Whether its the unique Gazebo Inn located in the center of the famed Branson Strip, the...

BRANSON, MO, April 30, 2013 — When traveling away from home where do most days start and end? For most travelers that will usually be in their destination hotel, motel, condo, resort or other place of lodging and it makes no difference whether the travel is for business or vacation. One thing is generally certain however, the choice of lodging impacts, one way or the other, on the total enjoyment of the travel experience.

The impact when one is traveling alone or on business is one thing, but it is entirely of an different magnitude while traveling with your family on vacation. in terms of the total vacation experience, the selection of vacation lodging can be as important as the selection of the destination itself and the activities to be enjoyed.

When traveling to Branson, from lakes to live shows, attractions, shopping and so many other activities, there is not only an overwhelming choice of things to do, but of places to stay. From a secluded, but close to the strip Bed and Breakfast like the Bradford House Bed and Breakfast to the unique quaint Gazebo Hotel located right in the center of the famed Branson Strip and the “AAA Four Diamond ranked” Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel, Branson has a choice of lodging that is amazing.

the AAA Four Diamond ranked Branson Hilton Convention Center or the...

Whether one wants a condo with all the amenities on a golf course, such as Thousand Hills or Pointe Royale; a lakeside resort like Stillwaters Resorts on Table Rock Lake or a hotel right on Branson Landing such as the Hilton Promanade there is a lodging choice that is perfect for just about every interest and budget. From luxury hotels, national hotel and motel chains like La Qunita Inn and unique locally owned and managed lodging facilities Branson has the ideal accommodations to meet just about every lodging and budget and need.

The Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services offers two convenient ways for prospective Branson visitors to select the perfect lodging for their vacation. The first is to call BTC at its toll free number 1-800-785-1550 and talk with one of their trained Branson based Travel Planners. They are available from 8 AM to 9 PM seven days a week every day of the year except Christmas and will be delighted to discuss Branson lodging options as well as shows, attractions and other Branson activities. There is no charge for this personal service. In fact, if lodging is “packaged” with show and attraction tickets it can actually save money.

serenity of the Bradford House Bread & Breakfast, Branson offers an amazing selection of lodging.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center said, “BTC’s unique approach of combining the internet with a free ‘concierge’ type of personal service should go a long way towards ensuring that Branson guests get exactly the type of Branson lodging that will an integral part of an overall great Branson experience.” Johnson also suggests that for the best availability and pricing, the earlier arrangements and reservations are made, the better.

One thing is a near certainty; the travel experience you have in Branson, or anywhere else, will be directly influenced by your lodging choice. With a little preplanning that influence can be a positive part of a pleasant, enjoyable and memorable travel experience.

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Even in the dead of Winter it is hard to hide the natural Ozark beauty that surrounds the Bradford House.

BRANSON, Mo., February 15, 2013 — “From the ‘four diamond’ luxury of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel to the quaint friendly warmth of B & Bs such as the Bradford House Bread & Breakfast Inn , Branson offers a choice of lodging accommodations for every budget and taste,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Known for the unique decor of its rooms, the delicious home-cooked ‘Bradford breakfasts’ and personal service; it is an exceptional example of Ozarks hospitality, comfort and friendliness as the Westfall family welcomes and serves its guests,” she added.

The 20 room Victorian style bed and breakfast is ideally located within minutes of the heart of the Branson Strip yet is snuggled away in a secluded area surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozarks. It’s hominess and friendliness is directly attributable to the day to day involvement of the Westfall family in the operation the Bradford House, but that has been the case ever since 1994 when the Westfalls first started welcoming and serving Branson’s guests.

One of 20 differently decorated rooms.

The whole Bradford House experience from check-in, to the décor of the rooms, breakfast, interaction with the staff and just relaxing “around the house” is designed to give its guests that comfortable relaxing “feel at home feeling” while on vacation. Yet there is that attention to detail, such as each of the 20 rooms being warmly and tastefully decorated differently, the “famous ‘Bradford Beds’ with their high-thread count linens and equally famous breakfasts, more than likely prepared by Bob Jr., the son of the founders of Bradford Properties, Bob and Lucyanna Westfall, that adds to the uniqueness and enjoyment of a stay at the Bradford House.

The “living room” and reception area provides that extra space away from the room to relax in and it’s almost like home to be able to “step into the kitchen for coffee, tea, soda or water anytime.” Yet, with all its homey warmth and charm it offers a full set of modern amenities including outdoor pool, free Wi Fi with in-room Internet, cable and much more.

The Bradford House is located off of Highway 165 and Fall Creek Road providing the best of two worlds. A beautiful quiet sanctuary in the midst of the beauty of the Ozarks and convenient access to all that Branson has to offer. It’s within 15 minutes of Silver Dollar City or Branson Landing and less than five minutes from the Branson Strip and all the shows, attractions, shopping and other activities it offers.

For additional information or reservations for the Bradford House Bed &
Breakfast Inn or any of Branson’s other shows or attractions please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550. Branson’s other shows or attractions please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

Farm themed 18 hole mini golf currently under construction at Grand Country.

BRANSON, Mo., January 11, 2013 — “For convenience, location, variety and fun in the middle of the Branson Strip, regardless of the weather, Grand Country just about has it all,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. In the midst of adding two outdoor 18 hole mini golf courses with interactive sound effects and animations, the Grand Country Entertainment Complex, located in the heart of the world famous “Branson Strip” offers a virtually “one stop” vacation for the entire family.

From a variety of clean, relaxing and spacious accommodations at the Grand Country the complex offers a variety of shows; dining experiences; shopping; games and activities that is unrivaled in Branson. This  including indoor, and soon to be available outdoor, miniature golf; an indoor pool with water park and the “Fun Spot,” one of the most complete video and arcade game facilities in Branson.

“Splash Country Indoors,” Missouri’s first-indoor water park, is connected to the Grand Country Inn. It  offers its guests 20,000 square feet of tumbling, falling squirting, and watery fun 365 days a year regardless of what the weather is like outside.

Branson is noted for its shows and the Grand Country complex’s “Grand Country Music Hall” offers a variety of exciting shows sure to entertain just about every member of the family. A favorite of families with children is Amazing Pets, an amazing troupe of cats and dogs, many which have been rescued from dog pounds and humane societies across the country. It’s a show that delights children and the young of heart as, along with many other magical surprises, the show lights up the faces of its audience with excitement and anticipation.

The Grand Country Music Hall is also the home of one of Branson’s most popular shows, the fabulous Grand Jubilee. Produced by Mike Patrick, and featuring one of the best live bands in Branson, this musical/comedy variety show features the music of the one of Branson’s most outstanding quartets, “New South,” the vocals of Jackie Brown and Todd Bradshaw and the comedy and talents of Jamie Haage as “Jim Dandy.” In addition, the Grand Country Music Hall has a variety of other shows including the Down Home Country, Comedy Jamboree, New South Gospel, Branson Country USA, Sunday Gospel Jubilee and Ozark Mountain Jubilee.

Farm themed 18 hole mini golf currently under construction at Grand Country.

The complex offers indoor miniature golf and the ‘Grand Country Fun Spot’ featuring a state of the art video arcade game facility that has the most popular video and fun arcade games of every style. From motocross racing to space exploring, it has all the latest arcade attractions along with the ‘White River Black Light Mini-Golf Course in 3D;‘ Mini-Bowling with “cool lights illuminating the bowling lanes along with, rockin’ videos and music” and much more

The Grand Country complex is also home to one of Branson’s most popular buffets the “Grand Buffet,” offering a bewildering selection of items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is also home to “Pappa Grand’s Pizza” and “Glenn’s Frozen Custard” while being within five to ten minutes walking distance of a variety of other Branson restaurants and Wal-Mart

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests that, in terms of convenience and the variety of entertainment, lodging, food and exciting things to do that it offers, the Grand Country Complex is hard to beat. For additional information on the Grand Country its shows, lodging or entertainment or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

The "Andy Williams Christmas Show" is just one of the spectacular Branson shows that will be open on Thanksgiving Day.

BRANSON, Mo., November 10, 2012 — Oh there’s plenty of turkey to be had in Branson on Thanksgiving Day at one of its many fine restaurants or buffets. The neat thing about Branson however, is that after you eat, and perhaps catch a quick nap,or not, there is so much more to see and do.

“The celebration of Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas continues right through Thanksgiving Day and its long weekend to the end of the year” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With drive through Christmas lighting displays; Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival; the majority of its attractions and live shows open, great shopping and the wide choice of exciting fun filled things it offers for the whole family, Branson is the ideal place to spend your Thanksgiving,” she continued.

From the wonders of Silver Dollar City’s An Old Time Christmas or an exciting “voyage” aboard the Titanic Museum Attraction with its “Fantasy Princess” bringing “new Holiday Magic to Branson,” butterflies to tigers, cruises to Go Karts, mini golf to 18 hole championship golf courses and much more, Thanksgiving in Branson is filled with exciting attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Among others, these include the following which are sorted alphabetically:

Adventure Ziplines of Branson

Branson Limousine Christmas Light Tour

Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

Castle of Chaos

Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors

Hollywood Wax Museum

IMAX Adventure Films

Inspiration Tower

Main Street Lake Cruises Landing Princess

National Tiger Sanctuary

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf

Silver Dollar City

The Track Family Fun Parks

Titanic Museum Attraction

Trail of Lights

Vigilante Ziprider

 Branson’s two major drive through Christmas Lighting displays, the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights will also be open for the enjoyment of Branson visitors. Each is filled with spectacular displays containing millions of sparkling Christmas lights.

As would be expected in the “Live music show capital of the world,” there will be a full slate of Branson’s live shows offering Branson famed live entertainment available on Thanksgiving day as well as over the Thanksgiving weekend. The following list of Branson shows scheduled to be open on Thanksgiving Day is sorted by time. The full schedule of Branson shows will resume on Friday, November 23. Click here for complete information, schedules, pictures, or tickets on any of Branson’s shows.

10:00 am

A Tribute to John Denver

Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band

Christmas in Hollywood

Fountains of Faith

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

10:30 am

A Neil Diamond Tribute

1:00 pm

Fountains of Faith

2:00 pm

A Tribute to Marty Robbins

Doo Wop and Chico Vega Drifters

Lennon Sisters Christmas Show

Paul Harris & The Cleverlys

Tribute to Four Seasons and The Beach Boys

3:00 pm

Acrobats of China featuring New Shanghai Circus

Amazing Pets

Dixie Stampede

Legends in Concert

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

5:00 pm

Absolutely Patsy

Johnny Cash Songbook

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

5:15 pm

Christmas on the Trail

6:00 pm

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show

7:00 pm

Motown Downtown

7:30 pm

3 Redneck Tenors

Andy Williams Christmas Show

Grand Jubilee

Haygoods

Legend of Kung Fu

Pierce Arrow

Shoji Tabuchi

8:00 pm

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express

Dixie Stampede

Duttons

Hamner Barber Variety Show

Jim Stafford

Kirby VanBurch

Legends in Concert

Sanders Family Christmas

Tony Orlando Christmas

Twelve Irish Tenors

Anchored by its two major outlet malls, Tanger Outlets, and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, Branson Landing and featuring a variety of specialty stores, Branson provides an unique unrivaled shopping experience. From the specialty stores, shops and galleries of historic downtown Branson and surrounding areas to specialty gifts made by the craftsmen at Silver Dollar City and from stores as unique as Dick’s Old Time 5 & 10 to the national chains at Branson Landing it’s hard to imagine a more exciting and unique shopping experience than in Branson, particularly during Ozark Mountain Christmas.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging over the Thanksgiving weekend pointing out that Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the busiest time of the year in Branson. For additional information on any of Branson’s shows, attractions activities or for lodging arrangements please feel free to 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.

Related article: 12 Restaurants for Thanksgiving Dinner in Branson without reservations

One of the spectacular sets in Sight and Sound's spectacular "Joseph."

BRANSON, Mo., September 22, 2012 – “Working with people like Vicki and James Green adds special meaning to what we do,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Making a trip to Branson so special for our customers that they will want to say, ‘Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time,’ is our passion,” she added.

After the Greens first trip to Branson in 13 years, Vicki Green sent an email to Branson Tourism Center about their Branson trip and how much it meant to them. As BTC responded, by phone and email, with Vicki, it became apparent that her heartwarming story of courage and hope and its relationship to her trip to Branson should remind all of us what a special place Branson is and why we should not take either it or tomorrow for granted.

In her initial email she said, “Thank you all so much for making our vacation come true… Our vacation was just wonderful. The best time that I have had in years. I did not want to come home.

“Dixie Stampede was awesome – the best show in Branson. I had never rode a train, so riding the ‘[Branson] Scenic Railroad’ train was so relaxing and the scenery was so beautiful. The show Joseph was great and we had the best seats in the house — 3 rows from the Tip Top, but we could see everything so well.  The ‘Waltzing Waters’ were so beautiful… The [Hollywood] Wax Museum was great… We went to the ‘Old Fashion Photos’ and dressed up as a Western Bride and Groom. That was so much fun.

“‘Baldknobbers’ and ‘Plantation’ are great places to eat. I got to go into the shops on the strip. My husband and I walked down the strip holding hands like a newlywed couple – after 36 years of marriage. I guess it was a second honeymoon for us…I can’t wait to come there again. There is still plenty to do.

“It had been 13 years since we had been there. Don’t want to wait that long again. Thanks to everyone. It was a perfect trip – it couldn’t have been better. The hotel [Dutton Inn] was wonderful…”

After receiving the original email, Lesley Davis, a Manager with BTC called to thank her for taking the time to share her Branson experience and for the kind things she had to say about the service she received from BTC. During that conversation Lesley discovered something else about why that trip was so special to the Greens, but let’s let the words of Vicki herself, from a second email she sent after the phone call, share that with us.

“Thank you so much for your call to me today. I felt so honored that you had taken from your time to just talk to one person out of thousands that probably come through there. I didn’t really expect to get a reply to that e-mail. I assumed someone would read it, then delete it and it’d be trash….

“I think Branson was very special to us because it had been a long time since we’d had a vacation. I was diagnosed with cancer in October 2007. A lot of surgeries and chemotherapy kept me down. I was barely able to get in a car, much less take a trip. Maybe a lot of people take Branson for granted. They go and know that in a few months they will go again, so it’s not as special.

“It was so good to be there and enjoy so many things and feel good to do them. I had prayed hard for God to bless me and he did a miracle with me. The problems that I was having I didn’t have while I was there. God has been so good to me. I am cancer free. I just had my 6 month check up. My Oncologist is going to do a Bone Scan. A little concern about bone pain I am having… God is able to take care of it…

“Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time.”

We at the Branson Tourism center would simply say, “Thank you Vicki, not only for coming to Branson and giving us the honor of working with you to plan the trip, but for sharing your personal experience with us.” It is a reminder for those of us privileged to live and work in Branson not to take what surrounds us every day for granted and of the need to make sure that every trip to Branson for every customer is “special” enough so that they would want to echo your words, “Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time.”

Entrance of Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel on September 19, 2012.

BRANSON, Mo., September 19, 2012 — The tornado that hit the iconic 12 story Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel in the early morning hours of Feb. 29 took only seconds to do its devastating work. It has taken six and a half months of hard work, effort and planning and millions of dollars, but it is now reopened and welcoming guests to a virtually ‘new’ facility. “We’re pleased that we are able to open the first eight floors of the hotel a couple of weeks early and will have the entire hotel open by the end of the month,” said Bill Derbins, General Manager of the hotel.

Derbins estimates that the total damage to the hotel from the EF2 tornado was approximately $20 million dollars. In addition to other damage, shards of glass, driven by the twister’s winds, permeated every foot of carpeting, beds, furniture, furnishings, drapes and just about everything else they came in contact with requiring replacement. Along with other repairs, the hotel’s roof had to be replaced as well as 3,400 windows.

Derbins points out that not only were repairs made, but, as they were made, many improvements were added such as high energy efficient window replacements for each of the 3,400 windows blown out in the storm and new thermostats in each room that sense when the room is no longer occupied and returns it to a pre-set level to save energy. He is particularly pleased with the guest rooms in the hotel. He said that 220 of them are completely new and that all of them, as would be expected in a Hilton property, are extremely comfortable and beautifully decorated.

He said that the hotel’s restaurant, the “Level 2 Steak House,” noted for its fine dining, has reopened in its former location. It had been temporarily relocated to the Hilton Promenade Hotel at Branson Landing while the hotel was closed for repairs.

Derbins said, “It’s great to see our award winning staff back at work and serving our guests.” He says that in Group Nights alone, the hotel has 4,500 room nights booked in October and that doesn’t include “transient,” walk-in,guests. He summed it up by saying, “We’re glad to be back, doing what we do best, serving our guests and giving them the best lodging experience possible.”

“The ‘AAA Four Diamond Ranking’ of the Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel, achieved by only ’4.8 percent of the 31,000 lodgings approved by AAA,’ and which only one other Branson hotel has, indicates the quality and level of service guests can expect at the hotel,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We congratulate the staff and all those involved for their efforts in getting the hotel reopened as quickly as they did and are delighted that they are again open providing Branson visitors with the premium lodging experience “Hilton” is famous for.”

Even on a cloudy cold early Spring Day the view of Table Rock Lake is spectacular.

BRANSON, Mo., May 2, 2012 — “Along with Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake is one of Branson’s biggest attractions,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “In terms of lodging, the Treehouse Condominiums offers not only virtually traffic free access to both, but one of the most spectacular  views of Table Rock Lake and our scenic Ozark Hills.

Tamy Bond, Director of Internet Marketing for Treehouse Condominiums amplifies saying, “We are known for our incredible view of Table Rock Lake from every single unit.” Bond continues, “In addition, we are just one mile and couple of traffic free minutes from Silver Dollar City on Indian Point Road. This easy access permits our guests the convenience of visiting Silver Dollar City while being able to come back to the condo, relax, take a nap or enjoy the lake and go back later in the day. All the live shows, attractions, dining, shopping and excitement and adventure of Branson is, but a short distance, about a ten minute drive away.

In addition to the spectacular view and convenient access to Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City and all that Branson offers, Bond stresses that whether it’s a family vacation, reunion, corporate gathering or other event, that the spacious and elegantly appointed 1 – 3 bedroom condominiums of Treehouse provides a  “quiet family getaway place right on the lake that is your home away from home. All you need to do is bring the food; we supply everything else from pots and pans to dishes, blow dryers, linens towels and almost anything else you will need.” Amenities include an Indoor Fitness Center with state of the art gym equipment, an indoor exercise pool, outdoor pool with Gazebo, a walking trail to the lake, two docks, a swimming area at the lake, micro waves, flat panel TVs, DVD-VCR, and much more.

Kitchen area.

Tim Chancellor, a Sales Agent for  Caldwell Banker said, “All the units at Treehouse Condominiums are individually owned. Those available to nightly rental are managed by Treehouse Condominiums.” He was extremely excited about the completion of Treehouse’s new Building 14 at the top of the property which offers eco-friendly high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling systems, high-quality, energy-efficient appliances, windows, and doors, is sound and fire-proof with roomy parking garages located in the lower levels. It also contains the exercise room and indoor exercise pool, which is open to all Treehouse guests. Although there is an unobstructed view of Table Lake from every condominium at Treehouse, the view from the new building is extraordinary.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson said, “The Treehouse Condominiums offer a wide variety of unit sizes and styles to meet every need. It is an excellent lodging choice in terms of its combination of value, quality of its units, amenities, view of Table Rock Lake from every unit and easy access to Silver Dollar City.” For more information on the Treehouse Condominiums Branson’s shows and attractions please feel free to 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 magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many fun things for families to share in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. An article entitled, “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Branson, Mo,”* written by Marge Peterson, is featured in the March-April edition of AAA’s “Midwest Traveler Magazine.” It said that Branson is one of the “Midwest’s most popular vacation spots” and that a “multitude of stories have been written about Branson over the years about the music, theatres, stars, water recreation and the natural beauty of the area.”

After inquiring as to the depth of the reader’s knowledge about Branson, in a rhetorical sense, the article offers “10 Branson tidbits that may surprise you.” From the “King of Branson,” to “Mullets and Music,” and the “City’s Deepest Darkest Secret,” this interesting article about the city some call the “Live music show capital of the world,” shares 10 “tidbits” about Branson “that may surprise you. “One thing for sure though,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “surprising or not, they illustrate the variety and depth of the fun, excitement and adventure that Branson offers.”

From a date perspective, two things are mentioned; the fact that the city of Branson, incorporated on April 1, 1912, is celebrating its Centennial and that the Titanic Museum Attraction is remembering the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Johnson points out that there will be special events in connection with each. For example, on April 14 a special VIP event, “A Night To Remember,” will be held as the Titanic Museum Attraction remembers the tragic sinking with a day full of tributes, choral groups, the lighting of the Titanic Eternal Flame and the launching of distress fire rockets as the “once-in-a-lifetime event, not to return for 100 years,” concludes.

Other tidbits in the article include how the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle was launched in 1994 with tons of bananas lubricating the launch ramp as she slid into Table Rock Lake; the world class fishing offered in Branson’s three lakes, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lake’s that make Branson a fisherman’s “Paradise;” America’s largest Veterans Day celebration, “Branson Veterans Homecoming;” the many animals involved with Sight and Sound’s spectacular production of Joseph which will be premiering in Branson on April 14; interesting facts on Branson’s “popular and insightful comedian, Yakov Smirnoff;” the initial challenges Shoji Tabuchi faced and the uniqueness of his theatre’s restrooms, how “3 Redneck Tenors” get to Carnegie Hall and the wonder’s of Silver Dollar City‘s Marvel Cave. Some might say, “But you haven’t told us who is the “King of Branson” and what the “The City’s Deepest Darkest Secret” is.

Johnson would suggest that, although in terms of the article, the answers are contained above, that the real “King of Branson” is each of the millions of guests who visit it each year and that Branson’s “deepest secret” is not dark at all. It is the simple fact that there is not a place on earth that offers families the combination of spirit, natural beauty, water recreation, entertainment, excitement, shopping and adventure that Branson offers. “The 10 things that people don’t know about Branson illustrates one big reason for families to plan to spend their vacation in Branson, during 2012,” she added.

Johnson said that the knowledgeable staff of the Branson Tourism Center would be happy to help in answering any questions about Branson that people might have or assist them in planning a trip or vacation to Branson experience. The Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Article based on review of hard copy of issue. No link provided because, as of the time of the posting of this article, none was available on the AAA Midwest Traveler site.

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of the many shows and attractions on the famed "Branson Strip."

BRANSON, Mo. Branson was recently recognized as one of the “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com in a select list with the likes of Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. In naming Branson as Number 7 out of the 15 destinations recognized, the article said that Branson’s natural beauty, attractions, live entertainment, shopping and other activities “draw 8.4 million tourists a year.”

While pointing out that the “live music and comedy shows, numerous restaurants, theme parks, shopping outlets and myriad hotels” available on the famed “Branson Strip” is reminiscent of the non-stop entertainment provided by Las Vegas the article stresses some very important differences. There are no casinos and all that Branson provides is done amid “small town rural surroundings” by a “warm, hospitable town tucked into the foothills of the Ozarks.”

The article goes on to say that Branson’s “Rolling hills offer 200 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking, and three scenic lakes that are havens for fishing and water sports.” Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, said that not only is Branson surrounded with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, but that, from Silver Dollar City to Branson Landing, that natural beauty has been integrated into the Branson experience. “When all that Branson has to offer, in terms of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities is considered together with its small town atmosphere, spirit and natural beauty, the result in a unique experience that can only be found in Branson, Missouri,” she continued.

Milton said, “What an honor it is for Branson to be recognized as one of the of “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com.” She also explains that during the Spring of this year Branson also received recognition from TripAdvisor as one of the “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.” She feels that such recognition is in large part due to the efforts of all those involved with Branson’s Tourism Industry to ensure that Branson’s guests have a great Branson experience and a philosophy of ‘If it’s important to you then it’s important to me.”‘

To those who have never been to Branson before she suggests, “Why not plan a visit to Branson during 2012 to see what all the excitement is about?” Too, she reminds those who have visited before that Branson will be celebrating its Centennial throughout all of 2012 providing an ideal time to revisit and enjoy all that Branson has to offer. For assistance in planning a trip to Branson or getting your questions on Branson answered by local Branson experts, Milton offers the free services of 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 unique Gazebo Inn located in the center of the famed Branson Strip.

BRANSON, Mo. Whether it’s in Branson, Missouri; Lahina, Hawaii; Las Vegas Nevada or anywhere else, where do you normally start and end just about every day you are on a trip vacation, business, or otherwise? Isn’t it in your hotel, motel or resort room or suite? Most of us can testify as to how our choice of lodging impacted, either positively or negatively, on an overall trip experience.

The good news for those planning a trip to Branson, the place some call the “Live music show capital of the world,” is that that Branson has just about as many lodging choices as it does live shows. From the usual hotel and motel chains to luxury hotels and locally owned and managed establishments, Branson has a broad choice of lodging accommodations to meet just about every lodging need and budget.

The challenge is to find the lodging that will not only provide the best lodging experience, but also fit your budget. The Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services provides a free service to prospective Branson visitors. In terms of pricing and budget, they have sorted 63 of Branson’s finest lodging facilities into three broad categories, “Value,” “Moderate” and “Premium” on the Hotels & Lodging page of their web site. For each property there is a link to further information, pictures and, in most cases, videos of the properties listed.

Another convenient feature is the “side bar” in the left hand column that provides, at a glance, an overview of the amenities the property offers such as fitness rooms, pets allowed, wireless internet access and whether or not it’s free, indoor pool, free Breakfast, laundry, and other major items that might impact on your choice of lodging. In addition, Branson Tourism Center also provides the free personal advice of a Branson Vacation Planner who will be happy to assist in answering any questions or in making any reservations, not only for lodging, but for any of Branson’s shows or attractions. This service is available, through the toll free number, 1-800-785-1550 from 8 AM to 9 PM seven days a week every day of the year except Christmas,

“The unique combination of combining the internet with a free ‘concierge’ type of personal service should go a long way towards ensuring that you get exactly the type of Branson lodging that will meet your needs and enhance your overall Branson experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson also points out that, in terms of the best pricing and to ensure the availability for the exact type of accommodations desired, the earlier arrangements and reservations are made the better. “This is especially so during the Fall season and Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she continued.

Regardless of whether you use the free services of Branson Tourism Center or not, your travel experience to Branson, or anywhere else, will be directly influenced by your lodging choices. A little advanced planning can go a long way towards making sure that influence is positive and contributes to a memory of a special, enjoyable and pleasant experience.