Category Archives: Featured

A great Branson experience does not depend on whether the weather is fair or stormy

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

BRANSON, Mo. “It seems as if everyone, no matter what state they are from, with the possible exception of Hawaii, has a weather related saying that says something like, ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes it will change,'” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, the weather in Branson over the last few days could be the near perfect illustration of what the saying means, ” she added.

Milton was referring to the fact that the weather has varied from the balmy 50s and 60s of last week to the coldest day of the winter, in the teens, last Saturday; the first measureable snow along with a dash of sleet and ice on Monday; temperatures that quickly rose into the 50’s to erase just about every vestige of the snow and are forecast to average in the high 50s for the next several days. “A neat thing about Branson however,” Milton continues, “is that no matter what the weather or how it changes, in the vast majority of weather related situations, there is always something that is fun and exciting for Branson visitors to do and share with each other.”

On Monday, this writer was out and about, taking pictures of the Branson’s first “major “snow fall of the season,” and, as usual, the roads, thanks to the efforts of the road crews of the City of Branson, Taney County and the Missouri Department of Transportation, permitted him and his little Chevy HHR, to safely access Branson shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping, and other activities. Except in the middle of a storm, when prudence and common sense would dictate staying “home” that has been the case throughout his 26 years of living in Branson.

The Haygoods are one of the hottest and most entertaining shows in Branson.

Although the activities of some Branson attractions such as golfing, Silver Dollar City, ziplines etc. are weather dependent, the vast majority of Branson’s attractions, shows and shopping are not. As an example, the frigid temperatures of last weekend had no impact on Branson’s famed live shows with shows such as the Hamner Barber Variety Show; Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, and Amazing Pets; the Hughes Brother’s presents “It;” The Haygoods and Pierce Arrow all performing. This weekend even more shows will be performing including the premier of Branson’s newest show, Tribute to the Four Seasons and The Beach Boys.

The vast majority of Branson attractions are not are not weather dependent. Attractions such as Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, Grand Country’s Fun Spot, Grand Country’s 36 hole indoor golf course, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, the indoor activities of The Track Family Fun Parks and many other attractions are open year round. 2012 is the anniversary of the 100th year of the sinking of the Titanic and the Titanic Museum Attraction is hosting special exhibits and activities in remembrance of the disaster and those who perished.

One of the most popular activities in Branson is shopping and weather has only minimal, if any, effect on its availability. From the quaint shops of historic downtown Branson, including its major attraction “Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10,” to Branson Landing with its 100 shops, restaurants and entertainment opportunities, factory outlet discount malls such as Tanger Mall and 100s of specialty shops throughout Branson, Branson provides a unique unparalleled shopping experience regardless of the weather.

For current information on Branson shopping, attractions, shows, and lodging Milton offers the assistance of the staff of the Branson Tourism Center, in answering any questions; assistance in getting tickets for Branson shows and attractions or in making lodging arrangements. The Branson Tourism Center may be contacted, toll free, at 1-800-785-1550, every day of the year except Christmas Day, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“Hearts of love” show Branson artist’s wife “Thou art every day my Valentine!”

Tom and Susan in their historic downtown Branson Gallery.

BRANSON, Mo. The British poet and humorist, Thomas Hood, said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” “Valentine’s Day in Branson will be celebrated by special performances of its shows, menus in its restaurants and in many other ways by individuals,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, in terms of the desire expressed in Hood’s loving prose becoming reality, one does not have to look too far beyond the “hearts of love” that noted Branson Artist Tom Crain puts in his paintings to show his wife Susan, “thou art every day my Valentine!”

It would be no exaggeration to call T.(Tom) Morgan Crain, Branson’s preeminent wildlife, bird, western, outdoor and nostalgia painter and one of the top painters of such subjects in the nation. Tom has been painting and doing art work for over 32 years with some of his career highlights including Silver Dollar City, the Franklin Mint, over 20 magazine covers for Cabela’s, Ozark Mountaineer, Fiocchi of America, Blue Book of Gun Values, Springfield Magazine and many others as well as 22 plus limited edition prints and countless individual commissions.

How good an artist is the quiet, unassuming and humble man? Although, earlier in his career he had won the prestigious Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year and was the first two time winner of the Missouri Waterfowl Stamp Design, until 2010 he had not entered a State Duck Stamp Competition for about 20 years. In 2010 he decided to compete again, entered the  competition in 10 states and out of ten states he placed in eight, winning in three, Missouri, Ohio and Delaware.

Wait, we digress too much about Tom the artist, it’s Valentine’s Day, we are celebrating so let’s get back to Tom the romanticist, love and matters of the heart. Tom and Susan Crain have been married since November of 2000, but prior to that, as their budding romance developed, Tom discovered that Susan, because of their symbolic relationship to “the heart of man” loved and collected things with heart shapes in them. He shares how her friends and family knew about that love and collected heart shaped things for her.

Happy Valentine's Day! Branson Artist, Tom Crain's, painting, "Home of the Brave," with its "hearts of love," sharing the love and romance of Valentine's Day everyday with his wife Susan.

As one of the ways of showing Susan how much he loved her, Tom decided to incorporate hearts into his paintings and has been doing so every since in the vast majority of his works. His first “heart of love” was a heart shaped U.S. Flag on a watch he had.

His  powerful, majestic and breathtaking “Home of the Brave,” was painted in June of 2000 and shares a compilation of his memories of a special fishing trip into the Colorado Rockies with his son, his love and appreciation of the majesty and grandeur of God’s creation, love of country and his love for Susan. This painting is one of Crain’s most popular, toured China and the Orient and is the first of his major paintings incorporating his “hearts of love.” His hearts are ever so subtly worked into his paintings reminding one of the bible verse, ” Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant…”

In fact, that’s the true beauty of his “hearts of love.” In a testament to his remarkable artistic ability, although, in most cases there is more than one “heart of love” in a painting, Tom is able to share his love for his wife so subtly that one really has to know what they are looking for to find one, let alone the other hearts or his “Susan” that are in the painting.

In the illustration of Tom’s “Home of the Brave,” used with his permission, this writer has loosely outlined the major “heart of love” with a pink heart that is not in the original painting. Notice how subtly the artist has woven the heart into the fabric of the painting starting just to the left of where the waterfall meets the eagles wings and follows ridge lines and shadings to complete its form. There is even a heart within the heart.

What a special way to add meaning to Hood’s words, “Thou art every day my Valentine.” Isn’t that something we should strive to show our “Valentines” everyday? Happy Valentine’s Day!

Tom, and Susan most days, can be reached personally in their studio Crain Creations Gallery, located in historic downtown Branson, or through its website.

Branson performers in Beatles album nominated for GRAMMY

Liverpool Legends performing "Yellow Submarine" in Branson show.

BRANSON, Mo. When the 54th GRAMMY Awards take place, live in the Staples Arena in Los Angeles, CA, on Feb. 12, The Liverpool Legends from Branson, Missouri and their founder, Louise Harrison, will be in attendance and have a vested interest in the outcome. The album “FAB FAN MEMORIES The Beatles Bond,” on which they perform, has been nominated for a GRAMMY in the category of “Best Spoken Word Album.” Harrison is the sister of the Beatles George Harrison and handpicked the four members of the Liverpool Legends, as a recreation of “the band that changed the face of music forever!”

The album has over 67 minutes of commentary and interviews, hosted by Harrison, as Beatles fans from all over the world share their real, some never told stories, about their bond with the Beatles. In addition, it has performances of Beatles songs by The Liverpool Legends; “original music performed by ‘The WannaBeatles'” and was produced by Nathan Burbank, Bryan Cumming, David Toledo and Dennis Scott. Scott is a previous Grammy Award winner. Other albums nominated in the same category include “Bossypants,” “Hamlet (William Shakespeare),” ” If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)” and “The Mark Of Zorro.”

The category of “Best Spoken Word Album, is one of “78 categories in 29 fields/genres” for which GRAMMY Awards will be presented. It is a non-music category that includes audio books, storytelling and poetry. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will air Feb. 12 starting at 7 p.m. CDT on CBS.

“We congratulate them on the nomination of “FAB FAN MEMORIES The Beatles Bond,” wish them success at the at the GRAMMY’s and look forward to The Liverpool Legends and Louise having a great 2012 season in Branson,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and seller of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging.

Branson named one of 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many fun things for families to share in Branson.

“Another confirmation about what a great place Branson is for families to plan to spend their vacation,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Milton was referring to Branson being featured in a January article entitled, 2012’s Best Family Vacation Destinations, published by Away.com, a division of Orbitz.com.

While referring briefly to Branson’s musical heritage, the article called Branson “One of the family-friendliest destinations in the United States” and emphasized another family friendly point, the opportunity for families to experience “the beauty of the Missouri Ozarks.” It specifically mentioned three of Branson’s many attractions, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Showboat Branson Belle, and its biggest and most popular paid attraction, the 1880s styled award winning theme park, Silver Dollar City with its world class festivals, dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and over 30 rides and attractions, all seamlessly blended into the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Milton said that Branson’s most recent recognition follows right on the heels of Branson being recognized throughout 2011 by various national travel organizations including being recognized as Number 7 by TripAdvisor.Com on their list of the 15 Destinations on the rise which included travel destinations such as Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. She feels that such recognition, for a little town in Southwestern Missouri, is in large part not only due to the breath and uniqueness of the fun, entertainment and everything else that Branson offers, but the family friendly environment in which it is provided.

Milton says that national recognition is a wonderful indication of what visitors to Branson can expect and suggests, “Why not plan to spend your family’s vacation in Branson during 2012 and share in all the fun and excitement it has to offer?” She also offers the assistance of one of Branson Tourism Center’s knowledgeable local Branson Vacation Planners to assist anyone in planning their Branson vacation at absolutely no charge. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached either by calling, toll free, 1-800-785-1550 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., seven days a week, or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Comedy Jamboree – a “Grand” afternoon of comedy and music

Vocalists Justin, right, GiGi, Todd, Jackie and Jon.

BRANSON, Mo. Grand Country’s Comedy Jamboree has plenty of comedy, but it is so much more. It has one of the best live bands in Branson, great singing and dancing and provides two hours of exceptional music and comedy that truly has something for everyone.

As this writer watched the show on Feb. 2, he was equally enthralled with the  musical talents of the cast and the presentation of each number. The shows vocal group, the “Jamboree Singers,” its “Grand Band” and lead male vocalist did a great job from a musical point of view that, when combined with the production and choreography accompanying each number, results in some of the best live musical entertainment  on any Branson stage.

The primary vocal role is carried by the shows vocal group, the “Jamboree Singers” composed of Jackie Brown, GiGi Hutchinson, Jon Drockelman and Justin Tews. From the show’s opening number, “Love Somebody” to its last, “This Is America,” both together and as featured soloists, the vocal talents of this group and its individual members is obvious. The shows lead vocalist and Master of Ceremonies is “Branson’s Country Gentlemen,” Todd Bradshaw.

The “Grand Band,” is composed of some of Branson’s finest instrumentalists. They are Tracy Heaston, Piano/Keyboard, who is also the shows Musical Director; Wayne Massengale, Fiddle, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar and Dobro; Larry Allred, Bass Guitar; Rob Blackburn, Drums and Matt Hanshaw, lead and acoustic guitar. To say that they do an outstanding job would be an understatement.

Those are the show’s individual musical elements, but it is the way they are all brought together by the show’s director and producer, Mike Patrick and associate producer Andy Holloway with the staging and choreography of GiGi Hutchinson that makes this show such a great musical experience. Virtually every number involves not only vocals, but choreography and the integration of various elements and performers into its performance. Two examples would be “The World,” beautifully sung by Todd Bradshaw featuring Wayne Massengale on the fiddle and the number “Just A Kiss,” beautifully sung by Jon and Jackie as GiGi and Justin performed an exquisite dance routine. The number was as much joy to watch as it was to hear.

And that’s just the musical part of the Comedy Jamboree. The performance that I saw featured Shannon Thomason as “Apple Jack,” and Adam Western as “Rusty Bucket,” who, from the preshow to the final comedy skit, seemed to come along at just the right time to tickle the funny bone with a stream of one liners and comedy skits. One feature of the show’s comedy is its intensive audience participation and the added fun it provides. This writer can guarantee laughter and that, among other comedic experiences, you have never seen a polka like these guys do and you will know for a certainty exactly how many of each type of animal Moses took on the Ark with him. It should be pointed out that Western was filling in for the shows other regular comedian, Perry Edenburn as “Harley Worthit” while he is fulfilling another engagement.

What a delightful way to spend an afternoon. For additional information or tickets for the Comedy Jamboree 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.

Burger Shack the Branson Trifecta for burgers, fries and shakes?

Branson's newest restaurant, the "Burger Shack" opened this week on the famed Branson Strip.

BRANSON, Mo. When I noticed that the Burger Shack had opened, diet or no diet, I had to stop by and try it. I very seldom write restaurant pieces, but as I was eating my burger, facing back toward the “fry” station and noticed the way it appeared that they were making their fries, I realized that it was just possible that I was looking at the equivalent of the “Branson Trifecta” for burgers, fries and shakes. That piqued by curiosity and I decided to check it out after I finished eating.

As things worked out, I talked with Jon Rasmussen, the General Manager of the Burger Shack and the son of one of the partners, who was kind enough to sit down and chat with me for a few minutes even though it was the lunch hour. When I asked him why they decided to open another burger place in Branson he said, “Burgers are one of those things that everybody likes. Everyone wants a good burger. There are good burgers in town, but we thought we could do things our own unique way.” As the interview progressed, it became very clear that burgers are not the only thing done in a unique way at the Burger Shack.

Everything at the Burger Shack involves high quality ingredients and freshness. Every Burger Shack Burger is made from 100 percent fresh ground chuck that is ground locally; is always fresh, never frozen and is cooked after it is ordered. This takes about eight minutes and is one of the primary reasons they don’t have a drive through. Another unique feature of the Burger Shack is that they have free peanuts guests can help themselves to while waiting for their order.

The burger is just under a quarter of a pound uncooked. Rasmussen said, “Gentlemen should get doubles and the ladies singles. From my perspective, the cheeseburger, with mayo, green peppers and grilled onions I had, along with an order of fries and diet coke, was plenty big enough.

As you order your burger there is a list of about 15 condiments and other things that you can top your burger with from the standard catsup, mustard, mayo, lettuce and tomatoes to mushrooms, grilled onions, green peppers and more; the possible combinations are endless. Rasmussen said you can add as many as you want without any additional charge.

Typically, to me, a burger’s bun is just to keep my hands from getting greasy while I eat the burger, but in this case the bun was delightful. It was warm and soft yet not soggy and really noticeably added to the overall enjoyment of the burger. When asked about the bun, Rasmussen said that it is all part of what makes a Burger Shack burger unique and special and it didn’t just happen. He said, “I have eaten a lot of buns in the last three months.”

The in house start of the Burger Shack's "famous "natural cut fries.

About 50 years ago this writer worked part time in a McDonald’s when they made their fries from scratch, that’s right, from the raw potato to the finished fries right in the store. Well, those days are back again at the Burger Shack.

When asked what makes their fries “famous” and so different from most others, Rasmussen said, “The amount of effort we put into them. Those boxes of potatoes that you see stacked when you come in are the potatoes that will become the fries that we serve.” Rasmussen took me back into the kitchen where the potatoes were being washed, sliced and made ready to go out for the multiple step “frying” process. The one difference between the McDonald’s fries of 50 years ago and the Burger Shack’s is that McDonalds took the skin off the potato, but the Burger Shack’s fries leave the skin on. One thing for certain though, the Burger Shack’s process sure adds new meaning to the term “natural cut fries,” and, speaking from personal experience, they were delicious.

Even their milk shakes are made the old fashioned way. Each is made from ice cream, not mixes, that is hand dipped. In deference to my diet, as I scoffed down the cheese burger and fries with gusto, I washed it down with a Diet Coke and did not get to try a milk shake, but they looked really really good. They also have a full selection of soft drinks and will be offering, bottled beer within a couple of weeks.

The Burger Shack is located in the building where Schlotzsky’s, followed by Gloria Jean’s Coffee, used to be, on the south side of Highway 76 across from the Grand Country Complex. It is open seven day a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. right now, but will have extended hours during the summer and holds about 88 inside. Rasmussen said that during the summer they will also have patio seating and special parking up front for “cool cars” and hot rods.

It is basically a self serve restaurant with the customer placing the order, getting a number and drink cups which they fill themselves. When their number is called they go up and get their order. Although the Burger Shack serves some other items such as a Salmon Burger and has a kids menu, it’s the burger, fries and shakes that their menu emphasizes. The single cheese burger that I had, with a soft drink, regular order of fries came to $8.81. The cheese burger alone was $4.49 without tax.

That special Valentine’s Day celebration in Branson

Pierce Arrow will be celebrating Valentines Day with performances.

The British poet and humorist, Thomas Hood, said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine!” It seems that on Valentine’s Day extra effort is made to show those we love how much we care, but how much more special each day would be if we followed Hood’s, words and treated those we love in a manner that said, “Thou art every day my Valentine?”

With Valentine’s Day coming up on Tuesday, February 14th, what better way to show your Valentine how much you care than by celebrating Valentine’s Day in Branson, Missouri, “the live music show capital of the world?” Whether that celebration takes place the weekend before or on Valentine’s Day itself, Branson, with its many restaurants, shopping, shows and other activities offers a variety of ways to share a special Valentine’s Day with that special someone.

From the simple café fare of a downtown staple like Clocker’s Café to an elegant romantic gourmet meal at the Chateau on the Lake, Candle Stick, Table 22 or the Level 2 Steak House and everything in between, Branson offers a variety of Valentine dining experiences for every budget and taste. Many will be offering special menus just for Valentine’s Day and it is suggested making reservations as early as possible.

Branson Landing Cruise line has special Valentine’s Day dinner cruises scheduled on the Branson Landing Princess on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11 and on Valentine’s Day. The Landing Princess is a 100 foot long luxury yacht and the cruise will include a romantic gourmet dinner, served while cruising Lake Taneycomo, and seeing the spectacular nighttime view of Branson Landing and its fire and water Fountain Show from the water.

As one would expect in Branson, Missouri, there is a variety of live entertainment shows available to share with your Valentine. Shows including the Hamner Barber Variety Show; Grand Country’s Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, and Amazing Pets; the Hughes Brother’s presents “It”; the Haygoods and Pierce Arrow will be performing during the weekend of February 11. In addition, all the shows listed above except for the Hamner Barber Variety Show and Amazing Pets will also be performing shows on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

For those coming for the weekend, a package, combining lodging, shows, attractions and more offers not only a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but to save money. One example is Branson Tourism Center’s “Sweetheart Package.” It offers 3 days and 2 nights lodging, two tickets to either the Hamner Barber Variety Show or the Hughes Brothers Presents “It”, two tickets to the Titanic Museum Attraction, a special “romance basket” and more.

With all Branson has to offer, why not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with your special Valentine, in Branson? For additional information or tickets on 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Unsinkable “Molly” Brown remembered in newest Branson Titanic exhibit

Branson's Titanic Museum always an exciting voyage back into history is even more so during 2012 as the 100th anniversary of its sinking is remembered.

BRANSON, Mo.  “The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson has boarded more than four million passengers since it opened in April of 2006 with many of those passengers being repeat passengers,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the reasons for its popularity is that it is constantly offering its guests special events, such as the National Ice Carving Association’s Championships taking place at the Titanic Feb. 4-5, the 100th anniversary special events being held in remembrance of her sinking and the updating and changing of its exhibits to provide guests with a fresh and exciting experience each time they visit.”

One of those new exhibits is the new “Molly Brown Gallery,” devoted to remembering one of the heroines of the Titanic disaster. According to information released by the Branson Titanic Attraction, “Her real name was Margaret ‘Maggie’ Tobin Brown, but the world knew her best as the irascible, indestructible Unsinkable ‘Molly’ Brown. ‘Beginning this month, hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Titanic Museum Attraction will explore the myth, lore and legacy of this larger-than-life Titanic heroine,’ announces John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attractions and leader of the first private expedition’s dive to the wreck site.

“According to Brown’s great-granddaughter, Helen Benziger, ‘My great-grandmother was born in 1867 in Hannibal. She made a name for herself in Denver, Colo., and around the world, with an indomitable spirit that charmed European society and helped her survive the Titanic disaster.

“I was about 13 years old, sitting in a darkened movie theater watching Debbie Reynolds in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, when my mother finally told me that the fictional Molly Brown on screen was, in reality, based on the life of my great-grandmother, Margaret Tobin Brown. Since that unbelievable moment, I have devoted much of my life to keeping her legacy alive.

“Now, I’m thrilled and excited to know that the extensive Molly Brown Artifact Collection will have a new home at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, not too far from where my great-grandmother was born,’ Benziger adds.

“Featured pieces in the collection include furniture, crystal glassware from Ireland, artwork, photographs, Titanic memorabilia and many other treasures gathered from around the world to grace the Denver mansion Maggie shared with her millionaire mining husband, J.J. Brown.

“Museum guests will see original costumes worn by Debbie Reynolds in the movie ‘The Unsinkable Molly Brown,’ including the pale-green, elaborately beaded silk gown she wore while celebrating her birthday abroad in Paris.

“‘Helen Benziger was in Branson to help us launch the museum attraction in 2006. She inspired us all,’ says Joslyn, ‘and we’re honored to welcome her back Thursday, March 22, to dedicate our new gallery, entirely devoted to her great-grandmother.'”

For additional information or tickets for the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, any of its 100th anniversary events, the “Molly Brown Exhibit” 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.

Three must see and do things for your Branson Itinerary

Silver Dollar City's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and Table Rock Lake.*

BRANSON, Mo. “There is an infinite choice of things to see and do in Branson, Missouri and one of the questions we are asked the most often by first time visitors is, ‘What are the “must” things to see and do?'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Obviously that will change with the particular needs or desires of the person asking the question, the season of the year and other factors, but on average, the following three things should certainly be at the top of anyone’s ‘must see and do’ Branson itinerary'”

Silver Dollar City
See a Show
Branson Landing

Silver Dollar City is an 1880s styled theme park that is Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction. It has six world class festivals a year, 30 thrilling attractions and rides including its new kids area – “Half Dollar Holler,” 60 unique craft shops craftsmen demonstrating skills in pioneer crafts, great food and much more.

Branson is called, by some, “The live music show capital of the world” and during the season offers a variety and quality of live entertainment that is unequaled in any other travel destination of its size, perhaps any size. With all the shows in Branson there is sure to be a show that will appeal to just about everyone. Johnson points out that the original show on the Branson Strip, “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” is iconic not only for that, but because two of its cast members, drummer Steve Presley and his brother Gary Presley, the show’s comedian, have been performing continuously since it opened on the what is now the “Branson Strip “in 1967 and set a new “record” every time they perform. She points out that it is also one of Branson’s most popular shows and its mixture of music and “action comedy” will entertain the entire family.

Constructed at a cost of about $400 million in 2006, Branson Landing is at the same time, one of Branson’s main attractions and a premier shopping destination. It is located immediately adjacent to historic downtown Branson and the Branson Convention Center, on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo. With its unique promenade construction; 100 specialty retail stores, shops and restaurants; $7.5 million fire, water and light fountain show; board walk and attractions, Branson Landing is a unique part of the Branson experience.

Johnson says that Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, has a staff of over 100 people dedicated to just one thing, helping people plan and have a great Branson experience. BTC would be pleased to have one of their knowledgeable local Branson Vacation Planners assist anyone in planning their Branson vacation at absolutely no charge either by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Branson Up Close and Personal with Doug Gabriel

Doug Gabriel playing his famous "Mufftar."

BRANSON, Mo. Doug Gabriel’s vocal and instrumental talents have been a staple on the Branson show scene since 1985 when he first started performing in Branson. For years he opened for many of the major stars, including Roy Clark himself, at the Roy Clark Celebrity theatre and has been voted the “Male Vocalist,” “Entertainer,” and the “Instrumentalist of the Year.” In 1994, he and his wife Cheryl, also an accomplished vocalist, started their own show. They will be starting their 27th year in Branson and 18th year of their own show when the 2012 edition of the Doug Gabriel Show opens on March 2.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interview with Doug Gabriel uses a “Question and Answer” format with the interviewing being done for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 26 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and free lance writer.

BTC: How long have you been performing in Branson?
DG:  I’ve been in town about 27 years. I started in 1985 with Chisai Childs at the old Starlite Theatre. I also played at Cody Country with the Cody Brothers and played with “Celebrity Sound” at the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre where we led in for the major stars and Roy Clark who performed at the theatre.

BTC: When did you start your own show?
DG: In 1994 at the Jim Stafford Theatre.

BTC: Last year you moved from the Jim Stafford Theatre to the Music City Center Theatre. What’s one of the most exciting benefits of the move?
DG: The opportunity to do night shows.

BTC: How did you end up coming to Branson?
DG: I came to Branson to check it out and reconnected with Chisai Childs, who we had played for in her theatre in Grapevine, TX, and ended up performing in her show.

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
DG: Going to the Bob-O-Links with my grandfather Glenn Gabriel when I was a boy. [Now, these many years and owners later, it is the Clay Cooper Theatre.]

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
DG: We enjoy playing tennis and swimming as a family.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
DG: From a music perspective it would be Elvis because of his music.

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
DG: I’m a worrier.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in front of an audience?
DG: When a bat came out during the gospel portion of a road show we were performing and was flying over the audience really getting them excited as they ducked and dodged it as it flew around and swopped down. When we got to the patriotic part of the show I said to the audience, “We should probably sing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Well it was funny at the time.

BTC: Do you have an instrumental and vocal number that you believe that your audiences expect you to do?
DG: Yes, “Malaguena” on the acoustical guitar and either “Unchained Melody” or the “American Trilogy.”

BTC: What part of your show do you enjoy performing the most and why?
DG: The first four songs of the show because it gives me the opportunity to form a relationship with the audience and get them involved with the performance.

BTC: Has the featured female vocalist in your show been with you for a while?
DG: She sure has. It’s my lovely wife Cheryl to whom I have been married for 28 years and who has blessed me with three beautiful children, Josh, Jordon and Jasmine who also participate in the show.

BTC: Is the “Mufftar” still in the show.”
DG: Absolutely, where else in the world can people hear a one of a kind sound from a one of a kind instrument made out of a 1969 Ford Thunderbird muffler. It’s amazing to feel the audience respond as they react to the sound coming from a muffler. [The “Mufftar” is a unique instrument made from the muffler of a 1969 Ford Thunderbird muffler by Doug’s dad, Don, when Doug first decided he wanted to play the guitar as a child.]

BTC: What one thing in your show do you want the readers to know about?
DG: While we will continue to do the favorites our audiences expect, which are all top hits, we will expand our musical variety to present other hits that they will readily recognize. There’s not a bad song in the show.

BTC: If I were planning a trip to Branson why should I plan to see your show?
DG: We provide a unique and wonderful entertainment experience that celebrates God, family, friends, life and country through the timeless musical hits of the decades.

BTC: If I were coming with children ages 8 through 15  would you answer be the same and why?
DG: Yes because the material in the show appeals to all ages and those ages 8 through 15 will also relate to the performances of Jasmine and Jordon during the show.