Category Archives: Branson

Historic Downtown Branson presents a unique shopping opportunity

Dick's 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson provides one of the most unique shopping "adventures" available anywhere.

BRANSON, Mo., October 18, 2012 — Branson is called the “Live music show capital of world” because of the number and quality of its live shows, but it is also a shopper’s dream. From small specialty shops to the $400 million Branson Landing, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, with its 100 specialty retail stores, shops and services, Branson offers one of the broadest selections of stores, values and merchandise available in any travel destination of a similar size..

Interestingly, as thousands of people each day go to Branson Landing they either drive through or around Historic Downtown Branson and some of the most best and easily accessed shopping opportunities in Branson. Cris Bohinc, executive director of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association points out that the Historic District has about 80 specialty retail stores, shops and services. She said, “If people want a great selection, unique specialty items and a great value, all offered in a comfortable laid back down home environment, Historic Downtown Branson is a place that should be on their ‘Branson Shopping Bucket List.'”

“Dick’s 5 & 10,” one of Branson’s most popular shopping attractions and easily the anchor of Historic Downtown Branson’s shopping, illustrates the uniqueness and excitement that shopping in downtown Branson offers. Steve Hartley, the son of the stores original founders, Dick and June Hartley, points out that it’s not just the number of items they have in the nostalgic “5 & 10,” over 175,000, or their low prices, it’s the breadth of their selection that makes the shopping experience in Dick’s so unique. He said, “In candy alone we have one of, if not, the largest selections of candy in Branson. We specialize in Old Time and hard to find candies such as ‘Rocky Road,’ ‘Big Hunk Candy Bars,’ and ‘Abba-Zaba;’ novelty candies such as ‘Wax Lips’ and ‘Nickle Nips’ and a full selection of regular candy.”

There is a local saying, “”If you can’t find what you want in Dick’s then you don’t need it.” When asked about the saying in connection with the celebration of Dick’s 50 Anniversary Hartley said, “Well, we do have over 175,000 items, from basics, toys, novelties, gifts, souvenirs and just about anything most people would expect in a variety store and more.”

Another unique downtown experience, is available at “Crain Creations Gallery” located at 214 S. Main Street just a few doors west of Dicks. T.(Tom) Morgan Crain, is Branson’s preeminent wildlife, bird, western, outdoor and nostalgia painter who can be found painting, most Mondays through Saturdays, in his downtown studio, located just inside the window of the gallery. The gallery and studio, are as warm, comfortable and inviting as are the artist and his wife Susan.

The Burlington Annex is another store featuring artist and gift lines that are unique and not available anywhere else in Branson. Its wide selection of unique gifts, glassware and jewelry coupled with the expertise, friendliness and helpfulness of their employees make shopping at the Burlington Annex a special shopping experience only available in downtown Branson.

The “Hollywood Studio Store & More” located at 109 S Commercial Street is yet another example of the unique and fun filled shopping experience available in the historic downtown shopping district. Its selection of Hollywood collectibles, jewelry, gifts, art glass, wind chimes, and much more is as phenomenal and interesting as it is value priced.

“Branson is filled with so much great shopping,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, “but these and the dozens of other stores in the downtown shopping district, coupled with the ambiance, variety and uniqueness of the shopping they offer creates and exciting, unusual one of a kind shopping experience.” For additional information on downtown Branson’s shopping and everything else it has to offer please call either the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 866-523-1190.

What makes the Duttons show so special?

The Duttons, siblings Jonathan, right, Benjamin, Abigail, Timothy, and Amy with parents Sheila and Dean starting the second half of the show with a little "Motown."

BRANSON, Mo., October 16, 2012 — What is it that makes the Duttons show so special? Is it their singing, their amazing instrumentality, the flow of the show as it seamlessly progresses from one entertaining segment to the next or the familial synergy and energy that permeates everything they do on stage? In this writers opinion, it includes all of that, which in and of itself equals two of the most entertaining hours available on any stage in Branson and “then some;” an intangible that infuses itself into that entertainment to create a truly unique, special and memorable experience that should not be missed.

A clue to that “intangible” comes as the Duttons open their show with a medley including “We Are Family.” Anyone who has ever seen the Duttons perform, whether in Branson; as they progressed to the Finals of the NBC prime time hit, “America’s Got Talent;” in their PBS Specials; on the road or in their winter stomping grounds in Mesa, Arizona, knows just how important family is to them. In the opinion of this writer, it is their innate ability to share themselves and their family with their audience and, even if for only a couple of hours, make the audience not only want to be part of that family, but feel the perception that they are that takes an already great entertainment show and elevates it to a special personal experience.

From a musical variety perspective this show has it all from country and western to classical, Motown, gospel, patriotic and more. With the Duttons show it’s not just what they do, it’s how they do it. Many have heard and seen the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” performed, but when you see and hear it performed “Dutton style,” as the whole family participates, with each soloing on their favorite instrument, you realize and appreciate just how talented this family is. Bluegrass or classical, it makes no difference. Their “Classical Medley” with Timothy on Guitar for “Capricho,” “Czardus” featuring Judith on the keyboards and Amy on the violin and “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Summer Movement” with Amy on the violin and the rest of the family accompanying her, is simply a joy to hear.

Another thing the Duttons do is vary their method of presentation during each different segment to hold their audiences interest and keep them in a constant state of anticipation. Whether it’s Timothy and Judith singing their beautiful duet “When you Say Nothing at All” with Dean and Sheila dancing to it; Benjamin’s cousin “Julio,” who looks a lot like Benjamin, “horning” in with Jonathan in one of the funniest and unique versions of “Dueling Banjoes” in existence; “Highway Patrol,” featuring Dean with some of his younger grandchildren, Leila, Luke and Damien providing a special “driving touch;” the “Girls Medley,” with “Da do ron ron” featuring Abigail, “It’s My Party” featuring Rachel, “Johnny Angel” featuring Amy or “Lollipop” featuring Jessica, the audience is invested in the show and eagerly waiting to see what comes next.

The Duttons, Benjamin, left, Jessica, Abigail, Jonathan, Amy and Timothy performing their signature Finale.

Some who have seen the show are probably thinking, “You didn’t mention my favorite part of the show, Timothy and Amy’s fiddle duet of ‘Orange Blossom Special,’ the ‘Rock Around the Clock’ number featuring the dancing of Benjamin and his wife Brande or their outstanding Veterans Tribute featuring a touching narration and dancing by Jonathan’s wife Belle, Julio’s comedy etc. They would be absolutely right, but any review describing a show having this much quality entertainment and variety packed into it must be broken into highlights if it is to fit into an article. If someone else were writing the article there would be different highlights and that’s the wonderful thing about the Duttons show.

It is a show that truly has been designed and produced to have highlights for everyone, adults as well as teens and younger children. Each performance is a celebration of family, one of the finest entertainment experiences available in Branson or anywhere else and is a special sharing of their family with yours. It is a wonderful experience that will be remembered long after the curtain comes down.

For additional information or tickets for the Duttons or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Labor Day in Branson – An exciting “informal” end of the summer outdoor season

White Water's iconic seven story multi-slide thrill ride "Kalani Towers."

BRANSON, Mo., August 9, 2012 — “Although, in terms of temperatures, it seems like it’s been an ‘eternal’ Summer all year, the long Labor Day Weekend is generally construed to be the ‘informal’ end of the Summer Season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is typically the ‘last hurrah’ for families to enjoy the excitement, fun and adventure of all that outdoor Summer activities have to offer and will run from September 1 through 3 this year,” she added.

From its three lakes and outdoor activities from hiking, biking, boating, fishing, laying on the beach, beach volleyball, golfing, zip lining and many others, Branson provides a unique mosaic of outdoor activities that is unrivaled anywhere. When that is combined with everything else that Branson offers, almost a hundred live shows, firework displays, world class shopping, theme parks and attractions and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a place that will offer more excitement, fun and entertainment than Branson over the Labor Day Weekend. In fact, not only over the Labor Day Weekend, but anytime, it’s hard to imagine a place that offers families more to share together than Branson offers.

In terms of outdoor things to do, although the activities may vary, many people come to Branson to just escape and relax in the simple natural beauty of its Ozark Mountains and enjoy one of its lakes. That will be no different over the Labor Day Weekend as Branson visitors enjoy what is typically one of the last big “lake weekends” on either Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo to swim, boat, fish or participate in a myriad of other water sports and aquatic activities.

Another way people enjoy the beauty of Branson’s Lakes is by taking a cruise. Table Rock Lake, offers dinner and lunch cruises on the Showboat Branson Belle combining a lake cruise with a wonderful meal and its ” Made In America” show. On Lake Taneycomo, which runs right by Branson Landing, Main Street Lake Cruises provides daily sightseeing cruinses on its river boat paddle wheel replica, the Lake Queen and dinner cruises on the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess. Its cruises provide a unique view of a side of Branson Landing and its magnificent fire and light show spectacular and the opportunity to see wild life such as Bald Eagles, Osprey, deer, the Great Grey Heron as well as vistas and bluff formations that most people never get to see.

Nothing symbolizes outdoor water and fun in Branson more than White Water, southwest Missouri’s largest water park, with its millions of gallons of water and fun, the “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” and its iconic seven story multi-slide thrill ride “Kalani Towers.” The long Labor Day weekend will be the last weekend for White Water’s 2012 season. Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s styled theme park, which will be celebrating the final days of its Southern Gospel Picnic, is also noted for its many outdoor activities and its seasonal water themed rides such as the “American Plunge,” “RiverBlast” and “Lost River of the Ozarks.”

Tee of Par 4 10th hole at Pointe Royale Golf Course.

Even with the record breaking heat of this summer major Branson Golf Courses such as Brason Creek, Murder Rock, Pointe Royale, Thousand Hills and Payne Stewart are in excellent shape and ready for the enjoyment of Branson’s Labor Day Weekend visitors. Although weather dependent, most of Branson’s golf courses are available for play on a year round basis.

Although not classified as either a “summer” or “outdoor” activity, as the majority of them are all year round, Branson’s retail stores, shopping and outlet malls as well as the majority of its specialty shops will be open over the Labor Day Weekend to ensure that Branson visitors get to experience the fabulous shopping for which it is known. Among many others, this includes Branson’s unique specialty shops, including Historic Downtown Branson, the Grand Village, Imax Complex and other areas all over Branson; its two major outlet malls, the Tanger Outlet Center and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows and its major shopping mall, Branson Landing.

Johnson points out that one of the nice things about Branson’s outdoor activities is their closeness, not only to each other, but to Branson’s other attractions, live shows, shopping and everything else that it offers. One minute you could be fighting a lunker trout or playing a round of golf on a championship golf course and, relatively speaking, the next you could be sitting in a theatre watching one of Branson’s great live shows, having a world class shopping experience, watching a potter work an artist pain or enjoying any one of the many exciting and interesting activities Branson offers.

From the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction boarding passengers as it remembers the 100th year anniversary of the sinking of the great ship to the vast majority of its 100 shows, attractions, restaurants and everything else that makes Branson the unique entertaining world class destination it is, it’s hard to imagine a more fun filled, exciting or entertaining place to spend the Labor Day weekend than in Branson. Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Johnson advises that Labor Day Weekend in Branson is one of the busiest of the year and advises making advance reservations for things like shows, lodging, tee times etc. Please call BTC through its toll free number, 1-800-785-1550, for more information on Branson’s Labor Day Weekend activities, tickets for Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements.

Color by the numbers to get around in Branson like a pro

BRANSON, Mo., September 7, 2017 – “Compared to a lot of destination cities, navigating around Branson is a joy,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The relatively compact size of its entertainment district, route numbering and color coded route system makes it very easy to efficiently find and get to Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping, lodging, or just about any other place you would want to go.”

Branson’s Numbered/Color Coded Route Map

The vast majority of people coming into Branson do so via Highway 65, which, as is the case with the major odd numbered routes such as 165 and 265, in the Branson area, runs north and south. Even numbered routes such as 76, 248 and 376 run east and west. A quick look at the incorporated Branson Map, click to enlarge, verifies this fact and shows that the major north-south route through Branson is Highway 65 and Branson’s major east-west route is Route 76. East from that junction leads to Historic Downtown Branson, Lake Taneycomo, Branson Landing and the Branson Convention Center. West leads to the famous Branson Strip, located on Route 76, Branson’s major attractions such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, Tanger Mall, White Water and, farther west, Shepherd of the Hills and Silver Dollar City.

Branson’s system of alternate color coded routes also helps make it easy to find where you want to go and how to get there. There are three, Blue, Red, and Yellow. It can be generally said that they are overlaid on existing routes and roads and parallel Route 76, running east and west, with the Yellow Route doing so to the south of Highway 76 and the Blue and Red to the north. “A little time spent familiarizing oneself with these color coded routes can go a long way toward making travel around Branson more efficient, minimizing involvement with traffic congestion, and ‘timely arrivals,'” Johnson added.

The Yellow Route provides access to lodging and shows located on Fall Creek Road, Wildwood Drive, and Green Mountain Drive and an entry into shows such as Legends in Concert, Bretts, , Dixie Stampede, Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, Caravelle Theatre, Duttons, Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers, and others. Arterial streets provide access to theatres such as Clay Cooper, SIX, Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre, it at the Hughes Brothers Theatre, and others along with Tanger Mall and White Water.

The northern most color coded route is the Red Route which intersects with Highway 65 at its “State Route 248” or “Shepherd of the Hills Expressway” exit. The eastern terminus of the Red Route is the junction of Route 76 and Business Highway 65 in Historic Downtown Branson with its western terminus being the junctions of Route 76, Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Route 376 near IHOP.

At its eastern end, among other things, the Red Route provides access to Branson Landing, Main Street Marina, Main Street Lake Cruises, Historic Downtown Branson with Dicks 5 & 10 and much more, Lake Taneycomo, the city of Branson’s Lakeside RV Park and Scotty’s Trout Dock. As one travels west on the Red Route from its junction with Highway 65 on Route 248/Shepherd of the Hills Expressway they will pass by the Mansion Theatre, Sight & Sound Theatre with its spectacular productions, Pierce Arrow, Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety Show, Shoji Tabuchi and the IMAX Complex with its great shopping, Elite III movie theatres, giant screen IMAX theatre, and the Little Opry Theatre.

The Blue Route starts from its eastern end at the intersection of Highway 76 and Roark Valley Road and runs west, paralleling Branson’s Strip to its north, until it ends at the intersection of Route 76 and Gretna Road right at Branson’s largest museum attraction, The Titanic Museum Attraction and kitty-corner from the Clay Cooper Theatre. It runs past the entrance to Ballparks of America, and by arterial roads, providing direct access to the Tanger Mall, Starlite Theatre, and other strip attractions.

Detailed Map of Branson

For additional information on Branson’s color coded routes, getting around Branson or any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please feel free contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by calling their toll free number 1-800-573-5529.

Tornado shouldn’t interrupt Branson Spring Break or vacation plans

Titanic Museum Attraction earlier today in all her Spring Break splendor

BRANSON, Mo. In the wake of the tornado that hit Branson during the early morning hours of February 29 some might ask, “Why should I plan to visit or vacation in Branson?” The answer is simple. For the same reason that you would have come to Branson before the tornado, to have a great time with your family and enjoy the unique exciting experience that only Branson can provide.”

That potentially raises another question, “But is it the same experience after the storm as before?” Without diminishing in any way the anguish and damage suffered by those whose lives or property was impacted by the storm, Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the largest providers of Branson travel services says, “The answer to that question would have to be a resounding, ‘Yes.'”

Yesterday, while at Scotty’s Trout Dock in downtown Branson, I received confirmation of that fact from a chance encounter. A man came into the office with his two sons and rented a pontoon boat. As he was out in the boat rigging up the rods they would use to fish we started to talk and “shoot the breeze.”

I did not get his name, because we just talking and shooting the breeze at the time, but he is from Memphis, TN and had never been to Branson before. He and his family decided to come and spend their “Spring Break” in Branson because they had heard a lot of great things about it and, although they own a lake property nearer to Memphis, they decided they wanted to try something different this year.

When asked if the tornado had almost caused them not to come he said that it had not, because when they “checked it out” they decided that they could do anything they wanted to do. During their week in Branson, among other things, they plan to go trout fishing and can check that one off their list; see SIX; visit the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Titanic Museum Attraction and go to Silver Dollar City later in the week.

Given that Branson was hit by an EF-2 tornado, the blessing is that it’s direct impact on the lives, property and economy of the area it tracked over was no greater than it was. Media sensationalism to the contrary, the reality is that there were no fatalities; relatively few injuries and, as this family found out, the vast majority of the property over which the tornado passed was left undamaged including the vast majority of the attractions, shows, shopping and other activities that are the foundation of Branson’s tourism based economy and provide the fun, excitement and adventure for which Branson is famous.

Branson Tourism Center’s Milton adds that from a fun and entertainment perspective, the Branson named as one of 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations by Away.com, a division of Orbitz.com, is ready to provide your family with one of the most exciting, unique and entertaining vacations they will ever experience. For additional information about Branson and all it has to offer, please contact the Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Comedy Jamboree – a “Grand” afternoon of comedy and music

Vocalists Justin, right, GiGi, Todd, Jackie and Jon.

BRANSON, Mo. Grand Country’s Comedy Jamboree has plenty of comedy, but it is so much more. It has one of the best live bands in Branson, great singing and dancing and provides two hours of exceptional music and comedy that truly has something for everyone.

As this writer watched the show on Feb. 2, he was equally enthralled with the musical talents of the cast and the presentation of each number. The shows vocal group, the “Jamboree Singers,” its “Grand Band” and lead male vocalist did a great job from a musical point of view that, when combined with the production and choreography accompanying each number, results in some of the best live musical entertainment on any Branson stage.

The primary vocal role is carried by the shows vocal group, the “Jamboree Singers” composed of Jackie Brown, GiGi Hutchinson, Jon Drockelman and Justin Tews. From the show’s opening number, “Love Somebody” to its last, “This Is America,” both together and as featured soloists, the vocal talents of this group and its individual members is obvious. The shows lead vocalist and Master of Ceremonies is “Branson’s Country Gentlemen,” Todd Bradshaw.

The “Grand Band,” is composed of some of Branson’s finest instrumentalists. They are Tracy Heaston, Piano/Keyboard, who is also the shows Musical Director; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar and Dobro; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar; Rob Blackburn, Drums and Matt Hanshaw, lead and acoustic guitar. To say that they do an outstanding job would be an understatement.

Those are the show’s individual musical elements, but it is the way they are all brought together by the show’s director and producer, Mike Patrick and associate producer Andy Holloway with the staging and choreography of GiGi Hutchinson that makes this show such a great musical experience. Virtually every number involves not only vocals, but choreography and the integration of various elements and performers into its performance. Two examples would be “The World,” beautifully sung by Todd Bradshaw featuring Wayne Massengale on the fiddle and the number “Just A Kiss,” beautifully sung by Jon and Jackie as GiGi and Justin performed an exquisite dance routine. The number was as much joy to watch as it was to hear.

And that’s just the musical part of the Comedy Jamboree. The performance that I saw featured Shannon Thomason as “Apple Jack,” and Adam Western as “Rusty Bucket,” who, from the preshow to the final comedy skit, seemed to come along at just the right time to tickle the funny bone with a stream of one liners and comedy skits. One feature of the show’s comedy is its intensive audience participation and the added fun it provides. This writer can guarantee laughter and that, among other comedic experiences, you have never seen a polka like these guys do and you will know for a certainty exactly how many of each type of animal Moses took on the Ark with him. It should be pointed out that Western was filling in for the shows other regular comedian, Perry Edenburn as “Harley Worthit” while he is fulfilling another engagement.

What a delightful way to spend an afternoon. For additional information or tickets for the Comedy Jamboree or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Burger Shack the Branson Trifecta for burgers, fries and shakes?

Branson's newest restaurant, the "Burger Shack" opened this week on the famed Branson Strip.

BRANSON, Mo. When I noticed that the Burger Shack had opened, diet or no diet, I had to stop by and try it. I very seldom write restaurant pieces, but as I was eating my burger, facing back toward the “fry” station and noticed the way it appeared that they were making their fries, I realized that it was just possible that I was looking at the equivalent of the “Branson Trifecta” for burgers, fries and shakes. That piqued by curiosity and I decided to check it out after I finished eating.

As things worked out, I talked with Jon Rasmussen, the General Manager of the Burger Shack and the son of one of the partners, who was kind enough to sit down and chat with me for a few minutes even though it was the lunch hour. When I asked him why they decided to open another burger place in Branson he said, “Burgers are one of those things that everybody likes. Everyone wants a good burger. There are good burgers in town, but we thought we could do things our own unique way.” As the interview progressed, it became very clear that burgers are not the only thing done in a unique way at the Burger Shack.

Everything at the Burger Shack involves high quality ingredients and freshness. Every Burger Shack Burger is made from 100 percent fresh ground chuck that is ground locally; is always fresh, never frozen and is cooked after it is ordered. This takes about eight minutes and is one of the primary reasons they don’t have a drive through. Another unique feature of the Burger Shack is that they have free peanuts guests can help themselves to while waiting for their order.

The burger is just under a quarter of a pound uncooked. Rasmussen said, “Gentlemen should get doubles and the ladies singles. From my perspective, the cheeseburger, with mayo, green peppers and grilled onions I had, along with an order of fries and diet coke, was plenty big enough.

As you order your burger there is a list of about 15 condiments and other things that you can top your burger with from the standard catsup, mustard, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes to mushrooms, grilled onions, green peppers and more; the possible combinations are endless. Rasmussen said you can add as many as you want without any additional charge.

Typically, to me, a burger’s bun is just to keep my hands from getting greasy while I eat the burger, but in this case the bun was delightful. It was warm and soft yet not soggy and really noticeably added to the overall enjoyment of the burger. When asked about the bun, Rasmussen said that it is all part of what makes a Burger Shack burger unique and special and it didn’t just happen. He said, “I have eaten a lot of buns in the last three months.”

The in house start of the Burger Shack's "famous "natural cut fries.

About 50 years ago this writer worked part time in a McDonald’s when they made their fries from scratch, that’s right, from the raw potato to the finished fries right in the store. Well, those days are back again at the Burger Shack.

When asked what makes their fries “famous” and so different from most others, Rasmussen said, “The amount of effort we put into them. Those boxes of potatoes that you see stacked when you come in are the potatoes that will become the fries that we serve.” Rasmussen took me back into the kitchen where the potatoes were being washed, sliced and made ready to go out for the multiple step “frying” process. The one difference between the McDonald’s fries of 50 years ago and the Burger Shack’s is that McDonalds took the skin off the potato, but the Burger Shack’s fries leave the skin on. One thing for certain though, the Burger Shack’s process sure adds new meaning to the term “natural cut fries,” and, speaking from personal experience, they were delicious.

Even their milk shakes are made the old fashioned way. Each is made from ice cream, not mixes, that is hand dipped. In deference to my diet, as I scoffed down the cheese burger and fries with gusto, I washed it down with a Diet Coke and did not get to try a milk shake, but they looked really really good. They also have a full selection of soft drinks and will be offering, bottled beer within a couple of weeks.

The Burger Shack is located in the building where Schlotzsky’s, followed by Gloria Jean’s Coffee, used to be, on the south side of Highway 76 across from the Grand Country Complex. It is open seven day a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. right now, but will have extended hours during the summer and holds about 88 inside. Rasmussen said that during the summer they will also have patio seating and special parking up front for “cool cars” and hot rods.

It is basically a self serve restaurant with the customer placing the order, getting a number and drink cups which they fill themselves. When their number is called they go up and get their order. Although the Burger Shack serves some other items such as a Salmon Burger and has a kids menu, it’s the burger, fries and shakes that their menu emphasizes. The single cheese burger that I had, with a soft drink, regular order of fries came to $8.81. The cheese burger alone was $4.49 without tax.

That special Valentine’s Day celebration in Branson

Pierce Arrow will be celebrating Valentines Day with performances.

The British poet and humorist, Thomas Hood, said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” It seems that on Valentine’s Day extra effort is made to show those we love how much we care, but how much more special each day would be if we followed Hood’s, words and treated those we love in a manner that said, “Thou art every day my Valentine?”

With Valentine’s Day coming up on Tuesday, February 14th, what better way to show your Valentine how much you care than by celebrating Valentine’s Day in Branson, Missouri, “the live music show capital of the world?” Whether that celebration takes place the weekend before or on Valentine’s Day itself, Branson, with its many restaurants, shopping, shows and other activities offers a variety of ways to share a special Valentine’s Day with that special someone.

From the simple café fare of a downtown staple like Clocker’s Café to an elegant romantic gourmet meal at the Chateau on the Lake, Candle Stick, Table 22 or the Level 2 Steak House and everything in between, Branson offers a variety of Valentine dining experiences for every budget and taste. Many will be offering special menus just for Valentine’s Day and it is suggested making reservations as early as possible.

Branson Landing Cruise line has special Valentine’s Day dinner cruises scheduled on the Branson Landing Princess on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11 and on Valentine’s Day. The Landing Princess is a 100 foot long luxury yacht and the cruise will include a romantic gourmet dinner, served while cruising Lake Taneycomo, and seeing the spectacular nighttime view of Branson Landing and its fire and water Fountain Show from the water.

As one would expect in Branson, Missouri, there is a variety of live entertainment shows available to share with your Valentine. Shows including the Hamner Barber Variety Show; Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, and Amazing Pets; the Hughes Brother’s presents “It”; the Haygoods and Pierce Arrow will be performing during the weekend of February 11. In addition, all the shows listed above except for the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Amazing Pets will also be performing shows on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

For those coming for the weekend, a package, combining lodging, shows, attractions and more offers not only a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but to save money. One example is Branson Tourism Center’s “Sweetheart Package.” It offers 3 days and 2 nights lodging, two tickets to either the Hamner Barber Variety Show or the Hughes Brothers Presents “It”, two tickets to the Titanic Museum Attraction, a special “romance basket” and more.

With all Branson has to offer, why not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with your special Valentine, in Branson? For additional information or tickets on 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Three must see and do things for your Branson Itinerary

Silver Dollar City's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and Table Rock Lake.*

BRANSON, Mo. “There is an infinite choice of things to see and do in Branson, Missouri and one of the questions we are asked the most often by first time visitors is, ‘What are the “must” things to see and do?'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Obviously that will change with the particular needs or desires of the person asking the question, the season of the year and other factors, but on average, the following three things should certainly be at the top of anyone’s ‘must see and do’ Branson itinerary'”

Silver Dollar City
See a Show
Branson Landing

Silver Dollar City is an 1880s styled theme park that is Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction. It has six world class festivals a year, 30 thrilling attractions and rides including its new kids area – “Half Dollar Holler,” 60 unique craft shops craftsmen demonstrating skills in pioneer crafts, great food and much more.

Branson is called, by some, “The live music show capital of the world” and during the season offers a variety and quality of live entertainment that is unequaled in any other travel destination of its size, perhaps any size. With all the shows in Branson there is sure to be a show that will appeal to just about everyone. Johnson points out that the original show on the Branson Strip, “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” is iconic not only for that, but because two of its cast members, drummer Steve Presley and his brother Gary Presley, the show’s comedian, have been performing continuously since it opened on the what is now the “Branson Strip “in 1967 and set a new “record” every time they perform. She points out that it is also one of Branson’s most popular shows and its mixture of music and “action comedy” will entertain the entire family.

Constructed at a cost of about $400 million in 2006, Branson Landing is at the same time, one of Branson’s main attractions and a premier shopping destination. It is located immediately adjacent to historic downtown Branson and the Branson Convention Center, on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo. With its unique promenade construction; 100 specialty retail stores, shops and restaurants; $7.5 million fire, water and light fountain show; board walk and attractions, Branson Landing is a unique part of the Branson experience.

Johnson says that Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, has a staff of over 100 people dedicated to just one thing, helping people plan and have a great Branson experience. BTC would be pleased to have one of their knowledgeable local Branson Vacation Planners assist anyone in planning their Branson vacation at absolutely no charge either by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Plungers Freezin’ for a Reason as Branson Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics of Missouri

Be a Polar Bear for the 2012 Branson Polar Plunge .

BRANSON, Mo. At 2 p.m. on February 11 some special people are going to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as they plunge into the cold water of Table Rock Lake in the 7th Annual Branson Polar Plunge. The reason the participants, appropriately designated as “Plungers,” will be “freezin'” is to support the more than 1,700 athletes in the Southwest Area of the “Special Olympics of Missouri (SOMO).” The 2011 Branson Polar Plunge raised more than $30,000 for the Special Olympic Athletes. The goal for the 2012 is $34,000.

Branson’s Polar Plunge will be held at the marina of the Still Waters Resort, 21 Still Water Trail, just south of Silver Dollar City in Indian Point, Road . Registration starts at Noon and the Plunge itself is right after the “Plunger Parade of Costumes,” at 2 p.m. After the Plunge there will be “free food, music and a silent auction” at the Post Plunge Party that will be held at the Best Western Branson Inn and Conference Center in Branson West.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the corporate sponsors of the event and herself a past “Plunger” said, “The event a great fund raiser for a great cause and is a lot of fun, not only for the ‘Plungers,’ but for those who come out to watch and support them.” She notes that there will be food and concession sales featuring food and warm “Plunge” clothing. One of the highlights will be the opportunity to see the costumes worn by some of the competing “Plungers” as groups and individuals compete for the coveted “Golden Plunger Award.”

Milton encourages everyone to come out and support the event and to donate what they can to support the “Special Olympics of Missouri” and its athletes. For further information on the Branson Polar Plunge or other Branson shows, and events please call Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or visit their web site wwwBransonTourismCenter.com.