Category Archives: Tourism

Branson’s Grand Country Music Hall provides a grand variety of entertainment

Grand Jubilee's" New South", Jason,left, Trey, Jason and Mark.

“The ‘Grand Country Music Hall,’ stands out, even in Branson, Missouri, the ‘Live music show capital of the world,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It offers a variety of entertaining, exciting and funny shows on a regular basis that is not available anywhere else in Branson.”

Mike Patrick, the General Manager of the Grand Country Music Hall (Grand Country), producer, and a cast member in two of its shows said, “We offer eight different shows on a regularly scheduled basis providing fun and enjoyment that covers the complete entertainment spectrum. We have it all from animal acts to gospel, country and just about any music genre a person could want along with some of the best comedy on the planet.”

Patrick, with the assistance of associate producer Andy Holloway, the cast and musicians in the shows, produces and directs all of the shows. Patrick explained that he has been involved with just about every aspect of the Branson entertainment industry since 1990 and is still performing in two of the shows being performed at Grand Country, the Grand Jubilee and tBranson Country USA. When asked what he believes makes a great show he said, “One that the audience relates to and enjoys. I just love it when I see our audiences laughing, interacting with the cast and having a great time. That’s what it’s all about.”

Grand Jubilee is an evening musical comedy variety show featuring the vocals of “New South,” a male quartet consisting of lead vocalist, Trey Wilson, tenor Jason Robinson, baritone Jason Pritchett and bass Mark McCauley. New South is one of the most talented singing groups in Branson and is noted for their tight harmonies, power and vocal range, singing everything from the Eagles and Beatles to gospel, country and pop. New South provides the main vocal thrust in three of Grand Country’s shows the Grand Jubilee, New South Gospel and Branson Country USA. Jackie Brown is featured the female vocalist and Todd Bradshaw the male vocalist. The comedy is provided by one of Branson’s funniest comedians, the multitalented Jamie Haage as “Jim Dandy” with Patrick as the straight man and the show’s emcee.

The cast of the hillariously funny Comedy Jubilee.

The Comedy Jamboree is an afternoon musical variety featuring the vocals of the “Jamboree Singers,” Jackie Brown, GiGi Hutchison, Jon Drockelman, Justin Tews with featured male vocalist and emcee Todd Bradshaw. The comedy is provided by comedians Shannon Thomason as “Apple Jack” and Jeff Jenkins as “Guppy McGee.” This show has it all, hilarious, clean comedy, floor-pounding clogging and dancing and all your country favorites.

Patrick points out that the basic musical comedy format is the same for both the Grand Jubilee and Comedy Jubilee. He adds that there is plenty of side splitting comedy for everyone in both show, but there is more emphasis on comedy in the Comedy Jubilee show.

Down Home Country is a traditional classic country music show that will take you back in time to enjoy the classics of George Jones, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and many more. The host and featured vocalist is Bob Davison with the female vocals provided by Melody Hart who also plays the fiddle. Patrick points out that although fiddle players Wayne Massengale and Melody Hart are married and have been playing in Branson for years this will be the first time they have performed in a show together.

New South Gospel is offered only on Thursday afternoons and features New South and female vocalist Jackie Brown. The show was developed in response to audience requests for New South to do more gospel music and provides a wide range of gospel music “from the early roots of southern gospel to the hand-clapping gospel hits of today and from the Jordanaires to Bill Gaither.”

Amazing Pets is a morning show that is completely different from any other show, not only at Grand Country, but in Branson. It features Valery Tsoraev, Olga Demicheva and Anna Savvina with an amazing troupe of trained dogs and cats performing amazing feats that amazes young and old as well as the birds of Alena Oulianova and the mule and turtles of Tony King. Add a lot of audience participation from kids in the audience and the comedy and hosting of Chris Stanley and the result is a unique entertainment experience that will be enjoyed by “kids” of all ages.

Sunday Gospel Jubilee is offered only on Sunday afternoon and is the continuation of a two decade Sunday gospel tradition featuring the Bacon Family performing your gospel favorites as only they and their familial harmonies can. It also features Randy Plummer, bass guitar and vocals; Lance Taylor, Piano and vocals, Eric Michel, drums; Michael Davis, lead guitar and George Geiser, steel guitar.

Ozark Jubilee is offered only on Sunday evening and “celebrates the country classics of yesteryear combined with today’s hot, country hits. The show is presented by the Bacon Family and the same cast that presents the Sunday Gospel Jubilee.

Branson Country USA is a 10:30 p.m. show offered only on Friday co-hosted by Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy, and Patrick. The show features the vocals of New South and Jackie Brown, the Grand Band and has a rotating roster of Branson talent consisting of stars such as Mickey Gilley and the  up-and-coming stars of tomorrow.

Patrick points out that it takes talented musicians to support the variety of shows and music performed at Grand Country and proclaimed that the musicians of the “Grand Band” are second to none. The band consists of Michael W. Davis and Tracy Heaston, piano and keyboard; Wayne Massengale, fiddle and acoustic guitar; Larry Allred, bass guitar; Rob Blackburn, drums; Matt Hanshaw, lead and acoustic guitar and Danny Yancey, steel and acoustic guitar and banjo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For additional information or tickets for the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

For additional information or help in planning a trip to Branson, its live shows, attractions or lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

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

Titanic seems to be sailing right into the Branson Strip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that this is just one example of the fun and excitement that await Branson visitors even on one of the coldest days of the year. For help in planning a Branson vacation or for advice on all that Branson has to offer she suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Track Family Fun Parks go to “Heavy Metal” for more fun

“‘The, no admission charge, ‘Track Family Fun Parks (The Track(s))’ have been entertaining Branson visitors and locals since 1981, offering multi story and ‘classic go-kart tracks for all ages, bumper boats/cars, laser tag, mini golf, kids’ rides, arcades, and more,'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We offer our congratulations on the celebration of their 30th Anniversary this year and the three million dollar expansion of their facilities.”

Johnson’s comments are based on information received from The Track which indicates that the construction has already started in two-parks, “some of which will be completed in the spring of 2011. Track 4… will feature new the ‘Heavy Metal High Rise,’ while Track 3… will introduce a new classic go-kart track, an expanded building and other exciting family-themed elements.”

Larry Schmitt, President/Co-Owner of The Track Family Fun Parks said, “We could not be more thrilled to be reinvesting in our parks. This is an exciting time to offer something new in Branson.” He goes on to explain that the expansion is all part of  an effort “to provide their guests with the most enhanced experiences” and expressed his hope “that Branson visitors and residents will be just as thrilled as we are with the results of the final plan.”

According to the information received, among other things the final plan includes:

Heavy Metal High Rise at Track 4 will be the latest addition to The Track’s high-rise family.  The LumberJack at Track 5 and Wild Woody at Track 3 were built in 2001 and 2002, respectively.  The new track’s state of the art steel and concrete construction will be more weather-friendly and will offer a completely different experience than its wooden counterparts.  Heavy Metal High Rise will be 1,200 linear feet long, and it will contain over 200 tons of steel and 700 cubic yards of concrete.  After spiraling up four stories, riders will zoom down a three-tiered slope back to the ground.

The Track 3 facility will also see big changes in 2011.  Its new classic track will be unlike any other at The Track facilities.  It will be much more of a road course style with tighter and higher banked curves.  There will be more turns, as well as more elevation changes throughout the riding experience.  The capacity will also be much greater than the current classic track at that location, having a total of 20 single-rider and 10 double-rider go-karts.  The height requirements will remain the same as the other classic tracks at 54″ for drivers and 36″ for passengers.  In addition to the new track, the main guest services building will expand by 3,000 square feet, giving guests more than 5,500 total square feet of arcade games and indoor activities.

“And that’s just one of the many exciting and entertaining Branson Attractions that visitors can enjoy while visiting and vacationing in Branson,” Johnson added. For additional information or tickets for Branson Attractions or Shows or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

An entertaining Christmas Day in Branson

“Branson has live entertainment and attractions every day of the year including Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Although the schedule of shows and attractions is pared down on Christmas Day, Branson offers a variety of shows and attractions for your entertainment and enjoyment,” she added.

The live shows that will be performing on Christmas Day sorted by performance time are:

9:00 am

Breakfast With Mark Twain

2:00 pm

Amazing Pets
Elvis and the Superstars
Hank Williams Revisited

7:00 pm
Amazing Pets

8:00 pm
Hank & Patsy Together Again

9:00 pm

IMAX Theatre

The following Branson attractionswill be open on Christmas Day:

Castle of Chaos – Enter the castle. Taste the chaos. Discover the fate of Carli and her crew. You will need every bit of adrenaline and stamina to join the battle against evil in the adventure of a lifetime.

Dinosaur Museum – Come face-to-face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex! Count the spikes on a Stegosaurus tail. Stand next to one of the most common predators, the Allosaurus.

Inspiration Tower – Branson’s “landmark on the horizon” — a massive 230′ tall structure located on Inspiration Point in The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. (Is included on the Trail of Lights.)

Haunted House – The Haunted House features some of the most cutting edge animatronics you’ll find. There are numerous gargoyles and monsters, as well as a nightmarish hall of sinister screen legends. A word of warning: If you have a clown phobia, close your eyes as you exit!

Hollywood Wax Museum – Branson’s finest small attraction with a tribute to Hollywood’s best,presenting a valuable, highly entertaining and memorable Hollywood celebrity encounter through a state of the art facility, with themed believable displays.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum – You’re in control as you enjoy your self-guided tour of this truly amazing experience. Take as long as you like to view and examine some of the most odd and amazing collections ever assembled.

Trail of Lights – The Trail also includes millions of multi-colored Christmas lights. Every building on park is completely illuminated and there are hundreds of lighted displays as well as the animated scenes. ( Includes Inspiration Tower.)

Vigilante Zipline – An exciting new thrill ride! The ZipRider zip line cable is based on the familiar concept of the back yard zip line but then turns that fun experience into an exciting, no-worries ride.

World’s Largest Toy Museum – Remembering your childhood has never been so much fun! The World’s Largest Toy Museum (Antique Toy Museum) is like Christmas morning every day!

Johnson also points out that Branson’s two major drive through lighting displays, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and “The Branson Area Festival of Lights” will also be open on Christmas Day. She adds that starting December 26 and running through the end of Ozark Mountain Christmas on December 31 most of Branson other major attractions, including Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas will also be open along with additional shows and a great variety of entertainment for New Years Eve. She suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com, for additional information.

Branson says “Happy New Year” like nowhere else

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson advised that weather and other factors could cause schedule changes. For additional information on any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

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

One of Grand Countrys spacious rooms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The excitement and fun doesn’t stop there,” said Johnson. “There’s indoor miniature golf and the ‘Grand Country Fun Spot’ featuring the ‘White River Black Light Mini-Golf Course in 3D;’ Mini-Bowling with “cool lights illuminating the bowling lanes along with, rockin’ videos and music” and much more.” The Fun Spot is also a state of the art video arcade game facility and has the most popular video and fun arcade games for every style. From motocross racing to space exploring, the it has all the latest arcade attractions available and is bursting with great prizes in its ticket redemption center with gifts for all.”

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

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

It’s a “White Flight” Christmas at Branson’s Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

A "living statute" and one of thousands of white butterflies interact with a family.

“Branson’s Ozark Mountain Christmas is one of the most unique Christmas celebrations in the Nation,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “That uniqueness stems from not only the traditional Christmas spirit it honors, but the spectacular and unique nature of the attractions and activities it offers,” she continued.

A developing tradition of Ozark Mountain Christmas is the “White Flight.”It is a unique Christmas exhibit made up of thousands of white butterflies flying in a rain forest sparkling with thousands of lights, living angel statutes, colorful white and red poinsettias and filled with the sounds of beautiful holiday music. “It’s the butterfly version of a ‘White Christmas'” said Johnson.

“White Flight” is currently appearing for its fourth Christmas season in Branson at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure through January 15, 2011. Sarah Bolend, General Manager, said the thousands of white butterflies used in “White Flight” are comprised of about 20 different species of tropical white butterflies with the most common being the “Paper Kite Butterfly”, also commonly called the “Rice Paper Butterfly.”

Bolend has previously pointed out “that the butterflies used in all the exhibits at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, including ‘White Flight,’ are shipped to them by air express in their chrysalis (cocoon) stage from tropical rain forests. They are released into the exhibit after the butterfly emerges from the cocoon and its wings dry where it lives out its average three week life span in a predator free environment.

Two of the many types of white butterflies in "White Flight," a Paper Kite and an Orange Tip.

In terms of the exhibit, she said the adventure starts in the attractions theatre with the viewing of a very well filmed, interesting and exciting 15 minute movie on the life of a rain forest butterfly. After the film the guests step from the theatre into the aviary where they interact, “up close and personal,” with thousands of butterflies. During “White Flight,” Nov. 1 through January 15, the butterflies are all colored white and provide a spectacular and unique display. Bolend said that from January 16 through the start of White Flight on November 1, the display is just as spectacular, but is composed of 50-60 species of different brightly colored butterflies.

Bolend also points out another unique feature of “White Flight.” In addition to the butterflies in the aviary, “White Flight” also includes the presentation of the centuries old art form of “living statutes” in the form of White Angels. As people walk through the exhibit and butterflies alight on and flutter around them, they present a picture of angelic beauty and tranquility, but if one watches closely, almost imperceptibly, the statutes slowly and subtly come to life. It might be just a change in the position of a head or the extension of a hand, but it’s fascinating to watch the ability of the artist playing the angels to interact with the guests.

In addition, the aviary is decorated with a number of poinsettias and other flowers and highlighted by a large poinsettia Christmas tree that provides an excellent place to take a picture. The whole “White Flight” experience, from the thousands of White Butterflies to the living angel statutes and beautiful music, is a unique Christmas experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

For additional information about “White Flight” and the  Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Ozark Mountain Christmas, or Branson shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.