BY JOAN THOMPSON, Courier correspondent
June 26, 2008 01:33 pm
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Branson, Mo., is even easier to get to from the Ottumwa area — about five hours or so — now that it’s mostly four-lane. Since its reputation has always been that of a “family place” situated right in the middle of the Bible belt, one has certain expectations when planning a vacation there.
We used to make annual visits as my brother and wife lived in nearby Springfield. Several years ago they moved to Florida and we hadn’t been back until this spring. It was an improved and growing Branson we saw this time.
Shows for the Family
What’s new since we last attended? Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner show is an amazing experience for the horsemanship and music. And the dinner is novel — it is for all ages.
The Haygoods were new to us. They’ve performed for 17 years in Branson doing 10,000 shows for 4 million people. They are a family of seven boys and one girl who sing and play about every instrument. It is a creative and fun show. The youngest boy is still in high school and Catherine is in college ... the others are all educated and they are going on to TV — watch for them!
Another show we enjoyed is The Legends, billed as a “live tribute” show. The “stars” change every quarter. We saw Buddy Holly, George Strait, the Blues Brothers, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. We thought Buddy Holly, the Blues brothers and Elvis were well done. This included the historical facts at the time as well as the music and costuming. This summer, The Legends are Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, the Temptations, as well as the Blues Brothers and Elvis, who are on the program all year.
John Tweed has a new show at the Clay Cooper Theatre. According to the Branson Daily Independent, his voice is “phenomenal” as he sings from “Johnny Cash to Johnny Mathis ... and Josh Turner to Josh Groban.” Andy Williams says, “What a voice you have and what a range ... you’re a terrific entertainer.” We saw Tweed years ago when he was singing at a timeshare where we were staying. He was a tall, shy singer with a huge repertoire of songs and a wide range from very low to very high. We predict he will be very successful!
If you are looking for comedy, Pierce Arrow is the show for you. Jarrett Dougherty is known as Branson’s funniest comedian and for many of his hysterical characters from the Preacher, Brother Cecil Watkins to the crazed Harry Pitts, you never know who will show up. Desta brings country songs and former Miss Florida Kim Boyce lends her talent and grace to singing rock-the-house gospel and patriotic medleys. This is a popular show for all ages.
IMAX Complex
Another attraction at Branson is the IMAX complex which includes not only exceptional films on the big screen (6 stories tall, 83 feet wide) which surrounds you with sound and the feeling that you are in the film as it is happening, but also McFarlain’s Family Restaurant and others in the food court; shows in the Little Opry Theatre (featuring bluegrass and country music); and unique shopping experiences. We watched “Deep Sea,” “Grand Canyon Adventures,” “The Greatest Places” and “Mystery of the Nile” on the IMAX screen.
Titanic a “must see”
A relatively new attraction on the famed 76 strip is The “Titantic — World’s Largest Museum....” It’s one-half scale of the actual size of the ship which sank on its maiden voyage: April 14, 1912.
Upon “boarding,” each visitor is given a boarding pass with the name of an actual passenger.
You can listen to individual audio recordings for each step of the tour and/or read the written material on the placques posted. Everything was well explained and documented. One station had the water at the temperature it was when the ship sank. You could put your hand in it and see how long you could keep it in the cold water. I managed to stay only a little over a minute — very cold! This showed that survival was very difficult, if not impossible for anyone who was not in one of the lifeboats when the ship sank.
At the end of the tour is a list of names of the passengers who survived and those who did not. My passenger was Stella Sage, 20, of the Sage Family. She had a place on a lifeboat and there were seats for her family, but when they did not show up (they were third class passengers), she went to find them and decided to stay with them. They all perished. My husband, Elmer, had a man named Howard Brown Case who was going to Rochester, N.Y. He was a married man with four children. On the night of the sinking, Howard ascended to the boat deck where he organized a system to help women board lifeboats. He is credited with saving the lives of several women, including Edith Graham and her daughter, Margaret. Howard, 49, a first class passenger, did not survive.
We felt this experience was like “living history” and one of the best museums we have ever been in because of the impact it had on us.
Inside water park for children
For children, there is a wonderful indoor water park available which even includes a place for toddlers to play in the water and enjoy themselves. It is about midway on the strip, but wherever you stay, just ask about it. There are specific hours and admission, but the children will love you forever because Mom and Dad can get in with them or sit on the sides and watch.
Don’t forget Dick’s, the old five and dime store in downtown Branson. It is just fun to see. You will swear that you are in your grandma’s old dime store. They have things that are not available anywhere else anymore! Fun!
Even though Branson has changed, grown and produced better roads to get around, it has retained its family friendly image because that is their aim and intention. They still have the regular “old” shows which are so popular, gospel groups and special services on Sunday. In fact, “The Promise” was a new show when we were last there and is still running.
A new show is planned on a 300-foot stage with all live animals of the story of Noah and the Ark. There was not a flyer available, but watch for this mammoth production suitable for all the family!
The Landing
The biggest surprise was the addition of The Landing which takes up several blocks beyond downtown Branson. With the Bass Pro Shops and the Belk Department Store as anchors, The Landing has 25 other apparel stores, including Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Children’s Place, Lane Bryant, S&K Menswear, Victoria’s Secret, etc. There are 10 food specialty shops, 19 gifts and specialty shops, including Brookstone, Gifts of Distinction, Yankee Candle and others, four health and beauty shops, five jewelry and accessories shops, including Brighton Collections and Kay Jewelers and three other retail shops, plus three personal service shops.
There are 15 restaurants, including Mama Milano’s Italian Restaurant, White River Fish House, Dueling Piano Bar and Grill, Cantina Lareddo, Ramono’s Macaroni Grill and others. Plus shoe shops, entertainment, travel, bank and other businesses. It has at least doubled the shopping power of the Branson area for tourists. Apparently, there is a fountain show and a trolley which runs the shopper around after you park your car at one end of the new center.
Send to the Chamber for particulars before you go.
Bon voyage to Branson, the family friendly place, just a state away!
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Joan Thompson lives in Ottumwa and may be reached at joant684@mchsi.com.
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