak tree has taken root throughout much of America, creating a common but distinctive and richly colored backdrop to our country. Black Oak Grill finds its roots in urban grills, neighborhood cafes and corner taverns. Start with Idaho Trout Deviled Eggs. Savor favorites like the Baldknobber Pulled Pork Sandwich, Mom’s Meatloaf or the Grilled Flat Iron Steak. Finish with the handmade Rum Runner Coconut Cake. The bar features hand crafted cocktails, easy-drinking wines and premium beers celebrating the great American tradition. The atmosphere is relaxed and the people are friendly. Come as you are, bring an appetite, be thirsty and we will take care of the rest. Take root with Black Oak Grill tonight, located in Branson Landing. Click here for Black Oak Grill Menu.

B.T. Bones

B.T. Bones Steakhouse has been a Branson favorite since 1992. Serving aged, hand-cut, flame-grilled steaks, Prime Rib, BBQ Ribs, Seafood, Fish, 1/2 pound Steakburgers, sandwiches, salads, & soups, this “Real Branson – Real Food” experience is highly recommended.

Over the years B.T. Bones Steakhouse has attracted guests, who seek an experience in dining and fun unique to Branson, and one that leaves them delightfully pleased. Many of our friends have made a meal at B.T. Bones Steakhouse a must during each and every visit, and we look forward to their time with us. Open daily at 4:00 pm. Click here for B.T. Bones Menu.

Famous Dave’s

At Famous Dave’s you’ll enjoy the most succulent meats, savory seasonings and lip-smackin’ sauces around. Twenty five years of tastin’ and cookin’ make Dave’s ‘Que the best ever. Dave’s ribs are classic, St. Louis-style spareribs, hickory smoked to perfection, and Dave’s award-winning Rich & Sassy sauce is made from a secret recipe – even his mother doesn’t know! Located at Branson Landing. Click here for Famous Dave’s Dine In Menu.

Gilley’s Texas Cafe

Why Travel all the way to the Lone Star State when you can get that one-of-a-kind taste of Texas right here in Branson? Head south of the border with our El Toro Burrito; kick back with our All-American Texas-sized burger; or celebrate, here on Country Music Boulevard, with one of many delicious salads. Don’t forget to get the fiesta started with a refreshing frozen Margarita or 25oz. draft beer, sure to get your toes tappin’ and your boots rockin’. Located adjacent to the Mickey Gilley Theatre. Click here for Gilley’s Texas Cafe Menu

Indian Clay Oven

Great Indian Cuisine Selection! We are fairly new to Branson and offer wonderful Indian food. Start off with an appetizer like Chicken Tikka, Vegetable Pakoras or Alloo Tikki. Then try our chef’s special Chicken Delhi Special Masala, or Chicken Dhaniya-Cilantro, or Tandoori Chicken. We also offer vegetarian dishes like Paneer Bhurji, Palak Paneer or Navratan Korma. We offer a large menu with chicken curries, soups and sides, fresh indian bread, rice specialties, vegetarian, seafood, lamb, desserts and indian soft drinks. Try our lunch buffet or regular menu from 11:00am to 3:00 pm. Dinner is from 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Located in the Vista Ridge shopping center on Hwy 76. Click here for Indian Clay Oven Menu

 

Jackie B. Goode's Uptown Cafe

Jackie B. Goode’s Uptown Cafe

The cafe features a 50’s-60’s theme with Rock & Roll music playing on the jukebox near the old time soda fountain where you can have a malt, shake, sundae or banana split among other concoctions. A large common area has been created for serving large groups and Branson’s most beautiful stage has been added where live musical performances are held daily.
The cafe is in like-new condition, is completely smoke-free and is the cleanest restaurant in Branson. One of the few restaurants in Branson that stay open late (open from 7am to 11pm daily), located just south of the Titanic Museum Attraction on Highway 165, Jackie B. Goode’s Uptown Cafe is Branson’s place to go after the show! Although the cafe is family oriented, patrons may still enjoy beer, wine and pre-mixed cocktails seven days per week. Click here for Uptown Cafe Menu

McFarlain’s Family Restaurant

Come hungry…McFarlain’s features hearty, cooked-to-order breakfasts possibly even Branson’s Best Country Breakfast, plus lunch and dinner entrees ranging from homemade soups, salads, sandwiches and their own special slow-cooked pot roast‚ chicken, ribs, shrimp and steak. A popular lunch item, the McFarlain’s Special to be exact, is a heaping portion of that slow-cooked pot roast, atop good old white bread, topped with gravy and a side of luscious creamy mashed potatoes. It’s the epitome of comfort food and no one makes it better! Don’t forget about McFarlain’s Famous Honey Cornbread, Fried Green Tomatoes, Fried Green Beans, Sweet Potato Fries and scrumptious Cinnamon Rolls. They offer a special kids menu, too. Located in the IMAX Complex. Click here for McFarlain’s Menu.

 

The Paddlewheel floating on Lake Taneycomo at Branson Landing

The Paddlewheel

The floating Paddlewheel is conveniently located on the waterfront at Branson Landing. Go back in time with simple, fun, yesterday foods. The Paddlewheel features Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Fries in addition to a full menu and bar! The Paddlewheel has a great atmosphere whether you’re sitting inside or enjoying the beautiful weather on our spacious patio. We are kid-friendly and have plenty of room with a full second floor for seating. Don’t miss a chance to visit this unique dining spot today floating on Lake Taneycomo right off the Branson Landing Boardwalk. Click here for The Paddlewheel Menu.

Pizza World

Offering a vast array of flavors from around the world, Pizza World combines the exciting new concept of gourmet pizzas. Our mouthwatering gourmet pizzas feature toppings from around the world on our own “baked to perfection” crust. We also offer a full range of complementary products, including Traditional Pizzas, Calzones, Subs (Buns Baked Fresh Every Day), Specialty Breads, Tempting Salads and much more. Our customers embrace the quality, taste, and value of Pizza World products and the variety keeps them coming back time and time again. Click here for  Pizza World Menu

Shogun Japanese Steak & Sushi

Japanese steak & Incredible Sushi Bar Sit back and relax and watch your personal chef cook steak, seafood or chicken for you. We also offer a variety of fresh sushi as well. You can get a drink from our full bar and relax in our newly opened Japanese dining section. We offer Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine.

Click below for:

 

Blu Shogun Lunch Menu

Blu Shogun Dinner Menu

Shogun Lunch Menu

Shogun Dinner Menu

Shogun Sushi Menu

For additional information on these and other restaurants or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.bransontourismcenter.com.

 

Branson Tourism Center celebrates 10 years of sharing Branson with the world

BRANSON, MO, May 24, 2013 — In its first decade of sharing what Branson offers with prospective visitors and helping them experience it, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) has grown from its initial three employees to over 85 and has become Branson’s largest seller of show and attraction tickets and lodging. When asked the reason for BTC’s phenomenal success, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “It is a combination of the positive message that BTC shares about all the great shows, attractions and other things Branson offers and our passion and ability to keep that message fresh, exciting and meaningful for potential Branson visitors.”

That thought was strongly reinforced by Lianne Milton, co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center with her husband Larry, who said, “Our passion and commitment to Branson and the visitors we serve is the same today as it was our very first day in business; making sure that each and every one of our customers, starting with the planning of their trip, has a great Branson experience.” Milton points out that like Branson itself, BTC is in the business of forming relationships and that BTC’s “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me” philosophy has helped it establish the meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships with its customers, vendors and employees that enables BTC to consistently provide its customers with that “great Branson experience.”

For that to happen there had to be change in the way things had always been done. Larry Milton emphasizes that the basic marketing strategy that has brought BTC through its first ten years involves building a relationship with potential Branson visitors by virtually reaching out into their “living rooms” as they are thinking about or planning their vacations; convincing them to choose Branson and then making it easy for them to get here.”

This involved an effort to actually build a relationship with potential visitors and earn their business by providing them with a free unique personal “Concierge type” service to help them plan their Branson vacation or trip whether or not they actually ended up doing business with BTC. The service combines the power of the internet to present a wealth of information on Branson and offers prospective Branson visitors the opportunity to call BTC’s toll free number, 1-800-785-1550, and talk with a locally based Branson Travel Planner who will answer questions and help them with their tickets, reservations, lodging and everything else needed to help them have a great time in Branson.

The success of this concept was perhaps best expressed by the purchaser of BTC’s three millionth show and attraction ticket last year Peggy Barthel, from Florence, Mississippi, who had not visited Branson in over 30 years until her trip last year. After exploring the internet for a considerable time in an effort to get information and plan her trip she came across Branson Tourism Center’s number. She said, “One call that’s all, they just took care of everything. We’re just going to go up there and have fun.” Lianne Milton said, “Peggy’s comment reflects our goal and a major reason for our success during our first ten years in business; starting with the planning of the trip, we take care of everything and the customer just comes to Branson and has fun.”

“BTC’s ‘Branson Travel Agency‘ and ‘Groups Division‘ also provide a synergy and diversity of the services that are invaluable to our company’s success,” said Larry Milton. Milton emphasizes that BTC provides “one stop” shopping and assistance for all Branson travel services including tickets, lodging travel to and from Branson and much more whether it’s for an individual, family, or a large group.

As BTC enters its eleventh year of business the creativity, innovation and originality that has helped make it so successful through its first ten years has positioned it for continued success in the future. These include, in addition to BTC’s website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com, Branson’s largest interactive Branson internet forum, www.1Branson.com; its internet transactional site www.BransonOnTheWeb.com and a mobile “application” www.BransonTourismCenter.com which works on both Apple and Android devices.

“Branson.com – There’s only one,” is a reality that, both in terms of the information it provides and leading Branson onto the internet as its very first destination website, can only apply to one internet site, www.Branson.Com. From its inception it has been dedicated exclusively to providing Branson visitors with information about all there is to see and do in Branson. Since Branson Tourism Center’s acquisition of www.Branson.Com and its synchronization, coordination and optimization with the power and systems of www.BransonTourismCenter.com it has become one of the most complete, powerful and efficient tools available anywhere to get Branson information and, if desired, have instant access to, actually book, shows, attractions and lodging either on the internet or with the personal assistance of one of BTC’s Branson Travel Planners.

Branson Tourism Center has been the leader in many other innovative and customer directed initiatives. Among other things, this includes a no hassle low price guarantee; gas discount coupons; its Concierge Perks Program and maintaining an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. It also provides the facilities and resources to personally greet each one of their customers as they arrive in Branson in order to ensure they have everything they ordered, directions, maps, and a contact number to call if there are any problems while they are in Branson. Even though BTC is open from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM for most of the year, there is a Duty Manager on call 24/7 should a customer need assistance.

Lianne Milton says that she looks forward to the start of the second decade of serving Branson and its visitors knowing that BTC’s innovation, creativity and passion for serving Branson, their vendors and customers will ensure its continued success into the next decade and beyond.

Branson Tourism Center is one of Branson’s largest providers of Branson travel services and has over 85 employees. It is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri with an A+ rating. Among other organizations, it is a member of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, Better Business Bureau, American Society of Travel Agents, American Bus Association, and the Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association. Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling 1-800-978-1999.

Are discounted show tickets the best value for Branson vacation?

BRANSON, MO, April 9, 2013 — “Buying tickets for a Branson show is just like buying anything else,” said Tammy Johnson Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), Branson’s largest seller of Branson show and attraction tickets. “You get what you pay for.”

As is the case with most tourist destinations, there are places in Branson that offer “2 for 1” or other extremely discounted tickets. “This brings to mind a time tested caveat, ‘Buyer beware’ Johnson added.

In dealing with “discount ticket brokers, “among others, a potential buyer might want to consider some of the following points. Is the business offering the tickets a member of the BBC (Better Business Bureau)? If so what rating does it have? What conditions apply to receiving the discount? Are they getting the best seats available? Is there a service charge? Does the establishment selling the tickets offer tickets to all of Branson’s most popular shows and attractions? Are they a one stop provider of Branson travel services? Do they offer show, attractions and lodging packages that can result in total savings of more than just the discounted tickets they offer?

Johnson points out that the Branson Tourism Center has sold well over three million Branson show and attraction tickets, has been an accredited member of the BBBfor over a decade and enjoys an “A+” rating. BTC never charges a service fee, offers tickets to all Branson shows and enjoys an excellent relationship with the shows and attractions with which it does business. This results in getting its customers the best available seats at the time of booking as opposed to the “remnants.”

Employing over 100 people, BTC offers a full range of Branson travel services, including lodging for just about every budget and taste. The savings resulting from “packaging,” combining lodging with tickets for shows and attractions, will in many cases be much more than that of just the discounted tickets with added convenience and less risk.

The convenience and comfort factor in dealing with a full service travel provider with the reputation of the Branson Tourism Center does not cost any more, generally results in better seats and value with a savings of both time and money if packaging is used and all without any conditions or stipulations.

As Peggy Barthel, the purchaser of BTC’s 3 millionth ticket, pointed out; after spending most of the day on the internet trying to decide where to go and what to do while in Branson she discovered the Branson Tourism Center and called their 800 number,1-800-875-1550. In summing up the results of that call she said, “One call that’s all, they just took care of everything. We’re just going to go up there and have fun.” Isn’t that what you want for your Branson vacation?

 

Tammy Johnson – a friend of the Branson traveler

Tammy Johnson Branson Tourisim Center's Director of Operations

BRANSON, MO, March 11, 2013 —  The term “Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center” has appeared after her comments in hundreds of internet articles on Branson over the last four years. That’s not just because she works for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and a BBB accredited business with an A+ rating that has sold over 3 million Branson show and attraction tickets. Simply put, it’s because she has over three and a half decades of specific experience in serving Branson visitors, is dedicated to helping them have the best Branson experience possible and, perhaps more importantly, knows what she is talking about.

Tammy Johnson is no “Betty Crocker” type marketing creation, she is the real deal. During an interview Johnson said that she started in the Branson tourism industry cleaning rooms when she was 11 years old. Since that time she has acquired extensive experience in the Branson tourism industry by working in many of its different aspects from funnel cakes and waiting on tables to working the front desk, auditing, sales and managing one of Branson’s largest lodging properties.

Her last position, prior to starting with the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) in 2008, was as the General Manager for Branson’s Radisson Hotel, a position which she held for 12 years. In her current position, as the Director of Operations for BTC, she works directly under the owners of the business, Lianne and Larry Milton, supervising and coordinating the activities of over 100 employees with the tens of thousands of Branson visitors and hundreds of Branson shows, attractions, lodging establishments and other vendors BTC serves each year to insure that its customers have the best Branson experience possible.

Johnson points out that BTC is an internet based marketing company dedicated to marketing the fun, excitement and adventure that Branson has to offer. Remarkably, none of that marketing is based on either outbound calling or by intercepting visitors once they get to Branson. It is all done through people establishing a relationship with BTC prior to coming to Branson by calling 1-800-875-1550 or one of its other toll free numbers, or directly through the internet, as a result of its presence on the internet. This presence is reflected through one of its websites such as Branson’s original website, www.Branson.Com, www.BransonTourismCenter or www.BransonOnTheWeb; social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter or one of the hundreds of articles on Branson and what it offers that BTC publishes on the internet each year.

As mentioned above, in addition to her many other duties Johnson’s expertise is often used in the articles BTC publishes on the internet because of her broad Branson tourism background and the fact that she is intimately involved with its operation on a daily basis. To paraphrase the Hallmark Card slogan, when it comes to serving its customers and potential Branson visitors, “BTC cares enough to give its very best.”

Favorite Branson Breakfast spots

Grand Country Buffet is a favorite breakfast spot for visitors and locals alike.

BRANSON, Mo., January 19, 2013 — “Even with people eating Breakfast at their hotel or lodging as part of the amenities offered, one of the things many Branson visitors like to do while in Branson is go to one of Branson’s many restaurants for breakfast at least once during their stay with some having a family breakfast tradition that spans generations,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Earlier this week we asked the question, ‘Where’s your favorite place in Branson to eat Breakfast?’ on our Face Book Page,” she continued.

The top five listed, out of the 24 people named, in order were:

Grand Country Buffet, 1945 West 76 Country Boulevard – Known for the quality of its food and wide choice, its breakfast is no exception. As one local poster said, Grand Country Buffet “has the best tasting breakfast around. I live in Branson and I have ate in a lot of places for breakfast. The best place and friendless place in town. Every time we have company come in that’s the only place I will take them for breakfast.”

Billy Gail’s Café, 5291 Hwy 265 – It’s the only one of the five not on the Branson Strip. Billy Gail’s is particularly noted for its humongous pancakes, is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. One poster opined, “Billy Gails, is always the best if you can get in the parking lot.”

Bob Evans, 801 West Main Street (Highway 76) – Ok so technically, it is two blocks south on Highway 76 of where most people consider the Branson Strip starts. Bob Evans, a national chain, is noted locally, for the variety and quality of its breakfast offerings and its specialty breakfast items as reflected by one poster who said, “Bob Evans for their sausage gravy and biscuits- unlike any other!!!”

IHOP Restaurant, 3120 West 76 Country Boulevard – A national chain, located on the western edge of the strip at the junctions of Routes 76 and 376, IHOP is famous for the variety and quality of its pancakes and French toast.

Belgian Waffle and Pancake House, 3120 West 76 Country Boulevard, – Another favorite of locals and visitors alike. One poster noted, “I love their French toast!!”

Only two of the top five are national chains. Interestingly, even with the addition of “Cracker Barrel” there are only three national chains listed in the top 10 which includes “Clocker’s Cafe,” “Silver Dollar City Breakfast Buffet” and the “Farmhouse Restaurant.” Johnson suggests that while the answers to the question do not constitute any kind of valid scientific study there is a correlation between the answers and the names of spots where locals and  visitors eat breakfast commonly appearing on other reviews and forums such as the 1Branson.Com Dining Forum. One thing appears certain however, a great Ozark Breakfast is never  very far away in Branson!

Agility at core of Branson success

Displaying the agility that has made it Branson's oldest and most popular paid attraction, construction is well along on Silver Dollar City's newest thrill ride "Outlaw Run."

BRANSON, Mo., January 1, 2013 — Although many words come to mind to describe Branson, “agility” is not typically one of them. Yet from its earliest days over 100 years ago to Branson’s entry into 2013, “Agility” has been at the core of Branson’s success and what it has become today.

“Agility has been defined as “mentally quick, acute or quick in movement.” It helps keep us, be it a city, company or individual, to be efficient and flexible enough to accept and tackle the challenges necessary to “evolve and meet the future in new and innovative ways.”

In August of 1912, less than five months after being incorporated as a city on April 1 of that year, a devastating fire destroyed downtown Branson’s entire commercial district except for three buildings. Branson’s agility in handling that situation and others along the way put it in a position where, at the beginning of its Centennial Year in 2012, it was and had been for decades one of the premier family travel destinations in the United States, entertaining upwards of 8 million guests annually.

Families like the Herschends, Presleys, Mabes, Trimbels, Snadens and so many others had the agility to recognize the full future potential of tourism to the Branson area and act on that recognition in a timely manner. Each of them, and many others, in their own way evolved segments of Branson’s Tourism industry using what was at the time, and to some of them personally, life changing, new and innovative concepts.

Where would Branson be today without the agility of the Herschend family in recognizing the potential of Silver Dollar City and the numerous innovative things they have done over the last 50 plus years to evolve it into one of the top theme parks anywhere? The agility of the Mabes and Presleys as they pioneered Branson’s early entertainment industry? The agility of the Presleys in evolving their original theatre, that could also be used to store boats if all else failed, into one of Branson’s first state of the art theatres and their innovation in sharing their show and Branson on a weekly basis with millions of TV viewers via RFD-TV?

How important was the agility of the Trimbles and Snadons in establishing the spectacular outdoor drama “Shepherd of the Hills” in helping to preserve the area’s history and culture and promoting the heritage that is such a major part of Branson’s charm? Where would Branson’s entertainment industry be without the agility of the long list of entertainers, entrepreneurs and others who quickly recognized Branson’s potential and had the flexibility to not only become part of it, but to help its shows and attractions evolve into what they have become today?

The same agility that has helped make Branson the wonderful place that it is to visit for millions of tourists today is as necessary tomorrow as it is today. If the past is any indication, that agility is an inherent part of the Branson’s spirit and heritage that will help ensure that the excitement, fun, and adventure that is Branson will continue into the future providing Branson visitors with a great experience that will bring them back again and again.

12 Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner in Branson without reservations

OK, so it's not a turkey, but it is the Great American Steak & Chicken House one of the Branson restaurants that will be open Thanksgiving Day not requiring reservations.

BRANSON, Mo., November 20, 2012 –“With a lot of Branson’s Restaurants being open Thanksgiving Day, visitors to Branson should have no trouble having a great Thanksgiving meal,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson goes on to point out however, that many require advance reservations and are booked solid.

Here’s a list of 12 Branson Restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and do not require reservations with contact information and sorted alphabetically:

Andy Williams Moon River Grill
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
417-337-9539

Baldknobbers Restaurant
Thanksgiving Dinner
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
417-334-7202

Denny’s Restaurant
Open 24 Hours
417-339-3670

Fall Creek Steak House
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
417-336-5060

Florentina’s Italian Ristorante
11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
417-337-9882

Golden Corral
Thanksgiving Buffet
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
417-336-6297

Grand Country Buffet
Thanksgiving Buffet
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
417-335-2434

Great American Steak & Chicken House
Breakfast: 7 a.m.-11 a.m.; Lunch & Dinner after 11 a.m.
417-335-6699

Lone Star Steakhouse
12 p.m.. – 8 p.m.
417-336-5030

McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
417-336-4680

Montana Mike’s Steakhouse (Hwy 76 and Hwy 248 Locations)
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hwy 76 – 417-334-2766
Hwy 248 – 417-334-5893

Paradise Grill and Steakhouse
Thanksgiving Buffet
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
417-334-5405

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson reminds Branson visitors that, at times, there can be long lines and suggests factoring that in when planning Thanksgiving Day activities. “And there’s a lot more to factor in,” she said, “because with all there is to see and do in Branson There’s more than turkey cooking for Thanksgiving in Branson.”

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

Molly and Carter ready to party.*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Photo courtesy Titanic World’s Largest Museum Attraction

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

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

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

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

Christmas in Hollywood on October 30th at 8 PM

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

 

Daniel O’Donnell peforming in Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas

Daniel O'Donnell.

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

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

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

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

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