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Three free, fun and unique things families can share together in Branson

The Discovery Trolley is just one of the many free fun things in Branson for families to do.

“Branson, Missouri is perhaps one of the best vacation values in America,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service. He points out that Branson is a destination city that has it all from shows and attractions to just about any other fun thing families might want to do while on vacation along with a wide choice of lodging and all at reasonable prices. “In fact,” he continued, “an article entitled, “Branson listed third most budget friendly destination in America,” reports on what a great vacation value Branson is.”

That value becomes even more so when one considers that there are many things that families can share together in Branson that do not cost anything. For this article, the author has picked three family friendly activities that he believes will hold the interest of children and will add fun, variety and memories to any family’s Branson experience while, at the same time, sharing something that is uniquely Branson.

1. Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery – The Missouri Department of Conservation operates a trout hatchery located at the foot of Table Rock Dam located off of State Highway 165 just north of the dam. The hatchery raises both Rainbow and Brown Trout for Lake Taneycomo and other trout fisheries throughout southwestern Missouri, operates a visitor’s center and offers guided and self-guided tours of the hatchery.

The Visitor Center features a display of wildflowers and plants indigenous to the area as well as a nature display and a short video on the hatchery and the process of producing the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the premier trout fisheries in the nation. There is also a huge aquarium with some “lunker” Brown and Rainbow Trout that show the size of some of the trout in Lake Taneycomo. Guided tours depart the visitors center on weekdays at 10 and 11 a.m. and 1 and 2 p.m., but visitors are welcome to tour the “trout runs” by themselves during normal business hours. The Visitor Center opens at 9:00 a.m. every day except, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.

2. Branson Landing Boardwalk – The Branson area has many free walking and hiking trails, four of which are at the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery, but the most family, stroller, and people friendly walk is the level scenic paved boardwalk running 1.5 miles along Lake Taneycomo at Branson Landing. Free parking is available at either the Belk or Bass Pro parking lots off of Branson Landing Boulevard. From the parking lot, walk directly east toward Lake Taneycomo and you can’t miss it. This leisurely and level walk provides a view of Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo that most people never experience.

You will walk past the docking facilities of Branson Landing Cruises, the “home port” of the “Branson Landing Princess” and the river boat replica, “Lake Queen,” as well as the Branson Landing Fountains. Depending on your timing you might possibly catch the $7.5 million water, fire, and light fountain show at the center of Branson Landing. In addition, you will able to observe the boat traffic and activity on Lake Taneycomo as well as see various species of ducks, Canada Geese, Grey Herons, Black or Turkey Vultures (buzzards), an occasional Bald Eagle and other birds and water fowl that inhabit Lake Taneycomo.

3. Historic Downtown Branson’s Discovery Trolley – The Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District provides a free “Discovery Trolley” that runs a 15 minute loop through Historic Downtown Branson and down to Branson Landing. The convenient 15 minute loop makes, it easy for those shopping down at Branson Landing to take the trolley up to the Historic District to experience its unique shopping and restaurants and vice versa.

The ride provides an excellent overview of the historic downtown area, Branson Landing and the Branson Convention Center. Along the way you will pass Branson’s first theatre, the Owens Theatre and the spot where the “ Baldknobbers” performed Branson’s first live music show over 51 years ago and the grave of the man the city of Branson is named after Ruben S. Branson.

For additional information on these activities or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center. It can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

White Water, Silver Dollar City and Showboat Branson Belle provide family summer fun

Lots of wet fun goes with a ride on Silver Dollar City's new "RiverBlast." (Photo provided by SDC)

“Silver Dollar City Attractions encompasses three of Branson’s major attractions, Silver Dollar City, White Water and the Showboat Branson Belle offering visitors a variety of fun, excitement, value and adventure,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “The neat thing for families is that at Silver Dollar City and White Water there are rides and activities for all ages, from the youngest to the oldest and a ride on the Showboat Branson Belle provides entertainment and excitement for all ages.”

Silver Dollar City, the 1880s theme park, is Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction. It is celebrating its 50th year of providing guests with “Memories worth repeating” and will be presenting KidsFest, Americas biggest kids festival, June 5 through August 8. KidsFest provides unparalleled opportunity for kids, guests of all ages and families to play, not the least of which is Silver Dollar City’s new $7 million ride, Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast, “where every ride is a different super-soaking experience as riders take part in America’s biggest water battle.”

KidsFest will feature the comedy and magic from the world famous illusionist Peter Gossamer, a Stunt Dog experience featuring “the high-energy antics of performing dogs, and some of Silver Dollar City’s Famous Friends — kid-favorite costumed characters including SpongeBob & Patrick, Shaggy & Scooby Doo, The Jetsons, The Flintstones and the Backyardigans. Kids can make their own creations at the Kid Concoctions Activity Center from the acclaimed Kid Concoctions books and television show. More hands-on fun rules with activities on the Square, as kids take part in water balloon tossing competitions and birthday cake eating contests – with the official Silver Dollar City Birthday Cake.”

Miller points out that KidsFest will culminate with a special event, “Moonlight Madness,” which will be held July 24 through August 8. Normally Silver Dollar City closes at 7:00 p.m., but during Moonlight Madness it will remain open until 10 p.m.

White Water features over 12 acres and 2 million gallons of wet watery fun, providing Branson visitors with an opportunity to “swim, surf, splash and slide at the Ozarks’ largest water park from May 29 through September 6. Its nearly 7,000 feet of slides, with more than a dozen rides and attractions provide families the opportunity to race down the 7-story, 6-slide thrill ride Kalani Towers, surf the waves in the 500,000 gallon wave pool, or float the Lazy River.” During “Night Water,” July 2 through 10 White Water will remain open until 10:00 p.m. Normally the park closes at 7:00 p.m. at this time of the year.

Miller said, “For a unique relaxing fun filled experience, it’s hard to beat a cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake aboard the 278 foot long 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle.” The cruise features a three course dinner made in the ships galley, a production show and a spectacular view of the passing Ozarks scenery from Table Rock Lake. “The Showstoppers! show features a talented cast including nationally acclaimed comedian Todd Oliver and his live talking dogs featured on dinner cruises, plus a live orchestra.” Miller said, “Being on the Showboat, cruising the Lake, Todd Oliver and his dogs, and the opportunity to tour the ship and go up to the Bridge will hold the interest of not only the kids, but adults as well.”

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

Branson has “lots” of vacation fun and excitement

Silver Dollar City's "Wildfire" offers one of the most exciting and unique coaster rides in the world.

Often the question is asked, “What is there to do in Branson?” The answer depends on who is asking the question, but assuming it is someone who is coming to Branson to relax, be entertained and have fun, the simple generic one word answer is “Lots!”

One of the most important parts of a relaxing fun filled vacation is having lodging accommodations and amenities that are conducive to making that happen. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, who has over 13 years experience helping Branson visitors have a great Branson experience says, “As much as anything, the place where a person stays will set the tenor for the type of vacation experience they will have.”

Fortunately, Branson has lots of quality hotels and lodging to accommodate just about every budget and taste. From the grandeur of prestigious AAA Four Diamond lodgings, to condos, hotels, cabins and resorts located everywhere from golf course fairways to lake fronts, overlooking beautiful Ozark vistas, or close to Branson’s famed shows, shopping and attractions, Branson has the ideal lodging and amenities to contribute to the synergy for a great relaxing fun filled Branson experience.

Miller points out that Branson has lots of major attractions such as the world class award winning 1880s theme park, Silver Dollar City, the Titanic Museum and White Water, with its 12 acres of wet watery fun. Whether it’s history, shopping, boating, fishing, swimming or other activities on one of Branson’s pristine lakes, golfing, hiking, go karts, miniature golf, bird watching, simply relaxing or anyone of dozens of other activities to say the least, Branson has lots for visitors to do.”

“Branson is called, ‘The live music show capital of the world,” said Miller “and for good reason, it has lots of music shows with one for just about every musical taste and genre. He points out that in addition Branson also offers an unparalleled choice of other types of shows from acrobatic to cirque, comedy of every type, magic, ventriloquism, spectacular drama and lots more.

Miller said, “Branson not only has lots of fun and exciting things for visitors and families to do, but it provides them in an environment that creates a vacation experience that is unique in all the world.” He suggests that with all the things there are to do in Branson and choices that must be made that it could be helpful to use the services of a vacation planning service such as the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services.

He said, “All its services are free and there is never a service charge.” BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

May limited engagements expand Branson entertainment choices

The Gatlin Brothers

“The limited engagement performances in Branson over the next couple of weeks expands the already great variety of entertainment choices visitors to Branson have,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “These include Ray Price, The Gatlin Brothers, Oak Ridge Boys and blue grass performances by Ronnie Reno and the Cumberland Highlanders.

The legendary Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ray Price recorded his first number one country hit, “Crazy Arms” in 1956 and has had such hits as “For the Good Times,” “Release Me”, “Crazy Arms”, “Heartaches by the Number”, “City Lights” and many more. This legendary artist will be performing in Branson for one performance only at 7:00 p.m. on May 22 at the Tri-Lakes Center.

The Grammy award winning Gatlin Brothers, Larry, Steve and Rudy, are performing a three day limited Branson engagement May 20 through 23 at the Mansion America Theatre. Their pure familial harmonies have been entertaining audiences for decades and produced over 15 Top-Five hits including their #1 hits “All The Gold In California,” “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer To You)” “Broken Lady,” and more. In addition to their great voices they are simply great entertainers and relate to their audiences well.

The Oakridge Boys

In over three decades, the distinctive harmonies of the Oak Ridge Boys have been entertaining America. During that time they have had one double platinum album, three platinum albums, and 12 gold albums plus over 30 Top Ten hits and more than a dozen national Number One singles. In addition to many others, their hits include “Fancy Free,” “Gonna Take A Lot Of River,” “Elvira,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On” and “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes.” The Oak Ridge Boys will be performing 8 p.m. shows in the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre May 28 through May 30.

Miller said, “Bluegrass fans will think they are in Heaven over the Memorial Day weekend. Not only will there be Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass and BBQ Festival with over 15 bluegrass acts performing, but Ronnie Reno and The Cumberland Highlanders will be performing at 3 and 8 p.m. on May 30 and 31 in Branson’s RFD Theatre.”

Ronnie Reno has had a career steeped in country and bluegrass music and has received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA). Reno’s show, with the “Reno Legend Band,” has been described as “encapsulating some of the greatest sounds and moments of traditional bluegrass music.” The Cumberland Highlanders” is a group dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of traditional bluegrass Music. The group has played to millions on RFD TV and will share the stage with Reno.

For additional information or tickets for or any these limited engagement performances or 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.

Branson’s All American Inn provides location, value and convenience

View into a King Jacuzzi Suite.

“Why should a family coming to Branson select the All American Inn (AAI) for their lodging?” Bruce Dees, General Manager for the All American Inn said, “In a nutshell, quietness, convenience of location, cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff and all-around value.” Dees said that they are particularly proud of their reputation for cleanliness and the friendliness of their staff saying, “Upon check in our guests are welcomed with a friendly greeting and Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.” He indicated that the cookies are a small thing, but it is the accumulation of a lot of small things that makes for an outstanding lodging experience.

The recently remolded and renovated All American Inn is a cozy 81 room property with Standard Double Queen and King Rooms, King Jacuzzi Suites, Family Suites providing superior accommodations for Branson visitors for all occasions including family reunions, weddings and other groups. AAI has all interior corridors, an elevator, and is located in a quiet area with a level parking lot.

While all the rooms at AAI are spacious, the Family Suites are ideal for the family on vacation with two rooms that can be closed off from each other. All rooms and suites have Serta Pillow Top mattresses with Serta Feather pillows and 32 inch flat screen TVs. AAI is a totally nonsmoking and pets are not permitted.

In terms of value, Dees points out that AAI’s pricing is in the medium range for Branson, starting at about $70.00 for the Standard Queen or King Room and going up to $130.00 for the King Jacuzzi or Family Suites. All rooms are equipped with a refrigerator, micro wave, coffee pot, hair dryer, desk with ergonomic chairs, ironing boards and free wireless Wi-Fi Internet. Also included are a free hot deluxe breakfast, a free guest laundry and a large outdoor pool and deck for swimming and sun bathing.

Part of the beautiful lobby area.

The All American Inn is at the end of the beautiful Falls Parkway in an area that is centrally located to the Branson Strip, historic down town, Branson and Branson Landing. It provides a choice of alternate routes to Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, many of Branson’s shows, attractions, activities and Branson’s alternate colored route system via either State Highway 165 or Fall Creek Road. In addition to the convenient access to all that Branson has to offerAAI’s location away from the noise and bustle of the strip providing for a relaxing experience when not out taking advantage of the entertainment, shopping and other things that make Branson the exciting fun place it is to visit.

Dees said that although they do not have large group meeting rooms that the “Lil Chef Bistro,” the inn’s breakfast area, can be used for small group meetings and gatherings. Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center said, “A lot of our groups don’t need meeting rooms because they are either meeting somewhere else or are buses, reunions and that type of group where meeting rooms are not required. The price point, overall value, central location and cleanliness of the All American Inn coupled with the availability of the “Lil Chef Bistro” for social gatherings etc. makes it ideal for many of our groups.”

We have superior accommodations for all occasions including family reunions, wedding parties, king honeymoon suites with Jacuzzis, spacious two room family suites, king rooms with sofas, double queen rooms, connecting king and double queen rooms. Our guests enjoy a free deluxe hot breakfast which includes biscuits and gravy, waffles, oatmeal, pastries, bagels, cereals, juices, milk, teas, hot chocolate and coffee. We also serve our guests Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, coffee and tea in the afternoon.

For additional information or reservations for the All American Inn, other Branson lodging or for any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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 honors Purple Heart Recipients

Military Order of the Purple Heart’s National Services Director, Frank Van Hoy speaking during the Opening Ceremony.

The nation’s only event designed to honor and remember the sacrifices of those who have received the Purple Heart for combat wounds received while serving our nation is under way in Branson, Missouri. The three day event entitled, “Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients (Hand in Hand)” is sponsored by Branson.Com and will run through Apr. 24.

After a morning of fellowship, comradeship and reminiscing during registration at the Factory Merchants Mall, the Opening Ceremony was held at the Hamner Barber Theatre the afternoon of April 22. It featured the lighting of two custom made caldrons made by Sight and Sound Theatre and dedicated to the Purple Heart Recipients and presentations made by a panel of experts from the Military Order of the Purple Heart on how veterans and their families can get their benefits. After the presentations, the panel responded to questions that those in attendance had submitted. The panel will also be available to work with individual Veterans and Purple Heart Recipients over the next three days.

On Apr. 23 the day’s activities start with a Fishing Tournament on Table Rock Lake out of the State Park Marina. The “Take Off” will be at 8:00 a.m. with the “Weigh In” at 11:00 a.m. Later in the day, after the free Entertainment show, featuring a number of Branson entertainers, at the Hamner Barber Theatre between 2:00 and 4:30 p.m., there will be a Fish Fry at the Branson Hills RecPlex under big tents starting at 5:30 p.m. There is a minimal $10.00 charge to everyone except the Purple Heart Recipients for the fish fry, but all other events including the entertainment show are free to the public as well as the Purple Heart Recipients.

On Saturday, April 24 the Purple Heart Recipients and their families are invited to the “Missouri Wine and Food Festival” at Chateau on the Lake, as the festival’s guests, starting at 10:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. there will be a special ceremony at the festival for the Purple Heart Recipients.

That afternoon, Taney County Sheriff Jimmy Russell will lead the “Hillbilly Posse Motorcycle Run” to honor the Purple Heart recipients. It is open to all motorcycle riders, veterans and nonveterans, who want to participate and honor the Purple Heart Recipients. Russell said there is no charge to participate in the run and that registration will be at the Wal-Mart Parking Lot in Ozark starting at 2:00 p.m. with the departure for Branson at 4:00 p.m. The run will exit U.S. Highway 65 onto State Highway 76 and proceed straight down Main Street to Branson Landing where it will converge on the Branson Landing Fountains via the Branson Landing Promenade arriving at about 4:45 p.m.

Marlyce Stockinger, Director of Advertising and Public Relations for Branson.Com, encourages the public to show their appreciation and respect for the Purple Heart Recipients by attending the fishing tournament weigh-in, the free Entertainment Show at the Hamner Barber Theatre, and the Fish Fry. She especially encourages their participation by lining the Branson U.S. Highway 65 overpasses and the Posse’s route from the 76 intersection down to the Branson Landing Fountains as well as attending Hand in Hand’s inspiring “Purple Majesty Twilight” closing ceremony at the Branson Landing Fountains as 5:30 p.m. She points out that there is a complete schedule of events and other information on Hand in Hand available on line through www.Branson.Com. For additional information please call 417-334-4400.

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Branson weekend features Ultimate Elvis, Collector Car Auction and World-Fest

Joseph Hall performing "Eras of the King."

Joseph Hall performing his "Eras of the King."

“With all there is to do in Branson on a normal daily basis,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, “shows. attractions, shopping, lakes, restaurants and other activities, it’s hard to imagine that it can get any better.” He continues, “But that’s one of the great things about Branson, it just keeps getting better and giving its guests more choices.”

Miller highlights three additional events taking place this weekend. The first is the “Elvis Festival” taking place at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater April 16-18 featuring Branson’s 4th “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest” starting at 7:00 p.m. April 17. The contest is part of the national “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest” sponsored by Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. In addition to the prizes for winning the Branson contest, the winner will have the opportunity to go to Memphis, TN and compete on for the title of the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute.”

Elvis fans may also want to take the opportunity to see one of the Branson shows featuring Elvis tributes such as Dean Z in the “Legends in Concert The World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show,” Tony Roi in “Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience” and “Joseph Hall Presents Elvis – Eras of the King.” Miller said that prior to starting his own show in Branson in February of this year, Joseph Hall placed in the top ten of the national “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest” every year since its inception in 2007.

Another unique event this weekend in Branson is the “Branson Collector Car Auction” at the Branson Convention Center April 16-17. Miller says this is a special opportunity for the public to not only view unique one of a kind collectible cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other items that they would not normally get to see outside of a museum, but to watch them being auctioned live and in real time.

Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest runs from April 8 to May 9. Miller points out that in addition to all the fun, excitement, entertainment and food that Silver Dollar City regularly offers their guests, World-Fest gives them a rare opportunity to experience the cultures, foods, and entertainment of other countries at the same time. It is America’s largest International Festival,” Miller said.

World-Fest features great international entertainment. Returning by popular demand will be the Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China. Some of the new acts appearing this year will be acts such as Dearbhail Finnegan, internationally acclaimed Irish Harpist, in a new show sharing Irish heritage and music; “Diego Martin Footprints Folk Performers,” from Trinidad and Tobago with steel drums, stilt dancing and fire limbo and “Fiery Fiddles” featuring the world’s only soaring string aerialist, Janice Marine,

For additional information on these 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.

The game is trivia, but there is nothing trivial about the cause!

A typical trivia question might be “What was the name of the gang who ambushed the Texas Rangers from which the only survivor became the “Lone Ranger?” One not so typical would be “What is the percentage of Americans that will be diagnosed with Cancer during their life time?”

The answer to the first question, “The Hole-In-The Wall Gang” or “Cavendish Gang” is merely a bit of trivia which has no effect on a person or their family. The answer to the second question, “33 percent,” directly impacts a huge number of people and their families and is the reason why Waxy O’Shea’s and the Branson Tourism Center are teaming up to host “Trivia Night at Waxy O’Shea’s,” 235 Branson Landing Boulevard, on Thursday, April 15 starting at 7:00 p.m.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Special Events for the Branson Tourism Center encourages everyone to attend the event and support a great cause, the “ Relay for Life of Taney & Stone Counties,” while having a great evening of fun and fellowship. She said there will be prizes and raffles during the entire night with a chance to win a pontoon rental from the State Park Marina and a grand prize for the winning team. Participation can be on an individual or team basis with teams limited to a maximum of six members. The charge for the event is $5.00 per person, with all the proceeds going to “Relay for Life.”

“Relay For Life” is an American Cancer Society, grassroots program designed to empower groups and individuals to participate in the fight against a formidable foe that will impact on one out of three American families. The program “represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.”

For further information on the event please call Milton at 417-337-7743.