Category Archives: Outdoors

Branson earns Traveler’s Choice for Top 25 U. S. Destinations

Main Street Cruise’s Landing Princess and Lake Queen viewing Branson Landing’s spectacular Water and Fire Show.

“Branson visitors are just amazing,” said Annette Wood, director of sales and marketing, for the Branson Tourism Center. “What a humbling experience that so many of them would take the time to comment on TripAdvisor® that Branson, a little town in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, would, for the first time, make the top 25 List of U.S. Destinations in ‘TripAdvisors® 6^th Annual Traveler’s Choice Destination Awards’ along with cities such as New York, Orlando, and New Orleans,” she added. Joining Branson, who was number 19 on the list, as “newbies to the top 25 was San Diego (7), Austin (18), Atlanta (20), Phoenix (21), St. Louis (23) and Nashville (24).

In announcing the awards, Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor said, “If you’re looking for trip inspiration, look no further than the Travelers’ Choice Destinations.” The award is based on the “quantity and quality of reviews and ratings for hotels, attractions and restaurants in destinations” that are “gathered over a 12-month period.” The description accompanying the award listing highlighted the number and variety of Branson shows, the natural beauty of the Ozarks and the “great fishing, hiking, biking and water sports” available in Branson.

Larry Milton, owner of Main Street Lake Cruises whose two boats, the Lake Queen and the Landing Princess, are featured in the illustration of the description accompanying the award listing said, “How neat is that, Branson is featured in the top 25 of this award list because of the efforts that travelers to Branson have made based on their own great Branson experiences. What a testimony to the efforts of our entertainers, shows, attractions, lodging providers and everyone else in Branson’s tourism industry who help provide our guests with that great experience.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood invites everyone to visit Branson and experience firsthand why this special little town nestled in the Ozarks is listed as one of the top 25 destinations in the U.S. For information on Branson shows, attractions, lodging and everything else that Branson offers please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center toll free at 1-800-875-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Don’t you deserve to play golf in Branson?

Branson Creek's par 3 195 yard 4th Hole.

A recent column in Golfweek entitled Branson, Bass Pro Shops could land Legends of Golf reminds us of just how good the quality of the golfing available in Branson is. Along with reporting that, “if a deal is reached, the 36th rendition of the popular two-man team PGA event [Legends of Golf] could be held in June at the Branson Creek Golf Club. The article also pointed out that Branson Creek is the No. 2 course in Missouri on “Golfweek’s 2013 Best Courses You Can Play List.” The No. 1 course on the same list is the Payne Stewart Golf Club, another Branson course, making Branson home to the top two out of only five Missouri courses on the list.

“That’s another one of the things that makes Branson such a great place for people and families to vacation and come to for a good time,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing, for the Branson Tourism Center. “It’s not just the great variety of shows, attractions, lakes, shopping, lodging restaurants and other activities, but the quality of what is offered,” she added.

The $32 million Payne Stewart Golf Club is Branson’s newest golf course and is located in Branson Hills. Designed by Chuck Smith, with consultation from PGA golfer Bobby Clampett, it is a tribute course to Payne Stewart with each hole designed to honor his career and memory. The 18 hole course is 7,324 yards from the Gold Tees and has a par of 72.

The Branson Creek Golf Course is located just south of Branson near the Branson Airport in the Branson Creek Development. It is a 7,036 yard par 71 course from its longest tees and tactically, as well as scenically, takes advantage of the surrounding valleys and plateaus of the Ozarks.

In addition to the courses mentioned iabove there are two other courses that are readily available to Branson visitors, the Thousand Hills Golf Course and Pointe Royal Golf Course. These two courses and Payne Stewart Golf Club are all located within the city limits of Branson, within ten minutes of each other and are located within five minutes from the famed Branson Strip. Thousand Hills and Pointe Royale are open year round.

Branson is an exciting golfing destination by itself, but when coupled with the other golf courses in the area, it offers a choice that provides a fun filled and challenging golfing experience for beginners as well as the more advanced players that is unrivaled for a vacation destination of its size. And when you are through golfing there is all the adventure, fun, entertainment and excitement that Branson is known for. That’s a hard combination to beat anytime, but especially on Spring Break during the beauty of an Ozark Spring.

Mother Nature puts on a Branson show for Fall

The first blush of 2011's Fall colors as viewed from Point Lookout at the College of the Ozarks.

BRANSON, MO, September 25, 2013 – From that first tint of color to the peaceful drift of cascading leaves falling from the trees, the foliage of the Ozark Mountains in Branson provides a beautiful canvas for one of Branson’s best shows, brought to you by Mother Nature. Foliage color typically comes with warm days and cool nights, according to Greg Cassell, Resources Forester for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He says the colors peak during the third week in October. And because of Branson’s designation as a “Tree City,” the area has learned to grow while still protecting this important part of the natural landscape.

“We had a pretty wet spring this year,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for Branson Tourism Center, “meaning the colors should be a visual delight for our visitors.” One of our visitor’s most common questions is, “What’s the best way to see the foliage?” Johnson responds that there really is no best way; fall beauty is simply there at just about every turn. With that said, Johnson suggests that your list of things not to miss should be topped by the “unique panoramic” view found from the deck of the Lake Queen, a historic paddlewheel boat operated by Main Street Lake Cruises. Using “up close” and “panoramic” together to describe this stunning view of the Ozark Mountains seems contradictory, but in the case of the Lake Queen, it’s the perfect way to describe the experience.

The Lake Queen cruises Lake Taneycomo, a long and narrow impoundment of the White River, with shorelines much closer together than what can be found on Table Rock Lake. A typical sightseeing cruise on the Lake Queen provides an up-close chance to view Branson’s abundant wildlife in its natural environment. The majestic bald eagle, the great blue heron, a variety of smaller birds, and deer are a common sight along the lake’s shoreline. You can enjoy the wildlife and panoramic vistas only found from your vantage point on the water. As the foliage changes color, these vistas turn into a magnificent canvas of nature’s painting.

As seen from the bow of the Lake Queen, one can only imagine what this scene will look like over the next month as the foliage changes color.

Another unique fall view comes from the lofty heights of the 230-foot-tall Inspiration Tower located atop Inspiration Point, one of the highest points in southwest Missouri. Found at Shepherd of the Hills homestead, the tower provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the Ozarks’ foliage from a different perspective. Glass elevators transport guests up the enclosed observation deck from which, on a clear day, hundreds of square miles of foliage can be viewed as far as 90 miles away, presenting a spectacular view unmatched anywhere. Enjoy the view while leisurely strolling along the deck, or take a more thrilling sightseeing approach by zipping down from the tower on the Vigilante Ziprider. A quick trip in a comfy seat, hitting speeds up to 45 mph, and met at the bottom by a shuttle that will take you on a meandering trip through the beautiful Shepherd of the Hills’ grounds, returning you to the tower.

There are a number of scenic lookouts that provide a superb birds-eye view of the Ozarks’ fall foliage. These include lookouts on State Route 165, about a mile south of its intersection with State Route 265; the Table Rock Dam overlook, located on the south end of Table Rock Dan, across the road from the Dewey Short Visitors Center, and the Henning Conservation Area lookout located about a mile west of the junction of State Route 76 and State Route 376 on the north side of the road. There are also scenic lookouts only minutes away in several of the small communities surrounding Branson.

Another excellent panoramic view is provided at Point Lookout on the campus of College of the Ozarks. Located atop a bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo, it provides a unique vista of both Branson’s fall foliage and the narrow winding lake; a simply breathtaking sight. While at the College, you might plan to eat at the Keeter Center, famous for their massive Sunday brunch that features food raised or grown on campus. Include a visit to Edwards Grist Mill and one of the area’s best kept secrets, the Ralph Foster Museum, affectionately known as the Smithsonian of the Ozarks. The museum is home to one of the only remaining Beverly Hillbillies’ trucks featured on the beloved television show.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson will also tell you that a great way to see wide-ranging views of Branson’s fall foliage is aboard the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake, or on the Branson Scenic Railway, a real old-fashioned steam engine train.

Cruising into spectacular Branson Fall foliage

View of the first "blush" of Fall foliage from the bow of the "Landing Princess."

BRANSON, Mo., August 25, 2013 – “The rains experienced during July and August have set Branson up to have a great fall foliage season,” said Loralei McCoy, Director of Operations for Main Street Lake Cruises. “It’s a spectacular show put on by Mother Nature and one of the best seats ‘in the house’ to experience it is on Lake Taneycomo while cruising aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats,” she added.

Lake Taneycomo, is a long narrow impoundment of the White River, with its shorelines being much closer together than other lakes such as Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes providing a unique opportunity to truly experience the brilliance, color and vividness of the Ozark’s fall foliage. A typical cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats is a spectacular experience any time of the year offering an up close chance to view Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, other birds, deer, other wildlife, panoramic vistas and bluffs not available through any other means except by boat on Lake Taneycomo. They are seen by very few the millions who visit Branson each year.

As the foliage changes color, these panoramic vistas turn into magnificent “masterpieces” that have to be seen to be believed. Operating the only cruises on Lake Taneycomo, whether on a sightseeing cruise aboard the Lake Queen, a modern day replica of the grand riverboats which used to ply the White River or a dinner cruise aboard the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, the boats of Main Street Lake Cruises provide an unparalleled view of not only the magnificent beauty of the changing Ozark’s foliage, but of Lake Taneycomo and its natural scenic wonders.

Main Street Lake Cruises’ McCoy points out that, depending on the weather, the first blush of color is toward the end of September with its peak at about the third week of October. Because of the popularity of these cruises she suggests making advance reservations. For additional information on Branson’s fall foliage season or Main Street Lake Cruises please call 1-877-382-6287.

Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles

One of the majestic Lake Taneycomo Eagles.

BRANSON, MO, July 17, 2013 –Along with viewing magnificent vistas, beautiful stone cliffs carved by the mighty White River, wild life and the constantly changing beauty of Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline thousands of passengers aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen sightseeing trips have met “Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles”. Although from time to time, especially during the winter months, other Bald Eagles visit Lake Taneycomo short periods of time, the pair of Bald Eagles referred to in this piece as the “Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles” are have been nesting downstream from the junction of Roark Creek and Lake Taneycomo virtually year round for the last few years providing a rare opportunity to see these majestic birds in the wild on a fairly “regular” basis.

Bald Eagles, are “Raptors,” birds of prey, having an average length of 36 inches, a wing span of 84 inches and a voracious appetite for fish. Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles have had their picture taken on more than one occasion feasting on one of the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the finest trout fisheries in America.

Dinner time in the trees.

They have one of the largest nests of any bird which can be up to seven feet across and ten feet deep. The nest of the Lake Taneycomo’s Bald Eagles is located a short distance back from the banks of Lake Taneycomo and is best observed in the spring before the foliage blocks the view. The eagles themselves however, are often seen sitting in trees right on the banks of Lake Taneycomo providing an excellent opportunity for photos of these majestic birds.

Although many people have seen Lake Taneycomo’s Eagles at various times, including the eaglets “emerging” from the nest, according to Leah Eden, Naturalist, for the Missouri Department of Conservation, no official records have been kept of the number of eaglets born each year etc. She said that typically, each pair will have two eaglets. When asked if the parents will kill the weaker eaglet she indicated that what could happen, in a situation where food is scarce, is that the one born first, generally the stronger, will survive, because it gets the majority of the food.

When asked why, based on the number of years they have been nesting on Lake Taneycomo, there were not more Bald Eagles permanently around she said that after fledging, getting feathers and leaving the nest, there is a gradual process where they leave their home nesting area. For the next couple of years the immature eagles travel seeking food as they reach maturity and find a mate. Bald Eagles mate for life.

No one knows exactly how old Lake Taneycomo’s Eagles are, but the average life expectancy is about 20 years. Meanwhile, one of more or these majestic birds are observed quite frequently from those boating or fishing on Lake Taneycomo. Quite often, while on a sightseeing cruise aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen or a dinner cruise on the Landing Princess they will stop the boat just so that people can take pictures of Branson’s natural stars, the Lake Taneycomo Eagles. How many places can one go and have the opportunity of sharing something like that with their family? Not many, not many at all and once shared, it will be a memory not soon forgotten.

Webb wins Central Pro-Am Angler of the Year

Mike Webb with a 7.30 pound bass he caught in the CPAA March Tournament on his way to winning Angler of the Year.

BRANSON, Mo., October 23, 2012 — “A big congratulations to Mike Webb on winning the coveted title of “Central Pro-Am Association Angler of the Year,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the major sponsors of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA). After a series of tournaments, spanning a period of approximately ten months, all fished on Branson’s Table Rock Lake, Webb, with a final score of 1262.58, nosed out fellow fisherman Brad Butler, with a final score of 1250.73, for First place by just 11.85 points. Bob Neff was Third, with 1233.34 points, Pete Wenners Fourth, with 1196.80 points and Jeff Durr Fifth, with 1182.85 points.

The quest for the CPAA Angler of the Year Award started on Dec. 3, 2011 and ended seven tournaments later on Sep. 15. The “points” earned by each fisherman are more than merely the total pounds of fish caught. They are a combination of points awarded for each tournament in the series, with points being awarded for participation, number of fish caught, total weight and placement in the tournament. To win the title, a fisherman must consistently produce at a high level throughout, the seven tournament series.

Going into the last tournament of the competition Webb and Butler were “neck in neck.” Although both Webb and Butler caught four bass, Webb’s 13.29 pound total weight, including the tournaments biggest bass, weighing 6.95 pounds” and First Place tournament finish; coupled with Butlers 11.06 pounds total weight and Sixth place tournament finish, earned Webb the coveted title of “Angler of the Year.” After earning the title Webb said, “This has been a goal of mine since I started fishing Central Pro Am 20 years ago. I’m ecstatic about winning my second event and the Angler of the Year title.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Isnard points out that Webb also runs a program called K.A. S. T. (Kids Are Special Too.) K.A.S.T. was founded in 1996 to educate kids about the hazards of drug use and provide an alternative to that use. Since that time Webb has traveled to countless school assemblies and other gathering of kids giving a “kid oriented” antidrug presentation and sharing fishing and the outdoors as an alternative to drugs.

As if that’s not enough, Webb is a professional fishing guide operating Webb’s Guide Service and has become the new owner of CPAA. He will take over the operation of CPAA with the start of its 2013 season. The first tournament of the 2013 season will be the two day Pro-Am Tournament, “The Bass Pro Fall Spectacular,” on Table Rock Lake out of the Ahoy’s ramp. Entries will be taken for the 2013 Bass Pro Shops Fall Spectacular and the rest of the 2013 CPAA season both on-line at or via phone at 417-485-5644.

Main Street Lake Cruises featured by CNN as 1 of 8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises

Taken today, this picture shows that Lake Taneycomo's foliage is into its "Color turn" and headed towards its anticipated "peak" within the next two weeks

BRANSON, Mo., October 14, 2012 — Like the quality of its many entertaining live shows, Branson is also known for the natural beauty that surrounds it. From its pristine lakes to the scenic splendor of the Ozark Mountains within which it is set, Branson’s natural beauty presents itself like an infinite variety of snowflakes on a day by day basis.

Nowhere is it more obvious, or well known, than in the Fall of each year as its trees and foliage put on one of the best shows in Branson. Perhaps not as well known, until now, was one of the best and most spectacular ways to see this show, but that changed recently when CNN Travel published an online article entitled, 8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises. The article said, “As the masses descend on America’s most colorful country roads this season, why not try an alternate route? Autumn’s gold-and-yellow leaf show is just as breathtaking from the deck of a boat…” and went on to list Branson’s Lake Taneycomo as “…a perfect place to revel in it” and a cruise aboard one of Main Street Lake Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen or Landing Princess as one of its “8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises.”

The article points out that Main Street Lake Cruises two boats, the Lake Queen, a replica of the historic paddle wheel riverboats that used to ply the waters of the White River and the Landing Princess, a 100 foot luxury yacht, offer different options including dinner cruises, and sightseeing itineraries on a scheduled basis throughout the day. Larry Milton, one of the principals of Main Street Lake Cruises said, “A cruise on one of our boats is always a unique fun filled adventure offering beautiful scenic panoramic views of the Ozarks not available anywhere else which become even more spectacular with the beauty and color of the Fall foliage. We are honored that our cruises were chosen as one of ‘8 spectacular fall-foliage cruises’ in the article.”

As the accompanying picture, taken today shows, Lake Taneycomo’s foliage is into its “color turn.” It is anticipated that it will “peak” within the next two weeks if the colder nights persist. For information about Main Street Lake Cruises sightseeing, dinner or charter cruises please contact them either by phone at 417-239-3980 or via their website www.MainStreetLakeCruises.com.

Nature’s panoramic colorful Fall show premiering soon in Branson

The first blush of 2011's Fall colors as viewed from Point Lookout at the College of the Ozarks.

BRANSON, Mo., September 15, 2012 –From the first tint of color to “leaf fall,” the foliage of the Ozark Mountains in Branson provides a beautiful canvass for the colorful show that takes place each Fall as it changes color. Greg Cassell, Resource Forester, for the Missouri Department of Conservation said that the foliage color typically comes with warm days and cool nights and, in the Branson area, peaks during the third week in October.

“Even during this hot dry summer, the Branson area was blessed with key rains, and although the Fall foliage will not be as spectacular as it has been during some years, it will still be a one of a kind sight to behold and a Branson show not to miss,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of our most asked questions is, ‘What’s the best way to see the foliage?'” Johnson responds that there really is not just one best way and points out that the neat thing about the Fall foliage in Branson is that it’s simply there at just about every turn.

That said however, Johnson suggests that the following should be near the top of anyone’s list in terms of a “unique panoramic” view of the Fall foliage. It would be hard to get a more unique, up close or better a panoramic view of the Ozark’s foliage than from the decks of Main Street Cruise Lines’ Lake Queen. At first blush it might seem inconsistent to use the terms “up close” and “panoramic” together, but in the case of the Lake Queen it is an accurate depiction.

As seen from the bow of the Lake Queen, one can only imagine what this scene will look like over the next month as the foliage changes color.

Lake Taneycomo, is a long narrow impoundment of the White River, with its shorelines being much closer together than Table Rock Lake. A typical sightseeing cruise on the Lake Queen provides an up close chance to view the Eagles, Great Blue Herons, other birds, deer and see panoramic vistas not available through any other means except water. As the foliage changes color, these panoramic vistas turn into a a magnificent “canvas” of natures painting that has to be seen to be believed.

Another unique view comes from the lofty heights of the 230 foot tall Inspiration Tower located on top of Inspiration Point, one of the highest points in southwest Missouri, at The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead provides an unparalleled panoramic view of the Ozark’s foliage from a different, but unique perspective. Glass elevators transport guests up to the enclosed Observation Deck from which, on a clear day, they can see over 90 miles and hundreds of square miles of foliage presenting a spectacular view of the Fall foliage that is not available anywhere else.

There are a number of “Scenic Lookouts” that provide a superb panoramic view of the Ozark’s Fall foliage. These include the Lookouts on State Route 165, about a mile south of its intersection with State Route 265; the Table Rock Dam Overlook, located on the south end of Table Rock Dam across the road from the Visitors Center and the Henning Conservation Area Lookout located about a mile west of the junction of State Route 76 and State Route 376 on the north side of the road.

Another excellent panoramic view is provided at “Point Lookout” on the campus of the College of the Ozarks. Located on top of a bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo it provides a unique view of Branson’s Fall foliage not available anywhere else with Lake Taneycomo winding through it. It is simply breath taking. While at the college you might want to plan to eat at the Keeter Center and visit the “Edwards Grist Mill” and the “Ralph Foster Museum,” called the “Smithsonian of the Ozarks.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson also points out that a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle, on Table Rock Lake, or ride on the Branson Scenic Railway also provide unique panoramic views of Branson’s Fall foliage.

Labor Day in Branson – An exciting “informal” end of the summer outdoor season

White Water's iconic seven story multi-slide thrill ride "Kalani Towers."

BRANSON, Mo., August 9, 2012 — “Although, in terms of temperatures, it seems like it’s been an ‘eternal’ Summer all year, the long Labor Day Weekend is generally construed to be the ‘informal’ end of the Summer Season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is typically the ‘last hurrah’ for families to enjoy the excitement, fun and adventure of all that outdoor Summer activities have to offer and will run from September 1 through 3 this year,” she added.

From its three lakes and outdoor activities from hiking, biking, boating, fishing, laying on the beach, beach volleyball, golfing, zip lining and many others, Branson provides a unique mosaic of outdoor activities that is unrivaled anywhere. When that is combined with everything else that Branson offers, almost a hundred live shows, firework displays, world class shopping, theme parks and attractions and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a place that will offer more excitement, fun and entertainment than Branson over the Labor Day Weekend. In fact, not only over the Labor Day Weekend, but anytime, it’s hard to imagine a place that offers families more to share together than Branson offers.

In terms of outdoor things to do, although the activities may vary, many people come to Branson to just escape and relax in the simple natural beauty of its Ozark Mountains and enjoy one of its lakes. That will be no different over the Labor Day Weekend as Branson visitors enjoy what is typically one of the last big “lake weekends” on either Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo to swim, boat, fish or participate in a myriad of other water sports and aquatic activities.

Another way people enjoy the beauty of Branson’s Lakes is by taking a cruise. Table Rock Lake, offers dinner and lunch cruises on the Showboat Branson Belle combining a lake cruise with a wonderful meal and its ” Made In America” show. On Lake Taneycomo, which runs right by Branson Landing, Main Street Lake Cruises provides daily sightseeing cruinses on its river boat paddle wheel replica, the Lake Queen and dinner cruises on the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess. Its cruises provide a unique view of a side of Branson Landing and its magnificent fire and light show spectacular and the opportunity to see wild life such as Bald Eagles, Osprey, deer, the Great Grey Heron as well as vistas and bluff formations that most people never get to see.

Nothing symbolizes outdoor water and fun in Branson more than White Water, southwest Missouri’s largest water park, with its millions of gallons of water and fun, the “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” and its iconic seven story multi-slide thrill ride “Kalani Towers.” The long Labor Day weekend will be the last weekend for White Water’s 2012 season. Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning 1880s styled theme park, which will be celebrating the final days of its Southern Gospel Picnic, is also noted for its many outdoor activities and its seasonal water themed rides such as the “American Plunge,” “RiverBlast” and “Lost River of the Ozarks.”

Tee of Par 4 10th hole at Pointe Royale Golf Course.

Even with the record breaking heat of this summer major Branson Golf Courses such as Brason Creek, Murder Rock, Pointe Royale, Thousand Hills and Payne Stewart are in excellent shape and ready for the enjoyment of Branson’s Labor Day Weekend visitors. Although weather dependent, most of Branson’s golf courses are available for play on a year round basis.

Although not classified as either a “summer” or “outdoor” activity, as the majority of them are all year round, Branson’s retail stores, shopping and outlet malls as well as the majority of its specialty shops will be open over the Labor Day Weekend to ensure that Branson visitors get to experience the fabulous shopping for which it is known. Among many others, this includes Branson’s unique specialty shops, including Historic Downtown Branson, the Grand Village, Imax Complex and other areas all over Branson; its two major outlet malls, the Tanger Outlet Center and The Shoppes at Branson Meadows and its major shopping mall, Branson Landing.

Johnson points out that one of the nice things about Branson’s outdoor activities is their closeness, not only to each other, but to Branson’s other attractions, live shows, shopping and everything else that it offers. One minute you could be fighting a lunker trout or playing a round of golf on a championship golf course and, relatively speaking, the next you could be sitting in a theatre watching one of Branson’s great live shows, having a world class shopping experience, watching a potter work an artist pain or enjoying any one of the many exciting and interesting activities Branson offers.

From the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction boarding passengers as it remembers the 100th year anniversary of the sinking of the great ship to the vast majority of its 100 shows, attractions, restaurants and everything else that makes Branson the unique entertaining world class destination it is, it’s hard to imagine a more fun filled, exciting or entertaining place to spend the Labor Day weekend than in Branson. Branson Tourism Center’s (BTC) Johnson advises that Labor Day Weekend in Branson is one of the busiest of the year and advises making advance reservations for things like shows, lodging, tee times etc. Please call BTC through its toll free number, 1-800-785-1550, for more information on Branson’s Labor Day Weekend activities, tickets for Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements.

Championship wakeboarding event makes first Branson appearance

MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour coming to Branson

BRANSON, Mo. The terms “Krypt,” “Tantrum,” “911,” “Tweety Bird” and “Tootsie Roll,” just to mention a few, all have different meanings and connotations to many people, but not to the athletes and who will be competing in Branson on June 8 and 9, 2012 in the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour. “What a testimony to Table Rock Lake and the Branson area that it is able to host championship water events as diversified as the FLW and Bass Masters fishing tournaments and the Pro Wakeboard Tour,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The competitors, fans and spectators will experience an action filled exciting event and be just minutes away from Branson shows, attractions, shopping, value priced lodging and all the other fun things Branson has to offer.

“Wakeboarding” is an exciting action filled sporting event involving a rider on a wakeboard being pulled behind of motorboat at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour. Just how fast depends on the skill of the rider, water conditions, the tricks they will be performing and other factors. The terms “Krypt,” “Tantrum,” “911,” “Tweety Bird” and “Tootsie Roll,” are all names from the “trick lexicon of these championship athletes, competing in a sport that combines the excitement of water skiing, surfing and snowboarding into one action filled event.

Ross Summers, CEO of the Branson Lakes Chamber of Commerce and CVB, one of the events sponsors, along with,Ozarks Rivers Heritage Foundation, said, “The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour is one of the premier wakeboarding events in the country.” He also pointed out that this is the first time that the event has been held in Branson and is a new stop for the tour.

The Branson stop is the third stop on the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour and an integral part of winning the Pro Tour Title. Tour competitors accumulate points during every stop on the Tour based on their placement in each contest. The one earning the highest total number of points at the end of the five stop Tour is crowned the “Pro Tour Champion.”

The event will be held at Table Rock Lake’s Moonshine Beach on June 8 and 9, 2012. The Pro Men’s Qualifying, Junior Pro Men’s Quarterfinals and Pro Women’s Semifinals will be held on Friday, June 8. The Pro Men’s Quarterfinals, Junior Pro Men’s Semifinals, Pro Men’s Semifinals and Junior Pro Men’s and Women’s Finals will be held Saturday June 9, prior to the Pro Men’s Finals and the “Big Air Kicker Contest” which will conclude the days competition.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said the Moonshine Beach area of Table Rock Lake will provide excellent viewing for spectators, both from land and the lake, and is only minutes south of the Branson Strip on State Route 165. It should be noted that although the Wakeboard Tour will span two days, June 8 and 9, Sunshine Beach will be open to the public both days with standard Day Use Rates applying on June 8 and the Wakeboard Tour rate on Saturday June 9.

She points out that Branson’s summer season will be fully underway and suggests that those planning to attend the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour or visit Branson that weekend give consideration to making advance arrangements for lodging and shows. Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.