Archive for the ‘Ozark Mountains’ Category

Known for its family friendly hospitality, Branson has plenty to offer everyone in the family, including the kids.

From theme parks and water parks to fun family shows, Branson has enough to keep the kids busy for days on end. 

Branson offers two indoor water parks in Castle Rock and Grand Country’s Splash Country. The largest and only outdoor water park, White Water, provides a wide selection of water adventures from thrilling water slides to a lazy river.

Branson’s biggest attraction, Silver Dollar City, is ideal for kids of all ages. The theme park, modeled after an 1880’s Ozarks village, Silver Dollar Citiy offers more than 30 thrill rides and attractions, more than 40 daily shows, and 60 unique shops and restaurants. There are also six special festivals throughout the year including National KidsFest.

Kids will also love Dixie Stampede, a family dinner show highlighted by 32 magnificent horses, trick riders, racing pigs, a stampede of longhorn steer and a delicious four course feast.

For a little slower pace, try one of Branson’s many miniature golf courses where kids can enjoy themes ranging from pirates to dinosaurs.

The live entertainment capital of the world, Branson is full of family shows, including many that will thrill the kids. Noah the Musical offers animatronics and live animals. Acrobats of China thrill with their amazing feats of grace. The Hamner Barber Show is filled with magic and ventriloquism.

And for the ultimate kid adventure, you can Ride the Ducks! The Branson sightseeing tour provides a land and water trip around town in one amazing vehicle. You’ll tour through the heart of Branson and the Ozarks before splashing into Table Rock Lake for a tranquil cruise.

For additional Branson activities, discount tickets and discount resort accommodations at Westgate Branson Woods Resort, you can visit www.westgatereservations.com.

A visit to Branson, Missouri brings with it a wealth of  choices for fun and adventure the whole family can enjoy and appreciate. As live entertainment capital of the world, Branson offers up more than 100 shows ranging from concerts and magic to comedy and Vegas style revues.

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to take full advantage of Branson’s three extraordinary lakes which provide opportunities for a variety of water sports, including some of the world’s best trout and bass fishing. You could also hike or bike the many miles of trails throughout the surrounding Ozark Mountains.

You could “ride the ducks” to experience a land and water tour of the Branson area aboard one of the city’s unique amphibious vehicles. Or you could just spend a leisurely and relaxing time along Branson Landing, the area’s waterfront shopping and entertainment complex.

Located just a short walk from the Branson tourism district, Branson Landing occupies 95 acres including 1.5 miles of picturesque waterfront along Lake Taneycomo.  There you’ll find 450,000 square feet of shopping and dining, as well as the Branson Convention Center, a 4-star 260-room convention hotel, a 100-room boutique hotel, 140 waterfront luxury condominiums and penthouses, and a marina.

The highlight of Branson Landing is a scenic 1.5-mile boardwalk along the shores of Lake Taneycomo. Yet the centerpiece is a vibrant town square that terraces down to Branson Landing Fountain, a spectacular water attraction.

The $7.5 million Branson Landing Fountain merges water, fire, light and music in a dazzling sequence of choreographed events. From fire cannons blasting to fountains shooting 120-foot geysers and synchronized lights and music, the attraction is a must see show for all Branson visitors. The shows are scheduled hourly starting at noon and running through 10 pm Sunday-Thursday and until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday.

For information on discount Branson vacation packages and lodging, including the luxurious Westgate Branson Woods Resort, please visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

A quaint town in the heart of Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, Branson is a world away from the Far East and China. Yet the member’s of New Shanghai Circus bring their jaw-dropping display of daring and acrobatics to Branson with their amazing Acrobats of China show.

This unique show has an amazing array of elegance, skill, grace and precision. It’s a show that goes far beyond the ordinary while offering elegant costuming, high intensity choreography and spectacular non-stop action and adventure. The entire family, young and old, will be enthralled by this two-hour extravaganza that includes everything from juggling, plate spinning, aerial unicycles, high wire performances and extreme acrobatics to hoop diving, dragons and colorful pageantry.

Acrobats of China is just one of dozens of family friendly shows that help make Branson the live entertainment capital of the world. For more information on discount show tickets or discount Branson family vacation packages, go to www.westgatereservations.com.

Branson, Missouri is known for its live shows. But while the city’s 40 theaters host more than 100 shows per day, one of the best shows around can be seen outside just a few miles away. Better yet, it’s a free show the whole family will enjoy.

The action takes place, not on a stage, but in water near the Table Rock Lake dam in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. It’s call the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and it’s quite an amazing production put on by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The Shepherd of the Hills hatchery has been producing rainbow and brown trout for Branson area lakes for more than 50 years. It’s no wonder that the Branson lakes continue to provide anglers with some of the world’s best fishing year in and year out.

The hatchery typically produces about 1,125,000 catchable trout each year, weighing more than 300,000 pounds.

Branson’s popular Lake Taneycomo receives nearly 700,000 catchable trout per year from the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and others such as the nearby Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Southwest Missouri.

This fun adventure is also a great learning experience for the kids who can see the various stages of development in different holding tanks. Be sure to bring a few quarters to purchase fish food, as well!

The facility offers all trout production phases. Egg incubation and early rearing is completed in the hatchery building in jar type incubation units, and aluminum/fiberglass tanks. There are also 12 outdoor concrete raceways or man-made canals, for intermediate rearing, and the final rearing is completed in 20 outdoor concrete raceways. Three earthen ponds are also used for fish production.

 The Shepherd of the Hills hatchery hosts more than 250,000 visitors annually. To find more information and suggestions on things to do in Branson, visit www.ticket2branson.com or www.westgatereservations.com.

Any time is a good time to bring kids to Branson, Missouri. The Ozarks Mountain town is family friendly, family focused and oh so full of family fun and entertainment.

Situated in the middle of Missouri’s beautiful Ozarks, Branson offers plenty of excitement for kids of all ages. From water parks to fun family shows, keeping the kids entertained in Branson is never a problem.

There is always plenty of outdoor recreation in Branson, from fishing and swimming in the spectacular Branson lakes to cooling off in one of the area’s outdoor or indoor water parks.

The biggest and only outdoor water park is White Water where you’ll find a variety of rides to please everybody from thrill seekers to those who want to relax in the Lazy River. For year round water park fun, Branson offers two indoor options: Castle Rock and Grand Country’s Splash Country.

Silver Dollar City theme park remains Branson’s biggest attraction for kids and adults alike. Sporting an 1880’s Ozarks look and feel, the park is home to more than 30 thrilling rides and attractions. There are also more than 40 daily shows, and 60 shops and restaurants in the park.

Another of Branson’s most popular attractions for kids is Dixie Stampede. The high energy dinner show features 32 magnificent horses, trick riders, racing pigs, a stampede of Longhorn steer, plenty of action and a four-course feast.

Of course, no trip to Branson is complete without taking in a few of the many live shows. While each and every show in Branson is family friendly, there are a number that are particularly attractive to kids. Noah the musical offers a wide variety of animatronics and live animals. The Acrobats of China shows includes extraordinary acrobatic feats that are sure to amaze the entire family. There are also a variety of comedy and magic shows that will delight kids of all ages.

Perhaps the best kid attraction in Branson is simply taking a look around Branson on the back of a DUCK. Ride the Ducks is a fun-filled Branson sightseeing tour aboard a vehicle that can travel over land and water! Tour the heart of the Ozarks by land prior to splashing into Table Rock Lake for a view from the lake’s tranquil waters.

Branson also offers plenty of kid-friendly shopping, dining and attractions such as miniature golf. So pack up the family and start planning a trip to the Ozarks. For information on Branson resorts and accommodations, go to www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.

The beautiful Missouri Ozarks have yet to start showing their amazing fall colors, yet it’s never too early to start planning a Christmas celebration in the live entertainment capital of the world, Branson. In fact, the Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration remains one of the busiest and most popular events of the year in Branson.

The Ozark Mountain Christmas warms hearts and captures the holiday spirit with a simple and traditional tone that includes a lit adoration scene high atop Mount Branson, Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” festival, and miles of glowing Christmas lights.

Silver Dollar City’s “Old Time Christmas” celebrates the season with more than one million lights as well as a variety of special Christmas shows and activities.

The “Branson Area Festival of Lights” and the Shepherd of the Hills “Trail of Lights” provide separate drive through lighting displays with millions of sparkling lights and displays.  In addition, the majority of Branson’s regular shows join in the Christmas spirit by devoting a significant portion of their performances to the celebration of Christmas.

You’ll also find special Christmas performances such as Andy Williams Christmas Show, The Gatlin Brothers and Debby Boone, Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration and more. As a result, it’s wise to book your seats early for holiday shows.

Of course, any time is a great time to start your Christmas shopping in Branson thanks to the area’s many unique boutiques and specialty shops.

For more on discount Branson show tickets or special discount Branson vacation packages and lodging, visit www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.

Whether it’s your first trip to Branson or an annual event, there is always a long laundry list of activities and events to ensure your family has a great Branson vacation.

From great fishing lakes to fun-filled theme parks and a never-ending list of live shows and entertainment, there’s never a lack of excitement and energy in Branson, Missouri. Following are just a few of the ways you can turn anyBranson getaway into a vacation full of special memories and highlights for any age.

• Feed the ducks and geese on Lake Taneycomo.
• Shop for souvenirs at Dick’s 5 & 10 in Historic Downtown Branson.
• Catch a lunker brown or rainbow trout on Lake Taneycomo.
• Stop by one of Branson’s many attractions such as the towering Titanic ship.
• Thrill to the ride down the seven-story high Kalani Tower water slide at White Water.
• Experience KidsFest or one of the other annual festivals at Silver Dollar City.
• Have a picnic along the shores of beautiful Table Rock Lake.
• Learn the history of Branson at Shepherd of the Hills Theatre.
• Laugh out loud at one of Branson’s many comedy shows.
• Hike or bike in the spectacular Ozark Mountains.

For more on things to do in Branson or to find discount show tickets and discount Branson vacation package deals, go to www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.

Ready for a relaxing day on the water in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri! The entire family is sure enjoy a cruise aboard Branson’s beautiful Lake Queen Riverboat.

A modern day replica of the elegant riverboats that used to cruise the waters of the White River in Branson, the lake Queen now takes visitors across spectacular Lake Taneycomo for some fun-filled sightseeing.

The cruise offers a unique view of the Branson lakes area and its myriad wildlife ranging from American bald eagles, herons and foxes to coyote, mink and flying squirrels. And a well-versed tour guide is on hand to provide interesting facts and trivia regarding both historical and present day Branson, the waterfront and other points of interest.

As the Lake Queen cruises south toward historic Lake Taneycomo Bridge, guests will hear about several attractions and other sights. The journey ultimately winds back north to the 95-acre Branson Landing waterfront to witness the $7.5 million spectacular water attraction that merges water, fire and music.

View the immense diversity of Branson’s wildlife, from the American Bald Eagle, Night Heron and Brown Thrasher to foxes, coyote, mink and flying squirrels. Listen to tales of how Branson got its name and why Rockaway Beach is no longer referred to as the Ft. Lauderdale of the Midwest.

For more information on Branson discount vacation packages and discount Branson tickets, visit www.Ticket2Branson.com. Or for details on discount Branson resorts and hotel packages, go to www.WestgateReservations.com.

America’s romance with the vintage passenger train lives on through excursions on the Branson Scenic Railway.

The railway offers an exceptional collection of unique passenger cars that travel through the beautiful foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The one hour 45 minute trip winds through tunnels, over trestles, and through either the southwest Missouri or northwest Arkansas wilderness. Along the route you’re likely to see wildlife as well as the ghost towns of abandoned mountain communities now named only on railroad maps.

The Saturday 5 pm Dinner Train offers a delicious entree choice of Prime Rib, 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken, or Baked Fish. The meal also includes mashed potatoes & vegetable medley, caesar salad, crudites, black and white cake and water, ice tea, hot tea or coffee. (Items subject to change.)

 The rapidly approaching fall color season offers a special opportunity to ride the train and enjoy the spectacular hues of the trees throughout the Ozarks. And from November 6 to December 4, the Branson Scenic Railway Presents “The Polar Express.”

Read along with the story as the train makes its magical round trip journey to the North Pole. Meet Santa and enjoy caroling, hot cocoa, a treat and a special gift for each child. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas!

For more information on Branson tickets, discount resort accommodations and more, visit www.ticket2branson.com.

Looking for a good show? Try Branson, Missouri, the self-proclaimed live entertainment capital of the world. And with more theatre seats than New York’s Broadway district, who’s to argue?

Today, nearly seven million annual visitors to Branson can find a virtually never-ending list of live performances from Country, Rock n’ Roll, Magic, Comedy, Musical Theatre and Gospel. Whether you prefer a small intimate show or a major world-class production, chances are you’ll find it gracing one of the more than 40 stages in Branson.

You don’t have to go to New York or Las Vegas to find big name entertainment. There’s plenty to choose from right in Branson, including Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, the Oak Ridge Boys singing their classic country tunes, the Osmond Brothers and former Righteous Brother and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bill Medley, to name just a few.

Of course, there are also dozens of Branson style shows featuring home grown artists or those who have simply made the beautiful Missouri Ozark Mountains their home. You’ll find shows featuring amazing singing, high energy dancing, laugh out loud comedy and mystifying magic. It’s all part of the fun and adventure of Branson. Better yet, it’s all great family entertainment. Every show is suitable for the entire family, young and old.

For additional information on shows, theme parks and discount hotels and resorts in Branson, visit www.Ticket2Branson.com or www.WestgateReservations.com.