Category Archives: Branson Lodging

A reason why Branson is a special place that should not be taken for granted

One of the spectacular sets in Sight and Sound's spectacular "Joseph."

BRANSON, Mo., September 22, 2012 – “Working with people like Vicki and James Green adds special meaning to what we do,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Making a trip to Branson so special for our customers that they will want to say, ‘Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time,’ is our passion,” she added.

After the Greens first trip to Branson in 13 years, Vicki Green sent an email to Branson Tourism Center about their Branson trip and how much it meant to them. As BTC responded, by phone and email, with Vicki, it became apparent that her heartwarming story of courage and hope and its relationship to her trip to Branson should remind all of us what a special place Branson is and why we should not take either it or tomorrow for granted.

In her initial email she said, “Thank you all so much for making our vacation come true… Our vacation was just wonderful. The best time that I have had in years. I did not want to come home.

“Dixie Stampede was awesome – the best show in Branson. I had never rode a train, so riding the ‘[Branson] Scenic Railroad’ train was so relaxing and the scenery was so beautiful. The show Joseph was great and we had the best seats in the house — 3 rows from the Tip Top, but we could see everything so well.  The ‘Waltzing Waters’ were so beautiful… The [Hollywood] Wax Museum was great… We went to the ‘Old Fashion Photos’ and dressed up as a Western Bride and Groom. That was so much fun.

“‘Baldknobbers’ and ‘Plantation’ are great places to eat. I got to go into the shops on the strip. My husband and I walked down the strip holding hands like a newlywed couple – after 36 years of marriage. I guess it was a second honeymoon for us…I can’t wait to come there again. There is still plenty to do.

“It had been 13 years since we had been there. Don’t want to wait that long again. Thanks to everyone. It was a perfect trip – it couldn’t have been better. The hotel [Dutton Inn] was wonderful…”

After receiving the original email, Lesley Davis, a Manager with BTC called to thank her for taking the time to share her Branson experience and for the kind things she had to say about the service she received from BTC. During that conversation Lesley discovered something else about why that trip was so special to the Greens, but let’s let the words of Vicki herself, from a second email she sent after the phone call, share that with us.

“Thank you so much for your call to me today. I felt so honored that you had taken from your time to just talk to one person out of thousands that probably come through there. I didn’t really expect to get a reply to that e-mail. I assumed someone would read it, then delete it and it’d be trash….

“I think Branson was very special to us because it had been a long time since we’d had a vacation. I was diagnosed with cancer in October 2007. A lot of surgeries and chemotherapy kept me down. I was barely able to get in a car, much less take a trip. Maybe a lot of people take Branson for granted. They go and know that in a few months they will go again, so it’s not as special.

“It was so good to be there and enjoy so many things and feel good to do them. I had prayed hard for God to bless me and he did a miracle with me. The problems that I was having I didn’t have while I was there. God has been so good to me. I am cancer free. I just had my 6 month check up. My Oncologist is going to do a Bone Scan. A little concern about bone pain I am having… God is able to take care of it…

“Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time.”

We at the Branson Tourism center would simply say, “Thank you Vicki, not only for coming to Branson and giving us the honor of working with you to plan the trip, but for sharing your personal experience with us.” It is a reminder for those of us privileged to live and work in Branson not to take what surrounds us every day for granted and of the need to make sure that every trip to Branson for every customer is “special” enough so that they would want to echo your words, “Branson was the greatest experience that I’ve had in a long time.”

Virtually “new” Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel reopens

Entrance of Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel on September 19, 2012.

BRANSON, Mo., September 19, 2012 — The tornado that hit the iconic 12 story Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel in the early morning hours of Feb. 29 took only seconds to do its devastating work. It has taken six and a half months of hard work, effort and planning and millions of dollars, but it is now reopened and welcoming guests to a virtually ‘new’ facility. “We’re pleased that we are able to open the first eight floors of the hotel a couple of weeks early and will have the entire hotel open by the end of the month,” said Bill Derbins, General Manager of the hotel.

Derbins estimates that the total damage to the hotel from the EF2 tornado was approximately $20 million dollars. In addition to other damage, shards of glass, driven by the twister’s winds, permeated every foot of carpeting, beds, furniture, furnishings, drapes and just about everything else they came in contact with requiring replacement. Along with other repairs, the hotel’s roof had to be replaced as well as 3,400 windows.

Derbins points out that not only were repairs made, but, as they were made, many improvements were added such as high energy efficient window replacements for each of the 3,400 windows blown out in the storm and new thermostats in each room that sense when the room is no longer occupied and returns it to a pre-set level to save energy. He is particularly pleased with the guest rooms in the hotel. He said that 220 of them are completely new and that all of them, as would be expected in a Hilton property, are extremely comfortable and beautifully decorated.

He said that the hotel’s restaurant, the “Level 2 Steak House,” noted for its fine dining, has reopened in its former location. It had been temporarily relocated to the Hilton Promenade Hotel at Branson Landing while the hotel was closed for repairs.

Derbins said, “It’s great to see our award winning staff back at work and serving our guests.” He says that in Group Nights alone, the hotel has 4,500 room nights booked in October and that doesn’t include “transient,” walk-in,guests. He summed it up by saying, “We’re glad to be back, doing what we do best, serving our guests and giving them the best lodging experience possible.”

“The ‘AAA Four Diamond Ranking’ of the Branson Hilton Convention Center Hotel, achieved by only ‘4.8 percent of the 31,000 lodgings approved by AAA,’ and which only one other Branson hotel has, indicates the quality and level of service guests can expect at the hotel,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We congratulate the staff and all those involved for their efforts in getting the hotel reopened as quickly as they did and are delighted that they are again open providing Branson visitors with the premium lodging experience “Hilton” is famous for.”

Treehouse Condominiums provides spectacular vacation “view”

Even on a cloudy cold early Spring Day the view of Table Rock Lake is spectacular.

BRANSON, Mo., May 2, 2012 — “Along with Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake is one of Branson’s biggest attractions,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “In terms of lodging, the Treehouse Condominiums offers not only virtually traffic free access to both, but one of the most spectacular  views of Table Rock Lake and our scenic Ozark Hills.

Tamy Bond, Director of Internet Marketing for Treehouse Condominiums amplifies saying, “We are known for our incredible view of Table Rock Lake from every single unit.” Bond continues, “In addition, we are just one mile and couple of traffic free minutes from Silver Dollar City on Indian Point Road. This easy access permits our guests the convenience of visiting Silver Dollar City while being able to come back to the condo, relax, take a nap or enjoy the lake and go back later in the day. All the live shows, attractions, dining, shopping and excitement and adventure of Branson is, but a short distance, about a ten minute drive away.

In addition to the spectacular view and convenient access to Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City and all that Branson offers, Bond stresses that whether it’s a family vacation, reunion, corporate gathering or other event, that the spacious and elegantly appointed 1 – 3 bedroom condominiums of Treehouse provides a  “quiet family getaway place right on the lake that is your home away from home. All you need to do is bring the food; we supply everything else from pots and pans to dishes, blow dryers, linens towels and almost anything else you will need.” Amenities include an Indoor Fitness Center with state of the art gym equipment, an indoor exercise pool, outdoor pool with Gazebo, a walking trail to the lake, two docks, a swimming area at the lake, micro waves, flat panel TVs, DVD-VCR, and much more.

Kitchen area.

Tim Chancellor, a Sales Agent for  Caldwell Banker said, “All the units at Treehouse Condominiums are individually owned. Those available to nightly rental are managed by Treehouse Condominiums.” He was extremely excited about the completion of Treehouse’s new Building 14 at the top of the property which offers eco-friendly high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling systems, high-quality, energy-efficient appliances, windows, and doors, is sound and fire-proof with roomy parking garages located in the lower levels. It also contains the exercise room and indoor exercise pool, which is open to all Treehouse guests. Although there is an unobstructed view of Table Lake from every condominium at Treehouse, the view from the new building is extraordinary.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson said, “The Treehouse Condominiums offer a wide variety of unit sizes and styles to meet every need. It is an excellent lodging choice in terms of its combination of value, quality of its units, amenities, view of Table Rock Lake from every unit and easy access to Silver Dollar City.” For more information on the Treehouse Condominiums Branson’s shows and attractions 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.

AAA Midwest Traveler shares 10 surprising things about Branson you didn’t know

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle is just one of the many fun things for families to share in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. An article entitled, “10 Things You Didn’t Know About Branson, Mo,”* written by Marge Peterson, is featured in the March-April edition of AAA’s “Midwest Traveler Magazine.” It said that Branson is one of the “Midwest’s most popular vacation spots” and that a “multitude of stories have been written about Branson over the years about the music, theatres, stars, water recreation and the natural beauty of the area.”

After inquiring as to the depth of the reader’s knowledge about Branson, in a rhetorical sense, the article offers “10 Branson tidbits that may surprise you.” From the “King of Branson,” to “Mullets and Music,” and the “City’s Deepest Darkest Secret,” this interesting article about the city some call the “Live music show capital of the world,” shares 10 “tidbits” about Branson “that may surprise you. “One thing for sure though,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “surprising or not, they illustrate the variety and depth of the fun, excitement and adventure that Branson offers.”

From a date perspective, two things are mentioned; the fact that the city of Branson, incorporated on April 1, 1912, is celebrating its Centennial and that the Titanic Museum Attraction is remembering the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Johnson points out that there will be special events in connection with each. For example, on April 14 a special VIP event, “A Night To Remember,” will be held as the Titanic Museum Attraction remembers the tragic sinking with a day full of tributes, choral groups, the lighting of the Titanic Eternal Flame and the launching of distress fire rockets as the “once-in-a-lifetime event, not to return for 100 years,” concludes.

Other tidbits in the article include how the magnificent Showboat Branson Belle was launched in 1994 with tons of bananas lubricating the launch ramp as she slid into Table Rock Lake; the world class fishing offered in Branson’s three lakes, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lake’s that make Branson a fisherman’s “Paradise;” America’s largest Veterans Day celebration, “Branson Veterans Homecoming;” the many animals involved with Sight and Sound’s spectacular production of Joseph which will be premiering in Branson on April 14; interesting facts on Branson’s “popular and insightful comedian, Yakov Smirnoff;” the initial challenges Shoji Tabuchi faced and the uniqueness of his theatre’s restrooms, how “3 Redneck Tenors” get to Carnegie Hall and the wonder’s of Silver Dollar City‘s Marvel Cave. Some might say, “But you haven’t told us who is the “King of Branson” and what the “The City’s Deepest Darkest Secret” is.

Johnson would suggest that, although in terms of the article, the answers are contained above, that the real “King of Branson” is each of the millions of guests who visit it each year and that Branson’s “deepest secret” is not dark at all. It is the simple fact that there is not a place on earth that offers families the combination of spirit, natural beauty, water recreation, entertainment, excitement, shopping and adventure that Branson offers. “The 10 things that people don’t know about Branson illustrates one big reason for families to plan to spend their vacation in Branson, during 2012,” she added.

Johnson said that the knowledgeable staff of the Branson Tourism Center would be happy to help in answering any questions about Branson that people might have or assist them in planning a trip or vacation to Branson experience. 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.

*Article based on review of hard copy of issue. No link provided because, as of the time of the posting of this article, none was available on the AAA Midwest Traveler site.

TripAdvisor recognizes Branson as one of top “Destinations on the rise”

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of the many shows and attractions on the famed "Branson Strip."

BRANSON, Mo. Branson was recently recognized as one of the “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com in a select list with the likes of Nashville, TN, Austin, TX, Charleston, SC and others. In naming Branson as Number 7 out of the 15 destinations recognized, the article said that Branson’s natural beauty, attractions, live entertainment, shopping and other activities “draw 8.4 million tourists a year.”

While pointing out that the “live music and comedy shows, numerous restaurants, theme parks, shopping outlets and myriad hotels” available on the famed “Branson Strip” is reminiscent of the non-stop entertainment provided by Las Vegas the article stresses some very important differences. There are no casinos and all that Branson provides is done amid “small town rural surroundings” by a “warm, hospitable town tucked into the foothills of the Ozarks.”

The article goes on to say that Branson’s “Rolling hills offer 200 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and biking, and three scenic lakes that are havens for fishing and water sports.” Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, said that not only is Branson surrounded with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, but that, from Silver Dollar City to Branson Landing, that natural beauty has been integrated into the Branson experience. “When all that Branson has to offer, in terms of live entertainment, attractions, shopping and other activities is considered together with its small town atmosphere, spirit and natural beauty, the result in a unique experience that can only be found in Branson, Missouri,” she continued.

Milton said, “What an honor it is for Branson to be recognized as one of the of “15 Destinations on the rise” by TripAdvisor.Com.” She also explains that during the Spring of this year Branson also received recognition from TripAdvisor as one of the “Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.” She feels that such recognition is in large part due to the efforts of all those involved with Branson’s Tourism Industry to ensure that Branson’s guests have a great Branson experience and a philosophy of ‘If it’s important to you then it’s important to me.”‘

To those who have never been to Branson before she suggests, “Why not plan a visit to Branson during 2012 to see what all the excitement is about?” Too, she reminds those who have visited before that Branson will be celebrating its Centennial throughout all of 2012 providing an ideal time to revisit and enjoy all that Branson has to offer. For assistance in planning a trip to Branson or getting your questions on Branson answered by local Branson experts, Milton offers the free services of 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.

Lodging can be the difference in having a great travel experience

The unique Gazebo Inn located in the center of the famed Branson Strip.

BRANSON, Mo. Whether it’s in Branson, Missouri; Lahina, Hawaii; Las Vegas Nevada or anywhere else, where do you normally start and end just about every day you are on a trip vacation, business, or otherwise? Isn’t it in your hotel, motel or resort room or suite? Most of us can testify as to how our choice of lodging impacted, either positively or negatively, on an overall trip experience.

The good news for those planning a trip to Branson, the place some call the “Live music show capital of the world,” is that that Branson has just about as many lodging choices as it does live shows. From the usual hotel and motel chains to luxury hotels and locally owned and managed establishments, Branson has a broad choice of lodging accommodations to meet just about every lodging need and budget.

The challenge is to find the lodging that will not only provide the best lodging experience, but also fit your budget. The Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services provides a free service to prospective Branson visitors. In terms of pricing and budget, they have sorted 63 of Branson’s finest lodging facilities into three broad categories, “Value,” “Moderate” and “Premium” on the Hotels & Lodging page of their web site. For each property there is a link to further information, pictures and, in most cases, videos of the properties listed.

Another convenient feature is the “side bar” in the left hand column that provides, at a glance, an overview of the amenities the property offers such as fitness rooms, pets allowed, wireless internet access and whether or not it’s free, indoor pool, free Breakfast, laundry, and other major items that might impact on your choice of lodging. In addition, Branson Tourism Center also provides the free personal advice of a Branson Vacation Planner who will be happy to assist in answering any questions or in making any reservations, not only for lodging, but for any of Branson’s shows or attractions. This service is available, through the toll free number, 1-800-785-1550 from 8 AM to 9 PM seven days a week every day of the year except Christmas,

“The unique combination of combining the internet with a free ‘concierge’ type of personal service should go a long way towards ensuring that you get exactly the type of Branson lodging that will meet your needs and enhance your overall Branson experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson also points out that, in terms of the best pricing and to ensure the availability for the exact type of accommodations desired, the earlier arrangements and reservations are made the better. “This is especially so during the Fall season and Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she continued.

Regardless of whether you use the free services of Branson Tourism Center or not, your travel experience to Branson, or anywhere else, will be directly influenced by your lodging choices. A little advanced planning can go a long way towards making sure that influence is positive and contributes to a memory of a special, enjoyable and pleasant experience.

Branson’s unique vibrant downtown district filled with history and fun

Free Downtown Trolley is both an attraction and a connection between Historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing.

BRANSON, Mo. “What a blessing,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “even in these trying economic times, historic downtown Branson is vibrant, alive and thriving.” She points out that the historic downtown district has it all, fun, shows, festivals, restaurants, shopping, attractions and history all in a unique, quaint, comfortable and laid back atmosphere that truly represents “small town” America at its best.

In terms of history, Branson, Missouri, the place that is today called “The live music capital of the world” got its start in historic downtown Branson. The “Baldknobbers Jamboree,” credited with being the “show that started it all,” held the city of Branson’s first commercial theatre performances in a small rented space inside a civic center building located in historic downtown Branson. Historic downtown Branson is the location the of grave of the man Branson is named after, Ruben S. Branson; it’s oldest free standing building Sullenger’s Saloon and the only buildings to survive the 1912 fire that virtually destroyed Branson’s downtown district within months after it was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1912.

If you’re thinking that makes Branson 100 years old in 2012 you’re right. And what a century it’s been, truly “A Century to Celebrate!” Branson’s Centennial Celebration, during the entire year of 2012, will do just that honoring “100 years of Heritage, Harmony & Hospitality.”

But, historic downtown Branson is much more than just history. With festivals, parades, shows, restaurants, attractions, and shopping galore, it’s a wonderful place to relax have fun and experience a special and unique part of Branson.

Its three primary festivals, “Plumb Nellie Days,” the “Fiddle Festival,” and “Autumn Daze,” help preserve Ozarks history and culture in terms of arts, crafts, music and just getting together and having fun. Historic downtown Branson has two major parades each year; “The Branson Veteran’s Day Parade,” which has been held at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month for the last 77 years and its “Adoration Day Parade,” a night parade which has been held for 64 years, honoring the true meaning of Christmas.

It offers shows such as Elvis and the Superstars, Breakfast with Mark Twain, Motown Downtown and others. It has a selection of restaurants located close together that includes four of Branson’s oldest the “Branson Café,” “Farm House,” “The Shack” and “Clockers,” all located within a block of each other and noted for their home-style cooking; “Rocky’s Italian Restaurant” and its three newest restaurants, Branson’s upscale “Level 2 Steakhouse,” located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel; the unique “Table 22,” “where the earth speaks,” and the “Downtown Dinner” located next to the historic Owen Theatre.

Just one of the many aisles of merchandise in the unique shopping experience that is Dicks 5 & 10.

Historic downtown Branson is a shopper’s dream in terms of the unique shopping opportunities it offers. From unique shops such as “Branson Bills Emporium” “Rosa’s Lost Treasure Chest,” “Lil’ Shoppe of Leather” “Hollywood Studio Store & More,” the “Burlington Annex” and dozens of others, the shopping experience in historic downtown Branson is unique and special. And, if that’s not enough there is a “Free Downtown Trolley” service” between the historic downtown district and Branson Landing, which opens up a whole new area of exciting shopping opportunities.

And that’s not counting ,“Dick’s 5 & 10,” celebrating its 50th anniversary during 2011, a one of a kind shopping experience harking back to the old time “5 & 10” stores. Dicks is so unique that it is also one of Branson’s most popular attractions. It’s wide selection of varied merchandise has led some to say, “If you can’t find it at Dick’s you don’t need it.” Historic downtown Branson also has other attractions such as horse and buggy ride,a  “Free Downtown Trolley” that runs through the historic downtown area to Branson Landing and along the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront every few minutes, the Branson Scenic Railway, and its newest attraction, the “Gone With the Wind Museum” commemorating the spectacular 1939 film that won 10 academy awards. In this writer’s opinion, the totality of the experience that historic downtown Branson offers is in itself an attraction.

When Branson became a city on April 1, 1912 downtown Branson was the “heart” of its business district, now almost 100 years later, in terms of history, heritage, harmony, and hospitality, it’s still a major part of the “heartbeat” that makes Branson the special place that it is. For additional information on historic downtown Branson and all it has to offer or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

City of Branson Campground RV Park reopens

Some of the first campers back into the city's Campground and RV Park after its reopening.

BRANSON, Mo. The city of Branson’s Campground, located on the shore line of Lake Taneycomo is again open for business. The record setting release of water from the Table Rock Dam caused the closing of the closing of the camp ground. During an interview on May 6, Jim Dikes, who manages the campground for the city with his wife Sherrell, said that, thanks to the tireless efforts of the city administration and its employees, the campground has reopened for business.

Dikes said although not all the spots, especially those nearest the lake are ready for occupancy, there is a large number that are. He also said that electric, cable, water etc. are available for all the sites that are open as well as the campgrounds public washrooms, toilets and showers.

He points out that the city is continuing the work on the rest of the spots and they will be opening on an “as available basis.” He suggests that those who made reservations prior to the camp grounds closing might want to call the camp ground at 417-334-2915 to reconfirm. That number may also be used to make reservations for the campground as well.

“What a great job the city has done in getting its campground reopened as quickly as they did,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is unique in terms of its location right next to Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo and it’s just one of Branson’s many campgrounds and RV parks.” Bransons’s selection offers a choice and variety of camping facilities to meet every taste. Combine that with everything else that Branson has to offer and the result could be one of the most exciting and entertaining camping experiences ever.”

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

Branson Landing and Branson is open and brimming over with fun, excitement and adventure

Even with the last of the rain showers passing through the area the Branson Landing Promenade is open for business.

BRANSON, Mo.  “All Branson Landing’s shops and retail stores are and have been open for business throughout this record high water and are providing our visitors with the same quality shopping experience as always,” said Tammy Scholten, the Director of Marketing for Branson Landing. Scholten pointed out that although it is located right on the banks of Lake Taneycomo, which is currently experiencing record high flows of water because of the water being released from Table Rock Dam, its retail promenade level, where all the landings retail shops are located, was built to permit their continued normal operation under conditions just like these.

She points out that the record releases have covered the fountains located at the lower levels, well away from its promenade level near the lake’s normal shoreline, forcing the temporary cancellation of the Fountain’s water, fire, light and music shows. In addition, it has resulted in the temporary closing of the floating White River Fish House Restaurant and the restaurants located on the east side of the promenade because of restrictions relating to using the propane their use for cooking which is located in the lower levels.

After talking with Sholten, this writer walked the Branson Landing promenade and did not find one shop or store that was closed. He enjoyed lunch at “Charley’s Grilled Subs,” serving what he considers the best steak sub in Branson. As he walked back to his car he observed many, just like himself enjoying themselves and having a good time.

Some might be asking the question, “But the media is showing pictures of Branson being flooded, how can Branson Landing, located right on the shoreline of the very lake that is flooding still be open?” The answer is simple, “Because the vast majority of Branson, particularly the areas of Branson containing its shopping, shows, attractions, and a host of other exciting and fun filled activities has not been impacted one iota by the record high water levels.” The pictures and stories in the media are based on what is happening to a few homes and businesses in certain low-lying areas directly off of Lake Taneycomo and do not relate to any of Branson’s shows, attractions, and shopping; historic Downtown or other areas normally frequented by the majority Branson’s visitors.
Branson Landing and Branson is open and brimming over with fun, excitement and adventure

On April 27th Branson Mayor Raeanne Presley said that the few areas affected by the record high water levels in Branson are primarily residential areas that the typical Branson tourist would not be visiting. She points out that these areas are located quite a distance from Branson’s shows, attractions and those activities that the majority of Branson’s guests participate in and will not impact on their Branson experience at all.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services reports that all of Branson’s attractions, shows, and major tourist activities are open and have not been impacted by what is happening in some of the low-lying areas of Lake Taneycomo. She said that anyone having a questions about the availability of Branson shows, attractions or lodging may call BTC using their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or reach them through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

From Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo on the east to Silver Dollar City on the west, Branson is open and sharing its new 2011 Branson season with even more excitement, adventure and entertainment than ever. It’s not only a great entertainment experience, but a great value. Why not plan to share it with your family this season?

No travel trickery or photo fakeouts needed in Branson

No "Photo-Fakeout" here. This 1982 Cadillac Limousine, stretching over 30 feet with a heart shapped Jacuzzi, is just one of the many unique exhibits and activities available in Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Just in time for Spring and Summer vacation planning, a recent segment of “NBC Investigates ” on the NBC “Today Show” reinforces something we have all been warned about, travel scams involving making vacation plans on line. The segment entitled “Beware of Travel Trickery,” was presented by David Rossen. In introducing the segment Rossen said, “But, this time it’s different; our investigation found that it’s the hotels, restaurants and resorts themselves that may be misleading you.”

The report showed what were alleged to be actual photos of rooms, beaches and other scenes used in advertising that it alleged were either deceiving or outright false, sometimes referred to as “Photo-Fakeouts,” bogus reviews submitted to travel web sites and other questionable practices. One “insider informant” said they were speaking out because, “The consumer deserves to know what is truthful and what’s not truthful.” Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson, Missouri’s largest and most respected providers of travel services, show and attraction tickets and lodging, said, “I couldn’t agree more and that’s the great thing about selling Branson, Missouri, it is truly one of the most unique vacation destinations in the world and that truth needs no embellishment.”

Johnson said, The mission of BTC is to ensure that “our customers have a great Branson experience” and that starts by ensuring that the information we give them is as accurate as possible. BTC provides the bulk of that information through one of its three major Branson destination websites. WWW.Branson.Com is Branson’s first and most trafficked website and is one of the most complete Branson informational sites in existence; www.BransonTourismCenter.Com is the BTC Site used in conjunction with the toll free number 800-785-1550 to provide its free personal flagship concierge service via telephone with the assistance of a trained BTC Branson Vacation Planning Specialist and www.BransonOnTheWeb.com, is a transactional site for those who want to do their own research and ordering on the internet.

As one of the primary content writers for BTC’s websites, I strive to tell the Branson’s story as accurately and interestingly as possible. Whether it’s one of Branson’s great live shows, restaurants, attractions such as Silver Dollar City, fishing on one of our pristine lakes or something as simple as shopping or taking a walk on the Branson Landing Boardwalk, my goal is to paint a word picture that tells the story of what you will experience in Branson. That story is so exciting, varied and unique that no exaggeration or hype is necessary.

Pictures and videos are another way to communicate all that Branson offers. The pictures with the vast majority of the articles that I write are taken by me with a Cannon EOS Rebel T2i using available light or the on the camera flash through a Cannon EFS 17-55 mm Zoom lens and are simply shots taken to illustrate the story being written. There is no attempt made to make something bigger or seem closer than it actually is or any other type of “Photo-Fakeout.” What you see is what I saw. Some pictures I use are provided by the hotel, show or attraction, but they are used only if they accurately represent what is being presented based on my 20 plus years of covering all that Branson has to offer.

BTC has its own videographer, Chris Canote and makes extensive use of videos on its websites in an effort to provide potential Branson visitors with as realistic and exciting view of what they will experience in Branson as possible. Chris said, “When I go and film a Branson lodging establishment such as the Grand Plaza Hotel I do not do any polishing, except for some color correction during editing, but other than that, I point and shoot multiple angles of the room types, the lobby, and amenities. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I do some fun shots to make the video enjoyable to the eye, but there is no doctoring of these videos. We believe a customer wants to see what they will get and to the best of my ability that’s what we provide.”

“In addition, our free personal concierge service, via a toll free telephone call to 800-785-1550, provides the assistance of a trained Branson Vacation Planning Specialist who lives in and is familiar with the Branson area and all it has to offer,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson, who has over two decades of experience in helping Branson visitors have a great Branson experience. “Our excellent relationship with our vendor lodging facilities, shows, attractions, restaurants and other Branson activity partners puts us in an excellent position to not only get our customers exactly what they want and save them money at the same time, but to help resolve any problems that might arise,” she continued.

Johnson said, “It’s not only that people are investing their hard earned money and precious time into a vacation that causes us to do business the way we do, but that we want our Branson visitors to not only return to Branson, but to do business with us again when they do. The best way to accomplish that is by making sure they get what they expect when they come to Branson and have a great Branson experience.”

As this writer was reviewing the video of the NBC show he was so thankful that he lives in Branson, Missouri, a place so unique, naturally beautiful, overflowing with talent and the spirit of hospitality that it is the epitome of genuine friendliness, fun, entertainment and excitement with no “travel trickery,” required or needed.