Category Archives: Branson

Six current Branson performers you might have seen on TV

Luke Menard, far right with "New South," David Ragan to his right, Mark McCauley and Drockelman.

Luke Menard, far right with the rest of “New South,” David Ragan to his right, Mark McCauley and Drockelman.

Branson visitors are blessed to be able to see many national stars, including Billy Dean, The Osmonds, Collin Raye, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Jimmy Fortune and many others whom they have probably seen on TV throughout their award winning careers. However, it would be impossible to offer the tremendous live entertainment Branson offers on a regular basis without the wealth of talent possessed by the many Branson performers who, although not blessed with national careers, are in many cases no less talented.

Just how talented is often reflected in how well they do, or have done, when they perform against literally thousands on national TV shows such as the prime time hits America’s Got Talent, American Idol and others. Let’s take a look at some who progressed beyond the preliminary rounds and where you may see them currently performing in Branson:

Jason Pritchard: Appeared on Season 2 of America’s Got Talent and made it to the Final 8.He is currently the band leader/guitarist for the “Steel Horses Band” and a featured vocalist in one of Branson’s most popular shows Billy Dean in Concert With Jarrett. In addition, he has “just released his first single, ‘Good Show’, off his upcoming EP ‘Independence Cowboy’ which was co-written by Billy Dean and is already climbing the charts!”

Luke Menard: Appeared on Season 7 of American Idol and was a Semi-Finalist. He is currently performing with one of Branson’s premier quartets “New South” in another of Branson’s most popular shows Grand Jubilee.

Jason Yeager: Also appeared on Season 7 of American Idol and was a Semi-Finalist. He is currently appearing on the Showboat Branson Belle, and is the vocalist for its “Celebrate Gold” show.

Texas Tenors: Were in the top four during Season 4 of America’s Got Talent. Although they have an extensive touring schedule, they perform throughout the year in Branson and their show, The Texas Tenors, is another of Branson’s most popular shows.

The Voices of Glory: Also appeared during Season 4 of America’s Got Talent finishing in 5th Place. They are currently appearing in their own Branson show, Ayo starring the Voices of Glory.

The Duttons: Appeared during Season 2 of America’s Got Talent, the season Terry Fator won, finishing in the top 10. The Duttons own their own theatre in Branson where they perform their extremely popular Duttons show during the regular Branson season.

Ok, we just have to add a seventh who most of you probably never saw on national TV because she was the first and did it before the current series of shows got started. That would be Ambrus Presley who, at the time was 13 and performed under her maiden name, Ambrus Smith, and won Ed McMahon’s “Next Biggest Star.” She had been performing, very successfully, in a variety of Branson shows since she was eight. Subsequently, Ambrus started performing for Presleys’ Country Jubilee as a lead vocalist, where she is still performing today, married John Presley and is the proud mother of two boys Henry and Hank .

Here’s the facts you need to know about what’s “Buzzin in Branson” for you enjoy during June 2015

World famous Harlem Globetrotters featured at Silver Dollar City’s “Star Spangled Summer Festival” *

Buzzin in Branson” is a concise and easy to read list of the major events and activities taking place in Branson, Missouri during the month being “Buzzed,” which is June of 2015 for this issue. Each issue contains the “Branson Buzz of the Month,” and a list of the major special events, shows and activities for the month.

Branson’s newest show, the “Million Dollar Quartet,” premiers on June 25.

Branson “Buzz of the Month for June 2015

The opening of Branson’s newest show, Million Dollar Quartet, limited engagement performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and the Harlem Globetrotters at Silver Dollar City’s “Star Spangled Summer Festival.”

The following list of major special events, shows and activities taking place in Branson during June is sorted by event date and contains pertinent and timely comments and contact information, through either a link or phone number, that can be used to obtain additional information where appropriate:

Jun 1 – 30: The Hits Starring Collin Raye
Jun 1 -30: Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Jun 5 – 26: Buckets N Boards
Jun 6 – Jul 19: Star Spangled Summer Festival at Silver Dollar City
Jun 6: White River Valley Trail Trek
Jun 6: IMAX Smokin’ Summer Kickoff Party (417-335-3533)
Jun 6: Smokin Summer Kickoff BBQ Cook-Off (417-335-3533)
Jun 6: Afternoon Tea at The Keeter Center (417-690-2120)
Jun 12: The Dan Benton Band- Branson Landing (417-239-3002)
Jun 18 – Jun 20: Ozark Mountain Thunder Motorcycle Rally 2015
Jun 12 – 14: U.S. Bow Fishing Fair and Tournament
Jun 13: Craig Wayne Boyd
Jun 20 – Jun 2: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Jun 20 – Jun 2:Titanic Museum Attraction Branson Father’s Day Boat Show
Jun 20: Etiquette Class at The Keeter Center (417-690-2120)
Jun 21: Father’s Day
Jun 21: Father’s Day Brunch & Car Show at Keeter Center
Jun 21: Father’s Day Brunch at Chateau on the Lake
Jun 21: Father’s Day Champagne Brunch at Chateau on the Lake
Jun 25: Opening Day of Branson’s newest show Million Dollar Quartet
Jun 27: 2015 Branson Dollhouse Miniature Show
Jun 28: Honor America Celebrate America 4th of July Celebration – College of the Ozarks

“Buzzin in Branson” is produced monthly by the Branson Tourism Center as a service to its customers and others interested in what’s going on in Branson to give them a “heads up” about what’s happening in Branson next month. If you have any further questions about these events or want information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Six neat things about Branson tourism history you might not know

Jack, Mary and Peter Herschend near the time Silver Dollar City opened. *

The little town of Branson, Missouri, nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, is an international tourist destination visited annually by millions. Branson visitors can experience almost 100 spectacular live shows offering a staggering variety of entertainment from Branson’s Clay Cooper’s Country Express to SIX; dozens of exciting attractions such as Ride the Ducks and Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880’s styled theme park; world class shopping and so much more, but it wasn’t always so.

Let’s take a look at six things that happened to Branson Tourism along the way, starting in the beginning and coming forward:

1. Branson’s First Tourism Attraction – In 1884, when most people just saw a cave filled with bat dung when they looked at “Marble Cave,” William Lynch sensed tourism potential, bought the Cave, “sight unseen,” moved, along with his daughters Miriam and Genevieve, from Chicago to Branson and opened it up for tours. After his death and with a change in name to ‘Marvel Cave’ the daughters continued to operate the attraction until 1950, when Hugo and Mary Herschend leased the cave and the surrounding land from them, and along with their two teenage sons, Peter and Jack, took over the operation and management of the Cave. The Herschend family has been operating the Cave ever since and to this day, it is the oldest and longest continuous running attraction in Branson but that’s not all; it’s all of that, but to use the words of Zig Ziglar, “and then some.” (See Item #5 below.)

2. Harold Bell Wright’s novel “Shepherd of the Hills” – National attention was drawn to the area when Harold Bell Wright’s novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” about the love, life, adventures and folklore of the people living in the Ozarks was published in 1907. Thousands from all over the country came to see the area where the Shepherd walked and the “people” described in the story. The novel is credited with the start of Branson’s tourism industry. Ever since 1959 tit has been brought to life near the very spot where Harold Bell Wright wrote it as “more than 90 actors and actresses, and a cast of animals that includes, horses, donkeys, mules, and sheep present this epic tale in an amphitheater under nature’s roof of stars!” in the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama.

The “Owen Theatre.”

3. Owen Theatre – The “Owen Theatre,” subsequently renamed the “Owen’s Theatre,” was built in 1936 by Jim Owen, a local float trip operator on the White River, to provide entertainment for the fishermen when they weren’t fishing. Originally called the “Hillbilly Theatre” and, although first a movie theatre, it is considered Branson’s first “theatre,” movie or otherwise and was a harbinger of things to come. Located in historic downtown it is still operating as a theatre and its distinctive architecture and beautiful interior stone walls make it one of the most unique buildings in Branson.

4. The Baldknobbers – In 1959 the Mabe family started performing the Baldknobbers Jamboree which is credited as being Branson’s first show, the “show that started it all.” Interestingly, they did not perform in Branson’s first theatre, the “Owen Theatre,” but in a small rented space in a civic building located right behind it however, it’s kind of neat how 30 plus years after Branson’s “first theater” was built that its “first show” started in its shadow.

5. Silver Dollar City – Opening in 1960, the 1880s styled Silver Dollar City is not only Branson’s biggest paid attraction, but its most popular however, it did not start out to be a stand-alone attraction. It came from an idea of having an area where people could be entertained while waiting to go through the “Marvel Cave.” (See Item #1 above.) The concept developed into an 1880s themed village that was built by Mary, Jack and Peter Herschend, named “Silver Dollar City,” after the Silver Dollars that were given as change to promote the attraction, and opened in 1960. The first year, when it drew four times more visitors than “Marvel Cave,” Peter Herschend said, “We discovered we were in the theme park business,” and the rest is history.

6. The Branson Strip – In 1967 the Presley family built a theatre immediately west of the Branson city limits on State Highway 76 where they began performing Presleys’ Country Jubilee and, with some of the original cast members still performing, have been continuously performing it ever since. Although hard to envision today, it was the first show on what is today, the famed “Branson Strip,” running from the intersection of Fall Creek Road and Highway 76 to the intersection of the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Highway 76. It is “home” to the bulk of Branson’s shows and attractions and is traversed annually by millions of Branson visitors.

*Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Open dam gates bode well for amazing summer fun on Table Rock Lake

Turbine outlets for Table Rock Lakes Generation Units showing only Units 1 and 2 operating.

Many were surprised when the Corps of Engineers opened eight of the 10 spillways on Table Rock Dam at about noon on May 12, 2015. Not to worry; the release has more to do with a maintenance problem than any abnormal water level problems. James Sandberg, the Operations Project Manager responsible for all of the Corps operations at Table Rock Lake said that during the storms last weekend they lost a “transformer differential” and were forced to shut down two of the dams four generators, “Units 3 and 4.”

The Current Power Pool (Normal) Level as of May 12 is 916.3 on its way to the lakes “Summer Power Pool Level of 917.0 on June 1. The actual current level of Table Rock Lake, as of 3:00 p.m. on May 12 was 917.74. Sandburg said, “Since the lake is predicted to crest at 918 msl, we are required to release 15K CFS [Cubic Feet Per Second]. We can only pass approximately 7K through Units 1 & 2, so we will be spilling approximately 8K CFS through the spillway…” He went on to say that the total discharge is the same as it would have been if all four Units were generating power and that he expects the operation to continue this way until the lake gets back to below a level of 917.0.

The latest levels for Table Rock Lake indicate that it has crested at 917.74 and has started to drop. If that holds and history is any gauge, absent heavy rains in the near future, the level of Table Rock Lake should reach 917.0 over the weekend of May 15.

“That’s great news,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. “Table Rock Lake will be at its normal summer capacity as the tourism season starts, offering Branson visitors a virtual aquatic paradise of a full 43,100 surface acres and 745 miles of shoreline for fishing, boating, swimming, water sports and fun to enjoy,” she continued.

Six facts you might not know about cruising Branson’s Lake Taneycomo on the Lake Queen

Main Street Lake Cruises “Lake Queen.”

“The Lake Queen will begin her 2015 schedule of Ozark Sightseeing Cruises on beautiful Lake Taneycomo in Branson on May 18,” said Steven Johnson, the General Manager of Main Street Lake Cruises. “What better way to view the scenic beauty of the Ozarks, its birds, wildlife and learn a bit about the history of, not only Lake Taneycomo, but Branson itself than by sharing a special experience with your family on this 1.5 hour narrated cruise,” he added.

Here’s some facts you might not know about the Lake Queen and what you will experience on her cruises:

This Bald Eagle is just one of the different types of birds and wildlife commonly seen on cruises.

1. It is a truly unique and exclusive experience – From Bald Eagles and the other birds and wildlife abounding on Lake Taneycomo’s shore line to the every changing plants, trees and foliage; amazing natural bluffs stretching back into the eons of time; and the spectacular majesty of Ozark vistas you will see a unique “show” produced primarily by Mother Nature and not seen by the vast majority of the millions of visitors who come to Branson each year. The view of Branson Landing, its $7.5 million fountains and spectacular synchronized fire, water, light and music show viewed from the cruise is as unique as it is beautiful and inspiring.

2. Safety – The 84 foot long 140 passenger “Lake Queen,” her Captain and crew are all U.S. Coast Guard certified and approved. They are dedicated to just two things, your safety and helping make your time aboard the boat one of the most memorable parts of a great Branson experience.

3. Two Decks Provide Indoor/Outdoor Experience – Her two decks provide passengers with the complete flexibility to enjoy their cruise either on her upper exposed deck or in the fully climate controlled glass enclosed lower deck. ull Amenities – She is tastefully appointed and, while maintaining the nostalgia of the steamboat era, offers a full set of modern amenities including full sized modern restrooms; a full bar and snack food service.

4. Convenient Scheduling – The 1.5 hour cruises are conveniently scheduled for 11:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 5:45 p.m.

5. Bottomless Pizza Cruises – The 11:45 a.m., lunch, and 5:45 p.m., dinner, cruises offer a Bottomless Pizza Buffet complete with unlimited fountain drinks. As with all cruises there will also be a Cash Bar for the purchase of adult beverages, fountain drinks and snack food service.

For more information on enjoying a cruise aboard the Lake Queen, reservations or tickets please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Add some “Titanic” romance and elegance to make your special event absolutely amazing

The romance, elegance and mystique of the Titanic provide a unique wedding venue.

The way that the Titanic Museum Attraction (Titanic) and its crew members remember and tell the stories of those who were on the great ship, when she sank on her fateful maiden voyage over 100 years ago, gives their “passengers” a taste of the adventure, enthusiasm and excitement of that voyage. It is a unique and memorable entertainment experience that millions of Branson visitors have experienced since it opened over nine years ago.

Kristina Hagey, Senior Sales and Events Manager said that as people went through the attraction and experienced it there were requests to have weddings, vow renewals and other special events aboard the “ship,” a half scale replica of the original. She went on to point out that, as a result, the Titanic now offers a variety of options that permit people to incorporate the romance and elegance associated with the Titanic, in both legend and in movies, into their special moment or event and hosts hundreds of them each year.

These options include everything from birthday parties to elaborate corporate events and just about everything involved with weddings from the actual marriage proposal to the wedding and wedding vow renewals. Hagey said, “We have a number of Wedding Packages starting at $450.00 with pricing dependent on whether it is an indoor or outdoor package and the options chosen.” Whatever the case, whether the event is one of their packages or a custom designed wedding, Hagey assists in coordinating the event so the bride and groom and others associated with it can just concentrate on and enjoy their special moment.

Edward and Stacy Gilmore, on the Grand Staricase with 1st Officer Steve Patterson who "officiated", after renewing their vows in celebration of their 15th wedding anniversary.

Edward and Stacy Gilmore, on the Grand Staircase with 1st Officer Steve Patterson who “officiated” the ceremony, after renewing their vows in celebration of their 15th wedding anniversary.

On the morning of April 22, I got to see firsthand how that worked when Stacy and Edward Gilmore, from Canton, IL celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary in a Vow Renewal Ceremony on the Grand Staircase of the Titanic Museum Attraction. The ten minute ceremony was presided over by the ships 1st Officer, Steve Patterson. The Gilmores said they are “Titaniacs” and decided to renew their vows while visiting the Titanic last summer with their family. Stacy said that all it took was one phone call to Hagey, all they had to do was show up and enjoy the moment and that they were just thrilled with the way it went.

Hagey said that many of the events held at the Titanic throughout the year are weddings, corporate and other events customized to meet the needs of the client. Prices depend on many factors including whether the event is held inside the Titanic or outside, the time of year, number of guests, amenities etc. These events could be as simple as a “dessert social” or a First Class “progressive” or sit down dinner. Click here to contact Hagey for information on customizing a wedding or other special event.

She pointed out that the Titanic’s Wedding, Vow Renewal and Proposal packages can also be obtained through the Branson Tourism Center. Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center said, “The Titanic Museum Attraction is one of Branson’s most popular attractions and a wonderful venue in which to have a wedding or other special moment. It would be our pleasure to help anyone, not only with celebrating their wedding or other special moment ‘aboard’ the Titanic, but to coordinate it with lodging, Branson shows, attractions and other activities into a complete, wonderful, personal and memorable Branson experience.” The Branson Tourism Center can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“Buzzin in Branson” during May 2015

Moonshine Beach, an unexpected Branson surprise.

“Buzzin in Branson” is a concise and easy to read list of the major events taking place in Branson, Missouri during the month being “Buzzed,” which is May of 2015 for this issue. Each issue contains the “Branson Buzz of the Month” and a list of the major special events, shows and activities for the month.

Branson “Buzz of the Month for May 2015

Opening of Moonshine Beach – Table Rock Lake with its 43,000 plus surface acres of aquatic fun and adventure is an Ozarks treasure. One of the most popular recreational areas on the lake, yet least known to many who visit Branson, is Moonshine Beach an unexpected “sandy” surprise for Branson visitors. Who would expect a beautiful sandy beach in the middle of the Ozarks located only minutes away from the Branson Strip and all that Branson has to offer.

The following list of major special events, shows and activities in May is sorted by event date and contains pertinent and timely comments and contact information, through either a link or phone number, that can be used to obtain additional information where appropriate:

May 1 – May 30: The Hits starring the Osmonds
May1 – May 30: Ozark Mountain Shindig Festival
May 1 – May 3:– World-Fest at Silver Dollar City
May 2 – May 3: Boot Daddy Presents Bill Medley
May 3: B.J. Thomas and John Conlee
May 5: Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson
May 5: Cinco de Mayo
May 6 & May 8: Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune
May 7 – May 25: Bluegrass & Barbeque Festival at Silver Dollar City
May 7: 14th Annual Ozark Mountain Prayer Breakfast
May 7: Larry’s Country Diner-The Whites
May 9: Kayak Branson’s Biggest Flotilla Adventure
May 10: Mother’s Day
May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch at Keeter Center
May 15 – May 16: Health & Fitness Boutique Branson
May 15 – May 17: Home Front Shoot Out Tournament
May 15: Visions 2015 Branson Pontiac Meet
May 15: Moonshine Beach Opens
May 15: Candy Coburn Concert Branson Landing, 417-239-3002
May 16: Armed Forces Day
May 16: Shindig Shopping Spree
May 17: Divas Half Marathon & 5K Midwest at Branson
May 17: 2nd Annual Wheels For Freedom Car Show
May 18: Main Street Lake Cruises Lake Queen begins Lake Taneycomo Cruises
May 21: Jammin’ At Area 57
May 25: Memorial Day
May 30: The Shindig Shuffle

Lower gasoline prices make an amazing Branson vacation for your family even more of a bargain

Like Branson itself, Silver Dollar City’s iconic “WidFire” coaster takes its riders to lofty heights of adventure and excitement even as gas prices slide lower.*

According to GasBuddy.Com the national average retail price of regular gasoline on April 15, 2014 was about $3.70 per gallon. According to the same source, that price has gone down to about $2.39 per gallon, or by about 37%, as of April 15, 2015. But wait, from a summer vacation and travel perspective, it gets even better!

The AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report for April 15 not only confirmed the $2.39 per gallon price as of that date, but estimates that prices will continue to slide lower for the peak summer driving period. Its commentary, entitled, Temperatures Rising But Gas Prices Expected To Slide said, “Any market moving developments in the aforementioned items will cause the price at the pump to fluctuate; however it is estimated that even with prices reflecting seasonality, consumers are expected [to] see prices move lower leading up to the peak driving season this summer.”

“What great news that is for those who are traveling to Branson for vacation this summer,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “When you combine the lower gas prices with the fact that Branson is one of the top two value cities in America for lodging and the reasonableness of the prices for Branson shows, attractions and other activities, it really makes Branson a great vacation value,” she added.

Wood points out that those who have been to Branson are aware of all it has to offer, but that there are many, located within less than a day’s driving distance of Branson who have yet to experience its natural beauty, fun, adventure, excitement and live entertainment. She suggests that with the lower gas prices and the great value that Branson offers this might be a great time for those who have never been to Branson or who haven’t visited in a while to plan a vacation in Branson this summer.

“Along with lower gas prices and the inherent value offered throughout Branson, visitors can save even more of their hard earned money by working with a company like Branson Tourism Center (BTC) that offers “packages,” shows, lodging, attractions and other activities bundled together at a discount compared to buying them individually. For the ultimate in convenience and value they offer a wide variety of preset Branson Vacation Packages from which to pick.

If one of the preset packages doesn’t meet your needs BTC will help create a custom package that will help save you time and money. It’s as easy as one toll free phone call to 1-800-785-1550 to talk with one of one of BTC’s Travel Planning Specialists who are available from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week. The Travel Planning Specialists are all Branson based, will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson and assist with show and attraction tickets and reservations as well as lodging arrangements, either as part of a package or individually.

With anticipated lower gas prices, all the fun, adventure and excitement that Branson offers and its great value, isn’t this a great time to begin planning a unique and unforgettable vacation for your family in Branson, Missouri this summer?

*Picture courtesy of Silver Dollar City

How to absolutely save money on your Branson family vacation this year

Silver Dollar City’s news $8 million” Fireman’s Landing” has ten rides and attractions for the younger kids to enjoy.

The Facebook post for the Branson Tourism Center on April 9, 2015 asked two questions, “What’s one of your biggest vacation expenses?” and followed it up with another that gave a clue to the answer of the first, “Did you know that according to Trivago Branson is one of the top two Value cities in America for lodging?” “Think about it,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the biggest vacation expenses for most families is for lodging and that is especially so in Branson where the family ‘car’ is the primary means of transportation that people use to get here.”

Some might say, “Well OK so lodging in Branson is a great value, but what about saving money in other areas?” Here’s a list of four tips that can not only save you money, but increase the enjoyment of a wonderful Branson vacation:

1. Purchase A Preset Package: Purchasing a “preset” package from a company like the Branson Tourism Center can not only save money, but is the ultimate in convenience. Depending on the package selected, it will combine lodging with a choice of shows, attractions and other options appropriate for the package, as well as a “Branson Fun Book” providing discounts that will save you even more on dining, shopping and other activities. These packages represent an excellent value because their pricing is based on the special relationship that BTC has developed with Branson shows, attractions and lodging establishments, by selling over 4 million Branson show and attraction tickets along with tens of thousands of room nights, and the fact that they are coordinated and setup in advance. For more information on preset packages call the Branson Tourism Center or click here to explore some of the preset BTC packages.

2. Customized Packages or Bundles: Just call the Branson Tourism Center 1-800-785-1550 and talk with one of its Branson based Travel Planning Specialists who will be delighted to assist you in customizing a package, including shows, attractions and lodging, tailored to the specific needs and budget of your family. Not only will you get a package that is specifically designed for you, but because of the special relationship mentioned above, discounts you cannot get anywhere else. There is absolutely no charge for this service and BTC’s Travel Planning Specialists are available from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week.

3. Family Show Passes: Branson’s shows are known for their outstanding quality entertainment and value, but in addition, many of Branson’s top shows have enhanced that value even more by offering “Family Passes” which can result in major savings. The typical Family Pass includes two adults and up to a certain number of children for a substantially reduced rate as compared to buying individual tickets. As an example, The Duttons is a great show that the entire family will absolutely love and is one of Branson’s most popular shows. By using its Family Pass, a family of two adults, three children through ages 16 can save about 41%!

4. Saving Time and Convenience: Saving time is not an obvious “money saving tactic,” but there is a lot of wisdom in remembering Benjamin Franklin’s sage advice, “Time is money.” To maximize the value of your time, both in planning your Branson trip and while in Branson, and not miss doing something that you wish you had seen or done, please feel free to use the free planning services of the Branson Tourism Center. Whether it’s to customize a package or to simply get advice, just one toll free call to 1-800-785-1550 is all it takes to get the assistance of a Branson based BTC Travel Planning Specialist who will be delighted to answer questions, help you plan your Branson vacation and make all the reservations. All you and your family have to do is travel to Branson and have the vacation of a lifetime!

The amazing answer to the question, “Is Virgin Airways coming to Branson soon?”

Is Virgin Airways coming to Branson soon?

The answer is, “Positively, absolutely No unless…!” The internet has been all atwitter today regarding Sir Richard S. Branson’s post to the Virgin website today in which, among other things he said, “With more of our Virgin brands expanding Stateside, it made sense to open our US headquarters in the hometown that bears my family name.” His Branson post indicates that he not only will be moving his headquarters to Branson, but that Virgin Air will also be starting direct air service to Branson from San Francisco and, perhaps most indicative of just how serious this whole Branson thing is, that “Branson Active” is “introducing a new Branson-themed workout that will have gym-goers tossing hay bales and rolling wagon wheels across the gym.”

Although the Branson Tourism Center is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and is not inclined to second guess Sir Richard we must note that he is noted for his early April Fools’ Day pranks. With that in mind we are inclined to agree with the conclusion as stated in USA Today’s story entitled Is Virgin America really going to fly to Branson, Mo.? It is apparently a prank.

In the spirit of the occasion, we would amend and renew our answer to the question, “Is Virgin Airways coming to Branson soon?” by saying, “Positively, absolutely No unless, April Fools’ Day aside, Sir Richard decides to.” We have heard that he is going to build his next Virgin Hotel on the new Disney Theme park that is currently being built in the middle of the Branson Strip and will open on April 1, 2015, but that’s probably an April Fools’ joke too!