Archive for the ‘Silver Dollar City’ 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

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.

 

 

 

As one might expect, off season in Branson, MO is like off season in most popular vacation destinations. Yet the winter season still offers plenty of fun and excitement for the entire family. And you can still enjoy a great Branson experience.

Although many of the town’s famed live shows are closed during January and many through February, you’ll still find a variety of great shows to choose from, including the Grand Jubilee, the Hughes Brothers and others.

And while the Ozarks biggest attraction, Silver Dollar City theme park, is closed til March 15, 2012, the Branson area remains filled with year round options such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum, the Castle of Chaos and Hollywood Wax Museum. 2012 is also a big year for the Titanic Museum attraction as it honors the 100^th anniversary of the sinking of the legendary ship. The museum will host a number of special events throughout the year.

Even in the winter, Branson offers plenty of opportunity to get outside. On February 4-5, 2012, visitors can enjoy the National Ice Carving Association’s U.S. Nationals. And you can also test your skills fishing for trout on Lake Taneycomo or bass on Table Rock Lake. Or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Branson Landing Boardwalk.

Any season is shopping season in Branson. From the Tanger Outlets and Branson Landing to a wide range of boutique and specialty shops, Branson offers an unparalleled shopping experience and great values, year round.

Off season also means fewer people and a lot less traffic around Branson and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Plus you can take advantage of off season value and savings at area accommodations such as Westgate Branson Woods Resort. For discount Branson vacation packages and tickets, visit www.westgatereservations.com.

 

 

With theme parks like White Water and Silver Dollar City, more than 100 live shows and performances, plus outdoor recreation, shopping and dining, you’ll always find plenty of excitement in Branson, Missouri.

Yet the city is gearing up for an even more exciting 2012 as Branson gets ready to celebrate its centennial. Branson was incorporated on April 1, 1912 and plans are already in place for an extended Centennial celebration. The year-long celebration will “educate, celebrate and honor 100 years of Branson” by telling Branson’s story and its dedication to heritage, harmony and hospitality.

Branson’s unique heritage will be displayed with a special history museum. Harmony will be expressed in a live tribute show and hospitality will continue to be the cornerstone of Branson’s entire community.

While most of the Centennial celebration activities have yet to be announced, the city remains ready to greet visitors with open arms.

For information on discount Branson show and theme park tickets or discount Branson resort accommodations, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Fall is in the air and it won’t be long before Mother Nature begins her annual fall color display throughout the Ozark Mountains in and around Branson, Missouri.

Branson is widely known for its wealth of live concerts, stage shows and performances. Yet the colorful autumn foliage offers up one of nature’s greatest shows. Wherever you are in the Branson Lakes area, you’re sure to witness a fall show that is simply full of magnificent glory with its many hues of red, yellow and orange.

One of the best ways to catch the color change is by taking a drive around the Branson area. One scenic drive that offers exceptional views is the Ozarks Mountain Highroad (State Hwy 465) from its junction with Hwy 65 to its end at Hwy. 76.  You’ll travel over Table Rock Dam and experience beautiful vistas and millions of leaves in virtually every stage of color, vibrancy and hue.

Another scenic panorama during fall color season is The Overlook on Hwy 165. From there, you can see Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Dam, along with all the surrounding foliage.

If you prefer, you can also experience one of Branson’s many tourist attractions while viewing the fall colors.  Hop aboard the Showboat Branson Belle riverboat on Table Rock Lake or the Lake Queen on Lake Taneycomo. Either boat ride offers up a 360-degree view of the spectacular colors.

Another option is the Branson Scenic Railway, a vintage train that offers railroad cars from the ‘40s and ‘50s. You’ll experience memories of a bygone era while viewing the colors during a special trip through the Ozarks.

If you prefer a little more excitement with your color tour, try out the Wildfire roller coaster at Silver Dollar City theme park. You’ll view the colors from above as your coaster car climbs high in the sky before dropping down 135 feet and looping upside down five times.

For more information on Branson attraction tickets and discount vacation packages, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

The Ozark hills surrounding Branson, Missouri have long resonated with beautiful Southern gospel music. The vibrant music can be heard from county fairs and country churches to grand stages and family backyards. Yet the biggest stage of all features the spectacular Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City theme park.

The Southern Gospel Picnic is actually an annual festival at Silver Dollar City running from August 25 through Sept. 5, 2011. This year’s festival features hundreds of performances from the most famous names in southern gospel music.

Of course, as the name implies, the Picnic is also a delicious feast, with savory southern cooking at The House of Chicken & Fixin’s on the City’s square! You’ll find a variety of styles of chicken, all the extras. Choose from Apple-Glazed Chicken, Hickory-Smoked Chicken or Southern Fried Chicken.

You can also learn new recipes at Silver Dollar City’s Culinary & Craft School where a Master Craftsman of Culinary Arts demonstrates favorite recipes and cooking tips and tricks in a state-of-the-art kitchen. A small fee applies for all classes.

A Full Lineup of Southern Gospel Greats!  

The Southern Gospel Picnic features a daily musical celebration filled with great gospel harmonies and soul-stirring melodies from a variety of artists:

HisSong - August 25

The Pfeifers - August 25

Blackwood Brothers Quartet - August 25 - 26

Chuck Wagon Gang - August 25 - 26

Soul’d Out Quartet - August 25 - 26

Tribute Quartet - August 25 - 27

The Harper Family - August 25 - 28

Booth Brothers - August 26

Albert E Brumley Jr. - August 26 - 27

The Browders - August 27

Legacy Five - August 27

The Freemans - August 27 - 28

Gold City - August 27 - 28

Hosea Bilyeu & Family - August 28

Brian Free & Assurance - August 28 - 29

Tim Lovelace - August 28 - 29

The Whisnants - August 28 - 29

Bowling Family - August 29 - 30

The Perrys - August 29 - 30

2nd Generation - August 29 - September 1

The Downing Family - August 29 - September 1

Dixie Echoes - August 29 - September 2

The Hoppers - August 30 - 31

New Horizons - August 31

The Lesters - August 30 - September 1

Mark Trammell Quartet - August 31 - September 1

Reggie & Bridgette Saddler - August 31 - September 1

Down East Boys - September 1 - 2

Karen Peck & New River - September 1 - 2

The Williamsons - September 1 - 3

The Collingsworth Family - September 2 - 3

The Morace Family - September 2 - 3

Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain RR - September 2 - 5

Spoken 4 Quartet - September 2 - 5

Dr. Dennis Swanberg - September 3 - 4

Triumphant Quartet - September 3 - 4

The Diplomats - September 3 - 5

Jeff & Sheri Easter - September 4

Ninth Hour - September 4 - 5

The Isaacs - September 5

The Petersen Family - September 5

Southern Sound - September 5

The Taylors - September 5

Southern Gospel Nights

Let your spirit sing during the Southern Gospel Nights concert series each evening at park closing. Hear your favorite artists as they perform an unforgettable concert at Silver Dollar City’s 4,000-seat Echo Hollow Amphitheater. The show begins at 6 pm each evening during the festival, 7 pm on September 4 & 5. Seating in Echo Hollow Amphitheatre® will begin two hours prior to show time, weather permitting.

Blackwood Brothers Quartet and Chuck Wagon Gang - August 25

Booth Brothers - August 26

Gold City - August 27

Brian Free & Assurance and The Whisnants - August 28

The Bowling Family and The Perrys - August 29

The Hoppers - August 30

Mark Trammell Quartet and Reggie & Bridgette Saddler - August 31

Down East Boys and Karen Peck & New River - September 1

The Collingsworth Family - September 2

Triumphant Quartet - September 3

Jeff & Sheri Easter - September 4

The Isaacs - September 5

 

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.

 

In Branson, you can catch a world class roller coaster at Silver Dollar City theme park. You can catch one of more than 100 different live shows ranging from comedy and magic to country, gospel and rock music to Vegas style revues. Or you can catch fish - lots of fish!

The Branson area’s three exceptional lakes offer some of the best bass and trout fishing in the nation. Catching a limit of trout on Lake Taneycomo is a common occurrence. Lake Taneycomo is a cold water lake that offers up a wealth of Brown and Rainbow trout. Meanwhile, Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake are both warm water lakes providing anglers with outstanding bass fishing.

The area also offers a number of local full service marinas where visitors can find boat rentals, complete tackle shops and even guide services.

For more information on Branson’s myriad activities, attractions and lakes in addition to Branson discount vacation packages, visit www.ticket2Branson.com or www.westgatereservations.com.