The Family Branson

Welcome to "The Family Branson"

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:40:07 PST

Welcome to Branson! I decided to write this blog when we made the beautiful Ozarks our home in 2007. Though raised in Iowa I lived in Arizona most of my adult life but began visiting Branson in 1997. When family ties tugged at our hearts we left the desert behind and headed back to the Midwest. Living here allows me to truly appreciate the scope of talent, attractions, and natural beauty

Gilley's Texas Cafe Featuring Steve Crawford

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:43:47 PST

March 1 marks the official beginning of another exciting season in Branson. Mickey Gilley has been here since the beginning and helped to put Branson on the map! The 2012 season features more of Mickey's timeless country classics as well as shows by "SIX". You can see the schedule of shows HERE. The theater is located at 3455 W 76 Country Blvd. Right next to Mickey's theater is Gilley's

BillyGail's Cafe --- Surprise Birthday Card Shower for Gail!!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:57:12 PST

Winter hours at Billy Gails: Closed December 19, 2011 thru January 6, 2012 Opening January 7, 2012 for weekends only through the month of January, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm February schedule: Thursday - Monday, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm. March back to full 7 day schedule, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm. Way back in March of 2009 I posted a story about BillyGail's Cafe in Branson, MO. At that time they had

Spooky Neighbors!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 20:31:15 PDT

I love living in the beautiful Ozarks Mountains! The road to our house comes off the main highway north of Branson and after a couple of turns the winding road narrows to barely two lanes through a canopy of thick trees. Newcomers often wonder if they might have made a wrong turn, then are relieved when a breathtaking view of the hills lies before them. Recently some real characters have

Ray Stevens Returns to Branson

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:17:28 PST

Ray Stevens is has had people laughing for over 50 years and last Friday night was no different. One of the first theater owners in Branson, Ray returned for a 6-week engagement at the Welk Resort Theater. He will wrap up his performances on October 23, so if you are in the Branson area this show is a must see! I have seen shows where I laughed till I cried, and others that made my jaw hurt,

Awaiting Autumn In Branson

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:45:32 PDT

This video "Forever Autumn" by Justin Hayward. has beautiful pictures of this incredible time of year. Here in Branson we anxiously await the fall colors, hoping for the brilliance only nature can create.

The Hummingbird Inn Bed and Breakfast --- AND Romantic Weddings

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:50:36 PST

Once you turn off Hwy 160 onto Hampton Road, you quickly find yourself on a winding country road, canopied by a forest of trees so thick it is often difficult to see the sky. Nearly completely hidden by these trees is an old milking shed near a watering hole visited by all sorts of wildlife. Then you come to a three-tined fork in the road; taking the middle tine straight ahead brings you to a

The Boys Are Back --- The Oak Ridge Boys, That Is!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:20:03 PST

For someone who loves live shows like I do, living in Branson, Missouri is like living in a candy store! So many great shows! Some of the biggest names in entertainment! Theaters that give you the feeling you are right on stage with the entertainers! One of the biggest theaters is The Oak Ridge Boys Theater, so named because that is the home away from home for none other than The Oak Ridge

Silver Dollar City to be featured on Undercover Boss

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:07:24 PDT

Silver Dollar City to be featured on Undercover Boss on Sunday, March 28 8:00 pm Central. One of the most popular attractions in Branson, and definitely my favorite place to go, is Silver Dollar City. With its own unique Ozark style and friendliness it is impossible not to have a great time, whether you visit one time or dozens of times! The park is in continuous transformation with new rides

Billy Gail's Cafe --- The Best Breakfast in 417!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:49:53 PST

Winter hours at Billy Gails: Closed December 19, 2011 thru January 6, 2012 Opening January 7, 2012 for weekends only through the month of January, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm February schedule: Thursday - Monday, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm. March back to full 7 day schedule, 7:00 am - 2:00 pm. I love March in Branson! Not only do we see the buds and birds of spring, but we begin to see more

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 20:41:40 PST

To everyone who reads this blog regularly and to those who stop by once or twice, I hope you have holidays filled with love and joy, family and friends, lots of good things to eat and amazing memories to carry you through the year.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:12:44 PST

When I count my blessings this Thanksgiving I will be counting every one who is reading this blog. You are why I love blogging!Sending you smiles and hugs and wishes for a blessed holiday!Barb

Showboat Branson Belle Is for All Ages

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:56:11 PST

Branson has dozens of shows for the whole family, but the only floating show is on the Showboat Branson Belle which takes three cruises daily on Table Rock Lake. This is more than just a boat ride around the lake on a cabin cruiser or pontoon boat! There is dinner, music, live variety show full of surprises, and magnificent views from the largest boat ever built for a fresh water lake. As of

Just Some of the Fun You Will Have in Branson

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:02:50 PDT

[This is a reprise of my March 25, 2008 post on Picture This, At Last. ]Yes, This Is A Blatant Plug for the Fun You Will Have In Branson, Missouri We love living in one of the vacation capitals of the country -- heck, the whole world! Here are just a few reasons why:So many wonderful places around the United States are spectacular vacation spots. But for a wide range of entertaining and inspiring

Branson Landing Fire and Water

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:18:05 PST

Back in March I posted some pictures of the new Branson Landing and featured the dancing waters of the fountain in the center square. That was before the Fire and Water attraction started up for the season. Just a few short steps away from the center fountain is the beautiful Branson Landing Towne Square Amphitheater. Lined with thousands of blooming flowers, this is an attractive place to

When Ladies Wore Gloves To Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:48:37 PST

Branson has a secret. The beautiful theaters and thrilling attractions made Branson a big dot on the map, but they would not be here if Rueben Branson hadn't opened the first general store in this county. This store also became the post office for Branson, Missouri and a little dot carrying Rueben's family name popped up on the map back in 1882. Nestled on the bluff between Lake Taneycomo and

It's Not Too Early to Plan for Christmas with Dino and Much More in Branson!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:26:55 PST

[This is a reprise of a story published on Picture This, At Last in December 2007] One of the best reasons to live in the Branson area --- or to visit --- is for the Christmas shows and true spirit of the season. We have countless opportunities to see entertainers from the little-known to the world-reknown put on Christmas shows with everything: music, comedy, sparkle, spirit, and FUN!

The Beatles Love Branson --- Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:03:20 PDT

A common myth of Branson is that it is a mini-Nashville, all country music, especially old country music. This myth is busted, especially the "country" part.Case in point:The rock group that rocked the world off its rocker more than 40 years ago lives on at the Starlite Entertainment Theater in Branson. Managed by Louise Harrison, sister of Beatles legend George Harrison, The Liverpool Legends

We Are New Residents --- And This Is Why

noreply@blogger.com (Barb) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:28:09 PST

Branson, Missouri was a favorite get-away spot for my aunt and uncle for many years. Each fall they would take their travel trailer to Cooper Creek Resort Campground for several weeks. They had many friends from all around the country that joined them there. Other family members made regular trips to Branson and I began to hear more and more about the theaters, entertainers and fun spots. So in