The iconic violin played by bandmaster Wallace Hartley as the Titanic sank.

BRANSON, MO, May 20, 2013 — “The Titanic Museum Attraction has always been noted for the excitement and freshness of the experience it provides its guests,” said Lianne Milton, one of the owners of the Branson Tourism Center, “but this is out of the box. Imagine, the very violin that played ‘Nearer My God To Thee’ as the greatest maritime tragedy of all time was unfolding, over 101 years ago, will have its first and only American displays at the Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge and Branson; how special is that?” Milton’s comments followed the press release by Titanic Museum Attractions earlier this morning that the long lost violin of the Titanic’s bandmaster, Wallace Hartley, commonly referred to as the “Titanic Violin” will be displayed in America exclusively and for a limited time only at the Titanic Museum Attractions, first in Pigeon Forge, TN from May 23 to July 27 and in Branson, MO from August 1 to August 15.

The band and their courageous act of continuing to play “Nearer My God To Thee” in the midst of the frantic and hectic activity taking place all around them as the doomed ship gradually sank into her frigid watery grave was described by one newspaper at the time as an act that “Will rank among the noblest in the annals of heroism at sea“ and has played a pivotal role in the memory of that horrific night in books, movies and other depictions of the event. News accounts indicate that Hartley’s body was found floating 10 days after the sinking with his violin in his leather valise, with some jewelry, strapped to his chest above his life vest.

There is general agreement that it was returned to Maria Robinson, who was Hartley’s fiancée and had given it to him in 1910 when they became engaged. Reports indicate that after her death in 1939 the violin was given to “a Major Renwick of the Bridlington Salvation Army” who then gave it to a violin teacher who gave it to the mother of the current owner, in whose family it has been in for the last 70 years, many of them in an attic, until it was discovered by her son in 2006 when he found it in a leather case with the initials “WHH” engraved on it.

He, while remaining anonymous, turned it over to the auction house of Henry Aldridge and Son of Wiltshire, England, because of their expertise in dealing with Titanic artifacts and memorabilia, for authenticity. That process has taken a number of years and involved both extensive forensic testing of the violin and its silver engraved plate reading “For Wallace on the occasion of our engagement from Maria” as well as the examination of a trail of documentary evidence.

The results have led experts to much the same conclusion as that expressed by Craig Sopin, owner of one of the largest private Titanic collections of artifacts and memorabilia. He said, “To say that I was skeptical at first would be an understatement. But after I conducted an exhaustively detailed investigation into the history and forensics of the instrument, I became convinced beyond a doubt that this violin belonged to Wallace Hartley and that is was with him on the Titanic.”

John Joslyn, the owner of Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN and Branson, MO said, “After careful review of all the facts, we agree with the experts that this violin belonged to Wallace Hartley, bandleader on RMS Titanic. We’re honored our museums are the only two in the United States to display this important artifact and share the Wallace Hartley story.”

After the violin’s final American display at the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction from August 1 through August 15 it is scheduled to travel back to England for auction by Henry Aldridge and Son on Saturday, Oct. 19. Due to this historical exhibit, for the first time the museum will host a special VIP preview at 8:30 a.m. everyday starting, in Branson, on August 1 which will be limited to 25 people per day. Regular admission tickets will begin daily at 9 a.m. Reservations are required for all tickets and may be purchased through the Branson Tourism Center by calling 800 785-1550or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Rhonda Vincent, described by the Wall Street Journal as "the Queen of Bluegrass," and her band "The Rage" will be performing at the festival.

BRANSON, Mo., May 9, 2013 — The smell of Ozark style cooking and the sound of people having fun are a routine part of a day at Silver Dollar City (SDC), but when those smells take on a BBQ aroma and the music has a distinctly bluegrass sound it can only mean one thing, it’s time for Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival which will run through Memorial Day, May 27 and has been recognized by the “International Bluegrass Music Association” having received its “Bluegrass Event of the Year” award.

“What a combination of fun, excitement, music and food,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She said that the festival activities are in addition to everything one expects from the 1880s styled award winning theme park such as 30 rides and attractions, including its new world breaking wooden coaster “Outlaw Run,” with its initial 162 foot 81 degree drop; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen; unique shopping and great live shows and entertainment. “When coupled with hundreds of performances by some of the best Bluegrass groups and artists in the country and the opportunity to taste just some of the finest BBQ and sauces around there’s simply no other experience like it anywhere,” she added.

The Bluegrass portion of the festival will include “more than 40 bands and hundreds of performances, from international award-winning musicians to the hottest new bands in bluegrass today.” These include Rhonda Vincent and her band “The Rage, ” as well as “the Grammy-nominated Grascals; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, 6-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year winners; Blue Highway, the IBMA Vocal Group of the Year; the Boxcars, featuring 9-time IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year and 5-time Grammy winner Adam Steffey; and the Gibson Brothers, winner of the 2012 IBMA Entertainer of the Year and up-and-coming bands in bluegrass, such as The Bankesters, the Snyder Family Band, the Hillbenders, Monroeville and more.” In addition there will be two national Bluegrass competitions, The Youth In Bluegrass Band Competition on May 25 featuring “amateur bluegrass musicians 21 years of age or younger” and the 7th Annual National Single Mic Championship” on May 18 which “highlights the performance skills” of each band as they perform “around a single microphone and balances their sound by moving toward or away from the microphone.”

The “BBQ” part of the festival includes the cooking and serving of thousands of  pounds of mouth watering BBQ prepared on “large outdoor charcoal grills and a custom-made 9-foot smoker.” In addition to Silver Dollar City’s famous flavor feast with “St. Louis ribs and smoked chicken to Texas brisket and sweet roasted corn on the cob” to the “all you-can-eat BBQ rib feast each afternoon” the flavors of two award winning BBQs, “Hawgwild BBQ” out of Aurora, Missouri and “Dickey’s Barbecue Pit” from Texas will also be featured. Guests will be able to sample over 100 different BBQ sauces including Silver Dollar City’s new Outlaw Run Zesty Honey sauce with a kick. The festivals BBQ offerings are in addition to the excellent food service normally available throughout the park.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson also points out that those purchasing their Silver Dollar City tickets through the Branson Tourism Center will receive a two day pass for the price of a one day pass. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, any of its festivals or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for 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.

Material Connection

"Outlaw Run's" record setting 162 foot 81 degree first drop.

BRANSON, MO, April 20, 2013 — With the addition of the spectacular world record setting “Outlaw Run” wooden coaster to its world class coaster repertoire, Silver Dollar City has to be a coaster riders dream come true,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. In addition to everything else the 1880′s styled theme park offers on a day to day basis, the opening of “Outlaw Run” gives SDC five unique coasters of which four are exciting world class coaster experiences and the fifth is the most unique and entertaining coaster ride in existence,” she added.

Silver Dollar City’s five coasters along with temperature requirements to operate and minimum height restrictions for riders are:

“Outlaw Run” is the $10 million first-of-its-kind ride” that sets several world firsts for wood coasters. Its “record-breaking 3 inversions, with a 720-degree (double) barrel roll and a 153-degree outside banked turn” and its initial 162 foot 81 degree drop is a world first for a wood coaster. At speeds of up to 68 miles per hour, as it takes riders on a 2,937 foot ride in just 1 minute and 27 seconds. Outlaw Run does not operate if the temperatures are 37 degrees or below and has a minimum height requirement of 48 inches for riders.

Silver Dollar City's iconic Wildfire metal coaster.

“WildFire ®” is SDC’s iconic coaster that provides a world class coaster experience and, if one has time to appreciate it, a fantastic view of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake. Traveling at speeds up to 66 MPH the cobra-rolling coaster incorporates high-speed spiral, a full loop with its five inversions, a vertical drop of 15 stories and corkscrew into one of the most exciting coaster rides anywhere. It does not operate if temperatures are 40 degrees F or below and the minimum height requirement is 52 inches.

“PowderKeg ® ” is a compressed air-launch coaster that accelerates from the “Powder House” going from 0 to 53 MPH in just 2.8 seconds. Its initial 110 foot drop sends riders through spiraling turns and trees at speeds up to 64 MPH exposing them to negative “G” forces on their exciting 3,500 foot journey back to the Powder House. PowderKeg ® does not operate if temperatures are 40 degrees F or below. The minimum height requirement is 42 inches . To ride unaccompanied riders must be 48 inches tall, but those between 42 and 48 inches may only ride with a ” supervising companion at least 16 years old who also meets all ride requirements.”

“Thunderation” is themed as a runaway mine train. It is a high-speed coaster that takes its riders 121 feet into the air as it sends them on a scenic view of the Ozarks at speeds up to 48 MPH before a spiraling drop and trip through an underground tunnel returning to its starting point. Thunderation does not operate if temperatures are 38 degrees F or below. Its minimum height requirement is 42 inches. To ride unaccompanied riders must be 48 inches tall, but those between 42 and 48 inches may only ride with a ” supervising companion at least 16 years old who also meets all ride requirements.”

“Fire-In-The-Hole” is the parks oldest coaster and has been a favorite of families for decades. It’s a unique indoor coaster taking its riders on a night time trip through an Ozarks town that has been set on fire by the infamous “Baldknobbers. It’s a ride filled with adventure, high-speed drops and an exciting ending that shows why the ride is called, “”Fire-In-The-Hole.” The minimum height requirement is 36 inches, but those between 36 and 42 inches may only ride with a ” supervising companion at least 16 years old who also meets all ride requirements.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson reminds those interested in going to Silver Dollar City that when they purchase their ticket from the Branson Tourism Center they get two days at the park for the price of one which is quite a savings. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Showboat Branson Belle cruising on Table Rock Lake.

BRANSON, MO, April 17, 2013 — Branson has dinner cruises on two of its three lakes, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. Starting with the boats themselves, they are as different and unique as the two lakes upon which the cruises take place.

The Showboat Branson Belle provides a combination dinner, sightseeing and show cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake a warm water lake with over 857 miles of shoreline. The 278 foot long, 3 decked, 700 passenger boat is as close to the old river showboats as one is likely to get, not only in terms of its docking facility at the “White River Landing,” but in its appearance and the entertainment it provides.

The “Made in the USA Dinner show” features the world’s only aerial violinist, Janice Martin; “The Show Men,” a six-member all-male vocal group , Master of Ceremonies, magician and comedian Christopher James and is presented in a “riverboat showboat” setting. The show is a combination of Martin’s extraordinary musical and acrobatic talent, the harmonies and individual talents of The Showmen and the magic and comedy of James in as entertaining production as any “showboat” has ever seen. When combined with a delicious meal and sightseeing on Table Rock Lake a dinner cruise on the Branson Belle provides a special, entertaining and unique Branson dinner cruise that is not replicated anywhere.

Main Street Lake Cruises' "Landing Princess."

Main Street Cruise Lines Landing Princess a spectacular sightseeing and dinner cruise on Lake Taneycomo, a cold water lake impoundment of the White River that runs 23 miles from Table Rock Dam to the Power Site Dam near Forsyth. It is a lake whose shoreline is narrow and closely follows the banks and channels of the impounded White River providing an unparalleled opportunity for observing the constantly changing beauty of the Ozarks.

A sightseeing trip on either of Main Street Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen or Landing Princess, provide passengers an unparalleled opportunity to experience a spectacular show produced by “Mother Nature” herself. It includes the grandeur of the Ozarks scenery including a constantly changing show of color, deer and other animals; birds of prey such as hawks, Ospreys and Bald Eagles; as well as other birds, waterfowl, lake activity and a unique view of Branson Landing and its famous fountain show. The scenic vistas and unique bluffs carved out over eons of time are only viewable from the Lake and provide what, in its own way, may very well be the biggest and best show in Branson.

The “show” takes place aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Landing Princess, 100 feet of luxury, elegance and beauty. Her two fully glass enclosed climate controlled decks provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience while cruising, dining and enjoying the breathtaking scenery passing by on either side. The Landing Princess, scrumptious dinner and spectacular sightseeing show staring the beauty of the Ozarks and Lake Taneycomo provides one of the most unique and enjoyable dining experiences available anywhere.

Two vastly different lakes, “shows” and boats with each providing an extraordinary dining and entertainment experience that is unique and cannot be replicated. For additional information on either the Showboat Branson Belle or the Landing Princess or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

World champion fire-knife dancer from the "Island Fire" show.

BRANSON, MO, April 15, 2013 — “A wonderful part about Spring in the Ozarks is the blending of the Spring beauty of the Ozarks with the cultures, adventure, color, fun and entertainment of America’s largest international festival, Silver Dollar City’s ‘World-Fest,’” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The recent opening of Silver Dollar City’s new record setting wood coaster ‘Outlaw Run’ adds even more excitement to an already spectacular event,” she added.

World-Fest, is the first of Silver Dollar City’s six world class festivals held throughout the year and will run Wednesday through Sunday from April 17 – May 5 at the award winning 1880′s styled theme park. Information received from Silver Dollar City indicates that this year’s international celebration will include “new shows with drummers and aerialists from Argentina, fire-knife dancers from Samoa and a Russian folk trio, plus the Italian show Spettacolo Musicale and the return of Viva Italia, an entire plaza filled with Italian entertainment. Guests can travel the world and see groups from Switzerland, Peru, Ireland and more throughout the festival.

The Los Pampas Gauchos Drummers and dancers from the "Amamos Argentina "show.

“The new show Amamos Argentina presents the Los Pampas Gauchos drummers and dancers, featuring Argentinian National Folk Dancing Champion Andres Sosa, plus aerial dancers from Buenos Aires who soar above the stage. Also new, Island Fire presents the rhythms, music and dances from Samoa, Fiji and the South Sea Islands, and features world-champion fire-knife dancers twirling flaming ceremonial knives. ‘The popular Viva Italia showcase of Italian entertainment returns, presenting Spettacolo Musicale, with tenor Aaron Caruso and Sicilian soprano Cristina Corollo accompanied by the 7-piece live band, The Gondoliers. Viva Italia, a “Little Italy” plaza, comes alive with Italian theatrical entertainment, including “living florals” and statues, stilt walkers, interactive musical comedy, live “music box” performers and colorful costumed characters. Returning groups also include Streichmusic Alder, alphorn players and yodelers from the Swiss Alps, Ireland’s premier harpist Dearbhail Finnegan and English musician Robin Slater, Austrian yodeler Kerry Christensen, plus the melodic pan flute music of Ecuador Manta.”

World-Fest’s Taste of the World Menu, served in addition to the great selection of food normally available throughout the park, will be served in the “Tastes of the World Food Pavilion.” This will include a wide variety of food from around the world such as English Isles Scottish Eggs and Fish and Chips, Naples Nachos, Mexican Fajitas, French Crepes and Italian Calzone plus desserts such as French Eclairs, German Apfel Dumplings served with Cinnamon Ice Cream and much more.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson shares that all the activities of World-Fest are in addition to the 30 rides and attractions, including its brand new “Outlaw Run,” a world class record setting multi-looping wood roller coaster that reaches speeds in excess of 66 miles per hour; some of the best entertainment and live shows available in Branson; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and much more that Silver Dollar City routinely offers on a day to day basis. “Especially unique and adding to the overall experience of a visit to Silver Dollar City is the way the park is seamlessly integrated into the natural wonder of the Ozarks hills surrounding it,” she adds.

She also reminds those planning to go to World-Fest that when they buy their Silver Dollar City tickets from the Branson Tourism Center they get a “2 Day Pass for the price of one day.” For further information on World-Fest, Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

This scenic Ozark vista was taken from the bow of the Lake Queen and is an example of why the natural beauty of the Ozarks, sooner of later, will become part of "Your Branson."

BRANSON, MO, April 8, 2013 — “Part of the fun and adventure of Branson is finding ‘Your Branson” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center.” When asked, “Isn’t there only one Branson?” Johnson responds, “Yes, but that Branson is full of so many different things to see and do that everyone who comes to Branson can make it ‘Their Branson’ by simply selecting those things they and their families are interested in doing.”

Branson is sometimes called the “Live music show capital of the world,” because of the large number and diversity of Branson Shows offered on a daily basis during the season. This offers an unparallel opportunity to help define “Your Branson” from within Branson’s show offerings by selecting shows that interest you. It might be an itinerary of all country music shows* including, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Pierce Arrow or the Grand Jubilee; noncountry music shows such as the Haygoods, Duttons, it, The Rankins, Shoji Tabuchi or George Dyer; production shows such as Joseph, The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Pageant, Acrobats of China, Adventures of Marco Polo, Cirque Montage or any of the other magic, comedy and other shows Branson offers.

Branson’s Attractions add another element to the creation of “Your Branson.” With attractions as varied as the 1880s styled winning theme park, such Silver Dollar City, debuting its world record setting wooden coaster, “Outlaw Run,” this year; White Water; the Titanic Museum Attraction, the National Tiger Sanctuary, sightseeing cruises aboard Main Street Lakes Cruises “Lake Queen,” paddle wheel river boat replica of a bygone era plus dozens of other attractions the scope of the things to include in “Your Branson” grows exponentially.

“Your Branson” for many will include some form of shopping. With its Historic Downtown Shopping District, Branson Landing, discount malls such as Tanger Mall and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows and dozens of unique and exciting specialty shops sprinkled throughout Branson it is real easy to include shopping in “Your Branson.”

The natural beauty of the Ozarks and Branson’s three pristine lakes, Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes and Lake Taneycomo will, if not initially, become a part of “Your Branson.” Whether it’s a scenic overview, a walk along the Branson Landing Board Walk, a romantic dinner cruise on the Landing Princess, watching the summer fog lift off of Lake Taneycomo or a drive across Table Rock Lake the spectacular beauty of the Ozarks is an inherent part of the Branson experience.

“What’s wonderful is that it really is ‘Your Branson’ and a Branson vacation can be anything you want it to be,” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said. “Our mission at the Branson Tourism Center, is to help people plan ‘Their Branson’ and have a great Branson experience that will bring them back to Branson again and again.” For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Although the music in these shows is primarily country each offers a variety of music and great comedy.

Main Street Marina's Paddle Wheel Pub

BRANSON, MO, March 18, 2013 — Opening to the public today, “The Paddle Wheel Pub” floating on Lake Taneycomo at Main Street Marina on the Branson Landing Boardwalk offers Branson visitors and locals alike a unique entertainment and dining experience. Larry Milton, co owner of Main Street Marina and Main Street Lake Cruises with his wife Lianne said, “The opening of the ‘Paddlewheel Pub’ is another step in making the Main Street Marina an exciting ‘one stop’ activity destination from which everyone can see, experience and enjoy one of Branson’s most precious aquatic gems, ‘Lake Taneycomo.’”

The Paddlewheel Pub is located right on the waters of Lake Taneycomo. Whether sitting inside and looking out through its large glass windows or sitting on the spacious patio decks Pub visitors have one of the best seats “in the house” for watching people walk along the Branson Landing Board Walk, seeing the lake activity on Lake Taneycomo such as the passage of the majestic boats of Main Street Cruise Lines as they depart for their voyages and one of the most unique vantage points available to see the Branson Landing Fountains, including its spectacular $7.5 million synchronized fire, water, light and music show.

In keeping with the overall riverboat, history and nostalgia theme of the Main Street Marina and Main Street Lake Cruises, the Paddlewheel Pub has a riverboat theme and is “Simple Fun and Yesterday Foods.” It features “Nathan’s Famous” hotdogs and Paddlewheel Pub specialty items, along with drinks ranging from milkshakes and soft drinks to a full bar service.

In addition to a variety of Nathan’s Famous hotdogs ranging from their “World Famous” original hotdog to “Chicago Dogs” the Pub features a complete menu of “Nathan’s Famous” items ranging from Chicken and Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches Pretzel Dogs, Corn Dogs lemonade and orangeade and much more. Paddlewheel Pub specialty items, listed in the same menu, but separately from, the Nathan’s Famous items includes a variety of simple fun foods. It offers sandwiches such as Fried Balogna, Gourmet Grilled Cheese and Peanut Butter and Jelly among others, Paddlewheel Mac-n-Cheese, Strawberry Bleu  Cheese Salad, Old Fashioned Tomato Soup, Fried Pickles, Paddle Wheel Wings and much more.

In addition to the Nathan’s Lemon and Orange Ade, the pub offers full fountain service featuring Coke products. In keeping with its “simple fun and yesterdays foods theme” the Pub also serves some drinks not commonly found in pubs such as milk shakes and root beer floats and, although not, a “drink” Snow Cones and Popsicles.

The Paddlewheel Pub also offers a complete bar service. This includes a complete selection of popular beers including some local specialty beers from Mother’s Brewery and White River Brewery and “Moonshine,” “Whiskey” and “Rum” from the locally operated “Copper Run Distillery” along with  a wide selection of “frozen” and other beverages.

Whether it’s a family just looking for a quick lunch or a milkshake and a soda while comfortably sitting on the patio experiencing the peace and beauty of Lake Taneycomo, someone looking for a quick snack or a group just wanting to sip a drink as dusk settles over the lake and watch the Branson Landing Fountain show, the Paddlewheel Pub provides the ideal place to do it. For more information on the Paddle Wheel Pub please call 1-417-239-3980.

Branson's Titanic Museum Attraction takes passengers on an exciting voyage no matter what the weather.

BRANSON, MO, March 14, 2013 –  One of the most dreaded sounds most families with children can hear while on vacation is the sound of rain hitting the windows of their hotel, resort room or camper. Generally, as is the case for many families vacationing in Branson, if the days plans involve outdoor activities that sound signals that adjustments must be made. The good news about a vacation in Branson is that not only are those adjustments easy to make, but might be things that you would want to do anyway.

Although different families might prefer different things, the majority of Branson’s attractions, activities , shows and shopping are not weather dependent and are open regardless of the weather offering visitors a wide choice of things to do with something for everyone. Another thing to consider is that while rain might knock out a few outdoor activities for the whole day, generally the rain is sporadic permitting people access to the majority of those that are open with only minimal exposure to the elements.

The morning of a typical rainy day might start with a drive to historic downtown Branson and breakfast at one of its fabled cafes such as “The Farmhouse,” “Branson Café,” “Clockers” or “The Shack.” It’s only a short walk from any of them to one of the most unique and interesting attractions in Branson, “Dicks 5 & 10.” It is like walking back in time into the old time “5& 10″ with an important difference.

Just browsing the 175,000 plus items in the store is an experience in itself. You will find things that you can’t find anywhere else. Locals say “If you can’t find it at Dicks you don’t need it.” The various collections throughout the store make a nostalgic shopping adventure into an exciting and unique experience that is not available anywhere else in the world. Among other things, the collections include the areas largest arrowhead collection, World War II aviation prints, large scale model airplanes hanging from the ceiling, a baseball ‘Wall of Fame’ containing 60 feet of original autographed pictures of players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Cy Young, a suspended train track with a train that is actually running around the main part of the store plus much more.

Free Downtown Trolley is available rain or shine.

Stop #4 for the “Free Downtown Trolley” is just across the street. The 38 passenger “trolley” styled buses run about every 15 minutes, from 10 AM to 6 PM between Historic Downtown Branson and the Branson Landing. It is a wonderful free attraction providing an excellent overview and perspective of the historic downtown area, the Branson Convention Center, the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront and Branson Landing. Along the way you will pass Branson’s first theatre, the Owens Theatre; the spot where the “Baldknobbers” performed Branson’s first live music show; the grave of the man the city of Branson is named after, Ruben S. Branson, and other points of interest.

If you still have time before lunch and have younger children, a stop at Branson’s Official Duck Feeding Station provides fun and a photo opportunity. It is located by Scotty’s Trout Dock in the southern end of the City of Branson’s Camp Ground on Lake Taneycomo near the city’s boat launching ramp. Scotty’s has corn bagged to feed the ducks with or you can use bread etc. Either way kids just love it and you will get to see a variety of waterfowl up close. Even a slight break in the weather enables this activity because you are able to drive right up to the to the shoreline near the “ducks.”

After lunch there is a variety of Branson attractions to chose from offering a broad range of fun and excitement for just about every interest. Take a voyage aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction, visit the Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, or the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure. There’s indoor miniature golf at Grand Country or Laser Tag, G-Force drag race simulator and arcades at The Track Family Fun Parks with the added advantage that should the weather permit, they have a variety of some of the coolest go-cart tracks around.

Branson shows offer another alternative. Shows such as Amazing Pets, Todd Oliver and his talking dogs who were finalists on the NBC’s Prime Time show “Americas Got Talent” in 2012, Cirque Montage and the Acrobats of China along with magic shows such as Kirby VanBurch or Taylor Reed all offer day time shows that will appeal to children and adults alike.

A visit to the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery at the foot of Table Rock Dam on State Route 165 is an excellent way to fill in time on either end of the day and is free. Its Visitor Center features an interesting nature display and a short video on the hatchery and the process involved with producing the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo such premier trout fishery. It also has a huge aquarium with some “lunker” Brown and Rainbow Trout showing the size of some of the trout that Lake Taneycomo is capable of producing. If there is a break in the weather it is interesting to walk through the outside hatchery area and see the cement “holding pools” filled with tens of thousands of trout of varying sizes.

The really neat thing about a family vacation in Branson is that fun, adventure and excitement “rains” on Branson every day whether the sun is out or not.

Silver Dollar City's iconic Wildfire metal coaster will be joined by...

BRANSON, MO, February 24, 2013 — The iconic photo of Silver Dollar City‘s Wildfire Coaster has been seen by millions of people interested in Branson and Silver Dollar City and for good reason. “Wildfire ” is a world class metal coaster that not only provides one of the most exciting and exhilarating coaster rides on the planet, but an unparallel view of the surrounding Ozarks including, even if only for a brief exciting moment, a view of Table Rock Lake. It reaches speeds up to 66 MPH and incorporates five inversions including high-speed spirals, a cobra roll, a full loop and a corkscrew after its initial vertical 15 story drop. It has been the undisputed “king” of Silver Dollar City’s four coaster rides, in terms of height, speed and twists and turns.

When Silver Dollar City opens for its 2013 Branson season on March 17 all that is about to change with the addition of the park’s fifth coaster ride to its line up, “Outlaw Run.” Whereas Wildfire is a metal coaster, Outlaw Run is a world record setting wooden coaster. After a wooden coaster record setting 16 story 81 degree near vertical drop, its riders will travel at speeds up to 68 miles per hour on the world’s only wooden coaster to twist upside down with a 720-degree (double) barrel roll, and nine periods of “air time” where riders will experience a feeling of floating and weightlessness.

the world record setting wooden coaster Outlaw Run.

Will the pictures of the new Outlaw Run eclipse the iconic status of photos of Wildfire? Who knows, but does it really make any difference? Which coaster achieves iconic status will be of little import to the riders of Wildfire and Outlaw Run as they have a coaster experience not available anywhere else.

It’s an experience that just gets better when the parks other three unique coaster rides, “Fire in the Hole, “”Powder Keg” and “Thunderation” are factored in. “Fire-In-The-Hole,” a unique indoor coaster taking its riders on a night time trip through an Ozarks town that has been set on fire by the infamous “Baldknobbers and is filled with adventure, high-speed drops and an exciting ending. “PowderKeg ” is a compressed air-launch coaster that accelerates from the “Powder House” going from 0 to 53 MPH in just 2.8 seconds and takes its riders through spiraling turns and trees at speeds up to 64 MPH after its initial 110 foot drop. “Thunderation” is a high-speed coaster that takes its riders 121 feet before sending them on an exciting ride providing a scenic view of the Ozarks at speeds up to 48 MPH before a spiraling drop and trip through an underground tunnel.

“With all the excitement about Outlaw Run opening this year and the parks other coasters, it should be remembered that the internationally award winning 1880s theme park is Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction featuring six world class festivals, dozens of demonstrating craftsmen, some of the best live shows and entertainment available in Branson and over 30 rides,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Johnson points out that Silver Dollar City Tickets purchased through the Branson Tourism Center give the purchaser two exciting fun filled days at the park for the price of one. For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact BTC through its toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

The Titanic Museum Attraction towers above the famed Branson Strip.

BRANSON, MO, February 19, 2019 — “Even today, over 100 years after the tragic sinking of the unsinkable RMS Titanic in the frigid water of the North Atlantic, the public has a keen interest and fascination with the circumstances surrounding its sinking,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Nowhere is there a better or more exciting place to kindle that interest and experience what happened on that fateful voyage than aboard Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction,” she added.

Johnson points out that there is always a new and exciting reason to take a voyage on the Titanic each year and that 2013 will be no exception. This year a new exhibit will be dedicated to the 133 children who were aboard the Titanic when she sank. “What they saw, heard and felt from the moment they boarded the ship has been documented and visualized for the first time anywhere” in this exhibit, Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, the Titanic Museum Attraction’s co-owner, said recently.

Another unique and special event at the Titanic this year will an historic first time gathering and book signing of six “celebrated authors of Titanic historical books and novels” who will make their public appearances together on Monday, March 18 through Saturday, March 23 from 10 AM to 5 PM at the Titanic Museum Attraction’s “First Annual Book Signing Fair.”

In making the announcement, Kellogg-Joslyn pointed out that many books have been written over the years since her sinking about what happened that night. The six day event provides a unique opportunity for Titanic fans and others interested in the Titanic or history to meet and interact with the authors of many of these books who will each have their separate area inside the museum.

“We know that Titanic books are the biggest selling items in our gift shop. Grown-ups and children alike are drawn to them.  Perhaps, because the written word can stir emotion and imagination unlike anything else,” says Kellogg-Joslyn.   “Each book, in its own way, is a chronicle of faith, heroism, sacrifice and survival.  They line the shelves of libraries and private homes around the world, and we’re proud to be one of the largest repositories of Titanic books, anywhere.”

The Authors appearing at the event and the title of their key Titanic work are Lee W. Merideth, “1912 Facts about Titanic;” Bruce M. Caplan, “The Sinking of the Titanic – 1912 Survivor Accounts. Logan Marshall’s original 1912 classic, abridged and edited;” Helen Behr Sanford, “Starboard at Midnight – The Love Story of Two Survivors;” Ken Rossignol, “Titanic 1912 – The Original News Stories;” Wade Sisson, “Racing Through the Night” and Kristen Iversen, “Molly Brown: Unraveling the Myth – The True Life Story of the Titanic’s Most Famous Survivor.” Appearing with her, on March 19 and March 20 only, will be Helen Benziger the great-grand-daughter of “Helen Tobin ‘Molly’ Brown.”

Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center for additional information or tickets for the Titanic Museum Attraction or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.