Posted by Fisher Fisher on Tue, Nov 15, 2011 @ 11:17 AM
When I first moved to Branson nearly 9 years ago, I was so stunned by the abruptness of the switch from Fall to Christmas in Branson. Literally, one day you've got jack-o-lanterns & skeletons decorating your home or business, and the next day you've replaced them with Jesus in a manger, wise men, Santa and reindeer. I'm accustomed to it now, but it sure was a shock to the system that first year. Nine years later, I mostly look forward to the early Christmas season. Branson is always friendly, but the early Christmas season here just means Branson's Christmas cheer spreads all the farther, and shines all the brighter.
Here's a list of some of Branson's Must See Shows, and some Hidden Gems, as well. Please note that, were it not for Andy Williams sudden announcement that he'll miss this Christmas season to undergoe treatment for bladder cancer, The Andy Williams Christmas Show would be First, Second, and Third on this list. Andy Williams is, in large part, why there is such a thriving Christmas Season in Branson. Thank you, Andy. And God bless you in your battle against cancer. We're praying for you!
Must See:
1. Silver Dollar City, An Old Time Christmas.
With over 4 Million lights decorating the park, a wide variety of Christmas music shows, Christmas Carolers, a 5 story Christmas tree light & music display, the Gifts of Christmas Parade----which the kids will absolutely LOVE, and SDC's wonderful production of A Dickens Christmas Carol, it is an absolute must see.
2. Tony Orlando's Great American Christmas.
Tony Orlando is another Branson Christmas institution. Tony sings all your holiday favorites, and mixes in his timeless hits, as well.
3. Gatlin Brothers with Debby Boone.
Start with the sweet as honey voice and personality that is Debby Boone, add 3 legendary country music brothers, the Gatlins, mix together with tight harmonies and Christmas spirit, and you end up with a show that is quickly becoming a Branson staple.
4. SIX.
If you've never heard the a capella magic that is these 6 brothers, then you absolutely must get to Branson this Christmas season. You won't believe your ears as six unaccompanied voices blow your mind with amazing harmonies, vocalized percussion, and showmanship. Throw in the fact that these guys are hilarious, and you've got yourself a Branson must see show.
5. Miracle of Christmas.
The Sight and Sound Theatre hosts this amazing musical about the birth of Jesus. With elaborate scenery and Broadway quality actors/singers, there's nothing quite like it in Branson.
6. Andy Williams Christmas Variety Show.
Even in his absence, Andy has left a great Christmas present for Branson's Christmas visitors. It's an elaborate, engaging, and endearing variety show featuring the Lennon Sisters, the Oh! What a Night quartet, the Warnocks, Pasha and Alonia--adagio dancers and quick change artists, Mike Cathcart, Dean Church, and Bob Anderson. Andy produced this show himself, and you'll be glad you went to Moon River this Christmas.
7. Christmas on the Trail, at Shepherd of the Hills.
The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills is absolutely spectacular. Quoting their website, "2-1/2 mile display of lights, sound, and motion, you'll see millions of multi-colored Christmas lights and themed, animated displays, winding its way through the 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead." The kids will love it, the adults will love it, it'll be a great Chrismas memory for everyone.
Hidden Christmas Gems: These are some wonderful Christmas shows that you may not be as familiar with.......but you should be. They're great, too.
1. Hamner Barber, Wings of Christmas.
Magic, music, comedy, illusion, and a stunning winged finale make you glad you celebrated the Christmas season with the Hamners, and the Barbers.
2. A Christmas Snow, at Starlight Theatre.
This stage production adapted from the popular movie stars Muse Watson and Catherine Mary Stewart, reprising their roles from the film. Heartwarming and beautiful, everyone I've talked to has loved it.
3. Brule, American Indian Christmas.
You've truly never experienced anything quite like the rhythmic beauty of this show. If you'd like a change of pace from the Christmas Standards, this is your show.
4. The Allen Family, Simply Christmas.
This family of 10 is sure to win your heart as they pour out theirs. This is a celebration of faith, family, and the wonderful love surrounding the season.
5. Tillis Family Christmas.
Mel Tillis is another Branson institution. Through November 17th, he'll be sharing the stage with his daughter, Carrie April, in a family musical event full of tradition and toe-tapping.
I'm sure you'll enjoy any of these great shows/attractions. There's always so many choices here in Branson! Merry Christmas, everybody!
"And God bless us, every one." Tiny Tim
Posted by Fisher Fisher on Thu, Sep 29, 2011 @ 01:22 PM
Coming up October 7, 8, & 9 is the Titanic Museum's 4th Annual World-Class Wood Carving Event & Competition. You'll want to plan to be in Branson for this special, and unique event. Competitors come from all across the country to compete in this 3 day event. Admission is free, and you'll get considerably more than you pay for as you witness 1st hand the artists' process of taking a chunk of wood, carving, chiseling, chipping, and charing it into a breathtaking work of art. If you enjoy the creative process from a specator's standpoint, or if you're looking for inspiration or ideas for a wood carving hobby for yourself, you have a great opportunity to watch these talented artisans in action. The chips will definitely be flying!
Things get under way Friday, October 7th, at 9am, and will continue till 4pm. Same schedule is on tap for Saturday. Then 9am to 3pm on Sunday. There will be an auction of the wood carvings both Saturday and Sunday beginning at 4pm. So you've got a great opportunity to pick up some beautiful art as a keepsake and display.
Here's a link to a great blog by an atendee of last year's competition. It's loaded with information and photos from 2010. It has some wonderful photos of the event itself, and, more importantly, the amazing art that was produced at last year's event. Breathtaking stuff. Look for you in the sawdust Saturday!
Posted by Fisher Fisher on Thu, Sep 22, 2011 @ 04:16 PM
Autumn in the Ozarks is a beautiful time. The hills in and around Branson are thickly forested, giving us so many picturesque views year round. But autum in the Ozarks is especially lovely. Add to that the fact that we have such a diverse array of trees gracing our Ozark landscape, trees which turn colors at differing times, and you get a fall foliage season that can last as long as 4-6 weeks, peaking in mid-October. Our fall temperatures are very comfortable, and the October skies are usually blue and bright. Below is a quick video from the Branson Chamber of Commerce featuring many of the joys of a Branson fall getaway.
Fall is a great time to enjoy the Ozarks outdoors, hiking, taking pictures, or just enjoying the great scenery and weather. It's also a good time for all the live music that made and keeps making Branson famous. This fall, Lee Greenwood & Louise Mandrell are performing right across the highway from Pointe Royale at the Welk Theatre. The Gatlin Brothers, who can often be seen playing golf here at the Pointe, also make their way back to Branson this fall on Tuesdays-Thursdays over at the Mansion Theatre. And special 1 or 2 night performances are scheduled this fall for Don Williams & Little Jimmie Dickins, Marty Stuart, Michael Bolton, Vicky Lawrence, and also Tim Conway & Friends. Throw in the Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City, and autumn in Branson is truly a must see. So I hope to see you soon!
Posted by Fisher Fisher on Mon, Sep 12, 2011 @ 02:32 PM
Seems like each & every morning, and some afternoons, I seem to pass cyclists & runners out there on the Ozarks roadways. Either the percentage of Branson residants who cycle & run has gone up dramatically, or the Ironman is right around the corner. (Which it is.)
This years Branson Ironman 70.3 is coming up this weekend, with the international event scheduled for Sunday, September 18th, with the actual start time for the race set for 7am. Of course, there are events going on all weekend leading up to the race, including a welcome concert at 8pm on Friday at the Branson Landing, featuring the group, Chain Reaction. The race itself begins Sunday morning with a 1.2 mile swim in Table Rock Lake, followed by a 56 mile bike ride primarily on the beautiful Ozark Mountain Highroad and Hwy 248, and finishing with a 13.1 mile run to the finish line at the Branson Landing. Whew! That sounds like a workout.
The Weekend concludes with the Awards Ceremony and Rollout at 4pm on Sunday. It's always exciting to watch world class athletes compete. But to have the chance to see them compete right in your back yard is something special. This is the 2nd year for the race, and we in Branson would love to have it back each and every year. Volunteers are still needed to help with running the event. If you'd like to volunteer, contact Angie Zeller at bransonvolunteers@ironman.com. Below is a list of some of what they still need:
Bike Course Marshalls: Sunday, September 18th from 7am to 1pm, $400 donation available
25 adults (must all be over 18)
Expect to be on your feet most of this time
Group will be spread out along the bike course
Course Set Up: 1 group of 20 volunteers each needed for each time slot, $300 donation available for each group
Thurs., Sept 15 {9am-1pm} or {1pm-5pm}
Course Clean-Up: 1 group of 20 volunteers each needed for each time slot, $300 donation available for each group
Sunday, Sept. 18 {10am-3pm} or 2 groups needed from {4pm-8pm}
*All course set-up and clean up groups need to be 16 years of age or older and able to lift 35 pounds easily - will be lifting metal bike racks, barricades, tents, etc.
Invidivual volunteers are still needed for various jobs as well. To see a full list of individual jobs or to sign-up as an individual volunteer click here. Hope to see you out on the course!
Be sure to book your condo today!
Posted by Fisher Fisher on Tue, Aug 23, 2011 @ 10:55 AM
Each year, downtown Branson comes alive to the sweet sound of fiddles ringing through the Ozarks as the Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival & Mid-American Fiddlers Championship takes the spotlight. This year's festival is coming up fast, this weekend, August 26-28. It's a great event every year, and this year is the 23rd year for the festival & contest. Fiddlers & fiddle music lovers from all over the country to our neck of the Ozarks this weekend, and it promises to be a memorable event.
The contest itself is Saturday-Sunday, with preliminaries Saturday from 10-6, and finals Sunday from 12-5. But there are festivities all weekend, including the Kick-Off Street Dance Friday night from 6:30-9:30. Another Street Square Dance is on tap for Saturday night from 6:30-9:30. There will be seminars & demonstrations all day, food vendors, pony rides, sidewalk sales, and general musical frivolity all weekend. Special guest appearance all weekend by actress & author Mary Mcdonough, who played "Erin" on TV's The Waltons. You might just want to pick up a copy of her book Lessons from the Mountain. She'll be doing book signings & Q & A.
Sunday morning before the finals there will be a special Sunday Morning Gospel show, featuring Bob Hubbard & Matt's Family Jam. You definitely don't want to miss any of it. For full details, including schedule & prices, visit: the Downtown Branson website at http://downtownbranson.org/?page_id=2447. We've also just lowered our Discounted Lodging Rates at Pointe Royale, giving you all the more reason to come see us at the Pointe, and hear some great fiddling downtown. See you there!
Posted by Fisher Fisher on Mon, Jun 13, 2011 @ 12:42 PM
On Sunday, June 26, beginning at 6pm, Branson's Mansion Theatre will host a variety of Branson entertainers in a Concert/Telethon to support Tornado ravaged Joplin, Missouri.
Joplin is special to me. I didn't grow up in Joplin. I didn't grow up near Branson, either. But I moved to Joplin right after high school, and attended Missouri Southern State University, though it was MSSC back then, not MSSU. I lived in Joplin for 13 years. And, though I have now made my home in the Branson area for over 8 years, I still think of Joplin as my real home, the Joplin people, my neighbors still. The good people of Joplin took me in as if I'd always been there, as if I were a native son. All of my Good Old Days took place in Joplin, Missouri.
I was in Joplin on Saturday, May 21st for my cousin's wedding. One day later, Joplin was changed forever. A tornado of unprecedented power and destruction tore through that town, destroying thousands of buildings, homes, businesses, schools, churches, and lives. You've all seen the pictures, watched the videos. I've no new or insightful words to give to describe the horror or the subsequent heroism. Words are too mild to describe the horror, too weak to describe the heroism.
So, what can we do. We can give, whatever we have to give, let us give it. Branson's entertainers are stepping up to give their time and their talent in a Concert/Telethon to benefit those in Joplin. On June 26, you can see the show live at the Mansion Theatre for a $50.00 donation. Or you can watch on TV and donate from home. You can even go to the Branson Cares website and donate online. Whatever you can give, please give. Our neighbors are in need. Let's truly be a neighbor to our neighbors in Joplin.
Posted by Fisher Fisher on Fri, May 13, 2011 @ 03:57 PM
Branson is the live music capitol of the world. But, have you ever wondered what else there is to do in Branson, besides just the music? Or, might I say, Beyond the Music? If so, then you’re in the right place. Branson is music and much, much more. Join me below, as we travel on our 1st ever tour of Branson, Beyond the Music.
The first stop on our Branson, Beyond the Music tour is the Branson area’s assortment of lakes: Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Taneycomo. Before the construction of the area dams, these three lakes, and others, used to form much of the old White River. Each lake is different, and offers it’s own claim to fame. One might describe the 3 lakes this way: Table Rock Lake is great for boating, and also fishing, while Bull Shoals and Taneycomo are great for fishing, and also boating. The depth and size of Table Rock Lake make it well suited for larger boat traffic than Bull Shoals or Taneycomo. Bull Shoals is great for bass fishing, and the cold waters of Taneycomo make it perfect for championship trout fishing. So, whether you’re into fishing or boating, there’s something here for you. In addition to fishing and boating, Table Rock Lake features a great beach, Moonshine Beach, for swimming, splashing, sunning, and general summertime fun.
The next stop on our Branson, Beyond the Music tour is Silver Dollar City theme park. If you’ve never been to this 1800’s American frontier themed park, then it’s a definite must see. There are awesome rides, roller coasters, and authentic American craftsmen at work on everything from glass blowing to candles to furniture to ironworks to quilts to pottery to……well, just about anything they needed on the American frontier. (They do have several music shows, also. But, as this is Branson, Beyond the Music, forget I mentioned that.)
Stop number three on our tour without tunes is a stop to shop. Branson has lots of shopping, with everything from quaint, local shops that have been here for 50 years (Dick’s 5 & 10) to our selection of outlet malls (Factory Merchants & Tanger) to the downtown lakeside Branson Landing area.
Next up on our Branson, Beyond the Music tour is a walk through the Ozark Hills at one of our local hiking trails. The trails are diverse, some challenging, some leisurely, some paved, some very primitive. So there’s something for every level of hiker. There’s lots of great scenery and wildlife to be appreciated along the way. (See my previous blog on Branson area hiking trails.)
If we're talking about Branson, Beyond the Music, we definitely have to talk about golf. With a such a variety of great golf courses, Branson has become very much a great golf getaway.
It can get a tad dark on our next stop, as we enjoy one of the area caves. Talking Rocks Cavern is over in Branson West, and well worth the short drive. And Marvel Cave is the attraction that started Silver Dollar City to begin with.
Somewhat new to the Branson area are the Ziplines. There are 4 local Zipline companies, with a full array of Zipline choices, from short trips to 1 ½ long adventures. (See Art’s previous blog on Branson Ziplines.)
To be honest, that’s just the tip of the iceberg (Titanic Museum) of all the Branson, Beyond the Music activities to choose from. And it may be odd (Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium) that I would leave off there. But if I don’t stop now, I may tend to wax nostalgic (Hollywood Wax Museum) about all there is to do here in Branson, Beyond the Music.
Posted by Art Holmberg on Fri, May 06, 2011 @ 08:09 AM
Saturday night my wife and I had the opportunity to see the Clay Cooper Country Music Express show. We both enjoy country music so this show was right up our alley. As we entered the auditorium we were treated to live music was being performed by a middle school from Park View. These kids were really good, most were in the eighth grade and some were only seventh grade students. Clay participates with Chamber of Commerce and allows school musical groups to perform on his stage. A very pleasant surprise that we enjoyed. It nice to see when someone gives back to the community. Great job Clay!
Now for the show. As you can imgaine it is full of country music new and old. Clay has great voice and fills the theater with his voice and desire to put on a super show. A cast of 22 fills the stage with dancers, musicians and singers. This is a family show as his wife Tina and son Colt are part of the cast. Buckets and Boards, a high energy duo, has been added as part of the evenings entertainment. Clay's show would not be complete without a real funny man, Matt Dunn is hilarious. His character is woven into the the entire performance from before the curtain rises to the very the end. You never know when he will appear or what he is up too.
Clay interacts with his audience and comes down off the stage and talks to the guests seated in the front row. He is really quick to keep the coversation going at full speed. Lots of laughs and fun. Branson for years has been known for being just country music and Clay Cooper is keeping that tradition alive. Enjoy a fun filled evening at the Clay Cooper Country Music Express, you won't be disappointed. Visit www.claycooper.biz or contact us for show information and schedules.
Posted by Fisher Fisher on Wed, Apr 20, 2011 @ 04:44 PM
Well, spring has officially sprung here in Branson. The Ozark hills are flush with verdant new life, and the return of that bright green beauty that only spring can boast. Summer is lovely, too. Don't get me wrong. But by summer, the leaves of the primarily oaken forests are a deep, rich green, blending in with the deep green of the evergreens. But in spring, the leaves are bright green, contrasting in a patchwork quilt of deep, dark, light, & bright greens. It's a beauty that only appears this time of year.
(photo by Aunt Owwee)
There is so much going on in this year's Ozark Mountain Spring. From World Fest and Bluegrass & BBQ at Silver Dollar City, to the FLW Bass Fishing Tournament featured on ESPN, the spring is loaded to the gills with fun & festivities. Here are some of the highlights:
April 7-May 8, Worldfest @ Silver Dollar City
April 28-30, Hand in Hand, Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients
April 29-30, Missouri Food & Wine Festival
May 12-30, Bluegrass & BBQ @ Silver Dollar City
May 19-22, 10th Annual Branson Motorcycle Rally
May 20-22, Plumb Nellie Days
May 21st, "Branson Doesn't Forget" Armed Services Appreciation Show
May 28, BBQ and Big Smith Show
May 28-31, Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale
May 30, Memorial Day Rememberances
And those are just a few of the Spring activities. Gonna be lots of fun, lots of music, lots of BBQ, lots of good times! Click HERE for a full listing of Ozark Mountain Spring events.
Posted by Fisher Fisher on Fri, Apr 01, 2011 @ 05:04 PM
This time of year, I'm almost always too busy here at Pointe Royale to actually "leave" work on my dinner break. I usually just inhale some salad, or tuna, or chicken, and call it good enough. Fortunately for me, yesterday, I had enough coverage at the office that leaving property for an actual off site dinner break was possible. As I've mentioned before, I'm on the Atkins diet, so a low carb order is the order of the day. So, on those rare occasions that I actually do eat out, I'm usually looking for a steak, or some grilled shrimp or seafood.
I chose to head on up to the local Lone Star Steakhouse, over on Green Mountain Drive. I've eaten there before, but not in a couple of years, to be honest. I made the right choice. I sat down in the, obviously, Western (Texas) themed restaurant, and was soon greeted by a friendly server, and shortly thereafter, by a great tall glass of iced tea. I was trying to decide if I wanted a big steak, or one of the combos. I went with the steak & salmon combo, a choice I heartily recommend.
The steak was a 6 ounce, center cut sirloin, which I had them prepare medium. When it arrived, my server had me cut it, to insure that it was done to my liking. It was nice & pink through the middle, and, oh, so very juicy. I'd honestly say that it was the best steak I've had in a long time, even if it was only 6 ounces. Absolutely delicious.
The other half of the combo was the grilled salmon. I've had their salmon before, and it is wonderful. Tender, tasty, and prepared with a sweet bourbon glaze that really sets the taste buds on their ear, assuming taste buds have ears. I ate it after the steak, thinking I would get the best part first, but if anything, the salmon was even better than the steak.
Since I'm on the Atkins diet, I had to pass on the dinner rolls. (But I've had them before, and they are good, too.) I had the steamed broccoli, which was good, as good as greens get to a meat eater like me, and the dinner salad, minus the croûtons. The great thing about Atkins, is that, even though I'm limited to foods that are low in carbs, I still get to eat wonderfully tasty foods, and not ever go unsatisfied. And I was quite satisfied Thursday evening at Lone Star.