Category Archives: General

Ozarks’ Hunting and Fishing featured in museum exhibit

18 foot canoe with a 1926 Evinrude Elto motor is one of many items in the Sportsman’s Paradise Exhibit.

“Visitors to the Branson, Missouri area have yet another unique activity to consider,” said, Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “If you like the outdoors, history and Ozarks heritage then the ‘Sportsman’s Paradise Exhibit’ at the White River Valley Historical Society (WRVHS) Museum in Forsyth, Missouri might be for you.”

“Many people from all over the country come to Branson for its live shows and great attractions,” she continued, “In addition however, many come to enjoy a taste of Ozark Mountain history and heritage and the constantly evolving wonder of its outdoors with a myriad of activities, beautiful scenery, lakes and gently rolling mountains.”

Information received from the WRVHS indicates that Sportsman’s Paradise is an original exhibit, designed and presented by WRVHS members featuring a combination of historical Ozark hunting and fishing items and photos. Among the items on display will be “the 49 pound Missouri state record Striped Bass from 1986, a 40-year-old 18 foot canoe with a 1926 Evinrude Elto motor, assorted hunting accouterments, and dozens of images. Items on loan from local sportsmen add to the display of vintage lures, reels, and minnow traps, including examples of making lead lures, wooden lures, and fly tying.”

Operating hours of the exhibit are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday through October 29. Although donations are welcome, admission to the Sportsman’s Paradise exhibit is free.

The WRVHS is located at 297 Main Street, Forsyth, across from the Taney County Judicial Center about a leisurely 30 minute drive from Branson. Johnson reminds everyone that the timing of the event with the Ozarks Fall foliage will even make the drive from Branson to Forsyth a beautiful memorable part of the experience.

For more information on the Sportsman’s Paradise exhibit please call 417-546-2210 or visit the WRVHS website at www.wrvhs.org. For information or tickets for 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.

*Photo courtesy of WRVHS.

Two of Branson’s most exciting shows – “Acrobats of China” and “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi”

One of the spectacular sets from The Legend of Kung Fu - Chun Yi.

Branson, Missouri has the well deserved reputation of being known as the “Live music show capital of the world” because of the quality, diversity and quantity of its live music shows. In addition to live music shows of just about every genre however, Branson also has a huge variety of other shows ranging in type from comedy, to magic, outdoor drama, murder mystery, acrobats, animals, circus, Kung Fu and more.

Branson is blessed with two absolutely amazing shows that share the heritage and culture of China, “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” and “The Acrobats of China.” Both shows are filled with color, action, precision, skill and daring. Both are presented by some of the most skilled and amazing performers ever to appear on a Branson stage and involve almost unbelievable choreography, excitement, pageantry, and color, but each is a wonderfully unique and different entertainment experience.

“These shows represent the quality and variety of the live entertainment that is available in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Where else, but in Branson, Missouri can someone go and see two spectacular and unique shows representing two entirely different aspects of China presented by such skilled performers?

“The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” is a colorful and spectacular production of a simple yet complex story about a very young boy who is dropped off at the temple by his mother to apprentice as a monk to learn the art and culture of Kung Fu. The show shares his journey through the beautiful choreography, spectacular sets, costuming and the artistic and skillful manner in which the cast performs. Factor in the excitement of Kung-Fu and the mystique, culture and heritage of China and the result is a unique and exciting show that both young and old will appreciate.

Just one of the exciting and colorful acts of The Acrobats of China.

“The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” is set in a temple using an extremely talented cast of skilled athletic entertainers and Kung Fu practitioners, pageantry, music and magnificent sets to tell its beautiful Kung-Fu ballet like story. “The Acrobats of China” has no story line and has more of a “Chinese circus” atmosphere.

It is a circus without a Ringmaster that flows seamlessly from one amazing act to another. In a recent review of “The Acrobats of China” this writer said, “The elegance, skill, grace and precision of the performers in each act is simply amazing. Couple that with excellent production, absolutely elegant costuming, and the choreographed and flawless presentation as each act seamlessly transitions into the next and the result is a one of a kind Branson experience that will appeal to adults and the vast majority of children equally.”

There are no shows in Branson with more costuming, action, color, pageantry, precision, skill, grace, beauty, elegance and action throughout their entirety than one will see in either “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi.” and “The Acrobats of China.” Each of these shows, although sharing the culture and heritage of China does so in an exciting and different manner.

For additional information or tickets for “The Legend of Kung Fu – Chun Yi” and “The Acrobats of China” 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.

Silver Dollar City and Southern Gospel Music are a perfect combination

The Dove Award winning Jeff & Sheri Easter will be performing at Silver Dollar City's Southern Gospel Picnic

“It seems like a perfect fit,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center as she reflected on the “Southern Gospel Picnic” that will be held at Branson’s Silver Dollar City August 26 – September 6. “People relate both to the spirit and values that both represent and will be celebrated during the popular, inspirational and toe-tapping 12 day festival.”

The festival coordinator D. A. Callaway said, “When we launched the Southern Gospel Picnic as a festival four years ago, we knew it would be a great opportunity for Southern Gospel fans to gather and enjoy the ‘best of the best’ of the genre.” He went on to point out that in the years since the Southern Gospel Picnic started that they have “found that guests who had never before been exposed to the music are becoming the newest fans, and the festival keeps growing each year.”

The festival will feature special Sunday worship services with inspirational speaker David Ring on August 29, and noted humorist and evangelist Dennis Swanberg on September 5. Each day will be filled with performances by the top names in the music genre with over 350 performances during the festival and followed each evening by the “Southern Gospel Nights” concerts in Echo-Hollow, the parks 4,000 seat amphitheater.

The performers will include “Dove Award winners Jeff & Sheri Easter and The Isaacs; Hall of Famers The Kingsmen and The Perrys; Grammy nominee Karen Peck and New River and fan favorites including the Inspirations, Squire Parsons, Legacy Five and the Reggie Sadler Family, led by former R&B artist Reggie Saddler who performed with artists from Jerry Lee Lewis to the Drifters before entering the gospel music ministry.” Click here for a complete list and schedule of festival performers.

“Let’s not forget the picnic part of the ‘Southern Gospel Picnic'”, said Johnson. She points out that, in addition to all the delicious food normally available at Silver Dollar City, the festival will feature “‘The House of Chicken and Fixin’s on the Square’ featuring double-battered southern fried chicken, slow-roasted apple-glazed chicken and smoked barbecue chicken, with favorite ‘fixin’s’ from potato salad and coleslaw to Silver Dollar City’s official 50th Birthday Cake: Chocolate RiverBlast Raspberry.”

Johnson  also points out that the special activities and events involved in the celebration of the festival are in addition to all the excitement and adventure that the international award winning 1880s’s theme park is noted for including craft demonstrations and over 30 fun filled rides and attractions. For further information on the Southern Gospel Picnic 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.

The Front Men of Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart to perform together in Branson

Branson, Missouri again shows why it is billed as “the live music show capital of the world.” For the first time, the lead singers of the “Supergroups” Alabama, Lonestar and Restless Heart will come together for one performance on one stage at the Tri-Lakes Theatre in Branson on October 22. “What a unique and wonderful entertainment experience it will provide for Branson audiences,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. The concert entitled “The Front Men” will feature Alabama’s Randy Owen, Lonestar’s Richie McDonald and Restless Heart’s Larry Stewart.

She points out that as unique as having all three stars on one stage at once is the concert’s format is equally unique. All three stars will be on stage for the entire concert performing as an “all star” band for each others sets. “With its unique format and over 50 original number one hits between them it promises to be a show that is as exciting and amazing as it is unique,” she continued. Johnson also said that all three will be available after the show to meet and greet those attending.

Alabama's Randy Owen

Randy Owen and Alabama have sold over 73 million albums, including 21 gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications. They have 42 number one singles including “Feels So Right,” “Mountain Music, “Reckless” and many more. Since its inception Alabama has received over 150 industry awards including multiple Grammys and induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Owen was diagnosed earlier this year with Prostate Cancer, but has undergone a course of treatment and, according to his doctor, “is doing great and is just about fully recovered.”

Richie McDonald of Lonestar

Richie McDonald was the original lead singer and played rhythm guitar, piano, and keyboards for Lonestar from 1992 until his departure for a solo career in 2007. During that time Lonestar had nine number one hits including “Runnin’ Away with My Heart, “I’m Already There” and their biggest hit “Amazed” which was a crossover reaching Number One on both the country charts and the Billboard Hot 100. He is an accomplished song writer who, among many others wrote “I’m Already There,” a song that has touched the hearts of so many especially America’s military and their families. He has “earned six gold and platinum albums, several CMA and ACM awards as well as BMI awards for songwriting.”

Restless Heart's Larry Stewart

Larry Stewart is the lead singer and rhythm guitar player for Restless Heart. Restless Heart was formed in 1984 and has had many number one hits including “Bluest Eyes in Texas,” “I’ll Still Be loving You, “That Rock Won’t Roll” and many others including the pop cross over hit “”When She Cries.”

Johnson said that the chance to see these three amazing singers performing the hits that helped make the groups they sang with famous is a unique opportunity. She also anticipates that because there will be only one show tickets will go fast and suggests making reservations as soon as possible. For additional information or tickets for The Front Men 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.

More Branson excitement – Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest and Moonlight Madness

“What a great week at Silver Dollar City,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center

Silver Dollar City's Wildfire takes on an exciting different perspective during Moonlight Madness.

. “Not only is KidsFest still going on, but Silver Dollar City is celebrating ‘Moonlight Madness’ and staying open until 10:00 p.m.”

Johnson said, “KidsFest is one of the biggest festivals of the year for Silver Dollar City and will run until August 8.” She points out that in addition to all the great rides, shows, craft demonstrations and everything else there is to do at Silver Dollar City there are many additional KidsFest activities. These include the magic and illusions of Peter Gossamer, Sponge Bob, VeggieTales, stunt dogs and much more.”

“What could be better than a day at Silver Dollar City,” asked Johnson. “How about a chance to ‘ride, scream, soar and dance under the stars?’” Silver Dollar City “as well as 30 rides and attractions will remain open until 10:00 along with select shops and restaurants staying open late with supper specials and thrill-seeker deals.”

“Moonlight Madness is created for families looking for something special at the end of summer,” said Silver Dollar City General Manager Brad Thomas. “With Silver Dollar City open 12 ½ hours daily, there’s everything to explore from the coolness, literally 60 degrees, of Marvel Cave to the rides from daylight into night. There’s nothing like a nearly 15-story drop in the dark on Wildfire, or a moonlit water battle on Riverblast.”

Johnson reminds everyone that both KidsFest and Moonlight Madness” end August 8. She said, “Silver Dollar City is a beautiful place anytime, but it takes on a whole different look at night.”

For additional information or tickets for Silver Dollar City 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 – home of “Ironman 70.3 Branson” and “Showman 72.4Z Branson?”

The majestic "Showboat Branson Belle."

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

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

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

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

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

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center. They can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Branson Landing Boardwalk runs along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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.