Category Archives: Featured

Can it be more easy than this to plan an amazing Branson trip?

When it comes to planning a trip to Branson, if you value time, money, and less stress, “one call,” to one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners, “takes care of it all.”

“We are devoted to assisting our clients in planning wonderful Branson vacations and ensuring the quality and value of their Branson experience,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although we could stress that we have sold over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, have an A+ rating from the BBB, and have over 100 Branson based employees striving, on a daily basis, to meet or exceed our customer’s expectations to illustrate that point, at the end of the day, what actually counts is the experience our customers have,” she added.

Woods points out that the Branson Tourism Center interacts with its customers on Facebook and other social media channels on a regular basis throughout the working day. “These recent reviews from customers, on our Facebook Page, are both humbling and encouraging to us, and say ‘volumes’ about the value, time savings, and quality of the experience they had working with BTC,” she added:

Chuck Price: I have used your services three times and have been completely satisfied! It’s one stop shopping, the seating assignments [were] perfect, I always get the requested aisle seats and generally in the 1st ten rows. You seem to have a seamless system and I love getting great rooms and seating. Agents are friendly and knowledgeable and I recommend you to everyone I talk to when sharing my trip or if they are planning a trip. I would like to give a shout out to Brett Hebblethwaite who was our sales agent this last time!! I didn’t get a chance to meet him but he did a terrific job. I will use you again!

Nancy Miller: I would use these folks in a heartbeat!! Friendly, professional, knowledgeable, courteous. Need I say more?

Carla Christy: The people were extremely helpful, over and above anything you would expect. I will definitely schedule my next vacation through them as well.

Ellen Cunningham: We make trip plans to Branson thru [the]Tourism Center…They do a great job of making our reservations and we enjoy our trip with no hassles!!

Todd Ryan: We had a great time in Branson, at the Welk Resort. We saw the Million Dollar Quartet (Fantastic Show) and went to the Butterfly Palace…The Tourism center did a great job for us, setting us up with everything.

Betty Kohls Heide: I have always booked with Albert and he is the best. I don’t remember ever having a bad seat at a show or a bad hotel. Been using them for many, many years. 5 stars from me.

Karen Sue Schwartz: This is an excellent service – especially if a person isn’t sure what to do in the Branson Area. I certainly plan on using [them] again!

Tom and Denita Walters: This was our first time booking thru the Branson Tourism Center and it was a great experience all the way around. On stop shop – got lodging and show tickets all at a very good price. I do not think these prices could have been beat. Just made our trip enjoyable to know everything was already planned and just pick up [the] package and relax. We will do it all over again when we come back to Branson.

For those who place a value on their time, getting the best show seats and lodging accommodations available, saving money by packaging shows and lodging together, and who want to avoid unneeded stress in planning a Branson vacation or get-a-way, the words of Peggy Barthel from Florence, MS, the purchaser of our 3 millionth ticket, comes to mind. She said, “One call that’s all, they just took care of everything. We’re just going to go up there and have fun.”

For more information or help on planning an awesome trip to Branson please call one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-800-785-1550. They will be delighted to assist you, there is no charge for this service, and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

You’ll love this legendary Christmas gift of delightful entertainment

Legends in Concert's George Strait, upper left, Blues Brothers, Elvis, Adele, and Frank Sinatra

Legends in Concert’s George Strait, upper left, Blues Brothers, Elvis Presley, Adele, and Frank Sinatra

“We are super excited about the line-up for our Christmas show,” said Jeannie Horton, the General Manager for Branson’s Legends in Concert. “We have Tribute Artists honoring the legendary ‘Frank Sinatra,’ performed by Brian Dupre, coming back to our line-up after an eight-year absence; ‘Adele,’ performed by ‘J. C. Brando;’ ‘George Strait,’ performed by Larry Turner; the ‘Blues Brothers’ performed by Clint Nievar and Danny Zeligman; and ‘Elvis Presley,’ performed by Dean Z starting on November 7. Elvis will be performed on November 1 by Cody Ray Slaughter and from November 2 through 6 by Ted Torres,”she added..

When asked what makes the Christmas Show different from the regular Legends in Concert show, Horton started by pointing out what would be the same. Each act will perform a mini-concert containing four or five of the hits of the Legend being portrayed; performed with the sound, mannerisms, expressions, and moves that are about as close to the original as one can get.

Accenting each of those performances, and enhancing the audience’s overall enjoyment is an extraordinary live band, fabulous dancers, and some very talented backup vocalists. When you add elaborate theatrical sets, great choreography, magnificent costumes, and a full array of incredible special effects, including three-dimensional multimedia and multimillion-dollar, state-of-the-art lighting, laser and sound systems, the result is a truly legendary entertainment experience.

She said, “None of that changes for the Christmas show except that, from decorations to the individual performances of the Tribute Artists and the show’s Finale, the special music and spirit of Christmas will be felt.” Horton said that one of the things she particularly likes about the Christmas show is that each of the acts will perform a set featuring four or five of the legendary songs that the artist is noted for, but one of the numbers in each of the sets will be a Christmas song associated with the artist.

She is really excited about the Finale saying, “Our Finale is always spectacular, but this year’s Christmas Finale is just ‘super powerful!’” She said that she did not want to spoil the surprise for the audience, but did point out that all of the Tribute Artists, dancers, vocalists and the band will come together and perform a Christmas Finale unlike any that most have ever seen. In the end however, she could not resist a little teaser as she enthusiastically asked, “Where else in Branson, or anywhere else, can you go to hear a duet of Mary Did You Know performed by ‘Adele’ and ‘Frank Sinatra?’ You definitely don’t want to leave early!”

For additional information or tickets for Legends in Concert please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Did you know these 12 interesting facts about the Million Dollar Quartet?

The Million Dollar Quartet David Brooks (Jerry Lee Lewis) left, Sarah Tweedle (Dyanne), Brad Waters (Carl Perkins), Austin Wilson (Jay Perkins, Bass Player), Elvis Presley (Tyler K. Hunter), and Cliff Wright (Johnny Cash.)

You might already know that the Million Dollar Quartet is a Tony Award winning musical that is one of Branson’s most popular shows, but did you know that it is based on an actual, one time impromptu, event involving four young performers, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, in the early stages of their career?

How many of these 12 questions about that event and the musical Million Dollar Quartet do you know the answers to?

1.When did it take place?
Answer: On December 4, 1956.

2. In what city did it take place?
Answer: Memphis, TN.

3. Where did it take place?
Answer: In the storefront recording studio of Sun Records.

4.Who was there?
Answer: Sam Phillips; the owner of Sun Records; Carl Perkins, Sun recording artist, who was in the studio along his brother Jay on bass, and drummer, WS “Fluke” Holland to record “Matchbox;” Sun recording artist Jerry Lee Lewis, who was there to play piano for the Perkins recording; Sun recording artist, Johnny Cash, who came in to observe the recording session and talk with Sam Phillips; RCA and ex-Sun Recording artist Elvis Presley, who just dropped by with a girl he was seeing at the time, Marilyn Evans; and sound technician Jack Clement, who was there to record the session. Bob Johnson, the entertainment editor of the “Memphis Press-Scimitar,” who was invited over by Phillips after the jam session had started, and was accompanied by a photographer.

5. What happened?
Answer: After Elvis showed up, near the end of Perkins recording session, they just started talking, playing, and singing. The resulting impromptu jam session was a unique one-time event that would have gone unrecorded, but for the foresight of the sound technician Jack Clement.

6. What part did Jack Clement play in the event?
Answer: According to Clement, as the jam session got underway, Sam Phillips was in a nearby restaurant, and he decided that he would be remiss if he did not record the session, so, without anyone’s knowledge, he did.

7. If everything was so informal how did the session get the name, “Million Dollar Quartet?”
Answer: When Phillips discovered the jam session going on he called Bob Johnson, the entertainment editor of the “Memphis Press-Scimitar,” who came by with a photographer. The next day he published an article entitled, “The Million Dollar Quartet,” along with a picture of the foursome gathered around the piano which included Marilyn Evans sitting on the end of the piano.

8. What happened to the recording?
Answer: Because no one knew that Clement had recorded the session and in spite of “The Million Dollar Quartet” news story, the recording went, unnoticed, into the Sun Records “library,” where it remained for decades until discovered by a new owner of Sun Records as they worked through the contents of the library. It was recorded and released in Europe in 1981 and in the United States in 1990.

9. When and how was the musical The Million Dollar Quartet created?
Answer: In 2007, the stage musical Million Dollar Quartet, written by Floyd Mutrux and Colin Escott, and based on the music and events of the original “Million Dollar Quartet” jam session, premiered. Since then, this smash hit musical, has played in Chicago, Broadway, Las Vegas, toured extensively in the US and internationally, and has a production in Branson, Missouri, at the Welk Resort Theatre.

10. Why is the name of the girlfriend of Elvis in the show named “Dyanne,” instead of Marilyn?
Answer: Marilyn Evans, literally disappeared “in plain sight” for over 52 years and, although “Dyanne” sings in the show, in real life, Marilyn did not and, except for being the date of Elvis, did not play a significant role in the events of that night. At the time the show was developed no one knew where she was so the fictitious “Dyanne” was developed to fill her expanded role in the show.

11. What happened to the real Marilyn Evens?
Answer: Marilyn Evans, now Marilyn Knowles-Riehl, was one of the few women associated with Elvis Presley who did not seek any fame or advantage from it. She placed no big significance on the event and, when the relationship with Elvis was over within a few weeks, moved on with her life, enrolled in the University of Utah within the year, got married, raised a family, and among other things was the director of the Fresno Ballet for 13 years. For over 52 years she gave the event very little thought until 2008 when she read a story about why the Million Dollar Quartet show had to create a fictitious girl-friend, named “Dyanne,” for Elvis in the show.

12. What can someone attending the Million Dollar Quartet expect?
Answer: An awesome entertainment experience! When I first saw the show I wrote, “Over the last three decades, I have seen many Branson shows of all types, but never one like the Million Dollar Quartet! An outstanding cast, timeless music that everyone knows, and a great storyline combine with the show’s unique set and great production to create an incredible entertainment experience for the whole family that should not be missed.
“Obviously, with the recording icons being portrayed and the music being sung it takes some special entertainers to pull it off, and the cast of Million Dollar Quartet does just that and then some. Tyler K. Hunter as Elvis Presley, Cliff Wright as Johnny Cash, David Brooks as Jerry Lee Lewis, and Brad Waters as Carl Perkins do an exceptional job with hits such as Matchbox “That’s All right, I Walk the Line Ghost Riders in the Sky, Hound Dog, Peace in the Valley Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Blue Suede Shoes, Who Do You Love, and many more. From among many, two of my personal favorite musical highlights were Ghost Riders in the Sky, sung by Johnny Cash, and Peace in the Valley, not only because of the way it was sung, but how the storyline beautifully brought each of those in the jam session personally into its performance.
“As timeless and wonderful as the music is, it is the storyline, the historical moment it describes, and the way it is artfully woven into the musical tapestry surrounding it that makes this such an entertaining show. Derek Garza as Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records, the man some call the “Father of “rock n’ roll,” and the person who actually set the circumstances in motion that resulted in the jam session, does a superb job of dramatically narrating the story and tying its diverse elements together in a manner that kept me keenly invested throughout the entire performance.”

For additional information or tickets for Million Dollar Quartet please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/

Your superior lodging experience in the heart of all Branson offers

All American Inn & Suites

“Why should a family coming to Branson select the All American Inn and Suites (AAI) for their lodging?” Denny Singh, the new owner and general manager said, “The dedication of our family, my wife Mona, myself, and our staff, to ensuring that you, and your family, have a great lodging experience, from ‘check in’ to ‘check out,’ in some of the cleanest rooms, and with the friendliest most customer oriented staff, in Branson.”

Interior of spacious Jacuzzi suite.

All American Inn and Suites is a cozy 81 room property offering a variety of rooms and configurations to accommodate almost every lodging need. The majority of its clean spacious rooms are Double Queen and King, but it also offers Jacuzzi and family suites along with a number of connecting rooms. This provides AAI with the flexibility to meet the lodging needs of the individual traveler as well as families, and groups. Singh points out that while all the rooms at AAI are spacious, the Family Suites are ideal for the families on vacation because they have two rooms that can be closed off from each other.

Each room includes a full complement of amenities. Among others, these include coffee maker with complimentary coffee and tea, desk with ergonomic chair, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi-Internet, microwave, refrigerator, and 32” LCD HD television with cable and local channels, iron, ironing board, and more.

Outdoor Pool.

AAI is open year-round and is smoke and pet free with interior corridors and access to all rooms. It has an outdoor pool, elevator, Wi-Fi access in all common areas, free level parking, a laundry that is free to guests, as well as 24-hour coffee in the lobby, and offers in-house ticketing at the front desk, to Branson shows and attractions, providing the ultimate in convenience and ensuring their guests the best available seats to the shows they want to see.

Singh said that one of the features their guests like is the Inn’s location. It’s centrally located to all the fun and excitement that Branson offers, but is away from the noise and bustle, providing an opportunity for peace and relaxation. Yet, when guests are ready for the fun and excitement of Branson, AAI is minutes away from the center of the Branson Strip, the Titanic Museum Attraction, and alternate routes to Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, many of Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping, including Branson Landing, and other activities.

“In terms of all round value, cleanliness, location and customer satisfaction, the All American Inn and Suites has been a perennial hit with our customers,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest providers of tourism services and information. He points out that AAI is a participant in the Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Lowest Rate Lock Guarantee Program. If you book your stay at AAI through BTC, subject to the programs minimal conditions, the price you pay is guaranteed to be the lowest rate available. If you find a lower price offered for the same room on the same dates anytime between when you book your room and when you arrive in Branson, BTC will match the lower rate.

For additional information or reservations for the All American Inn and Suites, or for any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

The Best Branson Insider Event Highlights for October 2016

Featured Show of October, "Million Dollar Quartet," Rug Making is just one of over 120 crafts at Silver Dollar City's National Harvest & Cowboy Festival, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

Featured Show of October, “Million Dollar Quartet,” Rug Making is one of over 120 crafts being demonstrated at Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival, and the Oak Ridge Boys.

“The usually crisper temperatures of October nights coupled with beautiful autumn days typically brings the beautiful Ozark’s foliage to its peak during the last two weeks of the month presenting one of Branson’s most spectacular shows,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival is just one of the amazing events and activities that Branson visitors can enjoy during October, in addition to the fun, excitement, and entertainment of everything else that Branson offers every day,” she added.

Here’s our Insider Highlight list of some of the unique and exciting special events that Branson visitors will be able to enjoy during October, including our Featured Show, Limited Engagement, and Event of the Month:

Featured Show of the Month: The Million Dollar Quartet has quickly become one of Branson’s most popular shows. This year marks the 60^th Anniversary of one of the greatest jam sessions in rock n’ roll history that took place on December 4, 1956, in the Memphis storefront recording studio of “Sun Records.” The jam session was a once in a lifetime impromptu gathering of four young recording legends-to-be, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis that would have been a forgotten page of history, but for the discovery of an unknown recording of it decades later.

But surface it did! It, and the four rock n’ roll legends involved, became the inspiration for the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet that shares the music, spontaneity, and drama of what happened that day, as these four legends performed together for their first and last time. When I first saw the show I wrote, “Over the last three decades, I have seen many Branson shows of all types, but never one like the Million Dollar Quartet! An outstanding cast, timeless music that everyone knows, and a great storyline combine with the show’s unique set and great production to create an incredible entertainment experience for the whole family that should not be missed.”

Featured Limited Engagement of the Month: Country music legends, the Oak Ridge Boys return to Branson, with their phenomenal harmonies and an amazing career spanning several decades that includes five Grammy Awards, the Song of the Year, from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, for their hit Elvira, which also crossed over to the pop charts, and many others. Their hits include Touch a Hand, Make a Friend; Make My Life with You; American Made; (I’m Settin’) Fancy Free; It Takes a Little Rain (To Make Love Grow); Bobbie Sue; and many more.

Featured Event of the Month: Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest & Cowboy Festival showcasing the largest gathering of demonstrating craftsmen in the country; the Wild West Show; Western Musicians; chuck wagon cooking by Kent Rollins; Extreme Mustang Makeovers, as expert horse trainer Fred Woehl tames beautiful wild mustangs; Silver Dollar City’s Barn Dance, returning for 2016 by popular demand; and much more.

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT PERFORMANCES (Sorted by starting date)

Oct 3-31^*: The Urban Cowboy Reunion
Oct 4-20^*: Oak Ridge Boys
Oct 5: Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley
Oct 7: Bill Engvall
Oct 9: Air Supply
Oct 12: Ricky Nelson Remembered
Oct 12-20^**: Shenandoah
Oct 14: Ronnie Milsap and Johnny Rodriguez
Oct 15: David Cassidy
Oct 19: TG Sheppard, David Frizell & Jeannie Seely
Oct 21: RFD-TV presents Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy
Oct 21: Charley Pride & Janie Fricke
Oct 21: Clint Black
Oct 22-23: Loretta Lynn
Oct 24-25: Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune
Oct 26-28: Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson
Oct 26: Pam Tillis
Oct 28: Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, & B.J. Thomas
Oct 29: Jeanne Robertson
Oct 31-Nov 19: Daniel O’Donnell

^*Selected dates through November.
^**Selected dates.

SPECIAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS (Sorted by starting date.)

Oct 1-29: National Harvest & Cowboy Festival at Silver Dollar City
Oct 1: Annual TangerStyle Fit for a Cure 5K Run/Walk
Oct 1: Charles E. Scalan Benefit Golf Tournament – Hospice Compassus
Oct 2: Grand Country Half Marathon & 5K
Oct 8: Hollister Grape and Fall Festival
Oct 8: Hollister Color Me Grape 5K
Oct 8: Branson Landing’s 7th Annual Paint the Landing Pink!
Oct 8: Center Stage Classic Rumble
Oct 9: Rotary Youth Fishing Tournament
Oct 11: Foraging in the Ozarks: Wild Edible-Medicinal Plant and Bird ID Mosey
Oct 13- 16: Coca-Cola Swap Meet
Oct 15: Benefit for the Children’s Miracle Network
Oct 22: 3rd Annual VVA Chapter 913 Trout Team Tournament
Oct 22: Branson Adventure Challenge
Oct 22: Bonniebrook Festival
Oct 22 – Oct 23: Branson Women’s Expo
Oct 27: Annual Downtown Branson Piccadilly Gala/Auction
Oct 28: Hollister Halloween Boo-Bash, Elementary School. 6-8 PM, 417-334-3262
Oct 29: Halloween BOOnanza at the Branson Recplex
Oct 31: Branson Landing’s 10th Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat
Oct 31: Halloween
Oct 31: Trick-or-Treat TangerStyle! – at Tanger Outlets

For additional information on these events, or any of 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 visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com or calling 1-800-785-1550.

Shouldn’t one of these fantastic museums be part of your Branson experience?

Titanic Museum's full sized Grand Staircase, two story high T-Rex from Dinosaur Museum, and the entrance to the Worlds Biggest Toy Museum Complex.

Titanic Museum’s full sized Grand Staircase, two story high T-Rex at the Dinosaur Museum, and the entrance to the Worlds Biggest Toy Museum Complex.

“It has been said that Branson has something for everyone, and that’s true not only in terms of general categories of things to do, but with choices within each category,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “For instance, within the general category of Branson shows there is a wide variety of choices ranging from Sight & Sound’s biblical spectacular Moses to the Million Dollar Quartet, Haygoods and almost 100 more,” she added.

Wood goes on to point out that it’s the same thing with Branson Attractions, lakes, shopping, and many other categories of activities that Branson offers including one that many Branson visitors overlook, “Museums.” Some, such as Branson’s most popular museum, the amazing Titanic Museum Attraction, are hard to miss, but others are not as obvious. Here’s a list of six Branson Museums that can add excitement and adventure to your Branson experience:

Bransons Titanic Museum Attraction: This one half size scale replica of the “R.M.S. Titanic,” towering high above the Branson strip, is one of Branson’s most popular attractions! More than simply a museum, it’s an interactive adventure that shares the stories of those who were onboard for the famous ocean voyage that has fascinated the world for more than a century with hundreds of artifacts, a crew that interacts with passengers, many interactive activities, and so much more. From beginning to end it’s a special experience. Here’s a neat article entitled 13 Things “kids” should know about the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction that describes this unique Branson experience. This museum is open year-round and is not weather dependent.

Branson Auto & Farm Museum: At any given time, this beautiful 90,000 square foot museum provides an opportunity to take a unique stroll through the vintage chrome, modern designs, high performance, and legendary styling of about 200 classic and collectible vehicles and 180 farm tractors, implements and buggies on display. Its 5,000 square foot gift shop offers a unique selection of apparel, books, pedal cars, vintage toys, and other items. With inventory changing regularly, every visit to the museum is a unique adventure! This museum is open year-round and is not weather dependent.

The Ralph Foster Museum: Located at the College this museum has the mission of collecting, preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting items related to the Ozarks region, its history and culture. Probably, the most well-known of the museum’s displays is an original truck from the Beverly Hillbillies’ 1960’s television show. Other displays include an intact, antique dental office to a display of Rose O’Neill’s world-famous Kewpie Dolls. The museum is not weather dependent and is open year-round except for the month of January, Thanksgiving week, including the weekend before and after Thanksgiving, and mid December through the end of December.

Veterans Memorial Museum: This museum pays heartfelt tribute to the men and women who bravely served our country. It features more than 2,000 exhibits commemorating the American soldier in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and more recent conflicts, including historical artifacts, murals, and sculptures in touching tribute to American soldiers, veterans, and especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. This museum is open year-round and is not weather dependent.

World’s Largest Toy Museum Complex: Give the family a break from computers, tablets, video games, and cell phones and bring them to 25,000 square feet of the most unique and interesting museum experiences available anywhere! In fact, it’s five different museums in one where “Memories unfold and imagination abounds.” The Worlds Largest Toy Museum contains more than 1,000,000 toys. See cast iron fire trucks, slot cars, Hot Wheels, tin toys, the very first Barbie Doll, and hundreds of other historical toys like Power Rangers and Howdy Doody, and baseballs autographed by sports heroes like Joe DiMaggio and Cal Ripken. The complexes’ other museums include “The National BB Gun Museum” and a special GI Joe display; The Harold B. Wright Museum containing the original manuscript of the best-selling book, “The Shepherd of the Hills” along with Wrights personal collection of furniture and paintings; “The Stearnsy Bear Museum;” and “The World of Checkers Museum.” This museum is open year-round and is not weather dependent.

Branson Dinosaur Museum: Experience dinosaurs up close and personal, from everyone’s favorite, the enormous “Tyrannosaurus Rex,” fondly referred to as “T Rex,” to the “tiny,” comparatively speaking, Four-Winged Microraptor, measuring only one-foot-tall. Thanks to the talented paleo-artists, who used actual dinosaur bones to mold the incredible bodies of these dinosaurs, you will almost expect them to come to life at any moment. See the article entitled Branson Dinosaur Museum home to T- Rex and his dinosaur pals for more information. This museum is open year-round and is not weather dependent.

For more information on these and other amazing Branson attractions, shows, or lodging, please call one of Branson Tourism Center’s Branson based Travel Planners at 1-800-875-1550. They will be delighted to answer any questions you might have about Branson, its shows, hotels, or attractions and assist you with reservations to help ensure that you obtain the best available seating at shows and the accommodations you desire. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

It’s no illusion, the diversity of Branson music shows is absolutely amazing!

The Million Dollar Quartet, David Brooks as Jerry Lee Lewis, left, on the piano; Brad Waters as “Carl Perkins;” Austin Wilson as “Jay Perkins,” the bass player; Tyler K. Hunter as “Elvis Presley;” and Cliff Wright as “Johnny Cash”

“From the magic of Illusionist Rick Thomas to Reza Edge of Illusion, and many in-between, Branson is blessed with a variety of some of the finest illusionists in the world, but one thing is for certain, the quality and diversity of Branson’s music shows is no illusion!” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Here’s four shows, from our list of Most Popular and Requested Branson Shows, that illustrate the point,” she added.

Million Dollar Quartet: A singular moment, when four of the most extraordinary musical talents of our time, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins, came together for one unforgettable night, is captured in this amazing production based on an actual event! Even neater, is the fact that the music in this show, songs such as That’s All Right, I Walk the Line, Riders in the Sky, Hound Dog, Peace in the Valley, Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On, Blue Suede Shoes, and many more, are songs many already know and grew up with, not songs specifically written for the show. When I saw this show I said, “Over the last three decades, I have seen many Branson shows of all types, but never one like the Million Dollar Quartet! An outstanding cast, timeless music that everyone knows, and a great story line combine with the show’s unique set and great production to create an incredible entertainment experience for the whole family that should not be missed.”

The Haygoods: An amazing Branson experience! Excellent choreography, exquisite harmonies, state-of-the-art sound and special effects, a delightful sense of humor, and energy that never quits, you get it all in one show from one phenomenal family! In a recent review of this show I wrote, “Based on over 30 years of seeing Branson shows…I can testify to the fact that The Haygoods show is a WOW, WOW, and WOW, on a Three WOW Index with three WOWs being as high as you can get! From the ‘Get go,’ it’s two hours of the most unique, innovative, talented, energetic, personable, and exciting entertainment you will ever experience on a Branson stage.”

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express: This show is great country music and so much more. When you take an entertainer like Clay Cooper and blend in a great band, some of the best dancers and choreographed dance routines in Branson, the comedy of Matt Gumm, the rope and gun handling performance of Johnny Lonestar and the strategically placed vocal performances of other cast members, it is over two hours of the finest nonstop “express,” or otherwise, entertainment in Branson hosted by a performer who can work an audience as beautifully as he sings and his wife choreographs and dances.”

The amazing SIX.

SIX: This unique show is another outstanding example of the diversity of Branson’s music shows. You will hear the sounds of percussion, strings, horns and other instruments, but they’re just nowhere to be found! You will experience two hours of the most unique, exciting, and memorable music you have ever heard; great vocals along with the sound of an actual band with all of the sounds, both vocal and instrumental, coming from the same place, the mouths of the SIX Knudsen brothers. It truly is an amazing thing to see, hear, and experience and something that will not soon be forgotten.

For more information on these or other great Branson shows or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550

Just how good are you at Dixie Stampede Trivia?

The beautiful horses, color, pageantry of Dixie Stampede's Finale Finale .*

The beautiful horses, color, and pageantry of Dixie Stampede’s Finale .*

“Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is easily Branson’s most visited dinner attraction,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. With a twinkle in his eye, he added, “No surprise there, after all it’s billed as ‘The World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction,’ but I’ve always wondered, just how many horseshoes do all those horses use each year?”

That got me thinking, outside of the fact that the answer to that question would make a great trivia question, that there’s an awful lot that goes into creating the fun, adventure, pageantry, and excitement that those attending Dixie Stampede get to experience. Who better to turn to for answers and information about that than John Richardson, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction?

Richardson shared a list of facts that was developed by Dixie Stampede, in response to questions that guests have asked about the show and its animals, that “illustrates the scope and scale of its production.” We thought it would be fun to take that information and present it in a Question and Answer (Q&A) format, and hope that you find it as interesting and fascinating as we did:

Q: Where does the white sand for the arena floor come from and how much is used each year?
A: Over 200 tons of white sand is “imported” from South Carolina for the arena floor each year.

Q: Why is that sand used and not some other material?
A: It creates a surface that is dust-free and gentler for the horses’ legs.

Q: How many yards of lace and ribbon are used on each Dixie Stampede Southern Belle costume?
A: Twenty yards.

Q: What are the dimensions of the “Conestoga Wagons” used in the show?
A: Each measures 25’8” long by 9’ high and is a true replica of those that carried settlers westward on the great wagon trains.

Q: What kind of horses are pulling the Wagons?
A: Each is pulled by teams of 2000-pound Belgian draft horses, known for their intelligence, size and strength.

Q: How many white doves of peace are released during the Patriotic Finale?
A: More than 50 which are raised and cared for on the Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede premises. Doves are always born in pairs; the female hatches first followed by the more aggressive male.

Q: How much grain do the stars of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, the 32 magnificent horses, consume each year?
A: 104,000 pounds of grain per year.

Q: How many bales of hay do they consume?
A: The horses consume 3,500 bales of hay per year, weighing approximately 262,500 pounds.

Q: How many horseshoes do the Dixie Stampede horses go through each year?
A: Over 1,152.

Q: What are the horses bedded on?
A: 13,200 bales of hay and approximately 528,000 pounds of pine shavings each year which is kept clean and dry by round-the-clock stable hands.

Q: How much does the Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede’s buffalo herd weigh?
A: It weighs in at more than four tons.

The “Roman Ride” through a ring of fire.*

Q: What is the “Roman Ride?”
A: It’s an historic type of trick riding, featuring a team of two horses moving side-by-side with one rider standing astride them with one foot on each horse. Dixie Stampede’s Roman Riders have the added degrees of difficulty of splitting columns of fire, being surrounded by firefly torches, and ultimately jumping through the Hoop of Fire.

Q: What does its “signature four-course feast include?
A: Original creamy vegetable soup and a hot homemade biscuit; a tender whole rotisserie chicken; hickory-smoked barbequed pork loin; buttery corn on the cob; herb-basted potatoes; Dixie Stampede’s very own specialty dessert, and unlimited beverages, including Pepsi products. [Author’s Note: Having eaten it a number of times over the years, I can testify that it’s delicious and I have never left hungry!]

For more information or tickets for Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services at 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Courtesy of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede

Does anything say Branson more than these six epic attractions?

Three of Branson’s epic attractions, Silver Dollar City’s iconic Wildfire Coaster with an incredible view of Table Rock Lake, the Sight & Sound Theatre, home of “Moses,” and the Titanic Museum Attraction.

“Branson is blessed with a seeming list of infinite possibilities for fun, excitement, and entertainment all headlined by its fabulous selection of live shows and great attractions,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. He went on to say that, as the word “attraction” is commonly defined, “a thing or place that draws visitors by providing something of interest or pleasure,” all of Branson’s shows, and many other activities, could meet that definition.

When asked, “In 2016, of all of Branson’s attractions, which specific attraction do you believe is the most popular,” he smiled, shook his head, and said that it depended on a lot of factors, but that he’d bet it would come from this list of six epic Branson attractions:

Silver Dollar City: “When it comes to phenomenal, world-class theme parks, it doesn’t get any better than Branson’s biggest paid attraction,” the 1880s styled Silver Dollar City! “Live music, thrilling rides, demonstrating craftsmen, incredible food, exceptional shopping, amusements for the little ones, seasonal and themed festivals and events, and even more awaits you!”

Branson Landing: Is the largest and most unique shopping attraction in Branson. The 95-acre, $435 million public/private multiuse project spans 1.5 miles of waterfront on Lake Taneycomo, and is conveniently located adjacent to historic downtown Branson. It’s combination of luxury condos and over 120 retail stores, kiosks and restaurants including “eclectic shops, national retailers, fine dining, intimate cafes and nightspots,” Main Street Lake Cruises, two floating restaurants, and the spectacular free Branson Landing Fountains, makes it one of the most popular attractions in Branson.

Titanic Museum Attraction: Not simply a museum, it’s an interactive attraction that shares the stories of those who were onboard for the famous ocean voyage that has fascinated the world for more than a century.” This attraction features special tributes, exhibits, and interactive activities that are as much fun and adventure as they are educational and inspiring.

Dixie Stampede: Dolly Parton’s “Dixie Stampede” is the perfect family destination in Branson for exciting entertainment and a fantastic four-course feast! Called the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction™, “Dixie” boasts a variety of fun features that include a lumberjack relay, racing pigs, buffalo, and 32 beautiful horses showcased in captivating equestrian feats.

Sight and Sound Theatre: With its 300-foot surround stage, animals, and spectacular productions Sight and Sound Theatre brings the epic stories of the bible to life in an exciting, inspiring, and entertaining manner. The story of Moses, its latest production and easily Branson’s most popular show, tells the story of one man’s journey from being a humble and broken man to becoming the follower of God who delivers the children of Israel from enslavement. It is presented by a phenomenal cast with astonishing sets, absolutely amazing special effects, a brilliant score, and stunning costumes.

Table Rock Lake: An impoundment of the White River behind the 6,423 foot-long Table Rock Dam was completed in 1959 and is easily one of Branson’s most epic attractions. Its 43,100 surface acres and 745 miles of shoreline provides a virtual aquatic paradise for Branson residents and visitors to fish, boat and play. It is the symbol of the natural beauty that is an inherent part of the Branson experience and the home of the Showboat Branson Belle.

For more information on these attractions or any of Branson’s other 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 visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com, or calling 1-800-785-1550.

Can a theatre’s line-up be more entertaining than this?

Reza Edge of Illusion, The Texas Tenors, and Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett.

“I am just so excited about the variety, quality, and timing of the entertainment we are presenting at the Starlite Theatre this year,” said Linda Merkling, the theatre’s General Manager. “We have had the right talent for the right people at the right time of the year and that continues right through our fall and Christmas season,” she added.

She points out that their resident shows, those other than one or two-day limited engagement shows, offer an unrivaled variety of quality entertainment. Anchoring the schedule, from now through December 30, are such nationally recognized entertainers as Billy Dean, The Blackwoods, and The Texas Tenors, all of whom will be offering Christmas shows starting with their first November performances. They will be joined by the young cutting edge illusionist Reza, resulting in one of the most dynamic and exciting line ups of quality entertainment in any Branson theatre.

Merkling points out that the Billy Dean and Jarrett in Concert show is a mainstay on the schedule. For 2016 Billy has completely redone the format to provide a more intimate and personal interface with the audience, including him playing the piano. The show provides a unique opportunity to hear the man who wrote them sing, hit after hit, including Let Them Be Little; Somewhere in My Broken Heart, Billy The Kid, and his debut single, Only Here for a Little While, a song that grabbed an impressive top five spot on Billboard’s Country Charts along with many more.

The music would be enough, but it’s his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level through that music, and the stories of his life and how the songs were written, that injects a unique special element to the show. Add the comedy of long time Branson favorite Jarrett Dougherty, with his funny characters, rapid-fire wit, and perfect comedic timing, honed by more than 20 years on the Branson stage, and you have a show with about as much fun, excitement, and entertainment as most people could ever want! Billy’s Christmas shows starts with his first show in November.

The Texas Tenors will be performing their fabulous regular show during their September and October dates and begin their Christmas show on November 1. “The Texas Tenors – Deep in the Heart of Christmas,” is a delightful inspiring show celebrating the traditional family Christmas. Everyone loves to hear The Texas Tenors anytime of the year, but it’s a special Christmas blessing when they combine their amazing voices, with exciting special effects, other singers, dancers, a Christmas choir, and some delightfully magical characters into a production that is as inspiring as it is entertaining.

Here’s a list of the Starlite’s resident shows sorted alphabetically along with a link that provides more information on the show including a description, scheduling, pricing, and ticketing:

Resident Shows:

Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett: Through Dec 30*
Reza Edge of Illusion: Through Dec 30
The Blackwoods Morning Show: Through Dec 30*
The Texas Tenors: Sep 12-24, Oct 10-21, and Nov 1-30*

“We are also excited about the array of National stars that will be rounding out our schedule with limited engagement performances throughout the rest of the year through ‘Boot Daddy Presents’ and ‘Larry’s Country Diner Series,’” Merkling said. Starlite’s limited engagement shows for the remainder of 2016, sorted chronologically along with a link that provides additional information on the show including a description, scheduling, pricing, and ticketing, include:

Limited Engagement

Larry’s Country Diner-Rhonda Vincent: Sep 19
Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson: Sep 20
Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune: Sep 21
Larry’s Country Diner-Mo and Holly Pitney: Sep 22
Larry’s Country Diner-T. Graham Brown: Sep 23
Larry’s Country Diner-Mark Lowry: Sep 24
Boot Daddy Presents Dailey & Vincent: Sep 25-27 and Nov 27-29
Boot Daddy Presents Suzy Bogguss: Sep 29-30
Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune: Oct 24-25 and Nov 14-15
Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson: Oct 26-28 and Dec 1-3

Merkling believes that the combination of resident and limited engagement shows at the Starlite provides a unique combination of entertainment designed to meet the different needs of the Branson visitor throughout the year that is unmatched in terms of its quality, variety, and excitement. She also points out that its central location right on the famed Branson Strip, near its intersection with Gretna Road, the Titanic Museum Attraction, the Clay Cooper Theatre, and numerous other Branson shows and attractions makes access to the Starlite a breeze. With a twinkle in her eye she said, “And our parking lot just might be the biggest flat piece of ground in Taney County, no hills to climb.”

For additional information or tickets for any of the Starlite’s Shows, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Shows after November 1st will be Christmas Shows.