Have a Ball in Branson this Fall

Fall is a great time to visit Branson, Missouri. The scenery becomes enflamed with brilliant oranges, yellows and reds creating a backdrop of outdoor beauty that compliments any visit. It’s also a great time to visit due to the variety of entertainers who come to the area and perform special limited engagements. Plus, the cooler weather makes outings to Silver Dollar City even more enjoyable, especially as they host the National Harvest Festival.

During September and October, several stars come to Branson. Johnny Mathis, who is known for his song “Chances Are,” will perform at The Mansion Theater on October 9 & 10. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, best known for their hit “Fishin’ in the Dark,” has a special performance scheduled on October 23 at The Mansion Theater. Neal McCoy will continue his limited engagement at the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre through November 1st. Lee Greenwood and the Bellamy Brothers will be performing at the Welk Resort Theater on select dates through October 24. The Tri-Lakes Center will host Roy Clark on select dates through October 24 as well. The Oak Ridge Boys will take the stage at The Oak Ridge Boys Theater in a limited engagement series through October 22.

Now is also the perfect time to enjoy some of Branson’s perennial favorites, like the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama and the Showboat Branson Belle. The fall weather makes the outdoor setting of the Shepherd of the Hills the perfect night out for families and it creates beautiful scenery for guests aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. While you’re here, make time for top-rated shows like Legends in Concert, SIX, The Duttons and Liverpool Legends, as well as the Dixie Stampede and Presleys Country Jubilee.

You’ll need a place to stay in Branson when you visit, and Branson has plenty of options to choose from. Whether you need a budget-friendly hotel like the Green Gables Inn or are looking for the spaciousness of a condo, like those at Thousand Hills Golf Resort, you’ll find it in Branson. We offer guaranteed lowest rates on most of our lodging options, so you can rest assured that you’re getting the best deal in town.

Break away to Branson this fall for a quick getaway or extended vacation. With so much to see and do, you’ll have a ball this fall in Branson.

Ten Ways to Play in Branson Missouri

There are plenty of things to do in Branson. With a wide range of outdoor activities, as well as indoor fun available, Branson offers a little something for everyone when they visit. Whether you are a new Branson visitor or a repeat traveler, there’s always something new to do in Branson.

1) Silver Dollar City: Branson’s #1 attraction is home to old-fashioned fun as it is themed as a 1880s style theme park. There are demonstrating craftsmen at the park, delicious food, 40 live shows daily and thrilling rides like WildFire to keep your day in Branson filled with fun. Silver Dollar City also features six world-class festivals, so anytime you come there is something different to see and do. Currently, KidsFest is underway, which is a great festival for kids because it’s all geared towards them.

2) Branson Shows: Branson is home to a variety of shows. With more theater seats than Broadway, this town knows how to put on a show. Branson is known for its country music, and at shows like Pierce Arrow, The Duttons, The Presleys, The Baldknobbers and Country Tonite, there are plenty of country tunes to keep audiences entertained. There are a variety of other shows in Branson that don’t feature country music, including Bill Haley’s Original Comets, Broadway!, Noah – The Musical, Six, and the Acrobats of China. Of course, perennial favorites Yakov Smirnoff, Shoji Tabuchi, Dixie Stampede and Jim Stafford perform throughout the year, offering first class shows right in the heart of Branson.

3) White Water: Branson’s beach within reach is a great place to spend a day while you’re in town. Dive into summer fun on their over 12 acre park which pumps over two million gallons water daily. There are thrilling water rides like Kalani Towers, Ohana Falls, and Raging River Rapids for the older kids, and a lazy river, splash island, and wave pool for guests wanting to lounge and soak up some sun.

4) Table Rock Lake: Table Rock Lake is a beautiful Branson treasure offering swimming, boating, fishing and amazing scenery. People flock to this lake to enjoy the sights and activities found here. Located just minutes from the heart of Branson, a day at Table Rock Lake provides families with some time to enjoy the great outdoors while also enjoying the amenities of an entertainment town such as Branson.

5) Branson Shopping: Branson is a fantastic place to shop because it is home to three outlet malls, the waterfront Branson Landing, and plenty of craft malls to find that unique treasure to call your own. When you visit, make time to go to the various shops at Branson because there is always a deal to be found!

6) Ride the Ducks: These unique amphibious vehicles provide an entirely different way to see Branson. When you ride on duck, you are treated to a 70 minute tour given by a guide who has some interesting insight into Branson. 30 minutes of your 70 minute tour is spent on Table Rock Lake, cruising and enjoying the splendor of the area. One thing is for sure, when you go to Ride the Ducks you’re in for a quack-tastic sightseeing adventure.

7) Titanic Museum: Spend some time at the Branson Titanic Museum while you visit and you’ll learn all there is to know about this fateful ship. Housed in a massive half-size replica of the original ship, the museum itself is a sight to behold but once you’re inside there is even more to explore. With over 400 artifacts to discover and interactive displays, like touching an iceberg, make the Titanic Museum a must-see attraction in Branson.

8) Shepherd of the Hills: The Shepherd of the Hills complex offers a lot for visitors to see and do. They are home to the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, the longest running outdoor drama in America. Based on the story written by Harold Bell Wright, Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama features life in the Ozark Mountains in the late 1800’s. This story was one of the first things to make Branson’s Ozark Mountains famous and is still one of the more popular shows in town. The complex is also home to Inspiration Tower and they offer a Homestead Tour.

9) Golf in Branson: Branson is home to outstanding golf courses that offer some of the finest courses in the Midwest, if not the country. Whether you’re a novice or a pro player, there’s a course that’ll fit your needs. A few of the courses to choose from include Pointe Royale Golf course, which is newly renovated, Thousand Hills Golf Course, Branson Creek, Murder Rock Golf Course and LedgeStone Golf Course.

10) Sightseeing: There is a lot to see in Branson. Between the lights of the famous country music boulevard that is Hwy. 76 & the gorgeous Ozark Mountain scenery, you can spend a lot of your time just checking out the sights and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Be sure to make time to soak it all in and enjoy the beauty that is Branson.

Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas Begins November 1st

The Live Music Show Capital of the World - Branson - kicks off Ozark Mountain Christmas on Nov. 1 with star-filled Christmas music shows and a Holiday Promenade of Stars parade at Branson Landing.

Branson's star entertainers and holiday production numbers are ready to dazzle visitors and their families in November and December. From "Mr. Christmas" Andy Williams to Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters at the Welk Resort, a multitude of shows deck the halls and showcase Branson's Christmas spirit.

"Christmastime in Branson reminds me of Christmas when I was a boy. There's an excitement about Christmas in Branson with the shows, Silver Dollar City and all the other attractions. The atmosphere in Branson around Christmas always seems that much more welcoming and warm," said Williams, whose trademark Christmas sweaters add to the holiday cheer.

Familiar carols fill the air at family shows like the Presleys, Baldknobbers, and Hughes Brothers and peals of laughter roll down the aisles at Jim Stafford, Hamner-Barber and Yakov Smirnoff's shows. From the Oak Ridge Boys' Christmas show, to Broadway's Spirit of Christmas with The Osmonds, Branson wraps up its musical packages with one-of-a-kind festive family fun. And, for the kid in everyone, there's a "magical" Christmas show as well, at world-famous Kirby VanBurch's Christmas Spectacular.

Silver Dollar City's An Old Time Christmas (Nov. 1 - Dec. 30), one of America's most acclaimed Christmas celebrations, is kicking off its brightest season to date with new shows and activities, plus more lights than ever presented throughout the streets of the 1880's-style theme park. Newly enhanced lighting, through the addition of thousands of energy saving lights and all-new wrapping of 40-foot-tall trees, the spectacular Christmas on Main Street, with its showcase five-story special effects Christmas tree and all-immersive light and sound show, is even more spectacular. Also new this year, Silver Dollar City presents Frosty, an interactive musical, and the Culinary & Craft School that will premier this holiday season. Returning favorites include the Holiday Light Parade with colorful musical floats and the acclaimed production A Dickens' Christmas Carol. And for nighttime thrills, the roller coasters are open after dark with great views of the park's four million lights.

On the first Sunday in December, thousands of people gather in downtown Branson to watch a Christmas parade dedicated to "the true meaning of the season." This year marks the 60th Adoration Parade, an evening event with dozens of high school bands and lighted floats. The theme has always been "Keeping Christ in Christmas."

The Showboat Branson Belle is bedecked in all its Christmas finery and charts a course for holiday food and fun on Table Rock Lake though December. Also, the World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with thousands of merry lights and holiday trim that recall those elegant Christmases past.

Holiday shoppers will discover Branson's newest "Winter Wonder Landing" at the Branson Landing waterfront. The Landing features a promenade of trendy specialty shopping and dining establishments, the brilliant water and fire spectacular that dances to the sounds of the season in the Town Square and Santa Claus, who has even been known to vacation in Branson himself.

Three name-brand outlet malls, boutique shops at the Grand Village, Ozarks craftsmen at Branson Mills and Engler Block and shops throughout Branson are decked out in lights with holiday decorations that beckon Yuletide visitors.

Christmas traditions in the Branson/Lakes Area include a Christmas light display at the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd., the Christmas on the Trail show and Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and the animated lighting displays of the 1-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through.

For rest and relaxation following a fun holiday entertainment and shopping outing, a host of Branson lodging options and special offers are available from a cozy cabin at one of the lakeside resorts to luxurious hotel rooms and condos throughout the area.

Branson has more than 100 live shows, theme parks, pristine lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other features that are fun for everyone!

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Country Music Capital Branson Turning into Top Golf Destination

A case could be made that Branson is sort of the mini-Las Vegas of the Midwest, just add corn bread and take away the casinos.

The little town south of Springfield, high in the Ozarks, has exploded in the last couple of decades into the gangly epicenter of live country music, country kitsch and country money.

It all started with a cave, believe it or not - they have Ripley's here, too by the way.

About 100 years ago, people came to see Marble Cave, which is actually limestone. Then they made a movie about the area from the best-selling book, "The Shepherd of the Hills," starring John Wayne, and people started flocking in.

A couple of brothers calling themselves the Baldknobbers began putting on shows, showcasing both country and western music - in case you're wondering, there is a big difference between the two. Slowly, musical acts began trickling in until they reached a flood, and in 1991, "60 Minutes" did a story on the town.

Then things really took off.

They're still going strong, and have only felt the country's economic woes mildly; the value of new construction in 2006 in Branson topped $200 million, breaking all previous records. People may be feeling the money pinch, but you can't keep them away from the Presley Country Jubilee.

And it ain't all country. You want to see Andy Williams, Tony Orlando, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Osmonds, Twelve Irish Tenors and Yakov Smirnoff, you come to Branson.

Or how about a Red Skelton impersonator? Come to Branson.

When a place gets this big, it often starts thinking about becoming a golf destination, because, let's face it, golfers spend a lot of money.

That's where Branson is at. They have about a dozen courses in the area now, and some of them are excellent.

"We're just starting to get to the point where we can call ourselves a golf destination," said Cliff Easum, the head pro at the Thousand Hills resort.

The area will get a huge boost when the Payne Stewart Golf Course opens some time in the fall.

Must-play Branson golf courses

• Branson Creek Golf Club isn't just the class of the Branson area, it's the class of Missouri, according to many golf publications.

The golf course plays up and down the hills of the high plateau that takes up most of southern Missouri. Those holes that play along the high, rocky ridges give off grand, misty views, and the holes that plunge down to the valleys are perhaps even more scenic, with purple-flowered hills rising gracefully above the fairways.

It is a dazzling layout in this part of the postcard-ready Ozarks, and its scenic beauty is matched only by the artistry of the Tom Fazio design.

"I've played all the nice courses in Missouri, and there aren't any that compare to this," said Easum.

You won't find many public, daily fee golf courses of this caliber. One beautiful hole flows from the next, and although there seems to be a plethora of dogleg lefts, every hole brings a separate adventure.

The scenery is everything you'd expect from a mountain course high in the Ozarks: Lakes, ponds, little mountain streams and rugged rock outcroppings to go along with the purple redbuds, white dogwood, and pine and cedar trees.

The green fees here are substantially cheaper than they would be for a golf course of this standing in certain other parts of the country.

• LedgeStone Championship Golf Course unfolds inside the ritzy Stonebridge Village, just outside Branson. The Ozarks aren't a mountain range in the typical sense, but LedgeStone is, for all intents and purposes, a mountain golf course with sweeping, distant views and steep, rocky hills rising above the fairways.

It is an excellent course, consistently ranked among the best in the state by golf magazines. The course was designed by Thomas Clark, who's done such courses as the TPC at Avenel in Maryland and Blue Ridge Shadows and the Woods Course at Kingsmill Resort, both in Virginia.

At LedgeStone, Clark let the surroundings showcase the course; it climbs up and down the steep terrain, with some serious elevation changes. LedgeStone is indeed a dramatic layout, 6,800 yards from the tips with a slope rating of 133, but it is also playable, especially if you don't get too bull-headed and play on the conservative side - at least on your first few trips around.

Golf Digest has described it as a "masterpiece of mountain golf architecture."

• John Daly's Murder Rock Golf and Country Club is 6,600 yards from the back tees. The next set of tees goes down to less than 6,200 yards, one of the few drawbacks to this lofty layout, high in the Ozarks and south of the live, country music capital of Branson.

In fact - gulp - it's been called "lady friendly" by Murder Rock officials, and we're not talking about Hooters girls. The course has few forced carries, and many of the greens are open in front, qualities many women enjoy.

"Obviously, it's not a long golf course," Assistant Golf Professional Mike Meade said. "But, it can be demanding as far as accuracy. The back nine, it can get breezy, and it's all about hitting the right spot on the green."

It gets breezy because Murder Rock occupies the highest place in Taney County, 300 feet above the neighboring Branson Creek, which itself is considered a mountain golf course. The view from the big window at Murder Rock's clubhouse bar is spectacular.

"I guarantee you this is the longest 6,600-yard golf course you'll ever play when the wind blows," Meade said.

The greens are excellent. They're Crenshaw bentgrass and have a very lush look and feel. Though slower and smaller than Branson Creek, the greens at Murder Rock have enough slope and undulation, but not too much, to make putting on them a pleasure.

Branson golf: Solid seconds

• Thousand Hills Golf Resort is a Bob Cupp design with fairways that dip, swoop and twist, falling off to rocky creeks and canyons. It has excellent elevation changes, despite being in the heart of the Branson strip.

The only factor holding this course back is its lack of length; it measures only 5,111 yards from the back tees with a par of 64. That includes nine par 3s. Thousand Hills is a good course to test your short game with all the par 3s.

• Holiday Hills Resort & Golf Club suffers from a myriad of problems. The fairways are too close together for one thing, and the course isn't in particularly good shape. It's a short course - none of the four tees measures over 6,000 yards with the longest being 5,625 with a slope rating of 115. It has a par of 68.

All that being said, the course does have its charms because it is busy; it's one of the locals' favorites. It does have history on its side. It is the oldest golf course in Branson - Charlton Heston used to play here. Also, there are some interesting green complexes and some of the mounding around the greens is imaginative, and the fairway mounding does what it can to keep wayward balls in the proper fairways.

Information & Image courtesy of Travel Golf

10 Ways to Save on Your Branson Vacation Despite High Gas Prices

School is out, summer is here and families are ready for vacation. While many families look to the road for their vacation days, this year it is harder than ever to fill the gas tank and travel near or far. Despite high gas prices, Branson, Missouri is still a great choice for a summer vacation. This drive to destination is offering discounts on everything from gas to food to activities in order to cater to value-driven visitors who deserve a vacation! In order to aid our guests in making their dollar stretch even farther this year, here are 10 ways to save on your Branson vacation despite high gas prices.

1) Take advantage of the Gas Buster Discount Card available through the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. By showing a recent (past two days) gas receipt(s) totaling $50 or more at a Chamber of Commerce visitor center, located at Highways 65 and 248 or at Highways 65 and 160, you’ll receive a Gas Buster Discount Card worth $50 in savings. Plus, for every $50 in gas you spend, you’ll get another card worth even more savings. The Gas Buster Card offers discounts on everything from lodging to shopping to food, so be sure to pick one up. There are several participating sponsors of the Branson Gas Buster Program, and full details regarding the program are available.

2) Cash in on your Stimulus Check to receive two free show tickets from the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Times are hard, and in order to show they understand, Branson has started a Branson Stimulus Check Promotion where they give away two free show tickets to guests who present a copy of their stimulus check, or proof of direct deposit, at their welcome centers (location mentioned above.) A complete list of participating shows offering two free show tickets in Branson is available here.

3) Cut corners by cutting into Branson Restaurant Coupons. They are a great way to save money on shopping and food, and are easily obtained. Dining Coupons for restaurants such as Golden Corral, Outback Steak & Oyster Bar, Moon River Grill, Shorty Small’s, Landry’s and the Grand Country Buffet offer great discounts. There are plenty of other restaurant coupons for Branson too!

4) Shopping coupons for Branson shops are available, with coupon books offered for both the Tanger Outlet and Factory Merchants Mall. Plus, be sure to visit the Tanger Outlet Mall website for promotional sales and coupons for additional savings.

5) Even more fun can be had at the Branson Landing by acquiring a Passport full of deals. Their Branson Landing Passport savings book can be obtained from these distributors or by printing this Branson Landing voucher and presenting it at the Landing Management Office.

6) Branson Hotels are also accommodating visitors by offering great Branson hotel discounts. There are several wallet-friendly yet quality properties to choose from, including the AmazInn & Suites, Branson Towers, Gazebo Inn, Quality Inn on the Strip and Rosebud Inn. These lodging choices make it easy to still get in on all the fantastic Branson entertainment and activities while also providing a nice place to stay at night.

7) The Direct Deals page on ReserveBranson.com offers discount Branson tickets on a number of Branson Shows and Branson Attractions. A few of the shows with cheap Branson ticket prices include the Hamner Barber Variety Show, Kirby VanBurch, Acrobats of China, Haygoods, and Silver Dollar City.

8) Branson Packages are another one of the great ways to save money in Branson. On ReserveBranson.com there are packages for Branson offering shows such as Sight and Sound’s Noah the Musical, The Presley’s and Dixie Stampede to name a few. Plus, there are great money saving deals on Silver Dollar City Packages, where packages can include all of Silver Dollar Cities properties, including Celebration City and White Water. These packages can save 20% on your total price, so be sure to take advantage of them.

9) There are plenty of Free Things to Do in Branson. Spend the day at Table Rock Lake, hike a scenic trail or go to a free Branson museum. Families can find several activities in Branson that take advantage of Branson’s outdoor appeal, so be sure to check out all the Free Branson activities available.

10) Cheap Gas in Missouri is one of the best reasons to travel to Branson. Missouri has the cheapest gas in the nation right now, and as any traveler knows, that’s a great bonus. Gas in Branson is still under $4 a gallon, with an average price of $3.75. So, pack up your things and gas up your car, because the open road to Branson leads to the cheapest gas anywhere.

Branson, Missouri Goes Upscale

Nearly everyone who's a regular visitor has an I-remember-Branson-when story. Here is Bob Allen's version: "When I first came down here, the only things in Branson were the Presleys, Silver Dollar City and bait shops."

Branson started as an Ozark fishing hole, with the Presley family setting up a metal building on Highway 76 in 1967 to provide wholesome entertainment for the sportsmen who used the man-made lakes. That simple start multiplied into some 50 theaters, earning Branson the title of America's live music capital. The evolution is continuing today, and Allen is a part of it.

Allen grew up in Springfield, Mo., where he was friends with Payne Stewart, the pro golfer who died in a plane accident in 1999 at the age of 42. Now, Allen is the club pro for Branson Hills Golf Co., which is putting the finishing touches on the Payne Stewart Golf Club, a tribute to his friend.

"Each hole of the course tells a story about Payne's experience on the tour," Allen said. "The golf course is $27 million, with five sets of tees from 7,400 yards. We can host national events, everything from Tiger to little tigers."

He led the way through the clubhouse, which has dark wood paneling, an outdoor pool and an area that will display memorabilia, including trophies won by Stewart and pairs of his signature gold-toe golf shoes. Everything in the clubhouse will be linen, crystal and silver — "no paper plates and Styrofoam cups," Allen said. "It's all going to be tip-top, Payne would be proud."

The public golf course will be the 12th in the Branson area — joining John Daly's Murder Rock as the latest additions — and cements Branson's role as a golf destination.

Add the upscale shopping at the new Branson Landing, the growing retirement and second-home community, and the recently opened convention center and second Hilton Hotel, and it's easy to see why Branson's backers say it has turned the corner in attracting the boomers needed to fill the vacancies left by fading World War II-era veterans and their spouses.

While the housing industry in other parts of the United States is ailing, Branson's market is holding its own during the national slowdown, said C. Craig Richards, president of Ozark Mountain Bank. "There's a lot of interest from people outside the area who see real estate in Branson as a good buy," Richards said. "The cost of construction is lower, as is the cost of land. People from California or Florida can sell their home there and buy three or four times the home for the money in Branson. We've got a good school system, good health service. That attracts people who are retirees but also families who want to get away from the big city. There's a strong feeling of family values in the area, probably tied to strong Christian beliefs."

The only downside, for Richards, is increased competition. "We've had five new banks in the last 10 years," he said. "They see the same numbers we do as far as commercial development and new home sales. In 1998, there were two homes that sold for over $350,000. Last year, there were more than 30."

And don't forget the new full-size airport scheduled to open next spring, said Dan Lennon, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce. "As soon as you get outside an eight-hour drive to Branson, some people perceive it's difficult to give up a day to get here," Lennon said. "With the new airport, it starts to be more practical for people to fly in. With those further out markets, Branson becomes a weekend getaway."

Branson's annual visitation grew 5.2 percent to 8.39 million last year, Lennon said. Over the last two years, total growth was 14 percent while the rest of the national tourism market was seeing 2 percent annual increases. How those numbers will shake out this year, in the face of high fuel prices and a sluggish economy, was an unknown, he added. Lennon emphasized that the culture that Branson was known for is alive and well. You can still find cornpone humor at the Presleys and Baldknobbers shows, motels still offer "2 for $32.95" in the off-season, go-kart tracks and water slides still line Highway 76, and traffic this summer will crawl as the commercial strip fills with gawkers.

But now you can shop for fancy undies at the Victoria's Secret at Branson Landing, or try out a new boat at the Bass Pro Shop dock on Lake Taneycomo. "The thing that brought the people in the 60s and 70s — the Ozark Mountain experience — that still happens, we've just added these higher amenities," he said. "Fifteen years ago, you'd have the Lawrence Welks. With the boomers, you have Dick Clark, the Acrobats of China, the Liverpool Legends."

The best known side of the town, the live music shows, also has a new player this season. The $65 million Sight and Sound Theater Branson will open May 24 with a stage area of 26,550 square feet, the equivalent of more that five basketball courts. The stage, largest in North America, is 300 feet long and wraps around three sides of the 2,085 seats, giving the audience the feeling of being inside an ark, with all the animals, for a production of "Noah — The Musical."

Sight & Sound Theatres is the nation's largest professional Christian theater company. Its headquarters theater in Lancaster County, Pa., is one of the most-attended live theaters on the East Coast with an annual audience of more than 800,000. Founded in 1976 by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, the company produces epic biblical stories. Some 100 live animals, 200 "animatronic" animals and 45 human actors will be used in Branson to tell the story of the journey of Noah and his family.

"It's sometimes called Christian Broadway in Pennsylvania," said Joan Chowning, who ushered me into the theater where trainers were working with the live animals. "The employees all profess to be Christians. But we welcome the unchurched, as well as the churched, at our theaters."

Admission for both is $49 an adult, $25 for a teen and $15 for children.

As Allen, the golf pro, mentioned, Silver Dollar City has been around since the beginning. But it also continues to evolve, from a re-created Ozark mining town built above Marvel Cave and featuring arts and crafts, to a quality theme park in a landscaped setting with rides and a full schedule of live entertainment.

The biggest new attraction this season is at Silver Dollar City's sister park, Celebration City, where Roaring Falls, a $2 million water adventure, makes its debut this spring. General manager John Fitzgibbons gave a blow-by-blow description of the new ride: "Twenty passengers go up five stories in a boat, which falls in a 55-degree drop, ending with a splash that gets everybody in the boat, and everybody on the land nearby, wet. It has an Amazon theme, with crocodiles and hippos and fossilized rocks. There'll be fog and a mister going, and Amazon noises."

Celebration City, which is entering its sixth season, now has some 30 rides and attractions, including three roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. The park closes each evening with "Ignite the Night," which uses three projectors to display images on a water curtain, along with lasers and fireworks and music.

"We have a 50-foot Elvis walking on water and singing," Fitzgibbons said. "There's a dance party on the Great Lawn. We get kids, parents and grandparents up and dancing."

Silver Dollar City, which is a short ride away from Celebration City, also has a full schedule of events with World-Fest, April 3-May 4; Bluegrass & BBQ, May 10-June 1; National Kids Fest, June 7-Aug. 10; Southern Gospel Picnic, Aug. 28-Sept. 7; National Harvest Festival, Sept. 11-Oct. 25; and An Old Time Christmas, Nov. 1-Dec. 30.

Lisa Rau, spokeswoman for Silver Dollar City, said the park uses continuing feedback from customers to update attractions and facilities. "The bottom line is: We are not the boss, the guests are the boss and mostly Mom," Rauh said. "Roaring Falls is exactly what they wanted. A big, get wet, whole family, thrill ride."

Information courtesy of St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Celebrate the Holiday Season with an Ozark Mountain Christmas

Do you find yourself asking, "Whatever happened to a traditional family Christmas?" Come to Branson, Missouri, and celebrate the true meaning of the Christmas season. Nationally recognized by newspapers and travel associations as one of the top Christmas destinations in the nation, America's Live Entertainment Capital is all aglow in the spirit of the season. It all begins on November 1! With lots of star-filled Christmas shows, the famous 76 Strip and a glittering array of animated lighting displays including the 1-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through, a visit to Branson will create beautiful memories and new Christmas traditions for your family.

Branson's star performers, special effects and elaborate holiday production numbers are ready to dazzle visitors and their families in November and December. From the famous voice of "Mr. Christmas" Andy Williams to the multimedia extravaganza of The Christmas Sounds of Mannheim Steamroller at The Grand Palace, as well as Mel Tillis and Connie Smith at the Welk Resort, there's a multitude of Branson Christmas shows that deck the halls with boughs of holly and showcase the holiday's finest talent. Music fills the air at Branson's family shows like the Presleys, The Baldknobbers, and the Hughes Brothers and peals of laughter roll through the aisles at Jim Stafford, Hamner-Barber and Yakov Smirnoff's shows. From the Lennon Sisters with the Gatlin Brothers to Barbara Fairchild, the Twelve Irish Tenors and Broadway's Spirit of Christmas with The Osmonds, Branson wraps up its musical packages with one-of-a-kind holiday family fun. And, for the kids in all of us, there's a "magical" Christmas celebration as well, at world-famous Kirby VanBurch's Christmas Spectacular.

Silver Dollar City, an internationally awarded theme park, presents an all-new, $1 million light and sound extravaganza for "An Old Time Christmas" the park's biggest light show ever. Called "Christmas on Main Street," the show features a new 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree that blazes to the musical movements of Christmas songs, joined by one million lights on trees, shop fronts and hanging canopies all flashing, as surround-sound fills the Square. The entire park glows with millions of flickering lights and a Holiday Light Parade with colorful, musical floats winds through the streets.The acclaimed Dickens' "Christmas Carol" returns with the special effects said to be one of the best productions in the history of the park. Plus, holiday food, strolling Christmas carolers and the roller coasters are open after dark for the thrill of the lights from above.

The Showboat Branson Belle is bedecked in Christmas finery and charts a course for holiday food and fun on Table Rock Lake though December. Also, the World's Largest Titanic Museum Attraction will be decorated with thousands of merry lights and holiday trim that recall those elegant Christmases past. Your family can discover Branson's newest "Winter Wonder Landing" at the Branson Landing waterfront, featuring a promenade of trendy specialty shopping and dining establishments, the brilliant water and fire spectacular that dances to the sounds of the season in the Town Square and Santa Claus, who has even been known to vacation in Branson himself!

For all of your Christmas shopping, there are three name-brand outlet malls, boutique shops at the Grand Village and Ozarks craftsmen at Branson Mills and Engler Block with their stores all decked out in lights with elaborate holiday decorations that beckon Yuletide visitors.

A host of Branson lodging options are available from a cozy cabin at one of the lakeside resorts to luxurious hotel rooms and condos throughout the area.

While in the Branson/Lakes Area you can also enjoy a Christmas light display at the Enchanted Forest on Indian Point Rd. and the Christmas on the Trail show and Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead. On the first Sunday in December, thousands of people gather in downtown Branson to watch a Christmas parade dedicated to "the true meaning of the season." This year marks the 59th Adoration Parade in Branson, an evening event with dozens of high school bands and lighted floats. The theme has always been "Keeping Christ in Christmas."

"When I started my solo career, I believe God told me to come to Branson and sing with my kids. I'm a Southern California guy, but Christmas in the Ozarks is truly magical," says Righteous Brother Bill Medley, member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, who performs at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.

Branson's Veterans Homecoming, Nov. 5-11, pays tribute to our nation's heroes from all wars and conflicts and all branches of service. For details about this weeklong series of events, tribute shows, reunions and more, click the above link.

Outdoor activities in the Ozarks like fishing, hiking, camping and other outdoor pursuits are year-round opportunities for sporting enthusiasts in the Ozarks. The cool, crisp weather in late autumn and early winter is an appealing time for outdoor activities. Those three pristine lakes never freeze, so they are ideal for fishing for bass, trout, crappie and other species, and there is boating and many other types of water activities even in mid-winter. The mild winters also allow visitors to enjoy the area's dozen championship Golf courses.

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Summer Sizzles in Branson!

Branson, Missouri is the perfect place to escape to for summer fun. This live entertainment capital is known for its great shows, but there are plenty of things to do in Branson, Missouri! The summer only adds to these great opportunities, because visitors can take advantage of the wonderful outdoor recreation found in the beautiful Ozarks.

Many families, couples and retirees travel to Branson each summer for a vacation that includes a little bit of everything. Branson’s history of fantastic shows began with the Baldknobbers, with the Presley’s following shortly after, and continues today with shows like Pierce Arrow, The Duttons, Grand Jubilee and the Branson Brothers. These fantastic country music shows highlight the best of yesterday and today, providing entertainment for those of all ages. Branson is more than just country music, though, and shows like Acrobats of China, Broadway!, Magnificent 7, Shoji Tabuchi and Kirby VanBurch prove it! There’s a great variety of shows in Branson, where everything from magic to comedy to Broadway is performed.

After visitors see a show, they love taking in the sights, either by walking, boating or even a duck! That’s right! At Ride the Ducks, visitors can take advantage of a WWII style amphibious vehicle that drives on both land and water. Riders can choose from the Branson entertainment district route, where you’ll cruise on Table Rock Lake, or from the Branson Landing District, where the Ducks will cruise on Lake Taneycomo. Either choice is a wonderful way to view Branson’s beauty and learn a few things about this wonderful vacation destination.

Other great ways to see the beauty of the Ozarks in Branson is by hiking or going to the lake for boating and swimming fun. Outdoor recreation in Branson includes water sports on gorgeous Table Rock Lake, including a swimming beach named Moonshine Beach, as well as scenic hikes through beautiful forest and lakeside areas. Two of the best areas for hiking opportunities include Henning State Forest and Lakeside Wilderness Area. Another great way to see the rolling hills of Branson is a trip to the top of Inspiration Tower. This scenic wonder is found on the Shepherd of the Hills grounds and on clear days, you can see for 90 miles. It truly is a breathtaking experience.

Of course, Branson attractions include several ways for guests to have fun in the sun. With three theme parks in Branson, there’s a park for every time of the day! Silver Dollar City celebrates the kid in all of us, with their National Kids Fest, and continues their tradition of thrilling coasters and water ride fun, with a dash of pioneering spirit mixed in for a unique experience. Celebration City is a night time park, complete with a carnival-like atmosphere and laser light show. Branson’s beach within reach, White Water, provides exciting rides like Kalani Towers, Lazy River and Caribbean Plunge. It’s a great place for families to enjoy summer fun in Branson!

The list of things to do in Branson is endless. Between great Branson shows, exciting Branson attractions and beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities, Branson truly is the place where you can do it all…one trip at a time!