Category Archives: Branson

Make the planning of your next Branson trip as pleasant as the Branson experience itself

Silver Dollar City, Branson's most popular paid attraction, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.

There are basically two ways to plan a trip to Branson, Missouri, yourself or through a Branson vacation planning service. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, is a 13 year veteran of helping people have a great Branson experience. He suggests that both first time and repeat Branson visitors can enhance their Branson experience through the convenience of using a Branson vacation planning service, such as the Branson Tourism Center.

Outside of just wanting to do it themselves, Miller says it has been his experience that the major reasons people don’t use a Branson vacation planning services to help plan their Branson trip are they don’t realize the value and convenience of using such services, believe it costs more to use them, is inconvenient, and are worried about giving their personal information over the phone or internet. He suggests that with all the choices available in Branson, shows and their scheduling; attractions; different types of hotels and lodging, not only in terms of pricing, but location and other activities, that the use of a Branson vacation planning service such as the Branson Tourism Center could enhance the overall enjoyment of the Branson experience.

Although he can’t speak for other Branson vacation planning services, Miller can discuss how the company he works with, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), addresses some of the concerns people have expressed. “It doesn’t get much more convenient,” said Miller. “All people have to do is dial Branson Tourism Center’s toll free number 1-800-785-1550, any day of the year except Christmas, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and they will be speaking with a trained BTC Travel Specialist who will be happy to help them plan their Branson trip and answer any questions they may have about Branson.

In terms of cost for BTC’s services, there is none. All Branson Tourism Center’s services are free and there is no additional charge of any kind added to their prices. “In fact,” Miller said, “because of the great relationships BTC has with the theatres, hotels and attractions it deals with, the chances are excellent, especially when you bundle or package lodging, shows and attractions, that a you will actually save money using Branson Tourism Center’s services.

While understanding peoples concerns about disclosing their personal information over the phone or internet, Miller points out that the Branson Tourism Center is one of Branson’s largest and most trusted Branson vacation planning services and has sold over 2 million Branson show tickets. In addition, it is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Southwest Missouri with an A+ rating and is a member of, among other organizations, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, American Society of Travel Agents, American Bus Association, and the Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association.

Miller points out that Branson Tourism Center offers a full range of Branson travel services including a Groups and Reunions Department, 1-800-268-4014; Travel Agency, 1-800-785-2176 and Special Events Department, 1-800-268-2684. In addition to its own website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com, BTC owns and operates Branson’s first and most trafficked destination web site, www.Branson.Com. It can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website.

Branson’s “Grand Jubilee,” entertainment in the grandest Branson tradition

New South's Scott, Trey, Jason, and Mark.

The “Grand Jubilee” has everything one would expect from a Branson show, great vocalist, instrumentalists and comedy, but with something else, synergy. When extremely talented vocalists are combined with equally talented musicians and one Branson’s best comedians the resulting synergy results in a fast paced entertainment experience in the “grandest” Branson tradition.

The Grand Jubilee show features the quartet “New South,” composed of Trey Wilson, Lead Singer; Jason Pritchett, Baritone; Scott Leven, Tenor and Mark McCauley, Bass. These guys have great voices and sing a variety of different music beautifully. Their exceptional harmonies are a joy to hear. Among others, New South’s performance of the inspirational “How Great Thou Art” and the J. D. Souther song, “How Long” support their billing as “Branson’s best quartet.”

If it stopped there that would be enough, but it doesn’t. It is obvious that a lot of extra effort has gone into the production and choreography of the show. That along with the costuming adds so much to the audience’s entertainment experience. A personal favorite of this writer was their performance of “YMCA” during the “70’s Medley” in the second half of the show and the great “moves” by Bass singer Mark McCauley.

Jackie Brown and Todd Bradshaw do a wonderful job as featured vocalists. Brown’s duet performance of the Kenny Rogers Dottie West hit “Every Time Two Fools Collide” with New South’s Trey Wilson and Bradshaw’s performance of the George Jones hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” with Massengale featured on the fiddle were exceptional.

The “Grand Band,” is composed of some of the best musicians in Branson and are an inherent part of the show not only in terms of musical support, but in performing featured numbers during vocals. The instrumentality of the Grand Band is demonstrated throughout with two of this writers favorites being their solo of a “Bluegrass LaLaPaLooza” and their featured performances during many of the numbers such as in “Kentucky River.”

Jim Dandy,” played by Jamie Haage along with his straight man, Mike Patrick, provide the shows comedy. It’s just the right amount of comic relief at the right time provided by one of funniest men in Branson. The constant rumble of laughter from the audience is almost loud enough to hide the sound of what happened to Jim Dandy’s hand grenade.

Comedy is only one facet of the multitalented Haage who is also an accomplished vocalist and instrumentalists. In terms of funny and unique his version of of “Nine to Five” stands alone. At the other end of the spectrum his renditions of “Mama Don’t Allow” and “Mama’s Teaching Angels” are simply beautiful vocals with an eternal message.

Mike Patrick is the show’s producer, Master of Ceremonies and comedy straight man. In addition to his own considerable talents, he uses the synergy provided by the talents of all the shows performers to provide two of the best and fastest moving hours of entertainment in Branson.

For additional information or tickets on the “Grand Jubilee” or any another Branson show, attraction or lodging please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). It is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging and may be contacted by either calling its toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.bransontourismcenter.com.

Sullenger’s Saloon- Branson’s oldest commercial building predates Branson

The Sullenger's Saloon building has been in the same location for over 100 years.

Although Branson did not become a city until 1912 it was platted in 1903. In her book “A Living History of the Ozarks,” Phylis Rossiter said that “Sullenger’s Saloon” was “the first business building to appear in Branson after it was platted in 1903 and is the oldest building still standing in Branson.”

Jo Stacey Albers, coauthor of the book, “Hometown Branson: Early History” with Dorothy Stacey, points out that the saloon was owned by Henry Sullenger and was originally located at Third and College Streets. He moved the saloon to its current location at 123 E. Main Street, on the northwestern corner of Sycamore and Main Streets sometime prior to 1909 because Branson’s main commercial area, called “The Shelf,” was developing in the Commercial Street area a few blocks east of his original location. With the move he was one block east of the Commercial Street and right on the western edge of the Branson’s railroad development.

Soon after it was incorporated on April 1, 1912, an early morning fire, starting in the Commercial Hotel located in the southeastern corner of the intersection of Commercial and Pacific Streets, virtually destroyed all the businesses in the downtown area. Four commercial buildings survived the fire, the Branson Hotel, the bank building located on the northwestern corner of Main and Commercial Streets, the railroad depot and a two story structure near the depot commonly known as “Sullenger’s Saloon.”

According to Albers during its “heyday” Sullenger’s was very popular with the railroad workers and, among other things, was operated as a saloon and a pool hall. Since then it has been
used for different things over the years. These include a boarding house, a collector card shop and its current use, the “Plum Bazaar,” a business that sells beads, custom jewelry, beading supplies, and gifts as well as conducting classes on “beading.”

Albers points out that in the mid 40’s “Mrs. Noel” operated it as a “real nice boarding house.” That use and its current location are ironic because today it is located kitty corner from Branson’s newest “boarding house,” the luxurious 12 story, 293 room Hilton Convention Center Hotel and Branson’s largest and newest major shopping attraction, “Branson Landing,” is located just one block to the east of the building that moved to its current location, over 100 years ago, because of the development of a new retail area to its east.

Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, points out that the building “Sullenger’s Saloon” was in is currently being operated as the “Plum Bazaar.” It is readily visible at the corner of Main and Sycamore Streets, at the foot of the Main Street hill, as one drives to and from Branson Landing on Main Street.

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB announces 2004 Community Award recipients

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau announced today the recipients of the 2004 community awards. The awards were presented at the Chamber’s annual Black Tie dinner and gala held February 25, 2005 at the Chateau on the Lake in Branson, MO.

Corporate sponsors for the evening were Akers & Arney Insurance, Ozark Mountain Bank, ReserveBRANSON.com and Ozarks Family Vision Centre/Missouri Eye Institute. In addition to dinner and entertainment provided by The Thundering Red Rockets, the evening served as an opportunity to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the Branson/Lakes area. The awards presented at the 2005 event were:

The Mary Award, named in honor of Mary Herschend and Mary Trimble, the first recipients, was presented to Steve Weyher, operator of Golden Corral restaurant, for his outstanding service to the community and its residents. Steve has been a long-time supporter of the area’s events for veterans, and community marketing programs such as Hot Winter Fun. In 2004, Steve made a significant contribution to the “Branson’s Fun for Everyone” grassroots campaign by rallying local support for the program’s efforts to encourage visitors to Branson. Steve regularly donates his company’s services, and his personal time and energies when called upon by the community.

The Pioneer Award was presented to Jim Thomas, owner of the Lodge of the Ozarks complex, in appreciation for many years of service and dedication to the Branson community. A man of vision, Jim brought legendary entertainers such as Roy Clark to Branson for the first time, and later encouraged some of them to build their own theaters, prompting national recognition for the area. Jim was instrumental in developing Branson as a year round destination by being the first to extend his theater’s performance season. He encouraged the growth of the first convention and group tour business to Branson, and has continually upgraded his Lodge complex to provide visitors with a first-class entertainment, lodging, dining and meeting experience.

The Ambassador Award was presented to The Vacation Channel for its exemplary ambassadorship for the Branson/Lakes area. The company’s commitment to providing first-rate programming and high-quality production services has made an outstanding impression on millions of visitors to the area. The owners and staff provide professional, thoughtful customer service to their clients, and they have been recognized numerous times within their industry for their award-winning work.

The Beautification Award was given to the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks for its enhancement of the Branson/Lakes area. The state-of-the art, beautifully crafted facility and grounds provide a truly memorable sensory experience for visitors, residents and students. The new facility will provide C of O students with many wonderful learning experiences for generations to come.

The Community Spirit Award, created and sponsored by Myer Hotels, was presented to Bert Leman, owner of Artilla Cove Resort, for his outstanding efforts to promote the Indian Point and Branson/Lakes areas. He has served as the Indian Point Chamber president, as a Village Trustee, and member of the Indian Point Village Board of Public Works. His efforts to produce the Enchanted Forest Light Display at Indian Point have helped attract over 80,000 visitors to the area. Bert has been a hands-on participant on many Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce committees.

The event also included a special achievement award for Michael London, publisher of Branson’s Update Magazine, for his volunteer efforts to organize the grassroots “Branson’s Fun for Everyone” public relations campaign. Michael donated his time and resources to rally the community behind his comprehensive plan to tell visitors that Branson is a ‘fun’ place for all. Among other features, the campaign included community-wide special events and rallies, promotional materials for sponsors, a website, a trip give-away, a movie short, a theme song and the services of a PR firm that helped bring national media exposure to the Branson/Lakes Area.

Two special recognition awards were given to Branson/Lakes Area Chamber volunteers for their above and beyond service to their community and to the Chamber.

Greg Maycock, owner of Indian Point Resort, has demonstrated a tireless commitment to the area and the Chamber through his hands-on service. He has been instrumental in the development of the Chamber’s new website, the Vacation Guide and other publications, and even volunteered to help manage the marketing programs of the Chamber when the Marketing Vice President’s position was vacant. He also serves on the Chamber Board of Directors.

Lucy Epperson has a long-standing record of exemplary volunteer service as an ambassador for the Chamber. She regularly works as a welcome center volunteer and rarely misses a ribbon cutting. Lucy is a delightful role model for other community servants and a gracious and welcoming host to visitors.

The evening also included a video presentation of the “Branson Promise,” produced by The Vacation Channel and featuring dozens of area residents who donated their time in bringing to life the written statement describing the spirit of the area.