Yearly Archives: 2013

Favorite Branson Breakfast spots

Grand Country Buffet is a favorite breakfast spot for visitors and locals alike.

BRANSON, Mo., January 19, 2013 — “Even with people eating Breakfast at their hotel or lodging as part of the amenities offered, one of the things many Branson visitors like to do while in Branson is go to one of Branson’s many restaurants for breakfast at least once during their stay with some having a family breakfast tradition that spans generations,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Earlier this week we asked the question, ‘Where’s your favorite place in Branson to eat Breakfast?’ on our Face Book Page,” she continued.

The top five listed, out of the 24 people named, in order were:

Grand Country Buffet, 1945 West 76 Country Boulevard – Known for the quality of its food and wide choice, its breakfast is no exception. As one local poster said, Grand Country Buffet “has the best tasting breakfast around. I live in Branson and I have ate in a lot of places for breakfast. The best place and friendless place in town. Every time we have company come in that’s the only place I will take them for breakfast.”

Billy Gail’s Café, 5291 Hwy 265 – It’s the only one of the five not on the Branson Strip. Billy Gail’s is particularly noted for its humongous pancakes, is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. One poster opined, “Billy Gails, is always the best if you can get in the parking lot.”

Bob Evans, 801 West Main Street (Highway 76) – Ok so technically, it is two blocks south on Highway 76 of where most people consider the Branson Strip starts. Bob Evans, a national chain, is noted locally, for the variety and quality of its breakfast offerings and its specialty breakfast items as reflected by one poster who said, “Bob Evans for their sausage gravy and biscuits- unlike any other!!!”

IHOP Restaurant, 3120 West 76 Country Boulevard – A national chain, located on the western edge of the strip at the junctions of Routes 76 and 376, IHOP is famous for the variety and quality of its pancakes and French toast.

Belgian Waffle and Pancake House, 3120 West 76 Country Boulevard, – Another favorite of locals and visitors alike. One poster noted, “I love their French toast!!”

Only two of the top five are national chains. Interestingly, even with the addition of “Cracker Barrel” there are only three national chains listed in the top 10 which includes “Clocker’s Cafe,” “Silver Dollar City Breakfast Buffet” and the “Farmhouse Restaurant.” Johnson suggests that while the answers to the question do not constitute any kind of valid scientific study there is a correlation between the answers and the names of spots where locals and visitors eat breakfast commonly appearing on other reviews and forums such as the 1Branson.Com Dining Forum. One thing appears certain however, a great Ozark Breakfast is never very far away in Branson!

Branson magic is no illusion

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

BRANSON, Mo., January 14, 2013 — “It’s no illusion, Branson’s magic shows are a ‘magical’ experience for the whole family,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center . She goes on to point out that although known primarily for the variety and quality of its live music shows, Branson is also blessed with a variety of award winning magic shows offering something for every taste.

The Hamner Barber Variety Show features the spectacular magic of Dave and Denise Hamner who have won numerous awards for their magic including having twice received a “Merlin Award” from the International Magician Society. From the opening through the subtle beauty of Hamner’s presentation of the “Magic of the Silver Coins, ” the death defying excitement and danger of “Vertigo” and inspiration of the “Ark of the Lost Covenant” the illusions in this show keep audiences on the edge of their seats as illusions unfold and hold them in a constant state of excitement as to what was coming next not only in terms of the illusion, but the production, sets, and color that is part of each.

And that’s just part of the “magic” of the show. The ventriloquism genius and comedy of Jim Barber, one of the world’s top ventriloquists is woven together with the Hamner’s illusions the result is a unique magical blend of entertainment not available anywhere else in Branson.

Kirby VanBurch, another International Award-Winning Magician, and his signature ” family of exotic animals including a Royal White Tigers has been entertaining Branson audiences with shows filled with huge illusions, “big time production numbers dancing and hilarious comedy” for over a decade. It has been described as “a thrill-a-second production packed full of astonishing disappearing acts, a helicopter appearing in 3 seconds flat, assistants cut in half, and other never-before-seen illusions.”

Taylor Reed, who has been entertaining audiences in Branson for eight years, was seen by millions when he appeared on the hit NBC primetime show, “America’s Got Talent” and ” amazed judges Howie Mandel, Sharon Osborne, and Howard Stern when he made a motorcycle appear during his performance. In 2013 this talented magician will have his own theatre and a new show called “The Magic & Comedy of Taylor Reed”, featuring along with Reed, special guest illusionists that will be appearing throughout the season.

The show will feature ” original illusions, comedy, and dance, along with his menagerie of furry friends,” a “fire eating performance and a disappearing NASCAR illusion.” In announcing the new show Reed said that in performing at his own theatre, ” I am presented with an amazing opportunity to bring out the “Big Gun” illusions, with professional lighting, sound, and special effects. And, the original set from the Las Vegas EFX show designed by David Mendoza.”

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned in this article 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 calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

Branson a perfect Valentine

The Titanic Museum Attractions spectacular "Grand Staircase" is a precise replica of the original.

BRANSON, Mo., January 13, 2013 — What better place than in Branson to express the meaning to your Valentine of what Thomas Hood meant when he said, “Oh, if it be to choose and call thee mine, love, thou art every day my Valentine?” Branson is filled with ways to show that special someone just how special they are and that they “Art every day my Valentine!”

Whether your Valentine’s Day is a one day celebration on Thursday, February 14 or runs into the weekend, Branson, with its shows, attractions, restaurants, shopping and other activities is a special Valentine to share with that special someone. A number of Branson’s shows will be offering a wide variety of live entertainment to share with your Valentine includin

Hamner Barber Variety Show

Haygoods

it at the Hughes Brothers Theatre

Legends in Concert

Ozark Mountain Jubilee

Ozark Murder Mysteries

Pierce Arrow

Sunday Gospel Jubilee

New Jersey Nights

Twelve Irish Tenors

For that special Valentine’s Day meal Branson has a variety of choices ranging from the simple down home cooking of “Clocker’s Café” in historic downtown Branson to the elegant cuisine of the Level 2 Steak House, Table 22, Cosmopolitan Bistro, Chateau on the Lake and others. For a truly special Valentine’s Day memory how about a romantic champagne cruise and dinner aboard Main Street Lake Cruises 100 foot luxury yacht the Landing Princess as it cruises beautiful Lake Taneycomo from its berth in Branson Landing.

The romance of Valentine’s Day is a perfect fit for the Titanic Museum‘s “Sweetheart Month” as they remember the honeymoon couples and brides-to-be who sailed on the ships fateful maiden voyage. The Titanic’s elegant full sized replica of the “Titanic’s Grand Staircase” is a unique and beautiful spot for a wedding or to renew Wedding Vows on Valentines Day or any time.

For those coming for the Valentine’s weekend, the Branson Tourism Center offers a Valentine’s packages combining lodging, shows, attractions, cruises and more that offers not only a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but to save money. One example is its Valentine’s Day Package offering 3 days and 2 nights lodging at the Hilton Promenade, choice of show tickets, two tickets to the Titanic Museum Attraction, a special “romance basket” and more.

Why not plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day, with your special Valentine, in Branson? For additional information on celebrating Valentine’s Day in Branson 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 by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Grand Country is simply Grand Entertainment and Fun

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.

Al Capone’s Ozark Hideaway?

Al Capone's summer retreat?

BRANSON, Mo., January 5, 2013 — When Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen slipped her moorings at Main Street Marina in Branson Landing for her sightseeing cruise on beautiful lake Taneycomo the morning of January 4 most of the passengers on board expected to see majestic Ozark vistas, bluffs that are “tens of thousands” of years old, Bald Eagles and more. Some might even have expected a mention of the Baldknobbers, a vigilante group featured in Harold Bell Wright’s famous novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills” and a mainstay of local history. What most didn’t expect was anything tying one one the most “famous gangsters “of all time, Al Capone, to the Branson area..

Capone was a “famous” Chicago gangster during the prohibition era in Chicago and was the head of the “Chicago Mob.” Although no one was every tired for it, it is suspected that he was responsible for the infamous 1929 “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre” in retaliation against Bugs Moran, the leader of a “rival gang” during which seven were brutally shot to death. Capone’s criminal career came to an end when he was convicted on federal charges of income tax evasion sentenced to federal prison in 1932, spending the majority of that sentence in Alcatraz, until his parole in 1939. The effects of his neurosyphilis, the repeal of prohibition in 1933 and his incarceration led to Capone’s retirement in Florida where he died of a heart attack at the age of 47.

The question comes to mind, “What does a Chicago gangster have to do with the Ozarks?” After gliding past just about the full length of Rockaway Beach’s scenic lake front, Captain Brian Ayers alerted the passengers to the ruins of a very old two story stone and wooden house at the foot of a bluff, immediately off the right side of the boat and on the opposite shore from Rockaway Beach. He pointed out that in its heyday Rockaway Beach was the premier vacation destination in southwest Missouri and that local legend has it that Al Capone, not only vacationed in Rockaway Beach, but stayed in that house while he was there because of its isolated location and water only approach.

There is no hard evidence that he did, but neither is there that he didn’t, but during the 20s he was known to disappear for periods of time. Could this house be one the places where he went? Who knows for sure, but one thing is certain, as Captain Ayers tells the story of Capone’s Ozarks legend, it sure seems possible and one almost expects to see cigar smoke curling out the windows of the house.

Agility at core of Branson success

Displaying the agility that has made it Branson's oldest and most popular paid attraction, construction is well along on Silver Dollar City's newest thrill ride "Outlaw Run."

BRANSON, Mo., January 1, 2013 — Although many words come to mind to describe Branson, “agility” is not typically one of them. Yet from its earliest days over 100 years ago to Branson’s entry into 2013, “Agility” has been at the core of Branson’s success and what it has become today.

“Agility has been defined as “mentally quick, acute or quick in movement.” It helps keep us, be it a city, company or individual, to be efficient and flexible enough to accept and tackle the challenges necessary to “evolve and meet the future in new and innovative ways.”

In August of 1912, less than five months after being incorporated as a city on April 1 of that year, a devastating fire destroyed downtown Branson’s entire commercial district except for three buildings. Branson’s agility in handling that situation and others along the way put it in a position where, at the beginning of its Centennial Year in 2012, it was and had been for decades one of the premier family travel destinations in the United States, entertaining upwards of 8 million guests annually.

Families like the Herschends, Presleys, Mabes, Trimbels, Snadens and so many others had the agility to recognize the full future potential of tourism to the Branson area and act on that recognition in a timely manner. Each of them, and many others, in their own way evolved segments of Branson’s Tourism industry using what was at the time, and to some of them personally, life changing, new and innovative concepts.

Where would Branson be today without the agility of the Herschend family in recognizing the potential of Silver Dollar City and the numerous innovative things they have done over the last 50 plus years to evolve it into one of the top theme parks anywhere? The agility of the Mabes and Presleys as they pioneered Branson’s early entertainment industry? The agility of the Presleys in evolving their original theatre, that could also be used to store boats if all else failed, into one of Branson’s first state of the art theatres and their innovation in sharing their show and Branson on a weekly basis with millions of TV viewers via RFD-TV?

How important was the agility of the Trimbles and Snadons in establishing the spectacular outdoor drama “Shepherd of the Hills” in helping to preserve the area’s history and culture and promoting the heritage that is such a major part of Branson’s charm? Where would Branson’s entertainment industry be without the agility of the long list of entertainers, entrepreneurs and others who quickly recognized Branson’s potential and had the flexibility to not only become part of it, but to help its shows and attractions evolve into what they have become today?

The same agility that has helped make Branson the wonderful place that it is to visit for millions of tourists today is as necessary tomorrow as it is today. If the past is any indication, that agility is an inherent part of the Branson’s spirit and heritage that will help ensure that the excitement, fun, and adventure that is Branson will continue into the future providing Branson visitors with a great experience that will bring them back again and again.