A Blog for Branson's Best

Tips and resources from Branson lovers across the web.

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I stumbled upon a newly launched Branson review site today that I'm going to be watching carefully from now on. For right now, I'll just share their review of Vasken's Deli, a place I'm quite fond of.

Jeff Harmon, writing for Undercover Traveler:

"My personal favorite is the traditional Lamb and Beef Gyro. Instead using just sour cream or some sort of ranch sauce (like many American restaurants), Vasken’s employs a traditional Greek Tzaziki sauce (made with sour cream, garlic, mint, and cucumbers). It’s the bomb! Occasionally I go for a little more heat and get the Firehouse Gyro, which has spicy giardiniera vegetables and tahini sauce added. My wife loves the Reuben sandwich, which is made with very lean corned beef, and is a little less soggy than most restaurants’ version."

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Branson Tourism Center has a great lodging search. You can narrow your results by price, type of lodging, and amenities. They've posted a writeup on their blog with further details.

Gary J. Groman, writing for Branson.com:

"The name, an exterior photo, address and price, along with links to photos and, in most cases videos, to each of the lodging facilities meeting your criteria is dynamically displayed in real time in the right hand column. Clicking on the property name takes you to a page for that property containing detailed information and a link to a map showing the exact location of the property. In the case of our search the result was four hotel properties ranging in price from $52.99 to $67.99 per night."

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A good list of recommended activities for those visiting Branson for the first time.

Diane Schultz, writing for Branson on Your Budget:

"So you’ve decided to take the plunge and visit Branson for the first time. There's so much to do - so what should you do first?  Since I’m a Branson veteran visitor (this year marks our 11th annual trip to Branson), I thought I would post some suggestions as to what a Branson newbie should put on their itineraries."

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Promised Land Zoo adds a new baby Bengal tiger.

Joshua Clark reporting for Branson Tri-Lakes News:

"Remenar, a fan of martial arts, said he named the tiger after one of the masters of the art, Bruce Lee."

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Branson Tourism Center ran a fun contest where they asked people to tell them what their favorite thing to do or seen in Branson was. This article assembles 10 of the responses that came out of the contest.

Ashley Fuller, one of the respondents:

"There’s so much to choose from! It would be nice if we had more vacation time and hours in the day to do it all! I would have to say Silver Dollar City, Branson Landing Shopping, Dixie Stampede, Sight and Sound Theater, Titanic, mini golf, Segways and Grand Country."

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Lots of information about Titanic Museum's gallery honoring the musicians aboard the ship.

Dave Woods, reporting for The Joplin Globe:

"Through 2014, the featured gallery at the ship-shaped museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the eight musicians who called Titanic home for a few days before the leviathan sank in April 1912."

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I love themed restaurants, so I feel obligated to post this article on the concept for a new restaurant, Pasghetti's, to be built next to Starlite Theatre on Hwy 76.

Ashley Dickey, writing for Reserve Branson:

"Plans are for visitors to feel like they are walking down a street from the bygone era, with elements form Italy, San Francisco, Chicago and New York implemented.  The unique design will include a trolley inside acting as a bar, a subway car in the back of the restaurant, and the façade of small businesses like laundromats, garages and dry cleaners lining the street."

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We're returning from a bit of a hiatus due to boring winter news with another post about Big Cedar Lodge (which I love). This one is about their new chapel.

Liz, writing for Explore Branson:

"Nestled in the heart of the property, the Garden Chapel the features a classic exterior design with whitewashed siding, gothic windows and handcrafted shutters."

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Big Cedar's Celebration of Tastes takes place January 24-25 and features Hope Family Wines.

"Enjoy two full days of food and wine with numerous wine tastings, demonstrations, seminars, a silent auction and a five course wine paired dinner at Top of the Rock. Hope Family Wines of Paso Robles, California will be featured at the 2014 Celebration of Tastes, along with special guest Samantha Taylor. End the weekend by indulging yourself in an evening of delectable food and wine while getting a sneak peak at the highly anticipated Top of the Rock. Big Cedar Lodge. Where Celebration of Tastes awaits."

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My wife and I think that Stormy Point has got to be one of the most beautiful vacation communities we've ever seen. It's too bad that time share sales is done in such a shady way in Branson.

Dave Woods, reporting for The Joplin Globe:

"The resort offers myriad activities on site. A restaurant and lounge, pools indoor and out, a fitness center and activities for kids and adults are available daily. Regular social mixers and activities get owners and guests acquainted. I attended a Wednesday afternoon pool-side barbecue and met dozens of folks from around the country. I enjoyed a Monday morning breakfast during which a dozen Branson entertainers dropped through and sang songs, shared some comedy and passed out special offer coupons to the early-bird guests. A second brunch is available at 11 for those not-so-early birds."

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A Broadway-style musical, The Toy Shoppe, is coming to Branson. Written by Kenny Rogers and starting Billy Dean, the show is is about a storytelling toy-shop owner.

Dave Woods, reporting for The Joplin Globe:

"Dean said he is up to the challenge. But he said re-creating the essence of Rogers' storytelling characters is daunting. Rogers has been a role model in many ways, he said."

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Kapau, a fun new slide opening at White Water, being built this winter, launches riders by dropping the floor out and letting them free-fall for 20 feet.

Mindy Honey, reporting for Branson Tri-Lakes News:

"KaPau Plummet, replacing the 25-year-old Bermuda Triangle water slide currently being demolished, includes two 240-foot slides, each launching riders from a 70-degree plunge followed by a spiraling loop. The thrill, according to Silver Dollar City Attractions President Brad Thomas, starts before riders slip through the slides. Two encapsulated slides are the starting point and once inside, the countdown begins."

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I always enjoy reviews of Branson written from the perspective of an out of state newspaper.

Chris Jones, reporting for the Chicago Tribune:

"This tourist town has grown up out of the determination of a group of community-minded musical entertainers who wanted to get off the road and raise families where every attraction is suitable for all ages and where no one blinks an eye when you mention God and country."

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A light overview of Mitsu Neko, a fusion cuisine and sushi bar in Branson.

lthomas, writing for Playing in Branson:

"Mitsu Neko strives to use only fresh foods – avoiding artificial coloring, MSG and other preservatives. The vast majority of items on the menu are made from scratch daily, including sushi, sauces and desserts. As a result, some dishes are only available as periodic specials while supplies last – like the Vermouth Saffron Sea Bass dish that is available right now. A dish that isn’t printed in the menu, but is wildly popular because of the incredible flavor of fresh sea bass and the creamy vermouth saffron sauce."

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A walkthrough of one of the driving routes recommended for a scenic drive around Branson. Photos in the article highlight the leaves turning color for fall.

Liz, writing for Playing in Branson:

"We decided on the driving tour that went around Table Rock Lake and through Kimberling City. We started at the Branson Chamber Welcome Center and turned left on Highway 248."

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A fascinating comparison in pictures of Silver Dollar City past and present. Attractions discussed in the article include:

The Flooded Mine,

Sam's Minin' Shack (Grandfathers Mansion),

Herman the Hermit's Tree House (discontinued),

Rube Dugan's Diving Bell (discontinued), and

old postcards showing different areas of the park.

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The former Jubilee Foods, damaged in the 2012 Leap Day Tornado, reopens as Rhodes Family Price Chopper today. Read about how the family came up with ideas for their new store and what they plan to focus on moving forward.

Kris Collins, writing for Branson Tri-Lakes News:

"The east wall of the store features several food bars which will serve in-house-made pizza, sushi and Chinese food. A hot sandwich bar and salad bar are nearby, and furthest down the line, customers will find a bakery and a deli."