Category Archives: Featured

Agility at core of Branson success

Displaying the agility that has made it Branson's oldest and most popular paid attraction, construction is well along on Silver Dollar City's newest thrill ride "Outlaw Run."

BRANSON, Mo., January 1, 2013 — Although many words come to mind to describe Branson, “agility” is not typically one of them. Yet from its earliest days over 100 years ago to Branson’s entry into 2013, “Agility” has been at the core of Branson’s success and what it has become today.

“Agility has been defined as “mentally quick, acute or quick in movement.” It helps keep us, be it a city, company or individual, to be efficient and flexible enough to accept and tackle the challenges necessary to “evolve and meet the future in new and innovative ways.”

In August of 1912, less than five months after being incorporated as a city on April 1 of that year, a devastating fire destroyed downtown Branson’s entire commercial district except for three buildings. Branson’s agility in handling that situation and others along the way put it in a position where, at the beginning of its Centennial Year in 2012, it was and had been for decades one of the premier family travel destinations in the United States, entertaining upwards of 8 million guests annually.

Families like the Herschends, Presleys, Mabes, Trimbels, Snadens and so many others had the agility to recognize the full future potential of tourism to the Branson area and act on that recognition in a timely manner. Each of them, and many others, in their own way evolved segments of Branson’s Tourism industry using what was at the time, and to some of them personally, life changing, new and innovative concepts.

Where would Branson be today without the agility of the Herschend family in recognizing the potential of Silver Dollar City and the numerous innovative things they have done over the last 50 plus years to evolve it into one of the top theme parks anywhere? The agility of the Mabes and Presleys as they pioneered Branson’s early entertainment industry? The agility of the Presleys in evolving their original theatre, that could also be used to store boats if all else failed, into one of Branson’s first state of the art theatres and their innovation in sharing their show and Branson on a weekly basis with millions of TV viewers via RFD-TV?

How important was the agility of the Trimbles and Snadons in establishing the spectacular outdoor drama “Shepherd of the Hills” in helping to preserve the area’s history and culture and promoting the heritage that is such a major part of Branson’s charm? Where would Branson’s entertainment industry be without the agility of the long list of entertainers, entrepreneurs and others who quickly recognized Branson’s potential and had the flexibility to not only become part of it, but to help its shows and attractions evolve into what they have become today?

The same agility that has helped make Branson the wonderful place that it is to visit for millions of tourists today is as necessary tomorrow as it is today. If the past is any indication, that agility is an inherent part of the Branson’s spirit and heritage that will help ensure that the excitement, fun, and adventure that is Branson will continue into the future providing Branson visitors with a great experience that will bring them back again and again.

Winter or Summer Branson is “Hot” fun

Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction takes passengers on an exciting “voyage” no matter what the weather.

BRANSON, Mo., December 28, 2012 — “The ‘Hot’ fun Branson offers has nothing to do with temperature,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Whether the temperature is 100 degrees or 17 degrees, Summer or Winter, there is always a choice of entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities in Branson providing visitors with the ‘hot’ fun that is an inherent part of the Branson experience.” Isnard points out that even though Silver Dollar City and many of Branson’s shows are closed for the season, that there are always shows open and the vast majority of Branson’s attractions and shopping are not weather dependent and remain open year round. Even in January and February the weather is comparatively mild permitting an exciting range of outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, fishing and other outdoor activities.

In fact, as reported consistently over the years in the Weekly Branson.Com Fishing report, the trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo and bass fishing on Table Rock Lake is excellent during the Winter months. From the National Tiger Sanctuary and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not to the Titanic Museum Attraction, built to one half the size of the original ship and towering a hundred feet above the famed Branson Strip, Branson attractions provide “hot” fun, excitement and adventure year round.

The cruise boats of Main Street Lake Cruises, the river boat paddle wheel replica Lake Queen and the 100 foot luxury yacht, The Landing Princess, with their fully enclosed environmentally controlled decks, provide sightseeing and dinner cruises on Lake Taneycomo. Each cruise includes an unique view of Branson Landing and its dazzling $7.5 million light, fire and music attraction at the Branson Landing Fountains, with fire blasting from “cannons” in choreographed splendor with 120 foot geysers of water, and light, as well as an unparallelled view of the constantly changing Ozarks scenery, water fowl, animals and a chance to see the Bald Eagles that make Lake Taneycomo their home.

Although the Winter weather impacts on the ability to use Table Rock Lake for swimming, Branson’s selection of indoor water parks offers an opportunity to swim and enjoy water activities. Welk Resort’s “Splash-A-Torium, Grand Country’s “Splash Country” and Castle Rock Resort all provide the convenience and comfort of an indoor water attraction providing water slides and fun filled water excitement even on the coldest and snowiest of days. In addition many of Branson’s hotels and lodging facilities open during the Winter, such as the Grand Plaza Hotel, Hilton Promenade, Baymont Inn and Suites and others have indoor heated pools.

Regardless of the season of the year, it’s always a “hot” shopping experience in Branson. The spectacular Branson Landing, major discount malls and hundreds of specialty, art and craft shops are open year round providing a unique shopping opportunity.

“New South” performing “YMCA” during performance of Grand Jubilee.

Although many of Branson’s shows are closed in January and February the Branson show scene is still “hot” with some of its best shows performing during that period. This includes shows such as Absolutely Patsy, Amazing Pets, Branson Country USA, Comedy Jamboree, Dixie Stampede, Grand Jubilee, Hamner Barber Variety Show, Haygoods, “it” at the Hughes Brothers Theatre, Ozark Mountain Jubilee, Pierce Arrow, Tribute to Four Seasons and The Beach Boys and the Twelve Irish Tenors.

Branson Tourism Center’s Isnard points out that all shows will be operating on a Winter schedule with some of them opening up at various times during that period. She suggests because of that, and the reduced availability of shows and lodging, that advance reservations be made especially for the water park properties and over holiday weekends. For additional information or tickets to any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or on their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Will Old Time Christmas add glow of Rudolph’s nose in 2013?

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer "lighting Up Christmas.*"

BRANSON, Mo., December 22, 2012 — Recognized nationally for its outstanding Christmas lighting with its millions of sparkling Christmas lights, is it possible that the addition of just one more “light” would even be noticeable at Silver Dollar City’s “Ole Time Christmas in Branson?” “Well if that light happens to be ‘red’ and on the nose of ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer®’ it sure could,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center.

The story of Rudolph and his red nose was first told by Robert L. May in 1939 and became a part of Christmas tradition when his brother-in-law adapted the story into a song which was made famous by cowboy crooner Gene Autry. The song actually went to the top of Billboard’s Pop Singles Chart and Rudolph has been featured in full length movies, children’s books and TV specials ever since, becoming a special part of the Christmas memories of many children and their families.

Recently, Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), the country’s largest family-owned theme park company and the operator of Silver Dollar City, announced that it has “a licensing agreement which provides” it “with rights to develop and showcase new entertainment attractions based on the beloved and iconic Christmas character, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer® and his cast of friends, including the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice and the Island of Misfit Toys..” It grants HFE the “opportunity to develop original interactive experiences, attraction films, short and long form live stage shows, parades, light shows and other attractions centered on the famed reindeer and his cast of friends.”

“For more than half a century, HFE has successfully created family-centric attractions and
experiences which tell classic holiday stories such as ‘A Christmas Carol,’ ‘The Christmas Story’
and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in new ways. We’re thrilled to now bring Rudolph and his friends to life for our guests,” said Anthony Esparza, senior vice president, guest experiences for HFE. “Their appeal and story is universal. We’re eager to creatively expand their popularity using new media and environments.”

Although no specific announcement was made as to when or which HFE properties would feature any “new Rudolph-themed attractions,” it was announced that HFE plans to do so “as early as Christmas 2013.” Whenever it happens, the addition of “Rudolph’s red nose” to the over four million lights already displayed at Silver Dollar City during its Old Time Christmas celebration will just enhance Silver Dollars City’s legend of “Creating memories worth repeating®.”

Photo courtesey HFE

Lennon Sisters and Osmonds continue Andy Williams Christmas show legacy

Mimi, Janet and Kathy Lennon on Skype with the Osmonds during the press conference.

BRANSON, Mo., December 13, 2012 — In what may have been one more unusual press conferences in Branson’s ” show history,” it was announced that the Lennon Sisters and Osmonds will star together in the “2013 Andy Williams’ Christmas Show…… The Legacy Continues” at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre from November 1 through December 7 of 2013. During the press conference, held at the theatre on December 12, the Lennon Sisters, Mimi, Janet, and Kathy, who were present at the conference, interacted with the Osmonds, Jimmy, Merrill and Jay via “Skype.”

In their exchange with the Osmonds the Lennons Sisters expressed their excitement and said, “It’s going to be so much fun.” Jimmy Osmond agreed saying that it was going to be a lot of fun and that working together is something they have wanted to do for years. Both the Lennons and Osmonds expressed what an honor it was to be “able to continue Andy’s legacy” by participating in the show.

Other information received indicates that the full production show will continue the traditional Andy Williams format. In addition to its stars, the Lennon Sisters and Osmonds, there will be “spectacular sets with dancers, a full orchestra, lots of variety acts and the lovely music and sounds of Christmas all presented in the beautifully decorated Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.”

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “It means so much to the celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas, Branson and its visitors that the tradition and heritage of ‘Mr. Christmas’ is carried on and what better way to do it than with two of the family acts that Andy mentored, the Lennon Sisters and Osmonds.”

Branson Centennial Museum continues into Quasquicentennial years

One of the many exhibits at the Centennial Museum.

BRANSON, Mo., December 11, 2012 — “The Branson Centennial Museum is a great way for locals and visitors alike to learn about the history and heritage of Branson and the Ozarks,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “How neat is it that it is located in Historic Downtown Branson and that visitors can walk right out its doors and “into” some of the history that they have seen in the museum?”

The museum, a collaborative effort between “The White River Valley Historical Society (WRVHS), the City of Branson, Downtown Branson Main Street Association and the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, is conveniently located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Main Street and Veterans Boulevard (Business 65) was originally opened in April of this year to help celebrate Branson’s Centennial. It was recently announced by WRVHS that through the continued generosity of the property’s owner, Jim D Morris, local businessman and philanthropist, the museum will continue to operate in its current location through 2013 and into 2014. WRVHS Managing Director Leslie Wyman said, “We’re pleased to continue to have a Branson presence…and plan to expand the rotating exhibits to include more of the county’s history, although our primary focus there will showcase photographs and artifacts from the Branson area.”

Sue Eudy, the museums Assistant Director, said that there will continue to be a constant rotation of exhibits into the museum to keep things fresh and interesting. She said that one of the current exhibits includes the origin and history of the Adoration Nativity Scene atop Mount Branson overlooking Historic Downtown Branson that is lit up as part of the Adoration Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Parade each year. Eudy points out that during 2013 one of the areas of emphasis will be to share and commemorate some of the buildings, activities and entities that have played a part in Branson’s history and have helped to make Branson Branson.

The museum is open 10 AM through 4 PM, Monday through Saturday and will remain on that schedule through Dec. 23 when it closes for Christmas. When it reopens on Thursday, Jan. 3, it will be operating on a reduced Winter schedule, from 10 AM through 4 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and will resume its full schedule again in the Spring of 2013. For additional information please call either the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or the museum directly at 1-417-239-1912.

Yahoo lists Branson Christmas lighting displays among America’s best

Silver Dollar City lights up for its "An Old Time Christmas" celebration.

BRANSON, Mo., December 4, 2012 — “Wow, Branson listed along with destinations like New York City’s Rockefeller Center; Orlando’s Disney World, and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival as one of America’s best places for Christmas lights,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a testimony as to the quality of the Christmas lighting displays people will experience in Branson as part of Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she continued.

Johnson was referring to a recent on line article appearing on Yahoo Travel entitled America’s best places for holiday lights published on Nov. 30. The article listed Branson along with nine other places as “the best places to see holiday lights this year” and specifically referred to its three major Christmas lighting displays, Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas,” Shepherd of the Hills “Trail of Lights” and the “Branson Area Festival of Lights.”

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction, is an 1880s-styled theme park that is transformed into a glowing Christmas spectacular with over four million sparkling lights throughout the park for its Old Time Christmas Festival. Its twice nightly 100,000 light Holiday Light Parade winds through a town square and by a five-story musical Special Effects Christmas Tree adorned with over one million sparkling lights.

The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a drive through light display located on the 160 acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. The unique two and a half miles has been integrated into the natural terrain of the “Trail that Nobody Knows How Old” made famous by Harold Bell Wright in his novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” and offers a Christmas wonderland unlike anything else anywhere in the world.

The “Branson Area Festival of Lights,” is a one-mile drive display “illuminated with more than 175 displays” that “will delight children of all ages.” It is produced by North Pole Productions and is conveniently located just a few blocks from the heart of the Branson Strip.

“And that’s just the major outdoor lighting displays and doesn’t consider the elaborate Christmas decorations at places such as ‘Branson Landing,’ ‘Big Cedar,’ ‘Chateau on the Lake’ and others as well as in theatres such as the ‘Andy Williams Moon River Theatre’ or the ‘Shoji Tabuchi Theatre,'” Johnson said. She also points out that that Christmas lights are not the only thing sparkling in Branson and that its live shows, attractions and shopping “sparkle,” day in and day out, with entertainment and excitement. For information on Branson’s lighting displays, shows, attractions, shopping or lodging call the Branson Tourism Center through their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

Mrs. Claus hosts first Branson Candy Cane Cruise

Mrs. Claus ready to welcome children and their adult guests on board for the "Candy Cane Cruise."

BRANSON, Mo., December 4, 2012 — When Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess left her moorings at Noon on Dec. 1st she had some very special passengers on board. About 100 children, parents, grandparents and escorts joined two of Santa’s Elves and Mrs. Claus for a special Christmas experience on Branson’s very first “Candy Cane Cruise.”

Mrs. Claus personally greeted each family as they boarded the Princess and went into the main cabin of the 100 foot luxury yacht. As the Princess pulled away from the dock, Mrs. Claus came in and explained that although Santa was unable to be there for the cruise he had said that he would do all that he could to be at the Branson Landing Fountain when the boat passed by and wave. As the boat started its less than ten minute trip to the Fountain, she answered questions about the North Pole, Santa, the reindeer and other questions that the excited children asked.

Less than ten minutes after leaving the dock, as the Princess approached the Fountain, amid the excitement and hope that Santa would be there, every eye was looking for him to appear. And, sure enough, to everyone’s delight, just a few seconds after arriving at the Fountain, Santa did appear at the top of the stairway to the Fountain and waved.

Santa himself took time from his work to come and greet as the Candy Cane Cruise as it passed.

As the Princess turned to start her downstream leg of the cruise, Mrs. Claus continued answering questions and sharing her personal stories about how Santa does what he does and what goes on at the North Pole. Then everyone joined in with Mrs. Claus and the Elves in singing Christmas songs before she quieted everyone down and read them the story “The Night Before Christmas.” The rapt attention of her young audience as she read was a joy to behold.

After the story, she asked the children to write Santa Claus a letter telling him what they wanted for Christmas and told them that she would see that Santa Claus got them. As the children concentrated on writing their letters, one could almost feel the excitement in the air. It was a very special time, perhaps best summed up by Larry Milton, one of the principle owners of Main Street Lake Cruises as he said, with a big grin on his face, “This is so cool.”

As the children finished their letters they were picked up and put in a basket by one of the Elves and everyone enjoyed milk and cookies. While they were writing the letters and having the cookies and milk the children were given the opportunity to go into the bridge and steer the boat under the watchful eye of Captain Ayers.

As the Princess docked and the children left the boat, the last thing they saw leaving the cabin was the basket filled with their letter to Santa Claus that Mrs. Claus was going to deliver. Unknown to the children, Santa Claus had already “answered” their letters with a response that each of the adult guests received as they left the boat and could deliver to the children at the appropriate time. Mrs. Claus wished everyone a “Merry Christmas” and each was given a Candy Cane by one of the Elves.

Although the inaugural and remaining 2012 “Candy Cane Cruises were fully booked, they were free and offered by Main Street Lake Cruises and the Branson Tourism Center as a way of wishing the families in the Branson area a “Merry Christmas.” If the excited looks of happiness on the faces of the children and their adult guests as they left the boat were any indication they not only enjoyed their cruise and time with Mrs. Claus, but are ready to continue having a “Merry Christmas.”

Time running out to see 2012 performances of popular Branson shows

SIX performingwith their Dad accompanying them on the piano.

BRANSON, Mo., November 27, 2012 — “Although Ozark Mountain Christmas, with all its color, fun and Christmas Lighting displays, continues until December 31 and Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival runs through December 30, time is running out to see the 2012 performances of some of Branson’s most popular shows,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson points out that a number of Branson shows will conclude their 2012 season between now and December 22. This includes the following shows which are listed below by the last day of the week of their final 2012 performances:

DECEMBER 1

Dino Kartsonakis Sounds of the Season
George Dyer

DECEMBER 8

#1 Hits of the 60’s
24 Karat Country
A Christmas Snow
Alabama Revival
All American Gospel
Angels of Country Music
Brady Lunch with Barry Williams
Bretts
Buck Trent Country Music Show
Cassandre’ Haygood and Friends
Conway Remembered
Dalena Ditto Country Variety Show
Daniel O’Donnell
Duttons
Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together!
Joey Riley Comedy & Music Review
Legend of Kung Fu
Mike Walker
Mel Tillis
Ralph Kuster’s Christmas in Branson
Rankin Brothers
Red Skelton – A Tribute by Tom Mullica
Red, Hot & Blue
Rock Roll and Reminisce
Roy Clark
Roy Rogers Jr Show
Shoji Tabuchi
The Texas Tenors
The Tweeds
The Statler Brothers Revisited
Tony Orlando Christmas
Tony Roi’s Elvis and More
Twice Adopted
Wade Landry’s Cajun & Country
Yakov Smirnoff
Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

DECEMBER 15

A Neil Diamond Tribute
A Tribute to Marty Robbins
A Tribute to John Denver
Andy Williams Christmas Show
Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band
Down Home Country
Fountains of Faith
Jim Owen Country
Johnny Cash Songbook
Joseph Hall Elvis Rock N Remember Tribute
Mickey Gilley
Motown Downtown
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
Rock Around the Clock with Bill Haley’s Original Comets
Sanders Family Christmas
SIX
Sunday Gospel Jubilee

DECEMBER 22

Branson Country USA
Christmas in Hollywood
New South Gospel
Tribute to Four Seasons and The Beach Boys
Twelve Irish Tenors

Johnson points that even though a number of Branson’s shows will be concluding their season by December 22 that dozens more will be performing, albeit on reduced schedule through the end of the year. For the latest information, schedules, and ticketing for the shows mentioned in this article, as well as those that will remain open through December 31, Johnson recommends calling the Branson Tourism Center, toll free at 1-800-785-1550.

“White Flight” ensures Branson “White Christmas”

Live "angel" sharing butterfly with family during "White Flight."*

BRANSON, Mo., November 25, 2012 — “It may not be the ‘White Christmas’ dreamed about in the popular song, but ‘White Flight,’ brings its own unique beautiful ‘White Christmas’ to Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Currently appearing for its sixth Christmas in Branson, “White Flight” is a unique limited engagement Christmas exhibit made up of thousands of white butterflies flying in a rain forest sparkling with thousands of lights, living angel statutes, colorful white and red poinsettias and filled with the beautiful sounds of Christmas music. It is being shown at Branson’s Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure (Butterfly Palace) through January 15, 2013.

Sarah Bolend, General Manager of the Butterfly Palace, said that the thousands of white butterflies used in “White Flight” are comprised of about 20 different species of tropical white butterflies with the most common being the “Paper Kite Butterfly,” also referred to as the “Rice Paper Butterfly.” Bolend indicated that the majority of the butterflies used in White Flight, as is the case with all the exhibits at the Butterfly Palace, are shipped to them by air express in their chrysalis (cocoon) stage from tropical rain forests. After the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry, it is released into the exhibit, aviary, where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.

“White Flight” starts in the Butterfly Palace’s theatre with the viewing of a very well filmed, interesting and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. After the movie the guests step from the theatre into the aviary where there is a unique opportunity to interact, “up close and personal,” with thousands of tropical rain forest butterflies. During “White Flight” the butterflies are all colored white and provide a spectacular and unique display. Bolend said that from January 16 through the start of White Flight on November 1, the display is just as spectacular, but is composed of 50-60 species of different brightly colored butterflies.

She points out that in addition to the butterflies in the aviary “White Flight” also includes the presentation of the centuries old art form of “living statutes” in the form of White Angels. As people walk through the exhibit and butterflies alight on and flutter around the angels they present a picture of angelic beauty and tranquility.

Almost imperceptibly, the statutes slowly and subtly come to life. It might be just a change in the position of a head or the extension of a hand, but it’s fascinating to watch the ability of the artist playing the angels to interact with the guests.

The aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers and highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree that provides an excellent place to take a picture. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music, is a unique experience that the whole family will enjoy.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson reminds Branson visitors that “White Flight” is just one of the many special events that are part of Ozark Mountain Christmas. For additional information or tickets for “White Flight” and the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Ozark Mountain Christmas 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 calling 800-785-1550.

*Courtesy Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

12 Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner in Branson without reservations

OK, so it's not a turkey, but it is the Great American Steak & Chicken House one of the Branson restaurants that will be open Thanksgiving Day not requiring reservations.

BRANSON, Mo., November 20, 2012 –“With a lot of Branson’s Restaurants being open Thanksgiving Day, visitors to Branson should have no trouble having a great Thanksgiving meal,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson goes on to point out however, that many require advance reservations and are booked solid.

Here’s a list of 12 Branson Restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving Day and do not require reservations with contact information and sorted alphabetically:

Andy Williams Moon River Grill
11 a.m.-8 p.m.
417-337-9539

Baldknobbers Restaurant
Thanksgiving Dinner
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
417-334-7202

Denny’s Restaurant
Open 24 Hours
417-339-3670

Fall Creek Steak House
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
417-336-5060

Florentina’s Italian Ristorante
11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
417-337-9882

Golden Corral
Thanksgiving Buffet
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
417-336-6297

Grand Country Buffet
Thanksgiving Buffet
11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
417-335-2434

Great American Steak & Chicken House
Breakfast: 7 a.m.-11 a.m.; Lunch & Dinner after 11 a.m.
417-335-6699

Lone Star Steakhouse
12 p.m.. – 8 p.m.
417-336-5030

McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
417-336-4680

Montana Mike’s Steakhouse (Hwy 76 and Hwy 248 Locations)
11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hwy 76 – 417-334-2766
Hwy 248 – 417-334-5893

Paradise Grill and Steakhouse
Thanksgiving Buffet
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
417-334-5405

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson reminds Branson visitors that, at times, there can be long lines and suggests factoring that in when planning Thanksgiving Day activities. “And there’s a lot more to factor in,” she said, “because with all there is to see and do in Branson There’s more than turkey cooking for Thanksgiving in Branson.”