Limited engagements add even more Branson show choices

"The Village People," just one of the limited engagements adding to the variety and excitement of Branson show choices.*

“Branson. Missouri is referred to by some as the ‘Live music show capital of the world’ because of the variety and quality of the shows it offers on a regular basis,” said Mark Bryson, the Director of Operations for Branson on the Web, a subsidiary of Branson Tourism Center. “That alone provides Branson visitors with a  choice of live entertainment that is unrivaled by its competition and made even more so with the addition of limited engagement performances.”

Bryson notes that, as he uses the term, “limited engagements” are special performances or shows that are available only during specific time periods and do not perform in Branson on a regularly scheduled basis for the majority of the season. The following is a list of limited engagement performances taken from the Branson Tourism Center Show schedule and is sorted by the date of the first performance:

Neal McCoy, March 12 through 19
Oak Ridge Boys, April 26 & 27
Charlie Daniel’s Band, April 28
Sawyer Brown, April 29 only
70s Super Show with the Village People, May 13
Gene Watson and John Conlee, May 14
Neal McCoy, May 19
Branson Gospel Music Revival, June 28 through July 1
Neal McCoy, June 1 & 2
Neal McCoy, July 1
Neal McCoy, July 5
Neal McCoy, July 25 & 26
Neal McCoy, August 3
Diane Bish, August 8 through 19
Andy Williams with Ann-Margret, September 12 through October 22
Diane Bish, September 9 through 23
Neal McCoy, September 15 & 16
Gatlin Brothers, September 20 through 22
Oak Ridge Boys, September 20 through 22
Oak Ridge Boys, October 4 through 20
Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie and Sammy Kershaw, October 15
Gatlin Brothers, October 4 through 20
Neal McCoy, October 6 through December 9
Tim Conway and Friends, October 21 & 22
Andy Williams  Christmas Show, November 1 through December 10
Daniel O’Donnell, November 1 through 23
Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together, November 1 through December 7
Hollywood Christmas Spectacular, November 1 through December 10
Mel Tillis and Family Christmas November 1 through November 17
Miracle of Christmas, November 1 through December 31
Oak Ridge Boys, November 1 through 17
Tony Orlando Christmas, November 1 through December 9
Diane Bish, November 5 through December 7
Johnny Mathis Christmas Show, November 18 & 19

Bryson points out that the list includes some performers more than once because they perform for limited periods on more than one occasion and some that perform only during certain periods of the year such as Andy Williams, Daniel O’Donnell and the Christmas Shows. He advises that the list will change and suggests three ways to have the most current information on not only limited engagement performances, but Branson shows in general.

The first two involve checking the show schedules on either the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) or Branson On The Web. In the majority of cases limited engagement performances are indicated by a “clock symbol” to the right of the entry on Branson Tourism Center. Using the “Limited Engagements” filter on Branson On The Web will show the limited engagement performances. Bryson said that another excellent way to get information on limited engagement performances, all Branson shows, attractions or lodging is by using the free personal assistance of a Branson Tourism Center Vacation Planner which is available by calling BTC at their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

* Photo courtesy of www.OfficialVillagePeople.com.

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’s Grand Country Music Hall provides a grand variety of entertainment

Grand Jubilee's" New South", Jason,left, Trey, Jason and Mark.

“The ‘Grand Country Music Hall,’ stands out, even in Branson, Missouri, the ‘Live music show capital of the world,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It offers a variety of entertaining, exciting and funny shows on a regular basis that is not available anywhere else in Branson.”

Mike Patrick, the General Manager of the Grand Country Music Hall (Grand Country), producer, and a cast member in two of its shows said, “We offer eight different shows on a regularly scheduled basis providing fun and enjoyment that covers the complete entertainment spectrum. We have it all from animal acts to gospel, country and just about any music genre a person could want along with some of the best comedy on the planet.”

Patrick, with the assistance of associate producer Andy Holloway, the cast and musicians in the shows, produces and directs all of the shows. Patrick explained that he has been involved with just about every aspect of the Branson entertainment industry since 1990 and is still performing in two of the shows being performed at Grand Country, the Grand Jubilee and tBranson Country USA. When asked what he believes makes a great show he said, “One that the audience relates to and enjoys. I just love it when I see our audiences laughing, interacting with the cast and having a great time. That’s what it’s all about.”

Grand Jubilee is an evening musical comedy variety show featuring the vocals of “New South,” a male quartet consisting of lead vocalist, Trey Wilson, tenor Jason Robinson, baritone Jason Pritchett and bass Mark McCauley. New South is one of the most talented singing groups in Branson and is noted for their tight harmonies, power and vocal range, singing everything from the Eagles and Beatles to gospel, country and pop. New South provides the main vocal thrust in three of Grand Country’s shows the Grand Jubilee, New South Gospel and Branson Country USA. Jackie Brown is featured the female vocalist and Todd Bradshaw the male vocalist. The comedy is provided by one of Branson’s funniest comedians, the multitalented Jamie Haage as “Jim Dandy” with Patrick as the straight man and the show’s emcee.

The cast of the hillariously funny Comedy Jubilee.

The Comedy Jamboree is an afternoon musical variety featuring the vocals of the “Jamboree Singers,” Jackie Brown, GiGi Hutchison, Jon Drockelman, Justin Tews with featured male vocalist and emcee Todd Bradshaw. The comedy is provided by comedians Shannon Thomason as “Apple Jack” and Jeff Jenkins as “Guppy McGee.” This show has it all, hilarious, clean comedy, floor-pounding clogging and dancing and all your country favorites.

Patrick points out that the basic musical comedy format is the same for both the Grand Jubilee and Comedy Jubilee. He adds that there is plenty of side splitting comedy for everyone in both show, but there is more emphasis on comedy in the Comedy Jubilee show.

Down Home Country is a traditional classic country music show that will take you back in time to enjoy the classics of George Jones, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and many more. The host and featured vocalist is Bob Davison with the female vocals provided by Melody Hart who also plays the fiddle. Patrick points out that although fiddle players Wayne Massengale and Melody Hart are married and have been playing in Branson for years this will be the first time they have performed in a show together.

New South Gospel is offered only on Thursday afternoons and features New South and female vocalist Jackie Brown. The show was developed in response to audience requests for New South to do more gospel music and provides a wide range of gospel music “from the early roots of southern gospel to the hand-clapping gospel hits of today and from the Jordanaires to Bill Gaither.”

Amazing Pets is a morning show that is completely different from any other show, not only at Grand Country, but in Branson. It features Valery Tsoraev, Olga Demicheva and Anna Savvina with an amazing troupe of trained dogs and cats performing amazing feats that amazes young and old as well as the birds of Alena Oulianova and the mule and turtles of Tony King. Add a lot of audience participation from kids in the audience and the comedy and hosting of Chris Stanley and the result is a unique entertainment experience that will be enjoyed by “kids” of all ages.

Sunday Gospel Jubilee is offered only on Sunday afternoon and is the continuation of a two decade Sunday gospel tradition featuring the Bacon Family performing your gospel favorites as only they and their familial harmonies can. It also features Randy Plummer, bass guitar and vocals; Lance Taylor, Piano and vocals, Eric Michel, drums; Michael Davis, lead guitar and George Geiser, steel guitar.

Ozark Jubilee is offered only on Sunday evening and “celebrates the country classics of yesteryear combined with today’s hot, country hits. The show is presented by the Bacon Family and the same cast that presents the Sunday Gospel Jubilee.

Branson Country USA is a 10:30 p.m. show offered only on Friday co-hosted by Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy, and Patrick. The show features the vocals of New South and Jackie Brown, the Grand Band and has a rotating roster of Branson talent consisting of stars such as Mickey Gilley and the  up-and-coming stars of tomorrow.

Patrick points out that it takes talented musicians to support the variety of shows and music performed at Grand Country and proclaimed that the musicians of the “Grand Band” are second to none. The band consists of Michael W. Davis and Tracy Heaston, piano and keyboard; Wayne Massengale, fiddle and acoustic guitar; Larry Allred, bass guitar; Rob Blackburn, drums; Matt Hanshaw, lead and acoustic guitar and Danny Yancey, steel and acoustic guitar and banjo.

Branson shows are an amazing Valentine!

Dramatic lighting is just part of the excitment of the Haygoods show.

“The selection and variety of live Branson shows available over the Valentine Day Weekend provides a unique, entertaining and romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day” says Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From music of every genera, comedy, magic, variety to ‘Elvis’ and the world’s only ‘Mufftar’, there is a Branson show for every Valentine.”

A sample of some of Branson’s Valentine’s Day Weekend shows would include:

Amazing Pets – Great Valentine for all ages, but “little Valentines” will really love this combination of performing dogs, cats and birds with a healthy dose of comedy.

Baldknobbers Jamboree – Special Valentine’s weekend performances by the show that started it all.

Comedy Jamboree – Great musical variety show featuring the vocals of Splinter Middleton and the comedy of Branson funny man, Jae McFerron.

Doug Gabriel – A great vocal talent. His performance of “Malaguena” on the acoustical guitar is amazing and where else can you actually hear a “Mufftar” played?

Grand Jubilee – One of Branson’s premier musical and comedy variety show featuring the superb vocals of “New South,” the hilarious comedy of Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy and Emcee extraordinaire, Mike Patrick.

Hamner Barber Variety Show – It is one of the most unusual and entertaining variety shows you will ever see featuring the magic and spectacular illusions of David Hamner and the comedy and ventriloquism of Jim Barber.

Haygoods – The Haygoods are known for their incredibly tight harmonies, innovative, energetic choreography and amazing performances on over 20 different instruments! Valentine’s weekend will their first Branson performances since doing an extensive tour in China during January.

Hughes Brothers – These five brothers are noted for their rich harmonies, great choreography, and high energy performances. When that talent is integrated with the talents of other members of the world’s largest performing family the result is an exciting and moving entertainment experience.

Jim Stafford – This comedic-genius and entertainer extraordinaire presides over a show full of entertaining surprises ranging from comedy, delivered in a manner that only he can, to music, “spiders and snakes,” a cow stampede, saving a Chihuahua and who knows what else.

Legends in Concert – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this world famous live tribute show featuring an amazing cast of all star impersonators. Currently appearing are Buddy Holly, Aretha Franklin, Toby Keith, The Blues Brothers and Elvis, played by Tony Z.

Ozark Mountain Jubilee – Featuring the Max Bacon Family, this show celebrates the country classics of yesteryear combined with today’s hot, country hits and wholesome comedy.

Pierce Arrow – Featuring the vocals of the group “Pierce Arrow,” Desta and Kim Boyce and the world’s lowest bass singer along with the hilarious comedy of Jarrett Dougherty this is one of Branson’s hottest shows.

“Shows are just one of the many choices that are available to help celebrate a romantic Valentine’s Day in Branson,” said Johnson. “From renewing your wedding vows on the magnificent ‘Grand Staircase’ of Branson’s Titanic Museum, to lodging accommodations for every taste and budget, restaurants, shopping and attractions, Branson offers endless ways to celebrate a memorable and romantic Valentine’s Day.” She offers the free services of a Branson Tourism Center Vacation Planner to help plan your perfect Branson Valentine’s Day experience by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery hatches family fun as well as trout

Entrance to Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center with the top of Table Rock Dam in the background.

Old man Winter has given Branson one of those great weekends reminding us that, although winter is not gone, spring, and all the wonderful outdoor activities that follow is just around the corner. “It’s hard to believe,” began Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s January 29 and the temperature is 70 plus degrees, sunshine and azure blue skies. What a wonderful day to be outdoors.”

“The ‘Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery’ is an excellent place for families to experience the Ozark outdoors and much more,” Johnson added. “Although it is Missouri’s largest trout hatchery and produces over 1.2 million Rainbow and Brown Trout annually, it is filled with interesting things that families can share together, both indoors and outdoors.”

The portal to all the hatchery offers is its Conservation Center located near the foot of Table Rock Dam. It is operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, free and open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with expanded hours from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Center itself has nature related exhibits which change seasonally, trout rearing and spawning exhibits, a 60 seat auditorium featuring the multimedia presentation “Ozark Trout” and a large glassed-in aquarium that permits an interesting look at large Rainbow and Brown Trout. It is designed so that the trout and those viewing them are looking at each other “eye ball to eye ball.”

You can exit the Center and take a self guided tour of the hatchery “race ways” seeing hundreds of thousands of trout from lunker brooders to those just a few inches in length that have just come from inside the hatchery. Trout food is available from quarter vending machines for those who want to feed the trout. Between Memorial and Labor Day guided tours of the hatchery are conducted on weekdays departing the Center’s lobby at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.

The hatchery’s four hiking trails are also easily accessed from the Center. Each provides a convenient, level and accessible way to view the plants, trees, animals, birds and natural beauty of the Ozarks. This writers personal favorite is the four tenths of a mile long, “White River Corridor Trail” because it parallels Lake Taneycomo for almost its entire length. Maps of the trails and current trail conditions are available from the attendant in the Centers Lobby.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson notes that the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is just one of Branson’s many attractions and ways that families can have fun together every day of the year.

The one must do thing in Branson is _____________________?

Glass blowing is just one of the many crafts demonstrated at Silver Dollar City.

People coming to Branson for the first time might wonder, “If I do nothing else, what is the one thing I must see or do while I am in Branson?” When the question was recently posed to Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center she said, “With so much to see and do in Branson live shows of every kind, attractions, museums, shopping, water fun and recreation on its thousands of acres of lakes and the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains that’s an easy question to answer, have fun!” she continued with a twinkle in her eye.

Johnson explained that she knows that when most people ask that question they are looking for a specific thing to see or do, but that the answer for each individual or family is different. There are many who would say that the “one must do thing in Branson” is to spend a day at its most popular and biggest attraction, the 1880’s theme park, Silver Dollar City. Even within this group there are those who time their Branson visit to coincide with one of its six annual major world class festivals World-Fest, Bluegrass & BBQ, Kids Fest, Southern Gospel Picnic, National Harvest Festival and Old Time Christmas.

Others believe that the “one must do thing in Branson is” to see one of its live shows; after all Branson is referred to as the “Live music show capital of the world.” There are those who have been coming to Branson for decades who would not think that a trip to Branson was complete unless they saw the Baldknobbers Jamboree, the show that started it all or Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Branson’s first show on the “strip.” Others would say, their “one must do thing in Branson is” to see their favorite show which could come from a list as diverse as the Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Amazing Pets, Duttons, Haygoods, Yakov, Clay Cooper, NOAH the Musical, Hamner Barber, Bill Medley, Paul Revere and the Raiders or George Dyer, Pierce Arrow, Liver Pool Legends, the Oakridge Boys or one of Branson’s many other shows.

Now everyone is going to eat, but there are groups, families and individuals who come to Branson and to whom the trip would not be complete without sharing a meal together, at least one time, at a particular restaurant. Some would say the “one must do thing in Branson is” to visit historic downtown Branson and Dick’s 5 & 10, Branson’s most unique shopping experience.

Still others might say that the “one must do thing in Branson is” trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo or bass fishing on Table Rock Lake. To others it could be boating, water skiing swimming or perhaps a dinner cruise on the fabulous Showboat Branson Belle. Some families do not consider their trip to Branson complete without splashing into Table Rock Lake on Ride the Ducks or making a trip down to Branson Landing.

“Just remember the ‘one must do thing in Branson,’ have fun and when you return, as the majority of the people who visit Branson do, you’ll have your own ‘one must do thing in Branson,'”Johnson said. “The neat thing about Branson is that with all there is to do the ‘one must do thing in Branson’ will change from visit to visit or grow into the ‘two or more must do things in Branson,'” she continued. Johnson suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for information on any of the attractions or shows mentioned in this article 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.

Believe It or Not – an “odd” unusual Branson entertainment experience

Even in the snow, the distinctive earthquake look of Ripley's makes it one of the most identifiable buildings in the world.

“Some people call Ripley’s Believe It or Not an “odditorium” and others a museum,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One thing just about everyone agrees on however, is that, from its distinctive look to its unique selection of exhibits and activities it provides Branson visitors with a very different Branson attraction to have fun in while experiencing the unusual.”

The distinctive broken and cracked exterior  the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum (Ripley’s), said to be one of the most photographed buildings in the world, reminds people of an oddity even before they enter the museum, a major earthquake in Missouri. The New Madrid, Missouri earthquake of 1812 measured more than 8.0 on the Richter Scale and hit with such force that it caused church bells to ring in Philadelphia and the Mississippi River to run backwards.

John Dixon Operations Manager of Ripley’s said, “We have a collection of the odd and interesting things that Robert Ripley collected throughout his life and a lot of other cool fun filled stuff such as the slanted room, vortex, optical illusions, unique collections and interactive activities.” He pointed out that the museum has over 400 exhibits, takes about an hour and a half to go through, opens at 9:30 a.m. 365 days a year and truly does have something for everyone.

Dixon said that his three personal favorite exhibits are the shrunken head because it’s “odd, creepy, cool and there’s not a lot of them around;” a large ship model carved out of pure jade, and a large Chinese camel bone carving “because of its intricacy and detail are so phenomenal.” His favorite interactive activity is also the museums newest, “The Spinning Vortex.” His description of it makes it seem benign enough, “You walk through on a ramp surrounded by spinning colored lights and loud music that gives the illusion that the ramp is moving. It will make you dizzy.” That is no understatement, this writer only took two steps into the Vortex before getting dizzy, retreating out and taking the “By Pass. Although he did not walk through it the Vortex seemed exciting and will appeal to the more agile and less balanced challenged visitors.

A 1982 Cadillac Limousine stretching over 30 feet with a Jacuzzi is just one of the over 400 unique exhibits and activities available in Ripley's

Some of this writers personal favorites were the 1982 Cadillac Limousine stretching over 30 feet in length that has just about everything in it including a Jacuzzi tub, the two-headed calf and the vanishing woman. As you walk by a window you see her in the next room, but by the time you get to the window of the next room she is gone. Just how does that happen?

The shrunken head from the Jivaro Indians of Ecuador, fierce warriors who claimed the heads of their enemies as symbols of war and put them through an intensive process to reduce them to the size on display for war trophies is certainly  unique. Dixon was right; it was odd and kind of creepy, but cool at the same time especially because of another oddity associated with the display, probably the only video in the world showing and explaining how the Jivaro actually shrunk the heads.

There is a large model of the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Forrestal created by Patrick Acton of Gladbrook, Iowa that took over 600 hours to complete and “believe it or not” was constructed from over 40,000 common household matches and toothpicks. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine, made out of plastic twine, measures almost 42 feet in circumference, weighs in excess of six tons and is something you will see nowhere else. It was strung together byTexas millionaire J.C. Payne in 1992 as a project to wrest the record from Cawker City, KS and Darwin, MN. Although he achieved that record the other two cities dispute it because their twine balls are made out of the traditional sisal twine and not plastic.

On his tour through Ripley’s this writer experienced one exciting and interesting exhibit or activity after another from a unique collection of Wishbones and old Fire Extinguishers to a two headed calf, the tilted room, the mystery of the vanishing woman and so many more. Dixon was absolutely right when he said Ripley’s “truly does have something for everyone.” It is hard to imagine anyone going through the museum and not finding a number of items that will make the experience exciting and worthwhile. What an exciting attraction for families to experience together!

For additional information or tickets for the Ripley’s Believe It or Not 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.

Appearing in Branson for a limited time only

The Village People at their star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.#

What does taking a vacation in Branson, Missouri months from now have to do with a cold January day and forecast snow for tomorrow [January 20]? A quote from noted author Alan Lakein tells us why as it says, “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.”

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center says, “Now is the perfect time to plan your Branson vacation to ensure that you get the lodging, shows, attractions and accommodations that will provide you and your family with exactly the kind of vacation experience you want.” She goes on to point out that planning takes on even more importance for those who would be interested in seeing any of the “limited engagement” shows that come to Branson during the year.

Johnson points out that during the season, Branson is filled with live shows of every type and musical genre providing Branson visitors with great entertainment on a regular daily basis. In addition, national stars and special acts come to Branson and perform limited engagements for shorter periods of time, some as short as one day. As an example, The Village People will be performing in Branson for the first time on May 13 for one show only.

The stars and acts scheduled to appear in Branson for limited engagements during 2011,as of January 19, and the dates of their scheduled performance(s) sorted by date are:

Charlie Daniel’s Band, April 28, one day only
Sawyer Brown, April 29, one day only
70s Super Show with the Village People, May 13, one day only
John Conlee and Gene Watson, May 14, one day only
Branson Gospel Music Revival, June 28 through July 1
Andy Williams with Ann-Margret, September12 through October 22
Tim Conway and Friends, October 21 – 22 Two Days only
*Andy Williams  Christmas Show, November 1 – December 10.
*Miracle of Christmas, November 1 – December 31
Johnny Mathis Christmas Show, November 18 – 19, two days only.

Johnson emphasizes that the list of limited engagements will continue to expand throughout the year and suggests that an easy way to keep track of them is by using The Official Branson Show Schedule of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). The BTC Show Schedule is sorted alphabetically, is updated daily as changes occur and identifies those shows and acts performing in Branson for just a limited engagement by placing a “clock” symbol by those appearing for a limited engagement only.

For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s limited engagement performances 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.

* These shows are shown as limited engagements in this article because they are only available during a limited specific period of time.

# Photo courtesy of www.OfficialVillagePeople.com.

Branson listed as one of The Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011

The spectaular and unique view from "Wildfire." Silver Dollar city's world class coaster.

“A recent article entitled ‘Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011,’ by Laura Martone, published on the Moon Travel Guide website, is yet another affirmation of the great value Branson, Missouri offers its visitors,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The article listed Branson as one of the Best Places in the U.S. to travel to in 2011 under the category of ‘Top Bargain Destination,'” she continued.

Martone, is the author of a number of “Moon Travel Guides,” a seasoned traveler and a regular contributor to the Moon Travel Guide Website through her regularly published blog the “American Nomad.” The article, Martone’s American Nomad entry for January 3, was more than a simple list of the names of Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011. It was divided into different categories with one destination named for each category. Branson was listed as the “Top Bargain Destination.”

In describing why Branson was the “Top Bargain Destination” Martone said, “For those hoping to keep their vacation costs low, a trip to Branson Missouri, the self-proclaimed ‘live entertainment capital of the world,’ might be the perfect option. Catering to children as well as senior citizens, Branson boasts cheaper hotel rates and show ticket prices than most of the country’s other entertainment hot spots, including Las Vegas. Besides live music, visitors will find several affordable campgrounds, golf courses, and theme parks, plus a variety of museums, wineries, and outdoor diversions, from biking trails to canoe rentals.”

Johnson points out that in February of 2009, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) published a press release entitled “What U.S. Destinations Are Most Budget Friendly for Travelers” naming  Branson as one of its “Most Budget Friendly” destinations. “In these challenging economic times, being a ‘bargain’ and ‘budget friendly’ are certainly things those planning a vacation or a trip should take under consideration. However, the really good news about Branson is its total value. It’s ‘bargain’ and ‘budget friendly,’ but from its largest and most popular attraction, the 1880;s themed Silver Dollar City, to dozens of other attractions, over 100 live shows of every type, spectacular shopping, natural beauty, pristine lakes, natural Ozark beauty and a bewildering choice of exciting and fun activities for everyone, Branson offers a unique world class vacation and entertainment experience that is unmatched anywhere at any price.”

For additional information or help in planning a trip to Branson, its live shows, attractions or lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Coldest day of the year is but another day of fun in Branson

Titanic seems to be sailing right into the Branson Strip

“Branson’s combination of live shows, attractions, shopping, lakes, spirit, character and the natural beauty of the Ozarks makes it one of the most unique travel destinations in the world,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She points out that even though it is located in the middle of the country and its winters are mild compared to many other areas, like most other travel destinations on any given day, weather can impact on the choices of entertainment and activities in which its visitors may choose to participate.

“Today, January 12, 2011, is a good example; the bad news is that your family wakes up in and it’s 15 degrees outside with a Wind Chill Factor that’s even lower,” she said. “The good news however, is that you are in Branson, Missouri, where everything is located relatively close together with parking that, in most cases, is within a few footsteps of attraction and activities with temperature controlled environments that will provide more than enough fun for most families,” she continued.”

A winter trip to Branson has many advantages Johnson points out. Winter visitors experience less traffic and people while having access the majority Branson’s attractions, shopping and other activities. Although its major attraction, Silver Dollar City is closed for the season, as are many of its live shows, she points out that the vast majority of Branson’s attractions, Historic downtown and other specialty shops, all of its major shopping malls, including Branson Landing, its most popular restaurants, museums and other activities remain open for business and fun all year long.

Using today as an example, let’s walk through just one scenerio of a day of family fun in Branson with mom, dad and two children between the ages of 8 and 11. Let’s start with breakfast at the Grand Buffet in the Grand Country Inn complex right in the middle of the Branson strip where there it is just about certain that every member of the family will find something they can enjoy. As soon as they finish breakfast, and without going back outside, there is an amazing 18 hole indoor miniature golf course that the whole family can enjoy playing within the same building.

Another choice, on the east side of the Grand Country parking lot, only a few steps away, is the fun and excitement of  the “Grand Country Fun Spot,” featuring indoor activities such as “White River Black Light Mini-Golf Course in 3D, Mini-Bowling, and a state of the art video arcade game facility. With everything from space exploring and motocross racing the Fun Spot can provide hours of fun for the entire family.

After lunch how about a voyage aboard the Titanic, the world’s largest museum attraction? Built to approximately one half the size of the original with its bow towering 100 feet above the Branson Strip, it almost seems like it is ready to steam right across the highway.

What an exciting and fun filled adventure the family will have as they become passengers and receive their boarding passes and board the ship for their “voyage.” Along the way they will meet and interface with the crew and passengers, view over 400 personal artifacts, participate in interactive displays and activities and actually walk down a full sized exact replica of its spectacular “Grand Staircase” as they relive and experience the last fateful hours of the unsinkable ship.

After your “voyage,” let’s take a ride to Historic downtown Branson and visit one of the most unique attractions anywhere, Dick’s 5& 10. This old time “‘5 & 10” has it all, about 175,000 items ranging from basics, toys, novelties, gifts, souvenirs to just about anything most people would expect and will provide an exciting shopping adventure for the entire family. In talking about the variety that Dicks offers, Steve Hartley, one of the co-owners, said, “In candy alone we have one of, if not the largest, selections of candy in Branson. We specialize in Old Time and hard to find candies such as ‘Rocky Road,’ ‘Big Hunk Candy Bars,’ and ‘Abba-Zaba;’ novelty candies such as ‘Wax Lips’ and ‘Nickle Nips’ and a full selection of regular candy.” After visiting Dick’s the chances are that every member of your family will agree with Hartley when he said, “Dick’s 5 & 10, You’ll never find another store like it.”

After visiting Dick’s why not eat dinner at one of the conveniently located downtown Branson Cafes. Clocker’s is just across the street and two doors down on Commercial Street and the Branson Café and Farm House are located just a few doors west on Main Street.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that this is just one example of the fun and excitement that await Branson visitors even on one of the coldest days of the year. For help in planning a Branson vacation or for advice on all that Branson has to offer she suggests contacting 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.