Author Archives: O. C. Gull

The one must do thing in Branson is _____________________?

Glass blowing is just one of the many crafts demonstrated at Silver Dollar City.

People coming to Branson for the first time might wonder, “If I do nothing else, what is the one thing I must see or do while I am in Branson?” When the question was recently posed to Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center she said, “With so much to see and do in Branson live shows of every kind, attractions, museums, shopping, water fun and recreation on its thousands of acres of lakes and the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains that’s an easy question to answer, have fun!” she continued with a twinkle in her eye.

Johnson explained that she knows that when most people ask that question they are looking for a specific thing to see or do, but that the answer for each individual or family is different. There are many who would say that the “one must do thing in Branson” is to spend a day at its most popular and biggest attraction, the 1880’s theme park, Silver Dollar City. Even within this group there are those who time their Branson visit to coincide with one of its six annual major world class festivals World-Fest, Bluegrass & BBQ, Kids Fest, Southern Gospel Picnic, National Harvest Festival and Old Time Christmas.

Others believe that the “one must do thing in Branson is” to see one of its live shows; after all Branson is referred to as the “Live music show capital of the world.” There are those who have been coming to Branson for decades who would not think that a trip to Branson was complete unless they saw the Baldknobbers Jamboree, the show that started it all or Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Branson’s first show on the “strip.” Others would say, their “one must do thing in Branson is” to see their favorite show which could come from a list as diverse as the Grand Jubilee, Comedy Jamboree, Amazing Pets, Duttons, Haygoods, Yakov, Clay Cooper, NOAH the Musical, Hamner Barber, Bill Medley, Paul Revere and the Raiders or George Dyer, Pierce Arrow, Liver Pool Legends, the Oakridge Boys or one of Branson’s many other shows.

Now everyone is going to eat, but there are groups, families and individuals who come to Branson and to whom the trip would not be complete without sharing a meal together, at least one time, at a particular restaurant. Some would say the “one must do thing in Branson is” to visit historic downtown Branson and Dick’s 5 & 10, Branson’s most unique shopping experience.

Still others might say that the “one must do thing in Branson is” trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo or bass fishing on Table Rock Lake. To others it could be boating, water skiing swimming or perhaps a dinner cruise on the fabulous Showboat Branson Belle. Some families do not consider their trip to Branson complete without splashing into Table Rock Lake on Ride the Ducks or making a trip down to Branson Landing.

“Just remember the ‘one must do thing in Branson,’ have fun and when you return, as the majority of the people who visit Branson do, you’ll have your own ‘one must do thing in Branson,'”Johnson said. “The neat thing about Branson is that with all there is to do the ‘one must do thing in Branson’ will change from visit to visit or grow into the ‘two or more must do things in Branson,'” she continued. Johnson suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for information on any of the attractions or shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions 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.

Believe It or Not – an “odd” unusual Branson entertainment experience

Even in the snow, the distinctive earthquake look of Ripley's makes it one of the most identifiable buildings in the world.

“Some people call Ripley’s Believe It or Not an “odditorium” and others a museum,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One thing just about everyone agrees on however, is that, from its distinctive look to its unique selection of exhibits and activities it provides Branson visitors with a very different Branson attraction to have fun in while experiencing the unusual.”

The distinctive broken and cracked exterior the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum (Ripley’s), said to be one of the most photographed buildings in the world, reminds people of an oddity even before they enter the museum, a major earthquake in Missouri. The New Madrid, Missouri earthquake of 1812 measured more than 8.0 on the Richter Scale and hit with such force that it caused church bells to ring in Philadelphia and the Mississippi River to run backwards.

John Dixon Operations Manager of Ripley’s said, “We have a collection of the odd and interesting things that Robert Ripley collected throughout his life and a lot of other cool fun filled stuff such as the slanted room, vortex, optical illusions, unique collections and interactive activities.” He pointed out that the museum has over 400 exhibits, takes about an hour and a half to go through, opens at 9:30 a.m. 365 days a year and truly does have something for everyone.

Dixon said that his three personal favorite exhibits are the shrunken head because it’s “odd, creepy, cool and there’s not a lot of them around;” a large ship model carved out of pure jade, and a large Chinese camel bone carving “because of its intricacy and detail are so phenomenal.” His favorite interactive activity is also the museums newest, “The Spinning Vortex.” His description of it makes it seem benign enough, “You walk through on a ramp surrounded by spinning colored lights and loud music that gives the illusion that the ramp is moving. It will make you dizzy.” That is no understatement, this writer only took two steps into the Vortex before getting dizzy, retreating out and taking the “By Pass. Although he did not walk through it the Vortex seemed exciting and will appeal to the more agile and less balanced challenged visitors.

A 1982 Cadillac Limousine stretching over 30 feet with a Jacuzzi is just one of the over 400 unique exhibits and activities available in Ripley's

Some of this writers personal favorites were the 1982 Cadillac Limousine stretching over 30 feet in length that has just about everything in it including a Jacuzzi tub, the two-headed calf and the vanishing woman. As you walk by a window you see her in the next room, but by the time you get to the window of the next room she is gone. Just how does that happen?

The shrunken head from the Jivaro Indians of Ecuador, fierce warriors who claimed the heads of their enemies as symbols of war and put them through an intensive process to reduce them to the size on display for war trophies is certainly unique. Dixon was right; it was odd and kind of creepy, but cool at the same time especially because of another oddity associated with the display, probably the only video in the world showing and explaining how the Jivaro actually shrunk the heads.

There is a large model of the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Forrestal created by Patrick Acton of Gladbrook, Iowa that took over 600 hours to complete and “believe it or not” was constructed from over 40,000 common household matches and toothpicks. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine, made out of plastic twine, measures almost 42 feet in circumference, weighs in excess of six tons and is something you will see nowhere else. It was strung together byTexas millionaire J.C. Payne in 1992 as a project to wrest the record from Cawker City, KS and Darwin, MN. Although he achieved that record the other two cities dispute it because their twine balls are made out of the traditional sisal twine and not plastic.

On his tour through Ripley’s this writer experienced one exciting and interesting exhibit or activity after another from a unique collection of Wishbones and old Fire Extinguishers to a two headed calf, the tilted room, the mystery of the vanishing woman and so many more. Dixon was absolutely right when he said Ripley’s “truly does have something for everyone.” It is hard to imagine anyone going through the museum and not finding a number of items that will make the experience exciting and worthwhile. What an exciting attraction for families to experience together!

For additional information or tickets for the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum 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.

Branson listed as one of The Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011

The spectaular and unique view from "Wildfire." Silver Dollar city's world class coaster.

“A recent article entitled ‘Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011,’ by Laura Martone, published on the Moon Travel Guide website, is yet another affirmation of the great value Branson, Missouri offers its visitors,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The article listed Branson as one of the Best Places in the U.S. to travel to in 2011 under the category of ‘Top Bargain Destination,'” she continued.

Martone, is the author of a number of “Moon Travel Guides,” a seasoned traveler and a regular contributor to the Moon Travel Guide Website through her regularly published blog the “American Nomad.” The article, Martone’s American Nomad entry for January 3, was more than a simple list of the names of Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011. It was divided into different categories with one destination named for each category. Branson was listed as the “Top Bargain Destination.”

In describing why Branson was the “Top Bargain Destination” Martone said, “For those hoping to keep their vacation costs low, a trip to Branson Missouri, the self-proclaimed ‘live entertainment capital of the world,’ might be the perfect option. Catering to children as well as senior citizens, Branson boasts cheaper hotel rates and show ticket prices than most of the country’s other entertainment hot spots, including Las Vegas. Besides live music, visitors will find several affordable campgrounds, golf courses, and theme parks, plus a variety of museums, wineries, and outdoor diversions, from biking trails to canoe rentals.”

Johnson points out that in February of 2009, the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) published a press release entitled “What U.S. Destinations Are Most Budget Friendly for Travelers” naming Branson as one of its “Most Budget Friendly” destinations. “In these challenging economic times, being a ‘bargain’ and ‘budget friendly’ are certainly things those planning a vacation or a trip should take under consideration. However, the really good news about Branson is its total value. It’s ‘bargain’ and ‘budget friendly,’ but from its largest and most popular attraction, the 1880;s themed Silver Dollar City, to dozens of other attractions, over 100 live shows of every type, spectacular shopping, natural beauty, pristine lakes, natural Ozark beauty and a bewildering choice of exciting and fun activities for everyone, Branson offers a unique world class vacation and entertainment experience that is unmatched anywhere at any price.”

For additional information or help in planning a trip to Branson, its live shows, attractions or 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.

Coldest day of the year is but another day of fun in Branson

Titanic seems to be sailing right into the Branson Strip

“Branson’s combination of live shows, attractions, shopping, lakes, spirit, character and the natural beauty of the Ozarks makes it one of the most unique travel destinations in the world,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She points out that even though it is located in the middle of the country and its winters are mild compared to many other areas, like most other travel destinations on any given day, weather can impact on the choices of entertainment and activities in which its visitors may choose to participate.

“Today, January 12, 2011, is a good example; the bad news is that your family wakes up in and it’s 15 degrees outside with a Wind Chill Factor that’s even lower,” she said. “The good news however, is that you are in Branson, Missouri, where everything is located relatively close together with parking that, in most cases, is within a few footsteps of attraction and activities with temperature controlled environments that will provide more than enough fun for most families,” she continued.”

A winter trip to Branson has many advantages Johnson points out. Winter visitors experience less traffic and people while having access the majority Branson’s attractions, shopping and other activities. Although its major attraction, Silver Dollar City is closed for the season, as are many of its live shows, she points out that the vast majority of Branson’s attractions, Historic downtown and other specialty shops, all of its major shopping malls, including Branson Landing, its most popular restaurants, museums and other activities remain open for business and fun all year long.

Using today as an example, let’s walk through just one scenerio of a day of family fun in Branson with mom, dad and two children between the ages of 8 and 11. Let’s start with breakfast at the Grand Buffet in the Grand Country Inn complex right in the middle of the Branson strip where there it is just about certain that every member of the family will find something they can enjoy. As soon as they finish breakfast, and without going back outside, there is an amazing 18 hole indoor miniature golf course that the whole family can enjoy playing within the same building.

Another choice, on the east side of the Grand Country parking lot, only a few steps away, is the fun and excitement of the “Grand Country Fun Spot,” featuring indoor activities such as “White River Black Light Mini-Golf Course in 3D, Mini-Bowling, and a state of the art video arcade game facility. With everything from space exploring and motocross racing the Fun Spot can provide hours of fun for the entire family.

After lunch how about a voyage aboard the Titanic, the world’s largest museum attraction? Built to approximately one half the size of the original with its bow towering 100 feet above the Branson Strip, it almost seems like it is ready to steam right across the highway.

What an exciting and fun filled adventure the family will have as they become passengers and receive their boarding passes and board the ship for their “voyage.” Along the way they will meet and interface with the crew and passengers, view over 400 personal artifacts, participate in interactive displays and activities and actually walk down a full sized exact replica of its spectacular “Grand Staircase” as they relive and experience the last fateful hours of the unsinkable ship.

After your “voyage,” let’s take a ride to Historic downtown Branson and visit one of the most unique attractions anywhere, Dick’s 5& 10. This old time “‘5 & 10” has it all, about 175,000 items ranging from basics, toys, novelties, gifts, souvenirs to just about anything most people would expect and will provide an exciting shopping adventure for the entire family. In talking about the variety that Dicks offers, Steve Hartley, one of the co-owners, said, “In candy alone we have one of, if not the largest, selections of candy in Branson. We specialize in Old Time and hard to find candies such as ‘Rocky Road,’ ‘Big Hunk Candy Bars,’ and ‘Abba-Zaba;’ novelty candies such as ‘Wax Lips’ and ‘Nickle Nips’ and a full selection of regular candy.” After visiting Dick’s the chances are that every member of your family will agree with Hartley when he said, “Dick’s 5 & 10, You’ll never find another store like it.”

After visiting Dick’s why not eat dinner at one of the conveniently located downtown Branson Cafes. Clocker’s is just across the street and two doors down on Commercial Street and the Branson Café and Farm House are located just a few doors west on Main Street.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that this is just one example of the fun and excitement that await Branson visitors even on one of the coldest days of the year. For help in planning a Branson vacation or for advice on all that Branson has to offer she suggests contacting 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.

5th Annual Titanic Ice carving competition features “Titans of Ice”

Beautiful ice sculpture with Jaynee, the Titanics First Class Maid.

“The ‘Titanic – Worlds Largest Museum Attraction,’ in Branson, Missouri, is an exciting attraction on its own every day, but throughout the year they have a number of exciting and unique special family events for Branson visitors to see and experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of their most anticipated events each year is its free annual Ice Carving Competition which will be held by the bow of the Titanic from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2011.”

This 5th annual event will feature National Ice Carving Association’s (NICA) “Titans of Ice” competing against each other for cash prizes in two divisions, Professional and Amateur. At each level the competitors must create their sculptures from 250 pound blocks of ice within a prescribed period of time. The Amateur Division has three hours to carve one block and the Professional Division has four hours to carve two blocks. The sculptures will be judged by an official NICA judging panel with the results and prizes being awarded at 3 p.m.

NICA, is an association with the stated objective of “promoting ice sculpture through education, competitions, standardized judging, and exhibitions” and is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. In addition to competing for thousands of dollars in cash prizes, the carvers will also be competing for professional recognition within NICA and seeking points under NICA’s certification program

Five years ago, prior to the holding of the very first Ice Carving Competition, Mary Kellogg, co-owner of the Titanic, said it was the first of many special family events coming to the museum designed to give their visitors something new and exciting to see every time they visited. The fact that the Titanic is hosting its 5th Annual Ice Carving Competition as part of their continuing series of unique special family events, including everything from straw horse art to wood carving and reindeer, as well as a continuous stream of exciting new exhibits and features within the museum itself, illustrates the Titanic’s commitment to making each “passenger” visit a fresh entertaining and educational experience.

Johnson points out that the ice carving competition draws thousands of visitor and suggests an early arrival for the best views of competition as these artists turn blocks of ice into fabulous sculptures. For additional information or tickets for the Titanic 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.

Exciting lineup of guest stars ushers in Branson’s New Year at Legends in Concert

The Blues Brothers are just one of the exciting acts of the Legends in Concert show.

“The normal variety in the Legends in Concert show in Branson parallels the breadth that Branson offers in its live shows,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, its New Year’s Eve show is really special with a lineup that is about as varied and entertaining as it can get.”

The spectacular New Years Eve show will feature some of the world’s greatest live tribute artists as they recreate the performances of some of the biggest names in the history of entertainment. See these incredible look and sound alike artists capture the mannerisms of The Temptations, Patsy Cline, George Strait, Michael Jackson, The Blues Brothers and Elvis using their own voices as they “portray them with amazing accuracy, emotion and attention to detail.”

“What better way to usher in the New Year than by celebrating with the Legends in Concert show at the iconic Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater,” Johnson said. She continues saying, “And this is just one of the many New Years Eve Shows that will be available for Branson guests.”

For additional information or tickets for the Legends in Concert show 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.

Branson “shows” the way into 2011

The Rightous Brother's Bill Medley is one of many shows that will be entertaining Branson guests on New Year's Eve.

“Branson, Missouri ends its 2010 season with a variety of live shows that provide an exciting entertaining way to ring out the old year and welcome in the New Year,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “From morning to midnight on December 31st there will be a choice of shows offering something for everyone,” she continued.

“From Acrobats or a biblical spectacular on a 300 foot surround stage to a magical experience involving great illusions, comedy and ventriloquism or a meal on a showboat while being entertained by show stopping music and talking dogs, the variety of live shows that Branson will be offering is simply amazing,” Johnson said. The Official Show Schedule of Branson.Com, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, indicates the following shows are still available on December 31 for your New Year’s Eve entertainment:

10:00 am

Amazing Pets

2:00 pm

Comedy Jamboree

Hank Williams Revisited

3:00 pm

A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country

Legends in Concert

3:30 pm

Absolutely Patsy

Miracle of Christmas

4:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

5:00 pm

Circle B Supper Show

5:30 pm

Christmas on the Trail

8:00 pm

Showboat Branson Belle

Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

9:00 pm

Acrobats of China

Grand Jubilee

Hamner Barber Variety Show

Righteous Brothers Bill Medley

Showboat Branson Belle

9:30 pm

Yakov’s Moscow Circus

Johnson points out that many of the shows starting 8:00 pm or later will also be having a celebration to bring in the New Year. She reminds Branson visitors that typically the demand for Branson’s New Years shows is great and that some of Branson’s lodging establishments are already closed for the season.

To ensure availability of shows and lodging she suggests making advance reservations and offers the assistance of the company she works with, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to answer questions and assist with reservations for shows and lodging. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson says “Happy New Year” like nowhere else

Welcome in the New Year with the excitment and color of the Acrobats of China

“Branson has more unique ways to celebrate the New Year than anywhere else in the country,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Whether your idea of celebrating New Year’s Eve is excitement, fun, and entertainment or simply an intimate quite celebration for two, Branson, Missouri is the place to be on New Year’s Eve,” she continued.

She goes on to point out that no matter what time of the day or evening you chose to do it, Branson has an exciting way for you and your family to bid adieu to 2010 and welcome in the New Year. Whether it’s magic, acrobats, dinosaurs, museums, Elvis, galloping horses, fireworks, shopping, attending one of Branson’s fabulous shows or something as simple as a walk on the Branson Landing Boardwalk along the beautiful Lake Taneycomo Lakefront, Branson has New Year’s fun for just about everyone and every budget. Click here for an extensive list of New Years activities, shows, and events.

One of Branson’s major dinner show attractions, Dixie Stampede will be offering its exciting family action show at 5:30 and 8 p.m. on December 31 including a show filled with horses, activity and audience involvement as well as a scrumptious four course meal. It’s something the whole family will enjoy. In addition two of Branson’s other dinner shows The Circle B Supper Club and Christmas on the Trail will be offering early dinner shows also. The timing of these shows is ideal for families with young children, those wanting to celebrate the New Year early or those wanting to see one of Branson’s other New Year’s Eve Shows.

One of Branson's hottest shows, the Haygoods, will be leaving to do an extensive series of show in China right after their New Years Eve show.

As one would expect in Branson, Missouri, “The live music show capital of the world,” Branson shows will provide New Years Eve entertainment, representing the full variety and range of entertainment that Branson has to offer. These include the spectacular Miracle of Christmas; the grace, beauty and the incredible skill and coordination of the Acrobats of China; Yakov’s Moscow Circus; the comedic genius of Jim Stafford,the magic and humor of the Hamner Barber Variety Show as they present their first ever New Year’s Eve Fiesta; the fantastic recreations of Patsy Cline, the Blues Brothers, Michael Jackson, George Strait, The Temptations and Elvis Presley at the Legends in Concert show; the music and comedy of the Grand Jubilee and Pierce Arrow; the musical variety of the Magnificent Variety and the excitment and action of the Haygoods along with the Righteous Brother Bill Medley, The Cats Pajamas and the Top Ten Rock and Roll Revue. Click here for a complete list and more details.

If you want to celebrate bringing in the New Year on a cruise, how about a cruise on the Branson Landing Princess or Lake Queen which sail from Branson Landing and will provide a fabulous view of the Branson Landing and the Branson Landing Fire and Light Show from Lake Taneycomo. Both cruises include music, dancing and a celebration bringing in the New Year. The Branson Landing Princess cruise includes a full dinner while the Branson Landing Lake Queen includes Hors’ d oeuvres and a dessert bar. Both will have a cash bar.

The Chateau on the Lake’s New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes a complete dinner, reception, dancing and New Years Eve party event. The Chateau’s fireworks, welcoming the New Year, is a spectacular display viewed in the reflection of Table Rock Lake. It is visible from many locations around Table Rock Dam, including the lake, the scenic overlook on State Highway 165, and other spots along State Highways 265 and 165.

In addition, most of Branson’s exciting attractions will be open on December 31 and January 1 as well as its two major drive through Christmas lighting displays, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights. Factor in great shopping and dining and New Year’s Eve in Branson is a great way to welcome in the New Year and start 2011 off in a special way.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson advised that weather and other factors could cause schedule changes. For additional information on 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Celebrate Christmas in Branson with your family in Grand style, excitement and fun

One of Grand Countrys spacious rooms.

“Do you want to do celebrate Christmas with your family in a wonderful, exciting and unique way,” asks Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “How about spending part of your Christmas at the Grand Country Resort and Indoor Water Park in Branson. Missouri, she asked.”

Grand Country is located in the heart of Branson on the world famous “Branson Strip.” It offers an exciting variety of shows; dining experiences; shopping; games; miniature golf; an indoor pool and water park; and the “Fun Spot,” one of the most complete video and arcade game facilities in Branson does it all at one location.

Their rooms are clean, spacious, relaxing and offer a variety of accommodations to meet the needs of every family. Johnson said, “The staff of the Grand Country is noted for their friendliness and attention to their guests needs.”

Splash Country is 20,000 square feet of indoor water fun and excitment.

Colocated within the Grand Country complex is “Splash Country Indoors,” Missouri’s first-indoor water park. It’s open 365 days offering the guests of the Grand Country 20,000 square feet of squirting, falling and tumbling watery fun no matter what the weather is outside.

Also located within the Grand Country complex is the “Grand Country Music Hall” offering a variety of exciting shows. Amaze your family by taking them to see the Amazing Pets. This show will delight children and the young of heart as an amazing troupe cats and dogs, many who have been rescued from dog pounds and humane societies across the country, along with many other magical surprises puts a smile on your face as you see your family’s faces light up with excitement.

The Grand Country Music Hall is also the home to the fabulous “Grand Jubilee.” This musical and comedy variety show features the music of the “New South,” the comedy of Jamie Haage as “Jim Dandy” and emcee extraordinaire Mike Patrick. Another great show at Grand Country is the very funny and entertaining Comedy Jamboree starring Grand Country’s favorite son, Splinter Middleton and veteran Branson funny man, Jae McFerron.

The Fun Spot adds yet more fun and excitment to the things to do at Grand Country.

“The excitement and fun doesn’t stop there,” said Johnson. “There’s indoor miniature golf and the ‘Grand Country Fun Spot’ featuring 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 Fun Spot is also a state of the art video arcade game facility and has the most popular video and fun arcade games for every style. From motocross racing to space exploring, the it has all the latest arcade attractions available and is bursting with great prizes in its ticket redemption center with gifts for all.”

It also has a “Comfyland” with a variety of places where toddlers can have fun while satisfying their curiosity through stimulation and challenges. The “Senses Corner” exposes them to the unique experiences of their senses; seeing, hearing, touching, and smelling; the “Music Corner” to enjoy listening to music while exploring and producing sounds and the “Cognitive Corner” allows them to have fun and play as they develop varied cognitive skills.

“Couple that with the dining experiences offered at the ‘Grand Buffet,’ ‘Pappa Grand’s Pizza’ and ‘Glenn’s Frozen Custard,’ and there’s not another resort in Branson that offers the variety of entertainment and exciting things to do that Grand Country does,” said Johnson. For additional information on the Grand Country and all it has to offer 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The fun and excitement of Ozark Mountain Christmas continues through December 31

Titanic's First Class Maid Jaynee with one of Santa's Reindeer.

“Ozark Mountain Christmas, Branson’s unique celebration of the true spirit of Christmas will run through December 31,” said Mark Bryson, the Director of Operations for the Branson on the Web, a subsidiary of the Branson Tourism Center. “Although many of Branson’s shows will be concluding their 2010 Season within the next couple of weeks there are always live shows to see in the ‘Live Music Show Capital of the World’ and the fun and excitement that Branson is known for gives its visitors the opportunity for a special Christmas memory they will never forget,” he continued.

“From Christmas productions like Sight and Sound’s Miracle of Christmas, A Dicken’s Christmas Carol at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, and Christmas on the Trail to a variety of other Branson shows, there is a show for every taste,” said Bryson. He also points out that the search engine on Branson on the Web has a convenient sort feature that makes it extremely easy to, among other things, see what shows are available on any given day and time. Using that feature the search result shows that the following shows will be available, as scheduled, throughout the remainder of Ozark Mountain Christmas season including the week after Christmas:

Acrobats of China
Hamner Barber Variety Show
Jim Stafford
Pierce Arrow
Showboat Branson Belle
Yakov’s Moscow Circus
Amazing Pets
Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express
Comedy Jamboree
Grand Jubilee
Haygoods
Legends in Concert
Magnificent Variety
The Texas Tenors
Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience
Absolutely Patsy
Breakfast with Mark Twain
Dixie Stampede
Elvis and the Superstars
Kirby VanBurch
Legends in Concert
Ozark Murder Mysteries
Red, Hot & Blue
The Cat’s Pajamas
The Texas Tenors
Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

“Some of Branson’s major attractions are all celebrating Ozark Mountain Christmas with special activities,” Bryson said. He points out that one of the nation’s premier Christmas celebrations, An Old Time Christmas is at Silver Dollar City until December 31 and the Titanic Museum is not only decked out for Christmas, but will be featuring Santa and his live reindeer on December 10 and 11. The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure features its unique and beautiful “White Flight,” with thousands of White Butterflies fluttering like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparkling with thousands of twinkling lights to the accompaniment of fantastic holiday music through January 15, 2011. In addition, the vast majority of Branson’s other Attractions will also be open for the remainder of Ozark Mountain Christmas season including:

Adventure Ziplines of Branson
Amazing Waltzing Waters
Branson Auto Museum
Branson Landing Cruises Lake Queen
Branson Landing Cruises Lake Princess
Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
Diana The People’s Princess
Dinosaur Museum
Haunted House
Hollywood Wax Museum
Inspiration Tower
Ripley’s Believe It or Not
Veterans Memorial Museum
Vigilante Zipline
World’s Largest Toy Museum

Bryson said that the two major drive through lighting displays for Ozark Mountain Christmas will also be open through December 31. The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a two and a half mile journey through millions of Christmas lights, hundreds of gorgeous displays, holiday music, and animated scenes most of which have been integrated into the natural terrain of the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. It provides one of the most unique and memorable drive-through lighting experiences most people will ever experience. In addition, it includes a “trip to Inspiration Tower where guests can ride glass elevators up 230 feet for a Santa’s eye view of the lights from above.”The Branson Area Festival of Lights” is a one mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated, and is conveniently located a few blocks off the Branson Strip.

Bryson suggests that those planning a visit to Branson take advantage of the search capability of Branson on the Web or, use the free personal concierge type service provided by one of Branson Tourism Center’s knowledgeable local Vacation Planning Specialists by contacting 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.