Archive for the ‘Branson’ Category

Springtime in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Missouri offers a burst of color as well as an accompanying burst of activity throughout the Branson Lakes area.

If you’re looking for a unique getaway, there’s no better time to experience a Branson vacation. Visitors will find family festivals and thrill rides at Silver Dollar City, dozens of live concerts and shows, and outdoor recreational adventures throughout the Branson Lakes area. From abundant shopping and dining to fishing, golfing and water sports, Branson has something for the entire family.

Set on 145 pristine, wooded acres, Westgate Branson Woods Resort offers convenient access to Branson’s most popular family activities, attractions and theme parks.

Rooms at Westgate Branson Woods range from economical traditional accommodations to cozy one-bedroom cabins and all the way up to spacious four-bedroom cabins. In addition, you’ll find a wealth of onsite amenities including swimming pools, exercise facility, hiking trails, daily scheduled activities (seasonal), shuffleboard, horseshoes, basketball, sand volleyball, lighted playground, campfire area, clubhouse, bike rentals, and more.

Just minutes from Branson’s live entertainment venues, attractions, outlet malls, outdoor recreational opportunities and family-friendly restaurants, Westgate Branson Woods cabins feature all the comforts of home including large screen TV, fully equipped kitchen, private deck, fireplace and more.

For details on discount Branson family vacation packages and discount accommodations at Westgate Branson Woods Resort, visit www.westgatereservations.com today.

 

 

 

New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, Honolulu…and yes, beautiful Branson, Missouri!

Branson, Missouri was recently named as one of the top 25 U.S. destinations in the 2012 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice® Destinations Awards.

Branson made the list alongside major U.S. cities like New York, Orlando, Las Vegas and Honolulu. The awards highlight awe-inspiring travel locations of all varieties and are based on opinions, comments and reviews of travelers posting on TripAdvisor, one of the world’s largest travel websites.

 Despite its small size, Branson welcomes millions of visitors to the Missouri Ozarks each year with its unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, lakes, live entertainment, shopping, dining and attractions.

As number 16 in the TripAdvisor list of top U.S. travel destinations for 2012, Branson was rewarded for its assortment of live entertainment. The Live Music Show Capital of the World offers nearly 100 music, magic and comedy shows daily. Branson was also cited for its abundance of great fishing, hiking, biking and water sports plus popular attractions like the Titanic Museum, beautiful lake cruises, golf and the 1880’s themed Silver Dollar City theme park.

For details about Branson family vacation packages and discount Branson accommodations at Westgate Branson Woods Resort, visit www.westgatereservations.com.

 

Nothing goes together quite like Bluegrass and BBQ! Now you can  enjoy both with the Bluegrass & BBQ Festival at Branson’s Silver Dollar City theme park, May 10 through June 3, 2012.

Enjoy taste tempting treats from the nation’s most popular flavors at The House of BBQ where you’ll find everything from Memphis dry rub and Texas-style BBQ to the Kansas City style BBQ found in the Midwest.

Fill your plate, then sit back and experience the finest in Bluegrass from the hottest new bands to award-winning favorites. The annual festival at Silver Dollar City offers us 23 days of electrifying performances by some of the biggest names in Bluegrass, including Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, Bluegrass Martins, The Link Family, Nothin’ Fancy, Flatt Lonesome, The Gibson Brothers and the Larry Stephenson Band.

Scheduled Performers

May 10 - 11  Bluegrass Martins - 2012 Midwest SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year; Dobro Performer of the Year - Larita Martin; Banjo Performer of the Year - Janice Martin; Fiddle Performer of the Year - Jeana Martin Faris

May 10 - 11  New Town

May 10 - 11   The Ward Family

May 10 - 12  The Huntley Sisters

May 10 - 12  Rhonda Vincent & The Rage - 7-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year; 2011 SPBGMA Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year; Entertainer of the Year; 2012 SPBGMA Female Vocalist of the Year

May 10 - 13  The Link Family - 2012 Midwest SPBGMA Vocal Group of the Year; 2011 National Single Microphone Champions

May 10 - 13  Nothin’ Fancy - 4-time SPBGMA Entertaining Group of the Year

May 12 - 13   Bama Blu-Grace

May 12 - 13  Brightwater Junction

May 12 - 13  Flatt Lonesome - 1st Place Winner, 2012 SPBGMA International Band Championship

May 13 - 14   Joe Muillins & the Radio Ramblers

May 13 - 14   Majerus Family

May 14 & 16   The Bankester Family 

May 14 - 16  Bluegrass Missourians

May 14, 21 & 28  The Farnum Family 

May 16 - 17   Bluegrass Addiction

May 16 - 17   The Petersens

May 16 - 17   Tony Holt & Wildwood Valley Boys

May 16 - 18  The Kruger Brothers

May 17 & 18   Blue Rain - 2011 Youth In Bluegrass Band Champions

May 17 - 18   Mississippi Sawyers

May 17 - 19  Don Rigsby & Midnight Call

May 18 - 20   Sherman Mountain Boys

May 18 - 20   Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike

May 19  Steel Bridge

May 19 - 20   Bluegreass Brigade - 2012 Midwest SPBGMA Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year - Mae Burlison

May 23 - 25  Redhead Express 

May 24 - 25   All 4 Hym

May 24 - 25   Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver - 6 time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year

May 24 - 25  The Gibson Brothers - 2011 IBMA Vocal Group and Album of the Year; 2012 SPBGMA Bluegrass Album of the Year, Bluegrass Song of the Year & Songwriter of the Year - Leigh & Eric Gibson

May 24 - 25   Triple L Band 

May 25 - 27  Potters Wheel 

May 25 - 27   Southern Raised 

May 25 - 28   David Davis & The Warrior River Boys

May 26 - 27   Mike Balos Family

May 26 - 27  KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest

May 26 - 28  Balsam Range- 2011 IBMA Song of the Year

May 26 - 28  Hootin’ Annies - 2012 Midwest SPBGMA Bass Fiddle Performer of the Year - Karla Campbell

May 26 - 28   The Roys

May 28 - 29  Little Roy & Lizzie Show

May 28 - 29  Snyder Family Band

May 29  Larry Stephenson Band - 5-time SPBGMA Male Vocalist; 2012 SPBGMA Mandolin Player of the Year

May 29 - 30  King Family

May 29 - 31  The Chapmans

May 29 - 31   IIIrd Generation Bluegrass

May 30 - 31  Marty Raybon & Full Circle

May 30 - 31   Newfound Road

May 30 - 31  Westbound Rangers

May 30 - Jun 1   Special Concensus

May 31   Locust Ridge

May 31 - Jun 3  Rigney Family

June 1   The Rochesters

June 1 - 3    Bull Harman & Bull’s Eye - 2012 Midwest SPBGMA Contemporary Bluegrass Band of the Year; Guitar Performer of the Year - Bull Harman

June 1 - 3   The Grascals - 2011 SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year; 2012 SPBGMA Instrumental Group of the Year & Banjo Performer of the Year - Kristin Scott Benson; 2-time IMBA Entertainer of the Year

June 1 - 3   Jerry Butler & The Blu-J’s

June 1 - 3    Leroy Troy & the Tennessee Mafia Jug Band

June 2 - 3   Monroe Crossing

June 2 - 3    Pickin’ Chicks

Branson, MO remains one of the nation’s most patriotic destinations. True to its tradition of honoring America’s veterans, active duty military and their families, the city is preparing for its 4^th annual “Hand-in-Hand” event saluting Purple Heart recipients.

Hand-in-Hand includes a series of events April 26-28, 2012. The Purple Heart is awarded to those who received wounds in combat while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

The objective of the Branson event is to “honor the Purple Heart participants; give them tools they can use to get the benefits they are entitled to and provide an opportunity for healing through a few days of fellowship, Branson entertainment and fun with their fellow Veterans.”

All the events scheduled for Hand-in-Hand are free to Purple Heart recipients. Hand in Hand starts with Registration, coffee, cookies and fellowship on the morning of April 26th at the Factory Merchants Mall.

An Opening Ceremony at the Hamner Barber Theatre offers an informative and inspirational event featuring comedy and musical entertainment, an inspiring Caldron Lighting Ceremony, and a “Town Hall Meeting” on how to get the benefits participants are entitled to, with participation by a panel of experts from the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

The three-day event also includes a free entertainment show featuring many Branson acts and performers, a free trout fishing tournament, a motorcycle run and a closing ceremony featuring Staff Sergeant Robert Henline, U.S. Army (Retired) as the guest speaker. Henline was burned over nearly 38 percent of his body as the result of injuries received in Iraq from a road side bomb (IED.)

 

 

 

 

 

Spring in the Ozarks is highlighted by the colorful blossoms of trees like the Bradford Pear, Redbud and Dogwood. But the most colorful sign of spring in Branson, MO is the annual World-Fest at Silver Dollar City theme park, currently running through May 6, 2012.

One of the park’s six major festivals held throughout the year, World-Fest brings plenty of color, excitement, fun and even the taste of various countries from around the globe.

World cultures come to life at Silver Dollar City, through dancing, music, traditions, foods and the unique heritage that each country offers. The “Tastes of the World” food pavilion offers guests an opportunity to experience a range of tempting dishes from around the world including international nachos, Irish fish and chips, Italian calzone, and desserts like baklava, tiramisu torte and apfel dumplings with cinnamon ice cream.

 Of course, in addition to colorful festivals, Silver Dollar City remains one of the area’s most popular destinations for fun. The park offers more than 30 rides and attractions, including Wildfire, a world-class looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 mph and the new Half Dollar Holler, geared to kids through age 7. You’ll also find entertainment and dozens of live shows, plus demonstrating craftsmen throughout the 1880s styled theme park.

 

 

 

Silver Dollar City recently opened for the 2012 season and the theme park has plenty of new excitement planned for visitors. In addition to more than 30 exciting attractions, Silver Dollar City will debut a number of all new shows throughout the year.

More than a dozen new shows are scheduled to appear on stage at the popular Branson theme park, located in the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountains. You’ll also find the usual wide assortment of demonstrating craftsmen and the park’s annual world-class festivals.

The year’s first festival, World-Fest, features six exciting acts, including the new “La Bella Musica.” Located in the new Italy section of the festival, the show offers stilt-walkers, acrobats, flag throwers and a special parade.

World class acrobats, The Flying Walendas, will return to headline Silver Dollar City’s Kids-Fest which also features two new shows. “Luma” brings the story of Marvel Cave to life using a high-tech 3-D light show. Meanwhile, kids will enjoy the interactive fun at “Gazillion Bubbles.”

Coming this fall, the National Harvest Festival will debut a new western stunt show. Meanwhile, in November, An Old Time Christmas celebration will present “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

 

With spring officially here, Silver Dollar City is once again open for business and preparing for its first major festival of the year - WorldFest.

America’s largest international festival runs April 12-May 6 at Silver Dollar City, which also hosts five other world class festivals throughout the year. WorldFest features international entertainers and some of the best acts from around the world in a celebration of global proportions.

WorldFest 2012 offers a variety of new participants including La Bella Musica which showcases the classically trained operatic tenor, Aaron Caruso, soprano Melanie Goerlitz and world accordion champion, Cory Pesaturo.

Viva Italia is another new attraction offering Italian flag throwers, living vines and statues, stilt walkers and a colorful costume parade. Other newcomers in 2012 include the Mariachi Divas, a Grammy Award-winning all-female music ensemble, the Traditional Hawaiian Country Music Show, Peruvian Yawar Chicchi Scissor Dancers and the Kenyan Sarakasi Acrobats from Nairobi.

 

 

 

 

On February 28, 2012, a tornado touched down along the famed Branson Strip along Highway 76. While the vast majority of attractions and theaters in Branson were not affected by the storm, some businesses were damaged.

For the most current information regarding these attractions, visitors can go to www.bransontourismcenter.com or call 1-800-785-1550.

Following is a list of attractions that suffered damage and an update on each:

SHOWS

Baldknobbers Jamboree - opening night is postponed until 8:00 p.m. Mar. 8.
Americana Theatre - Closed pending repairs.
Branson Variety Theater - Closed pending repairs.
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre - Closed for repairs.
Hot Hits Theatre - Closed pending repairs.
Icon Theatre - Minor damage will not affect scheduled March 22 opening.
Owens Theatre - Closed pending repairs.

ATTRACTIONS

Adventure Helicopter Tours - Closed pending repairs.
Branson Auto Museum - Closed pending repairs.
Branson Veterans Museum - Closed pending repairs.
Dinosaur Museum - Closed pending repairs.
The Track #4 Location - Closed pending repairs.
Lost Treasure Mini Golf - Closed pending repairs.

There’s a new event rumbling at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede in Branson.

“Rumble in the Treetops,” an all new lumberjack competition is being added to the friendly North vs. South rivalry that is part of the Dixie Stampede experience. The fun kicks off on Feb. 24, 2012 as the popular dinner show begins its 18^th season in the Ozark Mountains.

The entertaining new event is a unique opportunity for guests to witness a piece of history, as logging has played an important part in Branson’s development since the earliest days of the town’s development. It also coincides with this year’s 100^th anniversary Centennial Celebration of Branson’s incorporation on April 1, 1912.

The lumberjack competition will include four events. The first is a race to the top of a tall pine tree. That event will be followed by a two-man crosscut to see who can saw a giant log the fastest. A third event is the underhand chopping contest pitting lumberjacks in a race to split a log. And finally, there will be a fun-filled log roll to see which lumberjack can send his competition falling off a log into the water.

Rumble in the Treetops is just the start of your Dixie Stampede entertainment. You’ll also continue to experience the magnificent horses, the pageantry, and the excitement of other events like Roman Riding, barrel racing and other feats of spectacular horsemanship…not to mention a delicious four-course feast!

Guests are also invited to meet the stars of the show - the horses - as you walk by their stalls when entering the arena. And there’s a preshow in the Carriage Room that starts approximately 50 minutes prior to entering the main auditorium.

For information on discount attraction tickets and resort accommodations, visit www.westgatereservations.com.

While Branson’s popular Silver Dollar City theme park remains closed for the winter season, it’s never too early to start dreaming about opening day on March 15, 2012.

The internationally award-winning theme park may have a vintage 1880’s look and feel, but there’s nothing old about the exciting, state of the art roller coasters that thrill park guests.

The park offers more than 30 fun rides and attractions, including four exciting roller coasters - “Fire-in-the-Hole,” “Wild Fire,” “Powder Keg” and “Thunderation.”

“Fire-in-the-Hole” is Silver Dollar City’s oldest coaster and a park favorite for decades. This indoor coaster takes guests on a nighttime trip through an Ozarks town set on fire by the infamous “Baldknobbers.” The adventure offers everything from high-speed drops to an exciting ending that explains the ride’s name.  

“WildFire®” is Silver Dollar City’s iconic coaster, a truly world class experience and offering a fantastic view of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake. Traveling at speeds up to 66 mph, the cobra-rolling coaster incorporates a high-speed spiral, a full loop with five inversions, a vertical drop of 15 stories and corkscrew into one of the most exciting coaster rides anywhere.

“PowderKeg®” is a compressed air-launch coaster that accelerates from the “Powder House” exploding from 0 to 53 MPH in a scant 2.8 seconds. An initial 110 foot drop sends riders through spiraling turns and trees at speeds up to 64 mph while creating negative “G” forces during an exciting 3,500 foot journey back to the Powder House.

Like a runaway mine train, “Thunderation” is a high-speed coaster that takes riders 121 feet into the air for a scenic view of the Ozarks at speeds up to 48 MPH before a spiraling drop and a trip through an underground tunnel.

Of course, the coasters are just a small part of the Silver Dollar City experience. For additional information on the park’s six world class festivals, dozens of demonstrating craftsmen, exceptional live shows and entertainment, visit www.silverdollarcity.com. Or for discount Branson theme park tickets and resort accommodations, go to www.westgatereservations.com.