TIME FOR THE REALLY
™ BIG SHOW! — P 3
January/February 2020 DON’T MISS PATTY AND TIM’S FOR COLD WINTER DAYS! — P 6
THE PETERSENS — P 7 — P 9
PAPARAZZI PARTY! — P 5
— P 8 RETURN OF THE SMILE FOR
CRAFTERS! — P 8 — P 11 WE AGREE! MRS. BRENDA! GUIDES • MAPS • FOOD • SHOPPING • OUTDOORS • FUN! INSIDER beautiful, the shopping a bargain Revelations wonderland, the dining peaceful, Stuff Happens the hot tubs cozy, the atmosphere Richard Freihofer friendly and relaxed. January/February Wisdom & knowledge from His Majesty As your keen eyes will observe, hammers reservations required in advance. 800-381-7670 the Editor & Publisher Jan/Feb are swinging as construction crews all Hot Winter Fun . Branson’s answer to the winter blues! over town are creating magnificent Feb 1-28 Veterans Observances and Events. For a complete Sweetheart Month at Branson’s Titanic! A nod Hot Winter Fun! new attractions and breathtaking calendar of events contact the Branson Veterans Task to the 12 honeymoon couples and young brides beautification projects—so by all Force (417) 337-8387 BransonVeterans.com to be who sailed on Titanic’s maiden voyage in ou arrived at the perfect time of means come back and take advantage year for a Branson getaway! True, 1912. Propose, get married, or renew your vows on of these Branson surprises! They will Jan 25 Titanic’s iconic Grand Staircase—the world’s only plenty is boarded up for the winter, begin to unfold in March and continue Titanic’s Daddy Daughter “Princess” Date Night exact recreation available for personal reservation! At but don’t let appearances fool you. throughout this year of transformation. Dads, also known as “Prince Charmings,” are invited Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction 800-381-7670 As you’ll see in these pages, plenty of Expect a Branson the likes of which you to escort their daughter to this memorable event at smokin’ hot shows are up and at’em to have never seen before! As usual. Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction. Explore the Feb 5 keep the sizzle on for what we call Hot ship together, enjoy a yummy dessert & drink, a 25th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show EEnough Winter Fun! Meanwhile, enjoy the show. ✦ Titanic flashlight to guide the way, and a personal variety and talent under one roof to melt away any keepsake photo. Royal coupls are encouraged winter blues! This is the mega star-studded event The mountains and lakes are winter- /TheBransonInsider to appear in royal attire. Photo ops are available kicking off Branson’s show season with a sneak to capture the magic moments. Space is limited, Continued on page 10
So now here we are just a ways down the a prayer list so long I can’t get to the half of wait ‘til church on Sunday. That’s when I road and already some of the shine has it before I run outta prayer time and end up figured a lot of things out. wore off, so to speak. wore out and blue for all the trouble!” It was from that day on that I started Well, I got good news for you, ‘cause that’s I know it’s tough. When a flock of troubles talkin’ to the Good Lord all through the That’sTheo N. Cider the Spirit Local expert, part-time preacher. what you come here for! Yes, Ladies swarm your head like squawking crows, day. I thanked Him for anything and and Gents, I’m here to tell you I got the putting on a nice Gospel record and prayin’ everything that would kinda jump out cure—and that alone may shock you. But against that list of troubles seems the way at me. I talked and I paid attention and when I tell you what the cure is, I know I to go. But there’s a better way. listened. I asked questions. More and REAL NEWS gotta brace myself—for the looks you will more I began to see what I appreciate ere we are just at the top of the It sounds kinda churchy to say this—but probably give me might be enough to suck praise and worship is what we need. But about Him and what a genius He is for year and it already looks like the the wind outta my sails! But here goes— making all the complicated little outfits wheels have done come off! The truth be told, it took me a long time to get H It’s time for you and me to grow outta the hang of what I’m even talking about that are all over this world, and how news has gone loco and the whole world nursery school and graduate to the Big here. I was pretty good at clapping my endless this universe is to make this acts like it’s just about to come down to world of ours float along in it like a grain two teams headed to the Superbowl! Leagues! It’s time we worship and praise hands and singing along at church, but our Heavenly Father like never before! back at the house I wasn’t much good. The of sand in a forever ocean! But never mind the world. You came But why? So we feel better? “cause we’re best I could do was wait for the wife to But folks, I’m here to tell you—there’s here cause your world is mostly about be gone, put on a nice Gospel record and more to this story! It’s this: when you you and you are a-hopin’ anda prayin’ the ‘spose to? So we can make Him feel better? ‘Cause it’s our job? then try to sing along. I sure ‘nuff tried to spend time with The Good Lord, and Good Lord will use me to give you a little praise the Good Lord, but unless I did it in when you sit at His feet, so to speak, pick-me-up—because by now you could No, no and triple NO! We do so because church, I pretty much felt like a robot. and listen to Him speak in your Bible probably use one! He first loved us and He sure enough But one fine day I was outside workin’ and reading or at your preaching—you will I know that when the New Year kicked off deserves to be loved back! (1 John 4:19 for get to know Him more. Get close to Him you Bible detectives!) I saw how pretty the sky had got, so right it probably made you feel like you had then and there I told the Good Lord what I more. And love Him more. Praising and another birthday, which reminded you Now since the Good Lord has made me a thought about it. Bringing that up to Him, worshiping Him, even in all those simple that time was runnin’ out. That might straight-A reader of your bless-your-heart suddenly made me add a few other things ways like simple folk like me do—will explain the lump in the throat when sorry looks, I can give the old college try at I thought worth mentioning. And here’s cause faith, hope and love to well up in hearin’ all that “Happy New Year” noise. reading your minds. I’m guessing you’re the thing—every time I thanked Him for your insides. That’s when you can grab And it sure didn’t help when the news head is full of voices like this: “But I sing one thing, it was like a door opened up that little prayer list and that “faith that kept playing their little highlight reels of songs to Him in church!” you say. “And I in my head and I’d remember ten more moves mountains” runs you through it last year’s miseries and woes! thank Him at every meal and before I go to things to thank Him for! Folks, I don’t mind like a race horse at the Kentucky Derby! But I know most of you good folks fought bed! But excuse me,” you say, “it’s kind of telling you—it wasn’t much longer before In this old world, there is no equal to back by turning over a new leaf. Some of hard to thank Him for the sorry mess this love for the Good Lord started wellin’ up the peace and joy of staying close to you headed to the gym, some quit sugar, old world is in and for that stack of bills in on the inside of me so strong that I had to our Heavenly Father. They might not tell some cleaned out the barn and some just the kitchen drawer that are stickin’ their reach for that hankie in my back pocket, us that on the nightly news, but you’re decided to start over on a clean slate with tongues out at me til harvest! And that ain’t if you know what I mean! That’s when I getting the real news here. Amen. "And even counting the doctor bills—thems are started figuring out how to praise Him. this is the victory that overcomes the world, just about everything. ✦ in the other drawer! So yeah, I pray, but I got That’s when I figured out I didn’t have to even our faith". (John 1:5)
Fine Print that Nobody Reads: The Branson Insider™ January/February 2020 Vol 11 Issue No.1 Copyright © 2020 by Performance Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Published bi-monthly by Performance Media, Inc. P.O. Box 580 Ozark, MO 65721. Phone: (417) 485-2336. Fax (417) 582-0011. e-mail: [email protected] Facebook.com/TheBransonInsider /Branson_Insider Boring Lawyer Stuff: Information published herein is subject to change without notice. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. The Branson Insider™ makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of published information, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Distribution: For distribution issues, (heh-heh, did you catch that pun?), call our office. Editor & Publisher: Richard B. Freihofer Advertising: Whoever answers the phone. Publicity: Linda Rushing-Ashley Graphic Design: Stan Griffin, Lindzey GriffinBusiness Manager: Theresa K. Freihofer 2 INSIDER BUZZ THE BRANSON INSIDER
hen the cold winds blow, it’s you will, in a nutshell, be presented with the perfect time to head to the many, if not all the shows open for winter mountains and warm the heart funseekers—you elites who have arrived with music and fun during Branson’s festive before the prime time show season winter celebration! begins in March! Hot Winter Fun is Branson’s answer to winter blues! Here, the snowflakes are THAT’S THE rare and the sunshine is abundant. Watch a beautiful winter sunset playing against TICKET! the mountains and lakes! Choose from a Better hurry. THE HOT WINTER FUN BIG variety of awesome shows—all featuring SHOW is a fast sellout! Along with a wide some of the brightest stars in the world of variety of shows and performers jam- live entertainment. Explore both indoor packed into one exciting show, there are and outdoor fun—whether it’s in Branson’s souvenirs, special treats and surprising exciting attractions, or in its natural performances! Ticket proceeds from THE wonders. Relax in a unique restaurant, or BIG SHOW are used for media campaigns by a crackling fire back at the condo. Go promoting Branson’s winter show season. on a leisurely shopping spree, where the Entertainers donate their performances for bargains are bountiful, the atmosphere is the cause, as well as several volunteers and friendly, and the experience—uplifting! local businesses who likewise donate a generous helping of their time and money. SHOW OF SHOWS The show is produced by The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show THE HOT WINTER FUN BIG SHOW is Producers. It offers regular seating for the kickoff premiere and sneak preview $35, the first six rows seating for $45, plus of Branson’s 2020 show season, as is the VIP Balcony package for $60 which well described in the lively ad to our includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, non- immediate right. But if you happen to alcoholic beverages, access to a cash bar arrive in America’s “Showtown” a little and meet-and-greets with many of the too early or a little too late—not to stars. For ticket info, study the ad on page worry. As you review the ad studiously, 3. There may be a quiz. ✦
4 SHOWS THE BRANSON INSIDER hen USA Today called them “the (as usual) for the big 2020! We tried to get world’s largest performing family”— some juicy details, but our inside contacts that was no “fake news! (Fact check: We remained tight-lipped, yet were grinning are now counting over fifty members of this off- knowingly. We can’t wait, (and that’s putting the-charts talented family appearing on stage it mildly)—to see what this year’s massive in each spectacular performance!) family entourage of singers, dancers and Although the four Hughes Brothers brilliant musicians roll out for our 2020 and their ever-expanding family of star audience gatherings of families, couples, performers have been playing to and folks of all ages! Experience tells us that packed out Branson audiences for over we won’t be disappointed—nor shall we fail twenty years, we are issuing this to be completely blown away! WINTER ADVISORY: If you haven’t seen What can we expect? Well, incredible
The Hughes Music Show lately, then you singing, dancing, musicianship—and a full haven’t seen the Hughes Music Show, that assortment of pop, country, Hollywood, showbiz extravaganza that was the toast Broadway, forties throwback—oh, we give of Branson’s 2019 awards season! (Variety up! Expect anything and everything from Show of the Year!, Patriotic Salute of the a cast of little kids, big kids, Moms & Dads, Year! and Christmas Show of the Year!) teens, young adults, babies, and yes, the Our stealth reporters have been told that legendary Hughes Brothers themselves! ✦ incredible, astounding and unbelievable new show surprises will continue to roll out, 3-TIME HONORS! Celebrity Dinner Theatre ave time, avoid traffic and stress—and Senjoy a relaxing gourmet dinner before the show—prepared by acclaimed Swedish chef Reggie Regnall! We will cite the dessert entrée to help paint a picture: luxurious dark chocolate Stars of the Hughes Family Show pose with their mousse topped with a heavenly light whipped honors at The 2019 Branson Show Awards! cream & fresh raspberries. Oh yum. THE BRANSON INSIDER SHOWS 5 PAPARAZZI PARTY! SATURDAY, FEB 1 2pm-5pm Ozark Mountain Craft Mall, Branson Baldknobbers Stars Your PATTY & TIM “DROOPY Hosts DRAWERS” MABE! ere’s a big chance to get up close and personal with two of Branson’s brightest H stars—PLUS get the inside scoop on what’s hot and what’s “fashion forward” in the world of jewelry and accessories! We’re talkin’ “new bling for Spring!”
It all happens when Branson singing star Patty Mabe reveals her fabulous collection of glitz and glamour from Paparazzi, the prestige designer of jewelry HOT and accessories starting at fashion-friendly prices as low as just $5.00! SELLER! LOCATION, No typo. We aren’t kidding. $5.00! That’s all, folks! Tim & Patty tumblers! LOCATION, (Here’s a scoop: ask But wait, that’s not entirely all! The venue will ALSO at that time be holding a about the new KC LOCATION! Chiefs tumblers!) Ozark Mountain Craft Mall is located right CHARITY RAFFLE! on W. Hwy 76 across the street from Grand At press time, cool items continue to pour in! Check it all out and sign up (just Country, and right next door to Burger Shack $2 bucks a raffle ticket!) and Taco Bell. Read all about it on page 8!
will in this store’s entire department of iron cookware, the bed and bath area, the WINTER BARGAINS ALL veterans items! Included is clothing, hats, all home décor, the Christian themed area, kinds of veterans gear, collectables, décor, the tools, the old timey candies, spices, memorabilia & more! gourmet food, gifts, jams, jellies…wow, where do we stop? MADE IN THE USA! STAR ATTRACTION One item, for real, has been selling like hotcakes ever MAN ON A MISSION Made in the orget imports. Wanna see what merchandise all Made-in-the USA! And since our Branson visitors first got wind of USA’s owner Brian Karn aims to do his part awesome products your clever fellow here’s an added treat: if you drop everything it. So far, over 12,000 of these have been to bring back American manufacturing and Americans are capable of coming up and head there right now, red hot winter sold here!--probably because nobody has create new jobs in our good ol’ USA! To that with? Then look no further! Go directly to bargains will await you! reported seeing them anywhere else! We’re idea, we throw in a hearty “Amen!” ✦ Made in the USA General Store, inside A SHOCKER FOR VETERANS! talking about a The Shoppes at Branson Meadows. Upon When was the last time you saw veterans’ colorful collection Brian shows us his star attraction. arriving, you will no doubt be amazed as merchandise or even American flags that of cotton dish you discover here a full buffet of incredible were actually MADE IN THE USA? Well, you cloths and dish towels which NEVER sour, mildew or stink! Most MA E I THE USA homemakers want at least two, or GE ERA STORE three, or a handful! Clothing • Housewares • Bed & Bath Need a gift idea? Kitchen • Military • Gifts • Jellies Voila`! Candies Toys & Much Much More! THE REST MERCHANDISE OF THE MA E E A STORY Folks like you will also NEW EXPANDED LOCATION! enjoy perusing the 4270 N. Gretna Rd. Men’s, Women’s & Visit us at Children’s clothing, the kitchen AT THE SHOPPES AT BRANSON MEADOWS 17 336 SA 87 1 department’s cast 6 INSIDER BUZZ THE BRANSON INSIDER Voila! Legends in Concert to the rescue! MOVIE In the show’s first A LEGENDARY SEASON 2020! Elvis performance, we ELVIS! get Elvis from the Movies! Remember? Blue Hawaii, Viva Las Vegas, I Can’t Help Falling in Love, Jailhouse Rock, Gi Blues etc. etc! Of course we could keep going, as could you, but for now, we all get the picture. (Probably because Elvis sang those songs to us in SO MANY pictures!) Then, for Legends in Concert’s Grand finale, we get Vegas Elvis, complete with the spectacular Vegas jumpsuit, the karate GARTH FREE moves, and of course, those legendary UPGRADE TO showstoppers which include Suspicious THE STARS OF BROOKS! RESERVED SEATING! Minds, In the Ghetto, and the legendary, if (See ad below) not historic medley of Dixie and The Battle FEBRUARY/MARCH! Hymn of the Republic! Getting goosebumps just reporting that. an you believe it? How do they do THE TEMPTATIONS TWO SIDES OF THE KING it? Once again, Legends in Concert For what better Grand Finale Next on the Legends in Concert showcard Finally, we have two other signature events tops themselves with a legendary can there be, than C are the legendary Temptations! The moves which happen in this show. It comes in the one recreating a lineup for 2020—and folks, this one hits the and grooves of their signature “Temptations form of one word: ELVIS. It’s the word that absolute sweet spot with just about every breathtaking walk” taught the world that visual music says it all. generation on planet earth! performance was impossible not to dance to! Let’s take a Okay, maybe a couple other words too: The of Elvis Presley, the Produced in Vegas, Legends in Concert moment to think about these hits: Cloud 9, King. To recreate his performances, how can ultimate legend is a dazzling extravaganza of the world’s I Can’t Get Next To You, Ain’t Too Proud to one show project all the different Elvis eras of Legends! ✦ VEGAS top tribute artists appearing at Branson’s Beg, Get Ready, (“Cause Here I Come)—and in one superstar supershow? Dick Clark American Bandstand Theatre! of course, My Girl. To us, just presenting that ELVIS! Backing up these legendary superstars is a list is enough to make a body wanna move smokin’ live band of all-star musicians and and groove! a full cast of backup singers and amazing dancers! During evening performances, guests can add to the fun by opting for dinner and cocktails. Now that’s entertainment! Legendary Eats! Concessions include such goodies as Johnsonville Brats, Chili-Cheese Dogs, Ham & Turkey Croissants, Fresh-out-of- the-oven Gourmet Cookies and Chocolate THE Covered Bananas! Upstairs Lounge! Enjoy craft beers, champagne and a variety of fine TEMPTATIONS! wines before the show or during intermission in a relaxing lounge decorated with Dick Clark’s priceless memorabilia. Guests can also choose THE BLUES BROTHERS the VIP balcony, where drinks can be served Of course back by eternally popular during the show. demand are those furiously dancing and soulfully singing hipsters from Chicago— GARTH BROOKS! the fabulous Blues Brothers! Honestly, He’s the guy who shook up the who can music world by giving country music resist getting a little shot of pop, a little spike of goosebumps rock, and a whole lot of onstage at seeing theatrics that resulted in packed the almost out arenas all over the globe! His rubber-like record-breaking live performances, BLUES moves this off-the-charts record sales, endless dancing duo awards—all came from his music BROTHERS! channels that to this day remains in much of while singing our world’s hearts and minds! How about their signature hits: Soul Man, Sweet Home these few titles for some memory triggers— Chicago, Rawhide and Gimmie Some Ropin’ the Wind, No Fences, Friends in Low Lovin’! What other act has such a knack for Places, If Tomorrow Never Comes, The getting us laughing, singing and dancing all Thunder Rolls—can you feel it? at the same time? Answer: these guys.
THE BRANSON INSIDER SHOWS 7 SUPERSTAR CRAFTERS GET NEW HOME! ood News! Some of Branson’s most popular, (and world- famous) crafters are back! Thanks to the efforts of Ozark craft Mark and Jennifer, seen here with Gconnoisseurs Mark and Jennifer Grant, Branson’s superstar Penelopee, the mall’s “greeter”. crafters and working vendors have been carefully selected, sought out, and welcomed into their new home at the all new Ozark Mountain Craft Mall, located right across from Grand Country on W. Highway 76, (the Branson strip!) This regathering of crafters, some with a world-wide fan base, includes several whose works were main attractions at both Branson’s legendary Engler Block, (razed after the 2013 Leap Day Tornado), and the popular Branson Mill, (later converted by developers into a trampoline Park). But the good news, like we said, is—they’re back! For this we can thank the aforementioned Mark and Jennifer, owners of Mrs. Brenda’s Old Time Photos (a few doors down) and Shooters Old Time Photos, (across from Branson Mall.) As Mark tells us, “Jennifer and I also had an old time photo attraction at The Branson Mill. A lot of real friendships with other vendors came out of that. We were like family. We ate our meals together every day. We worked together. When that location changed hands and broke up that family, it really hurt.” But things would later change—for the better! Over the holidays, an opportunity presented itself in the strip shopping center which was also home to Mrs. Brenda’s Old Time Photos. Says Mark, “When we saw that we could bring part of that family of vendors back together in a new location, we jumped on it. Having these crafters, artisans and working vendors come back together, each with their own talents and uniqueness—is something really special. It’s representing the heritage of Branson.” Briefly described, every booth in the Ozark Mountain Craft Mall features unique items not found elsewhere. Some include classes offered by the crafters themselves. Manning the attraction is Mark’s wife Jennifer, a self-described, life-long fan of working with retail items she personally enjoys. When it comes to customer service, Jennifer has no equal. “We really care about our customers,” she tells us. “If you’re looking for something, we will do whatever we can to help track it down. We’ll answer questions. We just want Local resident Heather to create a great experience for all ages.” Anderson shops quilts. Our conclusion is this: Mission Master Craftsman Gaylen Montgomery (right) Meanwhile, Heather’s 3-year-old daughter ✦ Accomplished. disciples a student in the art of the scroll saw. Miah shops the toy department!
8 ATTRACTIONS THE BRANSON INSIDER BRANSON’S WILD WORLD GETS
eed sharks. Real A WHOLE NEW WORLD CREATURE COMFORTS! sharks. Get eyeball SHARK Indoor to eyeball with howling Although well safaris wolves, mountain lions, living established, Branson’s Dingo here are dinosaurs—all returning TANK! Wild World is ever- Kisses! wheelchair stares mere inches away! changing and accessible WHEELCHAIR Hold a boa. Pet dingoes. Try ever-expanding. and resting ACCESSIBLE to escape from a Mummy’s New additions and benches tomb. Take a 6D motion ride, enhancements are are plentiful. Safari shooting targets in a a 3D being unveiled Guides also remain movie. Enter a dark world continuously. In our close to help with and try your hand at a round view: If you haven’t animal interactions, of mini golf , while pirates been there for a few feedings, or educational distract—and live animals months, welcome to a info. watch. Welcome to Branson’s whole new world! Wild World! INDOOR ANOTHER FOOT WORLD! SAFARI As you will quickly discover Let’s attempt to CHOOSE during your website paint a picture. On YOUR FUN investigation, Branson’s Wild your foot safari Fun is abundant World is no typical zoo and through Branson’s Snake and options are aquarium attraction. Here, Wild World you are many—making it wild animals are not hiding sure to see, (rain or Hugs! easy to design the under rocks or snoozing in the shine) such wildlife fun around every dark shadows of some faraway (some dangerous, budget. We think corner. Instead, they inhabit some deadly) as we’ve made our beautifully crafted habitat gators & crocs, sea point: this is truly that keeps them comfortable, turtles, a wolf pack, your place for some active and happy while you sharks, snakes, eels, some seriously visit their spaces—up close. talking parrots, wild times! Very up close. dingos, lemurs, living dinosaurs—and more. You can swim with WORLD CHANGERS CREATING ATTRACTIONS WORLDWIDE stingrays, feed whoever is hungry, play with dingos—and more. Much more. All winter long Branson’s Wild World has The designer, owner and operator of been transforming the environment of this Branson’s Wild World is known throughout amazing attraction into an all-encompassing, our wild world as a leading expert in immersive experience. As far as the scenery the design of tourist attractions. After and theatrical effects, you might at first creating over 300 different attractions in feel like you’ve entered a Disney creation. over thirty countries, 47 year-old St. Louis That notion soon evaporates, as the sights, native James Kelly and his wife Lisa have sounds, and atmospheres transport you decided to call Branson home and make beyond the realm of fantasy and imagination Branson’s Wild World their labor of love. and into the very worlds where those wild James began designing attractions as a things dwell — a world you can feel, and teenager. It was the beginning of a career even touch. that led to building attractions for the top theme parks in North America, as well as THE LOST WORLD for those in Europe, South America, the Enter a new area called Living Dinosaurs, Middle East and the Orient. No attraction a collection of some pretty scary creatures seemed excluded from his portfolio; be who have been living on our planet since it one including animatronics, haunted they shared it with T-Rex, Raptors and houses, magic houses or rainforests. “But Brontosaurus. Monster prehistoric sea GLOBETROTTERS! I’ve always wanted to mix a zoo attraction creatures now inhabit a new 21,000 gallon with family entertainment,” he told us. tank eight feet tall, (with windows) , while World renown attractions designer It is to our good fortune that James prehistoric reptiles lurk nearby. Meanwhile, James Kelly & his wife Lisa. decided to bring that dream to Branson! animatronic dinosaurs growl and roar to provide goosebumps and photo ops. THE BRANSON INSIDER SHOWS 9 WILD VALLEY For adventurers eager to OPEN take on another, somewhat Now NOW in different type of safari, we direct you a few short miles in Branson AND SPRINGFIELD! down the road to Wild Valley at Branson West, Springfield @Battlefield Mall another masterful attraction created and operated by James and Lisa. This one is 100 percent designed around animal interactions, (some at different levels of course, since animals vary from kangaroos to cuddle to lions and tigers to feed from a wise distance.) For anybody seeking some wild times while on vacation, we recommend heading to where the wild things are. These two places, for example. ✦
Stuff Happens January/February Continued from page 2 preview of the 2019 season! Grab tickets quick—this one sells out fast! Choose VIP seating, table top dining, and a cash bar. Catering is by Florentina’s Ristorante Italiano 7:00pm at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre Tickets 417-339- 3003 (See story on p. 3) Feb 14 Hughes Music Show Celebrates Valentine’s Day Enjoy dinner before the show and a classic romance movie. Then experience the Hughes Music Show where love abounds! Dinner and movie starts at 6pm, the live show starts at 8pm! For tickets: 417-334-0076 HughesBrothersTheatre.com (See page 7). • Valentine’s Dinner at the Keeter Center Enjoy a special Valentine’s Day menu at the College of the Ozark’s award-winning Restaurant. A candlelit dinner featuring the chef’s tasting menu, live music and dancing in a rose-petal setting. Reservations to this sell-out event are required. 4pm 417-239-1900 Feb 14-17 Tanger Outlet’s Presidents Day Weekend Sale Find extra winter savings at your favorite brand name stores! TangerOutlets.com/Branson/Deals
10 COMING ATTRACTIONS THE BRANSON INSIDER OPEN A BOOMING FRANCHISE Now in Branson AND Springfield
BUFFET RESTAURANT WITH A WORTHY MISSION! a very Christian company. We feel it’s not KIDS EAT FREE! his amazing all-you-can-eat buffet ALL-YOU CAN EAT enough to operate a restaurant and make Tue after 4pm. 1 kid (12 & restaurant/fun zone (which is exploding money without giving back, so you’ll see under) per 1 adult. across the country) has now burst upon BUFFET YOUR WAY! at Pizza Ranch that we have community the scene in Branson! t was Pizza Ranch’s “Buffet Your Way!” impact nights. We partner with churches Besides being a national foodie sensation, Ithat scored the eatery’s first home run— and schools. Let’s say we’ve got a church the The Pizza Ranch success story also has youth group going on a mission trip. FREE COMMUNITY ROOMS! the good news that the folks could design Available for groups up to 120! Great for something to with the company’s vision and We’ll set up a time where they can have any goofball pizza order they wanted and parties, family reunions, sports teams etc! mission. Of course what gets folks to the an information table for donations while The Ranch would put it right out on the Call in advance: 417-337-5060 Pizza Ranch in the first place is the incredible all-you-can-eat buffet at no extra charge! they serve as guest attendants or bussers. eats! But it’s not long before the mission (Pickles and sauerkraut pizza, anyone? Their tips, plus 10% of sales will go to their unfolds and the folks start bonding with Macaroni & cheese pizza for the kiddos?) group.” Says Doug, “Not giving back would THE KID WITH A VISION everything Pizza Ranch does. And is. not be fulfilling the company vision.” ✦ izza Ranch was founded in 1981 by an ABOUT THAT CHICKEN… Peighteen year-old kid from Hull, Iowa named Adrie Groenweg. Young Adrie laid a e sent our food critics good foundation for his company. Wover to try Pizza Ranch’s chicken buffet and of course Vision: To glorify God by positively they came back with rave impacting the world reviews—just like every other food critic on the Pizza Ranch Mission: To give every guest a map! Quotes to note: “Best ever! legendary experience. Service from the heart! Period! Absolutely over-the-top mmmmMMM! Go try some and (See Ad on p. 10 and map grid B-11 on p. 12) prove us wrong! We DARE you!” Branson: 1464 State Hwy. 248 AND MORE! Springfield: Battlefield Mall ith all this comes an elaborate salad Wbuffet, dessert buffet, (with endless ice-cream), plus endless drinks at no Critically acclaimed chicken! extra charge. Staff is trained to be living THE FUN ZONE! epistles of the company motto: “Service from the heart”. THE INSIDE SCOOP! egendary LBranson restaurateur Elaborate salads! Doug Kissinger gave us the inside scoop of why he threw in to become ranch foreman, (A.K.A. GM/ Managing Partner.) “I liked the company,” Doug told us. “It’s Endless goodies! Doug revealsthe vision—and the mission. Enter an arcade wonderland. The kiddos may not want to leave it. Nor you. THE BRANSON INSIDER SHOWS 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Creation10 Experience11 Museum12 13 14 Branson Zipline 465 Branson Events Center A Ledgestone 465 65 To Springfield/Branson Airport VigilanteInspiration Ziprider Tower Branson Hills Parkway PavillionShepherd Theatre Payne Stewart of the Hills y swa res Shrine of xp E Holy Spirit ls Mansion Silver Dollar Butterfly Palace il Thtr.nThtr. Pizza Ranch City H e Yakov h B t
f 248 o Sight & Branson IMAX d r IMAX Little Opr’y e Sound
Acrobats of China h Greatest Adventures Shoji Tabuchi
Hamner Theatre p e h Mini-Golf S
Golden She Mini-Golf Bookside ph . erd o Corral f the H d The Shoppes at ills Expressway R Indian Point Rd. a Branson Meadows C Branson Showroom 265 Pierce Promised tn Adv. Zipline re BUS T Star Branson Dinosaur Arrow Land Zoo G 76 Museum White House Majestic Branson Mill Craft Village 65 Green Mountain Dr. Mountain Green Theatre Theatre 165 No Motorcoaches Ballparks Theatre Parakeet Pete’s SteampunkBalloon Steampunk Balloon
of America
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Hughes Brothers Cruises National Museum Tracks #4 Museum of Fishing of Fishing Grand Country Mini Golf Mini Golf Branson Auto & Farm Museum & Farm Museum Titanic Fritz’s Adventure WonderWorks Tracks #3 FerrisWheel New Americana Dixie Stampede Music City Center Music City Center Grand Country America’s Fun Park Enquirer Live G Enquirer Live r
e Vista Shopping Center Center Kings Castle e CarvelleeCaravelle James F Epps Rd. E n Branson Landing M 76
Branson Landing Branson o Landing Branson u Jim n Stafford ta Rock in D Grand Grand Villiage Villiage Shops Shops Lane r Tribute Waterpark . Waterpark Clay
Marina Castle Rock Presleys’ Scenic Scenic Raliway Raliway Riply’s Cooper UpTown Café Cooper Green Mountain Dr. Museum Museum Curling Vine WineryLost Treasure Mini-Golf 65
F Andy Williams Winery Winery Hot Hits
Branson Mall
Mini-Golf Mini-Golf Aquarium at God & Country Green Branson Top Ops Plaza Mrs Brenda’s Old Time Photos Mrs Brenda’s Old Time Photos The Boardwalk Branson Famous Thtr The Boardwalk Historic Historic Owen Thtr Owen Thtr Hollywood Wax Harbor Indian Point Ozark Mountain Craft Mall Bandstand Thtr. Bandstand Thtr. Dockers Mt Pleasant
Marina Marina Mini-Golf Mountain Wildwood Dr. Wildwood Branson Fall Creek Rd. Veteran’s Memorial Safari Rd. To Runaway Craft Mall Wild World
Pirates Cove Dinosaur Canyon Dinosaur Thousand Hills Canyon Dinosaur Holiday Dick Clark’s American Mountain Celebrity Car Museum G Coaster Branson Convention Convention Center Center Hills Fall Creek Rd. College of the 265 Ozarks Welk Indoor165 T Ralph Foster Waterpark Museum MAP KEY Pointe Red Time Saver Route Royal Blue Time Saver Route Yellow Time Saver Route H Welk ResortFish Hatchery 165 Insider Theaters Insider Attractions MoonShine Beach Other Theaters Other Attractions Table Rock Scenic Overlook Shopping Dam 65 Traffic Lights I T R Dewey Short 165 BRANSON Visitor Center Branson Golf Course MAP Creek Restaurants/Dinner Showboat Theatre Branson Bell Table Rock State Park 265 To Eureka Springs State Park Marina Table Rock B J Spirit of America Lakeshore Trail 86 Buffalo Ridge A To Cosmic Caverns 86 Top of the Rock
12 SHOWS THE BRANSON INSIDER