Category Archives: Branson

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.

Nine Branson area Corps of Engineers Table Rock Lake parks close Sept. 15

“Information recently received from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicates that they will be closing nine of their Table Rock Lake camp grounds and parks on September 15 for the 2010 season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The parks and campgrounds included are Cricket Creek, Aunts Creek, Baxter, Big M, Campbell Point, Long Creek, Moonshine Beach, Viola and Viney Creek.” She points out that the boat launch ramps at these facilities will continue to be open and that area use fees will still apply.

The same information said that that camping will be available at Cape Fair, Eagle Rock, Indian Point, Mill Creek and the Old Highway 86 parks until October 31.

Johnson points out that both of the campgrounds in the state operated “Table Rock State Park,” on Highway 165 just south of the Table Rock Dam, will remain open offering complete camping services through November. After that date and through February 2011, Camp Ground #1 will remain open except for the possibility of individual campsite water spigots being shut off during colder weather.

For additional information on camping facilities or any of 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.

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.

Branson Tourism Center celebrates seven years of sharing its passion for Branson

Whether is a ride on Silver Dollar City's new $7 million dollar RiverBlast Ride or..

How does one of Branson’s biggest and most respected providers of Branson travel services go from selling zero tickets to Branson shows and attractions to beyond two million and counting? “By using the synergy of the amazing people working with us and all that Branson has to offer to provide our customers, one at a time, with the greatest Branson experience possible,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Our passion at BTC is providing a great Branson experience for our customers that will not only bring them back to Branson, but back to the Branson Tourism Center time and time again.”

Johnson points out that on May 27 the Branson Tourism Center celebrated its seventh birthday. When Lianne Milton, the owner of BTC with her husband Larry, started the company seven years ago, there was a passion for sharing Branson, three employees and the number of tickets sold was zero. A short seven years later, the passion for sharing Branson is, if anything, more intense, BTC has 100 employees and the number of tickets sold is well over the two million ticket mark and rising.

Johnson attributes the success of the BTC to a number of things not the least of which is the passion of BTC, from the top on down, to making sure that every customer has a great Branson experience. Realizing that experience starts with the initial gathering of information on Branson, BTC’s free personal “concierge type” service has the made the gathering of that information as simple as dialing 800-785-1550, toll free, from 7 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. every day of the year except Christmas Day.

or an incredible show like the Acrobats of China, it's all about making sure the Branson guest has a great experience.

or an incredible show like the Acrobats of China, it's all about making sure that Branson's guests have a great Branson experience.

The phone will be answered by a trained BTC Branson Vacation and Reservation Specialist who lives in the Branson area, is familiar with all that Branson has to offer and will be happy to answer any questions prospective Branson visitors may have regardless of whether or not they actually buy tickets, lodging or other services from BTC. In the event the person calling wants to purchase tickets or lodging, the Vacations and Reservation Specialist can make all the arrangements including reservations with absolutely no service charge of any kind.

“In fact,” Johnson states, “because we buy in bulk and pass the savings on to our customers, in many cases, particularly with packages, they actually save money. Our free flagship concierge service, with the personal assistance of our Vacations and Reservation Specialist provides an unequalled level of convenience and service all designed with one thought in mind, help our customers have a great Branson experience.”

She also points out that BTC owns and operates Branson’s first, oldest and the most trafficked Branson website, www.Branson.com and www.BransonTourismCenter.com which provide a wealth of information on Branson, its shows, attractions, shopping, history, current news articles and just about anything else anyone could want to know about Branson. In addition, for those who want to do their own research and make their own reservations on line, BTC also operates www.BransonOnTheWeb.com, a transactional site with one of the best Branson search engines available anywhere to help users get the Branson information they want. Johnson stresses however, that BTC enjoys the reputation it does because of personal service and that personal assistance is no more than a toll free phone call away.

Johnson said that BTC is a member of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau, Better Business Bureau, American Society of Travel Agents, American Bus Association, and the Branson Lakes Area Lodging Association. It has been a member of the Better Business Bureau of Southwest Missouri since 2003 and enjoys an A+ rating.

As excited as she is about what has happened over the last seven years at the Branson Tourism Center, Johnson says, “It happened one customer at a time by helping them have the best Branson experience possible. That will not change as we move into the future, it is our passion and our privilege.”

July Family Fun in Branson

July is a great month for some wet fun at Silver Dollar City on rides like the Lost River of the Ozarks.

“Branson, Missouri is a fun place all year round,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “However for kids and families, July is special.”

He points out that arguably, on a year round mile by mile basis, there is not a destination city anywhere that has more variety, fun, atttractions and activities for families than Branson. He suggests that it would be very difficult to find any other place that has a pristine 43,000 acre fresh water lake like Table Rock Lake; world class fishing; the selection of live entertainment and shows Branson offers; Silver Dollar City, a world class theme park; a 12 acre outdoor water park like White Water; world class golf and attractions as diverse as Branson’s Titanic, the world’s biggest museum attraction; Branson Scenic Railroad; The Butterfly Palace and Rain Forest Adventure; cruises on the 278 foot long paddlewheel Showboat Branson Belle; the excitement and adventure of Dixie Stampede and many more all located within minutes of each other.

Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is celebrating 50 years of helping people “Make memories worth repeating” during 2010. The award winning 1880s theme park has skilled Ozark craftsmen demonstrating their crafts, food, shows, interactive activities and over 30 rides and attractions offering as much excitement, thrills and adventure as most families could ever want.

“The neat thing about the rides at Silver Dollar City,” Miller says, “is that there is something for every member of the family to enjoy from the multi-looping coaster ‘WildFire’ to ‘The Grand Exposition,’ offering a selection of rides that can be shared by the whole family right down to the littlest child.” He also points out that its new $7 million “River Blast” ride will be just the ticket to cool off during the hot July weather. “You’ve never seen a water fight like this before,” he said.

The free Discovery Trolley provides an entertaining rountrip through historic downtown Branson to Branson Landing.

July is a special month at Silver Dollar City for families and kids because of “KidsFest,” which will be running from June 5 through August 8, and will continue during the whole month. In addition to everything else there is to do at Silver Dollar City, from Sponge Bob to VeggieTales to the magic of Peter Gossamer and Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience (TM) KidsFest is filled with a variety of additional entertainment and activities specifically for kids and families.

In addition, from go karts, movies, miniature golf, museums and helicopter rides to fishing, golfing and shopping, Branson offers exciting attractions and activities of every kind. Miller said, “And there is plenty of ‘Free’ stuff to do in Branson.” He points out that riding on the free Historic Downtown Branson “Discovery Trolley,” taking a tour of the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery at the foot of Table Rock Dam, walking along the Branson Landing Boardwalk or feeding the ducks and geese down a Scotty’s Trout Dock are examples of the many things that families can do together that don’t cost anything.

He said that July is one of Branson’s busiest months and suggests making advance reservations for lodging and shows to ensure availability. For free personal concierge help in planning a family vacation to Branson Miller suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Finding Branson and where you want to go in Branson the easy way

One of Branson's most recognizable landmarks, The Titanic Museum, located at the western end of Branson Blue Route.

“As recently as today, there was a question from a potential Branson visitor saying, ‘I don’t know for sure how to get to Branson,’” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Others either want detailed maps of Branson or help on how to navigate around in Branson once they get here.”

Johnson continues, “Although there are many ways to get maps and directions to Branson, one of the simplest is to go to www.BransonTourismCenter.com and click on “Driving Directions” located under “Help” in the left hand column. This one click takes you to the page “Directions and Maps to Branson Tourism Center.”

In the “Your Address” box type in your city and state i.e. “Chicago, Illinois.” Click the “Go” box” and a specific map from that city and state, along with detailed driving directions to Branson, will be generated. If a map and driving directions from a specific address is desired just enter the address prior to the city and state. Although the map and directions generated are based on the location of the Branson Tourism Center, they are in essence a map and directions to Branson because of BTC’s central location, one tenth (.1) of a mile west of U.S. Highway 65 at the first Branson Exit (Branson Hills Parkway/ Bee Creek Rd) coming south from Springfield, Missouri.

“Once in Branson, getting to where you want to go is easy using the one page Branson Map showing its main routes and colored coded alternate routing system.” said Johnson “The full colored Branson map is easily accessed at www.BransonTourismCenter.com,” by clicking on “Map of Branson” under “Branson Info” in the left hand column. The map  may also be downloaded in PDF format for easy printing and is available free at the Branson Tourism Center, located 220 Branson Hills Parkway in Branson.

Johnson also points out that Branson’s excellent system of alternate routes provides convenient alternate access to many Branson shows, attractions and activities. These alternate routes are color coded for ease of use and generally run parallel to the famous “Branson Strip (Highway 76),” with the Yellow Route paralleling to the south and the Blue and Red Routes to the north. The colored routes are appropriately signed, provide north south access to Highway 76 through arterial roads and are featured on the Branson Map mentioned above.

She mentioned that the Branson Map and colored alternate routes are extensively covered in an article entitled, “Branson’s colored traffic routes ‘shows’ the way.” Johnson said “The article also shows the location of specific Branson shows, activities and Branson attractions and explains how to use the alternate routes to get to them.

For additional information or directions on how to either get to or around Branson, or for tickets to any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements, please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Its historic downtown is a unique part of the Branson experience

In the snow of winter or the heat of summer, Dick's 5 & 10 is just one example of the unique things Historic Downtown Branson has to offer.

“Many downtown areas are a shell of what they used to be,” says Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, “but historic downtown Branson is alive and vibrant. It has history, shows, restaurants, shopping and attractions and is truly the place ‘where it all started.’”

The Mabe family and their “Baldknobbers Jamboree,” Branson’s first show, is credited as being the “show that started it all.” They first performed in a small rented space in a civic building located behind the historic Owens Theatre in 1959 and now, 51 years later, the rest is history. The only buildings to survive the 1912 fire that virtually destroyed Branson’s downtown district within months after it became a city, the grave of the man it is named after and it’s oldest free standing commercial building are also located in historic downtown Branson.

Interestingly, Branson’s first show started its performances behind Branson’s first theatre, the “Owen Theatre,” built in 1936 by Jim Owen, a local float trip operator on the White River, to provide entertainment for the fishermen when they weren’t fishing. It was originally called the “Hillbilly Theatre” and, although originally a movie theatre, is considered Branson’s first “theatre,” movie or otherwise. Its distinctive architecture and beautiful interior stone walls make it one of the most unique buildings in Branson.

Miller goes on to point out that the term “Elvis is in the building” takes on new meaning in historic downtown Branson with two “Elvis” shows right across the street from one another. Dave Ehlert is currently performing “Elvis and the Superstars” in the “Hot Hits Theatre.” He has been performing the show in Branson for 16 seasons with one hour of his show devoted to “Elvis.”

The Kyle Hall family has completely remodeled and restored the historic Owens Theatre right across the street and it is the venue of Branson’s newest Elvis show, “Joseph Hall Presents Eras of the King.” Hall has placed in the top ten of the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” since its inception in 2007, had a top ten finish on “NBC’s America’s Got Talent” in 2008 and is officially recognized by “Elvis Presley Enterprises.” It is two hours of nonstop Elvis, one number after another covering all the eras of “Elvis’ career.

Historic downtown Branson has a variety of restaurants from Thai to good old fashioned Ozarks café cooking. “In fact,” Miller says, “Branson’s oldest cafes and restaurants are located in historic downtown Branson within a block of each other including the “Branson Café,” “Farm House,” “Clocker’s and “The Shack.” Also located within the historic downtown district is Thai Thai Cuisine,” “Bleu Olive Mediterranean Grille & Bar,” “Rocky’s Italian Restaurant” and Branson’s newest upscale restaurant, the “Level 2 Steakhouse,” located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.

In terms of shopping, historic downtown Branson has too many opportunities to mention by name, but suffice it to say from the working art studio of noted outdoor and wildlife artist T. Morgan Crain to the unique merchandise of specialty shops such as “Branson Bills Emporium” and the beads of the “Plum Bazaar,” a shopping experience in Historic Downtown Branson is unique and special.

“Dick’s 5 & 10” is not only a one of a kind shopping experience harking back to the old time “5 & 10” stores, but 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 a horse and carriage ride, a free “Discovery Trolley” that runs through the historic downtown area to Branson Landing and along the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront and the Branson Scenic Railway offering scenic excursions throughout the beautiful Ozark area surrounding Branson.

Keeping Branson’s history and heritage alive is an inherent part of doing business in Historic Downtown Branson. Among other things, Historic Downtown Branson sponsors a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The “37th Annual Plumb Nellie Arts & Crafts Festival,” featuring 200 crafters exhibiting their work, demonstrations, seminars entertainment and special sales by downtown merchants will be held in historic downtown Branson May 21st through the 23rd. Click here for a full schedule of the various events and festivals sponsored Historic Downtown Branson.

In terms of its history and heritage, historic downtown Branson is “The Heart of Branson.” In terms of having fun and sharing in a special unique experience, historic downtown Branson has it all and has it all within walking distance of each other.

For further information on historic downtown Branson or its events please call Historic Downtown Branson at 417-334-1358 or visit their website www.downtownbranson.org. For Branson lodging, show or attraction information or reservations please call 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.

Table Rock Lake produces big for CPAA Tournament

Beautiful, 7.34 pound Table Rock Lake bass caught by Jeremy Mabry with another bass from his 3 bag limit.

Earlier this year when asked, “Why fishermen should plan a fishing trip to Table Rock Lake this spring,” Jim Thompson, a successful local businessman who has been fishing Table Rock Lake for over 25 years said, “Because there is nothing like it anywhere. Table Rock Lake is one of the premier bass fisheries in the United States and the spring is a prime time to catch bass in large numbers and size.” He pointed out that in addition to the Largemouth and Kentucky Bass, Table Rock is also an excellent Smallmouth fishery.

Thompson is also the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA), one of the regions premier bass fishing tournament organizations. On May 1 and 2, the fishermen competing in CPAA’s Table Rock Lake Pro-Am and Team Tournaments illustrated just how accurate Thompson was and why Table Rock Lake is such a great bass fishery.

Over the two days of tournaments, 523 “keeper” bass, weighing a combined weight of 1,385 pounds and averaging 2.7 pounds each were weighed in. At the weigh-ins, fisherman after fisherman said how great the fishing was.

Thompson points out that the fish weighed in were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the total number of fish caught during the two days. He said that only fish 15 inches or longer could be kept and weighed in and that fisherman had to catch and cull quite a number of fish to get to the fish they actually weighed in.

Local fisherman, Tim Sainato from Walnut Shade, who took 2nd in the Pro-Am Tournament and won the Team Tournament with his partner, Steven Redford from Branson, weighed in a five fish limit each day. He said that on both days he had caught in excess of 30 “keepers” which he constantly culled to stay within the five fish limit and estimates his total fish count for each day to be in excess of 40 fish. He said that he positioned the boat in about 14 feet of water, threw a 4 inch Bass Pro XPS Grub into the bank and “retrieved it slowly as fast as he could” emphasizing that “Slow was good.”

Sainato and Redford won the CPAA Team Tournament and the $3,600 first place prize with a five fish limit weighing 18.03 pounds. Interestingly and somewhat unusual, their winning “bag” (limit) was composed entirely of Smallmouth Bass. Second place and a prize of $2,000 went to the husband and wife team of James and Donna Gilzow from Bella Vista AR with a five fish limit weighing 16.05 pounds.

On the Pro-Am Side, Dave Donham of Highlandville, Mo, won first place in the Pro Division and $3,500.00 with a five fish bag weighing 16.62 pounds. In the Non Boater Division Jeremy Mabry of Fayetteville, AR won the first place prize of $1,750.00 with a maximum three fish bag weighing 14.00 pounds. Mabry also won the Big Fish Prize of $350.00 in the Non Boater Division with a bass weighing 7.34, which was the biggest bass caught in the tournament.

“What a living testimony as to just how great a bass fishery Table Rock Lake is,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, an avid bass fisherman who was at both weigh-ins. “When that is combined with Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping and everything else that Branson has to offer, Table Rock Lake offers a quality unique bass fishing experience not available anywhere else in the world.”