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A Branson getaway is always welcome, especially for summer family fun. So grab the kids, Grandma and Granddad, and come for entertaining shows and attractions, fun on the water, outstanding golf and fishing, horseback riding, extraordinary dining and more.
If you’ve ever had a garden, you know there’s nothing better than sitting down to a meal of fresh food. Enjoy such a meal at The Keeter Center! Students work for their tuition at College of the Ozarks, and some grow vegetables for your dining pleasure. We’re talking dining like you get at Grandma’s. There are tasty fringe benefits, if you are staying at Keeter Center — check it out. There is a lot to see at the college, including a greenhouse and fabulous orchid collection; Edwards Mill (where they make the flour for the freshly-made bread and pastries); the dairy; Williams Memorial Chapel, a wonderful example of neo-Gothic architecture; fruitcake and jelly kitchens; a tractor museum; and the Ralph Foster Museum. The Keeter Center is a couple of minutes south of Branson.
Dogwood Canyon is a great place to take in nature. They work hard at preserving the canyon’s 2,200 acres. Take a tour; you’ll learn about the wildlife. “Kids of all ages” will enjoy driving through the herds of bison (no “buffalo” in North America; I learned that on the tour), elk and longhorn. The evening ends with a delicious chuck wagon dinner complete with a bonfire, roasting marshmallows and a cowgirl serenade.
Dogwood Creek flows into Little Indian Creek, on into Table Rock. Here you’ll find trout and other fish; a guided fishing tour and lessons are available. There are many daytime things to do, like horseback riding. There are stables down the road and around the bend at Big Cedar Lodge, on Table Rock Lake. The lodges and cabins are elegantly rustic; there’s a spa, things for the kids to do and marvelous dining options. My favorite is Devil’s Pool!
Back in town …
Titanic Branson is a new experience every time; artifacts and exhibits change, and there’s just too much to take in during one visit. I’m always amazed at the creativity and authenticity with which the ship is represented, the way artifacts are displayed, and exhibits and recreations set up. Beginning July 1, there’s even more, with Rachel Wilson’s Horse Sculpture Event. Wilson creates unbelievable horse sculptures from hedge-wood sticks found on her Missouri farm. Her life-sized designs have captured the attention of galleries and collectors around the state … they’ll certainly catch your attention as you drive down Hwy. 76 and spot the “herd!” There are all sizes, from foals to large plow horses, each with a name and a story.
Branson’s newest show is Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu. A cast of 60 Chinese performers tells the story; Chun Yi’s mother takes him to the temple for apprenticeship to become a monk. He studies under the Master, learning to resist “temptation and distraction,” to become focused and competent. The story follows Chun Yi as he learns the art of Zen, the skills of Kung Fu. His path is not easy. Will he be ready to become a warrior for peace? to begin a life-long spiritual journey to enlightenment? It’s a poignant story with a wide range of emotions. Vibrant costumes, original music, modern dance and precision acrobatics add to the excitement.
Back to dining … Chateau Grille is known for its exceptional cuisine and elegant presentation — and the view! Chateau on the Lake overlooks Table Rock. One of the best views is from the Roman Bath in Spa Chateau, situated beneath a waterfall overlooking the lake. The Spa offers a myriad of services, including His-and-Her packages and Girls’ Getaway packages.
Kids love the indoor and outdoor pools, 54-seat Sassafras Movie Theatre and the Crawdaddies Kids Klub. Casual dining options include the 9th Street Italian Deli and to-go box lunches. The Atrium Café & Wine Bar is in the lobby overlooking a waterfall and stream. In the cozy Library Lounge, a popular meeting place, relax by the great stone fireplace or gaze out at the lake. The Chateau is close to golf courses, shows and attractions.
Behind the scenes of Noah – the Musical is almost as amazing as the show: animals, stables, dressing rooms, shops for building sets, passageways for cast and critters to use during the show. Backstage Tours, led by the actors, are available and — you heard it here first — tours are free now through September 4. (Availability is limited, so call ahead.) The script and musical score of Noah was written by Sight & Sound Theatres production group. The sets and special effects, a cast of 45 actors and hundreds of live and animatronic animals make this a spectacular production. The 40 foot-tall ark is constructed during the show, on the 26,550 square foot-stage; and the theater is a massive 339,000 square foot-structure.
Summer fun at Oak Ridge Boys Theatre and The Mansion includes The Three Redneck Tenors; fans of NBC’s America’s Got Talent know all about the “down home laughs, big city music.” They’ll be on stage at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre this summer; it’s a fun show, clever storyline. You can tell from the photo!
Through Aug. 15, Cathy Rigby is at The Mansion in Peter Pan, a fabulous production that’s fun for all ages. The sets and effects are exciting, and Rigby is stellar in her performance as the young boy who doesn’t want to grow up, naïve yet wise beyond his years. Her voice and body language are amazing, her flying superb!
Close your eyes, and you’re back in the 60s listening to Liverpool Legends. Beatle George Harrison’s sister Louise put this group together. They look like the Beatles and better yet, they sound like the Beatles. They perform live with no added background tracks. Their clothes, the sets — including the yellow submarine — and Beatles music are legendary. As Louise Harrison said, “The underlying message is that we are all part of the human family … all need to love and be loved … and ‘Come Together.’” This show will be at The Mansion through Oct. 23.
“Diana — the People’s Princess” … has traveled internationally; the exhibit features a 15-minute video about what you’ll see: not just a beautiful face and fashion icon. Princess Diana affected the lives of millions, especially with her charity work. Maureen Dunkel, the show’s owner, has 14 Diana dresses; some will be on display and some, right now, are on loan to Kensington Palace. There are more than 100 items, including many personal photos. One area is a replica of the dress shop where her wedding gown was designed.
Whatever you envision for summer fun — water sports, outdoor fun, shows, wonderful dining, perfect accommodations — come enjoy Branson!
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