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******DISCLAIMER #1****** This file is meant to provide general information
about the shows and attractions in the Branson area. It is as complete a
list as possible. This file also includes personal observations on many
attractions. I must stress that these are PERSONAL comments, not in any way
connected to the city of Branson, the Branson music industry, or America
Online. All comments and suggestions should be e-mailed to dc1051@aol.com.
I am not in any way associated with any show, service or attraction in
Branson. I just like to hang out there.
Welcome to Branson - the nation's 2nd largest tourist destination! I hope
this file can provide information for all Branson visitors, both novice and
seasoned.
What draws over 5 million people a year to this sleeply little Ozarks town?
Many things.
First, the natural beauty of the Ozarks Mountains. Absolutely gorgeous,
year-round. Next, it's the area lakes. Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake,
Norfolk Lake, and Lake Taneycomo are great places to ski, fish, swim, or just
soak up the sun. In recent years, and the reason for the Branson Boom is the
MUSIC SHOWS. Here's a list of what's playing in town: All phone numbers are
area code 417, unless otherwise noted)
(NOTE - I have designated some shows & attractions a "Branson Don't Miss" In
my opinion, these are the shows & attractions most popular in town. If
you're limited on time or money, try to see one or more of the "Branson Don't
Miss"'s
THE BALDKNOBBERS....334-4528
This is Branson's first show, in its 36th year in Branson. The Mabe family
puts on a terrific show. It's not glitz, it's not Vegas production, It's
Ozark-grown music, and worth the $16.
MOE BANDY....335-8176
Oh no, it's Moe! Actually, Moe puts on a pretty good show. He's got a
couple of hits that you might remember, and he's a good showman. He also
pitches furniture on local tv. Moe performs nightly, and JENNIFER IN THE
MORNING does the morning & matinee shows. This year's brochure calls her "A
high-energy country variety show full of singing, dancing, fun, and lots of
laughter." A decent way to spend a couple of hours between breakfast &
lunch.
BOXCAR WILLIE...800-942-HOBO
Hey, he's big in England... If you are a Boxcar Willie fan, or if you are a
train buff, get to Box's place. He has an outstanding train & airplane
museum in his theatre. Box usually draws the retired crowd, and has made a
decent living for himself in Branson.
BRACHLER MUSIC SHOW...334-4363
Another home-grown show (of sorts), the Brachler family sings well, but lacks
the star power of other Branson shows. If you like tight, tight harmonies,
see the Brachlers.
ANITA BRYANT...339-3939
Can anyone own their own Branson theatre? Probably. After Anita left Eureka
Springs, Arkansas last year, she moved to Branson, and is doing three shows a
day at her own theatre.
Reservations probably aren't necessary.
CANNON & BALL...800-754-3010
Once again, they're big in England. Well, ok, they're tremendously
successful British comedians, taking their act to the States. I haven't seen
their show, but thoes who have tell me that if you like & understand the
British sense of humour, you'll love these guys.
GLEN CAMPBELL...337-5170
Glen's a slick performer, and his theatre & show reflect his professionalism.
All the hits, Glen's daughter Debbie, comedian Jim Barber, and GREAT sound &
lights make this a Branson "Don't Miss". Last week of July, the best Beatles
impersonators in the world, "1964" will grace the Goodtime Theatre stage. If
you are a Beatles fan, Don't Miss "1964"!
COUNTRY TONITE...800-GO-TONITE
Someone awarded this show "Best Live Country Show in America" I can't
imagine who that might be, but if you like Vegas shows, faux cowboys, and
lotsa flash, you'll like this show!
ROY CLARK
Roy was the first major star to build a theatre in Branson, and his show is
still going strong.
The Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre features the $25,000 GAME SHOW in the
morning. Hosted by Bob "Newleywed Game" Eubanks, you can actually win prizes
at this show! And every show has a chance to win a car. Come on down!
JOHN DAVIDSON...800-754-3010
Here's a quote from John's brochure..."Two hours of rapid fire fun skillfully
blended with the music of your life. " "...John can...have you laughing your
heart out...with his zany antics on stage!" Zany? I'll take Paul Lynde to
block.
DINO....754-3010
He shares the Will Rogers Theatre with John Davidson. If you liked Liberace,
you'll LOVE Dino!
He plays piano to an extremly over-produced soundtrack.
GETTYSBURG...334-8400
"A Musical Drama of the Civil War". Interesting premise. I haven't heard
anything about this show, but Civil War buffs might get a kick out of it.
MICKEY GILLEY 800-334-1936
Mickey's a great showman, especially for the upper-demo male country fan.
He's got a new theatre this year, and a GREAT resturaunt out front. Morning
show by Jim Owens, a Hank Williams Sr. impersonator.
CHRISTY LANE...335-5111
I wonder if she hangs out with Anita Bryant? If you want to see Christy
Lane, you can miss the first half of her show. She comes on stage almost an
hour into the show. She sings a couple of patriotic songs, her signature
"One Day At A Time", and then sends you to the gift shop to buy Christy Lane
coffee mugs. Only in America.
TONY ORLANDO...335-TONY
Tony Orlando? YES! In my opinion, THE BEST show in Branson! Tony is a
wonderful entertainer, has an incredible band, and puts on a show that
everyone will love! It's a Branson "Dont' Miss"!
OSMOND FAMILY THEATRE...336-6100
Yup, the original Osmond Brothers. Incredibly talented family (all 65 of
them) do a bang-up job. They even get their parents onstage. The younger
Branson visiters will enjoy the Osmonds 2nd Generation, the 4 oldest sons of
Alan Osmond. It's a Branson "Don't Miss". The Osmonds feature "LEGENDS IN
CONCERT" during July. Impersonators from Garth Brooks to Liberace to Elvis.
Rich Little also performing selected dates.
WAYNE NEWTON...33-WAYNE
He came to Branson. He left Branson. He came back to Branson. Wayne Newton
is a wonderful showman, but if he could only hit thoes hight notes. He's
much cheaper here than in Vegas. Check him out.
CHARLIE PRIDE...33-PRIDE
Charlie Pride has been making hits for almost 30 years. And he still look
like he's about 35 years old. GREAT show, but don't miss his other featured
acts. Don WIlliams (my favorite!), The Oak Ridge Boys (appearing at least
once a month thru November), and Morning wacky
musician Jimmy Travis make the Charlie Pride theatre a Branson "Don't Miss"
PRESLEY'S...334-4874
No relation to Elvis, but they've been in Branson since 1967. Another
home-grown Ozarks show that is extremely well done. Try to see either this
or the Baldknobbers while you're in Branson.
PUMP BOYS & DINETTES...336-4319
Dinner, Music, and a Broadway show! Pump Boys have gotten rave reviews, and
it sure is a nice change of pace to get waited on by singing & dancing
waiters & waitresses! Check it out!
Morning show by banjo virtuoso Buck Trent
RAGTIME LIL & BANJO BANJO...336-2542
Pretty much what-ya-see-is-what-ya-get. If you like that ragtime feel, or
feel like 2 hours of ragtime and great banjo pickin', check it out!
JIM STAFFORD...335-8080
Jim's been a member of the Branson community for years, and he's got a great
show! Lots of music, lots of fun. My only complaint is that the seats in
his theatre are too close together; there's no leg room! If you don't mind
feeling like a sardine for a couple of hours, the is a "Branson Don't Miss"
SONS OF THE PIONEERS...334-4363
Yippe-ki-yi-yo. If you like Western music, the Sons show is for you. They
play a morning show at the Brachlers theatre. Hey, Roy Rogers himself
endorses this show!
SHOJI TABUCHI...334-7469
If you've never been to Branson, you're saying "Shoji who?" But Shoji has
one of the best shows in town. His theatre is all glitz, as is his show.
It's worth the ticket price just to see the bathrooms in the place. Get
tickets early, because he sells out fast! A Branson "Don't Miss"
YAKOV SMIRNOFF...33-NO KGB
The biggest theatre in town, the Grand Palace, features this Russian comedian
in a morning show. He's a famous, funny guy and you get a "Royal Russian
Breakfast" with your ticket!
THUNDERBIRD THEATRE...336-2542
This small theatre features a 50's Rock & Roll show. Although no actual
stars perform in the show, it's gotten good press.
MEL TILLIS..335-M-MEL
This guy is in his 4th theatre in 5 years. Not because he's bad - He just
keeps building new ones! Mel's show is top-notch, he's got one of the best
bands in Branson, and the Mel Tillis show is a Branson "Don't Miss"
VAN BURCH & WELLFORD...800-492-4196
These guys stole the show last season in Branson. Kirby Van Burch is a
top-notch illusionist, and Phillip Wellford is a fantastic comedian &
juggler. This is a great family-type show, but its only drawback is the
location - the ill-fated Shenandoah South Theatre (formerly the Wayne Newtown
Theatre) It's waaaay off the strip, and it's cavernous - 3000 seats! if the
place isn't at least half-full, it looks like no one is there.
BOBBY VINTON's BLUE VELVET THEATRE...800-US-BOBBY
Bobby looks great and sounds even better. He's got the Glen Miller Orchestra
backing him once again, and he's even re-done some of his hits into a
big-band style. Bobby's daughters and mother perform in the show.
LAWRENCE WELK CHAMPAIGN THEATRE...800-505-WELK
Who says you have to be alive to have a theatre in Branson? The Welk
organization has spared no expense in keeping the "champaign music" alive &
well into the 90's. An outstanding orchestra, and an ever-chaging cast of
Lawrence Welk tv show regulars keep this show #1 in the hearts of the
pre-baby boom generation. The Lennon Sisters (great!) and JoAnn Castle (as
raccous as ever) are always there. A Branson "Don't Miss"
ANDY WILLIAMS...334-4500
The first, major, non-country act to move to Branson. Andy WIlliams is such
a classy guy. From his theatre to his musicians, to his show, there is
nothing un-classy about Andy Williams. His regualr show is great, but his
Christmas show is a Branson "Don't Miss"
THE OTHER STUFF, BESIDES MUSIC SHOWS, TO SEE AND DO IN BRANSON
First, let's talk about the biggest entertainment company in Branson, and a
company that's been at the heart of the Ozarks for almost 50 years. - SDC,
Inc. This company owns & manages five of the biggest entertainment
properties in Branson. And ALL are Branson "Don't Miss"'s
SILVER DOLLAR CITY...800-952-6626
This year, the City is billing itself as the "Biggest Show In Branson". And
they're right, to an extent. SDC isn't in Branson. It's 6 miles away, in a
little town called Notch. SDC is an extremely well-done theme park. A whole
town from the 1890's recreated in the Ozark hills. There's 9 different stages
with shows all the time, over 50 shops with 100 craftsmen making and selling
everhting from glass to quilts to knives to leather goods! There's always a
festival of some sort going on, the best being the Natioal Crafts Festival in
Sept & Oct. For kids (of all ages), SDC has bunches of rides, from log
flumes to a train ride to two roller coasters; one indoors and one big one
outdoors. You won't find a better place to gorge yourself on food, either!
SDC is built on top of Marvel Cave, the 3rd largest cave in the country
(behind Mammoth & Carlsbad), and tours of the cave are free with a paid
admission. I have a SDC season pass; if you plan on visiting Branson more
than once a year, you should get one , too.
THE GRAND PALACE...800-952-6626
The biggest and the best theatre in Branson. There's 4000 seats in the
place, and it takes some pretty big acts to fill it. Morning shows daily
with Yakov Smirnoff. The Palace is featuring two different acts this year
Mon-Sat. Kenny Rogers (a part-owner of SDC.inc.) and PATSY! A World Premire
Tribute To Patsy Cline. This isn't the same show that's running at the Ryman
in Nashville, but show written for the Grand Palace. It's gotten early mixed
reviews, but it should turn out to be one of the best shows the Palace has
ever produced. On the weekend, the Grand Palace books the cream of the crop
- Here's a brief list of who's playing the Palace in '95:
Vince Gill - Lorrie Morgan - Barbra Mandrell - Billy Ray Cyrus - Sawyer Brown
- Sammy Kershaw - George Jone - Ricky Van Shelton - and many more! Call the
Palace for who's appearing when you're going to be in Branson. Also, during
the Christmas season, the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular will be
showing, featuring once again, the ROCKETTES. The show is wonderful, and the
fact that it's in Branson for another season means Branson will continue to
grow and attract even bigger names.
WHITE WATER...336-7171
This a a great water park, perfect for the kids who are tired of sitting in
theatres. Twelve acres, 9 major rides, and loads of fun. If ya got kids,
or you like to hang out with sun worshippers, you've got to visit White
Water.
GRAND VILLAGE...800-831-4386
A very Disney-esque shopping village, right next door to the Grand Palace.
Dozens of shops, a great little diner with singing waiters & waitresses. A
really nice way to spend a couple of hours.
SHOWBOAT BRANSON BELLE...800-227-8587
This is the newest attraction in Branson. Located 8 miles from town on Table
Rock lake the Branson Belle seats 650, is 4 decks high, more than 300 feet
long, and 85 feet wide. She makes a pretty impressive sight on the lake.
You can cruise the lake, see a great new show, and treat yourself to a
wonderful dinner. (I've also heard that the boat is pre-wired for slot
machines, if gambling ever come to the Ozarks). I haven't been on the boat
yet, but I've seen it. It's gorgeous! Book your cruise early.
**These attractions aren't SDC properties, but they're all very good!
MUTTON HOLLOW...334-4947
This smallish entertainment park & craft village is like Silver Dollar City
Lite. They have a couple of rides, mainly for kids, several very good
musical shows, and a wide variety of on-site craftsmen. Also, this is a good
place to go if you want to go trail riding. Mutton Hollow was very run-down
a few years ago, but new management has made this place a beautiful &
friendly way to spend a monrning or afternoon in Branson.
RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NO MUSEUM...334-5460
If you like the bizarre side of life, you'll LOOOVE Ripley's! You've
probably seen these museums in other tourist-destinations, and the displays
are for the most part unusual and entertaining. The really cool thing about
this museum is it's design; the front of the building is constructed to look
like a huge eathquake just hit Branson! The building is "cracked" with
"falling" pillars.
SHEPHARD OF THE HILLS
This is a farm is located between Branson & Silver Dollar City, featuring a
wonderful outdoor drama based on the Harold Bell Wright novel, "Shephard of
the Hills", the classic written about vigilante life in the Ozarks. A
wonderful homestead is available to tour, and the huge "Inspiration Tower",
which provides a panoramic view of Branson, Table Rock Lake and the beautiful
Ozark Mountains.
RIDE THE DUCKS...336-DUCK
You ain't been to Branson unless you've ridden the Ducks! When you first
drive thru Branson, you'll see the ducks - WWII vintage amphibious vehicles
that provide a tour of Branson, and then a tour of Table Rock Lake. This
70-minute excursion is a favorite of everyone, young & old, and is a "Branson
Don't Miss"
DIXIE STAMPEED...800-520-5544
Dolly Parton's combination show & dinner opens in late June 1995. I don't
know much about it, but her other "Stampeed" operations around the contry are
doing well, so I'd expect this to do the same. A "horse-racin',
whip-crackin' wagon bustin' good time". Sounds like Dolly herself!
**TABLE ROCK LAKE
Hey, music shows & funnel cakes aren't the only things in Branson. Take a day
or two to explore Table Rock Lake. There's dozens of marinas all over the
lake, with fishing, ski & pontoon boats to rent, personal watercraft, or even
a big ole houseboat! My personal favorite places to access the lake are:
For fishing, ya can't beat the area around the dam. Either Table Rock or the
skinny Lake Taneycomo (which goes thru downtown Branson) provide some of the
best bass & trout fishing around. For pleasure boating, try the Port of
Kimberling, about 20 miles west of Branson, eight miles south of Branson
West. There's some great fishing resorts around the Kimberling City & Cape
Fair areas
**SHOPPING
Loads of shopping to be done in Branson. Besides the Grand Village, you must
check out the two outlet malls in Branson. FACTORY MERCHANTS mall, the one
with the red roof, offers almost a hundred shops, from Bugle Boy, London Fog,
Guess and Aileen to Pfaltzgraff, Hush Puppy, Rawlings and Corning. Wonderful
place to spend a day. The newest outlet it the TANGER OUTLET, with over 50
stores, like Ann Taylor, Levi, Polo, Harry & David, and much more. Also, a
trip to downtown Branson can yield some great bargains! There's lots of
hometown stores all along Hiway 76, and Dick's 5 & 10 downtown is very cool!
**ACCOMODATIONS
There are entirely too many places to stay in Branson to attempt a list, but
here's some idea starters.
- Hiway 76 from the Hiway 65 interchange west to Mutton Hollow is known as
"The "Strip" .
Lots & lots & lots of traffic, eateries, attractions, and the such. And lots
of hotels & motels!
If you want to stay close enough to the action, but don't want to fight
traffic all day, I'd suggest a place on Green Mountain drive. All the hotels
are new, it's close to many attractions, and there's not that much traffic.
My favorite is the SETTLE INN - a huge white 3-building hotel on the west end
of Green Mountain Drive. Ask for a "theme suite" They are the hippest
lodgings in Branson!
For luxury, you have 2 choices - The Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, on the Strip
next to the Grand Palace, or Big Cedar Lodge, a 20 minute drive south of
Branson. Both are rather exclusive, and rather pricey, but if price isn't a
concern, I'd stay at Big Cedar. Have your travel agent make a reservation for
you. If you're shopping for price, pick a place on the Strip. You usually
don't need reservations, but if you want to stay at a specific plcae at a
specific time, always book ahead.
**FOOD
Once again, tons & tons of resturaunts in Branson, including all the major
chains. A few personal favorites.
McGUFFEY'S - 5 locations in Branson, the best being the one by Tony Orlando's
theatre. GREAT ribs! For after show coffee & dessert, can't beat UPTOWN
CAFE. Their apple-nut pie with ice cream is heaven on a plate. Looking for
a white tablecloth place? DMITRI'S floating resturaunt in downtown Branson
on Lake Taneycomo has the best Italian food around. The CANDLESTICK is
legendary - ask for a window seat when you make reservations. The PARADISE
GRILL, next door to Shoji Tabuchi, has the best American cuisine in the
midwest!
I promise - you won't leave Branson hungry!
**THE OTHER STUFF
If you get tired of seeing the shows, there's some great side trips from
Branson!
SPRINGFIELD - 35 miles north of Branson. The world's largest sporting goods
store, BASS PRO SHOPS OUTDOOR WORLD is an all-sports mecca. A 4-story indoor
waterfall, a gigantic aquarium, indoor putting green, indoor firing range,
demonstrations, a museum...this place is incredible! Ask anyone who lives in
the Ozarks how to get to "Bass Pro" We all know.
Springfield (pop. 160,000) is home to Southwest MO State University, Drury
College, Evangel College, The Assemblies of God World Headquarters, and more
than 200 Chinese resturaunts.
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARK - 40 miles SW of Branson. This turn-of-the-century
mountain village is quite bohemian, and chock-full of stores, galleries,
museums, and "quaint" shoppes. It's well-worth a day trip, and if you decide
to stay overnight, make sure to check into one of the dozens of
Bed-&-Breakfasts.
BRANSON, MISSOURI....the 2nd largest tourist desination in America, the #1
bus tour destination, and the place over 6 million people came to visit last
year. Have an open mind, try not to get too frustrated in traffic, learn the
back roads, and don't eat too much.
If I can be of any further assistance plase E-MAIL me - DC1051@aol.com
**********DISCLAIMER #2**********
I have tried to be as complete as possible in listing the Branson shows &
attractions. I certainly have left out a few. Your travel agent should be
able to tell you anything else you'd like to know about Branson. My
apologies to any attraction I may have left out of this file.
Doug Cannon