Surprising Branson and The Ozarks
What we discovered during a one week whirlwind tour of Branson & Environs
Branson's reputation as The Country Musical Revue Capital of the World is a misnomer. It may have been accurate as a descriptive phrase for Branson 20 years ago, but it fails to describe the many facets of the experience available today.
On our foray, we discovered a wide range of lodgings, and a fantastic variety of live shows, from Country, gospel, New Country -the 40's through the 90's- comedy - Oldies but Goodies – Cirque, as well as unbelievable sporting venues, theme parks, and a wide variety of restaurants. All of these are offered in a family friendly atmosphere.
Branson offers Orlando caliber theme parks, theatrical experiences rivaling Broadway and Las Vegas with the added bonus of sporting opportunities found at Lake Tahoe, fly fishing equal to that in the streams of Wyoming as well as the unique mountain vistas of the Ozarks.
Discovery #1 - Great Lodging
Big Cedar Lodge,612 Devil's Pool Rd, Ridgedale Mo 65739 www.bigcedar.com
Big Cedar Lodge offers every amenity imaginable; be pampered at the spa, enjoy the private marina on the Lake, use the complimentary shuttle to get around the property, dine at any of the five restaurants, or play a round at a Jack Nicholas designed golf course.
Accommodations include majestic lodges, cottages and private lakeside cabins. We pampered ourselves by staying in a lakeside honeymoon cabin: featherbed and Jacuzzi; fine quality rustic decor. After a long day of sightseeing we would return to our cabin and find: bed turned down, gingersnap cookies nestled on pillows, wine and fireplace: heaven.
To our surprise on the first day of our stay we received an impromptu guided tour of the grounds by Bob Cox, a driver of the complimentary shuttle. Bob exemplified true Southern hospitality and Big Cedars' motto: Our guests come first, everything else is secondary. Fell in love with the Worman House Restaurant's Tudor interior, stained glass, dark wood, view of the lake. It provided a perfect setting for the Gourmet Champagne Sunday Brunch.
Dinner at the Top of the Rock Restaurant provided an opportunity to experience the fabled sunsets over Table Rock Lake. Romantic! Met with Robert Stricklin, Executive Chef, and he advised us of their annual culinary event, "the Celebration of Tastes", held every weekend in February. Wines are paired with food prepared by guest chefs.
Horseback riding, boating, fishing in the "43,000 acres of clear blue-green expanse of Table Rock Lake: ranked nationally for its numbers and sizes of bass and crappie", tennis, swimming in the There were more activities available than we could avail ourselves during our short visit. heated pools, miniature golf, or for children ages 4-12, activities at the Little Cedar Kid's Club.
Every piece of furniture, fixture, plant etc at Big Cedar is chosen with meticulous care; We took the Garden Tour given by a landscape associate which reaffirmed the impression that Big Cedar' management philosophy was environmentally sensitive.
Chateau on the Lake Resort and Convention Center
415 North State Highway 265
Branson, Missouri 65616 www.chateauonthelakebranson.com
This resort and convention center, known as the "Castle in the Ozarks", sits on a beautiful, forested Ozark mountaintop overlooking scenic Table Rock Lake. Amenities there are similar to those of Big Cedar, but with a much different look and feel: a more formal atmosphere, yet still very relaxed. While checking into the Chateau, we noticed a commotion in the parking lot- news media, cameras, signs; Kyle Petty and his "Charity Ride Across America" rolled in; About 200 riders, each having made a donation for the privilege of making the ride, spent the night at the Chateau. Proceeds from the ride go toward completion of the "Victory Junction Gang Camp", a camp for children who are terminally ill. Kyle poised for pictures, was interviewed by our staff and signed autographs. Memorable surprise event!
We sampled breakfast at the Chateau Grille; specialty of the house - Brioche French Toast -raspberry filling dipped in waffle batter: served with maple syrup. They served delicious cuisine in an elegant yet casual atmosphere. "The Deli" for lunch: allowed us to relax on the outdoor veranda with a panoramic view of the lake.
Bob Haislip, Chateau on the Lake Assistant General Manager & Director of Food and Beverage discussed their new preview menu and arranged for us to sample the Dessert Preview Menu, intended as an after theatre 4th course, later that night in the Library. The Library, a gathering place for cocktails, had the perfect ambiance for the "4th Course after Dinner Delights" accompanied by Aussy Benjamin Port. Eli Barsi entertained with her original compositions and yodeling; Wonderful guitarist and vocalist.
There are accommodations to fit every pocket book in Branson. These facilities are the most luxurious.
Discovery #2 - Sightseeing/Entertainment
Dogwood Canyon was our first excursion into the Ozark countryside; a 10,000-acre private wilderness preserve. Lunch at the Canyon Cafe; we were impressed with the culinary achievements of Dyan Baughan, food service manager. The Honey Pecan chicken Wrap, Salsa Cream Cheese dip and Old Fashion sodas are specialties of the house. Surprising attention was paid to both the preparation and presentation of the items we ordered. Preserve recreation includes biking, hiking, trout fishing, Orvis Fly Fishing schools, fly-casting clinics, horseback riding and tours. We chose the two hour guided tram tour which afforded many opportunities to explore and enjoy the archaeological discoveries of the canyon, including the Indian Burial Caves, Great Spirit Rock Shelter; the trout streams, glory hole and Little Indian Creek where trout fishing is a world-class adventure.
Our first excursion on Table Rock Lake, one of the three lakes in the area, was a two hour dinner & show cruise aboard the 'Showboat Branson Belle", a paddlewheel driven showboat; a three course dinner was served in the Paddle Wheel Club Room, an intimate setting with breathtaking panoramic views of the lake. Coffee and dessert were served during the performance of "Steppin Out", the award winning family musical revue featuring Todd Oliver and his two "talking" canines. Our only regret, we wanted more time to cruise the lake
Our next excursion was from Chateau on the Lake's marina, we toured the lake via Speed Boat with Joe Cillo at the helm. The hour boat ride made us aware of how immense the lakes are. Two of us also paddled a canoe around the marina.
While we had read "that we had to see the shows" while in Branson our next stop was to learn a little of the history of the area at Branson's Imax Entertainment Complex: Ozark's "Legacy and Legend" and Lewis & Clark Great Journey West provided the understanding of the challenges experienced by the early settlers and explorers.
Then we were off to Silver Dollar Citytheme park with a tour of the Marvel Cave, where it all began. Our tour encompassed the entire park: In this world of amusement parks, Silver Dollar City is atypical. Thanks to Mark Momany-Food Division Manager, their on-site eateries are well above the norm. We dined at Mary's Springhouse-Yummy! We observed the making of their Mozzarella cheese, which is used in all of their Italian Cuisine.
Off to Presley's Country Jubilee- "Branson's Original Show on the Strip"- which began performing at Marvel Cave in 1963. They were pioneers in combining popular tunes with Ozark Mountain music; Country, Gospel and Comedy. Four generations of Presleys perform in this must-see show where the family signs autographs and poses for pictures at intermission and after the show.
Today, Branson, the entertainment capital of the world with over 130 live shows, exceeds Las Vegas and New York with the variety and quality of the productions. Recent entries to the lineup include Andy Williams and Ann-Margaret's, a trip down memory lane.
Andy performed renditions of his greatest hits.. Ann-Margaret's production numbers were based on scenes from her hit movies. We went backstage and had photo shoots with both Andy and Ann-Margaret. Andy graced us with his California vineyard signature wines. We purchased a poster for him to autograph. We were instructed to leave it backstage and were promised that Andy would autograph it and mail it to us. It was received as promised a few days after we returned home.
The electrifying production numbers of Shoji Tabuchi make this a must see show. He is a virtuoso performer. A family production, Dorothy Tabuchi, Shoji's wife, is the show's creator, producer, director, and emcee. She is credited with utilizing lasers and other dazzling special effects and advanced technology to create a dynamic production. Their daughter, Christina, is an accomplished recording artist who performs on selected dates.
Do not miss the opening number. It incorporates 25 Japanese Taiko drums- consisting of three different styles –the largest being the Odaiko that weighs 2000 pounds- with laser animation that will leave you in awe of the magnificent art of the Japanese Taiko drumming.
The elegance of the theatre itself was breathtaking. Surprises are everywhere. Shoji has created an atmosphere that conveys the message that you are a special guest. He also graciously posed for pictures with us during intermission. The entire event was an amazing experience. .
Another must see show is the hilarious comedy of Yakov Smirnoff's "What A Country!" "What a Show".. He is the famous Russian comedian who has been voted Branson's Two-Time Comedian of the Year. The show is packed with "comedic tall tales and witty perceptions, funny facts and hugh laughs". As a funny philosopher, he took us on a comedic journey, gave us unique insights into life, family and our United States. . Yakov was also available for autographs/pictures during intermission and after his show. Purchased one of his posters; he autographed it: "What a Guy!"
What does the future hold: unlimited possibilities: Cirque: 2004 now in town.
Discovery #3 - Dining Experiences
McFarlain's Family Restaurant in the IMAX complex. Sampled "Signature Items": fried green tomatoes and French-fried sweet potatoes. Inducted into McFarlain's Rising Table Society . You'll have to visit McFarlin's to uncover the mystery of the Rising Table Society. . Great place to stop before or after a show.
Candlestick Inn Restaurant & Lounge-Their chef, Jason Watson, started the meal with a sampling of delicious appetizers- Signature Candlestick Shrimp,Artichoke Tosca, Jumbo Lump Crab cakes, and the Goat Cheese and Roasted Garlic; followed by a wonderful variety of outstanding classic entrees: Trout Almandine, Beef Wellington, Plantation Style Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin with Pecan Sauce, Roasted Long Island Duckling,Candlestick Filet and Lobster.The dessert tray tempted us with their Candlestick Cupcake, Chocolate Torte and White Chocolate Crème Brule; a fine ending to an excellent meal.
The Inn, situated on a bluff overlooking Lake Taneycomo was rated "Best Dining Experience in Branson" by Travel Host. We agree. Another sunset location. Our hosts for the evening were Pete Weaver, the general manager of the Candlestick Inn Restaurant, Pam Critchfield of the Vacation Channel and Ross Summers, Executive Director of Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau. They provided us with information about plans to develop the area on Lake Taneycomo adjacent to Historic Downtown Branson and the addition of another airport that would service Branson and Eureka Springs.
Branson provides a terrific value for the money spent. You can have a quality experience on any budget. See the shows when in Branson, visit the theme parks, take a cruise but also take time to experience the beauty of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains; Eureka Springs and Springfield are each only an hour away. Big Cedar Lodge and Chateau on the Lake each offer unique experiences-sample both of them. Branson has so much more to offer than we can convey in this short journal: explore, enjoy, and share it with a close one.
Photo journal:www.fbworld.com/branson.html
Credits: Written by Catherine Valentine, Pat Valentine and Mary Buttaro
Pictures by Mary Buttaro, Pat and Catherine Valentine
Joseph Cillo, Events Editor
Mary Buttaro, Photo Editor
Catherine Valentine, Special Projects Editor
Patrick Valentine, Recreation Editor
www.forallevents.com
