Author Archives: O. C. Gull

Exercise your knowledge of Branson’s shows and attractions?

Righteous Brother Bill Medley and daughter McKenna Medley performing at the Starlite Theatre in Branson.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, said that the free downloadable “Branson Tourism Center Vacation Guide” has just about all the information anyone could need to plan a trip to Branson. “It has information on Branson shows, attractions, lodging, lakes, shopping, weather, dining, churches, hospitals, events and just about anything else to do with Branson.”

As this writer reflected on all the information available about Branson, not only in the Vacation Guide, but on the internet and through word of mouth from the millions of people who have visited Branson over the years; he wondered just how much about Branson people really know. The ten question exercise below provides a fun way for those familiar with Branson to rate their Branson knowledge and to provides access to Branson information for those considering Branson as a vacation destination.

The answers and a link to additional information are provided just below the last question. In terms of being on target with your knowledge of Branson, give yourself 10 points for each correct answer. A score of 90 or above is “Expert,” 60 to 80 “Sharpshooter,” 40 to 60 “Marksman” and below 50 “Beginner.”

1. Where is a “quacker,” not a “cracker.” required equipment?

2. Where in Branson can you see a Grammy Award winning Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee perform “unchained” and “unwired?”

3. Where can you see the “talking dogs?”

4.What Branson show features a stampede and flying cow paddies?”

5 What Branson attraction has over 30 exciting rides, shows, Ozark craftsmen displaying their crafts, festivals and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year?

6. Where in Branson can you witness a circus fairytale?

7. What comedian in a Branson show has been performing their character on Branson stages the longest? For ten points extra credit name the character they portray?

8. What is the name of the Branson show of biblical proportions featuring an ark on a 300 foot surround stage and live animals?

9. What Branson Attraction has two King Charles Spaniels named “Molly” and “Carter” as its mascots?

10. What show is Branson’s longest running international show?

The answers are:

1. Ride the Ducks – on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo .

2. At the “Righteous Brother Bill Medley” show.”

3. Aboard the Showboat Branson Belle as part of the Showstopper Show with nationally acclaimed comedian and ventriloquist Todd Oliver and his talking dogs Lucy, Irving and Elvis.

4. The very funny Jim Stafford Show.

5. Silver Dollar City.

6. Yakov’s Moscow Circus.

7. Gary Presley of Presleys’ Country Jubilee. The character is “Herkimer.”

8. NOAH the Musical

9. Branson’s Titanic Museum.

10. The Acrobats of China

Johnson offered the services of the Branson Tourism Center and their Vacation Planning Specialists to provide further information or tickets on any of the shows or attractions mentioned in this article, any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements. The Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s “hot” attractions provide cool relief from summer heat

Silver Dollar City's new $7 million dollar RiverBlast literally provides a watery blast of relief from the summer heat.

Even in the midst of the summer’s heat, Branson’s “hot” shows, attractions, activities and the excitement and adventure they offer makes it one of the ‘coolest’ vacation and entertainment destinations in America,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Branson’s attractions and activities provide a variety of ‘cool’ fun filled ways to get relief from the heat.”

Silver Dollar City, an international award winning 1880s themed park and Branson’s most popular paid attractions has many ways to cool off. The “American Plunge” is an exciting traditional log flume ride providing a thrilling five story plunge at speeds up to 35 miles an hour into a splashdown that guarantees a refreshing soaking. Other rides that provide a similar soaking would be the “Lost River of the Ozarks” or Silver Dollar City’s newest water ride, the $7 million “RiverBlast” which provides a leisure float into what might be the biggest “water fight” on the planet. Another interesting way to get cool at Silver Dollar City is to take the Marvel Cave Tour.

The Branson area is blessed with three fresh water lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Taneycomo. Many people are aware of the great fishing, boating and other recreational activities available on the 43,100 plus acres of pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. One feature a lot of Branson’s visitors might not be aware of however, is Moonshine Beach located just north of Table Rock Dam on State Highways 165/265 within minutes of the Branson Strip. Moonshine Beach is operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and, in addition to its large sand swimming beach has a play ground, picnic areas, a boat launch ramp, flush toilets and showers. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and there is a daily charge of $4.00 per vehicle.

White Water, southwest Missouri’s largest water park, is located on 12 acres right on the famed Branson Strip. It has two million gallons and of cool liquid excitement, more than 7,000 feet of water slides and a dozen rides to help provide a fun filled way to find relief from the summer’s heat. One of its major rides is “Kalani Towers”, a seven story tall six slide ride. Two of the slides have 300 foot drops enabling speeds of up to 40 mph and four have 312 foot slides located immediately adjacent to each other that permit lane racing at speeds up to 25 mph. Other cooling rides are the Raging River Rapids a two slide ride wrapping around a huge five story high waterfall as riders race to the pool below; the Bermuda Triangle, a fast paced enclosed slide; the Caribbean Plunge and Tropical Twister rapid-water raft rides; Surfquake, a 500,000 gallon wave pool producing 4-foot waves and the Lazy River, a gently moving river for just floating and relaxing.

The majority of Branson’s shows and indoor attractions are air conditioned but iceberg located near the entrance to the Titanic Museum is an indication of some special “cool things.” Does it get much cooler than touching an iceberg? In addition, as guests near the end of their exciting adventure aboard the Titanic, after it has hit the iceberg, they will encounter a chilling experience followed by a real “cool “hands on experience in the interactive area near the lifeboats.

For additional information on these and other really cool Branson shows, attractions, and activities or for lodging arrangements please call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-875-1550 or visit www.BransonTourisimCenter.com.

Branson – home of “Ironman 70.3 Branson” and “Showman 72.4Z Branson?”

The majestic "Showboat Branson Belle."

The “Ironman 70.3 Branson” triathlon will be held in Branson, Missouri on September 19. It will test the physical fitness and endurance of its triathletes as they compete against each other in swimming, bike racing and running events in an effort to win part of the $25,000 prize money and qualify for the “2010 Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida.

Keeping with the Ironman and the triathletes theme and remembering that Branson is often referred to as the “live music show capital of the world,” one could wonder if there would be a place for a “Showman 72.4Z Branson” competition. It would pit some of the world’s best “Showathletes,” those who see multiple Branson shows in a day, against each other in a competition to see who could see the most Branson shows in one day. The winner gets absolutely nothing except one of the most entertaining days they will ever have in their life.

In the spirit of the occasion, Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. said, “Imagine the challenge, so many shows and just one day. If I wanted to see as many Branson Shows as possible in one day, I would start at www.BransonOnTheWeb.com (BOTW) because it has Branson’s best search engine, not only for shows but for attractions and lodging too.”

With just a few mouse clicks Showathletes or anyone else, can quickly generate a list of shows sorted by date and time. The BOTW search for September 18, the day before the “Ironman 70.3 Branson” lists dozens of live shows of every type from which Showathletes could pick. One competitor might start the first leg of the competition with The Twelve Irish Tenors at 10 a.m. followed by NOAH the Musical at 1:00 p.m., the Showboat Branson Belle at 4:00 p.m. and Jim Stafford at 8 p.m. Another might start with Down Home Country at 10 a.m. followed by Yakov Smirnoff at 2:00 p.m., Dixie Stampede at 4:40 p.m. and the Acrobats of China at 8 p.m. The variety of choices of Branson’s live shows are almost endless.

Now this writer will be the first to admit that there will probably never be a “Showman 72.4Z Branson” competition and if there was there would be many winners in terms of the maximum number of shows a competitor can fit into one day. “Even at that though,” said Johnson with a twinkle in her eye, “It’s a win for everyone because each competitor would have had an exciting fun filled day of great Branson live entertainment.”

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. They can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Mission Possible – “Your mission, should you chose to accept it is” to exit Branson efficiently

Branson Tourism Center Map (Click on "Branson Tourism Center Map" link for enlarged map.)

In the old TV series “Mission Impossible” they said “Your mission, should you chose to accept it is…”. In deciding whether or not to accept the mission they had about as much choice as a visitor to Branson does in deciding whether or not they are going to leave Branson when they are ready to return home. The only choice is how the “mission” is performed.

Just as there was a choice as to how the Mission Impossible Team performed their mission visitors to Branson have a choice on how they leave Branson. Making the right choice can save a lot of time and frustration.

In a recent article entitled “Branson’s colored traffic routes ‘shows’ the way,” a spokesperson for the Branson Tourism Center, discusses how to get around Branson efficiently and how to go on line and view or print the Branson Tourism Center Map. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center suggests that a little time studying that map will not only enhance the enjoyment of your Branson experience while in Branson by enabling you to get to Branson’s shows, attractions, lodging, shopping and everything else Branson has to offer.

In terms of leaving Branson,” she said, “Sometimes, depending on how backed up traffic is, traveling a little longer distance can save a lot of time.” For example, she points out how those traveling south might save time by taking State Highway 165 south to its intersection with Highway 65 even though it is farther in distance than going directly down Highway 76. It has been this writers personal experience that even those traveling north can save time using the same route if Highway 76 is really backed up.

Other alternate routes include getting to Branson’s Red Route, basically Shepherd of the Hills Expressway or Gretna Road and heading east until they intersect with State Highway 248. At that juncture a choice has to be made, either go east or west.

Going east will take you to the intersection of Highway 248 and Highway 65. If one turns west on Highway 248 they can proceed west to the intersection of Branson Hills Parkway, turn south (right) and get on Highway 65 at its intersection with Branson Hills Parkway. Going west on 248 can avoid potential bottlenecks at the Highway 248/65 interchange that occur as the four east bound lanes of Highway 248 become two lanes at the Highway 65 bridge.

The new Fall Creek extension to the north of Highway 76 also provides another way to get to Highway 248. Instead of turning east onto Highway 76, get in the “straight ahead lane” and stay on Fall Creek Road north until the next stop light where in intersects with Roark Valley Road. At that point you can turn right and take Roark Valley Road back to Highway 76 where you will re-enter it right where the four lane begins. Another option is to continue through the stop light on James Epps Road to its intersection with Highway 248 at which point you may turn either east or west as described above.

For additional information on the map, how to get around Branson or information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements Johnson suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. She said that BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A whirlwind overview to a bit of great free Branson family fun

The Branson Landing Boardwalk runs along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline.

“We are often asked if there are any ‘free’ things to do in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The answer is ‘Absolutely;’ it is the combination of the excellent value provided by Branson’s shows and attractions and the free activities that make Branson such a fun value family destination.”

“From trout hatcheries to grist mills and the fire and water show at Branson Landing there are many things that families and visitors to Branson can do for free.” Here is one itinerary she suggested that will share Lake Taneycomo, Historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing. It is flexible in terms of time from about two hours to up to eight hours depending on how much time is spent at each activity.

Let’s start out on the shores of Lake Taneycomo adjacent to Scotty’s Trout Dock, at the unofficial duck feeding area that most people coming to Branson don’t even know exits. It’s conveniently located near Branson Landing and the public boat loading ramp on the southeastern corner of the City of Branson’s Camp Ground. Just drive south off of Branson Landing Boulevard on to Box Car Willie Drive toward the city of Branson’s Lakefront Campground and follow the signs to Scotty’s.

Lamar Patton, the owner of Scotty’s says that on any given day there are about 100 to 200 Canada Geese, pigeons, Mallard ducks and other water fowl around, depending on the season. “Many will come right up to you,” Patton points out. Although he sells bags of corn to feed them they will also eat bread, crackers etc. This is a great place to take some great pictures of the kids and grandkids “feeding the ducks.” (Time for Feeding the Ducks: 15 minutes – Elapsed time: 15 minutes)

From feeding the ducks go back to Branson Landing, drive to the north parking lot, Belk’s, and park as close to Belk as you can. Walk directly east toward Lake Taneycomo and you can’t miss the Boardwalk running along Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline. Turn left (north) and you can walk through the a park area to the mouth of Roark Creek or turn right (south) and see a unique view of the Branson Landing as you walk along its lake side.

Along either route you will be able to see various species of ducks, Canada Geese, Grey Herons, Black or Turkey Vultures (buzzards), an occasional Bald Eagle and other birds and water fowl that inhabit Lake Taneycomo. It is also interesting to observe the boat traffic on the Lake including the Branson Landing Princess and Lake Queen. Go 15 minutes in either direction and return to the spot where you parked your vehicle. (Time on Boardwalk- 40 minutes – Elapsed time including travel time from feeding the ducks: 60 minutes.)

The free Discovery Trolley goes between Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson.

Walk past that spot to the boarding area for the the Historic Downtown Branson “Discovery Trolley.” Don’t confuse it with the tram that runs up and down the promenade within the Branson Landing. The Discovery Trolley boards at the edge of the parking lot near Belk’s and is clearly marked. It runs a 15 minute loop through Historic Downtown Branson and back down to Branson Landing and has multiple stops along the way. The convenient 15 minute loop makes, it easy for those shopping down at Branson Landing to take the trolley up to the Historic District to experience its unique shopping and restaurants and vice versa.

The Trolley ride provides an excellent view and perspective of the historic downtown area, the Branson Convention Center and Branson Landing. Along the way you will pass Branson’s first theatre, the Owens Theatre and the spot where the “ Baldknobbers” performed Branson’s first live music show over 51 years ago and the grave of the man the city of Branson is named after Ruben S. Branson. About 15 minutes after boarding, the Trolley will drop you off at the spot where it picked you up. (Time on Trolley including waiting – 25 minutes Total Elapsed time: 85 minutes.)

The reason this article is entitled, “A whirlwind overview to a bit of great free Branson family fun” is because it is just that, an overview of an itinerary based on a minimum time for each activity. The times are very flexible and could very easily be expanded to include a whole day if one decided to spend more time feeding the ducks, walking on the Boardwalk, visiting Branson Landing or exiting the Trolley in historic downtown Branson to visit one of its many shops including the famous “Dicks 5 & 10.”

Those with more time might consider exiting the Trolley when it stops at Bass Pro Shops on the north end of Branson Landing and exploring what Branson Landing has to offer as they work their way south through the Landing back to their parked car. Johnson offers the assistance of Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most trusted vacation planning services, to answer any questions anyone might have about what Branson has to offer including information or tickets on Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

What do the Titanic, art and horses have in common?

The rustic beauty of Rachel Wilson's hedge horse sculptures is unique and captivating.

Towering 100 feet above the famed Branson Strip it’s hard to miss Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction (Titanic) as she seems ready to sail onto the strip. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center points out that since July 1st it has also been hard not to notice what appears to be a herd of horses grazing and frolicking on a grassy knoll almost under the bow of the great ship.

Information received from the Titanic indicates that the “herd” is composed of extraordinary horse sculptures by Missouri artist Rachel Wilson and are all sculpted from hedge-wood sticks found on the farm she owns with her husband Kyle in Availla, Missouri. John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic said, “I think our July visitors, especially the kids, will be surprised and startled by the realism and motion that Rachel has captured in her imaginative, hedge-horse sculptures. Each ‘horse’ has a name and story to tell, from the large plow horse to the smallest of colts.”

In describing how she creates her sculptures Wilson indicates that it involves the whole family. “Hedges or Osage orange trees were planted in rows and used for fences by early-day farmers,” she explains. “We make gathering the fallen hedge branches a family affair. My husband drives the truck and our four kids and I ‘pickup sticks.’ Back in my studio, I wait for the pieces to ‘speak’ to me before I begin to give them the form and personality they dictate.”

As unlikely a scenerio as one could ever encounter, the Titanic and horses appearing to meet on a grassy knoll.

The result is amazing and gives those visiting the Titanic an interesting opportunity to see something that is truly unique and beautiful. It is not just the artistic rustic beauty of each of Wilson’s individual horses but the unique manner in which they are displayed, “running free” on the grassy knoll with the Titanic and the Branson Strip in the background. What a chance for one of the most unusual Kodak Moments of all time!

What do the “horses” have in common with the Titanic? They are both unique and demonstrate the originality and commitment of their creators as they give each Branson visitor an opportunity to make them a special part of their total Branson experience. Passengers on the Titanic will get to share the same experience that over 2.2 million Branson visitors have had as they take a self guided tour through the ship’s 20 galleries displaying more than 400 priceless artifacts, walk the full sized Grand Staircase and participate in many fun interactive activities.

Well perhaps not exactly the “same experience.” The exhibits are constantly being changed so that there is always something new for Titanic visitors to see and experience. In addition, they will not only get to see Wilson’s beautiful sculptures, but see them displayed in an exciting, natural and unique environment.

From an artistic perspective it should be pointed out that there were two sculptors on board for that fateful first and last voyage of the Titanic, “Paul Romaine Chevre and Francis Millet. Chevre, a French sculptor, was on his way to Ottawa, Canada, for the unveiling of one of his statues. Millet, an American painter, sculptor, poet and journalist, was returning home from vacationing in Europe.” One of them survived the disaster the other did not.

For additional information or tickets for Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most trusted 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.

Branson’s Grand Palace re-opening concert by hip hop artist Nelly

Grammy award winning hip-hop Artist Nelly to perform in Branson.*

Branson, Missouri, called the “Live music show capital of the world” is adding yet another genre of music to is exciting repertoire. On July 4 it was announced that the Grammy winning rapper and hip-hop singer “Nelly” will be performing a concert in Branson Missouri on August 21. The outdoor concert will be performed in the Grand Palace’s rear parking lot as part of its re-opening. The rear parking lot is being used because of delays in finishing its extensive on-going renovations. The announcement said that indoor shows would resume in September with the Branson Daily Independent reporting that date as September 11.

During the summer of 2000, Cornell “Nelly” Haynes debut hip-hop album “Country Grammar” was a huge success selling 250,000 copies within its first week of release. Within two years Nelly has won two Grammies for the singles “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” from his six million seller album “Nellyville” and was selling millions of albums and singles.

Paul Dunn who took over the management of the Grand Palace said, “We’re making history…We’re bringing a genre of music Branson has never seen before. This is a prelude of what’s to come.” The announcement contained no additional information relative to who will be doing what at the Grand Palace after the August 21 concert except for the fact that the Grand Palace will resume inside shows during September.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging said, “This is yet another example of the variety of the live entertainment Branson has to offer and the constant change that helps make Branson the exciting destination it is.”

Photo courtesy of www.nelly.net.

Planning a trip to Branson Jeopardy style

Silver Dollar City, Branson's most popular paid attraction, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.

America’s favorite TV quiz show “Jeopardy,” has a unique format. For each round, the game board displays six categories each of which contains five clues. Each of the clues have a dollar value. Contestants win by answering, in question format, with the question that the clue was based on. The ultimate winner of the game is the one with the most money at the end.

Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most trusted vacation planning services said, “If ‘Planning a Trip to Branson Missouri’ was a category on Jeopardy the the five clues below just might be included.”

$200 – Hotels and Lodging
$400 – Branson’s live shows.
$600 – Having fun at Branson Attractions
$800 – Silver Dollar City
$1000 – Presleys’ Country Jubilee

The answers (questions) for each clue are as follows:

$200 – What should be taken care of first in planning a trip to Branson?
$400 – For what form of entertainment is Branson most noted?
$600 – What are most of the kids who come to Branson interested in?
$800 – What is Branson’s oldest and most popular attraction?
$1000 – What is the name of the first show on the now famous “Branson Strip?”

The last round of the game is called “Final Jeopardy” where the contestants can wager from $0 to the total amount they have won up to that point. After placing their wager the clue is revealed and they have 30 seconds to write down their response. The game’s winner is the one who has the most money after “Final Jeopardy.”

In terms of planning a trip to Branson Jeopardy Style, the Final Jeopardy Category might be “Experiencing Branson” and the Clue “Branson Tourism Center”. The Answer (Question) would be “Who provides free personal service in planning a Branson vacations, has sold over 2 million Branson show and attraction tickets, is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau and is dedicated to ensuring that each Branson visitor has a great experience.”

Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Fun Ramps up at White Water with Night Water

A splashdown from the top of the seven story Kalani Towers at night is an entirely different experience.

“On the typical day the two million gallon White Water park closes as at 7 p.m.” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, from July 2 to July 10 guests to the park can have a unique experience as they beat the heat, splash, play and slide away until 10 p.m.”

A recent press release announcing the extended hours said, “Nighttime thrills abound at the region’s largest fun-filled tropical getaway. Guests can raft the challenging Ohana Falls or surf the 500,000 gallon wave pool at dusk, meander down the Lazy River under the stars, and maneuver Raging River Rapids and the Bermuda Triangle in the dark. Even the youngest members of the family can play under the stars at Night Water. RainTree and Splash Islands, along with Little Squirts’ Waterworks, offer fun for the whole family.

“For the adventurous, the region’s largest high-speed water ride is the ultimate after-dark experience. Take in the panoramic view of the lights of B-town before plunging 75 feet on Kalani Towers, a multi-experience thrill ride with two 300-foot drop slides for freefall body sliding at speeds up to 40 mph, and four additional 312-foot slides for lane racing at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.” White Water General Manager Jackie Smith said, “Kalani Towers is the ultimate splashdown thrill, and it’s even better after dark. The entire family can get in on the fun, whether plummeting down the huge drop flumes, or racing down the four-lane slides.”

Johnson points out that there is no additional charge for the extra hours for guests having a one day ticket or a season pass. For additional information or tickets for White Water or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

White Water is a sister attraction of Silver Dollar City, Branson oldest and most popular attraction celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and the Showboat Branson Belle.

Are there things to do in Branson in addition to live music shows?

Silver Dollar City's "Wildfire" blends the natural beauty of the Ozarks with a world class coaster for a unique one of a kind Branson experience.

Branson’s renowned reputation as “live music show capital of the world” has caused some to ask, “Are there things to do in Branson in addition to live music shows?” Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson largest and most trusted providers of Branson travel services answers, “Absolutely, from ziplines to butterflies and just about everything in between, Branson has more unique and fun attractions and activities for its visitors to enjoy than any place on earth.”

Branson’s location in the Ozark Mountains provides a natural and beautiful setting for all that Branson has to offer which, in no small measure, contributes to the uniqueness and excitement of the Branson experience. In a recent interview, Brad Thomas, the General Manager of Branson’s most popular attraction, the 1880s theme park, Silver Dollar City Silver provided an excellent example of the integration of the natural beauty of the Ozarks with the Branson entertainment experience.

Thomas said, “A perfect illustration would be our coaster, ‘Wildfire.’ Alone, it is an exciting, exhilarating world class ride. When the excitement of the ride experience is coupled with the spectacular view of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake from its highest point as it loops upside down it provides a unique one of a kind experience not available anywhere else.”

Its three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo provide a variety of fresh water fun and excitement including swimming, boating, just about any water activity from wave runners to water skiing and world class fishing for both bass and trout. Where else, but in Branson, Missouri, aboard the Branson Landing Princess can a person cruise, eat a wonderful dinner and watch a multi-million dollar fire, water and light show? How about just relaxing on Table Rock Lake’s “Moonshine Beach” for a day of sunbathing and swimming?

The Payne Stewart Tribute Course is but one of Branson's many golfing adventures.

Branson offers a world class golf experience at a number of courses including the newly opened Payne Stewart Golf Course at Branson Hills, Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and Branson Creek. Johnson points out that at a number of courses, lodging can be arranged within walking distance of the club house.

In terms of attractions and other activities, Johnson said, “If it’s fun and exciting it can be found in Branson. Attractions including the Adventure Ziplines of Branson, the Butterfly Palace & Rain Forest Adventure, the international award winning 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City, the two million gallons of wet fun at White Water, the Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Branson Scenic Railway and activities including go karts, museums, bird watching, hiking, fish hatchery tours, to name a few, provide Branson visitors with a constant stream of fun, excitement and adventure.

“Interestingly,” Johnson points out, “Although Branson is known for its music shows, many of its live shows are not music shows.” She points to the Acrobats of China, Yakov’s Moscow Circus, the magic and comedy of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, the spectacular outdoor drama Shepherd of the Hills and comedy shows such as Yakov Smirnoff and Jim Stafford as examples. For further information on all that Branson has to offer please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.