Branson Vacation Packages Budget Friendly, Full of Fun

ReserveDirect offers some of the best ways to save on your Branson vacation. Their website, ReserveBranson.com, provides a reliable, secure and convenient way to reserve everything you need for your Branson vacation, including Branson vacation packages featuring everything from Silver Dollar City to Noah – The Musical.

The great things about the vacation packages we offer is that they are completely customizable to fit your needs. Our Silver Dollar City Branson Packages, for example, allow customers to choose from 1, 2, or 3 parks including Silver Dollar City, White Water and Celebration City and there are other add-ons, like tickets to the Dixie Stampede or Showboat Branson Belle, available for guests as well. The Silver Dollar City vacation packages allow guests to save 20 percent on overall costs and they are easily reserved online or by phone.

The other packages we feature are geared for a quick getaway or an extended stay if you wish. Because Branson is a short drive from so many destinations, it is an easy locale to reach for a quick weekend of fun. A few of our vacation offerings feature Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, The Titanic, Andy Williams and The Presleys. Plus, we also offer Stillwaters Resort and Welk Resort packages. The Stillwaters Resort packages include activities like the Dixie Stampede and Silver Dollar City, while the Welk Resort packages include shows like the Tillis Family Reunion, Rankin Brothers and Tony Orlando and the Lennon Sisters. These play and stay vacation packages are convenient, fun and easy on the budget too.

When you start to plan your Branson vacation, be sure to check in to see any new Branson vacation packages we have available. And, of course, on ReserveBranson.com, you can always create your own package perfectly customized to fit your schedule, preferences and pocket book.

Legends in Concert Performer Schedule for 2008 Season

Branson's Legends in Concert is a very entertaining production featuring tributes to everyone from Shania Twain to Johnny Cash. The line-up at Legends in Concert changes 4 times a year, so to make your vacation planning easier we have outlined their scheduled performers for the rest of the year.

Performing NOW until September 2:

Shania Twain

Johnny Cash

The Blues Brothers

The Temptations

Elvis

Performing September 4 - October 31:

Garth Brooks

Tina Turner

The Blues Brothers

Liza Minnelli

Elvis

Performing November 1 - December 31:

Alan Jackson

Cher

The Blues Brothers

Barry White

Elvis

Branson Trout Hatchery Hooks 6 Millionth Visitor

Branson is known as an entertainment mecca, where tourists from far and wide come to see name acts perform, do touristy things, shop, and relax.

But a huge attraction in Branson is the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, Missouri's largest trout producer. It welcomed its 6 millionth visitor on Sunday and consistently draws 250,000 visitors a year.

There are about 10 million fish at the hatchery at any given time, far more than the 6 million visitors over the years. Hatchery naturalist Leah Eden said the July visitor count is usually 40,000.

On weekdays groups can get a guided tour of the hatchery's Conservation Center, but Eden said the most popular activity is feeding fish. Millions of trout ranging from 5 to 10 inches are kept in 42 concrete tanks after spending their first five to six months inside.

Information & Image courtesy of KSPR News

Merle Haggard to Perform in Branson August 4th

On August 4 at 7:30pm, Merle Haggard will bring his hit song collection to The Tri-Lakes Center, 2527 State Highway 248 in Branson.

The Branson stop is a rare one for Haggard who plays to big audiences everywhere he goes. Bob Cannella with Up Close Concerts, who is presenting the event, says hard work on both sides made this one night appearance possible.

Haggard regularly plays to sold out audiences.

The Tri-Lakes Center, with 2500 seats, provides a great opportunity to see Merle Haggard without battling the elements at large outdoor festivals or the high ticket prices at casino showrooms.

Haggard has 38 Number 1 hits and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

But that doesn't even scratch the surface of the impact Merle Haggard has had on the world of Country Music.

The respect he receives in the music industry and among music fans in general extends far outside of the country music world.

In the past couple years Haggard has shared the stage with Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones at huge arenas throughout America.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Image courtesy of Merle Haggard

Branson Entertainers Plan Fundraiser for Flood Victims

Branson entertainers, vendors and community members will join forces on Saturday to give big to Midwest flood victims.

“Branson Gives Big” includes a family festival on the patio of Branson Star Theatre and a special concert. Proceeds from the festival, the concert, as well as from all the day’s shows at Branson Star Theatre, will benefit the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, as well as assist flood-victim families visiting Branson.

The one-time concert will include Jim Stafford, The Lennon Sisters, Jim Barber, The Hughes Brothers, Doug Gabriel, Dave and Denise Hamner, the cast of Breaking Up is Hard To Do, a musical featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka, Delena Ditto, David Lomascola, Gail Lennon and the Buzz Boys, Redkneckers and The Branson Divas.

Linda Buckles, one of the event coordinators, described bringing together so many Branson stars to benefit Midwest flood victims as “amazing.”

“This is just the kind of town that does that,” she said.

The show begins at 3 p.m.

The family festival, which gets under way at 11 a.m., will include concessions, vendors, inflatables, games and prizes, and free outdoor-stage entertainment.

“We are very excited about the outpouring from the Branson community and we are looking forward to a very fun event that is so much more special because all the vendors are donating a portion of their proceeds to the relief effort,” said co-event coordinator Angela Walker.

Buckles has been working to put faces on the victims and has arranged to bring five families affected by the flooding in Iowa to Branson for a free all-expense paid getaway. The families will be attending the day’s festivities.

“The community has given rooms, meals, show and attraction tickets — all free for these families. We are so grateful, however we do still need to pay for the travel expenses these families and are actively looking for donations to accomplish this,” Buckles said. “We are asking for help from the community to raise funds for the travel expenses and any amount will be appreciated.”

Buckles has visited with each of the families that will be arriving in town later this week. She said several have called this getaway a “miracle,” and something they could not have afforded to do, but truly appreciate at this time. Two of the five families have lost everything in the flooding.

“It is gut-wrenching,” Buckles said.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News
Image courtesy of Branson Star Theater

Silver Dollar City Encourages Travel By Offering Discount, Lodging Inclusive Vacation Packages

Silver Dollar City now offers families a complete vacation package, featuring all of Silver Dollar City’s properties and a variety of approved area lodging, thanks to reservation technology developed by ReserveDirect. The money-saving packages include Silver Dollar City, White Water, Celebration City, Showboat Branson Belle, Ride the Ducks and Dixie Stampede. The combination of Silver Dollar City's theme parks and shows along with lodging allow customers to book Branson vacation packages at a discount of up to twenty percent over purchasing the products individually.

While the all-inclusive design of the Silver Dollar City vacation packages allows customers to reserve park tickets, show tickets, and lodging while saving money, the ReserveDirect's reservation system permits them to get more for their money by choosing “add-ons” at discounted rates. These include the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show and a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle.

Greg Craig, Internet Marketing Manager for Herschend Family Entertainment, owners and operators of Silver Dollar City attractions, said online conversion continues to improve as a result of providing user friendly packaging services to our customers. “Considering the record rainfall and current state of the economy, I’m very pleased with our results.”

John Johnson, President of ReserveDirect, added, "And with the stress of these shaky economic times and high gas prices, it's good to know people can still afford to take a vacation while saving some money. It's expensive to hop on a plane and go to Florida. But with our tool, you can spend a lot less to get here and have just as much fun."

ReserveDirect has been providing online reservation technology since 2001 with the launch of their first destination website for Branson Missouri vacations, ReserveBranson.com. In 2004, ReserveDirect also launched ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com to service the Smoky Mountain family vacation destinations.

A St. Louis based company, ReserveDirect has provided similar solutions for lodging associations and destination marketing organizations in markets like Branson, Missouri; Eureka Springs, Arkansas; Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee; and Orlando, Florida. ReserveDirect also operates its own consumer booking engines in each of these destinations, as well as services for Polk County, Florida, Table Rock Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and Springfield, Missouri Convention and Visitors Bureau.

B.B. King to Perform in Branson

The King of Blues will return to Branson in October.

Blues singer, guitarist B.B. King will be performing one show in Branson Oct. 5 at Welk Resort, the resort and Sullivan Shows announced Wednesday.

Joe Sullivan, owner and president of Sullivan Shows, said King performed in two shows at Welk Resort in Feb. 2006 and said he is excited to bring King back to Branson again.

“He has so much charisma and he has been such an influence,” Sullivan said. “He just keeps the audience in the palm of his hand.”

Sullivan said following the two shows in 2006, he received many rave reviews from those who attended and also many requests from those who missed the concert. Sullivan knew he had to bring King back to Branson.

“It took about a year to find a spot to fit in his schedule,” Sullivan said. “He just tours constantly. He tours world-wide. He seldom shuts down.

“He is a warm, wonderful person. He is one of the nicest performers I’ve ever worked with.”

Sullivan recalled following King’s performances in 2006, the artist would pause and visit with fans while signing autographs.

“He stayed until he met the last person,” Sullivan said. “He is a dream to work with.”

King is the winner of 13 Grammy Awards and 22 W.C. Handy (Blues Foundation) Awards. He has released more than 50 albums including four Gold albums, two Platinum albums and one Multi-Platinum album. His R&B chart-topping hits include “Three O’Clock Blues,” “Please, Love Me” and “You Upset Me Baby.” King’s most popular crossover hit, “The Thrill is Gone,” reached 15th on the Top-40 Chart in 1970.

King has been inducted into the Blues Foundation, Rock & Roll, Performance Magazine and N.A.A.C.P Image Awards Halls of Fame; received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Academy Awards, Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, Orville H. Gibson/Gibson Guitar and more; and is featured on several Walks of Fame, according to Sullivan Shows. Kimberly Crites, marketing manager for Welk Resort, said having King perform in Branson, “It is huge.”

Buy tickets here!


Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Todd Oliver and Irving to Appear on Today Show

America’s favorite morning show, NBC’s Today show, is inviting a couple of Branson’s biggest stars to join them live, on set, in New York, Monday, July 21st. Todd Oliver, comedian and ventriloquist for Showboat Branson Belle, along with his most famous talking dog, Irving, will appear on Today during the fourth hour, hosted by Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford.

Locally, the fourth hour airs on KYTV at 10:00 a.m. CST. For the past 12 years, NBC’s Today show has been rated the #1 morning news program.

Todd Oliver and his trio of live talking dogs hail from Showboat Branson Belle, a 700-seat, authentic paddlewheeler that presents a fast-paced variety show, specialty foods and cruises on Table Rock Lake. Todd Oliver is the headliner of Showstoppers! which also features a live orchestra, and singers and dancers presenting memorable hits from Broadway to the big screen.
Todd is one of the most nationally-acclaimed Branson performers, having appeared on numerous national shows including The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Visitors to Showboat Branson Belle can visit with Todd and Irving as the cruise disembarks.

Super Summer Cruise in Branson Begins August 7th

Classic cars will cruise into Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead on Aug. 7-9 for the annual Super Summer Cruise with owners eager to show off their vehicles.

The Super Summer Cruise is the premier car event in Branson, held annually during the second weekend in August. It features Show 'n' Shine with over 500 cars and trucks on display at Shepherd of the Hills. The event concludes with the Midnight Cruise, held on the 9th, which is a three mile parade of vehicles down 76 Country Boulevard and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

Vehicle registration opens at 7 a.m. Aug. 7 and from 8- 5 p.m. Aug. 7-8 visitors may view the classic cars. The judging of the cars will conclude at 1 p.m. Aug. 9th. The Midnight Cruise has people lining the street, jostling for the best viewing spot.

Anyone interested in registering a car for the cruise, may do so by going to supersummercruise.com/registration.php.

Branson Beatles Museum May Open This Fall

Beatles fans may soon want to put Branson on their travel agendas.

Branson officials said the nation's only Beatles museum might open as soon as this fall.
Louise Harrison, George Harrison's sister, plans to open the museum inside the Starlight Theatre, where Beatles memorabilia will be displayed.

The tribute band she founded -- Liverpool Legends -- performs nightly at the Starlite. Band member Marty Scott, who portrays George Harrison, said the group wants to open the museum by the start of the spring season, but could have it ready as early as this fall.

Scott said Beatles memorabilia at the museum will include items from Louise Harrison's collection that have never been on public display. She has letters from radio stations saying they weren't interested in the Beatles or their music.

Information courtesy of KMBC-TV

Branson, Missouri is the Place to Be for Summer Fun

The summer season is in full swing in Branson, Missouri, evident by the full line-up of entertainment, activities and perfect Branson summer weather. During the tough economic times many families are facing, Branson is reaching out to let visitors know they are not only visitor friendly but budget friendly as well. The great thing about Branson is there are a lot of sights to see and outdoor fun to pursue that is completely free! Now, there’s one word that’s music to everyone’s ears. Branson is also being proactive about helping visitors save money by offering stimulus check incentives, gas buster cards and other discounts throughout the area.

With the discounts available for visitors to Branson, guests can concentrate on the activities available in town and plan a great getaway trip. As always, Branson’s Silver Dollar City is a hot spot for families. This year, going to Silver Dollar City is even easier with the money-saving Silver Dollar City packages available. Plus, you can also get two days for the price of one at Silver Dollar City on ReserveBranson.com.

There are plenty of other exciting things happening in Branson this summer, including a variety of entertaining shows featuring everything from country music to rock ‘n roll. Branson, Missouri show schedules are filled with a multitude of performers and show times so it’s possible to see up to 3 shows a day if you’d like. Branson shows like Shoji Tabuchi, Dixie Stampede, Baldknobbers, Andy Williams, Showboat Branson Belle and Noah – The Musical sell out quickly, so making advanced reservations are recommended.

Attractions in Branson also provide a great way to pass those summer days. Many families venture to Celebration City after spending time at Silver Dollar City. Celebration City is the place to be after dark. The carnival-like atmosphere, coupled with rides, delicious food and an end-of-the-night fireworks show is a definite family pleaser. Ride the Ducks, a land and water cruise, is another Branson tradition popular with visitors. And, The Track is always a visitor favorite. With an unlimited Track Go-Card, the amount of fun you have is up to you!

When you travel to Branson, Missouri you’ll be happy to find a variety of lodging options available. There are discount Branson hotels, pet friendly Branson hotels and hotels in Branson with Internet Access, which means every option you might be searching for is here.

This summer, treat yourself to a vacation...Branson style!

Fiddle Festival Returning to Downtown Branson

The 20th Annual Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival to be held on August 23, 2008 promises to be an exciting event, with new features including a Celebrity Pie Contest and, for the first time, free admission to all performances.

The music begins at 10 a.m. and will continue into the evening. The contestants and performers will be playing the various styles of traditional music that early settlers brought with them to the Ozarks.

This year, there will be performances all day long on the street corners in Historic Downtown Branson along with sidewalk sales and, of course, small town Main Street shopping. Just down the street, the Branson Landing Town Square will host the competition, returning the contest to its longtime home on the banks of Lake Taneycomo.

In addition to contestants from around the country, there will be guest appearances by some of Branson's best performers, including some who competed as youngsters in earlier Branson fiddle contests.

The new Celebrity Pie Contest will bring out some of the finest cooks among Branson's celebrities. Mayor Raeanne Presley and Dee Dee Lennon of the Lennon Sisters have already signed on. Downtown restaurant owners will judge the pies.

For the first time, this will be a free festival, thanks to the many generous sponsors.

The fiddle festival is an important tradition in Branson, said Steve Hartley, owner of Dick's 5 & 10 in downtown Branson. "It honors the area's heritage, and is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike," Hartley said. "When people think of Branson, they think of these kinds of events, the down-homey type of thing," Hartley said. "Many places have lost that."

Mary Jane Rice, the receptionist at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, said she gets a lot of calls about the Fiddle Festival every year. "People call from all over, but mostly from out in the rural areas within about 100 miles of here," Rice said. "A lot of folks just like to get out and play and meet up with people who have a common interest in playing the fiddle. And the competition for young people coming up is a big part of it."

Marc Williams, one of the owners of Branson Landing, said he's pleased that Branson Landing is one of the hosts of the Fiddle Festival. "This festival represents the Ozarks Americana that's such an important part of our heritage," Williams said.

Competition will be in five divisions: ages nine and younger, age 10 through 16, age 60 and older, an open category for any age and the new "Cross Tuning" category. Cross tuning refers to a way of tuning the fiddle that allows it to mimic the drone of the bagpipe, a style of playing once very popular at the old time dances. Fiddles were originally brought to the Ozarks by early settlers because they were easily portable yet were quite loud and suited for dance music.

More than $4,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. The Fiddle Festival is being presented through the cooperation of organizations including the Downtown Branson Main Street Association, the Historic Downtown Branson Business Owners, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Branson Landing and the City of Branson.

For information about entering, attending, or sponsorship of the event, please contact the Downtown Branson Main Street Association at 417-334-1548 or http://www.downtownbranson.org/.

Josh Tesh to Perform at Branson Convention Center

Six time Emmy award winner and Grammy nominee John Tesh will be in concert at the Branson Convention Center Friday, July 18, at 7 p.m.

For "An Evening With John Tesh" Tesh brings his all star cast of singers, choreographer and dancer Breeze Lee, an exciting and captivating dance troupe, and outstanding musicians. Adding to the multi-talented troupe of young dancers combining the beauty of hip hop, ballet, lyrical dance and movement is the powerful and uplifting original music of Tesh who has written, composed and arranged most of the shows orchestrations.

Executive Producers Tesh and Connie Sellecca produced this celebration of music and dance "to inspire kids and adults to find their passion."

Now a successful daily radio talk show host as well as a national recording artist, Tesh has won six Emmys, two Grammy nominations, sold seven million albums, has three gold records and done six PBS specials.

"This is going to be a great event and an amazing evening of entertainment," said Branson's Midwest Concerts CEO and President Gary Bartlett.

Bartlett has set this concert to provide funds for Branson's Christmas Assistance Program. "We are really proud to promote something that's important to the good people of Branson, they take great pride in looking after the needs of children threatened by circumstance. These people are changing lives. In addition to being a great showman, John and his family have a personal passion for helping people in America and the world. We're honored to have him here to make this night shine."

The 10-year old Branson's Christmas Assistance Program serves parents and children who have special needs especially during the holiday season. In addition to gifts, children are given backpacks, school supplies, two outfits, shoes, underwear, socks, jackets as well as dental and medical assistance for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. In some cases, fuel money, rent and utility assistance are provided. Although the program is called Christmas Assistance, the program is operated year-round and is supported in part by local sponsors that include Wal-Mart, VFW, The Rotary and individuals. Annually more than 500 children and more than 200 families are helped.

"We are looking forward to having John Tesh perform in Branson. It is truly wonderful that the evening will be benefiting the Christmas Assistance Program for children in the Branson School District," said Ross Summers, President/ CEO, Branson/ Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Branson’s Haygoods buy Americana Theatre

After 17 years and more than 10,000 shows, Branson performing family The Haygoods are planting permanent roots along the city's State Highway 76 strip.

The eight-sibling musician group purchased the 800-seat Americana Theatre, 2905 W. Highway 76, from Janet Dailey for an undisclosed price, according to eldest performer Timothy Haygood. The deal closed June 1.

The Haygoods – who range in age from 15 to 30 – currently perform at the 600-seat Music City Centre, where they’ve been since 2002, and previously spent nearly a decade at Silver Dollar City. The stunt-performing musicians have grown a need for their own space – and their own branded venue, Haygood said. They plan to spend about $1 million on renovations.

“It’s going to be much more than just a theater; we’re going to make it into an attraction,” Haygood said, adding that early plans call for a miniature golf course in the theater’s lobby and a restaurant. “People want more than a show. They want an experience.”

Haygood estimates major renovation work should be complete by next March, with other changes taking effect over about three years.

In conjunction with their new stomping grounds, the Haygoods have been working on producing an in-house TV show, and filming is set to begin in about two weeks. To avoid falling under the controlling arm of network ownership, the Haygoods have purchased 30-minute slots on the CW channel and sold advertising segments for the first eight episodes. The show will air in about 10 major Midwest cities, including Springfield, starting in spring 2009, Haygood said.

The premise of the as-yet-unnamed show is part reality show, part human interest and part musical entertainment, Haygood said. Episodes will open with the Haygoods performing, followed by an extreme sports-type event that will raise donations to purchase instruments and private lessons for underprivileged children with musical aspirations. Each episode will surprise a child at home and end with that child joining the Haygoods on stage.

“Music was a really big part of our lives when we were young,” Haygood said. “We want to make sure that what could be a budding talent isn’t neglected because of a lack of money.”

Information courtesy of Springfield Business Journal

Dixie Stampede Branson Announces New Military/POW Salute

Military reunion groups will experience a special tribute at a popular Branson attraction. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction has dedicated a “Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony” acknowledging veterans, active duty, those lost and missing in conflict.

This remembrance is widely performed by veterans’ organizations at banquets and gatherings, honoring those who are missing from the celebration. There have been many different narratives written for the presentation, but the symbolism is quite constant. Dixie Stampede will set the “Missing Man Table” and provide the special honors ceremony by request for military reunion groups only.

As guests are seated, they will see an empty table set for one. The empty place setting signifies Americans from each branch of service, with flags representing Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine. The Honors Ceremony that follows describes each item on the table and its significance.

The “Missing Man Table”

The table is round, signifying everlasting concern for the missing. The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the call to duty. A single red rose in a vase represents the lives of the missing, their loved ones and friends. The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of continued determination to account for the missing. A slice of lemon on the plate is a reminder of the bitter fate of those captured and missing. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by their families. The Bible represents the faith to sustain those lost. An inverted glass signifies the missing who cannot share the evening's celebration. The chair is empty because they are missing.

The ceremony concludes as guests enjoy each other’s company, a meal and the Dixie Stampede arena show, highlighted by the beautiful Patriotic Finale, reminded of the loved ones and veterans honored that day.

“Not only is this a poignant ceremony appropriate for all branches and all eras, it’s a good fit for reunion groups enjoying Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede,” stated Steve Weyher, board member of Branson Veterans Task Force.

The private ceremony takes place before the Carriage Room pre-show, and is provided by request, free of charge, for military reunion groups of 15 or more attending that evening’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show. To arrange a “Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony” for your military reunion, please contact Pat Veach at 1-800-520-5101 x245, or email patv@dixiestampede.com.

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede is a unique dinner and show experience set in an 85,000-square-foot facility featuring 32 magnificent horses, a stampede of Longhorn steer, dozens of cast members, ostrich races, illusions, music and more, all showcased in a friendly rivalry between the North and the South. With seating to accommodate over 1,000 guests, the show is highlighted by a four-course feast. Pre-show entertainment features the comedy and juggling of Guinness record sport juggler, Albert Lucas, in the facility's Carriage Room.

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attractions operate in three popular destinations: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Branson, Missouri.

Country Music Capital Branson Turning into Top Golf Destination

A case could be made that Branson is sort of the mini-Las Vegas of the Midwest, just add corn bread and take away the casinos.

The little town south of Springfield, high in the Ozarks, has exploded in the last couple of decades into the gangly epicenter of live country music, country kitsch and country money.

It all started with a cave, believe it or not - they have Ripley's here, too by the way.

About 100 years ago, people came to see Marble Cave, which is actually limestone. Then they made a movie about the area from the best-selling book, "The Shepherd of the Hills," starring John Wayne, and people started flocking in.

A couple of brothers calling themselves the Baldknobbers began putting on shows, showcasing both country and western music - in case you're wondering, there is a big difference between the two. Slowly, musical acts began trickling in until they reached a flood, and in 1991, "60 Minutes" did a story on the town.

Then things really took off.

They're still going strong, and have only felt the country's economic woes mildly; the value of new construction in 2006 in Branson topped $200 million, breaking all previous records. People may be feeling the money pinch, but you can't keep them away from the Presley Country Jubilee.

And it ain't all country. You want to see Andy Williams, Tony Orlando, Paul Revere and the Raiders, the Osmonds, Twelve Irish Tenors and Yakov Smirnoff, you come to Branson.

Or how about a Red Skelton impersonator? Come to Branson.

When a place gets this big, it often starts thinking about becoming a golf destination, because, let's face it, golfers spend a lot of money.

That's where Branson is at. They have about a dozen courses in the area now, and some of them are excellent.

"We're just starting to get to the point where we can call ourselves a golf destination," said Cliff Easum, the head pro at the Thousand Hills resort.

The area will get a huge boost when the Payne Stewart Golf Course opens some time in the fall.

Must-play Branson golf courses

• Branson Creek Golf Club isn't just the class of the Branson area, it's the class of Missouri, according to many golf publications.

The golf course plays up and down the hills of the high plateau that takes up most of southern Missouri. Those holes that play along the high, rocky ridges give off grand, misty views, and the holes that plunge down to the valleys are perhaps even more scenic, with purple-flowered hills rising gracefully above the fairways.

It is a dazzling layout in this part of the postcard-ready Ozarks, and its scenic beauty is matched only by the artistry of the Tom Fazio design.

"I've played all the nice courses in Missouri, and there aren't any that compare to this," said Easum.

You won't find many public, daily fee golf courses of this caliber. One beautiful hole flows from the next, and although there seems to be a plethora of dogleg lefts, every hole brings a separate adventure.

The scenery is everything you'd expect from a mountain course high in the Ozarks: Lakes, ponds, little mountain streams and rugged rock outcroppings to go along with the purple redbuds, white dogwood, and pine and cedar trees.

The green fees here are substantially cheaper than they would be for a golf course of this standing in certain other parts of the country.

• LedgeStone Championship Golf Course unfolds inside the ritzy Stonebridge Village, just outside Branson. The Ozarks aren't a mountain range in the typical sense, but LedgeStone is, for all intents and purposes, a mountain golf course with sweeping, distant views and steep, rocky hills rising above the fairways.

It is an excellent course, consistently ranked among the best in the state by golf magazines. The course was designed by Thomas Clark, who's done such courses as the TPC at Avenel in Maryland and Blue Ridge Shadows and the Woods Course at Kingsmill Resort, both in Virginia.

At LedgeStone, Clark let the surroundings showcase the course; it climbs up and down the steep terrain, with some serious elevation changes. LedgeStone is indeed a dramatic layout, 6,800 yards from the tips with a slope rating of 133, but it is also playable, especially if you don't get too bull-headed and play on the conservative side - at least on your first few trips around.

Golf Digest has described it as a "masterpiece of mountain golf architecture."

• John Daly's Murder Rock Golf and Country Club is 6,600 yards from the back tees. The next set of tees goes down to less than 6,200 yards, one of the few drawbacks to this lofty layout, high in the Ozarks and south of the live, country music capital of Branson.

In fact - gulp - it's been called "lady friendly" by Murder Rock officials, and we're not talking about Hooters girls. The course has few forced carries, and many of the greens are open in front, qualities many women enjoy.

"Obviously, it's not a long golf course," Assistant Golf Professional Mike Meade said. "But, it can be demanding as far as accuracy. The back nine, it can get breezy, and it's all about hitting the right spot on the green."

It gets breezy because Murder Rock occupies the highest place in Taney County, 300 feet above the neighboring Branson Creek, which itself is considered a mountain golf course. The view from the big window at Murder Rock's clubhouse bar is spectacular.

"I guarantee you this is the longest 6,600-yard golf course you'll ever play when the wind blows," Meade said.

The greens are excellent. They're Crenshaw bentgrass and have a very lush look and feel. Though slower and smaller than Branson Creek, the greens at Murder Rock have enough slope and undulation, but not too much, to make putting on them a pleasure.

Branson golf: Solid seconds

• Thousand Hills Golf Resort is a Bob Cupp design with fairways that dip, swoop and twist, falling off to rocky creeks and canyons. It has excellent elevation changes, despite being in the heart of the Branson strip.

The only factor holding this course back is its lack of length; it measures only 5,111 yards from the back tees with a par of 64. That includes nine par 3s. Thousand Hills is a good course to test your short game with all the par 3s.

• Holiday Hills Resort & Golf Club suffers from a myriad of problems. The fairways are too close together for one thing, and the course isn't in particularly good shape. It's a short course - none of the four tees measures over 6,000 yards with the longest being 5,625 with a slope rating of 115. It has a par of 68.

All that being said, the course does have its charms because it is busy; it's one of the locals' favorites. It does have history on its side. It is the oldest golf course in Branson - Charlton Heston used to play here. Also, there are some interesting green complexes and some of the mounding around the greens is imaginative, and the fairway mounding does what it can to keep wayward balls in the proper fairways.

Information & Image courtesy of Travel Golf