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.

The "Downing Family" is one of the dozens of Southern Gospel groups performing at Silver Dollar City's "Southern Gospel Picnic."

BRANSON, Mo.  “Some things just seem to fit together,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “There’s just something about combining the sounds of Southern Gospel music and people laughing and having fun at Silver Dollar City during Silver Dollar City’s ‘Southern Gospel Picnic’ that is special and relates to both the spirit and values of what Branson represents,” she continued.

Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic is one of the seven world class festivals held at the park throughout the year and will run from August 25 – September 5. Although it’s one of the newest festivals, as well as one of its shortest, lasting for only 12 “inspirational toe-tapping” days, it is a great opportunity for Southern Gospel music fans, as well as for those who have never been exposed to it, to hear it at its “uplifting soul-stirring” best.

Among the dozens of groups performing over 400 performances during the event will be the Downing Family; the legendary Blackwood Quartet; The Chuck Wagon Gang; The Isaacs, 2010 Dove Award Winners and 2011 Dove Award nominees; The Peterson Family, 2010 winners of the 2010 Branson CAM Gospel Sing Off; Karen Peck & New River; Gold City; The Perrys; The Hoppers and the Legacy Five. Click here for a complete list and schedule of festival performers.

The daily performances will be followed each night by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concert which will be held in Echo-Hollow, Silver Dollar City’s 4,000 seat amphitheater. On Sunday August 28 and September 4 there will be a worship service held in the Red Gold Heritage Hall with Hosea Bilyeu on August 28 and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 4.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that the “picnic” in the “Southern Gospel Picnic” will feature “The House of Chicken & Fixin’s” featuring Apple Butter Glazed Chicken, Golden Fried chicken, Orange Glazed Chicken and BBQ chicken, all with picnic-style fixings.” This will be in addition to all the delicious food normally available throughout the park.

Along with the special activities and events involved in the Southern Gospel Picnic, all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s’s theme park is noted for is also available. This includes “100 resident craftsmen, 2 dozen rides and attractions including the new million dollar play area for kids: Half Dollar Holler.”

For further information on Silver Dollar City, the Southern Gospel Picnic 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Wallendas performing a three person pyramid. It gets even more exciting as Delilah comes to the full standing position on the chair.

BRANSON, Mo The sound of laughter and people having fun is a normal part of a visit to Branson’s oldest and most popular attraction, Silver Dollar City, but it has a special ring during Silver Dollar City’s “National KidsFest” currently being held at the 1880s theme park until July 24. It is “America’s largest KidsFest” and, through the unique combination of the special events and activities associated with KidsFest and the 30 attractions and rides Silver Dollar City offers on a daily basis, provides an unrivaled experience filled with fun, excitement and adventure for the whole family.

Attractions and rides are an exciting part of everyday at Silver Dollar City, but they just seem to naturally fit into the fun and adventure of KidsFest. The parks rides and attractions have something for everyone in the family from the sedate and relaxing “Grand Exposition,” where all the members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, can share a fun filled ride together to the more exhilarating adventure of “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour or relief from the Summer heat with water rides such as RiverBlast, Lost River of the Ozarks and many other exciting rides and attractions.

In addition, KidsFest is featuring exciting acts and activities for the whole family. The “Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,” staring members of the legendary high wire “Wellenda” family as well as the “Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog ExperienceTM” will be performing throughout KidsFest. One of the other KidsFest activities that the younger kids just love is the appearance of their favorite cartoon characters throughout the festival. The following are scheduled to appear on the dates indicated:

Ben 10, June 16-18
Chowder, June 23-25
Scooby Doo & Shaggy, July 1-4
Fred Flintstone, Barney & Dino, July 7-9
Mac & Bloo, July 14-16
Sponge Bob & Patrick, July 21-23
Tom & Jerry, July 28-30
Backyardigans, August 4-6

Silver Dollar City is noted for the outstanding quality and value of the food it normally serves throughout the park, but, as is the case for all its world class festivals, will be adding additional food selections themed for KidsFest. This will include items such as “Hot Diggety Dogs,” “Dippy Dogs” or “Chicken Crunchers,” served with the choice of Fruit Cup or Crinkle Fries and Juice Box or 12 ounce soda; a choice of five tasty flavors of Snow cones; specialty drinks including strawberry smoothes and fresh squeezed lemonade; pizza and salad bars that are sure to be kid pleasers. The KidsFest selections are in addition to the normal selection of tasty food and nonalcoholic drinks available throughout the park.

Silver Dollar City is always a place filled with those experiences from which “memories worth repeating” are made and that is even more so for families during KidsFest.

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City and KidsFest or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to 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 http://www.bransontourismcenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

The Chateau on the Lake Fireworks.

BRANSON, Mo Branson will not disappoint those wanting to see spectacular fireworks displays celebrating the Fourth of July. In fact, although the majority of the firework displays will be over the Fourth of July weekend, Branson’s celebration of America’s independence will start in spectacular fashion with the College of the Ozark’s “Honor America” celebration on June 26.

From concerts with fireworks, to picnics and BBQ with fireworks or just plain beautiful and exciting firework displays, Branson area skies will be lit up with spectacular fireworks. The following is a list of the major Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks displays for the Branson area sorted by date along with a contact phone number to obtain further information such as rain dates etc.

Name: Honor America
Place: College of the Ozarks by Lake Honor
Phone: College of the Ozarks – 417-690-2212
Date/Time(s)/Comment(s): June 26, Picnic 4:30 p.m., Entertainment 5:00 p.m., Patriotic Program & Concert 8:30 p.m. with entertainment provided by the cast of Red, Hot and Blue and the Peterson Family Band. The program and concert will be followed by Fireworks. Please bring your own chairs and come early.

Name: Fireburst Fireworks Display
Place: Kimberling City
Phone: Kimberling City Table Rock Chamber of Commerce – 1-800-595-0393 or 417-739-2564
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 2 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: Right on Route 13 in downtown Kimberling City, near Kimberling City Shopping Mall, about 6 miles south of Branson West. It can also be viewed very well from Table Rock Lake near the north end of the bridge. The event will be a full day of activities, including 2 bounce houses, a 16 foot blow up water slide and basketball hoops for the kids. Food, craft, retail and nonprofit vendors will be there as well to keep young and old busy throughout the day and bands including “M-Dock” and “Members Only.” will be performing.

Name: Treasure Lake Resort
Place: Treasure Lake Resort behind the IMAX
Phone: Treasure Lake Resort 417-334-1040
Date/Time/Comment(s) July 2 at dusk. Advice is come early and bring a chair.

Name: Branson Landing 4th Annual Liberty Light Up
Place: Branson Landing Town Square by Fountains
Phone: Branson Landing – 417-239-3002
Date/Time(s) /Comment(s) July 3, Concert by “SOULED OUT,” at 8:00 p.m. followed by Fireworks.

Name: Branson Landing Lake Queen or Landing Princess
Place: Branson Landing
Phone: Tickets and info through Branson Tourism Center 800-785-1550
Date/Time(s) /Comment(s) July3. This is a unique and exciting way to see the Branson Landing fireworks display while cruising on either the Lake Queen or Landing Princess on Lake Taneycomo. On July 3rd these cruises will be positioned to provide a spectacular and unique view of the Branson Landing fireworks display. Although there is still availability, it is advisable to make reservations as early as possible in advance by calling the Branson Tourism Center at 800-785-1550.

Name: BBQ and Fireworks at Chateau on the Lake
Place: Chateau on the Lake – North of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165/265
Phone: Call the Branson Tourism Center at 800-785-1550 for information on the fireworks or to make reservations at the Chateau on the Lake for the Fourth of July Weekend.
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 3 at dusk. Paid BBQ event, complete with live music will be followed by fireworks display which is easily and conveniently viewed for free from Table Rock Lake via boat or park in loop just south of new overrun floodgates on Table Rock Dam or the Chateau’s public areas.

Name: Showboat Branson Belle
Place: Showboat Branson Belle
Contact: Tickets and information through Branson Tourism Center 800-785-1550
Date /Time/Comment(s): July 3, 8:00 p.m. dinner cruise. There are no guarantees and you take your chances, but the 8:00 PM Dinner Cruise on the night of the Chateau on the Lake’s Fireworks display has been known to stop and provide passengers with a spectacular view of this fireworks display as part of the cruise. This cruise is generally sold out so the further in advance reservations are made the better.

Name: Shepherd of the Hills
Place: Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre
Phone: Tickets and info through Branson Tourism Center 800-785-1550
Date/Time/Comment(s): July3th immediately after the presentation of the outdoor drama “Shepherd of the Hills.” It will be only for those who viewed the outdoor drama. Miller advises that tickets for Shepherd of the Hills are available through the Branson Tourism Center.

Name: Branson Spirit of 76 Independence Day
Place: Branson Landing
Phone: Branson Veteran’s Task Force – 417-337-8387
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4, 9:00 a.m.–10:30 a.m. (Simultaneously both locations) Show your patriotism on Independence Day by wearing Red, White and Blue and join the celebration.

Name: Rockaway Beach 4th of July Celebration and Fireworks Display
Place: Downtown Rockaway Beach
Contact: – Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce – 417-561-4280
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Family activities and events start at 10:00 a.m. and Fireworks start at dusk. Rain date July 5

Name: Hollister’s 58th Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration
Place: Historic Downing Street in Hollister
Phone: City of Hollister- 417- 337- 8315 or Hollister Chamber of Commerce – 417-334-3050
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: Along Business Hwy 65 in Historic downtown Hollister.

Name: Big Cedar Fireworks Display
Place: Big Cedar Lodge
Location: Off State Highway 86 in Ridgedale, MO
Phone: Big Cedar – 417-335-2777
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. Good Viewing Area: In front of Registration Building or from Table Rock Lake.

Name: Shell Knob Fire & Thunder Fireworks Display
Place: Shell Knob, MO, 1 mile S. of Bridge
Phone: Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce – 417-858-3300
Date/Time/Comment(s): July 4 at dusk. One mile S. of Bridge. Rain date July 5

Name: Cape Fair Fireworks Display
Place: Cape Fair Marina
Phone: 417-538-2222
Date/Time/Comments: July 4 at dusk.

Those planning to attend these events should allow plenty of time, arrive as early as possible and, except for paid events, should bring their own chairs etc. It should be remembered that the Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Branson and advance reservations are advisable to ensure not only availability, but the best choice of seats and accommodations.

The staff of Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, would be pleased to provide information on any of these fireworks displays or information or tickets to any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements.  please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
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White Water's seven story high "Kalani Towers" provides wet, exciting and thrilling relief on a hot summer day.

Even with all that is going on in today’s world and the personal pressures being generated, many people know that they and their families need and deserve a vacation this summer. Branson, Missouri is a premier Midwest vacation destination noted for its unique blend of value, fun and its spirit of family, God and country. It is a special, almost magical place for families, at any time of the year, but there’s just something about the Summer and the pronounced influx of families with children that makes it my favorite time of the year.

What can show the heart and spirit of what Branson is more than the sound of kids and families laughing, talking and having a good time together. From its restaurants and lodging facilities to its attractions, lakes, shows and other activities it seems that there is a special vibrancy and intensity as families relax, spend time together, unwind and just have fun as they create vacation memories.

“In these economic challenging times, the cost of a vacation is certainly a consideration,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Branson is one of the best vacation values anywhere and has been recognized nationally, by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), as the “third most budget friendly destination in America.”

The unique one of a kind bird illusion of Dave and Denise Hamner is just part of the magic, excitement, comedy and entertainment of the Hamner Barber Variety Show.

Johnson points that Branson’s value gets even better if travelers bundle lodging, shows, attractions and activities together into one package. For example, the “Branson Family Fun Package,” offered by BTC, provides lodging for two nights and a full breakfast at either Grand Plaza Hotel or Hotel Grand Victorian; family passes to your choice of one of two great shows for families with kids, The Hamner Barber Variety Show or the Legend of Kung Fu; a family pass to one of Branson’s premier attractions, the Titanic Museum Attraction; a Branson Vacation Savings Book with more than 500 coupons and over $1,500 in savings and more, all at a saving of 27 percent!

If one places any value on their time, another way to increase value, avoid stress and, in a real sense start your vacation early, is to use the free personal “concierge” type planning services of a company like the Branson Tourism Center. It has built its well deserved reputation, A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accreditation and sold over 2.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, by providing hundreds of thousands of Branson visitors with the assistance and help needed to have a great Branson vacation. Factor in “Gas Discounts” and the perks of BTC’s free new customer loyalty “Concierge Program” and the value of a Branson vacation increases even more.

When it comes to fun and things for families to do while on vacation, from its lakes to its live shows, attractions, shopping and other activities, Branson provides a choice of unique, fun and exciting things to do that is unmatched by any other tourist destination of its size. Where else can a family vacation where they can frolic and enjoy a 45,000 surface acre lake like Table Rock Lake, with its 745 miles of shoreline, located just minutes away from the fun, excitement and adventure of everything else that a special place like Branson offers?

Whether its Silver Dollar City and KidsFest, the 12 acre two million gallon water park White Water, the Titanic Museum Attraction, Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, a tour through the Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery, something as simple as a walk along the Branson Landing Boardwalk or any of dozens of other attractions and activities, Branson is filled with activities for families to share and enjoy together from the oldest to the youngest. It also has a variety of activities that can be enjoyed as a “slip away” such as shopping, championship golf, some of the finest bass and trout fishing available anywhere, scuba diving and much more.

“Branson is referred to by some as ‘The live music show capital of the world,’” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. “In terms of summer fun and excitement for families, it should be remembered however, that Branson’s live entertainment has not only some of the world’s best music, comedy and variety shows, all of which are suitable for children, but also has a number of shows that will have a special appeal for younger children and the whole family. These shows include a variety ranging from the Acrobats of China, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, NOAH the Musical, Hamner Barber Variety Show, the Showboat Branson Belle, Yakov’s Dinner Adventure, Dixie Stampede and many more.

You deserve a vacation with your family. Branson, Missouri offers the ideal combination of value, fun and excitement that will provide a vacation full of memories that will last a lifetime.

“Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest is America’s biggest KidsFest for a good reason,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is designed from the ground “up,” from food to special acts, entertainment and activities just for kids and their families.” KidsFest will run from June 11 through July 24 at the 1880′s themed park.

“When it was announced that one of the acts appearing at KidsFest included the legendary ‘Flying Wallendas and Nik Wallenda, double Guinness World Record holder for his feats on the high wire, everyone knew the excitement was going up to a new level,” Johnson continued. “However, today’s announcement from Silver Dollar City literally adds yet another level of danger and excitement to KidsFest and shows why the Wallendas are still, after seven generations, exciting audiences all over the world and the excitement and adventure never ends at Silver Dollar City.”

Nik Wallenda, “King of the Highwire,” will perform a special one time performance as a spectacular kick-off for America’s largest KidsFest and as part of a Discovery Channel TV event for its new series “Life on a Wire.” At approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 10, Wallenda will perform “never-before-seen, high-flying acrobatics  from a helicopter, 200 feet above the ground” and the audience that will be watching from Silver Dollar City’s “Echo Hollow Amphitheatre.”

Starting on June 11 and running through July 24, Wallenda and his family will be performing an exciting “all-new show, ‘The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus,’ created exclusively for KidsFest at Silver Dollar City. ” Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that the Wallendas are just part of the excitement that KidsFest will feature other acts such as Chris Perondi and his stunt dogs performing amazing feats of “canine athleticism and agility;” your kid’s favorite cartoon characters, and other exciting activities that will be integrated with the dozens of rides, craft demonstrations and excitement that Silver Dollar City provides its guests every day.

For additional information about KidsFest or tickets to Silver Dollar City 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com. To make an exciting event even more exciting, Johnson points out that every Silver Dollar City ticket purchased through BTC provides for two days fun at Silver Dollar City for the price of one.

Photo courtesey of www.NikWallenda.com.

“With its great value and fabulous choice of family fun activities, live shows, exciting attractions, lakes and its beautiful natural environment Branson, Missouri is one of the most unique, popular vacation destinations in America,” said Sharon Budnick, the Director of the Branson Travel Agency (BTA). “Factor in low airfares and, even in these economic challenging times, Branson should be on anyone’s vacation radar screen,” she continued.

With lakes, shopping, attractions like Silver Dollar City, The Shepherd of the Hills, White Water, the Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not to the Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, The World’s Largest Toy Museum or Branson’s championship golf courses, it’s no wonder that Branson has received national recognition. It was recognized as “A Top Ten Family Destination for 2010,” a winner TripAdvisor’s 2011 inaugural “Travelers’ Choice® Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover” and most recently was selected by TripZoo.Com as its “Destination of the Week.”

“The neat thing,” Budnick says, “is that Branson is as much of a value as it is fun and exciting.” She points out that Branson offers perhaps the biggest selection of value priced lodging and entertainment of any major tourist destination with something for every budget and taste. In 2009 it was selected by the “American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)” as one of the most budget friendly destinations for travelers.

With the “Springfield-Branson National Airport” and “Branson Airport” providing excellent service, air travelers have a great choice of carriers and fares to pick from when planning to fly to Branson. One of the main considerations for many air travelers, whether it is flying to Branson, or just about anywhere else, is how to get the lowest fares consistent with scheduling that meets their needs.

“There are three words one should remember if they want to get the lowest possible airfare, ‘early,’ ‘earlier’ and ‘earliest.’” Budnick said. She goes on to point out that generally, the farther ahead one can plan their air travel and get their tickets the lower the air fare. Airlines are, almost on a daily basis, especially during the height of the Summer travel season, adjusting airfares, adding additional fees and other things that can increase the cost of air travel. Typically however, those changes do not apply to those who have already purchased their tickets. For even more value she suggests combining low cost airfares with one of BTA’s great vacation packages.

Budnick suggests that not only is it a good idea to purchase airline tickets as early as possible, but that the same principle applies when making Branson show, attraction and lodging arrangements. The earlier arrangements are made, the more flexibility travelers have in terms of pricing, availability, choices of accommodations and show seating. “Typically, because of the excellent relationship Branson Tourism Center has with the shows, attractions and lodging facilities it does business with we are able to get our customers exactly what they want, but at certain times of the year, most notably major holidays and during “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” the earlier arrangements are made the better the chance of getting exactly what you want,” Budnick said.

The Branson Travel Agency, a full service travel agency, is a division of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s more respected and trusted providers of Branson travel services and seller of more than 2.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “We would love the opportunity to help make your next trip to Branson the best vacation you have ever had,” said Budnick. The Branson Travel Agency can be reached by call ing 1-800-785-2176 or through its website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

BTC's Concierge Program treats you like a star.

“You’re treated like a star,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Special Events for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), when referring to BTC’s innovative new Concierge Program. “Since the inception of BTC, our passion has always been toward our customers and ensuring that they have the best Branson experience possible. Our new Concierge Program is yet another way to enhance that experience.”

Not so strangely, the “concierge” process has played a foundational roll ever since Lianne Milton, the co-owner of BTC with her husband Larry, founded the company on the concept of providing Branson visitors with a free personal “concierge” type planning service. With one simple toll free call to 800-785-1550, prospective Branson visitors could relax and have fun planning their vacation as they discussed the many exciting options available for a Branson vacation with a trained BTC Travel Planning Specialist leaving the work, planning, reservations and tickets to BTC. Hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers and almost three million Branson show and attraction tickets later, the success of that concept is evident.

“Our free Concierge Program is simply an extension of that basic concept adding even more value and service to our customer’s Branson experience,” Milton said. Like all of BTC’s services, there is no charge for the program and every customer of the Branson Tourism Center becomes a member of the program and automatically receives “Concierge” level benefits.

“Concierge” benefits include exclusive Concierge Member discounts on vacation packages, a free Branson Vacation Savings Book with every vacation package, and a 20¢ per gallon discount on gas (up to 20 gallons) with every vacation package purchase. It also includes advance notice of special limited engagements; a free monthly e-newsletter with the latest Branson entertainment news, updates and events; online vacation and show itineraries and free show alerts to notify you of changes and cancellations.

Even more value and convenience is added as customers achieve “Concierge Gold Status” and “Concierge Platinum Status.” Gold status is achieved when a customer spends $400.00 annually with BTC and includes all the benefits of Concierge status plus an exclusive check-in-line at Branson Tourism Center, free photos of some of your favorite Branson entertainers and shows when you check in and a free Vacation Cancellation Protection credit that can be used on any future order.

When a customer spends a total of $1,500 with BTC over three consecutive years they automatically qualify for Platinum status. In addition to all the Gold status benefits, Platinum members receive the assistance of a personal dedicated Concierge Agent, free Cancellation Protection for life and free lifetime Platinum membership. In addition, they will receive exclusive invitations to intimate gatherings with their favorite Branson entertainers as well as reserved show and event seating for themselves and all members of their party.

“The Concierge Program is a way to say thank you to our customers, not only for doing business with BTC, but for choosing to visit Branson and share in our wonderful live shows, attractions and everything else that makes it the exciting, vibrant and fun filled place that it is,” Milton said. “Our goal with the Concierge Program, and everything else we do at the Branson Tourism Center, is to provide Branson visitors with a great experience so that they will say, ‘That was the best vacation ever. Let’s go back next year.’”

Along with the obvious, swiming, boating and fishing, parasailing is just one of the many other exciting activities available on Table Rock Lake.*

“Of course it is and there’s more lake to love,” said Pat Cox, the co-owner of the State Park Marina, the largest marina on Table Rock Lake, located off of Highways 165/265 just south of the Table Rock Lake Dam. Cox’s statement came as part of a response to a question as to whether Table Rock Lake was ready for the Memorial Day Weekend and the beginning of the summer season after Easter Week rains raised the lake levels to record highs.

“The lake is always more beautiful when it is full than when it is lower,” Cox said. He explained that the lake clarity is good, there is nothing abnormal about any potential floating hazards and that the lake is ready to provide Branson visitors with all the water recreation, fun and excitement for which it is noted. He does point out that, with the higher water, while boating or wave riding, it is a good idea to stay out from shore and shallow water unless you are familiar with the area. He also suggests, as is the case on any lake at any time, that normal, prudent, and safe boat operation and practices will enhance not only the safety of your Table Rock Lake experience, but its enjoyment.

The State Park Marina is a full service marina with a 600-slip marina and much more. It is a one stop water recreation center offering boat and wave runner rentals, guided fishing trips, parasailing, a full service dive shop and cruises on the “The Spirit of America”—a 48-foot sailing catamaran. In addition, it has everything from ice and sunscreen, to bait and tackle, Danna’s BBQ, Hawaiian Shave Ice, shopping at the “Boathouse Boutique store” and much more.

“Table Rock Lake is one of the major Branson outdoor attractions that helps make it the wonderful, exciting and unique tourist destination it is,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “‘With more lake to love,’ he continued, “this could be one of the most exciting and fun filled years ever on Table Rock Lake.”

For additional information on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo or for information or tickets for 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.

*Photo courtesy of State Park Marina.

Riders on The Track's new "Road Course" go-cart track.

The Track Family Fun Parks (The Track), will have the grand opening for its three million dollar two park expansion on Saturday,June 4. It has long been one of Branson’s most popular attractions, with four locations and has been entertaining Branson visitors and locals alike since 1981 offering “high-rise and classic go-kart tracks for all ages, bumper boats/cars, laser tag, mini golf, kids’ rides, arcades, and more.”

The new “Heavy Metal High Rise,” at Track 4, is the newest addition to The Track’s High Rise go-kart family. Towering four stories above the Branson strip, the 1,200 linear foot long track contains over 200 tons of steel and 700 cubic yards of concrete. After spiraling up to the top of its four stories, riders zip back “to the ground on a three-tiered slope.” In addition, according to information received from The Track, “The new track’s state of the art steel and concrete construction will be more weather-friendly and will offer a completely different experience than its wooden counterparts.”

At Track 3, a new “Road Course” style track with more turns, elevation changes and tighter and higher banked curves will offer Branson visitors a unique Branson go-kart experience. It is located in the shadow of one of The Track’s two exciting multi-level spiraling, twisting and elevating wooden tracks, ” Wild Woody.” and Track 3′s new “Tri-Oval Track” designed to meet the desires of those who want more speed in their go-kart experience. This track, and its go-carts, is the fastest of any of the go-kart tracks at any of The Track locations and requires a valid driver’s license. On the other end of the spectrum is the new “Rookie Track” and “Kiddie Go-Carts” which are also at Track 3.

“We congratulate The Track Family Fun Parks organization not only on the grand opening of their exciting new facilities, but on the 30th Anniversary of their providing varied, exciting and innovative entertainment for Branson visitors,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. For additional information or tickets for The Track Family Fun Parks 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.