Mike Webb with a 7.30 pound bass he caught in the CPAA March Tournament on his way to winning Angler of the Year.

BRANSON, Mo., October 23, 2012 — “A big congratulations to Mike Webb on winning the coveted title of “Central Pro-Am Association Angler of the Year,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the major sponsors of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA). After a series of tournaments, spanning a period of approximately ten months, all fished on Branson’s Table Rock Lake, Webb, with a final score of 1262.58, nosed out fellow fisherman Brad Butler, with a final score of 1250.73, for First place by just 11.85 points. Bob Neff was Third, with 1233.34 points, Pete Wenners Fourth, with 1196.80 points and Jeff Durr Fifth, with 1182.85 points.

The quest for the CPAA Angler of the Year Award started on Dec. 3, 2011 and ended seven tournaments later on Sep. 15. The “points” earned by each fisherman are more than merely the total pounds of fish caught. They are a combination of points awarded for each tournament in the series, with points being awarded for participation, number of fish caught, total weight and placement in the tournament. To win the title, a fisherman must consistently produce at a high level throughout, the seven tournament series.

Going into the last tournament of the competition Webb and Butler were “neck in neck.” Although both Webb and Butler caught four bass, Webb’s 13.29 pound total weight, including the tournaments biggest bass, weighing 6.95 pounds” and First Place tournament finish; coupled with Butlers 11.06 pounds total weight and Sixth place tournament finish, earned Webb the coveted title of “Angler of the Year.” After earning the title Webb said, “This has been a goal of mine since I started fishing Central Pro Am 20 years ago. I’m ecstatic about winning my second event and the Angler of the Year title.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Isnard points out that Webb also runs a program called K.A. S. T. (Kids Are Special Too.) K.A.S.T. was founded in 1996 to educate kids about the hazards of drug use and provide an alternative to that use. Since that time Webb has traveled to countless school assemblies and other gathering of kids giving a “kid oriented” antidrug presentation and sharing fishing and the outdoors as an alternative to drugs.

As if that’s not enough, Webb is a professional fishing guide operating Webb’s Guide Service and has become the new owner of CPAA. He will take over the operation of CPAA with the start of its 2013 season. The first tournament of the 2013 season will be the two day Pro-Am Tournament, “The Bass Pro Fall Spectacular,” on Table Rock Lake out of the Ahoy’s ramp. Entries will be taken for the 2013 Bass Pro Shops Fall Spectacular and the rest of the 2013 CPAA season both on-line at www.central-proam.com  and via phone at 417-485-5644.

Taken today, this picture shows that Lake Taneycomo's foliage is into its "Color turn" and headed towards its anticipated "peak" within the next two weeks

BRANSON, Mo., October 14, 2012 — Like the quality of its many entertaining live shows, Branson is also known for the natural beauty that surrounds it. From its pristine lakes to the scenic splendor of the Ozark Mountains within which it is set, Branson’s natural beauty presents itself like an infinite variety of snowflakes on a day by day basis.

Nowhere is it more obvious, or well known, than in the Fall of each year as its trees and foliage put on one of the best shows in Branson. Perhaps not as well known, until now, was one of the best and most spectacular ways to see this show, but that changed recently when CNN Travel published an online article entitled, 8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises. The article said, “As the masses descend on America’s most colorful country roads this season, why not try an alternate route? Autumn’s gold-and-yellow leaf show is just as breathtaking from the deck of a boat…” and went on to list Branson’s Lake Taneycomo as “…a perfect place to revel in it” and a cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen or Landing Princess as one of its “8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises.”

The article points out that Main Street Lake Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen, a replica of the historic paddle wheel riverboats that used to ply the waters of the White River and the Landing Princess, a 100 foot luxury yacht, offer different options including dinner cruises, and sightseeing itineraries on a scheduled basis throughout the day. Larry Milton, one of the principals of Main Street Lake Cruises said, “A cruise on one of our boats is always a unique fun filled adventure offering beautiful scenic panoramic views of the Ozarks not available anywhere else which become even more spectacular with the beauty and color of the Fall foliage. We are honored that our cruises were chosen as one of ’8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises’ in the article.”

As the accompanying picture, taken today shows, Lake Taneycomo’s foliage is into its “color turn.” It is anticipated that it will “peak” within the  next two weeks if the colder nights persist. For information about Main Street Lake Cruises sightseeing, dinner or charter cruises please contact them either by phone at 417-239-3980 or via their website www.MainStreetLakeCruises.com.

The first blush of 2011's Fall colors as viewed from Point Lookout at the College of the Ozarks.

BRANSON, Mo., September 15, 2012 –From the first tint of color to “leaf fall,” the foliage of the Ozark Mountains in Branson provides a beautiful canvass for the colorful show that takes place each Fall as it changes color. Greg Cassell, Resource Forester, for the Missouri Department of Conservation said that the foliage color typically comes with warm days and cool nights and, in the Branson area, peaks during the third week in October.

“Even during this hot dry summer, the Branson area was blessed with key rains, and although the Fall foliage will not be as spectacular as it has been during some years, it will still be a one of a kind sight to behold and a Branson show not to miss,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of our most asked questions is, ‘What’s the best way to see the foliage?’” Johnson responds that there really is not just one best way and points out that the neat thing about the Fall foliage in Branson is that it’s simply there at just about every turn.

That said however, Johnson suggests that the following should be near the top of anyone’s list in terms of a “unique panoramic” view of the Fall foliage. It would be hard to get a more unique, up close or better a panoramic view of the Ozark’s foliage than from the decks of Main Street Cruise Lines’ Lake Queen. At first blush it might seem inconsistent to use the terms “up close” and “panoramic” together, but in the case of the Lake Queen it is an accurate depiction.

As seen from the bow of the Lake Queen, one can only imagine what this scene will look like over the next month as the foliage changes color.

Lake Taneycomo, is a long narrow impoundment of the White River, with its shorelines being much closer together than Table Rock Lake. A typical sightseeing cruise on the Lake Queen provides an up close chance to view the Eagles, Great Blue Herons, other birds, deer and see panoramic vistas not available through any other means except water. As the foliage changes color, these panoramic vistas turn into a a magnificent “canvas” of natures painting that has to be seen to be believed.

Another unique view comes from the lofty heights of the 230 foot tall Inspiration Tower located on top of Inspiration Point, one of the highest points in southwest Missouri, at The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the Ozark’s foliage from a different, but unique perspective. Glass elevators transport guests up to the enclosed Observation Deck from which, on a clear day, they can see over 90 miles and hundreds of square miles of foliage presenting a spectacular view of the Fall foliage that is not available anywhere else.

There are a number of “Scenic Lookouts” that provide a superb panoramic view of the Ozark’s Fall foliage. These include the Lookouts on State Route 165, about a mile south of its intersection with State Route 265; the Table Rock Dam Overlook, located on the south end of Table Rock Dam across the road from the Visitors Center and the Henning Conservation Area Lookout located about a mile west of the junction of State Route 76 and State Route 376 on the north side of the road.

Another excellent panoramic view is provided at “Point Lookout” on the campus of the College of the Ozarks. Located on top of a bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo it provides a unique view of Branson’s Fall foliage not available anywhere else with Lake Taneycomo winding through it. It is simply breath taking. While at the college you might want to plan to eat at the Keeter Center and visit the “Edwards Grist Mill” and the “Ralph Foster Museum,” called the “Smithsonian of the Ozarks.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson also points out that a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle, on Table Rock Lake, or ride on the Branson Scenic Railway also provide unique panoramic views of Branson’s Fall foliage.

White Water's iconic seven story multi-slide thrill ride "Kalani Towers."

BRANSON, Mo., August 9, 2012 — “Although, in terms of temperatures, it seems like it’s been an ‘eternal’ Summer all year, the long Labor Day Weekend is generally construed to be the ‘informal’ end of the Summer Season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is typically the ‘last hurrah’ for families to enjoy the excitement, fun and adventure of all that outdoor Summer activities have to offer and will run from September 1 through 3 this year,” she added.

From its three lakes and outdoor activities from hiking, biking, boating, fishing, laying on the beach, beach volleyball, golfing, zip lining and many others, Branson provides a unique mosaic of outdoor activities that is unrivaled anywhere. When that is combined with everything else that Branson offers, almost a hundred live shows, firework displays, world class shopping, theme parks and attractions and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a place that will offer more excitement, fun and entertainment than Branson over the Labor Day Weekend. In fact, not only over the Labor Day Weekend, but anytime, it’s hard to imagine a place that offers families more to share together than Branson offers.

In terms of outdoor things to do, although the activities may vary, many people come to Branson to just escape and relax in the simple natural beauty of its Ozark Mountains and enjoy one of its lakes. That will be no different over the Labor Day Weekend as Branson visitors enjoy what is typically one of the last big “lake weekends” on either Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo to swim, boat, fish or participate in a myriad of other water sports and aquatic activities.

Another way people enjoy the beauty of Branson’s Lakes is by taking a cruise. Table Rock Lake, offers dinner and lunch cruises on the Showboat Branson Belle combining a lake cruise with a wonderful meal and its ” Made In America” show. On Lake Taneycomo, which runs right by Branson Landing, Main Street Lake Cruises provides daily sightseeing cruinses on its river boat paddle wheel replica, the Lake Queen and dinner cruises on the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess. Its cruises provide a unique view of a side of Branson Landing and its magnificent fire and light show spectacular and the opportunity to see wild life such as Bald Eagles, Osprey, deer, the Great Grey Heron as well as vistas and bluff formations that most people never get to see.

Nothing symbolizes outdoor water and fun in Branson more than White Water, southwest Missouri’s largest water park, with its millions of gallons of water and fun, the “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” and its iconic seven story multi-slide thrill ride “Kalani Towers.” The long Labor Day weekend will be the last weekend for White Water’s 2012 season. Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s styled theme park, which will be celebrating the final days of its Southern Gospel Picnic, is also noted for its many outdoor activities and its seasonal water themed rides such as the “American Plunge,” “RiverBlast” and “Lost River of the Ozarks.”

Tee of Par 4 10th hole at Pointe Royale Golf Course.

Even with the record breaking heat of this summer major Branson Golf Courses such as Brason Creek, Murder Rock, Pointe Royale, Thousand Hills and Payne Stewart are in excellent shape and ready for the enjoyment of Branson’s Labor Day Weekend visitors. Although weather dependent, most of Branson’s golf courses are available for play on a year round basis.

Although not classified as either a “summer” or “outdoor” activity, as the majority of them are all year round, Branson’s retail stores, shopping and outlet malls as well as the majority of its specialty shops will be open over the Labor Day Weekend to ensure that Branson visitors get to experience the fabulous shopping for which it is known. Among many others, this includes Branson’s unique specialty shops, including Historic Downtown Branson, the Grand Village, Imax Complex and other areas all over Branson; its two major outlet malls, the Tanger Outlet Center and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows and its major shopping mall, Branson Landing.

Johnson points out that one of the nice things about Branson’s outdoor activities is their closeness, not only to each other, but to Branson’s other attractions, live shows, shopping and everything else that it offers. One minute you could be fighting a lunker trout or playing a round of golf on a championship golf course and, relatively speaking, the next you could be sitting in a theatre watching one of Branson’s great live shows, having a world class shopping experience, watching a potter work an artist pain or enjoying any one of the many exciting and interesting activities Branson offers.

From the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction boarding passengers as it remembers the 100th year anniversary of the sinking of the great ship to the vast majority of its 100 shows, attractions, restaurants and everything else that makes Branson the unique entertaining world class destination it is, it’s hard to imagine a more fun filled, exciting or entertaining place to spend the Labor Day weekend than in Branson. Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Johnson advises that Labor Day Weekend in Branson is one of the busiest of the year and advises making advance reservations for things like shows, lodging, tee times etc. Please call BTC through its toll free number, 1-800-785-1550, for more information on Branson’s Labor Day Weekend activities, tickets for Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements.

MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour coming to Branson

BRANSON, Mo. The terms “Krypt,” “Tantrum,” “911,” “Tweety Bird” and “Tootsie Roll,” just to mention a few, all have different meanings and connotations to many people, but not to the athletes and who will be competing in Branson on June 8 and 9, 2012 in the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour.  “What a testimony to Table Rock Lake and the Branson area that it is able to host championship water events as diversified as the FLW and Bass Masters fishing tournaments and the  Pro Wakeboard Tour,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The competitors, fans and spectators will experience an action filled exciting event and be just minutes away from Branson shows, attractions, shopping, value priced lodging and all the other fun things Branson has to offer.

“Wakeboarding” is an exciting action filled sporting event involving a rider on a wakeboard being pulled behind of motorboat at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour. Just how fast depends on the skill of the rider, water conditions, the tricks they will be performing and other factors. The terms “Krypt,” “Tantrum,” “911,” “Tweety Bird” and “Tootsie Roll,” are all names from the “trick lexicon of these championship athletes, competing in a sport that combines the excitement of water skiing, surfing and snowboarding into one action filled event.

Ross Summers, CEO of the Branson Lakes Chamber of Commerce and CVB, one of the events sponsors, along with,Ozarks Rivers Heritage Foundation, said, “The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour is one of the premier wakeboarding events in the country.” He also pointed out that this is the first time that the event has been held in Branson and is a new stop for the tour.

The Branson stop is the third stop on the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour and an integral part of winning the Pro Tour Title. Tour competitors accumulate points during every stop on the Tour based on their placement in each contest. The one earning the highest total number of points at the end of the five stop Tour is  crowned the “Pro Tour Champion.”

The event will be held at Table Rock Lake’s Moonshine Beach on June 8 and 9, 2012. The Pro Men’s Qualifying, Junior Pro Men’s Quarterfinals and Pro Women’s Semifinals will be held on Friday, June 8. The Pro Men’s Quarterfinals, Junior Pro Men’s Semifinals, Pro Men’s Semifinals and Junior Pro Men’s and Women’s Finals will be held Saturday June 9, prior to the Pro Men’s Finals and the “Big Air Kicker Contest”  which will conclude the days competition.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said the Moonshine Beach area of Table Rock Lake will provide excellent viewing for spectators, both from land and the lake, and is only minutes south of the Branson Strip on State Route 165. It should be noted that although the Wakeboard Tour will span two days, June 8 and 9, Sunshine Beach will be open to the public both days with standard Day Use Rates applying on June 8 and the Wakeboard Tour rate on Saturday June 9.

She points out that Branson’s summer season will be fully underway and suggests that those planning to attend the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour or visit Branson that weekend give consideration to making advance arrangements for lodging and shows. Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Be a Polar Bear for the 2012 Branson Polar Plunge .

BRANSON, Mo. At 2 p.m. on February 11 some special people are going to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as they plunge into the cold water of Table Rock Lake in the 7th Annual Branson Polar Plunge. The reason the participants, appropriately designated as “Plungers,” will be “freezin’” is to support the more than 1,700 athletes in the Southwest Area of the “Special Olympics of Missouri (SOMO).” The 2011 Branson Polar Plunge raised more than $30,000 for the Special Olympic Athletes. The goal for the 2012 is $34,000.

Branson’s Polar Plunge will be held at the marina of the Still Waters Resort, 21 Still Water Trail, just south of Silver Dollar City in Indian Point, Road . Registration starts at Noon and the Plunge itself is right after the “Plunger Parade of Costumes,” at 2 p.m. After the Plunge there will be “free food, music and a silent auction” at the Post Plunge Party that will be held at the Best Western Branson Inn and Conference Center in Branson West.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the corporate sponsors of the event and herself a past “Plunger” said, “The event a great fund raiser for a great cause and is a lot of fun, not only for the ‘Plungers,’ but for those who come out to watch and support them.” She notes that there will be food and concession sales featuring food and warm “Plunge” clothing. One of the highlights will be the opportunity to see the costumes worn by some of the competing “Plungers” as groups and individuals compete for the coveted “Golden Plunger Award.”

Milton encourages everyone to come out and support the event and to donate what they can to support the “Special Olympics of Missouri” and its athletes. For further information on the Branson Polar Plunge or other Branson shows, and events please call Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or visit their web site wwwBransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar city's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and a small portion of Table Rock Lake.

BRANSON, Mo. Recently, in connection with making a video for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, the question, “What do you love most about Branson?,” was asked. When the question was posted on www.1Branson.com, the responses paint a wonderful picture of Branson, what it has to offer and why Branson just might be the ideal place to visit or plan your next vacation.

Originally, I was going to separate the ten representative responses into categories, but in retrospect, their testimony speaks for itself and needs no categorization. Each post is preceded by the poster’s online name in italics:

Suselit… The Patriotism is what I love because I love America and Branson shares my love of God and County. And Branson has the right mix of Excitement and that comfortable feeling you get when you feel at home some place. Live Entertainment! We love attending Shows and Branson has some wonderful Shows!

Irishgirl… My home state is quite beautiful, but there is something magical about the hills there in SW Missouri….especially when the fog/haze comes over them. My second favorite thing will always be Shepherd of the Hills – the story, the play, and the park. The history of the area is fascinating to me.

shis1…The thing that brings us to Branson is the live music, the live Country Music. And the music we love the best is that music we hear at Clay Cooper‘s theatre!

biscuitcreek… Silver Dollar City, the lake, the variety of music available, the history of the area, the hills…

Lynndaof NJ…Branson is more than 1,000 miles from where we live, yet we’ve visited for the past 3 summers and already have reservations for July. We keep coming back because we feel that Branson epitomizes patriotism and basic American family values.

rjw1991A1…I could say a lot about the shows, SDC, the great restaurants, and of course my favorite, and what started it all for me, the trout fishing. But with all that, it’s the general friendliness of the people I met when I’m there. From the resort owners, and staff to the restaurant servers. From shop owners and clerks to ticket sellers and ushers in the shows, and everybody at Silver Dollar City, their friendliness has always come to the forefront and has been sincere.

MNtrveler…I like that a small city of about 10,000 permanent residents, with all the friendliness and values of a typical small town, has entertainment, dining and shopping options that you usually only find in cities of over 100,000 people. It is a great place to visit in a beautiful part of the country. Yes, at times I think they need to broaden their offerings, but it is still a GREAT vacation destination.

Zack7777…As MNtraveler has mentioned and I totally agree….It is really awesome to live here in a small town atmosphere and have big city options in a beautiful area of the USA….anything you want is within minutes, lakes, caves, dining, shopping, entertainment of every sort….shows, movies, golf, SDC. And great medical options here and only a few miles to the north….my regrets are I didn’t move here sooner. These last 10 years have been heaven.

ggh…The dogwood, the water, fishing, the fall colors, water skiing, the winding roads, nature, with SDC, shows, music, lights, go karts, and shopping all intertwined. You can enjoy upscale lodging, and restaurants, or enjoy some rustic lodging and comfort foods. There is definitely something for everyone in Branson.

Jalva2…I can name a lot of things I like about Branson, but if I have to pick one, It’s the Ozark landscape. Absolutely beautiful. If I can add a couple more: An outstanding theme park (which is also an outstandingly THEMED park) [Silver Dollar City]; and some of the best hotel prices in the country!

The responses indicate the wonderful experience most who visit have and are reasons why those who haven’t might want to consider doing so,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). For information on all that Branson offers, provided by people who live and work in the Branson area, please feel free to contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A shot of beautiful color as a tree begins to turn. It was taken from the balcony of our condo today in the rain.

BRANSON, Mo. It’s a beautiful thing to see as the first blush of color starts to paint the foliage covering the beautiful Ozarks. That first blush gradually paints the entire Ozarks with the colors of fall, one leaf at a time. Although this year’s color might not be as spectacular as some in the past, on any year it is a beautiful sight to see and experience providing one of the best shows in Branson.

One of the questions that is often asked is “What’s the best way to see the foliage?” The general answer would be, “Just keep your eyes open as you experience Branson.” It might be just a couple of trees with vivid color as you drive down the road, a panoramic vista filled with color as you gaze out from one of the area’s overlooks or, as is the case illustrated in the photo taken from the deck of my condo as I was writing this piece this morning, simply noticing the beautiful foliage that can be seen at just about every turn in Branson.

The fall foliage is an inherent part of many of Branson’s outdoor activities and attractions. It would be hard to get better a panoramic view of the Ozark’s foliage than from a cruise on Lake Taneycomo, aboard either the Branson Landing Cruises’ Lake Queen or Lake Princess or on Table Rock Lake aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. Experiencing the fall foliage is an added benefit of golfing on one of the many Branson golf courses or visiting Branson attractions such as Silver Dollar City, zip lines such as the Vigilante, Inspiration Tower, Branson Scenic Railway and others.

Another great way to see magnificent panoramic vistas is from some of the area’s “overlooks. The Overlook on State Route 165, about a mile south of its intersection with State Route 265, and the Table Rock Dam Overlook, located on the south end of Table Rock Dam across the road from the Visitors Center, both provide unique views not only of the foliage, especially if you look downstream from either of these points, but of the general area. In addition, the Table Rock Dam overlook also provides closeup view of the Dam and the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery.

A third overlook is provided at the Henning Conservation Area located about a mile west of the junction of State Route 76 and State Route 376 on the north side of the road. Its view to the north from the parking area is just breathtaking anytime and made even more so when one factors in the fall foliage. As you drive to and from Henning, the view off the south side of Route 76 is also spectacular.

There are many ways to experience to fall foliage “up close and personal.” One is by walking some of the many trails that are available. These include the trails at the Henning Conservation Area, the Shepherd of the Hills Visitor’s Center at the foot of Table Rock Dam, the White River Valley Trail System, the city of Branson’s Lake Side Wilderness Trailand others.

The views available looking along the bluffs across from Branson Landing are another way to get a panoramic view of the fall foliage as it changes. The paved Branson Landing Boardwalk, accessible from either the Belk or Bass Pro Shops parking lots, runs the length of Branson Landing along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline providing convenient level access for everyone to see not only the foliage, but the boats, birds and other activities taking place on the lake.

The foliage and the natural beauty of an Ozark’s Fall becomes an even better experience with its almost seamless integration into the other things that Branson offers live shows, attractions, shopping and dozens of other activities. It is that unique combination of natural beauty, entertainment and fun, combined with its spirit, that makes Branson, Missouri the special unique place that it is to visit and to live.

Trail head for the trail.

BRANSON, Mo. It’s known for its outstanding live shows, great attractions, shopping and lakes, but Branson’s newest activity might just put it on the “map” for mountain bikers and hikers. “What a wonderful new attraction for Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center in connection with the recent dedication of the “White River Valley Trail System.”

The trail is intended for hikers as well as bikers and is the first in the Branson area to be designated for mountain bikes. Its Trailhead, with its parking and rest rooms, is located just south of the entrance for the Showboat Branson Belle and north of the main entrance to Table Rock State park on State Highway 165. The natural surface trail is divided into major loops designated by color, a 2.5 mile Red Loop, 3.0 Mile Blue Loop, .6 mile Orange Loop and a 1.25 mile Green Loop with various Connectors Trails that combine to make up the 10.25 mile roundtrip length of the trail.

The 2.5 mile Red Loop starts and ends at the Trailhead. The other Loops start off of Connector Trail 2 located at about the midway point on the loop. The Red Loop is a convenient way for most families to take advantage of the White River Valley Trail System as well as exploring an area of Branson to which most have not previously had convenient access. In addition, if Connector Trail 1 is used,it provides a nice 1.25 mile loop. The trail will take hikers and bikers “near old homestead ruins, relics of the Table Rock Dam construction during the 1950s” and through miles of nature at its Ozarks best.

The trail received a “2011 Coalition for Recreational Trails Award in the Multi-Use Management and Corridor Sharing Category,” earlier this year. Bill Bryan, Director of Missouri State Parks, said, “Our primary goal for this trail is to provide a new recreational opportunity for people who enjoying hiking and mountain biking, which is a growing sport in this area.”

It was partially funded with ” Recreational Trails Program” grants and is a “joint land-use project between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.” Part of the trail is on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property and part in Table Rock State Park. In addition, the project received broad community support from the Branson Tri-Lakes and Hollister Chambers of Commerce, “local city governments, Volunteers for Outdoor Missouri, students from Hollister and the College of the Ozarks, Boy Scouts working on Eagle Scout projects, and other volunteers.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out the addition of the White River Valley Trail System to the list of outdoor activities available to enjoy in Branson is yet another reason that Branson is such a great travel and vacation destination. Like Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and all the other outdoor activities Branson offers, it is about ten minutes from the Branson Strip and everything else Branson has to offer. For additional information on the trail or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Labor Day weekend is the last chance to ride White Water's 7-story multiple slide "Kalani Towers" for the 2011 season.

BRANSON, Mo.  Throughout the nation, Labor Day is kind of the “informal” end of the summer season and most people look forward to the three day weekend as a special time to enjoy the fun and excitement of summer with their families one more time. With its three lakes, live shows, world class theme parks, attractions, shopping and other activities from fireworks to concerts, Branson is the perfect place to do just that, not only on Labor Day, but just about any time of the year.

One of the big things to do over Labor Day weekend for a lot of people coming to Branson is to enjoy its lakes. Both Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, although two entirely different lakes in terms of the recreation they provide because of the differences in water temperature, are at normal levels as compared to the much higher levels that they started the Summer with over the Memorial Day weekend. From trout fishing to bass fishing, boating, swimming and just about any water sport Branson’s lakes are ready to provide a wonderful and exciting weekend on the water.

“The wonderful thing about having fun on Branson’s lakes,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “is that the fun doesn’t stop there.” All Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping and other activities are, but minutes away from its lakes. One of Branson’s favorite shows and attractions is actually located and operated on Table Rock Lake, the fabulous Showboat Branson Belle with its cruise, dinner and show and one of Branson’s major shopping attractions, Branson Landing with its shops, restaurants, and famous fire, water and music show is located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.

The vast majority of Branson’s 100 attractions, shows, shopping, restaurants and everything else that makes Branson one of the nation’s premier travel destinations will be open. All of Branson’s attractions will be open including Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning theme park which will be celebrating the final days of its Southern Gospel Picnic. White Water, with its millions of gallons of water and fun, the new “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” and its iconic seven story multi slide thrill ride “Kalani Towers” will be open for its final weekend of the season. The Branson Titanic Museum Attraction will be boarding passengers for its exciting and unique “voyage” as well as continuing its events leading up to the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship which includes the opportunity to participate in the “Rose Petal Memorial Tribute At Sea.” To see a list of attractions that will be open, sorted by day and time, along with prices, descriptions, pictures and, in most cases, videos, click here.

As would be expected in the city called “The live music show capital of the world,” the vast majority of Branson’s live shows will be open, offering Branson visitors an unsurpassed opportunity to experience some of the best live entertainment in the world. With over 100 live shows to pick from there is sure to be one that is just right for everyone. To see a list of shows that will be open, sorted by day and time, along with prices, show descriptions, pictures and, in most cases, videos click here.

Labor Day Weekend will be a shopper’s delight with the vast majority of Branson’s unique specialty shops open, including Historic Downtown Branson, as well as the Grand Village, Imax Complex and other areas all over Branson. Its two major outlet malls, the Tanger Outlet Center and Factory Merchants Branson, as well as its major shopping mall, Branson Landing, will be open and providing Branson visitors with the great shopping experience for which Branson is famous.

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