Category Archives: Featured

Fun Ramps up at White Water with Night Water

A splashdown from the top of the seven story Kalani Towers at night is an entirely different experience.

“On the typical day the two million gallon White Water park closes as at 7 p.m.” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, from July 2 to July 10 guests to the park can have a unique experience as they beat the heat, splash, play and slide away until 10 p.m.”

A recent press release announcing the extended hours said, “Nighttime thrills abound at the region’s largest fun-filled tropical getaway. Guests can raft the challenging Ohana Falls or surf the 500,000 gallon wave pool at dusk, meander down the Lazy River under the stars, and maneuver Raging River Rapids and the Bermuda Triangle in the dark. Even the youngest members of the family can play under the stars at Night Water. RainTree and Splash Islands, along with Little Squirts’ Waterworks, offer fun for the whole family.

“For the adventurous, the region’s largest high-speed water ride is the ultimate after-dark experience. Take in the panoramic view of the lights of B-town before plunging 75 feet on Kalani Towers, a multi-experience thrill ride with two 300-foot drop slides for freefall body sliding at speeds up to 40 mph, and four additional 312-foot slides for lane racing at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.” White Water General Manager Jackie Smith said, “Kalani Towers is the ultimate splashdown thrill, and it’s even better after dark. The entire family can get in on the fun, whether plummeting down the huge drop flumes, or racing down the four-lane slides.”

Johnson points out that there is no additional charge for the extra hours for guests having a one day ticket or a season pass. For additional information or tickets for White Water or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please feel free to 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.

White Water is a sister attraction of Silver Dollar City, Branson oldest and most popular attraction celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and the Showboat Branson Belle.

Are there things to do in Branson in addition to live music shows?

Silver Dollar City's "Wildfire" blends the natural beauty of the Ozarks with a world class coaster for a unique one of a kind Branson experience.

Branson’s renowned reputation as “live music show capital of the world” has caused some to ask, “Are there things to do in Branson in addition to live music shows?” Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson largest and most trusted providers of Branson travel services answers, “Absolutely, from ziplines to butterflies and just about everything in between, Branson has more unique and fun attractions and activities for its visitors to enjoy than any place on earth.”

Branson’s location in the Ozark Mountains provides a natural and beautiful setting for all that Branson has to offer which, in no small measure, contributes to the uniqueness and excitement of the Branson experience. In a recent interview, Brad Thomas, the General Manager of Branson’s most popular attraction, the 1880s theme park, Silver Dollar City Silver provided an excellent example of the integration of the natural beauty of the Ozarks with the Branson entertainment experience.

Thomas said, “A perfect illustration would be our coaster, ‘Wildfire.’ Alone, it is an exciting, exhilarating world class ride. When the excitement of the ride experience is coupled with the spectacular view of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake from its highest point as it loops upside down it provides a unique one of a kind experience not available anywhere else.”

Its three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo provide a variety of fresh water fun and excitement including swimming, boating, just about any water activity from wave runners to water skiing and world class fishing for both bass and trout. Where else, but in Branson, Missouri, aboard the Branson Landing Princess can a person cruise, eat a wonderful dinner and watch a multi-million dollar fire, water and light show? How about just relaxing on Table Rock Lake’s “Moonshine Beach” for a day of sunbathing and swimming?

The Payne Stewart Tribute Course is but one of Branson's many golfing adventures.

Branson offers a world class golf experience at a number of courses including the newly opened Payne Stewart Golf Course at Branson Hills, Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and Branson Creek. Johnson points out that at a number of courses, lodging can be arranged within walking distance of the club house.

In terms of attractions and other activities, Johnson said, “If it’s fun and exciting it can be found in Branson. Attractions including the Adventure Ziplines of Branson, the Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, the international award winning 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City, the two million gallons of wet fun at White Water, the Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Branson Scenic Railway and activities including go karts, museums, bird watching, hiking, fish hatchery tours, to name a few, provide Branson visitors with a constant stream of fun, excitement and adventure.

“Interestingly,” Johnson points out, “Although Branson is known for its music shows, many of its live shows are not music shows.” She points to the Acrobats of China, Yakov’s Moscow Circus, the magic and comedy of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, the spectacular outdoor drama Shepherd of the Hills and comedy shows such as Yakov Smirnoff and Jim Stafford as examples. For further information on all that Branson has to offer please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Tourism Center celebrates seven years of sharing its passion for Branson

Whether is a ride on Silver Dollar City's new $7 million dollar RiverBlast Ride or..

How does one of Branson’s biggest and most respected providers of Branson travel services go from selling zero tickets to Branson shows and attractions to beyond two million and counting? “By using the synergy of the amazing people working with us and all that Branson has to offer to provide our customers, one at a time, with the greatest Branson experience possible,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Our passion at BTC is providing a great Branson experience for our customers that will not only bring them back to Branson, but back to the Branson Tourism Center time and time again.”

Johnson points out that on May 27 the Branson Tourism Center celebrated its seventh birthday. When Lianne Milton, the owner of BTC with her husband Larry, started the company seven years ago, there was a passion for sharing Branson, three employees and the number of tickets sold was zero. A short seven years later, the passion for sharing Branson is, if anything, more intense, BTC has 100 employees and the number of tickets sold is well over the two million ticket mark and rising.

Johnson attributes the success of the BTC to a number of things not the least of which is the passion of BTC, from the top on down, to making sure that every customer has a great Branson experience. Realizing that experience starts with the initial gathering of information on Branson, BTC’s free personal “concierge type” service has the made the gathering of that information as simple as dialing 800-785-1550, toll free, from 7 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. every day of the year except Christmas Day.

or an incredible show like the Acrobats of China, it's all about making sure the Branson guest has a great experience.

or an incredible show like the Acrobats of China, it's all about making sure that Branson's guests have a great Branson experience.

The phone will be answered by a trained BTC Branson Vacation and Reservation Specialist who lives in the Branson area, is familiar with all that Branson has to offer and will be happy to answer any questions prospective Branson visitors may have regardless of whether or not they actually buy tickets, lodging or other services from BTC. In the event the person calling wants to purchase tickets or lodging, the Vacations and Reservation Specialist can make all the arrangements including reservations with absolutely no service charge of any kind.

“In fact,” Johnson states, “because we buy in bulk and pass the savings on to our customers, in many cases, particularly with packages, they actually save money. Our free flagship concierge service, with the personal assistance of our Vacations and Reservation Specialist provides an unequalled level of convenience and service all designed with one thought in mind, help our customers have a great Branson experience.”

She also points out that BTC owns and operates Branson’s first, oldest and the most trafficked Branson website, www.Branson.com and www.BransonTourismCenter.com which provide a wealth of information on Branson, its shows, attractions, shopping, history, current news articles and just about anything else anyone could want to know about Branson. In addition, for those who want to do their own research and make their own reservations on line, BTC also operates www.BransonOnTheWeb.com, a transactional site with one of the best Branson search engines available anywhere to help users get the Branson information they want. Johnson stresses however, that BTC enjoys the reputation it does because of personal service and that personal assistance is no more than a toll free phone call away.

Johnson said that BTC is a member of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, Better Business Bureau, American Society of Travel Agents, American Bus Association, and the Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association. It has been a member of the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri since 2003 and enjoys an A+ rating.

As excited as she is about what has happened over the last seven years at the Branson Tourism Center, Johnson says, “It happened one customer at a time by helping them have the best Branson experience possible. That will not change as we move into the future, it is our passion and our privilege.”

Adventure Ziplines soars near Branson Strip

Beautiful vista and one of the rope bridges on Adventure Ziplines of Branson course.

“Last year at this time there wasn’t a zip line in the Branson area,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “This year there are a number of zip lines or zip line related attractions open in the Branson area for our visitors to enjoy and one of them is located within blocks of the of the famed Branson Strip, ‘Adventure Ziplines of Branson.’”

During an interview on June 11, Jared Story, General Manager, Adventure Ziplines of Branson, stated that the almost one mile long zipline course is unique, in terms of its location and thrill ride canopy tour focus. The course is composed of five ziplines, ranging in length from 200 feet to 1600 feet, three swinging rope bridges and nine towers. Riders will soar above the beautiful Ozarks terrain at heights of 70 feet and speeds of up to 50 miles an hour on a unique and inspiring zipline adventure. Story said it would take a group of five or six people about one and a half hours to complete.

Although blended into the Ozarks scenery, Story points out that Adventure Ziplines of Branson is constructed predominantly of concrete and steel with each of its stainless steel dual ziplines capable of supporting 26,000 pounds. He said that the zipline’s field staff are all ACCT Certified (Association of Challenge Course Technology) and have been trained in High Angle Rescue, CPR and First Aid.

The minimum weight to ride is 70 pounds and the maximum weight is 275 pounds. He suggests that children eight years of age and up can ride the zipline providing they are able to follow instructions on braking and the use of the zipline.

Story explained that Adventure Ziplines of Branson is the second zipline that its parent company, Perry Smith Development Corporation out of Pigeon Forge, TN, has built. Perry Smith owns other entertainment attractions such as go kart tracks, laser tag, indoor black light putt-putt golf etc., but Adventure Ziplines of Branson is their first venture into the Branson Market.

He is particularly pleased that the zipline can provide this exciting adventure experience in a location that is so conveniently located to Branson’s main entertainment, shopping and lodging area near the center of the Branson Strip. Adventure Ziplines of Branson is located just north of the junction of N. Wildwood Drive and Gretna Road (Branson’s Blue Route) and past the White House Theatre at 501 N. Wildwood Drive.

For additional information or tickets for Adventure Ziplines of Branson or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, 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.

Could Branson be the adventure capital of the world?

Kalani Towers is just one of the adventures at White Water.

Many people know that Branson Missouri has so many live shows it is sometimes referred to as “the live music show capital of the world.” Still others know about the fabulous shopping that is available at venues like Branson Landing or the specialty shops in historic downtown Branson and other places throughout Branson, but one has to wonder how many people look at it as an adventure destination. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center says, “From one end to the other, day in and day out, Branson is one big adventure.”

With almost a gleam in his eye Miller says, “The term ‘Adventure’ has various definitions one of which is ‘an undertaking involving risks or unknown dangers.’ Another, and the one that applies to the type of adventure Branson offers, is ‘an exciting or remarkable experience.’” He goes on to say, “The ‘adventure’ most families coming to Branson are looking for is to share a special time of fun, newness, and excitement with each other. From that perspective and in terms of its uniqueness, variety of activities, natural beauty and its friendliness, Branson could be the ‘adventure capital’ of the world.”

The Payne Stewart Tribute Course is but one of Branson's many golfing adventures.

Branson has so many live music shows presenting just about every genre of music anyone could want, but Miller points out, the adventure of Branson’s shows transcends just music. Shows such Acrobats of China, Yakov’s Moscow Circus, the magic, comedy and ventriloquism of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, the amazing dinner entertainment experiences provided by the Showboat Branson Belle or Dixie Stampede or a performance of shows such as Cirque Montage provide still a different type of adventure.

Branson provides a golfing experience second to none. From nationally recognized championship courses such as Payne Stewart and Branson Creek to other great courses such as Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and others, Branson provides golfing adventure and excitement for every level of play from the beginner to the PGA pro.

Not a golfer, how about an adventure on one of Branson’s beautiful lakes such as fishing, swimming or boating on Table Rock Lake with its 43,000 acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline. If fishing is your thing, Branson area lakes provide a unique opportunity to catch lunker Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass in Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes as well as trophy sized Rainbow and Brown Trout all within about five minutes of each other. If you want a watery adventure in a theme park environment, then White Water with its 12 acres and 2 million gallons of wet fun, and 7000 feet of water slides, featuring the seven story Kalani Tower, is for you.

It's hard to top the excitment & adventure of Silver Dollar City's "Wildfire."

Branson largest and oldest attraction, Silver Dollar City, is an 1880’s themed amusement park with over 30 rides, craft demonstrations and shows providing adventure at every turn. From the excitement of its world class coaster “Wildfire” and its newest ride the $7 million Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast to its Grand Exposition Area containing rides that the oldest to the youngest members of the family can share together; Silver Dollar City will provide all the adventure, fun and excitement that most families could ever want.

“And that’s just the highlights of the adventure and excitement that awaits families in Branson,” said Miller. “From attractions such as the Titanic Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Butterfly Palace and Rain Forest Experience, Branson Scenic Railway and Ripley’s Believe It or Not to go carts, miniature golf, hiking, bird watching, helicopter rides, kayaking, Branson’s newest thrill Adventure Zip Lines of Branson and many more activities, Branson has an adventure to share with everyone.”

For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, 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.

Why should you bring your family to Branson for their vacation?

Righteous Brother Bill Medley and daughter McKenna Medley performing at the Starlite Theatre in Branson.

Is it Branson’s great shows offering entertainment as diversified as the Amazing Pets, Righteous Brother Bill Medley, Cirque Montage, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Yakov’s Moscow Circus, Pierce Arrow or unique Branson originals such as The Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys’ Country Jubilee? Perhaps it’s great amusement parks such as the 1880s themed Silver Dollar City or White Water; museum attractions such as Branson’s Titanic or the Hollywood Wax Museum; pristine lakes such as Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo; golfing; hiking; shopping or any one of the hundreds of other great activities that families can share and do in Branson.

Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center says, “Those are all excellent reasons why someone should vacation in Branson, but they are just things. It is the experience people have while doing those things that, to paraphrase Silver Dollar City’s words, ‘Have been creating Branson memories worth repeating for over 50 years.’”

As this writer listened to the Righteous Brother Bill Medley sing “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” during a show recently the words “You’ve lost that lovin’ feeling, Whoa, that lovin’ feeling, You’ve lost that lovin’ feeling, Now it’s gone ..gone ..gone ..wooooooh,” gave him pause to think. He thought, “That’s one of the primary reasons Branson is so successful. When the majority of our visitors leave, in terms of their Branson experience, they know Branson ‘hasn’t lost that lovin’ feeling.’” In fact, that very “lovin’ feeling” becomes an integral part in the memory of their Branson experience and will bring them back again and again.

Much of that “lovin’ feeling” is embodied in “The “Branson Promise,” a formalized statement and commitment from the Branson community to its guests and the communities adherence to that promise. It does two things, provides our visitors with an expectation that transcends things and activities and reminds those of us having the privilege of living and working in these beautiful Ozarks hills and serving our guests of what it is that makes Branson so special.

Among other things it says, “We believe that a vacation is not an escape from reality but a connection to what is real, you, your family, laughter, music, pure fun, and doing the things you really want to do, together…We believe in our American values and celebrate them every day, respect for the individual, patriotism, faith, hope, optimism, family, courage, generosity, and opportunity for all…We’re proud of who we are and where we are going. We’d love to show you around, because we love the ways in which we will surprise you. We’ve found what we want in Branson, and we know you’ll find what you want here too. Our doors are open, come on in.”

Recently, Branson entertainer Mike Grimm, who had only been in Branson for about six months, took leave of the Righteous Brother Bill Medely Show to pursue his dream on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” During an interview he was asked what his first memory of Branson was. He replied, “My first memory of Branson is the hospitality and friendliness of everybody. This is God’s country out here, this is America and that’s what I love about it.”

That’s the Branson Promise in action and one of the primary reasons why your family will have a great vacation experience in Branson. As the promise says, “We’ve found what we want in Branson, and we know you’ll find what you want here too.” We believe there is a synergy in to share it with you and your family.

For additional information or tickets for or any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities 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.

Branson skies will light up with 4th of July Fireworks

Fireworks light up the Branson skies.

NOTE: The following article was written for the 2010 4th of July fireworks displays. For 2012 information, please click on the following for the latest information on 2012 4th of July fireworks displays.

Branson, Missouri, “the Live Music Show Capital of the World,” will light up the skies with fireworks in celebration of America’s Independence and the 4th of July. The General Manager for the Branson Tourism Center said that although most will be in and around the 4th of July, some of the celebrations will be as early as June 27.

Branson Tourism Center advises that those planning to attend the events allow plenty of time, arrive as early as possible and bring their own chairs unless they are assured of some other seating. Branson Tourism Center also reminds visitors that the Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Branson and suggests it might be advisable to book shows and lodging in advance to ensure not only availability, but the best choice of seats and accommodations.

The major Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks displays are listed below sorted by date. A contact phone number is provided for each and should be contacted for further information such as rain dates etc..

Name: Honor America
Place: College of the Ozarks by Lake Honor
Phone: College of the Ozarks – 417-690-2212
Date/Time(s)/Comment(s): June 27, Picnic 4:30 p.m., Entertainment 6:00 p.m., Patriotic Program & Concert 8:00 p.m. with entertainment provided by the cast of Red, Hot and Blue and the Peterson Family Band. The program and concert will be followed by Fireworks. Please bring your own chairs and come early.

Name: Branson Landing 3rd Annual Liberty Light Up
Place: Branson Landing Town Square by Fountains
Phone: Branson Landing – 417-239-3002
Date/Time(s) /Comment(s) July 3, Concert by “Chain Reaction, A Tribute to Journey” at 8:00 p.m. followed by Fireworks.

Name: Branson Landing Lake Queen or Landing Princess
Place: Branson Landing
Contact: Tickets and info through Branson Tourism Center 800-785-1550
Miller says, “An unique and exciting way to see the Branson Landing fireworks display is while cruising on either the Lake Queen or Landing Princess on Lake Taneycomo. On July 3rd these cruises will be positioned to provide not only a spectacular and unique view of the Branson Landing fireworks displays, but Branson Landings spectacular Fire and Light show.” Although there is still availability, Miller advises making reservations as early as possible in advance by calling the Branson Tourism Center at 800-785-1550.

The Chateau on the Lake Fireworks.

Name: Treasure Lake Resort
Place: Treasure Lake Resort behind the IMAX
Phone: Treasure Lake Resort 417-334-1040
Date/Time/Comment(s) July 3 at dusk. Advice is come early and bring a chair.

Name: Fireburst Fireworks Display
Place: Kimberling City
Phone: Kimberling City Table Rock Chamber of Commerce – 1-800-595-0393 or 417-739-2564
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk with food vendors and activities starting at 2:00 p.m. Fireworks will start at dusk. Good Viewing Area: Right on Route 13 in downtown Kimberling City, near Kimberling City Shopping Mall, about 6 miles south of Branson West. It can be viewed very well from Table Rock Lake near the north end of the bridge.

Name: BBQ and Fireworks at Chateau on the Lake
Place: Chateau on the Lake – North of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165/265
Phone: Chateau on the Lake 417-334-1161
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Paid BBQ event, complete with live music will be followed by fireworks display which is easily and conveniently viewed for free from Table Rock Lake via boat or park in loop just south of new overrun floodgates on Table Rock Dam or the Chateau’s public areas.

Name: Showboat Branson Belle
Place: Showboat Branson Belle
Contact: Tickets and info through Branson Tourism Center 800-785-1550
Date /Time/Comment(s): July 4, 8:00 p.m. dinner cruise. Miller points out that there are no guarantees and you take your chances, but the 8:00 PM Dinner Cruise on the 4th of July has been known to anchor and watch the Chateau on the Lake’s Fireworks display as part of the cruise. This cruise is generally sold out so the further in advance reservations are made the better.

Name: Hollister’s 57th Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
Place: Historic Downing Street in Hollister
Phone: City of Hollister- 417- 337- 8315 or Hollister Chamber of Commerce- 417-334-3050
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: Along Business Hwy 65 in Historic downtown Hollister.

Name: Rockaway Beach 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Display
Place: Downtown Rockaway Beach
Contact: – Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce – 417-561-4280
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Family activities with events such as the “Little Miss & Mister Rockaway Beach Contest” start at 12:00 p.m. and Fireworks start at dusk.

Name: Big Cedar Fireworks Display
Place: Big Cedar Lodge
Location: Off State Highway 86 in Ridgedale, MO
Phone: Big Cedar – 417-335-2777
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: In front of Registration Building or from Table Rock Lake.

Name: Shell Knob Fire & Thunder Fireworks Display
Place: Shell Knob, MO, 1 mile S. of Bridge
Contact: Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce – 417-858-3300
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk.

Name: Shepherd of the Hills
Place: Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre
Phone: Tickets and info through Branson Tourism Center 800-785-1550
Date/Time/Comment(s):July 4th immediately after the presentation of the outdoor drama “Shepherd of the Hills.” It will be only for those who viewed the outdoor drama. Branson Tourism Center advises that tickets for Shepherd of the Hills are available through the Branson Tourism Center.

July Family Fun in Branson

July is a great month for some wet fun at Silver Dollar City on rides like the Lost River of the Ozarks.

“Branson, Missouri is a fun place all year round,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “However for kids and families, July is special.”

He points out that arguably, on a year round mile by mile basis, there is not a destination city anywhere that has more variety, fun, atttractions and activities for families than Branson. He suggests that it would be very difficult to find any other place that has a pristine 43,000 acre fresh water lake like Table Rock Lake; world class fishing; the selection of live entertainment and shows Branson offers; Silver Dollar City, a world class theme park; a 12 acre outdoor water park like White Water; world class golf and attractions as diverse as Branson’s Titanic, the world’s biggest museum attraction; Branson Scenic Railroad; The Butterfly Palace and Rain Forest Adventure; cruises on the 278 foot long paddlewheel Showboat Branson Belle; the excitement and adventure of Dixie Stampede and many more all located within minutes of each other.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is celebrating 50 years of helping people “Make memories worth repeating” during 2010. The award winning 1880s theme park has skilled Ozark craftsmen demonstrating their crafts, food, shows, interactive activities and over 30 rides and attractions offering as much excitement, thrills and adventure as most families could ever want.

“The neat thing about the rides at Silver Dollar City,” Miller says, “is that there is something for every member of the family to enjoy from the multi-looping coaster ‘WildFire’ to ‘The Grand Exposition,’ offering a selection of rides that can be shared by the whole family right down to the littlest child.” He also points out that its new $7 million “River Blast” ride will be just the ticket to cool off during the hot July weather. “You’ve never seen a water fight like this before,” he said.

The free Discovery Trolley provides an entertaining rountrip through historic downtown Branson to Branson Landing.

July is a special month at Silver Dollar City for families and kids because of “KidsFest,” which will be running from June 5 through August 8, and will continue during the whole month. In addition to everything else there is to do at Silver Dollar City, from Sponge Bob to VeggieTales to the magic of Peter Gossamer and Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience (TM) KidsFest is filled with a variety of additional entertainment and activities specifically for kids and families.

In addition, from go karts, movies, miniature golf, museums and helicopter rides to fishing, golfing and shopping, Branson offers exciting attractions and activities of every kind. Miller said, “And there is plenty of ‘Free’ stuff to do in Branson.” He points out that riding on the free Historic Downtown Branson “Discovery Trolley,” taking a tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery at the foot of Table Rock Dam, walking along the Branson Landing Boardwalk or feeding the ducks and geese down a Scotty’s Trout Dock are examples of the many things that families can do together that don’t cost anything.

He said that July is one of Branson’s busiest months and suggests making advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure availability. For free personal concierge help in planning a family vacation to Branson Miller suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Water safety is important part of Branson vacation

Table Rock Lake Dam plays an important part for two of Branson's Lakes, the 43,000 acre Table Rock Lake, behind the dam and Lake Taneycomo flowing 22 miles down stream from the foot of the dam.

In a recent article entitled “Why spend Memorial Day Weekend anywhere else but in Branson?,” Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “Every weekend in Branson is special, but there’s just something about Memorial Day Weekend in Branson. Perhaps it’s because that’s the long weekend many people associate with the ‘unofficial’ beginning of summer, but one thing is for certain, there is a synergy in the air in Branson that just seems to shout, ‘Let the summer fun begin.’”

“For many families, a part of that summer fun will involve swimming, boating, fishing or other activities on one of the three beautiful lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake , that help make Branson the unique, one of a kind fun filled travel destination it is,” Miller continues. He points out that even with the recent rains, Table Rock Lake is at ideal levels for every type of water activity from boating to swimming and everything in between. This includes “Moonshine Beach,” the public beach operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, located off the north end of Table Rock Dam. It has full facilities, a sandy beach and a beautiful view of Table Rock Lake while being only five minutes drive from the famed “Branson Strip.”

Moonshine Beach is a popular public beach operated the Corps of Engineers.

“Safety, is an inherent part of water activities and helps ensure that an outing on the water becomes a memorable activity of the best kind,” Miller said. “A recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers press release reminds us of some safety tips that can ensure that happening.”

It points out that at certain times, such as major Holiday Weekends like Memorial Day Weekend, “parks, lakes and rivers will be congested” and reminds “visitors to be courteous while waiting at boat ramps, sharing beaches or traveling waterways” and to “obey signs and barricades that restrict access to any areas that are closed off.”

In addition it contained specific water safety tips in two general areas “Swimming” and “Boating:”

“Swimming:

Learn to swim.
Watch your children at all times, and put a life jacket on them.
Never dive into lakes or rivers.
Never rely on inner tubes, water wings or other toys to stay afloat.
Don’t over-estimate your swimming skills.
Reach or throw a flotation device to help someone in trouble. Don’t go in the water!
Swim only in designated areas.
Never swim alone.

Boating:

Don’t drink alcoholic beverages while boating.
Wear a life jacket. It’s the law for children 12 and younger and a great idea for adults.
Know your boat and know the rules of the water.
Check your boat for all required safety equipment.
Don’t overload the boat.
Check the weather forecast and flow conditions if boating on a river [Lake Taneycomo]…”

Miller says, “Our areas lakes and waterways, when used safely, are an inherent part of many people’s Branson experience and memories along with its shows, attractions, shopping and other exciting fun activities.” For additional information or tickets for lake attractions such as the Showboat Branson Belle’s dinner show cruise on Table Rock Lake, any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center. They can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Showboat Branson Belle is 1,250 tons of floating entertainment and excitement

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle

“Branson, Missouri has so many fun filled things for people and families to do that the choices almost boggle the mind,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “One of its most unique shows and attractions, from its banana launch on August 12, 1994 to the entertainment experience it provides is the Showboat Branson Belle.”

Themed to capture the beauty, legend and lore of the early 1800 showboat era; the Showboat Branson Belle provides her passengers with a unique chance to experience the elegant grandeur of a bygone era while being able to dine, see a show, and experience the beauty of the Ozarks and its constantly changing scenery as they cruise the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. “The whole Showboat Branson Belle experience, has made its cruises one of the most popular attractions in Branson for individuals, families and groups of all sizes,” Miller said.

“When you first see her, you know that she is something special,” He continued. Her four decks and smoke stacks reach over 112 feet into the Ozark’s sky and her picture book grandeur transcends time, reminding everyone of the romance, adventure, and history of riverboats and sets the mood for the adventure, fun and entertainment that those boarding her will have.

As impossible as it sounds, the Showboat Branson Belle was built completely on the shores of Table Rock Lake in the immediate area of the White River Landing, where she is now berthed. On August 12, 1994 she was launched down a 140 foot launch ramp, that had been greased with an environmentally friendly two tons of bananas instead of other lubricants, into Table Rock Lake. She was christened on April 13, 1995 and made her first cruise that same month.

At 278 feet in length, 78 feet in width, and weighing 1,250 tons, the $8 million Showboat Branson Belle is almost as long as a football field and carries over 700 passengers as she cruises the scenic waters of Table Rock Lake. She is believed to the largest paddle wheel excursion vessel sailing in a landlocked waterway and is one of the few vessels of her size that does not provide alcoholic beverages or gambling of any type.

Like the true sternwheelers of the past, the Showboat Branson Belle is actually propelled through the water by her two huge stern paddlewheels at a peak speed of 11 miles per hour and an average speed of six miles per hour. Each is 24 feet in diameter, 16 feet wide and propelled by its own independent motor. Although her navigation into and out of her mooring facility is handled by bow and stern thrusters she is steered by a 10 foot 2 inch Captain’s Wheel “made of solid maple wood Restored from the C.C. Slider which operated 1928 – 1952.”

Miller said that the theatrical entertainment and great meals prepared onboard the ships galley for its lunch and dinner cruises are provided in an atmosphere that is as close to the elegance and adventure of the historical river boat era as one is likely to find. “In addition,” he said, “The Ozarks scenery seen from Table Rock Lake, as the Showboat Branson Belle cruises its waters, provides an unsurpassed constantly changing show of its own.

For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.