Category Archives: General

Branson Has Something For Everyone – Live Shows and Outdoor Fun

Shoji Tabuchi

Many refer to Branson as “The live music show capital of the world” because of the number, quality and variety of the live shows it offers. “One of the things that makes Branson so unique and exciting,” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “is that in addition to ‘what’ Branson offers, great shows, attractions, shopping, value lodging, golf, fishing, boating and a host of other activities is ‘where’ they are offered, in the peace, beauty and outdoor splendor of the Ozark Mountains.”

How can anyone who wants to see live entertainment not have fun in a place like Branson with the caliber and diversity of the shows it offers. Branson has an unrivaled choice of live entertainment that is fresh, fun and exciting. Where else can you find a variety of live shows offering the great tenor voice of George Dyer, the music of the 70s Super Show with the Village People or the violin and fiddle playing of the incomparable Shoji Tabuchi? How about the honky-tonk of Mickey Gilley, harmonies of the Osmonds, the music and comedy variety of Pierce Arrow, Presleys’ Country Jubilee or unique one person comedy or music show such as Red Skelton – A Tribute by Tom Mullica or A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country featuring Cody Dooley and so many others? The answer is, “Not many if any and absolutely none that offers it in conjunction with the opportunities for outdoor fun, adventure and excitement that Branson does.”

Boating on Table Rock Lake

Its natural beauty and three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals, provide an unparalleled opportunity for families to experience the same level of quality, variety, excitement and fun in outdoor entertainment as is offered by Branson’s shows. Whether it’s a leisurely walk along the Branson Landing Board Walk or hiking one of Branson’s many other trails; golfing at one of Branson’s championship golf courses; enjoying a round of miniature golf at the unique Shoot for Stars course or one of Branson’s other mini-golf courses; zip lining on one of Branson’s zipline attractions such as the Shepherd of the Hill’s Vigilante Zipline; bird watching; swimming; fishing; boating, kayaking, geocatching or…well, I guess you get the drift, just about anything to do with outdoor fun and excitement, Branson has it.

Branson’s biggest and most popular attraction, the 1880’s theme park Silver Dollar City, blends in so beautifully and naturally with the Ozarks beauty that surrounds it. This writer has never seen a theme park that has incorporated the natural outdoor beauty surrounding it into its very essence like Silver Dollar City has. It’s an inherent part of the Silver Dollar City experience. Couple that with its many exciting rides, including the spectacular and extraordinary view from the top of its multi-loop world class coaster ride “Wildfire” and it’s hard not to realize what a huge part of the Branson experience involves the outdoors and natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Of course Branson’s Lakes are a major source of outdoor excitement and fun. Lake Taneycomo is one of the finest trout fisheries in the Nation and runs 22 miles from the foot of Table Rock Dam right by downtown Branson and Branson Landing. Although the water temperature and current from power generation at Table Rock Dam makes swimming impracticable fishing and boating, including canoeing and kayaking are very popular.

By far, Branson’s most popular lake is Table Rock Lake. Its 745 miles of shoreline and 45,000 surface acres provides a watery paradise of fun, adventure and excitement. Its bass fishing is legendary. It hosts national tournaments for groups such the Professional Anglers Association, and FLW, regional tournaments such as the Central Pro-Am Association and thousands of individual fishermen providing all with one of the finest bass fishing experiences available anywhere.

Table Rock Lake’s warm water temperature makes it ideal for boating, water skiing and just about every water activity imaginable. The majestic Showboat Branson Belle cruises Table Rock Lake giving its passengers a unique opportunity to see scenic Ozark vistas as it silently glides along while also providing them with an exciting production show and a scrumptious meal.

One excellent way for families to enhance their outdoor and Table Rock Lake experience would be the convenience, excitement and adventure of staying in one of the resorts located right on the lake. Two full service resorts offering a full range of accommodations and recreational amenities would be the Treehouse Condominiums and Still Waters Resort. They have the added benefit of being located within the natural beauty and serenity of Indian Point and being located just moments from the back, virtually traffic free, entrance, to Silver Dollar City while being just a short trip away from everything else Branson has to offer.

The Branson experience is all about excitement, entertainment, adventure and people having fun together. It offers a blend of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities all presented within the background of the natural outdoor splendor of the Ozarks providing an unique entertainment experience not available anywhere else and one, that once experienced will not soon be forgotten.

Free 2011 Branson Travel Guide available for download

Just one of the Guides many pictures, the 7-story multiple slide "Kalani Towers" at White Water. southwest Missouri's largest water park.

Branson, MO (03/29/11) “For those looking for a convenient way to get access to a lot of information on Branson, Missouri’s shows, attractions, lodging and everything else that is Branson in an easy to read book-like format, our free downloadable 2011Branson Vacation Guide, excuse the pun, just might be the ‘ticket,'” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. BTC has sold nearly three million Branson show and attraction tickets and is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The Guide presents a lot of information in a familiar interesting, attractive, entertaining and precise manner,”

Johnson points out that the Guide is just another service that Branson Tourism Center provides for those interested in getting information on our favorite vacation destination. It is in addition to the extensive information provided on its websites which are updated on a daily basis.

Branson Tourism Center operates three major websites that provide extensive Branson information. These include www.Branson.Com, Branson’s first and most extensive website; www.BransonTourismCenter.Com, used in conjunction with its 800-785-1550 number to provide the free personal concierge type service for Branson visitors that BTC is noted for and www.BransonOnTheWeb.Com, a transactional site for those who want to do their own research and purchase tickets for Branson shows and attractions and their lodging on line.

The Guide is in a downloadable PDF format providing users with a familiar book-like look and interface. “It has everything from Branson history and average weather conditions for each month of the year to extensive information on Branson shows, attractions, lodging, golf, event schedules, area churches, lakes and much more. Its PDF format not only permits convenient and familiar viewing, but makes it easy to print for reading away from a computer.

This writer was particularly impressed with its organization and the beautiful photographs throughout. As an example, its listing of Branson Shows, organized alphabetically, contains a concise description of each show and is beautifully illustrated. It even has a section on the Limited Engagement shows that will be coming to Branson during 2011 starting with the Charlie Daniel’s Band and Sawyer Brown in April with acts like the Village People, Johnny Mathis and many more later in the year.

Johnson is quick to point out that the Guide is merely a supplement to BTC’s three websites and suggests they be consulted for the latest updates and changes. “Having said that however, it is a wonderful and convenient overview source of all that is Branson and yet another tool that can be used by those planning a trip to Branson,” she continued. Johnson offers the free services of Branson Tourism Center in answering any questions anyone might have about Branson or in assisting them with show or attraction tickets, lodging or anything else relating to the fun and excitement Branson offers. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Let’s use a little Branson Trivia for some respite from all that challenges us

Just one of the many aisles of merchandise in the unique shopping experience that is Dicks 5 & 10.

Even with Spring in the air it seems likes folks are down a bit with the economy, the horror of what those in Japan are going through, terrorism and just the plain uncertainty of our times. Let’s relax and lighten up for just a few minutes and have some fun with something whose very name illustrates all that is good about America and offers respite, relaxation and peace from all that would weigh us down, our home and the place millions of people visit each year, Branson, Missouri.

We’ll work through a series of ten “trivia” questions followed by the answers. It’s not how many we get right, it’s just the fun and entertainment of doing it.

1. True or False, Branson’s biggest attraction is located within the city limits of Branson?

2. Table Rock Lake has how many miles of shoreline?

3. The title of being Branson’s first music show rests with the Baldknobbers Jamboree. What is the name of Branson’s first and longest running paid attraction?

4. How clever are “The Cleverlys?”

5. The majestic “Grand Staircase” of the Titanic Museum in Branson, is a precise replica of the “Grand Staircase” on the Titanic. What were the tiles used on the staircase made of.

6. How many lodging establishments are there in Branson?

7. On what date was the City of Branson officially incorporated?

8. Out of the five Missouri golf courses listed in Golfweek’s recent article on the best courses in America how many were in Branson and which ones are they?

9. Within five thousand either way, how many items does the unique “Dick’s 5 & 10” in historic downtown Branson sell?

10. What Branson entertainers performed in 18 cities throughout China earlier this year?

Answers:

1. False. Even though it has a “Branson, Missouri” mailing address, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is located to the west of the Branson city limits on Indian Point.

2. 745 miles at its normal level, the “Conservation Pool,” and 857 miles at the top of its “Flood Control Pool.”

3. “Marble Cave,” was started by the Lynch Family in the late 1800’s and, except for a short period of time, has been operated as a Branson attraction ever since. The cave was renamed “Marvel Cave” and is currently located under and is part of the entertainment experience provided by Silver Dollar City.

4. Pretty clever because the Bluegrass band from “Cane Spur,” Arkansas has toured the United States, performed for an audience of about 40,000 at the closing of the 2010 CMA Fest in Nashville, TN and will be doing about 80 dates with one of Branson’s favorite comedians, Paul Harris at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson during 2011. The thing is, no one has checked out the accuracy of their bio written by Vera Mae Paradine Cleverly, the sister to Digger, Miles and VD Cleverly and the mother to Harvey D and his twin brother Harvey C Cleverly. However, when one considers that Paul Harris is Digger why bother. Let’s just sit back, laugh, be entertained and listen to their wonderful music.

5. Linoleum.

6. Remembering that the term “Branson” is not limited to the city limits of Branson the latest statistics from the Branson Lake Area CVB says there are 208 such facilities with 22,000 rooms.

7. April 1, 1912. It’s no “April Fool’s” joke and the city of Branson will be celebrating its 100 anniversary in 2012.

8. The article named three, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, Branson Creek and Murder Rock.

9. Dick’s offers over 175,000 items. It is said that “If you can’t find it at Dicks 5 & 10 you probably don’t need it.” Dick’s is more than a store it is a unique shopping and entertainment attraction that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

10. That would be the Haygoods. Their extensive and successful tour of the 18 cities was conducted during January of this year.

Direct nonstop air service to Branson from Dallas and Austin announced

The Dornier 328 Aircraft.*

“The recent announcement by Branson AirExpress (BAE) that they will be providing nonstop air service from Love Field in Dallas, TX to the Branson Airport provides yet another way for visitors to conveniently get to Branson,” said Sharon Budnick, the director of the Branson Travel Agency, a division of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. She also pointed out that it was also announced there would be a resumption of direct nonstop air service between Branson and Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, TX.

In making the announcement about the new service from Dallas and the resumption of the Austin flights Jeff Bourk, executive director of the Branson Airport said, “We are pleased to kick off the 2011 Branson AirExpress season with continued low fares to these fantastic nonstop destinations.” Bourk also indicated that the response to the Branson AirExpress flights during the 2010 season had been strong and that additional scheduling would be announced to Austin and Dallas in the coming weeks.

Currently, the published schedule is for one morning flight from each destination on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Bourk said that the flights will be operated for Branson AirExpress by Vision Airline on 30 passenger Dornier 328 Aircraft, “one of the most comfortable and modern turbo-prop aircraft in the world.”

Branson Travel Agency’s Budnick said, ” Branson Airport’s service on Frontier, AirTran and Branson AirExpress, coupled with the air service into the Springfield – Branson National Airport on air carriers such as American, United, Delta and Allegiant, provide a wider variety of fare and scheduling options for Branson air travelers than ever before.” She said that she would be pleased to provide more information or tickets on air travel to Branson or any of Branson’s shows and attractions or lodging arrangements. Please contact her at the Branson Travel Agency either by calling 800-785-2176 or through their website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

*Picture courtesy of Fairchild-Dornier.Com

Branson Veterans Memorial Museum honors Veterans and a father

Museums centerpiece sculpture of 50 life sized WWII soldiers storming a beach.

A shared passion, a fathers service, and a son’s love and respect serve as the basis for one of Branson’s most moving attractions, The Branson Veterans Memorial Museum (Museum). June Tillis, the director of the museum said that it was opened in the fall of 2000 by Fred Hoppe, Jr. of Nebraska to honor his father, a World War II Veteran and the Veterans the other wars of the 20th Century, World War I, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf.

Tillis explains that the Museum contains over 2000 items, many of them collected by Hoppe and his father, Fred Hoppe, Sr. over a period of 30 years. Hoppe grew up going to military collector’s trade shows with his father, collecting military weapons, memorabilia and other personal items as well as hearing stories of World War II from many of the Veterans he met.

Tillis stresses that the unique personal aspect of the Museum is that it is about the individual soldier and not about the battles, strategy and politics of the war. It provides Branson visitors with a unique opportunity to see an up close and personal look of a little bit of what those who fought these wars went through on a personal basis through the uniforms, weapons and equipment they used; the letters they wrote; documents and pictures.

Although the Museum has over 2000 items divided into display halls for each of the wars of the 20th Century one of the major features of the Museum is the full sized bronze sculptures by Hoppe who is a noted sculpture of wild life and birds. Two of his sculptures are located outside of the museum, but the highlight has to be the 70 foot long World War II sculpture inside the museum.

The sculpture depicts 50 life sized soldiers storming a beach during World War II. The 50 figures represent all 50 states and has a plaque with the name of the Veteran and the state they represent. Tillis points out that although there were only 48 states during World War II that Hoppe wanted to honor Veterans from all states so he included the 50 figures.

In a tribute to his father, the first figure in the sculpture is his dad, Fred Hoppe, Sr. a decorated World War II Veteran. Hoppe worked ten hours a day to complete the sculpture in ten months so that it would be ready for the opening of the Museum. Tillis says it is her favorite exhibit in the museum because of its detail, scope, and what it represents. “It’s amazing,” she said.

The museum is set up in “rooms,” large exhibition halls, for each war. Each has the uniforms, weapons, and other documents and personal items such as letters, pictures and mementoes telling the personal story of those who fought in those wars. Another unique feature of the museum is that the World War II room has the names of the over 400,000 people who died in that war listed alphabetically on its walls. Particularly moving to this writer was the Flag folded on top of one of the few remaining World War II wooden boxes used to ship the bodies of those who had been killed home.

Tillis said that on average it takes about an hour and a half to go through the museum, but it is not uncommon to have people spend three or four hours going through. She points out that the appeal of the museum to children depends on their age and suggests that children ages six and above will have the best experience. The Branson Veterans Memorial Museum is open every day but Christmas from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the winter and from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the peak periods.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “The Branson Veterans Memorial Museum is a unique inspiring attraction in terms of its subject matter, scope and emphasis, not only in Branson, but anywhere and Hoppe’s sculptures are just spectacular.” For additional information or tickets for the Museum 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.

Branson meets China as Chinese audiences really get into it with Branson’s Haygoods

Haygoods, Timothy(Left), Michael, Patrick, Catherine, Shawn, Dominic, Aaron and Matthew.

“At first the crowd had no clue what we were all about but after a few back flips and some up tempo tunes, they REALLY got into it. I mean they REALLY got into it,” said Timothy Haygood of Branson’s Haygood Show. He was referring to the audiences reaction to a recent Haygood performance which would be good news for any entertainer in Branson and is representative of something that every true entertainer tries to do every performance, but it’s great news when it happens on the first stop of a unique 18 city performance tour throughout China.

Haygood’s comments were contained in an email he sent to this writer after the groups first performance in Shenzen, China. The performance was part of an extensive tour covering 18 performances in 18 different cities in China running through January 30th. The performances will be in venues of two to five thousand people including the Beijing Exhibition Center. The email detailed their experiences from their last show in Branson, their travels to China and the conducting their first show in China and is shared as follows:

We’ve been running so hard, I haven’t had time to email you yet. I will be sending pictures and notes on everything happening here every 2 days or so!!

We got into China two days ago after a very long trip that started at 4 AM in Tulsa! The plane arrived in Hong Kong a full 24 hours later and we proceeded to go through 2 different customs checkpoints with 22 bags of heavy gear. That was very fun! AHHH! After arriving in Shenzen we immediately went to the theatre and discovered that these folks know how to build a theatre!! Everything is very state of the art.

After setting up and eating, (a whole new adventure!) we went back to the theatre and played our first show last night. At first the crowd had no clue what we were all about but after a few back flips and some up tempo tunes, they REALLY got into it. I mean they REALLY got into it. After 4 encores which we were not planning to play, a couple of security guards had to come out and tell the crowd we had to go because they kept yelling for more.

Aaron was swarmed by many girls who snuck in backstage and we had to hang out in the dressing room until they had all left. I think the Chinese people think we are pop stars…It’s kind of wild and a little strange, but fun nonetheless!!

I will keep you posted. We have 4 more shows in 4 cities before a break!

“If Branson shows were greeting cards, the Haygoods would be a ‘Hallmark,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “To paraphrase ‘Hallmark,’ ‘Branson cared enough to send one of its very best.'”

She also points out that the Haygoods will be back performing in Branson starting on February 12. Johnson offer the services of the company she works for, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, for additional information or tickets for the Haygoods Show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson “shows” the way into 2011

The Rightous Brother's Bill Medley is one of many shows that will be entertaining Branson guests on New Year's Eve.

“Branson, Missouri ends its 2010 season with a variety of live shows that provide an exciting entertaining way to ring out the old year and welcome in the New Year,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From morning to midnight on December 31st there will be a choice of shows offering something for everyone,” she continued.

“From Acrobats or a biblical spectacular on a 300 foot surround stage to a magical experience involving great illusions, comedy and ventriloquism or a meal on a showboat while being entertained by show stopping music and talking dogs, the variety of live shows that Branson will be offering is simply amazing,” Johnson said. The Official Show Schedule of Branson.Com, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, indicates the following shows are still available on December 31 for your New Year’s Eve entertainment:

10:00 am

Amazing Pets

2:00 pm

Comedy Jamboree

Hank Williams Revisited

3:00 pm

A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country

Legends in Concert

3:30 pm

Absolutely Patsy

Miracle of Christmas

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

5:00 pm

Circle B Supper Show

5:30 pm

Christmas on the Trail

8:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

9:00 pm

Acrobats of China

Grand Jubilee

Hamner Barber Variety Show

Righteous Brothers Bill Medley

Showboat Branson Belle

9:30 pm

Yakov’s Moscow Circus

Johnson points out that many of the shows starting 8:00 pm or later will also be having a celebration to bring in the New Year. She reminds Branson visitors that typically the demand for Branson’s New Years shows is great and that some of Branson’s lodging establishments are already closed for the season.

To ensure availability of shows and lodging she suggests making advance reservations and offers the assistance of the company she works with, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to answer questions and assist with reservations for shows and lodging. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

An entertaining Christmas Day in Branson

“Branson has live entertainment and attractions every day of the year including Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although the schedule of shows and attractions is pared down on Christmas Day, Branson offers a variety of shows and attractions for your entertainment and enjoyment,” she added.

The live shows that will be performing on Christmas Day sorted by performance time are:

9:00 am

Breakfast With Mark Twain

2:00 pm

Amazing Pets
Elvis and the Superstars
Hank Williams Revisited

7:00 pm
Amazing Pets

8:00 pm
Hank & Patsy Together Again

9:00 pm

IMAX Theatre

The following Branson attractionswill be open on Christmas Day:

Castle of Chaos – Enter the castle. Taste the chaos. Discover the fate of Carli and her crew. You will need every bit of adrenaline and stamina to join the battle against evil in the adventure of a lifetime.

Dinosaur Museum – Come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Count the spikes on a Stegosaurus tail. Stand next to one of the most common predators, the Allosaurus.

Inspiration Tower – Branson’s “landmark on the horizon” — a massive 230′ tall structure located on Inspiration Point in The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. (Is included on the Trail of Lights.)

Haunted House – The Haunted House features some of the most cutting edge animatronics you’ll find. There are numerous gargoyles and monsters, as well as a nightmarish hall of sinister screen legends. A word of warning: If you have a clown phobia, close your eyes as you exit!

Hollywood Wax Museum – Branson’s finest small attraction with a tribute to Hollywood’s best,presenting a valuable, highly entertaining and memorable Hollywood celebrity encounter through a state of the art facility, with themed believable displays.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum – You’re in control as you enjoy your self-guided tour of this truly amazing experience. Take as long as you like to view and examine some of the most odd and amazing collections ever assembled.

Trail of Lights – The Trail also includes millions of multi-colored Christmas lights. Every building on park is completely illuminated and there are hundreds of lighted displays as well as the animated scenes. ( Includes Inspiration Tower.)

Vigilante Zipline – An exciting new thrill ride! The ZipRider zip line cable is based on the familiar concept of the back yard zip line but then turns that fun experience into an exciting, no-worries ride.

World’s Largest Toy Museum – Remembering your childhood has never been so much fun! The World’s Largest Toy Museum (Antique Toy Museum) is like Christmas morning every day!

Johnson also points out that Branson’s two major drive through lighting displays, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and “The Branson Area Festival of Lights” will also be open on Christmas Day. She adds that starting December 26 and running through the end of Ozark Mountain Christmas on December 31 most of Branson other major attractions, including Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas will also be open along with additional shows and a great variety of entertainment for New Years Eve. She suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com, for additional information.

Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center for value luxury Branson lodging

The Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center

“The Official Branson Hotels and Lodging List‘ on Branson.com has a wide variety of Branson hotels and lodging facilities from which Branson visitors to pick,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From Four Star Diamond rated luxury resorts to lake shore cabins and a variety of clean, comfortable and conveniently located hotels and other lodging choices, Branson has lodging for just about every budget and need.”

In referring to one of those choices, the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center, Johnson said, “Although certainly not a secret to the members of the many groups and guests it has hosted over the years, one of the best kept lodging secrets in Branson might be the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center (Stone Castle).” She points out that it was formerly known as the “Settle Inn,” provides a value priced luxury experience and is known for its hospitality and customer service.

In a recent interview, David Hartman the General Manager of Stone Castle said that in 2008 they completed an extensive multi-year renovation project that took everything down to the concrete floors. He said it was a complete room renovation including the replacing all the carpet, furniture, lighting and drapes down to the bed spreads, pillows and every bed in the hotel.

One the spacious standard double bed queen rooms.

Hartman said that the Stone Castle has 300 rooms separated into two general types, Standard and Suites. Their very generous sized Standard Room has two queen sized beds and comes with, among other amenities, an iron, ironing board, hair dryer, coffee maker, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a full hot breakfast.

In addition, they offer four different suits “Themed,” “Family,” “Executive” and “Presidential” Hartman points out that one of the big things separating the Stone Castle Hotel from other properties in Branson is its 35 themed suites. Each is decorated according to a different theme such as the “Medieval,” “Gone With the Wind,” “Aloha” and “Jungle” etc. providing guests with a unique lodging experience.

There are two “Presidential Suites” the “Oval Office” and the “Cabinet.” Hartman said that they are our largest guest rooms with a two person whirlpool, four poster King bed with stair step, wet bar, mini-fridge, a breakfast nook and dark cherry furniture. Part of the suite sits in the “tower” of the building providing a living area. Hartman describes them as the “Best rooms in the house.”

He said the “Family Suites” are two room suites with one common entrance. From the interior of each suite the rooms are separated by a door that can be shut. They have two queen sized beds in one room and a king in the other. Each room has its own bathroom, heating and air conditioning, and TV. In addition to the other amenities that are common to each room at the hotel each Family Suit also has a micro wave and refrigerator.

One of the two indoor pools.

Hartman said that two of the features of the property that the guests appreciate is the safety of interior corridors for access to all the rooms and suites and the elevator system that eliminates the need to use stairs. He also points out that Stone Castle has two indoor pools, each with a hot tub; a game/arcade room that includes air hockey and conveniently located coin operated guest laundry facilities.

He said that although pets are allowed in certain designated rooms they are not allowed in any of the suites. As of this time there is no size limit and there is an additional charge for pets.

One of the most popular features at the Stone Castle is the expansion of the free breakfast in May of 2009. Hartman believes that it is one of the best free lodging breakfasts available in Branson saying, “It is a complete hot breakfast, not a continental breakfast, and it is all you can eat.”

Hartman pointed out another feature of the Stone Castle, its location. He said, “We are basically in the heart of Branson, in the center of it all. We’re away from the hustle and bustle of the strip, but we still have easy access to it and can get around town from our property pretty much without having to get into heavy traffic.” He pointed out that Green Mountain Drive parallels Highway 76 and provides convenient access to a number of Branson’s theatres and attractions and quick access to State Highways 165, 265, and 376 with subsequent access to Table Rock Lake or Silver Dollar City.

The main meeting room set up for a banquet.

He also emphasized the words “Conference Center,” as in the name of the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center, pointing out that Stone Castle has a total of seven meeting rooms and 10,000 total square feet of space. Their largest meeting room has a capacity of 4500 square feet. Hartman said that they can configure the meeting room space to meet just about any need and said that they have hosted a variety of events ranging from banquets and meetings to conventions, exhibits, parties and other events. He is proud to point out that a large part of their meeting group business is repeat business and attributes a large part of it to their great customer service.

Annette Wood is the Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation and travel planning services for both groups and individuals. She agreed with Hartman saying, “We routinely use the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center for groups, special events, and conferences and are continuously impressed by the quality of the facilities, their reasonable rates, their excellent hospitality and willingness to go above and beyond in the area of customer service.”

For additional information on the Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center 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.

Hunting, Fishing and NASCAR, Branson’s “Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo” has it all

NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, winner of the Daytona 500 and Joplin, Missouri native.

“Branson has many shows, attractions and activities, but for those who love the outdoors, Branson’s first ‘Midwest Hunting and Fishing Expo (Expo)’ being held at the Branson Convention Center October 8 through 10 should not be missed,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center the event’s sponsor. “From seminars presented by top fishermen and hunters, to almost 100 exhibitors, kids events, a NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, winner of the Daytona 500 and Joplin, Missouri native and much more. This exciting Expo will have something of interest for everyone.”

Jim Thompson, owner of the Central Pro-Am Association and one of the principals in J & M Sports Shows, the owner and presenter of the Expo said, “We are really excited about the mix of our vendor/exhibitors, speakers and the variety of things that will be available to see and do at the Expo. Our vendors will include Ranger Boats, Tracker/Nitro Marine, Phoenix Boats, Bass Pro Shops, Table Rock Lures, Ozark Knife Makers, Humminbird Marine Repair, the Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Idea Archery, Outlaw Rods, O’Reilly, Central Pro-Am Association, Missouri Water Patrol, Scotty’s Trout Dock, the Missouri Department of Conservation and many more.

Thompson is especially excited about the caliber and level of expertise of the people that will be putting on seminars. In the area of fishing, among others, there will be seminars by professional fishermen Stacy King, Brian Snowden, Robert Robbins, Pete Winter, and Mike Mills. World renowned Ozark knife maker Tom McGinnis are scheduled as well as noted hunters Jerry Martin and Alan Treadwell.

In addition, the NASCAR Series Sprint Car driven by Jamie McMurray, the 2010 Daytona winner from Joplin and the truck driven by Austin Dillon in the 2010 NASCAR Camper World Truck Series, both sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, will be on display. Another unique and exciting event will be the “TeamBowmasters 3D Archery Shoot Competition” which will be held on all three days. The competitors will actually compete against each other under realistic simulated hunting conditions. It is an event that is exciting to watch as it is to compete in.

Mike Webb of K.A.S.T (Kids are Special Too), a professional fisherman and co principal of J & M Sports Shows, LLC said “We haven’t forgotten the kids. From face painting, balloon animals a kid’s casting contest and other activities there will plenty of things for the kids to do and have fun.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson said that the Expo will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, October 8 and 9 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday October 10. She also reminds those attending that in addition to the Expo and all the other wonderful shows and attractions that that Branson has to offer that Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival; limited engagement performances by the Oak Ridge Boys, Viki Lawrence, Ray Stevens and the Texas Tenors as well as the 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event and a unique way to see the beautiful fall foliage on the Branson Scenic Railway will also be available this weekend.

“It’s another exciting fun filled weekend in Branson,” she said. Johnson suggests that it would be a good idea to make advance reservations for lodging and shows and offers the free services of the Branson Tourism Center to help design your own money saving customized package of Branson shows, attractions and lodging. The Branson Tourism Center may be reached by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.