Playing in Branson

We know that you LOVE Branson and we need your help!

Branson is one of the 13 finalists in the running to host SoMeT13US. SoMeT (Social Media Tourism Symposium) will bring 300 social media influencers from around the U.S. to town and we want to show them how awesome Branson is!

Voting will begin at 11 a.m. (CDT) on March 13 and end at 11 a.m. on March 15. Voting will take place on the voting tab on the Social Media Tourism Symposium Facebook Page. We will share the direct link when it is live.

After you have voted, come back and leave us a comment on this blog to be entered to win a Branson goodie bag!

Vote Branson!

Thank you for your help!

We want to see your “Coaster Face”!

Stage a picture of what your face will look like while riding the new Outlaw Run – the world’s most daring wood coaster – at Silver Dollar City for a chance to win Silver Dollar City tickets.

Upload the photo to your Instagram profile and include the hashtag #OutlawRunFace and tag us at @ExploreBranson.

Enter as many photos/friends/family as you like! Get your friends to “like” your photo.

The contest will run from March 1-30. Four weekly finalists will be chosen based on the number of “likes” and comments they receive. One winner will be selected from the finalists.

www.instagram.com/explorebranson

Calling all thrill-seekers! Boy, do we have a ride for you. The World’s Most Daring Wood Coaster, Outlaw Run, will be opening at Silver Dollar City on March 15^th. Check out these stats about this amazing coaster:

• Track Length: 2,937 feet, more than a half mile
• World’s first and only double barrel roll on a wood coaster: 720-degree barrel roll

• World’s steepest drop on a wood coaster: 162-ft. drop, more than 16 stories, at 81 degrees

• World’s only wood coaster to twist upside down… 3 times: A record breaking 3 inversions, with a 720-degree barrel roll and a 153-degree outside banked turn

• Second fastest wood coaster in the world: top speed of 68 mph
• 9 locations for airtime
• 1 minute and 27 ride of a lifetime

Are you ready to ride?

Want to surprise your valentine with the perfect gift? Branson’s Hot Winter Fun season is the perfect time for romance, and Valentine’s Day Weekend is packed with lots of activities for couples and families.

Consider the backdrop, for your weekend getaway with a breathtaking lake view or a cozy cabin. Grab a candlelit dinner at the perfect restaurant to start off your evening, then take your sweetheart to catch one of our fabulous shows or to visit one of our exciting attractions.

Maybe you want to show your valentine how special they are by taking them on a romantic dinner cruise on The Landing Princess.

The picturesque Branson/Lakes Area is the perfect place to show your sweetie how much they mean to you. For a complete list of shows, attractions and events happening Valentine’s Day Weekend, visit: http://www.explorebranson.com/winter/valentines-day 

Branson, located in the Southwest Missouri Ozarks, is one of America’s favorite vacation destinations. The family-friendly shows and entertainment options, beautiful scenery and lakes, as well as the Missouri hospitality draw nearly 8 million people each year to our little town. TripAdvisor, USA Today, the Associated Press and others have called Branson one of the best places in America for a family vacation. 2013 is shaping up to be an exciting year here in Branson. With new attractions, rides and shows the opportunities for making a memorable trip are endless. Here is a preview of what is new this year.

Calling all thrill-ride enthusiasts! Outlaw Run, the world’s most daring wood coaster,will be making the first-of-its-kind debut at Branson’s Silver Dollar City in the spring of 2013. Featuring an 81 degree drop and a double barrel roll this coaster makes history.

The world’s largest museum attraction will bring Titanic’s little heroes out of the shadows and into the hearts of guests when they find new stories dedicated exclusively to the Children of Titanic. Each child who boarded Titanic had a dream and a story to tell.

In 1271 A.D. the Italian explorer, Marco Polo, made his legendary trip to the ancient eastern mysterious nation of China. The Adventures of Marco Polo is an epic tale of exploration and wonder, love and loss with a cast of over 50 performers, magnificent sets and costuming. This exciting new production begins in July at the White House Theatre.

Touring since 2009 in places such as Monaco, Las Vegas, Reno and Niagara, Dancing Queen:  ABBA’s Greatest Hits is now proud to call Branson its home. ABBA fans won’t want to miss this new show at the King’s Castle Theatre. The show pays tribute to the group in a musical extravaganza featuring singers and dancers performing those groovy 70s tunes!

New on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway is the Promised Land Zoo, a sister facility to the 120-acre Promised Land Zoo in Eagle Rock, which is about 30 minutes west of Branson. The new educational, interactive attraction will feature small and baby exotic animals.

Minneapolis comedian Joey I.L.O. will appear at the Jim Stafford Theatre from March 19 through December 14. He was named the regional winner of the Sierra Mist Search for the Next Great Comic and appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” Season 5. The new show, Pure Comedy, will be “stand up that make you fall down laughing.” Joey I.L.O.’s clean comedy reflects faith and family and he’ll bring to the stage hysterical sets on marriage, life with a baby and being raised by clowns (both of Joey’s parents were clowns).

Kirby VanBurch has moved his show to his new theater, The Kirby VanBurch Theater, located on 76 Country Boulevard. This thrill a second production is packed full of astonishing disappearing acts, huge illusions and exotic animals.

We look forward to seeing you in Branson in 2013! Whether you’re celebrating family time together, escaping with that special someone or reconnecting with your closest friends, you and your co-stars are about to discover a destination designed to put you center stage.

Name:
Tina B.

Where do you live?
Lebanon, MO

How many times a year do you visit Branson?
8

What is your favorite show in Branson?
Andy Williams

What is your favorite place to eat at in Branson?
Uptown Cafe

What is your favorite place to shop in Branson?
Tanger Outlet

What is your most memorable experience in Branson?
Getting married at the Dogwood Canyon Chapel and having our wedding dinner at the Moon River Grill in July of 2012. We stayed at Aunt Sadie’s Bed & Breakfast; the people there were so nice and went out of their way to accommodate us. On our last day we went wine tasting at Mount Pleasant Winery and had lunch at the Uptown Café. We like the live music at the café; it is always a surprise who will be playing. Then on our way home we stopped at Copper Run Distillery for a tour and sampled some moonshine.

What is your favorite song to play/sing on the trip to Branson?
Moon River by Andy Williams

Where is your favorite place to stay in Branson?
Aunt Sadie’s Bed & Breakfast

What is your favorite ride/feature at Silver Dollar City?
The blacksmith

We know you love Branson… If you could take your family anywhere else, what would be your dream vacation?
Fiji

If you could get a customized license plate telling the world of your love for Branson, what would it say?
BRN#1

Name:
Michelle D.

Where do you live?
Ponca City, OK

How many times a year do you visit Branson?
4

What is your favorite show in Branson?
They are all great! If I had to pick just one, it would have to be the Baldknobbers because that was the first one my husband and I saw together. I also, remember going with my grandparents when I was little.

What is your favorite place to eat at in Branson?
That’s a tough one, too! But, if I have to pick, the most fun place to eat is the Hard Luck Dinner at the Grand Village. Their singing waiters are awesome!

What is your favorite place to shop in Branson?
I can’t leave Branson without shopping at the Branson Landing and going to Bass Pro. Also, the St. Cardinals shop!

What is your most memorable experience in Branson?
We have so many memories of good times in Branson as a family and lots with just me and my husband. Before Branson Landing was built, my husband and I would go down to the docks on Lake Taneycomo and sit in the evenings. It was so peaceful. Last year, we rented a pontoon boat and two sons and us spent the day swimming and having a wonderful time on Tablerock Lake. I will never forget the time my husband and I went to Branson and stayed in a tent at the city campground on Lake Taneycomo. It was in the fall and it was raining, so it got pretty cold. Everything in our tent was wet! Back then, you had to have a key to get into the bathrooms and we couldn’t find the key! We were laughing so hard, because here we were in the rain in the middle of night looking for a key! Even though we were wet and cold, we still had a great time in Branson.

What is your favorite song to play/sing on the trip to Branson?
We always listen to bluegrass music on the way to Branson!

Where is your favorite place to stay in Branson?
When staying in a hotel, we love to stay at the Stone Castle Inn. But, when we camp we love to stay at Table Rock State Park.

What is your favorite ride/feature at Silver Dollar City?
The color of the leaves in the fall and all their amazing decorations! (Not to mention the food!)

We know you love Branson… If you could take your family anywhere else, what would be your dream vacation?
Cozumel for some sun and sand!

If you could get a customized license plate telling the world of your love for Branson, what would it say?
BRANMO

Name:
Heather B.

Where do you live:
Lewiston, MN

How many times a year do you visit Branson?
1

What is your favorite show in Branson?
Showboat Branson Belle or Dixie Stampede

What is your favorite place to eat at in Branson?
Doc’s Hickory Roadhouse-the Whistle Stop Burger topped with Doc’s Riverside Cheese dip and fried green tomatoes is A-MA-ZING.

What is your favorite place to shop in Branson?
You can’t beat the open-air atmosphere of the Branson Landing and the great deals at Tanger Outlet! We also make sure to come home with a case (or two) of wine from Stone Hill Winery on each visit.

What is your most memorable experience in Branson?
Our oldest daughter (age 5) was chosen to be a part of the show at Dixie Stampede on our visit there last summer. After some initial “stage fright”, she chased the chickens around like a pro and got a medal to remember her experience. Even though her team “lost”, everyone at Dixie Stampede believes that all kids are winners. Thank you for teaching a young girl that she can do anything she puts her mind to!

What is your favorite song to play/sing on the trip to Branson?
“Moon Dance” by Van Morrison- not only does the upbeat temp of Van Morrison’s songs help with the 10 hour trip to Branson, but it is also a featured song at the Branson Landing Fountains.

Where is your favorite place to stay in Branson?
We’ve stayed at several fabulous condos in Branson, but this Mommy wouldn’t mind staying at Chateau on the Lake sometime soon!

What is your favorite ride/feature at Silver Dollar City?
“Adrenaline junkie” is NOT a term I’d use to describe myself, so let’s just say that the train ride around the park suits me just fine. Maybe someday someone will convince me to go on Powder Keg or Outlaw Run. (I wouldn’t bet on it…)

We know you love Branson… If you could take your family anywhere else, what would be your dream vacation?
Our family of four consists of two girls—ages 6 & 2—who are Disney Princess CRAZY! So I’m guessing a trip to Orlando might be on our itinerary in the not so distant future.

If you could get a customized license plate telling the world of your love for Branson, what would it say?
2BRSN4US

Name:
Jocelyn T.

Where do you live?
Tulsa, OK

How many times a year do you visit Branson?
3

What is your favorite show in Branson?
Shepherd of the Hills

What is your favorite place to eat at in Branson?
Montana Mike’s by the Titanic. Their burgers are amazing!!! Also, the Uptown Café for their club sandwiches.

What is your favorite place to shop in Branson?
Coach Outlet and Disney Outlets at Tanger, Dick’s 5 & 10 and Whitney’s Craft Mall.

What is your most memorable experience in Branson?
 I would say it was a couple years ago, when my oldest son was 3 years old. We rode the Polar Express at Branson Scenic Railway. When Santa walked into our car and my son’s eyes lit up and I saw all the innocence and hope in his eyes. It is something that I will never forget.

What is your favorite song to play/sing on the trip to Branson?
Really it just depends on the time of year. At Christmas time we play Christmas music the whole way.

Where is your favorite place to stay in Branson?
Green Gables Inn

What is your favorite ride/feature at Silver Dollar City?
Christmas Time, it is so beautiful and breathtaking.

We know you love Branson… If you could take your family anywhere else, what would be your dream vacation?
Disneyland

If you could get a customized license plate telling the world of your love for Branson, what would it say?
4EVRBRSN

Looking for a fun way to ring in the New Year? We’ve got you covered. Branson offers many unique options including dining, events, attractions and shows for families to enjoy during their holiday break.

Many shows have regularly scheduled performances, while some shows put together a special production just for this festive occasion.

Chateau on the Lake and Big Cedar Lodge will both be hosting New Year’s Eve parties featuring dinner, champagne toasts and fireworks. For a complete list of shows, attractions and events happening on New Year’s Eve visit http://www.explorebranson.com/christmas/nye.

Here’s us wishing you a joyful and prosperous 2013.