Recently, my family and I took a trip to one of the most action packed cities in the world - Branson, Missouri. I was there for two reasons, one, to do a study on how the economy has or has not had an impact on the shows and attractions, and two, to have some fun.
When we first arrived in town, we drove along historic Highway 76 and took in all the bright lights of the many theatres and attractions. As I looked at the sky-high go kart tracks, giant waterslides, helicopter rides and extreme mini-golf courses, I also kept an eye out for the road that lead to our hotel - The Boxcar Willie Inn.
I was very pleased to find that the Inn was located a few blocks back from the busy 76 Highway, in a quite little setting surrounded by other hotels. I was also pleased to be greeted by a super-friendly staff, in fact, probably the friendliest and most helpful I’ve ever seen. They had a way of making us feel more like family than guests.
The Boxcar Willie Inn was a great experience for us and when I do return to Branson, I’ll be staying there again. The rooms were very clean, we had a hot breakfast each morning, indoor pool, hot tub and sauna. The Inn has this cool train atmosphere and believe me, the price is right. Great for any family that is visiting the area.
The first night in Branson, we visited one of my most favorite places - Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede! What can I say about the Stampede? Man, you’ve gotta go there! They know how to treat you with good old southern hospitality.
On your way to the main entrance, you’ll have a chance to meet some of the stars of the Stampede - the magnificent horses that are preparing to give you a treat. There is a great southern atmosphere as you behold the giant antique paintings and are greeted by staff in period costumes. Then they treat you up right. Heading to the pre-show stage, you are served up a boot-shaped mug of one of your favorite beverages (mine is the strawberry slush. Mmmm.) Then the pre-show begins.
Each time I’ve visited, I’ve been amazed by the talent of the openers. They have ranged from comedy, juggling, tricks and amazing skills. The Stampede only hires the best to entertain their guests and this time was no exception. Great pre-show.
After the pre-show, everyone is headed to the main arena and it’s time to choose your side… Okay, let me explain a little more here. When you are handed a ticket, you are assigned a seat on either the north or the south side and it’s back to the Civil War for you. Your servers are dressed in Union or Confederate uniforms and are ready to get you in the mood to Stampede.
As your emcee makes his way out to the arena, he greets you with class and charm and then that smooth talking rascal does something strange - he pit’s the two sides against each other. Now there is a competition between the north and the south and you can feel the excitement in the air as there are cheers for your side and boo’s for the other (all in good hearted fun.)
During the show, you are amazed by trick riding, comedy, and absolutely mesmerizing stunts by the talented staff. And that smooth talking emcee just keeps the trouble stirred against the two sides. And, there is one word that creates all kinds of noise. Anytime “Stampede” is mentioned, you’re encouraged to make as much noise as you can. Clang your plates, kick the floorboards and yell louder than the other side.
Just as you’re on the edge of your seat, you hear, “Watch yourself; It’s hot!” Then a server plops one of the best meals you’ve ever had right down on your plate. And, listen to this, you get a whole chicken, a big slice of pork tenderloin, a biscuit, potato, apple strudel and a big ol’ mason jar of Pepsi or tea… Here’s the catch though. No silverware. You must eat with your hands… Truly a fun experience. They do bring you a hot towel at the end of the meal though.
At the end of the show, one side comes out ahead. I was on the south side this year and we lost our contest, but I had just as much fun as those northerners. Lol. But, in true Dolly Parton fashion, she brings everyone together just before we leave (so we don’t start up another civil war in the parking lot I’m sure) and reminds us that there is no north and south, but one United States of America. Very patriotic and I leave out with chills standing on my arms every time (and a full stomach of course). This show is a must for anyone visiting Branson. We visited mid week and every seat in the house was full. It is defiantly worth the price and then some for the service, meal and show you receive.
For the next couple of days, the family and I visited many of the different shops and outlet stores. Branson is known for more than just its shows. Shopping is always big in town. There are tons of places to visit. In fact if you were in Branson for three months straight, you’d never be able to visit every store. One of the family’s favorite places to go is Dicks Five and Dime. The kids love it because of the toy and candy selections. My son said he wished he lived there. A very unique place with cool items. You should check it out while there.
Another great thing to do in Branson is to eat! And let me tell you this place is the home of the “mom and pop” restaurants. You see a few franchises here and there, but not many. And choosing which place to eat is always a problem because everything looks so good.
While visiting the historic downtown area one afternoon, the family and I got hungry. Not really knowing where to go, we spotted one of the old buildings that had been converted into a café. The sign out front said, “The Shack.” It looked crowded, but I spotted a seat for four inside and quickly made my move. As I ordered my Dr. Pepper, I caught a glimpse of the portions of the homemade foods these folks were serving. Whoa! There is no way someone could eat that much, but it was sure going to be fun trying.
When the waitress brought me my bbq beef sandwich, I was sure they probably used most of the cow to make it - it was huge! And delicious! I told the waitress on the way out that we needed to call “Diners, Drive-in’s and Dives” to come and do a show on them. Excellent place to eat and the food is priced right!
I know there are a lot of famous people in Branson, but early one morning, the family and I got to meet several of them. We saw Johnny Depp, Nicholas Cage, Tom Hanks and even Donald Trump. Well, actually it was only the wax figures of the stars. But let me tell you, it was awesome. The Hollywood Wax Museum is one cool place. Not only do they have a giant King Kong climbing the building outside, you can also get your pic taken with all the famous wax figures inside; it’s almost like hanging out with the real deals (and fun too.) I even tried to persuade Forrest Gump into sharing one of his chocolates with me, but he did not oblige.
The Hollywood Wax Museum is a very fun experience for the family. I recommend seeing it while your in town. The gift shop is cool as well.
Now let me tell you, when your in Branson, you’re going to meet some pretty nice people. Just about everyone you run into has a story and sometimes even a connection with you. Everybody talks to everybody. People even stop their vehicles right on the busy streets and allow you to drive out in front of them. You don’t see that courtesy anywhere else in the world. It also puts you in a frame of mind to be a little more courteous yourself. I know it did for me. Kind of made me slow down a bit and enjoy life. “Don’t get in such a hurry,” I told myself.
While I was there, I met people from Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Louisiana, and even Canada. Wow! And many of them are doing the Branson thing several times a year. The one thing I heard from all of them was, “Have you seen The Duttons yet?”
I had not been to one of their shows yet, but was looking forward to it very much. I watched a small clip of them performing on their website and was pretty much ready for more. I had also spotted where the Duttons were one of the finalist on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” They even got a great comment from Simon Cowell, so I knew they must be fantastic.
The last night we were in Branson, we made our way to the Dutton Theatre. We were greeted at the ticket window by the nicest lady and showed inside. Just the aroma of the theatre was something to talk about. There were the delicious scents of homemade fudge and freshly popped popcorn. Mmmm. The theatre was roomy and comfortable too; that’s always a plus for me.
We got the kids their popcorn, cokes and settled into our seats. Soon the lights dimmed and then, well, I’m not sure if there is a word in the English language to describe the pure energy and excitement that was before us. The Dutton’s totally blew us away!!! Talk about a talented family, it was action packed from beginning to end. Each family member has their own unique and amazing talents and you can tell they love what they are doing.
I watch a lot of people’s faces at different shows and you can tell when someone is just going through the motions, but this family has smiles on their faces as they perform and they put 110% of themselves into what they do. You can tell they are truly passionate about their performances.
The Duttons will make you laugh, tear up, sing along, cause your mouth to drop open in amazement of their wonderful talents and even make you want to scoot back a few rows of chairs and get up and dance. There is no way to really describe the talent and excitement you’ll get from their show. Take my word for it, if you come to Branson, do not and I repeat do not, miss The Duttons. My family is still talking about how great they were and I’m still humming all their songs. From the smallest to the tallest, each Dutton family member has an amazing talent. We even had the opportunity to meet them after the show and they are also some of the nicest people…. See the Duttons!
We had a great time in Branson, we shopped, enjoyed the shows and I even went for a ride on one of those sky-high go kart tracks called Wild Woody(now that was a thrill). Branson has something for everyone and the hard part is choosing what to do. Heck, they even have a giant replica of the Titanic in the middle of town; pretty cool thing to see and visit too. People are friendly and helpful and you never know how many friends you’re going to make there. In my opinion, it is well worth the money spent to go. I don’t think there is anywhere else in the world you can travel and get the same entertainment for the price. If you’re thinking to yourself, “Well, I’d like to go to Branson, but I don’t know if I can afford it this year,” well, I say take the trip. It won’t break your budget and I promise you’ll remember it for a lifetime.
My family and I returned relaxed, refreshed and ready to go again. Heck, I’ve even caught myself whistling lately. Whistling! I never do that! Lol. Well, anyways, Go To Branson! You’ll be glad that you did.
If you would like more information on the shows and attractions mentioned here, please visit:
The Boxcar Willie Inn: http://boxcarwillieinn.com/
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede: http://www.dixiestampede.com/
www.theduttons.comwww.facebook.com/theduttons
http://directory.branson.com/listing/the_shack.html
The Hollywood Wax Museum: http://www.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com/
Go Karts: http://www.bransontracks.com/go-karts.asp
Dick’s Five and Dime: http://dicksoldtime5and10.com/
