May
6, 2012
Branson 2012-Spring: New Restaurants and moves:
Table 22 opened last year but since we
failed to include it on our website, we offer that information now. The
restaurant is located in Downtown Branson at 114 East Main St. just up the hill
from Branson Landing. From their website, Table22branson.com: A
contemporary American bistro serving locally grown products with an extensive
wine list. Menus are updated weekly to reflect the changing
seasons.
Branson Landing has a new restaurant called Black Oak Grill. The description from the Branson
Tri-Lakes News tells us the new restaurant "serves traditional
comfort food with an upscale, fusion twist". I have no idea what that means, but I have
heard that they serve good food so you might want to try it when you're in
town.
The Level 2 Steakhouse which has been
located in the Hilton has temporarily moved to the Branson Landing in the spot
where the "San Francisco Oven" resided. It is planned that
Level 2 will move back to the Hilton when the hotel
re-opens. The "San Francisco Oven" and "Romano's Macaroni
Grill" have closed their Branson Landing locations presumably due to the
bankruptcy filing of the parent company "Swisshelm Group, Inc."
Regrettably the Garden Restaurant at
the "Shoppes at Branson Meadows" has closed after 4 years.
The Burger Shack located next to the
Wal-Mart on the strip offers burgers and homemade fries. The Burger Shack had
just opened when the tornado hit, but repairs and remodeling are complete and
they are open for business.
Blue Man Grill opened this spring in
the small center across from the entrance to Tanger Mall. The name comes from
the Ozarks version of Big Foot, "The Blue Man of the Ozarks" dating
as far back as 1865. The restaurant offers a wide variety of burgers, salads
and other specialties. Also on the menu are milkshakes and a "colossal
cheesecake".
Branson 2012-Spring: Show and Entertainer news
New Branson 2012-Spring news at the Andy Williams Moon
River Theater
It was reported that the Swedish Rhythm group
Jeerk would not be returning in 2012. It has now been
announced that they will be in Branson during the months of June and July at
the Andy Williams Theater. Schedule includes a Sunday night show and 3 morning
shows during that time frame.
Another group reported to be away from Branson in 2012
will return for a limited engagement.The Osmond's will
perform at the Andy Williams Theater during Andy's 75th year in show business
celebration.
New Branson 2012-Spring news at Black Oak
Amphitheater
The Rock band Boston will headline a
concert at the Black Oak Amphitheater on September 1, 2012 with Survivor and Starship. Also announced is
an August 29 concert with rock bands Def Leppard and Poison. Also featured is Lita
Ford.
New Branson 2012-Spring news at the Branson Central
Theater
Bill Chrastil who was planning
performances at the Branson Mall Theater has found a new home at the Branson
Central Theater. He will perform thru mid November at 1 PM on selected
dates.
The Circle B Supper Show has moved to
the Branson Central Theater on Hwy 165 next to the Shanghai circus. The Branson
Central Theater also hosts the "Ozark Murder Mysteries
Theater". Both shows are dinner shows.
New Branson 2012-Spring news at the Hughes Brothers
Theater
The "Miracle of America—Birth of a Nation
Concert and Making of America Seminar" will open at the Hughes
Brothers Theater for a two-day event May 18-19, 2012. An art exhibit and show
will be Friday night with doors opening at 7 PM and show starting at 7:30 PM.
Ticket prices are : Adults $20.00, Children $15.00.
The Making of America Constitution
Seminar is from 8:30-5:00 Saturday. Registration is at 8:00 AM. Ticket price is $25.00 including lunch. A combination
ticket for both the concert and seminar is $35.00.
New Branson 2012-Spring news at the Jim Stafford
Theater
Keith Allyn's "A Neil Diamond
Tribute" has moved from the Branson Star Theater to the Jim Stafford
Theater for 2012. Keith will have a the 10:30 AM slot at Jim's
Theater.
New Branson 2012-Spring news at The Mansion
Theater
Three Dog Night will perform one night
only at the Mansion Theater on July 14, 2012 at 8 PM.
New Branson 2012-Spring news at the Music City
Centre
Joey Riley who has been Mickey
Gilley's sidekick for years as well as hosting his own show at Gilley's Theater
has moved to the Music City Center for 2012.
The Comets who return this year to
Music City Center were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 14
in Cleveland, Ohio. Bill Haley and the Comets helped ignite the rock n' roll
craze in 1955 with their huge hit "Rock around the Clock".
New Branson 2012-Spring news at the Oak Ridge Boys
Theater.
Neal McCoy who played multiple dates
last year at Clay Cooper Theater will return in 2012 to the Oak Ridge Boys
theater. Shows are scheduled in July, August, September, October and
November.
New Branson 2012-Spring news at the Sight and Sound
Theater.
Sight and Sound Theater presents a new
show for 2012. The Biblical story in Genesis of Joseph
features more than 40 characters and live exotic animals.
New Branson 2012-Spring news at the Tri-Lakes
Center
Merle Haggard will perform June 23 at
7 PM at Tri-lakes Center.
Dino and Cheryl will be performing a
limited engagement of "A Tribute to
the Titanic" at the Tri-lakes Center in April & May.
Branson 2012-Spring: Theater
news:
As of May 1 all theaters are on schedule except for the
Americana Theater, Branson Mall Theater (Hall of Fame) and Branson Variety
Theater.
The Americana Theater hosts The
"3 Redneck Tenors", "Todd Oliver and his Talking
Dogs"," Cassandre Haygood and Friends", and "Joseph Hall's
'Elvis' Rock 'N' Remember". Scheduled opening is May 22, 2012.
The Branson Variety Theater sustained
more damage than earlier thought and will likely not open till September 1,
2012. The theater hosts "Hooray for Hollywood", "The Twelve
Tenors", "Shake, Rattle & Roll", "The Songs of the Four
Seasons and The Beach Boys " and "Christmas in Hollywood".
To date, we only know of two entertainers at the Branson Mall Theater that have found a new home. Legendary
singer/songwriter Jim Owen can be seen at the Music City
Centre Monday's at 8 PM and Wednesday at 10 AM. Bill Chrastill
has a 1 PM show at the Branson Central Theater. No word on re-opening of the
Branson Mall Theater.
Branson 2012-Spring:
Festivals
Organizers say that the 2012 Plumb Nellie Arts
& Crafts Festival will be bigger than ever. The festival includes
140-150 vendors, demonstrating craftsman, entertainers and a street dance on
Friday night. Festival dates are May 17-19. The Downtown Merchants host a
Traditional Sidewalk Sale May 17-27. Check downtownbranson.org for more details.
The 2012 Branson Motorcycle Rally
kicks off May 31 and runs through June 3, 2012. The event is being held at the
"Outback" located on the strip. Live bands, Vendors, shows, races,
contests, rides, prizes, food and more highlight the gathering. Check out
bransonmotorcyclerally.com for more information.
Branson 2012-Spring: New Attractions and other
news
The Gone with The Wind: A Book and Film
Museum opened in late 2011 at 109 Main in Downtown Branson. From
their website gwtwbranson.com: showcases the collection of Dr.
Novella Perrin who has been collecting Gone with the Wind memorabilia for over
25 years. Original costumes, props,
autographs, costume sketches, foreign and domestic posters, research materials,
lobby cards, and art are on display for all to see. The museum also hosts a large display of Gone
with the Wind dolls and other memorabilia based on the movie.
Open 9
AM-5 PM Mon-Sat or other times by appointment. Admission is: $10 for adults
18-55, $9 for seniors 56+, students, and active and retired military, $7 for
children 12-17 and Free for children 11 and under!
10best.com has named Silver Dollar
City as the top theme park. This from the website:"
<i>Branson has a well-established reputation as one of the premier
family-friendly destinations in the Midwest, and in large part this is thanks
to Silver Dollar City, one of the country's most unique (and fun!) theme parks.
The park achieves a one-of-a-kind synthesis of history and
excitement"…..
Branson's Wild World has opened in the
building that formerly housed Branson's Dinosaur Museum and Haunted
House. The Dinosaur Museum was to relocate at the Branson Mall next
door but that location was severely damaged by the tornado and I have not heard
of their future plans for re-opening.
Branson's Wild World is part aquarium and part zoo with
interactive aspects. The attraction will also offer a black light miniature
golf and arcade section though they will be opened in stages.
Chelsea Kliethermes writes in the Branson Tri-Lakes News
that the publication "Rural Missouri" in their Reader's Choice
contest has named the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of
the Ozarks as the "Best Museum" of Missouri.
The museum is dedicated
to the history of the Ozarks and is named for the radio pioneer. The museum
houses items representing archaeology, history, firearms, antiques,
numismatics, natural history, fine arts, geology and mineralogy. I had to look
it up but numismatics is the study of currency, coins or related objects.
The Ralph Foster Museum is open
Monday-Saturday, 9 AM-4:30 PM. Admittance is $6 for adults, $5 for senior
citizens. Ages 18 and under are free. This is truly one of the best bargains in
the area. All ages will enjoy this museum.
The Branson Centennial Museum opened
April 1 on the northwest corner of Main St. and Veterans Blvd (Business 65)
Downtown. The exhibits will change throughout the year and admission is free,
for more information go to Branson100.org.
Bass Pro Shops has a new project planned calling it the Outdoor Academy at Big Cedar Lodge. The 1100 acre project
will include hiking trails, horse stables, fishing ponds, a main lodge,
visitors center, clay and archery course, docks and a children's camp. As many
as 33 different outdoor activities will be offered including ATV's,
backpacking, canoeing/kayaking, paintball, stargazing, mountain biking. Quail
and pheasant hunting and swimming.
The project would host events such as weddings, reunions,
board meetings, retreats and festivals.
The new 15,000 sq ft. Dewey Short Visitors
Center opened Friday 4/27/12. The new center has 4000 sq. ft. of
exhibit space, interactive exhibits, a native garden, a theater and a outside deck
overlooking Table Rock Lake. Also on site is a picnic area, a hiking trail
along the lake and a boat dock.
Admission to the Center is free as is the picnic area,
fishing and hiking trail. Kids will love the area and activities and will
provide a free or inexpensive day of fun.
The Center is located on Hwy 165 just south of the Table
Rock Dam. It is also located near the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery,
State Park Marina, Table Rock State Park and campground, Moonshine Beach and The
Table Rock Dam.
The National Tiger Sanctuary opened
last year on 33 acres near Saddlebrook just north of Branson. A temporary
center is open with educational instruction and tours are available where
people can get within 3 feet of the cats, though protected by double fencing. A
permanent educational and visitors center is planned. Located about 10 miles
north of Branson and west ¼ mile on BB Hwy.
nationaltigersanctuary.org
Branson 2012-Spring-Lodging
news:
The historic Branson Hotel at 214 West Main St. in Downtown Branson was
completely remodeled in 2011 and offers a unique and luxurious stay while in
Branson. The hotel was built in 1903 and hosted Harold Bell Wright while
writing his famed, best-selling novel The Shepherd of the
Hills.
From their website thebransonhotel.com: Prepare to
make memories that will last a lifetime at The Branson Hotel. From the Egyptian
cotton sheets to the smell of wisteria and honeysuckle in the garden. All of
your senses will experience the unforgettable charm of The Branson Hotel. Be
surrounded by the rich history of the 1900's but fully rested in the luxury of
the 21st century……….With 9 completely different designed rooms, we guarantee
something for everyone.
JR's Motel on the strip (just across
from the Grand Country complex) has been demolished due to tornado damage. No
information is available yet on future plans for the site.
The Branson Garden Inn has opened on
the southeast corner of Hwy 76 and Fall Creek Road. This is just across from
Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater and Dixie Stampede.
The Southern Country Inn is open on
Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. This location is the former Ramada
Limited.
Although not yet open, a new sign is up for the
Brickhouse Hotel, featuring Jacuzzi's and executive suites. This location was
formerly the Welcome Inn and before that Motel 6.