Branson, MO has a strong relationship with its veterans and a prime example of the community’s pride in its veterans can be found with the Hand in Hand event where Branson will be honoring purple hearts recipients. This event takes place over three days starting on April the 22nd and continuing until the 24th. The event is not just for Branson, MO residents. People can come from anywhere to register to be a part of this event.

The event starts with registration from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Factory Merchants Mall which is located just off of Highway 76. After registering for the event you may want to browse the shops for awhile before heading to  the opening ceremony takes place at the Hamner Barber Theatre. This event has benefits for those who participate, and those benefits will be outlined at the theatre.

The event also includes a fishing tournament, a Dress Barn VIP Shopping Extravaganza, an entertainment show at the Hamner Barber Theatre, a fish fry, a wine festival, and a motorcycle parade. The exciting motorcycle parade is the highlight of the event . There will be seating at the Branson Landing for those who would like to watch the parade go by. The event closes with the Purple Majesty Twilight Ceremony where a special guest speaker will deliver a speech at the fountains of Branson Landing.

Become a part of the 3rd Annual Springtastic Show Spree this year when you buy a Springtastic Show Pass. This event takes place April 12th through the 18th and allows Branson show lovers to come to Branson and see ten of their favorite Branson shows. You have to be fast though as the first to arrive at show venues will be the ones who are able to take the best advantage of their pass. If you arrive too late, you may have to go see an alternate show rather than your first choice.

Over 35 shows and theaters will be participating in the event this year. Theatres and shows participating in the 3rd Annual Springfest include shows like the #1 Hits of the 60’s, Jeerk – Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre, Angels of Country Music, the Jim Stafford Show, Legends in Concert, and The Haygoods. Many of the most famous and well-loved performers and theatres are participating to celebrate the opening season of Branson shows.

Tickets for this event are on sale now. The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers are putting on this special event, so tickets are available through them at Ticketmaster. There is a limit to the number of tickets available, so you will want to buy your tickets as soon as possible.

Branson Elvis Festival comes back to Branson, MO April 16th throught the 18th. The event is presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. Legends in Concert will be hosting the event this year. This is the 4th Annual Branson Elvis Festival that has been held in Branson. The event features all things Elvis including the Elvis vendor village which will be in the lobby of Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre, a tribue to Elvis done by Tony and the Comback Special LIVE in concert at the Branson Landing, and the Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.

There are several Elvis acts in Branson that you can choose to visit for your Elvis Festival celebration. Legends in Concert has an act that includes the music of many greats. Elvis will be featured specially for the Elvis Festival. Other music included in the concert are songs by Marilyn Monroe, The Blues Brothers, and other classic music songs and groups from the past.

Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience is another great Elvis act found in the Branson area. His show is a tribute dedicated entirely to Elvis. He covers all of the Elvis favorites from slow ballads to upbeat rock. When you go to Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, expect nothing but Elvis in a 2 hour long celebration of Elvis’ great career in music.

For another top-rated Elvis adventure, see Elvis and the Superstars. You will hear sensational singing and see wonderful dancing by Elvis impersonater Dave Ehlert. His great act is followed by impersonations of other music greats like Patsy Cline, Liberace, and Bette Middler. This show is packed with action and incredible music for everyone who loves classic hits.

Another special tribute to Elvis is found at Owen’s Theater. See Eras of the King – A Modern Day Tribute for a show that is bound to make you feel like you are experiencing Elvis for the first time. This is a great act where Elvis impersonators demonstrate the heart and fire that Elvis always displayed during his incredible shows.

With so many wonderful Elvis tributes, you may have trouble deciding where to go! For the Elvis Festival, you may want to go see them all. Each is a unique experience designed to give  a tribute worthy of the King of rock and roll.

Branson is filled with great hotels all claiming to be the best hotel in Branson, so how are you to choose one for your stay? The easiest way is to take the advice of the travelers who have gone before you. BransonShows.com wants to make your vacation as easy as possible so we’ve compiled a list of three of the most popular hotels along the Highway 76 Strip in Branson.

Castle Rock Resort & Indoor Waterpark – 4 Stars

In the midst of the winter months, what could be more fun than a heated indoor water park? The Castle Rock Resort offers families comfortable accommodations with the added bonus of the much-desired water park. Patrons of all ages can find something to enjoy, whether they’re floating down the lazy river or splashing in the kiddie pool. With the location just off the Highway 76 Strip, guests can enjoy the seclusion of the Ozark Mountains without missing a moment of the action.

Gazebo Inn – 3 Stars

Hands down one of Branson’s most popular hotels, the Gazebo Inn offers guests a comfortable stay and a superb location. Similar to the Victorian Palace, the Gazebo Inn surrounds guests with Victorian-style decor and architecture. This hotel offers all the amenities you would expect of a three star hotel to ensure a pleasant stay, and the perfect location ensures that you don’t miss a moment of the action while visiting Branson!

Victorian Palace – 2 Stars

The mansions of old have come to life at the Victorian Palace. Modeled after the opulent furnishings of these classic estates, the Victorian Palace provides guests with a luxurious and comfortable stay. With room types ranging from a standard room to the Honeymoon Suite, everyone is sure to find the perfect nights’ rest. While the hotel is fabulous, the highlight is the location. The Victorian Palace sits just off Highway 76, which places you just minutes from all of Branson’s best attractions!

Enjoy the perfect Branson  vacation with a room at one of these three great hotels. Whether you’re looking for the convenience or the comfort, we’ve got you covered!

Christmas is sneaking up on us and most people are consumed by the spirit of the season. That is how it should be. However, you may want to start thinking ahead to the new year, which is quickly sneaking up on us! If January includes a visit to Branson, you may be surprised to know that most of the shows will be closed for the month of January to disassemble the fabulous Christmas sets and prepare for the 2010 season.

Just because the shows will be closed doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do in Branson. There are still a multitude of things to do that will welcome January visitors. Everything from shopping to dining to an entertaining night out will be waiting for you.

Shopping

Shopping in the month preceding Christmas can be a nightmare. The stores are jam-packed from wall to wall and everyone is trying to get their hands on the same thing. In the weeks post holiday chaos, the stores are quieter and the shopping experience is often more enjoyable.

If that is your idea of a nice weekend, Branson is the place. There are many places to shop in the Branson area, including outlet malls and boutique shops. If you’re seeking a stress-free weekend after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the Branson Landing Weekend Escape vacation package places  you in the heart of one of the best shopping districts in Branson!

Dining

Spending a quiet afternoon at home once everyone leaves can be very relaxing. Why not include a nice dinner to top off your day? There are lots of wonderful dining options in Branson that are open year-round so you don’t have to worry about them being closed. For a list of dining options all over the Branson area and restaurant information, check out the Dining & Nightlife portion of our Points of Interest Page. While you’re there you can browse plenty of other activities in Branson.

Activities

While most of the shows in Branson will be closed, there are still many attractions that will happily welcome January visitors. The museums in Branson are some of those attractions. Museums like Titanic-The Legend Continues and World’s Largest Toy Museum will be business as usual. Also, many of the tours will also be available early in the new year. Browse the activities and see what all is available for your Branson trip!

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!

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.

During this long Columbus Day weekend, Branson offers ideal sightseeing options, and activities to fill your weekend.

The fall foliage in the Ozarks has yet to reach its peak, but the Ozarks hills are beginning to show vibrant oranges and reds, and the Ride the Ducks Branson sightseeing tours offer the perfect routes to show visitors the changing colors of the season. Ride the Ducks offers a tour on Table Rock Lake as well at the Branson Landing area. While on the tour, visitors will see some of the sights of Branson on land and lake. On the Table Rock Lake tour, visitors can see the area from a vantage point on Baird Mountain.

In addition, Columbus Day weekend is one of the last weekends to experience many Branson shows before the holiday season begins in November. Noah the Musical at the Sight and Sound Theater is only playing until October 17, so this it the second to last weekend opportunity to see the amazing production of Noah and the Ark in Branson for the season.

Another fun activity to enjoy in Branson during the long weekend is shopping at the outlet centers. The Factory Merchants and the Tanger Outlet are both holding Columbus Day weekend sidewalk sales. From steep markdowns on end-of-summer merchandise to discounts on fall and winter clothes, the sidewalk sales offer many opportunities for big savings over the weekend.

BransonShows.com is your destination for all things Branson-related, including show tickets and lodging. Call 1-800-987-6298 or visit BransonShows.com to set up your trip to Branson today!

This October, Vacations Made Easy and its sister site Branson Shows are unveiling a variety of promotions and discounts on some of the hottest activities, shows and lodging in Branson, MO!

With $5 off admission to shows such as Yakov Smirnoff and Jim Stafford you are sure to find double the laughs with money left over. Buy one get one half off on activity options including Branson Landing Cruises on Lake Queen and Landing Princess ensure you are able to enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozarks. And the phenomenal offer from Ricky Boen and Texas Mud of buy one get one free will literally cut your entertainment expenses in half!

View dozens of money saving options on some of Branson’s hottest activities and shows and save big online!

Additionally, you will find a variety of ways to save on your hotel as well. Branson visitors will find a number of popular lodging options including the Gazebo Inn, Barrington Hotel & Suites and more offering the unprecedented deal of one night free with a two night stay, allowing any weekend visit to be an extended one!

Those interested in saving money during their next stay in Branson, MO can view all of our special lodging promotions and discounts online.

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.