The most popular ticketed attractions in Branson are?

Titanic seems to be sailing right into the Branson Strip

“Branson has more attractions and fun per mile than any other tourism destination of a similar size,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the things we are asked most often is “What are Branson’s most popular attractions?”’ He says the answer to that is subjective and depends on the entertainment experience a person is looking for, but one thing he is certain of, “For families having fun together, Branson is hard to beat.”

Getting technical for a moment, Miller said that Branson’s live shows and venues such as “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede,” the “Showboat Branson Belle,” and “Branson Landing” as well as its lakes, golf and many other things in Branson are certainly “attractions” because they “attract people by appealing to their desires or taste.” He points out that according to the Branson Lakes Area CVB statistics that Branson Landing, a waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo near historic downtown Branson, is probably Branson’s most popular attraction with over 60 percent of the people who come to Branson visiting it.

Miller, who has over 13 years experience helping Branson visitors have a great Branson experience says, “Although still subjective, it gets a little easier if the potential attractions are whittled down to those attractions that are paid, ticketed attractions and whose major point of “attraction” is not a show and is at a fixed location. He says that people driving on the famed “Branson Strip” just have to look for the bow of a huge ship plowing toward them, Branson’s biggest ape, a building that looks like it has been revenged by an earthquake and a palace on a hill to find four of Branson’s most popular ticketed attractions.

The bow of Branson’s Titanic Museum towers about a 100 feet above the Branson Strip and is built to about half the size of the original. While on their voyage aboard the Titanic’s passengers receive an exciting interactive adventure. They relive the last fateful hours of the unsinkable leviathan by talking with the ship’s crew, viewing over 400 personal artifacts, interactive displays and activities and actually walking down an exact replica of its spectacular “Grand Staircase.” Passengers also get to meet the Titanic’s new mascots “Carter” and “Molly,” two King Charles Spaniels, who are a new and exciting part of the Titanic’s visitor experience this year.

The unique exterior of the Hollywood Wax Museum makes it stands out even on the Branson Strip.

Within hailing distance of the Titanic, people driving down the strip might want to check the skyline for Branson’s biggest ape towering high above the distinctive facade of the “Hollywood Wax Museum.” The “Hollywood Wax Museum” is not your grandfather’s museum where all you did was look. In this museum most of the ropes and barriers have been removed and visitors have an opportunity to get “up close and personal with the stars.” They get a chance to have take their pictures with their favorite stars in their most famous scenes, skip down the “Yellow Brick Road, or have a photo taken with the gargantuan 40-foot King Kong. The Hollywood Wax Museum is part of the “Hollywood Entertainment Center,” containing the “Castle of Chaos,” “Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors” and, coming soon, a cool Hollywood themed miniature golf course.

Another of Branson’s most popular ticketed attractions, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum”  is housed in one of the most distinctive and identifiable buildings in Branson built to reflect the effects of the 1812 New Madrid, Missouri earthquake. Visitors take an exciting self guided tour through about 400 of the most odd and amazing collections ever assembled.

One of Branson’s most unique ticketed attractions is the “Butterfly Palace & Rainforest” located in a “palace” on top of a hill at the far western edge of the Branson Strip. The butterflies come from rainforests all around the world and showcase something that most people haven’t seen before because none of the butterflies are native to the United States. Before stepping  into the rainforest aviary and its thousands of butterflies visitors view a beautiful and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. In addition to the butterflies the experience also includes a maze that kids of all ages will love and a reptile display.

Branson’s most popular paid attraction is also its oldest and newest, Silver Dollar City, an 1890’s themed international award winning theme park. It is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout the 2010 season and yet it never gets “old” because it is always adding new rides, festivals and things for its guests to do such as its new $7 million dollar ride, “Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast,” America’s biggest water battle which opened this year. Silver Dollar City’s unique combination of rides, craft demonstrations, shows, entertainment, festivals and the famed friendliness of their employees have been helping people to “Create Memories Worth Repeating” for 50 years. Silver Dollar City’s Blue Grass and BBQ Festival runs from May 13 through May 31.

For information or tickets for any of the attractions mentioned in this article 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.

Table Rock Lake produces big for CPAA Tournament

Beautiful, 7.34 pound Table Rock Lake bass caught by Jeremy Mabry with another bass from his 3 bag limit.

Earlier this year when asked, “Why fishermen should plan a fishing trip to Table Rock Lake this spring,” Jim Thompson, a successful local businessman who has been fishing Table Rock Lake for over 25 years said, “Because there is nothing like it anywhere. Table Rock Lake is one of the premier bass fisheries in the United States and the spring is a prime time to catch bass in large numbers and size.” He pointed out that in addition to the Largemouth and Kentucky Bass, Table Rock is also an excellent Smallmouth fishery.

Thompson is also the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA), one of the regions premier bass fishing tournament organizations. On May 1 and 2, the fishermen competing in CPAA’s Table Rock Lake Pro-Am and Team Tournaments illustrated just how accurate Thompson was and why Table Rock Lake is such a great bass fishery.

Over the two days of tournaments, 523 “keeper” bass, weighing a combined weight of 1,385 pounds and averaging 2.7 pounds each were weighed in. At the weigh-ins, fisherman after fisherman said how great the fishing was.

Thompson points out that the fish weighed in were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the total number of fish caught during the two days. He said that only fish 15 inches or longer could be kept and weighed in and that fisherman had to catch and cull quite a number of fish to get to the fish they actually weighed in.

Local fisherman, Tim Sainato from Walnut Shade, who took 2nd in the Pro-Am Tournament and won the Team Tournament with his partner, Steven Redford from Branson, weighed in a five fish limit each day. He said that on both days he had caught in excess of 30 “keepers” which he constantly culled to stay within the five fish limit and estimates his total fish count for each day to be in excess of 40 fish. He said that he positioned the boat in about 14 feet of water, threw a 4 inch Bass Pro XPS Grub into the bank and “retrieved it slowly as fast as he could” emphasizing that “Slow was good.”

Sainato and Redford won the CPAA Team Tournament and the $3,600 first place prize with a five fish limit weighing 18.03 pounds. Interestingly and somewhat unusual, their winning “bag” (limit) was composed entirely of Smallmouth Bass. Second place and a prize of $2,000 went to the husband and wife team of James and Donna Gilzow from Bella Vista AR with a five fish limit weighing 16.05 pounds.

On the Pro-Am Side, Dave Donham of Highlandville, Mo, won first place in the Pro Division and $3,500.00 with a five fish bag weighing 16.62 pounds. In the Non Boater Division Jeremy Mabry of Fayetteville, AR won the first place prize of $1,750.00 with a maximum three fish bag weighing 14.00 pounds. Mabry also won the Big Fish Prize of $350.00 in the Non Boater Division with a bass weighing 7.34, which was the biggest bass caught in the tournament.

“What a living testimony as to just how great a bass fishery Table Rock Lake is,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, an avid bass fisherman who was at both weigh-ins. “When that is combined with Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping and everything else that Branson has to offer, Table Rock Lake offers a quality unique bass fishing experience not available anywhere else in the world.”

Blue Grass, BBQ and Plumb Nellie Days means it must be May in Branson

Rhonda Vincent is one of the Bluegrass stars that will be playing at Silver Dollar City's "Bluegrass and BBQ Festival."

“One of Branson’s constants is that there is always something new and exciting to do,” says Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Whether it is one of the many Branson shows or attractions making a change, the change of the seasons, limited engagement performances, a new festival being celebrated at Silver Dollar City, other activities, shopping or dining there is always something fresh to experience in Branson as indicted by what will be happening in the next few weeks.”

One of the biggest events, as Silver Dollar City continues to celebrate its 50th year will be, Silver Dollar City’s “Bluegrass and BBQ Festival” which will run from May 13 through the 31st. In addition to all the craftsmen, rides and entertainment that Silver Dollar City is famous for, the festival will include Blue Grass music presented by national stars such as The Grascals, Rhonda Vincent and others, all styles of BBQ, and two exclusive special events, the Annual Single Mic Championship and KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest.

Johnson said that there is additional fun and excitement for the Silver Dollar City guests this year, a new ride that just opened up called “Tom & Huck’s River Blast.” It is a new $7 million raft ride with a twist. Brad Thomas, the General Manager of Silver Dollar City said, “The twist is that there are water guns on the rafts and on the shore. Riders can shoot their water guns at folks on the shore, folks on shore can shoot their water guns at people on the boats and when you come face to face with another boat you can blast the people on that boat as well. It’s basically this big organized, well maybe not so organized, water fight.”

Among other events, there will be the “9th Annual Branson Motorcycle Rally” that takes place May 20 through 23. It will feature “rides, ” poker runs, a sanctioned boxing match exciting live entertainment, vendors, food and the “Rally Ally Tavern” beer tent.

Historic downtown Branson will be celebrating the 50th year of its “Plumb Nellie Days Arts and Crafts Festival in historic downtown Branson May 21through 23. It will feature over 200 American crafters, entertainment, seminars and other activities

Bill Medley and daughter McKenna.

Johnson points out that the “Official Branson.Com Show Schedule,” powered by the Branson Tourism Center, indicates that Branson’s 2010 live show season, like the beautiful Ozark Mountain scenery, is in full bloom. Most of its shows are open with “The Righteous Brothers Bill Medley” with his daughter McKenna Medley opening on May 18, “Island Fire,” Branson’s unique Polynesian show, opens May 28 and Branson newest show, “Legends of Kung-Fu-Chung Yi” opens June 2. Limited engagement performances by “The Gatlin Brothers,” “The Oak Ridge Boys,” “The Texas Tenors,” “Ray Price,” and “Roy Clark” just add to the excitement and variety of Branson’s live music show offerings.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, any of the shows mentioned in this article 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.

There’s no place like Mother’s Day in Branson

"Broadway, The Star Spangled Celebration" is just one of the many Branson Shows open on Mother's Day.

Mothers Day is a special day and what better place to celebrate with Mom than in that special place called “Branson.” Whether it’s just a weekend of fun and entertainment or a special occasion like Mother’s Day it’s hard to beat the variety and quality of the entertainment Branson offers.

For many, a Mother’s Day brunch or buffet has become a tradition. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center points out that Branson offers a large selection of brunches and buffets with varying prices. Among others, these include the following, listed alphabetically with the adult’s price and phone number:

Bleu Olive Mediterranean Grille & Bar, Adults $25.00 417 332-2538
Chateau on the Lake, Adult $40.00, 888-333-5253
Devils Pool, Big Cedar Lodge, Adults $29.95, 800-225-6343
Golden Coral, Adults $12.29, 417-336-6297
Grand Country Square Buffet, Adults $10.99, 417 335-2434
Grandview Conference Center, Big Cedar Lodge, Adult $34.95, 800-225-6343
Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks, Adults $29.95, 417-239-1900
Level 2 Steakhouse, Hilton Covention Center Hotel, Adults $39.00, 417 243-3433.
Plaza View Restaurant, Grand Plaza Hotel, Adults $12.95, 417-335-2798
Steve’s Tree House Adults $22.95, 417-239-0445
Worman House, Big Cedar Lodge, Adults $34.95, 1-800-225-6343

Miller said that in addition to the above, the majority of Branson’s major restaurants will be open on Mother’s Day. He also points out that Dixie Stampede and the Showboat Branson Belle will also be available for Mom to be entertained while she is dining and that the Branson Landing Princess and Lake Queen will also be offering cruises including meals.

Branson is called by some, the “Live music show capital of the world” because of the variety and quality of its shows. Many of Branson’s finest shows will be open on Mother’s Day. Miller suggests this provides yet another way to make Mother’s Day just a little more special. The following list of shows that will be open is sorted by time:

2:00 p.m. Always Patsy Cline, Moe Bandy and Sunday Gospel Jubilee

3:00 p.m. Hamner Barber Variety Show, Legends in Concert, and Shake Rattle & Roll

4:00 p.m. Showboat Branson Belle

4:40 p.m. Dixie Stampede

5:30 p.m.Yakov’s Moscow Circus

7:00 p.m. Ozark Mountain Jubilee, Paul Harris Live and Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

8:00 p.m. Acrobats of China, Broadway The Star Spangled Celebration, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Country Tonite Featuring Marty Haggard, Jim Stafford, Kirby VanBurch, Legends in Concert, Mickey Gilley, The Texas Tenors and Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience.

Miller also suggests that another special way to celebrate Mother’s Day would be with a visit to “World-Fest” at Silver Dollar City. It is the last day of the country’s largest international festival and to see the show that is “igniting” the Branson entertainment scene with its uniqueness, musicality, and excitement, “Fiery Fiddles.”

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

50th Birthday Party highlights Silver Dollar City’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Silver Dollar City celebrate 50 years of helping to "Create Memories Worth Repeating." (Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City)

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction, is celebrating 50 years of helping people “Create Memories Worth Repeating” throughout its 2010 season. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center points out however, that the weekend of May 1 will be a major highlight of the celebration as Silver Dollar City holds its 50th Birthday Party with special events and extended hours.

Silver Dollar City and all its rides will remain open until 10:00 pm on Friday, April 30 and on Saturday May 1, 1960. Miller says, “And that’s just the beginning; there is a whole weekend of special events planned in addition to World-Fest, the nation’s largest international festival and all the rides, entertainment and craftsmen for which Silver Dollar City is famous.

There will be two special concerts by the “Ozark Mountain Daredevils” on Friday, April 30. The concerts will be held in the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and will require the purchase of a separate $5.00 event ticket. At 9:00 p.m. on both days, there will be a “Street Dance” on Main Street that will be lead by Silver Dollar City’s street characters as everyone dances “the night away with such family classics as the Macarena, the Hokey Pokey, and the ever-popular Chicken Dance.”

The official premiere of the new “Great American Country Nights” show in Echo Hollow will be presented at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 1st “with a special appearance by GAC show host Storme Warren, and a fireworks finale.” On Sunday, May 2nd the Birthday events will conclude with the 200 voice James River Assembly and Second Baptist Church choirs presenting a special “Night of Praise” at 6:00 p.m. in the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre.

Miller said, “May 1st is a very special day for Silver Dollar City and the entire Branson area because it will be 50 years from the day that Silver Dollar City first opened.” Special celebratory events marking that occasion will involve a special opening ceremony as the park opens at 9:00 a.m. on May 1st, just as it did 50 years ago and one of the biggest Birthday parties southwest Missouri has ever seen.

Silver Dollar City’s 50th Birthday Party will be held at 12:00 p.m. in the Echo Hollow Amphitheatre. Various dignitaries will be present and there will be special performances by the Baldknobbers, Haygoods, Lennon Sisters, and the Blues Brothers. Even the Birthday Cake will be special. It was baked from a recipe selected from recipes submitted by people from all over the country in a “Taste Of Home” contest specifically to select the “Official Birthday Cake.” The cake and winner will be revealed during the party and, of course, there will be birthday cake for everyone.

Miller points out that the May 1 weekend will be a very busy weekend in Branson, particularly for hotel and lodging. He suggests making reservations prior to traveling to Branson. For additional information on Silver Dollar City, the 50th Birthday events over the May 1st weekend, or for any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for hotels or lodging he 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.

Make the planning of your next Branson trip as pleasant as the Branson experience itself

Silver Dollar City, Branson's most popular paid attraction, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.

There are basically two ways to plan a trip to Branson, Missouri, yourself or through a Branson vacation planning service. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, is a 13 year veteran of helping people have a great Branson experience. He suggests that both first time and repeat Branson visitors can enhance their Branson experience through the convenience of using a Branson vacation planning service, such as the Branson Tourism Center.

Outside of just wanting to do it themselves, Miller says it has been his experience that the major reasons people don’t use a Branson vacation planning services to help plan their Branson trip are they don’t realize the value and convenience of using such services, believe it costs more to use them, is inconvenient, and are worried about giving their personal information over the phone or internet. He suggests that with all the choices available in Branson, shows and their scheduling; attractions; different types of hotels and lodging, not only in terms of pricing, but location and other activities, that the use of a Branson vacation planning service such as the Branson Tourism Center could enhance the overall enjoyment of the Branson experience.

Although he can’t speak for other Branson vacation planning services, Miller can discuss how the company he works with, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), addresses some of the concerns people have expressed. “It doesn’t get much more convenient,” said Miller. “All people have to do is dial Branson Tourism Center’s toll free number 1-800-785-1550, any day of the year except Christmas, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. and they will be speaking with a trained BTC Travel Specialist who will be happy to help them plan their Branson trip and answer any questions they may have about Branson.

In terms of cost for BTC’s services, there is none. All Branson Tourism Center’s services are free and there is no additional charge of any kind added to their prices. “In fact,” Miller said, “because of the great relationships BTC has with the theatres, hotels and attractions it deals with, the chances are excellent, especially when you bundle or package lodging, shows and attractions, that a you will actually save money using Branson Tourism Center’s services.

While understanding peoples concerns about disclosing their personal information over the phone or internet, Miller points out that the Branson Tourism Center is one of Branson’s largest and most trusted Branson vacation planning services and has sold over 2 million Branson show tickets. In addition, it is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Southwest Missouri with an A+ rating and is a member of, among other organizations, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, American Society of Travel Agents, American Bus Association, and the Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association.

Miller points out that Branson Tourism Center offers a full range of Branson travel services including a Groups and Reunions Department, 1-800-268-4014; Travel Agency, 1-800-785-2176 and Special Events Department, 1-800-268-2684. In addition to its own website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com, BTC owns and operates Branson’s first and most trafficked destination web site, www.Branson.Com. It can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website.

Branson’s “Grand Jubilee,” entertainment in the grandest Branson tradition

New South's Scott, Trey, Jason, and Mark.

The “Grand Jubilee” has everything one would expect from a Branson show, great vocalist, instrumentalists and comedy, but with something else, synergy. When extremely talented vocalists are combined with equally talented musicians and one Branson’s best comedians the resulting synergy results in a fast paced entertainment experience in the “grandest” Branson tradition.

The Grand Jubilee show features the quartet “New South,” composed of Trey Wilson, Lead Singer; Jason Pritchett, Baritone; Scott Leven, Tenor and Mark McCauley, Bass. These guys have great voices and sing a variety of different music beautifully. Their exceptional harmonies are a joy to hear. Among others, New South’s performance of the inspirational “How Great Thou Art” and the J. D. Souther song, “How Long” support their billing as “Branson’s best quartet.”

If it stopped there that would be enough, but it doesn’t. It is obvious that a lot of extra effort has gone into the production and choreography of the show. That along with the costuming adds so much to the audience’s entertainment experience. A personal favorite of this writer was their performance of “YMCA” during the “70’s Medley” in the second half of the show and the great “moves” by Bass singer Mark McCauley.

Jackie Brown and Todd Bradshaw do a wonderful job as featured vocalists. Brown’s duet performance of the Kenny Rogers Dottie West hit “Every Time Two Fools Collide” with New South’s Trey Wilson and Bradshaw’s performance of the George Jones hit, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” with Massengale featured on the fiddle were exceptional.

The “Grand Band,” is composed of some of the best musicians in Branson and are an inherent part of the show not only in terms of musical support, but in performing featured numbers during vocals. The instrumentality of the Grand Band is demonstrated throughout with two of this writers favorites being their solo of a “Bluegrass LaLaPaLooza” and their featured performances during many of the numbers such as in “Kentucky River.”

Jim Dandy,” played by Jamie Haage along with his straight man, Mike Patrick, provide the shows comedy. It’s just the right amount of comic relief at the right time provided by one of funniest men in Branson. The constant rumble of laughter from the audience is almost loud enough to hide the sound of what happened to Jim Dandy’s hand grenade.

Comedy is only one facet of the multitalented Haage who is also an accomplished vocalist and instrumentalists. In terms of funny and unique his version of of “Nine to Five” stands alone. At the other end of the spectrum his renditions of “Mama Don’t Allow” and “Mama’s Teaching Angels” are simply beautiful vocals with an eternal message.

Mike Patrick is the show’s producer, Master of Ceremonies and comedy straight man. In addition to his own considerable talents, he uses the synergy provided by the talents of all the shows performers to provide two of the best and fastest moving hours of entertainment in Branson.

For additional information or tickets on the “Grand Jubilee” or any another Branson show, attraction or lodging please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). It is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, sellers of Branson show tickets, attraction tickets and lodging and may be contacted by either calling its toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.bransontourismcenter.com.

Sullenger’s Saloon- Branson’s oldest commercial building predates Branson

The Sullenger's Saloon building has been in the same location for over 100 years.

Although Branson did not become a city until 1912 it was platted in 1903. In her book “A Living History of the Ozarks,” Phylis Rossiter said that “Sullenger’s Saloon” was “the first business building to appear in Branson after it was platted in 1903 and is the oldest building still standing in Branson.”

Jo Stacey Albers, coauthor of the book, “Hometown Branson: Early History” with Dorothy Stacey, points out that the saloon was owned by Henry Sullenger and was originally located at Third and College Streets. He moved the saloon to its current location at 123 E. Main Street, on the northwestern corner of Sycamore and Main Streets sometime prior to 1909 because Branson’s main commercial area, called “The Shelf,” was developing in the Commercial Street area a few blocks east of his original location. With the move he was one block east of the Commercial Street and right on the western edge of the Branson’s railroad development.

Soon after it was incorporated on April 1, 1912, an early morning fire, starting in the Commercial Hotel located in the southeastern corner of the intersection of Commercial and Pacific Streets, virtually destroyed all the businesses in the downtown area. Four commercial buildings survived the fire, the Branson Hotel, the bank building located on the northwestern corner of Main and Commercial Streets, the railroad depot and a two story structure near the depot commonly known as “Sullenger’s Saloon.”

According to Albers during its “heyday” Sullenger’s was very popular with the railroad workers and, among other things, was operated as a saloon and a pool hall. Since then it has been
used for different things over the years. These include a boarding house, a collector card shop and its current use, the “Plum Bazaar,” a business that sells beads, custom jewelry, beading supplies, and gifts as well as conducting classes on “beading.”

Albers points out that in the mid 40’s “Mrs. Noel” operated it as a “real nice boarding house.” That use and its current location are ironic because today it is located kitty corner from Branson’s newest “boarding house,” the luxurious 12 story, 293 room Hilton Convention Center Hotel and Branson’s largest and newest major shopping attraction, “Branson Landing,” is located just one block to the east of the building that moved to its current location, over 100 years ago, because of the development of a new retail area to its east.

Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, points out that the building “Sullenger’s Saloon” was in is currently being operated as the “Plum Bazaar.” It is readily visible at the corner of Main and Sycamore Streets, at the foot of the Main Street hill, as one drives to and from Branson Landing on Main Street.

Fish Fry and “Hillbilly Motorcycle Run” added to Branson Purple Heart Event

The vocal group SIX, one of Branson's hottest shows, performing for the Purple Heart Recipients at the Hand in Hand Entertinment Show during the 2009 event.

The inaugural two day “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients (Hand in Hand)” event held in 2009 was so successful that it is being expanded to a three day event this year. It will be held in Branson, Missouri April 22 through 24. Hand in Hand is an extension of Branson’s passion and commitment to America’s active duty military, Veterans and their families and is made possible through the efforts of many Branson volunteers, including the overwhelming support of its entertainers, and the sponsorship of Branson.Com.

Hand in Hand is a unique event in many respects. It is the only event specifically intended to remember and honor those who have received the Purple Heart for combat wounds received while serving in America’s Armed Forces and has received the active support of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH.) Hand in Hand is sponsored by Branson.Com, a sister company of the Branson Tourism Center and is co-owned by Larry and Lianne Milton. At a recent press conference regarding the event Larry said, “The city of Branson honors Veterans all year long. It is our treat and honor, even if only in a small way, to be able to honor the Purple Heart Recipients for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our country.”

At that same press conference Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Advertising and Public Relations for Branson.Com, went over each of the activities that will be a part of Hand in Hand explaining that it would incorporate many of last year’s activities while adding exciting new activities designed to entertain and honor the Purple Heart Recipients and their families. Click here for a complete list of the events activities.

New this year, at the request of those attending last year, will be a Fish Fry on April 23. Jim Thompson, the owner the Central Pro-Am Bass Association is the coordinator for the fish fry. He said it would be held on the soccer field of the Branson Hills RecPlex under big tents starting at 5:30 p.m. It is open to everyone, not just Purple Heart Recipients and Thompson encourages everyone to attend and honor the Purple Heart Recipients. There will be no charge to Purple Heart Recipients, but there will be a minimal $10.00 charge to all others.

Simultaneously with the Fishing Tournament, which will be held at the State Park Marina on Table Rock Lake from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on April 23 there will be a special new event for the spouses. The Dress Barn VIP Shopping Extravaganza for women, with hors d’oeuvres, tea, coffee and a 15% discount on all purchases, will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

On the afternoon of April 24 the first “Hillbilly Posse Motorcycle Run” will be held in honor of the Purple Heart Recipients. Taney County Sheriff Jimmy Russell, himself a motorcycle enthusiast, is coordinating the “Hillbilly Posse” and said it would run from Ozark to the fountains at Branson Landing. He encourages maximum rider participation in the run and said it is open to all motorcycle riders, Veterans and nonveterans, who want to participate and honor the Purple Heart Recipients. Russell said it will be a wonderful event to witness and ride in.

The “Posse Motorcycle Run” will take place rain or shine and will start at the Wal-Mart Parking Lot in Ozark with registration at 2:00 p.m. The run will depart for Branson at 4:00 p.m. and will proceed to Branson via U.S. Highway 65 where it will exit onto State Highway 76 and proceed east straight down Main Street to Branson Landing. It will then converge on the Branson Landing Fountains via the Branson Landing Promenade with an anticipated arrival time of about 4:45 p.m.

Stockinger suggests that the public can help honor the Purple Heart Recipients by lining the U.S. Highway 65 overpasses at Bee Creek Road, State Highway 248, and State Highway 76 as well as the Posse’s route down Main Street to the Branson Landing Fountains. She encourages the public to attend Hand in Hand’s inspiring “Purple Majesty Twilight Ceremony,” honoring the Purple Heart Recipients, at the Branson Landing Fountains starting at 5:30 p.m. and as many other activities as they can. There is a complete schedule of activities, registration forms and other information on Hand in Hand available on line through Branson.Com or the Branson Tourism Center. Telephone assistance can be obtained by calling 1-800-785-1550.

Grand Plaza Hotel is a grand Branson lodging experience

Grand Plaza Hotel from Branson Strip

Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center was spot on when he said, “It makes no difference what the destination is, the choice of lodging will dramatically impact on the quality of the travel experience.” Miller explained that even in Branson, with all its attractions, shows, shopping, live entertainment and a myriad of other activities, it still applies.

Miller points out that the “Official Branson.Com Quick Find Accommodations List,” powered by the Branson Tourism Center, list dozens of quality lodging choices of every variety and price including the centrally located “Grand Plaza Hotel.” Recently, Kaely McNeely, Front Office Manager of the Grand Plaza Hotel said, “It’s a great choice for visitors coming to Branson because of the hotel’s location, value, family friendly amenities and the variety of accommodations offered.”

She points out that if “location, location, location” applies to any hotel in Branson it has to be the Grand Plaza. The 200 room suite hotel is located about a block north of the famed “Branson Strip” and provides the best of both worlds, quick access to the strip when desired and the peace and quiet of not being directly on the strip. It is also convenient to Branson’s “Blue” and “Red” Routes providing alternate routes to help avoid the traffic congestion on Highway 76. This can be particularly helpful when going to places like Silver Dollar City, Branson Landing, or coming into or leaving Branson.

The hotel is also located within walking distance of one of Branson’s largest and most popular discount factory outlet malls the “Tanger Outlet Center.” McNeely also points out that the hotel is within easy walking distance of the Horn family’s “Circle B Supper Club” and the “Branson Variety Theatre” home to some of Branson’s best shows such as the “Twelve Irish Tenors,” “Broadway, the Star Spangled Celebration,” “Spirit of the Dance,” “Spirit of Christmas” and Branson’s newest show “Shake Rattle and Roll.”

The Grand Plaza’s “Plaza View Restaurant” is managed by Jack Hamilton. It is noted for its Prime Rib and the spectacular view from its ninth floor location.

McNeely said that the hotel is completely nonsmoking and has a choice of accommodations to meet the needs of just about any Branson visitor. With “Family Units” having two bedrooms and bathrooms, “Honey Moon/ Executive Suites” with a separate closed off sitting area, and their “Standard Queen Room,” with two queen sized beds the Grand Plaza has accommodations to meet just about every lodging need.

When talking about value and amenities she said that they include a game room, indoor pool, sauna, fitness room and hot tub. In addition, the hotel offers a full hot buffet breakfast every morning including cereal, fruit, waffles, breads, rolls, eggs, ham or sausage, and biscuits and gravy.

McNeely said that the Grand Plaza has a number of different sized meeting rooms from those big enough to accommodate a group of 175 to those for smaller groups or breakout rooms. In talking about the experience her groups have had at the Grand Plaza Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales, Branson Tourism Center said, “We love the location and the overall experience our groups receive.”