Category Archives: Featured

Historic Downtown Branson presents a unique shopping opportunity

Dick's 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson provides one of the most unique shopping "adventures" available anywhere.

BRANSON, Mo., October 18, 2012 — Branson is called the “Live music show capital of world” because of the number and quality of its live shows, but it is also a shopper’s dream. From small specialty shops to the $400 million Branson Landing, located on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, with its 100 specialty retail stores, shops and services, Branson offers one of the broadest selections of stores, values and merchandise available in any travel destination of a similar size..

Interestingly, as thousands of people each day go to Branson Landing they either drive through or around Historic Downtown Branson and some of the most best and easily accessed shopping opportunities in Branson. Cris Bohinc, executive director of the Downtown Branson Main Street Association points out that the Historic District has about 80 specialty retail stores, shops and services. She said, “If people want a great selection, unique specialty items and a great value, all offered in a comfortable laid back down home environment, Historic Downtown Branson is a place that should be on their ‘Branson Shopping Bucket List.'”

“Dick’s 5 & 10,” one of Branson’s most popular shopping attractions and easily the anchor of Historic Downtown Branson’s shopping, illustrates the uniqueness and excitement that shopping in downtown Branson offers. Steve Hartley, the son of the stores original founders, Dick and June Hartley, points out that it’s not just the number of items they have in the nostalgic “5 & 10,” over 175,000, or their low prices, it’s the breadth of their selection that makes the shopping experience in Dick’s so unique. He said, “In candy alone we have one of, if not, the largest selections of candy in Branson. We specialize in Old Time and hard to find candies such as ‘Rocky Road,’ ‘Big Hunk Candy Bars,’ and ‘Abba-Zaba;’ novelty candies such as ‘Wax Lips’ and ‘Nickle Nips’ and a full selection of regular candy.”

There is a local saying, “”If you can’t find what you want in Dick’s then you don’t need it.” When asked about the saying in connection with the celebration of Dick’s 50 Anniversary Hartley said, “Well, we do have over 175,000 items, from basics, toys, novelties, gifts, souvenirs and just about anything most people would expect in a variety store and more.”

Another unique downtown experience, is available at “Crain Creations Gallery” located at 214 S. Main Street just a few doors west of Dicks. T.(Tom) Morgan Crain, is Branson’s preeminent wildlife, bird, western, outdoor and nostalgia painter who can be found painting, most Mondays through Saturdays, in his downtown studio, located just inside the window of the gallery. The gallery and studio, are as warm, comfortable and inviting as are the artist and his wife Susan.

The Burlington Annex is another store featuring artist and gift lines that are unique and not available anywhere else in Branson. Its wide selection of unique gifts, glassware and jewelry coupled with the expertise, friendliness and helpfulness of their employees make shopping at the Burlington Annex a special shopping experience only available in downtown Branson.

The “Hollywood Studio Store & More” located at 109 S Commercial Street is yet another example of the unique and fun filled shopping experience available in the historic downtown shopping district. Its selection of Hollywood collectibles, jewelry, gifts, art glass, wind chimes, and much more is as phenomenal and interesting as it is value priced.

“Branson is filled with so much great shopping,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, “but these and the dozens of other stores in the downtown shopping district, coupled with the ambiance, variety and uniqueness of the shopping they offer creates and exciting, unusual one of a kind shopping experience.” For additional information on downtown Branson’s shopping and everything else it has to offer please call either the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 866-523-1190.

What makes the Duttons show so special?

The Duttons, siblings Jonathan, right, Benjamin, Abigail, Timothy, and Amy with parents Sheila and Dean starting the second half of the show with a little "Motown."

BRANSON, Mo., October 16, 2012 — What is it that makes the Duttons show so special? Is it their singing, their amazing instrumentality, the flow of the show as it seamlessly progresses from one entertaining segment to the next or the familial synergy and energy that permeates everything they do on stage? In this writers opinion, it includes all of that, which in and of itself equals two of the most entertaining hours available on any stage in Branson and “then some;” an intangible that infuses itself into that entertainment to create a truly unique, special and memorable experience that should not be missed.

A clue to that “intangible” comes as the Duttons open their show with a medley including “We Are Family.” Anyone who has ever seen the Duttons perform, whether in Branson; as they progressed to the Finals of the NBC prime time hit, “America’s Got Talent;” in their PBS Specials; on the road or in their winter stomping grounds in Mesa, Arizona, knows just how important family is to them. In the opinion of this writer, it is their innate ability to share themselves and their family with their audience and, even if for only a couple of hours, make the audience not only want to be part of that family, but feel the perception that they are that takes an already great entertainment show and elevates it to a special personal experience.

From a musical variety perspective this show has it all from country and western to classical, Motown, gospel, patriotic and more. With the Duttons show it’s not just what they do, it’s how they do it. Many have heard and seen the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” performed, but when you see and hear it performed “Dutton style,” as the whole family participates, with each soloing on their favorite instrument, you realize and appreciate just how talented this family is. Bluegrass or classical, it makes no difference. Their “Classical Medley” with Timothy on Guitar for “Capricho,” “Czardus” featuring Judith on the keyboards and Amy on the violin and “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Summer Movement” with Amy on the violin and the rest of the family accompanying her, is simply a joy to hear.

Another thing the Duttons do is vary their method of presentation during each different segment to hold their audiences interest and keep them in a constant state of anticipation. Whether it’s Timothy and Judith singing their beautiful duet “When you Say Nothing at All” with Dean and Sheila dancing to it; Benjamin’s cousin “Julio,” who looks a lot like Benjamin, “horning” in with Jonathan in one of the funniest and unique versions of “Dueling Banjoes” in existence; “Highway Patrol,” featuring Dean with some of his younger grandchildren, Leila, Luke and Damien providing a special “driving touch;” the “Girls Medley,” with “Da do ron ron” featuring Abigail, “It’s My Party” featuring Rachel, “Johnny Angel” featuring Amy or “Lollipop” featuring Jessica, the audience is invested in the show and eagerly waiting to see what comes next.

The Duttons, Benjamin, left, Jessica, Abigail, Jonathan, Amy and Timothy performing their signature Finale.

Some who have seen the show are probably thinking, “You didn’t mention my favorite part of the show, Timothy and Amy’s fiddle duet of ‘Orange Blossom Special,’ the ‘Rock Around the Clock’ number featuring the dancing of Benjamin and his wife Brande or their outstanding Veterans Tribute featuring a touching narration and dancing by Jonathan’s wife Belle, Julio’s comedy etc. They would be absolutely right, but any review describing a show having this much quality entertainment and variety packed into it must be broken into highlights if it is to fit into an article. If someone else were writing the article there would be different highlights and that’s the wonderful thing about the Duttons show.

It is a show that truly has been designed and produced to have highlights for everyone, adults as well as teens and younger children. Each performance is a celebration of family, one of the finest entertainment experiences available in Branson or anywhere else and is a special sharing of their family with yours. It is a wonderful experience that will be remembered long after the curtain comes down.

For additional information or tickets for the Duttons or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Main Street Lake Cruises featured by CNN as 1 of 8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises

Taken today, this picture shows that Lake Taneycomo's foliage is into its "Color turn" and headed towards its anticipated "peak" within the next two weeks

BRANSON, Mo., October 14, 2012 — Like the quality of its many entertaining live shows, Branson is also known for the natural beauty that surrounds it. From its pristine lakes to the scenic splendor of the Ozark Mountains within which it is set, Branson’s natural beauty presents itself like an infinite variety of snowflakes on a day by day basis.

Nowhere is it more obvious, or well known, than in the Fall of each year as its trees and foliage put on one of the best shows in Branson. Perhaps not as well known, until now, was one of the best and most spectacular ways to see this show, but that changed recently when CNN Travel published an online article entitled, 8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises. The article said, “As the masses descend on America’s most colorful country roads this season, why not try an alternate route? Autumn’s gold-and-yellow leaf show is just as breathtaking from the deck of a boat…” and went on to list Branson’s Lake Taneycomo as “…a perfect place to revel in it” and a cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen or Landing Princess as one of its “8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises.”

The article points out that Main Street Lake Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen, a replica of the historic paddle wheel riverboats that used to ply the waters of the White River and the Landing Princess, a 100 foot luxury yacht, offer different options including dinner cruises, and sightseeing itineraries on a scheduled basis throughout the day. Larry Milton, one of the principals of Main Street Lake Cruises said, “A cruise on one of our boats is always a unique fun filled adventure offering beautiful scenic panoramic views of the Ozarks not available anywhere else which become even more spectacular with the beauty and color of the Fall foliage. We are honored that our cruises were chosen as one of ‘8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises’ in the article.”

As the accompanying picture, taken today shows, Lake Taneycomo’s foliage is into its “color turn.” It is anticipated that it will “peak” within the next two weeks if the colder nights persist. For information about Main Street Lake Cruises sightseeing, dinner or charter cruises please contact them either by phone at 417-239-3980 or via their website www.MainStreetLakeCruises.com.

Pierce Arrow cruises into Preferred Event aboard Landing Princess

Cast of Pierce Arrow introducing themselves during cruise, Scott, left, Gary, Luke and Tim

BRANSON, Mo., October 12, 2012 — Branson is noted for the way most of its entertainers and stars like to “meet and greet” and interact with their fans. However, for the 100 passengers aboard Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess, on October 9, as part of the “Pierce Arrow Preferred Event” the term was taken to a new level. The Pierce Arrow cast met and posed for pictures with them as they boarded the boat and then went with them for a special exclusive chartered luncheon cruise on beautiful Lake Taneycomo.

As the sleek 100 foot long luxury yacht glided down Lake Taneycomo passengers were treated to a one of a kind view of the natural beauty of the Ozarks, waterfowl, the first blush of Fall foliage color and a view of native Ozark bluffs only available from Lake Taneycomo while enjoying, a scrumptious lunch. As they were finishing their lunch, the members of the “Pierce Arrow Quartet,” Gary Koreiba, Tim Storms, Scott Fraker, and Luke Menard and, one of the funniest men in Branson, the shows comedian Jarrett Dougherty, went from table to table talking with the passengers, giving them autographed pictures of the cast as well as posing for pictures and giving autographs.

Pierce Arrows Scott Fraker, right corner of table, talking with guests.

“Because of our two a day show schedule, we are very selective about the outside events that we do, but when this opportunity from the Branson Tourism Center became available we thought what a great opportunity,” said Doug Kissinger, Pierce Arrow Theatre Box Office Manager, who accompanied the cast on the cruise. “It fit in with our show schedule, and gave us an opportunity to work with one of our primary marketing partners in a win-win situation where the cast will have fun and the people coming to Branson will have a great time with it.” As he looked around the boat observing the interaction between the Pierce Arrow cast members and the passengers Kissinger reflected, “What a fun event and special experience for everyone, cruising Lake Taneycomo, great food, fellowship and what a view!”

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) said, “Our whole mission is to make sure that Branson visitors, from the beginning stages of planning a visit to Branson to the completion of their trip have a great experience.” She goes on to say, “Because of the wonderful relationship we have with Branson’s attractions, lodging operators and shows, customers of the Branson Tourism Center frequently receive value added benefits that you can’t get anywhere else in Branson, like our ‘Preferred Events.'”

Johnson points out that not only do BTC’s innovative and exclusive ‘Preferred Events’ provide a unique unparalleled opportunity to see a particular Branson star or stars perform in their show, but to meet and interact with them in an exclusive, personal and special way while saving money in the process. Currently, a different “Preferred Event Package” is offered every month including two adult tickets to the Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess lunch cruise and an exclusive Meet & Greet with the cast and stars of the show participating in the particular “Preferred Event.”

She adds, “We are thrilled about the success of the Pierce Arrow Preferred Event and are excited that our next “Preferred Event” is the Shoji Tabuchi Preferred Event which will be held on November 28. Due to the limited availability of the stars involved and the fact that there is only one cruise for each of these exclusive Preferred Events, availability is very limited. Reservations may be made by calling BTC at 1-800-926-5341.

Branson hosts America’s largest Veterans Day Celebration

Branson's Verteran's Memorial Garden, one of the many ways Branson honors America's Veterans. is just one of the man

BRANSON, Mo., October 7, 2012 — “Honoring America’s Veterans, active duty Armed Forces personnel and their families is an important part of Branson’s heritage and tradition,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is something that is part of Branson’s heart and spirit and is done on a daily basis, but nowhere is it more evident than during Branson’s annual ‘Veterans Homecoming Week’ running from November 5 through November 11.”

The week long event is a special and exciting time, not only for those whom Branson honors, but for Branson itself. A schedule of events for “Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week” follows below and is sorted by date, single day events first followed by multiple day events, and is current as of October 7. Click here for access to more detailed information on most of these events.

Nov. 5 – Patriotic Welcome to Veterans Homecoming Week, Yakov Smirnoff Theater
Nov. 5 – “Special Salute to Veterans” dinner cruise & show on Showboat Branson Belle
Nov. 5 – Vets for Vets Welcome Show, The Starlite Theatre
Nov. 6 – POW/MIA Service, Vietnam Memorial Wall at the Welk Resort Branson
Nov. 6 – 237th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, Chateau on the Lake
Nov. 6 – Veterans Sporting Clays Shoot, Ozark Shooters Sports Complex, 759 US Hwy 65
Nov. 7 – A Salute to Veterans Spouses Reception at the Radisson Hotel
Nov. 7 – A Salute to Veteran’s Spouses Luncheon, Radisson Hotel
Nov. 7 – Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion, Camden Hotel and Conference Center
Nov. 8 – Women Veterans Mini Reunion, Golden Corral Showroom
Nov. 8 – The First Annual Navy Ceremony “Lost at Sea,” Main Street Lake Cruises, Branson Landing
Nov. 9 – 16th Annual Military Gala & Banquet, Chateau on the Lake
Nov. 9 – Korean War Mini Reunion , Stone Castle Inn
Nov. 9 – 8th Annual Rose Petal Ceremony and Women Veterans Tribute Luncheon
Nov. 10 – 3rd Annual Branson West Flag Lighting Ceremony, Business 13/Hwy 12 intersection
Nov. 10 – Bretts For Vets Award Winner Presentation, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater
Nov. 10 – Wal-Mart Tribute to Veterans
Nov. 10 – Thanks4Giving Gala featuring Rudy Giuliani, Hilton Branson Convention Center
Nov. 11 – Military Wedding Ceremony at The Branson Landing Fountains
Nov. 11 – Tony Orlando’s Yellow Ribbon Salute to the Veterans, Welk Resort Theatre
Nov. 11 – 79th Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, Downtown Branson
Nov. 11 – Veteran’s Day Flag Raising, Big Cedar Lodge
Nov. 11 – “Celebrate Veterans” Breakfast, First Baptist Church of BransonNov 4 – Nov 10 – Skaggs Veteran’s Wall
Nov 5 – Nov 10 – Veterans Village, Red Roof Mall*
Nov 5 – Nov 11 – Veterans Homecoming Week, Throughout Branson*
Nov 5 – Nov 12 – Vietnam Memorial Wall, Welk Resort Branson
Nov 5 – Nov 10 – Registration & Souvenir Commemorative Collectors Button Sales
Nov 5 – Nov 11 – Veterans’ Patch Wall, Main Lobby at Grand Country Music Hall
Nov 6 – Nov 10 – Day Room at the Red Roof Mall, Red Roof Mall
Nov 6 – Nov 10 – Free Lunches for Veterans, Red Roof Mall
Nov 6 – Nov 11 – Veterans Are Special, Hamner Barber Theater
Nov 6 – Nov 8 – WWII Big Band Dance, Our Lady of the Lake Parish Hall
Nov 7 – Nov 14 – Titanic Honors Veterans
*Although stores in mall are closed Veteran’s Week events are being held at the Mall.

Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week is celebrated during the first week of Ozark Mountain Christmas which runs from November 1 through December 31. With its Christmas shows, drive through lighting displays and Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas it provides those attending Veterans Homecoming Week with a unique opportunity to experience not only the events connected with Veterans Homecoming Week, but to also experience Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Branson Tourism Center’s Isnard reminds those attending Veterans Homecoming Week that November through December is one of the busiest times of the years in Branson and suggests advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure not only availability, but to obtain the best seats accommodations. For further information on Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, Ozark Mountain Christmas or additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 for free personal assistance or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Legends in Concert tribute to “The Voice,” Whitney Houston

Jazmine as Whitney Houston

BRANSON, Mo., October 5, 2012 — Whitney Houston was often referred to as “The Voice” because of the beauty, power and range of her voice. At the time of her untimely death in February of this year, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, she was the most awarded female singer of all time having received, among others, six Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards and six People’s Choice Awards.

Starting November 1, “The world’s greatest tribute show, Legends in Concert, will have celebrity impersonator “Jazmine” performing her tribute to Whitney Houston. “We are very excited to have Jazmine return to the stage here at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater this winter in Branson. Her tribute to Whitney Houston will give you chills as you experience ‘The Voice’ as never before,” said Tiffany Powers, Marketing Director for Legends in Concert.

After a successful career in Europe, “Jazmine” came to the United States and “made her debut to the Latin-American community by participating in the TV show, ‘Sueños De Fama”’ where she sang in eight episodes in the show airing on Telemundo worldwide. She appeared “on the WB network TV-show ‘PopStars’ and “made her first appearance as a ‘Whitney Houston’ impersonator on ‘Your Big Break’, a Dick Clark Productions / Buena Vista Television production, which aired nationwide from November 2000 thru August 2001. For the past 9 years, has been performing as a Whitney Houston Tribute Artist in venues around the world.”

The foundation of the Legends in Concert show is celebrity impersonators recreating legendary superstar performers. Each recreation is a wonderful artistic performance incorporating the voice, mannerisms and looks of the star being recreated which is fabulous in and of itself. When combined with the shows dancers, support vocalists, live band and great production, costuming and choreography, the result is a spectacular one of a kind entertainment experience. In addition to “Whitney Houston” the show will also feature recreations of “Liberace,” “George Strait, “Elvis” and the “Blues Brothers.”

Tiffany Isnard, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center said, “Legends in Concert is a prime example of the quality and diversity of the live entertainment that Branson offers on a daily basis.” For additional information or tickets for the Legends in Concert Show 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“Believe” extraordinary Branson entertainment experience that is SIX

SIX, Jak, left, Owen, Kevin, Barry, Lynn and Curtis

BRANSON, Mo., October 1, 2012 — The advertising for one of Branson’s most popular shows, SIX, says, “You won’t believe what comes out of their mouths! Drums, bass, instruments and unbeatable harmonies–and that’s just in the first thirty seconds!” Appropriately, the very first number of the show, “Don’t Stop Believin,” recorded by the Rock Band Journey in 1981, complete with the instrumental sound, but without the physical instruments, dramatically illustrates the unbelievable uniqueness of this show.

SIX is the exception to the general rule that says, “What you see is what you get.” What you see and hear is the Knudsen brothers singing amazing vocals. What you will “get” and hear, in addition to that singing, is instrumental accompaniment, but what you will not see is any band providing that accompaniment because there is none. Incredibly, every instrumental and vocal sound heard during the show comes out of the mouths of SIX. No gimmicks, smoke, mirror or gadgets, just the pure sound and talent of SIX. It is a truly amazing experience..

In order of age SIX is composed of Barry, Kevin, Lynn, Jak, Owen and Curtis. Each is an extremely talented vocalist in their own right, but when they sing together, whether it’s the “Beach Boys” medley with their unique “instrumental accompaniment” or their closing acapella gospel set, the beauty and power of their familial harmonies are just a joy to hear.

SIX during Beach Boys Medley

The show features a variety of music covering genres from rock and roll to pop, traditional and gospel. This writers favorite segments were the “Franke Valli, Four Seasons medley, Lynn’s impersonations highlighted by his “Frank Sinatra” singing “My Way” and their closing acapella gospel set including the “Lord’s Prayer,” “How Great Though Art” and “Be Still, My Soul.” What an absoulutely powerful and beautiful way to end a fabulous entertainment experience.

If all there was in the SIX show was what they did with their voices, that would be a great show, but it isn’t. The show is filled with a humor and personality that the audience just loves. It is consistently and seamlessly worked in throughout the show making the audience an enthusiastic element of the show. Jak is one funny guy and the way that they all “play” off each other is simply hilarious.

The lighting, sound and special effects; use of the side videos and colorful costuming make an already unique and exciting show even more so. Nowhere is that more so than during the “Movie” segment where the musical sounds of their voices is replaced by horses, chariots, car chase scenes and more. The video tribute to their mother, who died too early from Cancer, featuring the song “Love Times Ten” written and sung by Lynn is as touching as it is beautiful.

The real success of this show however, is not simply in its uniqueness, but in the passion, enthusiasm and excitement that SIX brings to the stage and infuses into its audience. For additional information or tickets for SIX please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling toll free 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Voice called a “National Treasure” silenced as Andy Williams passes

Andy Williams, during his last stage performance doing what he loved to do, sing and entertain. The performance was during the 2011 Andy Williams Christmas Show, with the cast of "Oh What A Night," right after announcing he was battling Bladder Cancer

BRANSON, Mo., September 26, 2012 — “We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the family, friends and fans of Andy Williams,” said Lianne Milton, co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center. “The voice, called by President Ronald Regan ‘a National Treasure,’ is silent, but its memory and impact on the hearts of those who heard it will live on for generations,” she continued.

In reflecting on Andy’s career in Branson, Milton points out that when he came to Branson in 1992 he came not for the short term as simply an entertainer, but for the long term as a neighbor and member of our community. Prior to his opening in Branson, he published an ad in a local paper saying, “Andy Loves Branson.” They weren’t just words. For the past 20 years, from his Branson performance schedule and his magnificent theatre to his many active efforts in promoting Branson, the stars he has brought to Branson, buying a home and living in Branson as well as his active participation in a host of charitable and community events, he has consistently shown just how much he cared about Branson.

“Last night, Branson physically lost not only one of its premier entertainers, but a true friend and neighbor. What Branson did not lose, and will cherish forever however, is the blessing of the 20 years ‘we’ shared together and that out of all the places in this country where he could have chosen to build The Andy Williams Moon River Theatre and share his talents that he chose Branson, Missouri,” Milton concluded.

Missouri Division of Tourism honors Titanic Museum Attraction’s “The Year of the Titanic”

Titanic crew assembled to pay honors as the "Eternal Flame" was lit during the spectacular "Night To Remember" event on April 14.

BRANSON, Mo., September 24, 2012 — Congratulations to the Titanic Museum Attraction on being honored by the Missouri Tourism Commission and Missouri Division of Tourism at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism held Sept. 11-13, in Kansas City,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. According to information received from the Missouri Division of Tourism, the Titanic Museum Attraction, in Branson, received the “2012 Marketing Campaign Award” for the marketing of its “year-long tribute to RMS Titanic, its passengers and crew,” commemorating “the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic.

Named “The Year of the, Titanic,” the campaign was honored because, among other things, it “garnered worldwide coverage from USA Today, the Associated Press, the New York Times, CNN, People Magazine, and other major media outlets.” In a press release acknowledging the award, John Joslyn, co-owner of the attractions and co-leader of the first private expeditions to Titanic’s final resting place said, “This is a great honor for both Titanic Branson and Titanic Pigeon Forge.” Joslyn pointed out that while the award was presented by the state of Missouri “it represents how the two attractions were able to coordinate their efforts to make the best possible impact in both Missouri and Tennessee.”

“It’s just wonderful to see the Titanic Museum Attraction honored for their marketing campaign of the magnificent way that they honored the 100th anniversary of that fateful voyage” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said. “It will be a long time before “The Year of the Titanic,” and events as spectacular and exciting as “A Night to Remember” and as solemn and poignant as the “Rose Petal Tribute” will be forgotten, she added.

Johnson reminds potential Branson visitors the a voyage on the Titanic Museum Attraction is always an exciting, educational and fun filled adventure made even more so, in terms of an historical once in 100 year experience, during 2012 and the celebration of “The Year of the Titanic. For additional information or tickets for the Titanic Museum Attraction or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center either by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A reason why Branson is a special place that should not be taken for granted

One of the spectacular sets in Sight and Sound's spectacular "Joseph."

BRANSON, Mo., September 22, 2012 – “Working with people like Vicki and James Green adds special meaning to what we do,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Making a trip to Branson so special for our customers that they will want to say, ‘Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time,’ is our passion,” she added.

After the Greens first trip to Branson in 13 years, Vicki Green sent an email to Branson Tourism Center about their Branson trip and how much it meant to them. As BTC responded, by phone and email, with Vicki, it became apparent that her heartwarming story of courage and hope and its relationship to her trip to Branson should remind all of us what a special place Branson is and why we should not take either it or tomorrow for granted.

In her initial email she said, “Thank you all so much for making our vacation come true… Our vacation was just wonderful. The best time that I have had in years. I did not want to come home.

“Dixie Stampede was awesome – the best show in Branson. I had never rode a train, so riding the ‘[Branson] Scenic Railroad’ train was so relaxing and the scenery was so beautiful. The show Joseph was great and we had the best seats in the house — 3 rows from the Tip Top, but we could see everything so well. The ‘Waltzing Waters’ were so beautiful… The [Hollywood] Wax Museum was great… We went to the ‘Old Fashion Photos’ and dressed up as a Western Bride and Groom. That was so much fun.

“‘Baldknobbers’ and ‘Plantation’ are great places to eat. I got to go into the shops on the strip. My husband and I walked down the strip holding hands like a newlywed couple – after 36 years of marriage. I guess it was a second honeymoon for us…I can’t wait to come there again. There is still plenty to do.

“It had been 13 years since we had been there. Don’t want to wait that long again. Thanks to everyone. It was a perfect trip – it couldn’t have been better. The hotel [Dutton Inn] was wonderful…”

After receiving the original email, Lesley Davis, a Manager with BTC called to thank her for taking the time to share her Branson experience and for the kind things she had to say about the service she received from BTC. During that conversation Lesley discovered something else about why that trip was so special to the Greens, but let’s let the words of Vicki herself, from a second email she sent after the phone call, share that with us.

“Thank you so much for your call to me today. I felt so honored that you had taken from your time to just talk to one person out of thousands that probably come through there. I didn’t really expect to get a reply to that e-mail. I assumed someone would read it, then delete it and it’d be trash….

“I think Branson was very special to us because it had been a long time since we’d had a vacation. I was diagnosed with cancer in October 2007. A lot of surgeries and chemotherapy kept me down. I was barely able to get in a car, much less take a trip. Maybe a lot of people take Branson for granted. They go and know that in a few months they will go again, so it’s not as special.

“It was so good to be there and enjoy so many things and feel good to do them. I had prayed hard for God to bless me and he did a miracle with me. The problems that I was having I didn’t have while I was there. God has been so good to me. I am cancer free. I just had my 6 month check up. My Oncologist is going to do a Bone Scan. A little concern about bone pain I am having… God is able to take care of it…

“Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time.”

We at the Branson Tourism center would simply say, “Thank you Vicki, not only for coming to Branson and giving us the honor of working with you to plan the trip, but for sharing your personal experience with us.” It is a reminder for those of us privileged to live and work in Branson not to take what surrounds us every day for granted and of the need to make sure that every trip to Branson for every customer is “special” enough so that they would want to echo your words, “Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time.”