New Roads Making Branson Travel Easier

July 16, 2009

If you're having difficulty loading this newsletter, or would like to view past issues, please go to http://www.ExploreBranson.com/newsletter

New Roads Making Branson Travel Easier

Getting to the Branson/Lakes Area, and getting around once you're here, is becoming easier thanks to several highway projects in Missouri and Arkansas.

On July 16, the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department opened the new four-lane U.S. Highway 65 from the Missouri state line to Harrison, Ark. Drivers from the south will enjoy continuous divided highway from Harrison to Branson. The new highway also connects with the new U.S. 412/62 interchange north of Harrison, which improves access from Eureka Springs and Northwest Arkansas.

U.S. 65, especially the section between Harrison and Branson, is a major thoroughfare to the Branson/Lakes Area from the south. Even though the new highway is open, portions are still being paved and drivers are advised to expect some delays until the road is completed.

The Missouri Department of Transportation also is planning to improve the stretch of Missouri Highway 13 between Branson West and Kimberling City. Highway 13 serves as a major route to Table Rock Lake, Branson West and Kimberling City. The first priority is widening a section of the highway between Branson West and Kimberling City to four lanes. MoDOT identified this stretch of highway as a priority for rural Missouri and plans to begin construction on the $20-million project in 2011.

And getting around Branson is about to get easier, too. In September, the new Fall Creek Road extension is scheduled to open. The new three-lane road begins at the Highway 76 Strip near Dixie Stampede and goes north, giving drivers an easy cut-through to Roark Valley Road (the Blue Route).

And drivers aren't the only ones finding it easier to get to Branson ... 2009 has already seen more than $250 million in air-travel improvements, including the opening of the new Springfield-Branson Midfield Terminal and the opening of the new Branson Airport.

New Shows Add to Family Fun in Branson This Summer

A pirate and a princess, a circus, a cowboy, and a 50-year tradition of live music shows await guests in the happiest (and most affordable) family destination of Branson, Missouri.

Peter Pan and his loveable nemesis Captain Hook, Princess of Magic Bambi VanBurch, Yakov’s Moscow Circus and entertainer Neal McCoy are all NEW in town for the summer. With special prices for families, Branson now has even more live entertainment for all generations to enjoy! From kids to grandparents, there’s plenty for everybody to see and do in this wonderful Ozark Mountain town.

Cathy Rigby stars in the title role of J. M. Barrie’s classic children’s story Peter Pan and lights up the stage at The Mansion Theatre with her high-flying talent. With sets and special effects from the Broadway play itself, Peter, Wendy, the Lost Boys and Tinker Bell are in town to charm visitors of all ages through the 2009 holiday season. “I am so happy to be in Branson! I’ve brought along six family members of all ages because there is truly something fun here for everyone,” said Cathy Rigby.

At the nearby Music City Centre, Princess of Magic Bambi VanBurch has her own new afternoon show, while continuing to perform with her husband Kirby VanBurch in their popular magical show each evening. Awarded the Female Magician of the Decade by the International Magicians Society, Bambi’s show provides a unique feminine perspective on the world of magic. The many magical treats audiences are enjoying include mysterious floating objects, mind-reading, Origami Illusions, disappearing acts, and there’s even a kangaroo!

Yakov’s Moscow Circus is a new show presented by the famous Russian Comedian, Yakov Smirnoff. It features a revolving line-up of physical performance artists (both human and animal) such as the Human Slinky, Fire Eatin’ Lady, Adagio Stars, Clowns, Mishka Bears, and more. Yakov says, “Only in Branson can you find these international talents. We have Japanese fiddler, Chinese Acrobats, Russian Comedian, Moscow Circus…and the Baldknobbers.”

Also appearing at Yakov’s Theatre is triple-platinum recording artist and two-time entertainer of the year, Neal McCoy. Known for his fast-moving shows and fun music, Neal McCoy says, “I like to entertain and have a great time with the folks. Here in Branson, people know how to have a good time! So that’s what we’re planning on doing and you gotta love that.”

Along with over 100 shows, a multitude of family attractions and three lakes, Branson’s exciting summer entertainment scene includes: Silver Dollar City’s National KidsFest through August 9 featuring the first appearance of JEERK in the U.S. and the magic of Peter Gossamer. Moonlight Madness runs July 27 through August 9, when the park will stay open ’til 10 p.m. Southern Gospel Picnic with hundreds of performances from top Gospel stars will open on August 27.

Titanic Branson's "Jack Dawson" in Regis & Kelly Look-A-Like Contest

Winner to be Announced Friday On Regis & Kelly Live

Nineteen year-old Missourian, Frank Roberts, is currently wowing Titanic Museum Attraction visitors with his amazing resemblance to Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Jack Dawson, from the movie Titanic. Frank is among the final contenders in the Regis & Kelly Celebrity Look-A-Like Contest.

Finalists in "Live's" celebrity contest include look-alikes of Sean Connery, Robert de Nero, Liz Taylor, Bette Midler, Matthew McConaughey and more. "Of course, we have our fingers crossed that our Leonardo DiCaprio, a.k.a. Frank Roberts, will win. He is amazing, as everyone who has visited Titanic Branson this month can attest," says owner Mary Kellogg. "Frank will be with us throughout the month, so we invite you to stop by and say hello to our newest star."

The World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction has been in operation for three years and has welcomed aboard more than 1.6 million guests. The 17,000-square-foot ship-shaped structure – built half-scale to the original Titanic – towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minute self-guided or optional audio tour covers 20 galleries on two decks displaying more than 4,000 priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic passengers or crew.

Chateau On The Lake Features Sunday Champagne Brunch

Looking for a relaxing way to spend your Sunday? Consider experiencing Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa’s “Sunday Champagne Brunch.” While the wide range of delicious offerings is enough reason to go, the incredible view overlooking pristine Table Rock Lake and the ambiance of the picturesque Chateau Grille make it a truly enjoyable experience.

The Champagne Brunch features carved-to-order roasts; an incredible raw bar with chilled shrimp, snow crab legs, and oysters on the half shell; an array of additional entrées that change weekly; made-to-order omelets; a variety of scrumptious salads, soups, breakfast selections, fruits and cheeses, and side dishes; and an impressive dessert buffet. All are created by the resort’s Executive Chef Doug Knopp and his culinary team.

The “Champagne Sunday Brunch” is every Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and the cost is $30.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages 4-12, and free for children 3 and under with a paid adult. Reservations are recommended, and may be made by calling (417) 334-1161 or (888) 333-5253.

“The brunch is a great way to enjoy a Sunday,” said Stephen Marshall, vice president and general manager of Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa.

Owned and managed by Springfield-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa boasts an impressive mountaintop and lakefront setting, a vast array of recreational options, award-winning service, and a location convenient to the diverse entertainment offerings of popular Branson. For more information or reservations to the resort, call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) or (417) 334-1161, or visit www.ChateauOnTheLake.com

Hiltons of Branson Offering "Moon River Package," One-Time-Only Charity Package

Charity Package Includes Round of Golf With Andy Williams At Payne Stewart Golf Club

The Hiltons of Branson announced an exciting new vacation package that combines the very best in accommodations and entertainment. The Moon River Package offers guests spectacular accommodations at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel or the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, and tickets to one of Branson’s hottest shows at the Moon River Theatre featuring either Andy Williams, or the Bill Medley/Paul Rivere and the Raiders Show. Also included is breakfast at Trofi, the Mediterranean style restaurant conveniently located in the Hilton Branson Convention Center hotel. Prices for this package begin at $179.00 plus all applicable taxes. The package also includes a great discount on golf at Branson’s newest championship course, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, for just $63 per round.

For a limited time, a very special Andy Williams Charity Golf Package is also being offered. The one-time-only package gives Andy Williams fans a chance to play 18 holes with the venerable entertainer. This package includes:

One round of golf with Andy Williams at the Payne Stewart Golf Club
Two nights deluxe accommodations in the Presidential Suite of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel
Tickets to the Moon River Theatre to see either the Andy Williams Show or the Bill Medley/Paul Rivere and the Raiders Show
Dinner at the Moon River Grill prior to the show
Limousine service during your stay in Branson
Price for the one-time-only package is $12,000, with proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Club.

"This is a great opportunity to come and personally experience the very best of what Branson has to offer,” said Bill Derbins, General Manager, Hiltons of Branson. "Not only do you get to play a round of golf with an entertainment giant on this beautiful new golf course, you’ll be helping a very worthwhile charity at the same time."

To get more information on the Andy Williams Charity Golf Package call Bill Tirone, Director of Sales and Marketing, Hiltons of Branson, at 417-243-3410. Only one of these packages will be sold! For more information on the Moon River package call 417-336-5400 or check the Hotel Specials section of www.promenadebransonlanding.hilton.com or www.bransonconventioncenter.hilton.com.

AirTran Airways Completes Installation of Wi-Fi on Every Flight, Including Those To Branson

AirTran Airways announced that it has completed installation of Gogo Inflight Internet on all 136 of its aircraft. This milestone makes AirTran the first major airline to equip its entire fleet with Wi-Fi. AirTran Airways operates two flights per day to Branson Airport, both from Atlanta.

Wi-Fi enables business travelers to connect to the Internet and corporate e-mail and network systems (virtual private networks), staying productive in the air. It offers unlimited entertainment options to leisure travelers, including surfing the net, instant messaging, updating Facebook pages, Twitter accounts or anything else you can do online on the ground.

"When you get onboard an AirTran Airways jet, you know exactly what you're going to get — an assigned seat on a full-sized, new Boeing jet with Business Class, a friendly crew, complimentary XM Satellite Radio and now Wi-Fi," said Bob Fornaro, chairman, president and CEO of AirTran Airways. "It's that consistent, low-cost, high-quality experience that sets us apart from our competitors."

For more information about AirTran Airways flights to and from Branson Airport, go to www.flybranson.com. While at the site, take a look at some of the latest airfare deals to and from Branson — ncluding Atlanta ($79 one way), where you can make connections to more than 50 plus destinations, Dallas-Ft. Worth ($64 one way) and Minneapolis ($79 one way).