Category Archives: Branson

Branson #3 in Top 50 Group Tour Destinations for 2012

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many things available to do in Branson.

When Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s leading provider of Branson travel services, first read about Branson, Missouri being ranked Number 3 in a listing of the Top 50 Group Tour Destinations for 2012 in a recent “Byways” online article entitled, “North America’s Top 50 Group Tour Destinations,” she enthusiastically and understandably said, “Yeah Branson!!” Calling Branson “the small town that transformed the entertainment business,” the article reports that Branson was surpassed only by Number 1 Washington, D.C. and Number 2 New York City on the list finishing ahead of cities such as Pigeon Forge, TN; Myrtle Beach, NC; Orlando, Las Vegas and dozens of others.

The listing was based on Byways “annual nationwide survey of tour operators and where they think their groups will be going during 2012.” The article explains that the survey is not a random survey, but is based on a “compilation of information received from tour operators throughout North America who responded to the annual Byways survey.” “Byways” is a bi-monthly publication “distributed electronically, via email to more than 4000 tour operators and 20,000 travel agencies” including bank travel managers, school band and athletic planners and meeting planners.

In addition to reporting and listing the Top 50 Group Tour Destinations for 2012, the article also listed the “Top 30 State Tours Destinations” with Missouri ranking Number 6 ahead of states such as Florida, Hawaii, and North Carolina. Branson also offers five out of the “Top Ten Tour Group Friendly Hotel chains including the Number 1 listed Holiday Inn Express, Number 3 Best Western, Number 4 Hampton Inns, Number 6 Comfort Inns and Number 9 Radisson Hotels.

The 1880’s theme park, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular attraction was listed Number 14 out of the “Top 15 Man-Made Attractions,” in the survey. The list included the Statute of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, Disney World and the Grand Old Opry. In addition to six world class festivals each year, the international award winning theme park features 30 rides and attractions encompassing everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and some of the best live shows and entertainment available anywhere.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood feels that Branson is popular with groups for the same reason it is popular with families and individuals. The natural beauty of the Ozarks and its lakes, when combined with Branson’s great value; live shows; attractions; golfing; fishing; shopping and other activities makes Branson a wonderful unique travel destination for groups and families alike.

The Grand Village Shops another exceptional Branson shopping experience

Highway 76 entrance with Mel's Diner and, to the left, a glimpse of "interior" of Grand Village Shops.

Shopping is an integral part of the Branson experience for many people,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She also points out that its availability, like the majority of Branson’s other attractions, is year round and not weather or seasonally dependent.”

The variety and quality of the shopping offered by Branson’s outlet malls, Branson Landing, its historic downtown shopping district and other specialty shops is well known. Perhaps not as well known, but providing one of the most unique, interesting and attractive shopping experiences in Branson, is the Grand Village Shops located in the middle of Branson’s entertainment district at 2800 W. Highway 76 on the famous Branson Strip.

Opened in 1993, the Grand Village Shops’ architecture and design is a not an attraction to be missed. Its beautiful fountains, plantings, brick walkways, flower beds and buildings were designed based on “the look of old town Charleston, South Carolina” and provide a charming relaxing shopping venue that is unique in Branson.

From apparel, gift, specialty, toy. book and jewelry stores the shopping experience provided at the Grand Village Shops is exceptional. The confluence of the gallery and fine arts of Helwig Art Glass, Peter Engler Woodcarving and Design, Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Gallery and Mark Karpinski Photography add to the  total shopping experience available at the Grand Village Shops.

The Grand Village Shops has two restaurants that are as unique as its design and shopping. “Sugar Leaf Treats” has some of the most delicious hand crafted treats, cookies, cakes and pies available in Branson to go with their specialty soups, salads, quiches, sandwiches and other items.

Mel’s Hard Luck Dinner, is noted for serving “the biggest banana split in Branson,” its “famous Root Beer Malts” and serving hearty portions of good home cooked food and one other thing, entertainment. As it serves up its delicious food, Mel’s staff of singing servers, interface with the customers in an up-close and personal one on one entertainment experience that the customers from kids on up just love. The singing servers come from varied backgrounds such as Broadway, cruise ships, shows and TV. Two of these servers, Jason Yeager and Matt Kester, appeared on the hit Fox Show “American Idol,” Yeager in 2008 and Kester in 2005.

The Grand Village Shops has great shopping, food, entertainment all presented within a unique and relaxing environment. “It’s another of those unique quality experiences that makes Branson so exciting and interesting,” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson added. For additional information on the Grand Village Shops or Branson’s other shopping, shows, attractions, or lodging please feel free to 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.

TripAdvisor recognizes Branson as one of top “Destinations on the rise”

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of the many shows and attractions on the famed "Branson Strip."

BRANSON, Mo. Branson was recently recognized as one of the “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com in a select list with the likes of Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. In naming Branson as Number 7 out of the 15 destinations recognized, the article said that Branson’s natural beauty, attractions, live entertainment, shopping and other activities “draw 8.4 million tourists a year.”

While pointing out that the “live music and comedy shows, numerous restaurants, theme parks, shopping outlets and myriad hotels” available on the famed “Branson Strip” is reminiscent of the non-stop entertainment provided by Las Vegas the article stresses some very important differences. There are no casinos and all that Branson provides is done amid “small town rural surroundings” by a “warm, hospitable town tucked into the foothills of the Ozarks.”

The article goes on to say that Branson’s “Rolling hills offer 200 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking, and three scenic lakes that are havens for fishing and water sports.” Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, said that not only is Branson surrounded with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, but that, from Silver Dollar City to Branson Landing, that natural beauty has been integrated into the Branson experience. “When all that Branson has to offer, in terms of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities is considered together with its small town atmosphere, spirit and natural beauty, the result in a unique experience that can only be found in Branson, Missouri,” she continued.

Milton said, “What an honor it is for Branson to be recognized as one of the of “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com.” She also explains that during the Spring of this year Branson also received recognition from TripAdvisor as one of the “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.” She feels that such recognition is in large part due to the efforts of all those involved with Branson’s Tourism Industry to ensure that Branson’s guests have a great Branson experience and a philosophy of ‘If it’s important to you then it’s important to me.”‘

To those who have never been to Branson before she suggests, “Why not plan a visit to Branson during 2012 to see what all the excitement is about?” Too, she reminds those who have visited before that Branson will be celebrating its Centennial throughout all of 2012 providing an ideal time to revisit and enjoy all that Branson has to offer. For assistance in planning a trip to Branson or getting your questions on Branson answered by local Branson experts, Milton offers the free services of 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.

Branson Up Close and Personal with Christina Lingo Tabuchi

 

Christina Lingo Tabuchi right after our interview.

BRANSON, Mo. One of Branson’s most popular shows is the Shoji Tabuchi Show which has been entertaining audiences in Branson, in its own theatre, for going on 23 years. Starting out as an eight year old performer, Shoji’s daughter, Christina Lingo Tabuchi, has been singing and dancing with her dad for just about everyone of those years and has developed into an extraordinary singer and dancer who is the shows Vocal Director and Co-Captain of the Dancers. In addition to performing with the Shoji Tabuchi show this very personable young lady is also in the process of developing a solo career.

BTC was fortunate to catch up with her before she left Branson for Nashville, where she resides when not performing or working in Branson. In the “off season” Christina will not only be working on projects for her solo career, but will also be involved with the production, auditioning and costume designing for the show and the buying of merchandise for the theatres gift shop. The Shoji Tabuchi Show will open its 2012 season on April 13th.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interview with Christina Lingo Tabuchi (CT) uses a “Question and Answer” format with the interviewing being done for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 26 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and free lance writer.

BTC: At what age did you first start singing and dancing?
CT: I started singing and dancing when I was three and started performing for audiences when I was five. My first non-school performances were on the stage of “Country Music World” when Bill and Janet Daily would let me perform.

BTC: When did you first start performing in the Shoji Tabuchi Show?
CT: In 1989 when we started our own show in the old “auto show” building. [It is the theatre currently located behind the Olive Garden Restaurant.]

BTC: Do you remember the first number you performed?
CT: Oh absolutely. The first song I ever sang on stage in front of people was Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man.” For the Shoji Tabuchi Show I believe that the very first song I sang was “Swinging on a Star.”

Christina performing the Carpenter's hit "Merry Christmas Darling."

BTC: What part of this year’s Shoji Tabuchi Show did you personally enjoy performing the most and why?
CT: That’s really hard, but I really had a fun time doing “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood with two of the dancers Cory Hansen and Brandt Brinkley in the regular show. Although I know that anybody who knows me and is going read this will laugh, one of my favorite parts in the Christmas Show was dancing and doing the polka to “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells.”

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
CT: It’s funny because when you say that, instantaneously, I think of Shepherd of the Hills [Expressway] being a dirt road and the charcoal plant.

BTC: What do you like to do most in Branson when you are not performing?
CT: I’m kind of a homebody. I just enjoy resting and relaxing with family and friends

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
CT: My family’s here. It can’t get any better than that. I’ve always loved hanging out with my parents so it’s just been a dream for me. Another thing I love is the great family atmosphere of Branson. It is a great place to visit and a great place to live.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any one entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
CT: I don’t know. How I am supposed to pick between George Jones and Dolly Parton.

BTC: Let’s take them both.
CT: George Jones was a favorite of my “Nanny,” my mom’s mom. That’s who she listened to and pretty much what I was raised on. I just think he’s amazing. And Dolly Parton is just amazing. She’s an entertainer, entrepreneur, writes her own music, plays guitar, has a great sense of humor, acts and is involved with the whole range of entertainment. I just respect her a lot.

BTC: In your career, of all the performances you have been in, no matter how big or small, which one personally meant the most to you and why?

CT: You know, it kind of makes me a little teary, but it was when me, mom and dad were all three doing the show together. Take any one of those.

BTC:  Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
CT: I seriously love just hanging around with my family, friends and dogs.

BTC: What kind of dogs?
CT: Rescued mutts. I have a little wired hair terrier, his name is “Gus” and little poodle, schnauzer terrier mix and her name is “Petunia.”

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
CT: I am obsessed with cup cakes.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in front of an audience?
CT: Oh, good grief. One that sticks out was during our first year of shows when I was about eight years old. While dad was playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” I came out from behind a little “Candy Land” house that was wheeled out and sang with him. This one day, I got the hiccups and had them all during the song. The audience was laughing during the whole song. I remember thinking, “Oh, they’re laughing at me” and they said, “No they’re laughing because it’s cute and you have the hiccups and can’t get rid of them.”

BTC: What is your favorite genre of music?
CT: I can’t pick just one. I love all types of music.

BTC: In addition to being a performer in the Shoji Tabuchi Show, what other duties do you perform in connection with the show?
CT: I am the Vocal Director for the theatre, the Co Captain of the Dancers and am involved with some of the costume designing, back stage management and the buying of merchandise for the gift shop. In addition, I hold the auditions for singers and dancers for the show.

BTC: Are there any special projects you have on tap for next year that you would like to share with our readers?
CT: I have a new album that will be released next year and will be available when we start our 2012 season on April 13th. I am also working on two other albums, a duet album with friends and a Christmas album.

BTC: Are you on Facebook andhttp://ww Twitter?
CT: I sure am. www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Lingo/75740939185 and www.twitter.com/ChristinaLingo

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
CT: Plan to come and see our show next year, you’ll have a great time and there’s something for everybody.

BTC: Can you give us a hint of what will be in the show next year?
CT: We haven’t had our production meetings for next year yet, but I guarantee that it will be a great show!

 

Branson is a unique “gift,” at Christmas or any time

Branson's Titanic Museum always an exciting voyage back into history is even more so during 2012 as the 100th anniversary of its sinking is remembered.

When one thinks of Branson, Missouri many things instantly come to mind, fun, excitement, variety and value to name a few. The word “gift” might not often come to mind, but at this special time of the year describing what Branson represents as a “gift” might be totally appropriate.

Particularly at this time of the year, when the word “gift” is used people think of Christmas presents, but as the term is used in this article a “gift” is “a notable capacity, talent, or endowment.” Branson is notably endowed with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, three pristine lakes, spectacular shopping, more than 100 shows filled with some of the most talented performers anywhere and a variety of exciting fun filled attractions unmatched anywhere.

Where else can a person go in this country where, less than 10 minutes away from a 45,000 plus acre lake, Table Rock Lake, they can be sitting in a theatre seat watching one of Branson’s numerous live shows? Is there a another place where a family can share a “voyage” aboard a half scale replica of the R.M.S. Titanic at the Titanic Museum Attraction during the day and enjoy a wonderful cruise on Table Rock Lake, dinner and great entertainment aboard the magnificent Branson Belle?

Is there another place in America where an attraction such as the 1880’s theme park, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular attraction and its dozens of exciting rides, shows, demonstrating craftsmen, has been built over a Natural National Landmark such as “Marvel Cave?” One has to wonder how many theme parks anywhere have been integrated into the natural environment surrounding them as Silver Dollar City has to become a virtual part of the Ozark Mountains surrounding it and whose history, crafts and culture it preserves and shares with the world?

Is there anywhere else that has the variety of attractions that Branson has? From the World’s Largest Toy Museum and the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks, called the “Smithsonian of the Ozarks” to the Veterans Memorial Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and many other activities; Branson’s attractions provide an opportunity for fun and excitement that would be notable anywhere.

In the snow of winter or the heat of summer, Dick's 5 & 10, in historic downtown Branson, is just one example of the unique shopping Branson has to offer.

Branson is a shopping Mecca for shoppers endowed with one of the most varied shopping experiences available anywhere. From hand crafted items in Silver Dollar City and many of Branson’s other specialty shop to two major outlet malls, Dicks 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson and the $150 million Branson Landing, Branson offers a unique shopping experience not available anywhere else.

As notable and exciting as everything Branson has to offer is, what really makes the gift of Branson special is the spirit of its people as they present the gift of Branson to its visitors. At a recent employee gathering, Lianne Milton, the co-owner of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, might just have summed up that spirit as well as it can be when she said, “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me.” That’s the icing on the cake in terms of the gift that Branson gives its guests because to each of its millions of annual visitors, it says, “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me” and does its best to make it so.

Why come to Branson during the “off season?”

Tthe Hollywood Wax Museum is just one of the many year round attractions in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. The question is often asked, “Why should I come to Branson during the off season?” Having lived in the Branson area for the major part of 25 years this writer feels safe in answering that question by saying, “For the same reason you’d come during the season, to have fun and enjoy a great Branson experience.”

The experience one will enjoy during the off season will be different from a couple of perspectives. First, the vast majority of Branson’s live shows will be closed during January and most of February, but great shows such as the Grand Jubilee, Hughes Brothers, and others will be available with more gradually opening in February and subsequent months.

In terms of attractions, although Branson’s biggest and most popular attraction the 1880’s theme park Silver Dollar City will be not open until March 15, the vast majority of Branson’s attractions are not weather dependent and will be open. These include attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Hollywood Wax Museum, the Castle of Chaos, the Titanic Museum Attraction and many others. Regardless of the weather there will be an exciting fun filled activity for your family to share together that is only minutes away from wherever you are staying in Branson.

It is going to be a very special year at the Titanic Museum Attraction as they remember the 100th anniversary of the great ships sinking with many special events. In addition, they will host the 2012 National Ice Carving Association’s U.S. Nationals on February 4-5 with the carvers competing for an opportunity “to end up in the city of Sochi, Russia, the host city for the XXII Olympic Winter Games, in 2014.

From an outdoor perspective there is everything from trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo, bass fishing on Table Rock Lake, to walking, hiking, biking, seeing the eagles or experiencing the National Tiger Sanctuary. Have young children and want a great photo opportunity with them having a blast, then take them down to “Branson’s Unofficial Duck Feeding Area” at Scotty’s Dock and let them feed the ducks and geese that congregate there. Just a leisurely walk along the Branson Landing’s Boardwalk is a unique and wonderful experience to share together.

Speaking of Branson Landing brings to mind Branson’s fabulous shopping which is always in season. From Branson’s major Malls such as Tanger Outlets and Branson Landing to its specialty shops and shopping attractions such as “Dick’s 5 & 10,” Branson provides a shopping experience that is as unique as it is unparalleled and is never “out of season.” While avoiding the in season crowds you just might get some of the best values of the year.

Branson’s is noted for the variety, quality and value of its lodging. From lakeside condos and cabins to quaint B&Bs, resorts with inside water parks and many others, there is a lodging choice for every budget and need with many offering complimentary breakfast.

In Branson, fun, excitement, value and family are always in season. Branson’s off season offers an opportunity to enjoy these things without the pressures of crowds and traffic that are common during the season. “In season” or “out of season” Branson offers a unique unparalleled experience and great value and the opportunity to create memories that could last a life time.

Usher in the New Year in Branson Missouri

Pierce Arrow is just one of the many Branson shows that will be holding special New Year's Eve Shows.

“What better place than Branson, Missouri for families to say, ‘Goodbye’ to the old year and welcome in the New Year?” asked Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “When it comes to family entertainment and fun there is no place like Branson and from the morning of New Year’s Eve, December 31, to the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration at midnight, there are numerous interesting and exciting ways for families to celebrate the occasion together,” she continued.

As would be expected in the place called “The live music show capital of the world,” Branson will offer a variety of exciting live shows.. The Official Branson.Com Show Schedule, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, indicates that the following shows, sorted alphabetically by time, will be open on December 31. In addition, if a show has indicated they are doing something special to celebrate New Year’s Eve the words “New Year’s Eve Show” follows the shows name. Click here for information on the specifics of each show’s celebration.

10:00 AM

Amazing Pets
The Lennon Morning Show

2:00 PM

Hank Williams Revisited

3:00 PM

Acrobats of China
Comedy Jamboree

3:30 PM
Miracle of Christmas

5:00 PM

Circle B Supper Show
The Rat Pack – Live and Swingin’

5:15 PM

Christmas on the Trail

5:30 PM

Dixie Stampede

7:30 PM

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show New Year’s Eve

8:00 PM

Clay Cooper’s New Year’s Eve
Jukebox Journey

9:00 PM

Acrobats of China New Year’s Eve
Doug Gabriel New Year’s Eve
Grand Jubilee New Year’s Eve
Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve
Haygoods New Year’s Eve
Jim Stafford New Year’s Eve
Kirby VanBurch New Year’s Eve
Pierce Arrow New Year’s Eve

9:30 PM

Legends in Concert New Year’s Eve

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of many Branson Attractions that will be open for Branson visitors to enjoy.

Although Silver Dollar City will be closed for the season, from the magnificent Titanic Museum, to ziplines, and so much more, the vast majority of Branson’s attractions will also be open over New Year’s weekend. The Titanic, always interesting, fresh and exciting is even more so as it remembers the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the great ship.

Other highlights would include the areas two major drive through Christmas Lighting displays and their millions of glittering lights, the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hill’s Trail of Lights. One of Branson’s most unique Christmas events is “White Flight,” at the Butterfly and Rainforest Adventure, with thousands of white butterflies, live statute art and much more. The ships of Branson Landing Cruise Lines, the “Lake Queen” and the “Lake Princess” will be sailing throughout the day and also have special New Year’s Eve cruises.

What would it be like without the famous shopping for which Branson is noted? Well no one will have to find out because Branson’s major retail centers and many of its specialty shops will be open. Branson Landing will be open from 11 AM to 7 PM on both December 31 and January 1; Tanger Outlets from 9 AM to 6 PM on December 31 and from 10 AM to 7:00 PM on January 1 and the Factory Merchant Mall, the Red Roof Mall, is open from 9 AM to 6 PM on December 31 and from 10 AM to 7:00 PM on January 1.

“From shows to attractions, great shopping, cruises and so much more, Branson is the ideal place for families to celebrate New Year’s together,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Milton. She also advises that weather and other factors could cause schedule changes etc and offers the services of the Branson Tourism Center in answering any questions anyone might have about any of the activities mentioned in this article or for assistance with tickets or lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s shows and value make it the “real deal” all the time

One of the colorful and exciting production numbers from the Andy Williams Christmas Show.

“It’s exciting because that’s the way a lot of people feel about Branson after they have visited it for the first time,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Milton was referring to an article written by Patti Nickell, Contributing Travel Writer for the Lexington, Herald Leader entitled Branson, Mo.: a great trip for the holidays or any other time appearing on line at Kentucky.Com on December 4.

The article started off with a confession that many people who have never been to Branson might be able to relate to. While acknowledging that Branson has eight million visitors, a year the writer said, “I had never particularly wanted to go to Branson, Mo. It always seemed like a veritable kitsch soup whose ingredients were tour buses, tacky attractions and souvenirs and pseudo-folksiness.”

After her “inaugural” four day visit to Branson in mid-November, during Ozark Mountain Christmas however, the writer wrote, “I have another confession: I was wrong. This small community in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, just north of the Arkansas state line, is the real deal.”

During her visit she experienced the Branson first hand, going to eight shows and An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. She saw a wide variety of Branson’s shows and described them as “being nothing short of spectacular.”

The breadth of the shows she experienced covered the gamut of “A Dickens Christmas Carol” at Silver Dollar City’s “An Ole Time Christmas,” which she stated couldn’t “have been better staged in London or New York” to “The Twelve Irish Tenors” described as her favorite because of their mesmerizing talent and “rendition of the aria ‘Nessun dorma’ from Puccini’s opera ‘Turandot,'” which “alone was worth the price of admission.” The article described other Branson shows she saw during her trip including, the “Andy Williams Christmas Show,” “The Legend of Kung Fu,” “The Brett Family” and “Oh What A Night! A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.”

The article emphasizes the value of Branson’s show pricing pointing out that Branson’s prices are about a third of what shows in Las Vegas and New York would cost. It said they “are, in fact, a major reason to come to Branson.”

Milton said that the experience described in the article, from the quality and value of Branson’s shows to the way people feel about Branson after they have visited for the first time is what has made Branson such an exciting and successful travel destination. “In terms of family entertainment, value and excitement, Branson Missouri is the ‘real deal,'” she continued.

 

Yahoo Travel names Branson as one of Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Lights

Millions of sparkling Christmas lights decorate Silver Dollar City's town square, light parade and five story Special Effects Christmas Tree. *

BRANSON, Mo. From trees to Nativity scenes and lots in between, Christmas lights add a special beauty and glitter to Branson’s celebration of the traditional American Christmas. Since its inception over 20 years ago, Christmas Lights have played a very important part of Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas adding a glow to the Ozark Hills that spreads from the wonder of Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas to the giant Nativity Scene on Top of Mount Branson overlooking Branson Landing and downtown Branson.

Recently Branson was listed as number six, by Yahoo! Travel in an article entitled “Top 10 Destinations for Holiday Lights,” written by Elissa Richard. “It’s amazing that a little town in southwestern Missouri is listed on the same list with New York City, Walt Disney World, Chicago and others,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a testimony to the great experience Branson guests can expect during Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she continued.

The article points out that Branson is transformed into a “veritable winter wonderland each holiday season, bursting at the seams with lavish light displays…”It specifically mentions Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas, describing it as “an elaborate light-and-music show showcasing no fewer than 4 million radiant lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees” including the “5-story Special Effects Christmas Tree which, along with the surrounding square, beams with over a million lights that ‘dance’ to select Christmas tunes and the holiday light parade with light-embellished musical floats that runs twice each evening.”

Branson’s two other major drive through Christmas lighting displays The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights were also featured in the article. The “Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights” is a two and a half mile journey through millions of Christmas lights, hundreds of gorgeous displays, holiday music, and animated scenes most of which have been integrated into the natural terrain of the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. and includes a “trip to Inspiration Tower where guests can ride glass elevators up 230 feet for a ‘Santa’s eye view’ of the lights from above.” The “Branson Area Festival of Lights” is a one mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated.

“And that’s just the Christmas lights at the major displays,” said Johnson. Indeed, when all the rest of the lighting and decorations that the city of Branson, Branson Landing and Branson’s shows, attractions and other businesses have done is factored in with the giant Nativity Scene that overlooks historic downtown Branson, it’s hard to envision a city that will be more aglow with either Christmas lights or the true spirit Christmas than Branson, Missouri.

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Branson’s unique vibrant downtown district filled with history and fun

Free Downtown Trolley is both an attraction and a connection between Historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing.

BRANSON, Mo. “What a blessing,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “even in these trying economic times, historic downtown Branson is vibrant, alive and thriving.” She points out that the historic downtown district has it all, fun, shows, festivals, restaurants, shopping, attractions and history all in a unique, quaint, comfortable and laid back atmosphere that truly represents “small town” America at its best.

In terms of history, Branson, Missouri, the place that is today called “The live music capital of the world” got its start in historic downtown Branson. The “Baldknobbers Jamboree,” credited with being the “show that started it all,” held the city of Branson’s first commercial theatre performances in a small rented space inside a civic center building located in historic downtown Branson. Historic downtown Branson is the location the of grave of the man Branson is named after, Ruben S. Branson; it’s oldest free standing building Sullenger’s Saloon and the only buildings to survive the 1912 fire that virtually destroyed Branson’s downtown district within months after it was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1912.

If you’re thinking that makes Branson 100 years old in 2012 you’re right. And what a century it’s been, truly “A Century to Celebrate!” Branson’s Centennial Celebration, during the entire year of 2012, will do just that honoring “100 years of Heritage, Harmony & Hospitality.”

But, historic downtown Branson is much more than just history. With festivals, parades, shows, restaurants, attractions, and shopping galore, it’s a wonderful place to relax have fun and experience a special and unique part of Branson.

Its three primary festivals, “Plumb Nellie Days,” the “Fiddle Festival,” and “Autumn Daze,” help preserve Ozarks history and culture in terms of arts, crafts, music and just getting together and having fun. Historic downtown Branson has two major parades each year; “The Branson Veteran’s Day Parade,” which has been held at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month for the last 77 years and its “Adoration Day Parade,” a night parade which has been held for 64 years, honoring the true meaning of Christmas.

It offers shows such as Elvis and the Superstars, Breakfast with Mark Twain, Motown Downtown and others. It has a selection of restaurants located close together that includes four of Branson’s oldest the “Branson Café,” “Farm House,” “The Shack” and “Clockers,” all located within a block of each other and noted for their home-style cooking; “Rocky’s Italian Restaurant” and its three newest restaurants, Branson’s upscale “Level 2 Steakhouse,” located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel; the unique “Table 22,” “where the earth speaks,” and the “Downtown Dinner” located next to the historic Owen Theatre.

Just one of the many aisles of merchandise in the unique shopping experience that is Dicks 5 & 10.

Historic downtown Branson is a shopper’s dream in terms of the unique shopping opportunities it offers. From unique shops such as “Branson Bills Emporium” “Rosa’s Lost Treasure Chest,” “Lil’ Shoppe of Leather” “Hollywood Studio Store & More,” the “Burlington Annex” and dozens of others, the shopping experience in historic downtown Branson is unique and special. And, if that’s not enough there is a “Free Downtown Trolley” service” between the historic downtown district and Branson Landing, which opens up a whole new area of exciting shopping opportunities.

And that’s not counting ,“Dick’s 5 & 10,” celebrating its 50th anniversary during 2011, a one of a kind shopping experience harking back to the old time “5 & 10” stores. Dicks is so unique that it is also one of Branson’s most popular attractions. It’s wide selection of varied merchandise has led some to say, “If you can’t find it at Dick’s you don’t need it.” Historic downtown Branson also has other attractions such as horse and buggy ride,a  “Free Downtown Trolley” that runs through the historic downtown area to Branson Landing and along the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront every few minutes, the Branson Scenic Railway, and its newest attraction, the “Gone With the Wind Museum” commemorating the spectacular 1939 film that won 10 academy awards. In this writer’s opinion, the totality of the experience that historic downtown Branson offers is in itself an attraction.

When Branson became a city on April 1, 1912 downtown Branson was the “heart” of its business district, now almost 100 years later, in terms of history, heritage, harmony, and hospitality, it’s still a major part of the “heartbeat” that makes Branson the special place that it is. For additional information on historic downtown Branson and all it has to offer 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 by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.