Whether it’s last minute Christmas shopping or just a fun day out, Branson has so many places to go shopping that you will always find what you’re looking for. The many shops spread over the Branson area range from hand-made stained glass to your favorite retail chains. You’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Branson. Check out a few of these awesome shopping centers!

The Grand Village Shops

The Grand Villages Shops is home to everything from books to apparel to restaurants. If you ladies are looking for the perfect outfit, The Grand Village has ladies’ apparel shops with everything from western wear to glitz. You’ll also find shops like Alice in Toyland, Lori’s Soap Market, Thomas Kinkade Signature Art Gallery, Tatman’s Fine Jewelry, and Mulberry Mill. If all that shopping makes you hungry, check out Mel’s Hard Luck Diner or Sugar Leaf Treats. The Grand Village Shops is conveniently located on west Highway 76.

Engler Block

This unique shopping center is also located on west Highway 76, but it is worlds away from The Grand Village Shops. At Engler Block you will experience everything from dining to demonstrations. There is so much to keep the family busy you could make a weekend of Engler Block! You can enjoy tutorials to learn the dulcimer at Art Folk Music, have old-time photos taken at Ol Time Photos, watch glass blowing and sculpting at Helwig Art Glass, or watch craftsman design and make the precious blankets at Ozark Quilts. That is only a sampling of what you can expect at Engler Block!

Tanger Outlets

Like many outlet centers, Tanger Outlets is home to incredible discount shopping. Unlike the other shopping centers in Branson, Tanger is home to everything from American Eagle Outfitters to Zales. If you spend the day at Tanger Outlets, you could go home with apparel, footwear, accessories, housewares, or any number of specialty items. When you need to replenish your strength for a second wind, there are also many places to eat at Tanger Outlets.

Branson Landing

The newest addition to Branson’s shopping destinations, Branson Landing has many of the shops that Tanger Outlets has. However, at the Landing you’re going to find many more specialty shops than anywhere else in Branson. If you’re looking for that special one-of-a-kind gift, this is the place you need to look. Aside from all of the shops, there are also several restaurants and a few choices for entertainment. Branson Landing is a great place for shopping, but it also makes for a nice walk outside.

Lodging In Branson

If you’re looking to stay in Branson and turn your one-day shopping trip into a weekend excursion, there are a few great places to stay. The Gazebo Inn is one of the more popular hotels in Branson and it’s conveniently located right on the 76 strip. If the family is tagging along, you may want to consider the Castle Rock Resort and Indoor Water Park. You could leave the family at the pool slide and head off to shop without any distractions. These are just two examples of the many options available!

Whether you’re shopping at Branson Landing or just enjoying the sights, at some point you’re going to get hungry. In this case, you’re lucky you got hungry at Branson Landing! There are so many wonderful places to eat that choosing a restaurant may be your toughest decision all day.

Cantina Laredo

The Cantina Laredo serves up all kinds of traditional Mexican grub in suite 1001. You will be able to enjoy everything from grilled chicken to steaks to daily fish specials. The incredible sauces, such as chipotle-wine with portobello mushrooms, compliment the dishes splendidly. The amazing food is served up in a sophisticated atmosphere to create a place that can only be found at Branson Landing.

Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar and Grille

If you happen to be near suite 505 any night of the week,  you’re likely to hear some great piano and some off-key singing. Don’t worry, it’s only Ernie Biggs. At this unique restaurant you’ll find dueling pianos, audience-sung favorites, and a full menu of awesome food. The pianists manning the stage claim to be able to play everything from classic oldies to today’s number one hits. If you happen to be in the area you may want to stop by and test their skills!

Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub

If you’re seeking a decidedly unique dining option while visiting Branson Landing, you should definitely hit suite 235, home of Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub. A stop at Waxy O’Shea’s guarantees to be a memorable experience as you are greeted at the door with everything Irish. You’ll enjoy Irish music, Irish décor, and true Irish pub food. “May you come back more than you leave and may the luck of the Irish be with you!”

These three restaurants are just a taste of the many options located in the Branson Landing. You can find a listing at any of the guide-signs posted around the Landing. Be sure to leave time and room for dinner when you visit the Branson Landing!

Branson is full of ways to get in the holiday spirit. However, if you still need a little nudge there are ways. One helpful idea is to take a short vacation to Branson. Whether it’s Christmas shows or a little last minute shopping, Branson has just the thing to fill you with holiday cheer.

The most obvious choice for a vacation package is the Branson Christmas Celebration and it has just what you need for a dose of holiday cheer. This package is only available during the holiday season and features admission to attractions such as the famous Trail of Lights. It also includes tickets to The Miracle of Christmas at Branson’s Sight & Sound Theatre. The lodging options are endless and you’re sure to find a hotel to suite your needs.

Another helpful option is the Branson Shows Vacation Package. While the admission to Dixie Stampede, Shoji Tabuchi and Sight & Sound Theatre may not seem like holiday fanfare, all three of these shows are quickly unveiling their Christmas productions. Your stay will be filled with Christmas carols and loads of decorations. This package also buys you three nights lodging in Branson, so you get to see a show each night!

If you’re one of those last minute shoppers then the Branson Landing Weekend Escape is your Christmas miracle. You can shop ’till you drop at Branson landing and when you need a rest you’ll have tickets for a Lake Queen Sightseeing Cruise. If you have to shop for Christmas, why not surround yourself with it? The Landing will be decorated in true Ozark Mountain Christmas fashion, which would have even Scrooge smiling before too long.

All in all, if you need a get-away without getting away from the holiday spirit that seems to be as contagious as the flu, you may want to check out Branson. You’re sure to find what you need in Branson.

On Friday, September 25, Branson Landing will feature the last concert of the 2009 Concert Series. The Concert Series Grand Finale Event begins at 8 p.m. at Branson Landing’s Town Square, and the fireworks spectacular presented by the American Pyrotechnics Association begins after the concert.

The event will feature a number of Branson entertainers, including Clay Cooper and Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express. Special guest star performances include Collin Raye, Barbara Fairchild, Roy Rogers, Jr., The World Famous Platters, and the Liverpool Legends. Each performer has made a name for his or herself in Branson, and you want to be sure not to miss this rare opportunity to see so many classic performers in concert on one night.

A highlight of the event will be a spectacular fireworks show presented by the American Pyrotechnics Association, which will be in Branson for its 61st annual convention. The fireworks display includes a rooftop display and a grand finale from Lake Taneycomo. Another feature of the show includes a Beatles tribute and a live performance from Liverpool Legends. The whole fireworks show will be set to a gaming theme.

For more information about the performers and fireworks show, visit Branson Landing’s official Web site.

For all of your Branson show and lodging needs, BransonShows.com is your one-stop destination. BransonShows.com offers tickets for the World Famous Platters as well as Liverpool Legends, and you can also find lodging near Branson Landing. Visit BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298 to set up your reservations.

Branson Landing is a great venue to catch live performances in Branson throughout the year, and on this upcoming Labor Day weekend (Sept. 5 through 6), visitors can catch these concerts held to benefit the local MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) chapter and Jerry’s Kids.

Concerts take place on Sept. 5 and 6. Performers include Underground Blues Division, the Nace Brothers, and Chain Reaction.

Underground Blues Division will perform two concerts on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 12:30 and 4 p.m. The Nace Brothers will take the stage at 8 p.m. that night. Sunday night features the highlight of the concert series with a performance by Chain Reaction, a Journey tribute band. Chain Reaction’s concert begins at 8 p.m.

The weekend has more than concerts, however. Monkey Moe’s will be on site with inflatable obstacle courses, slides, and more. In addition, Monkey Moe’s will be donating half of the proceeds from the weekend to the local MDA chapter. Other businesses donating a portion of proceeds from the weekend to Jerry’s Kids and the MDA chapter include Ride the Ducks, Branson Landing Cruises, Shorty Smalls Restaurant, Branson Landing Funnel Cakes, Ben & Jerry’s, Jammin’ Java, the Cotton Candy Kids, and the Branson Ridge Winery and Marketplace.

Tickets for seats at the concert performances range from $5 to $10, with all proceeds going to the local MDA chapter and Jerry’s Kids.

Find more information about this event at Branson Landing’s Web site.

Branson Landing is one of Branson’s newest and most popular entertainment, shopping, and dining attractions. For lodging on or near Branson Landing, make online reservations at BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298.

On August 28 through 30, downtown Branson will be overtaken by fiddlers coming to participate in the annual Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival and to compete in the Mid-American Fiddler’s Championship.

This annual event will take place at the Branson Landing on the banks of Lake Taneycomo. Friday night marks the beginning of the event with a concert by local Ozarks band Big Smith. The concert begins at 8 p.m. at Branson Landing. Other aspects of the festival include street performances, fiddling workshops, an Ozarks Music and Culture tent, a Farmers Market, and more.

The Mid-American Fiddler’s Championship is another aspect of the weekend. There are six categories for people to enter, including the Pee-Wee Division, Junior Division, Senior Division, Cross-Tuning, and an open category.

There is no entry fee to participate in the contest. The preliminary round takes place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The winners of the preliminary round go on to compete on Sunday for the grand prize. The final round takes place from 12 to 5 p.m. Prizes for the event include over $5,000 in cash prizes.

This event is hosted by the Downtown Branson Main Street Association, The Historic Downtown Branson Business Owners, The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, The Branson Landing, and The City of Branson.

A complete schedule and more information can be found at http://www.explorebranson.com/fiddle/.

For lodging needs near Branson Landing, check out BransonShows.com for all of your Branson needs. BransonShows.com has hotels near the Landing available, as well as lodging and activity options throughout Branson. Make reservations at BransonShows.com or call 1.800.987.6298.

For the upcoming weekend of August 7 to 9, visitors to Branson as well as residents can enjoy a break from sales tax on clothing, shoes, and more. The annual tax holiday is directed towards helping people prepare for going back to school.

Tax-exempt items include clothing, school supplies, computer software, personal computers, and computer accessories. However, there are various stipulations existing in each category.

Clothing items must be $100 or less each. Footwear is tax-exempt, but jewelry and accessories are not. School supplies must be $50 or under per purchase. For computers, laptops, desktops, software, and accessories like keyboards, mouses, monitors, disk drives, printers, and scanners all may be bought tax free.

The complete list of exemptions and rules may be found at the Missouri Department of Revenue Web site.

Branson and the surrounding area have many shopping options participating in the tax-free weekend. The Branson Landing shopping center has a variety of clothing stores, including Justice—Just for Girls, Aeropostale, Charlotte Russe, Hollister, the Children’s Place, and Belz Department Store.

For great deals on top of the tax-free weekend, Branson also has many outlet centers. Tanger Outlet Center, conveniently located on the 76 strip, will be featuring a Back-to-School Sidewalk Sale in combination with the tax holiday. Stores in the outlet center include Banana Republic Factory Store, Levi’s Outlet, PacSun, Gap Outlet, American Eagle Outfitters, Nike Factory Store, The Children’s Place, Gymboree Outlet, and Old Navy. Shoe stores include Nike Factory Store, Reebok, Sketchers, and Stride Rite.

BransonShows.com is your online destination for all of your Branson needs. From lodging on the 76 strip to tickets to the best shows in the city, you can find everything you need for a great time in Branson at BransonShows.com or by calling 1-800-987-6298.

Do you have a skill that you think is truly rare? Does your pet have an amazing trick? If so, your chance for fame has arrived! The Late Show with David Letterman will be in Branson on June 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Branson Landing to hold an open casting call for his Stupid Human Tricks and Stupid Pet Tricks segment of his show.

There are no admission or entry costs, but the casting call is first come, first served. There is no age requirement, but participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent of legal guardian. The auditions begin at 11 a.m. and end promptly at 2 p.m.

For those who are bringing pets, they must bring sufficient water, pets must be kept on a leash or in a kennel and be under control of their owner until the audition time, and owners must provide up-to-date vaccination information.

Participants who are chosen will receive an all-expenses paid trip to New York for their appearance on the Late Show in front of a live studio audience and millions of at-home viewers.

Contestants must review the full list of official rules for the casting call, which can be found at http://ozarksfirst.com/content/Letterman. Tricks must be safe, fun, and unique, and pets must be treated humanely. Release and waiver forms must be signed by every participant.

The casting call is being put on by the Late Show with David Letterman, KOLR-10 Springfield, KSFM Ft. Smith, KHTV Little Rock, and the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau. There is no guarantee that David Letterman will actually be at the casting call.

BransonShows.com offers a variety of lodging in Branson for both you and your pet by Branson Landing and at other parts of the city. You can explore a list of options here.  Also, if you want to catch one of Branson’s famous shows like the Jim Stafford Show or SIX, you can purchase your tickets here.

Since 1977, the International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc (ICSC) has given the International Design & Development Award to many developers for their creative new designs in retail projects such as the Capitol Shopping Center in Istanbul, Turkey; the Galleria in Fort Lauderdale, Flordia, USA; and the Multiplaza Pacific in Panama City, Panama. This year the ICSC announced the winner of its 32nd annual Design and Development Award is the Branson Landing in Branson, Missouri, USA.

This compeititon has two general categories of which contestants can enter, the first category being Innovative Design and Construction of a New Project, the second being renovation or Expansion of an Existing Project. The Branson Landing was one of the 7 finalists which include the City Center Almere in Almere, Netherlands; the Domain in Austin, Texas, USA; the Manufaktura in Lodz, Poland; La Centrra at Cinco Ranc in Katy, Texas, USA; the Sihlcity in Zurich, Switzerland; and Tokyo Midtown in Tokyo, Japan. These finalists were selected out of 63 entries for this award which represented 25 different countries all around the world.

The winner was announced in an awards ceremony during the ICSC Center Build Conference in Phoenix, Arizona where Rick Huffman, CEO of HCW Development Company, accepted the award in the Innovative Design and Construcion of a New Project. This award was said to be for the shops that were opened within the time period of July 1,2005 and June 30, 2007. Winners of each category are eligible for the “Best-of-the-Best” award which will be presented at the International Council of Shopping Centers annual convention being held May 17-20, 2009.

About the Branson Landing: With over 500,000 sq. ft. of land, the Branson Landing offers many products from anchor and apparel to specialty foods and dining restaurants. It also offers entertainment with the many street performers and the amazing $7.5 million night-time water spectacular. This attraction features the first-ever incorporation of water, fire, music, and light with its 120 ft. geysers and fire cannons erupting in sync with music. Along with the shopping, entertainment, and dining amenities you can also stay at the Branson Landing either while on vacation at the Hilton Promenade or the Hilton Branson Convention Center or as a home at the Branson Landing Luxury Condominiums.

For more information visit www.Bransonlanding.com