Welcome!

I am looking forward to have you as my guest and would like to wish you a very warm welcome to the 1st Inn Branson Hotel. I trust you will find your stay with us both pleasant and comfortable.

It is our aim to make your stay comfortable and our friendly staff is eager to help you should you need any assistance or advice. We want you to feel like you are at home.

The Branson, MO area has so much to offer visitors. I am sure you will find many interesting places and great shows to visit. Please feel free to ask the staff for any assistance you might need.

We are continually striving to improve our services as we believe that “Quality Wins.”

Sincerely,


Melissa Oaks
General Manager

New Years Wish!

Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.

Sneak Peek at Branson in 2011

The 1st Inn Branson invites you to come to Branson in 2011 and enjoy our genuine Ozark Mountain Hospitality all year long. Our guests in 2011 will see a number of new shows, upgraded attractions and new special events.

New Branson Landing Ice Skating Rink Opens January 1st.

Titanic 5th Annual Professional Ice Carving Event January 15th.

Showboat Branson Belle Launches New Show in 2011.

Hooray For Hollywood at the Branson Variety Theater.

Louise Mandrell & Lee Greenwood at the Welk Resort.

Andy Williams & Ann-Margret Together Again in 2011.

Tony Roi moves to Andy Williams Moon River Theater in 2011.

Bill Anderson & Country’s Family Reunion at RFD-TV, The Theatre.

Marty Haggard Performs at The Clay Cooper Theatre in 2011.

Marty Stuart at RFD-TV, The Theatre.

Branson’s newest Theater… The Icon Theater.

10th Annual Branson Motorcycle Rally in May.

Table Rock Dam Tours.

New Dewey Short Visitor Center to open in 2011.

Things that get better with age!

Unless you're talking about red wine or aged cheese, getting older is usually fraught with negative implications. But before you get down about getting older, think about it -- there are lots of things that improve with age.

* Wisdom: Sure, it's a little fortune cookie-ish, but consider this: You can acquire knowledge from a book, but only by living can you acquire wisdom.

* Life stories: The longer you live, the more stories you have and the richer they become.

* Emotional stability: Research shows that people get less neurotic as they get older.

* Body image: You finally start appreciating the body you have.

* Brain games: In response to research that cognitive training can keep your brain fit and reduce your chance of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease, Web sites like Lumosity.com are continually creating fun and effective ways to exercise your noggin.

* Vocabulary: And it isn't just because you do crosswords! As long as you keep reading, your verbal ability will continue to improve -- particularly your use of antonyms and synonyms.

* Attention: Studies show that selective attention does not decline with age, meaning you can focus on crucial things and resist distractions that younger people may not be able to ignore.

* Problem-solving skills: Research shows that the aging brain stores more mental outlines of generic problems and solutions that can be applied to new problems.

* Expert knowledge: The information you learn about an occupation or even your favorite hobby resists the effects of aging.

* Self-awareness: You become more attuned to both your mind and body. (The good and the bad!)

* Patience: You've learned that all good things come with time. So what's the hurry?

* Self-esteem: The longer you live, the more things you accomplish (big and small) and the more you have to be proud of.

* Resilience: Your ability to cope with stressors and disasters gets stronger with time and experience.

* Acuity: When you've “been through it all,” you recognize things in life that younger -- less keen -- people don't.

* Common sense: It keeps developing as you survive the dares and risks you take throughout life.

* Admiration: Not only do you admire the accomplishments of others, you also garner their admiration.

* Humor: Your sense of humor gets better with age. And what's a long life without a lot of good laughs?

* Muscle maturity: With repetitive use, you gain the neurological ability to contract your muscles harder, resulting in better muscle definition -- no matter what your age.

* Sports training: The Senior Olympic athletes have learned how to best challenge -- and rest -- their bodies. And as you get older, you can start doing physical activities you really enjoy doing, rather than exercise you think you must do. Family and Relationships

* Marriage: According to 77-year-old Maggie Scarf, author of September Songs: The Good News About Marriage in the Later Years, older couples are more affectionate and say “I love you” more.

* Antiques and collectibles: Their worth is not only in monetary value but the sheer sentimentality of cherished possessions that have been treasured for so many years.

Snow Flake Cocoa!

Ingredients
2 cups whipping cream
6 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 (12 ounce) package white chocolate chips
Garnish:
Whipped cream
Candy canes
Directions
Stir together the whipping cream, milk, vanilla, and white chocolate chips in a slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally, until mixture is hot and chocolate chips are melted. Stir again before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and candy canes, as desired.

Holiday films are an important American pastime. For the best movies one must include all of the important ingredients, namely two cups of heart, a dash of fantastical whimsy and a good ole spoonful of yuletide rejuvenation, in order for a traditional holiday film to work. With that in mind, we here at 1st Inn Branson decided to compile a “best of” list – of sorts. Included within are personal favorites of the staff, or the films we all grew up watching during those festive afternoons when school was canceled due to winter storms, or during Thanksgiving or Christmas break. At their best, these films represent a merry tradition, one honored in most American households – these are the films we believe soundly capture the spirit of the holidays. A time and place when we believed Santa and his reindeer could fly; and that wishes could come true.

A Christmas Story (1983)
Say it with me: “I want an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time.” The quintessential Christmas movie if there ever was one, A Christmas Story remains a proverbial favorite in many a holiday household. TNT runs A Christmas Story 24/7 on Christmas day, and my family watches it all day long – if you haven’t discovered this gem yet, I urge you to take the time to do so as soon as possible. Just make sure you watch it twice.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
You can’t go through the holidays without experiencing George Bailey’s unexpected, even bizarre, holiday awakening. James Stewart plays Bailey, a down-on-his-luck denizen of small town Bedford Falls, a place he longs to escape, yet can’t quite get away from. That’s because, despite many an opportunity to leave, incidents ultimately force his hand to stay and save the town from the spider-like cruelty of evil business tycoon Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). One Christmas Eve, circumstances prompt Bailey to attempt suicide, wishing that he had never been born. Much to his surprise, a happy-go-lucky angel (Henry Travers) arrives and grants Bailey’s wish, allowing him to see a world in which he never existed. This experience opens Bailey’s eyes and heart as he discovers the true value of life, and the importance and ultimately rewarding qualities of friendship.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
A holiday list must always include at least one adaptation of Charles Dickens’ immortal Christmas classic. Of all the big screen versions to grace the silver screen, none has been quite as charming as the Muppets’ take, featuring Michael Caine as Scrooge, and Kermit the Frog as his lowly assistant Bob Cratchit. Some may balk, but Brian Henson’s adaptation remains the most accessible to mainstream audiences (especially children), one filled with wonderful sights and sounds, and memorable songs.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
I love this movie. Steve Martin and John Candy are brilliant as two travelers attempting to reach their homes for Thanksgiving. Predictably, chaos ensures a less than merry holiday for the pair. It doesn’t help that Candy plays a hapless buffoon (he sells shower curtain rings), one whose personality significantly contrasts against Martin’s uptight businessman. The results of their misadventures, including the complete annihilation of their car, an awkward hotel experience (“Those aren’t pillows!”), and a catastrophic freeway mishap involving semi-trucks and Candy’s brief transformation into Satan himself, provides the basis for the comedy.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
What’s Christmas without the Griswold? Chevy Chase is in fine form as the ever-relatable Clark Griswold, this time forced to spend the holidays with his in-laws. Chase does some of his finest work, but “Best in Show” belongs to Randy Quaid’s Cousin Eddie, a horrific redneck concoction if there ever was one.

The Polar Express (2004)
The Polar Express remains a holiday favorite – primarily because, as one character in the film states: “It’s just so Christmas-y.” Indeed, Zemeckis outdoes himself here, adapting the equally gorgeous Chris Van Allsburg children’s book of the same name to amazing, sometimes stunning results. Tom Hanks (with the help of mo-cap technology) plays just about everybody in the film (even the main “Hero Boy”), but his presence never feels excessive; in fact, quite the opposite. His portrayal of Santa remains the film’s high point; a masterfully executed performance that perfectly embodies the spirit of St. Nick.

Home Alone (1990)
Another slapstick farce – you might say the one that started it all – Chris Columbus’ original Home Alone has heart, big laughs, and a yuletide John Williams score consistently driving it home. The oft-remembered sequence involving a pair of bumbling robbers (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) provides solid laughs, but it’s the build-up to that moment in which little Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), accidentally left behind by his family during the holiday rush, must fend for himself over the holidays, that catapults Home Alone into the echelon of near-classic status. Kevin undergoes a transformation of sorts: he learns to look past his fears and love the creepy neighbor (Roberts Blossom), wash dishes, and buy groceries at the local supermarket (alone!); he even watches Johnny Carson. Kevin’s adventure begins and ends long before the goofy slapstick comes into play.

Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell sings and dances his way through Jon Favreau’s goofy, even rambunctious comedy, as sugar-loving elf Buddy, who flees his North Pole sanctuary (where, at 6’3, he towers over the other elves) in an attempt to bond with his New York-based father (a very bored James Caan). Along the way he meets Jovie (Zooey Deschanel, lovely as ever), a jaded, yet quirky store employee with whom he instantly falls in love. The plot revolves around Buddy’s endeavors to save his dad from Santa’s naughty list, whilst integrating into a new, cynical society – one that frowns upon the good will carried at all times on Buddy’s sprightly shoulders.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Another holiday favorite, Miracle on 34th Street stars the endearing Maureen O’Hara alongside a very young Natalie Wood, and Oscar-winner Edmund Gwenn, who won the award for his charming portrayal of Kris Kringle. The film follows the genial St. Nick and his dealings with Christmas outside the North Pole, where he encounters cynicism and disbelief. As one might expect, Kringle performs inspiring miracles – he installs good faith between feuding store owners (namely the heads of Macy’s and Gimbels), secures a romantic relationship between O’Hara’s feisty event director Doris Walker and her attorney/neighbor Fred Gailey (John Payne), and even has time to endure a court trial in an effort to prove himself the real Santa Clause.

How to Feel Christmas Spirt

Is your Christmas spirit flagging? Someone you're close to have a bah humbug attitude? Perhaps money is tight or a job is threatened. Whatever your situation, it is not only possible to hold onto your Christmas spirit, It's probable that you will bring it to a new all time high with these tips.

Christmas decorations
Think of what you love about Christmas. Is it new fallen snow that takes your breath away? Is it the holiday lights in all colors or the elegant, funny, or tacky Christmas decorations that adorn your neighborhood? Maybe it's the smell of a real tree or the thoughts of new recipes you will create to celebrate the season. Really think about what it is that you truly love about Christmas and bring it to life in your mind.

Donate with a smile
The next time you're out Christmas shopping; look into the eyes of the Salvation Army bell ringer when you put money in the kettle. Wish him or her a Merry Christmas with a smile.

Silent Night
At some point when you're all alone in your day, put on your favorite Christmas music. It may be one song, or a whole CD. Play it, sing it, revel in it. Silent Night is particularly inspiring when you need to try to hold onto, or revive, your Christmas spirit.

Take a break from the news.

Newspapers and tv news shows are not exactly inspiring when economic times are tough, bad weather causes accidents to happen, and emotions are riding high during the holiday season.

Donate
Donate food or warm clothing to your local homeless shelter or food cupboard. Hand your items to a real person, say Merry Christmas, and take note of how it feels to give from your heart to people who likely don't have nearly as much as you do.

Missouri Facts & Trivia

Missouri is known as the "Show Me State".

The 'Show Me State' expression may have began in 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver stated, "I'm from Missouri and you've got to show me."

The first successful parachute jump to be made from a moving airplane was made by Captain Berry at St. Louis, in 1912.

The most destructive tornado on record occurred in Annapolis. In 3 hours, it tore through the town on March 18, 1925 leaving a 980-foot wide trail of demolished buildings, uprooted trees, and overturned cars. It left 823 people dead and almost 3,000 injured.

At the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, Richard Blechyden, served tea with ice and invented iced tea.

Also, at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904, the ice cream cone was invented. An ice cream vendor ran out of cups and asked a waffle vendor to help by rolling up waffles to hold ice cream.

Missouri ties with Tennessee as the most neighborly state in the union, bordered by 8 states.

The state animal is the Mule.

St. Louis; is also called, "The Gateway to the West" and "Home of the Blues".

Warsaw holds the state record for the low temperature of -40 degrees on February 13, 1905.

Warsaw holds the state record for the high temperature recorded, 118 degrees on July 14, 1954.

State bird--native Bluebird March 30, 1927

State insect--honey bee July 3, 1985

Kansas City has more miles of freeway per capita than any metro area with more than 1 million residents.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward during a nationwide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen's inspired design for a 630-foot stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction of the Arch began in 1963 and was completed on October 28, 1965.The Arch has foundations sunken 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds. It sways up to one inch in a 20 mph wind, and is built to sway up to 18 inches.

The tallest man in documented medical history was Robert Pershing Wadlow from St. Louis. He was 8 feet, 11.1 inches tall

Last Chance Holiday Getaway!

Welcome!

I am delighted to have you as my guest and would like to wish you a very warm welcome to the 1st Inn Branson Hotel. I trust you will find your stay with us both pleasant and comfortable.

It is our aim to make your stay comfortable and our friendly staff is eager to help you should you need any assistance or advice. We want you to feel like you are at home.

The Branson, MO area has so much to offer visitors. I am sure you will find many interesting place and great shows to visit. Please feel free to ask the staff for any assistance you might need.

We are continually striving to improve our services as we believe that “Quality Wins.”

If there is anything that I can do to make your stay more comfortable please let me know. I look forward to welcoming you back in the not too distant future!

Sincerely,


Melissa Oaks
General Manager

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along the unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

Till ringing, singing on its way

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime, a chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head

“There is no peace on earth,” I said,

“For hate is strong and mocks the song

Of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, the right prevail

With peace on earth, good will to men.”

Note from Past Guest

Addresses to Our Breakfast Attendant: Marlene


Hi Marlene,

Just a note to Thank You for all the Great Breakfast,you made us, when we stayed at the 1st Inn Branson in September. It was a Gift of service we really appreciate. It is still hotter than normal for this time of year but it is supposed to get cooler next week.

Hope to see you when we get back that area next year.

With sincere Thanks for your kindness, Take Care

Jean & Roy Jackson