News
 Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams (born December 3, 1927) Andy Williams has recorded 18 Gold and three Platinum certified albums. He had his own TV variety show from 1962–71 in which he performed with Michael Jackson, Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, Elton John, Ella Fitzgerald, Simon & Garfunkel, Mama Cass, Shirley Bassey, Bing Crosby, The Osmonds, Dusty Springfield, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, The Carpenters, Jack Benny, Bette Davis, Dean Martin, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan and many other superstars. See this Living Legend in person!
Welcome Aboard the Worlds Largest Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson
  Today the great Titanic lives on. A towering symbol of hope and courage recreated in all its glorious splendor in Branson. Here guests will relive the last hours of that fateful voyage. Make haunting emotional connections to passengers and crew through their words and stories. And feel their spirit presence in the galleries where over 400 personal and private artifacts are on display. Upon entry each guest will be handed a boarding pass bearing the name of a Titanic passenger. The fate of this passenger will be revealed on the Memorial Wall. Along the way powerful emotions will surface as guests, walk an elegant replica of the Titanic's Grand Staircase. Touch the frozen surface of an 'iceberg', feel the chill of that fateful "Starry Night". See the world's largest Titanic ship's model on display. Stand on the mighty ship's bridge and hear the Captain's commands. View life onboard, see a First Class Stateroom & Third Class cabins. Explore world-class gallery rooms with rare historical artifacts. Try to send an SOS signal from the ship’s wireless room. It is a great way to spend the day in the Titanic Museum!
Spa Packages Coming Soon!
 This year we will be offering amazing packages. We are excited to offer Spa packages. Why not pamper yourself? It is truly the best way I can think of to relax and enjoy your Branson vacation. Our packages can be found soon on this Web Site, Blog and E-marketing efforts. Sign up any time for our Newsletter to receive emails, detailing our offers. Packages can be designed just for you!
Reminder, we open March 1st.
Branson Facts
Branson Fact: The Dixie Stampede houses its show horses in outdoor pens from 10:00am until show time. Branson Fact: Branson has more than 100,000 motel rooms, restaurant seats, and theater seats combined. Branson Fact: Branson Tourism Center has sold over 1.6 million Branson show tickets. Branson Fact: Branson Tourism Center offers its customers gas discounts. Branson Fact: Branson placed number three on the Top 10 Destinations list. Branson Fact: Nearly 8 million visitors travel to Branson every year. Branson Fact: Branson has more theater seats than the New York Broadway District. Branson Fact: In 1959 the Baldknobbers became the first show in Branson. Branson Fact: The Presleys Jubilee was the original country music theater in Branson. Branson Fact: Branson is home to over 60,000 theater seats. Branson Fact: Branson was named after Rueben Branson, a local general store owner. Branson Fact: Branson has a population of a little over 7,000. Branson Fact: There are over 50 theaters in Branson. Branson Fact: The Cathedral Room in Marvel Cave is the largest cave entrance room in the United States. Branson Fact: Branson is located in Taney County, Missouri. Branson Fact: In 1907, Harold Bell Wright published the famous, “Shepherd of the Hills”. Branson Fact: In 1894 William Henry Lynch started charging visitors to see Marvel Cave. Branson Fact: Over 65% of Branson visitors come from outside a 300 mile radius. Branson Fact: Scenic US Highway 65 is the main route to Branson. Branson Fact: The Springfield/Branson National Airport is less than 45 miles away. Branson Fact: Since 1991 the City of Branson has spend approximately $42 million on roads. Branson Fact: Branson has eight Championship Golf Courses. Branson Fact: Branson is home to three outlet shopping malls. Branson Fact: Branson Landing is a $420 million development. Branson Fact: Branson has over 18,000 lodging rooms. Branson Fact: Branson has over 200 lodging facilities. Branson Fact: The Branson Convention Center can hold 6,500 attendees. Branson Fact: Branson was named the #1 Motor Coach Destination for 4 Years Straight Branson Fact: Named 3rd Best US Destination for Groups by Bank Travel Magazine. Branson Fact: Branson is home to 13 golf courses. Branson Fact: Branson was featured on Travel Channel’s “Most Christmassy Places in America”.Branson Fact: There are over 400 restaurants in Branson. Branson Fact: There are over 37,000 restaurant seats in Branson. Branson Fact: There are over 100 demonstrating craftsmen at Silver Dollar City. Branson Fact: Inspiration Tower is 230 feet high. Branson Fact: The Dixie Stampede is performed in a 35,000 square foot arena. Branson Fact: Branson outlet malls boast more than 200 stores. Branson Fact: Branson is located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo Branson Fact: Branson is the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World”. Branson Fact: Average winter temperature is 31 degrees F. Branson Fact: Average summer temperature is 78 degrees F. Branson Facts: Originally, Branson was a territory for the Osage Indians. Branson Fact: At least 75% of the tourist sites are directly connected to HWY 76
Recent Article entitled 'Best Places to Travel in the U.S. in 2011' Lists Branson Top Bargain Destinaton
Although I hesitate to be presumptuous, I trust that most of you have made “to travel more” a top New Year's resolution for 2011. Traveling, after all, is incredibly good for the soul. Depending on how and where you go, travel can provide you with some much-needed rest, rejuvenation, adventure, inspiration, and perspective. Even when economic times are tough, travel is still possible—hence the popularity of “staycations,” or travel experiences close to home. Whether you're a budget-conscious family, or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, you're sure to find an ideal vacation spot in the U.S. this year. To help point you in the right direction, I’ve decided to share my top picks for the top U.S. travel destinations in 2011: Top Bargain Destination: For those hoping to keep their vacation costs low, a trip to Branson, Missouri, the self-proclaimed “live entertainment capital of the world,” might be the perfect option. Catering to children as well as senior citizens, Branson boasts cheaper hotel rates and show ticket prices than most of the country's other entertainment hot spots, including Las Vegas. Besides live music, visitors will find several affordable campgrounds, golf courses, and theme parks, plus a variety of museums, wineries, and outdoor diversions, from biking trails to canoe rentals. Article in: Moon Travel Guides By: Laura Martone
January
"January is the quietest month in the garden. ... But just because it looks quiet doesn't mean that nothing is happening. The soil, open to the sky, absorbs the pure rainfall while microorganisms convert tilled-under fodder into usable nutrients for the next crop of plants. The feasting earthworms tunnel along, aerating the soil and preparing it to welcome the seeds and bare roots to come." - Rosalie Muller Wright
Onions: Very Informative
Onions: Very Informative A very interesting topic - Especially for those who love to cook and eat ONIONS!!!!!! Bear this info in mind for your health's sake! Thought all of you might share an interest in this. I'm a lover of old remedies - particularly when they work! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ONIONS In 1919 when the 'flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu. Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died. The doctor came upon one farmer and, to his surprise, everyone was very healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was different, the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions. She gave him one which he placed under the microscope he found the 'flu virus in the onion. It had obviously absorbed the bacteria, thereby keeping the family healthy. Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions around in her shop and, to her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must work.... and no, she is not in the onion business. The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did it last year and we never got the flu. If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case. What have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!! I sent it to a friend in Oregon who regularly contributes material to me on health issues and she replied with this most interesting experience about onions: Weldon, thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmer’s story, but I do know that I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill. I came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion, put one end on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing the jar next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the morning from the germs. Sure enough it happened just like that, the onion was a mess and I began to feel better. Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This is the other note. LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS I have used an onion which has been left in the fridge, and sometimes I don't use a whole one at one time, so save the other half for later. Now with this info, I have changed my mind. I will buy smaller onions in the future. I had the wonderful privilege of touring Mullins Food Products, makers of mayonnaise. Mullins is huge, and is owned by 11 brothers and sisters in the Mullins family. My friend, Jeanne, is the CEO. Questions about food poisoning came up, and I wanted to share what I learned from a chemist. The guy who gave us our tour is named Ed - he's one of the brothers. Ed is a chemistry expert and is involved in developing most of the sauce formula. He's even developed sauce formula for McDonald's. Keep in mind that Ed is a food chemistry whiz. During the tour, someone asked if we really needed to worry about mayonnaise. People are always worried that mayonnaise will spoil. Ed's answer will surprise you. He said that all commercially-made Mayo is completely safe. "It doesn't even have to be refrigerated. No harm in refrigerating it, but it's not really necessary." He explained that the pH in mayonnaise is set at a point that bacteria could not survive in that environment. He then talked about the quaint essential picnic, with the bowl of potato salad sitting on the table and how everyone blames the mayonnaise when someone gets sick. Ed says that when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials look for is when the ‘victim’ last ate ONIONS and where those onions came from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it's not the mayonnaise (as long as it's not homemade Mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It's probably the onions, and if not the onions, it's the POTATOES. He explained, onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. It’s not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your refrigerator. It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit, that it can be a danger to you. (And doubly watch out for those onions you put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!) Ed says if you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato in a potato salad will attract and grow bacteria faster than any commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down. For some reason, I see a lot of credibility coming from a chemist and a company that produces millions of pounds of mayonnaise every ear.
New 2011 Packages!
 Very Soon we will be posting our New 2011 Packages on our Web Site and via other Marketing efforts.
Trip Advisor Comment
 Excellent place to stay, close to attractions & fun!!” We spent 10 nights, enjoyed the comfy bed & accomodations. Free continental breakfast was very good, as were the delicious cookies baked fresh every afternoon. We played miniature golf (free) several times and even enjoyed it at night!! Lisa checked us in and was most genial during our stay. Chris and Kyle did their best to help in any way they could. Chris even got us the name of a tow service, dealership & car rental agency when friends had car trouble. If that is not going beyond the call of duty, then I don't what is!!!!! Claudette Bolin was very nice when she came to service our room on several occasions. She is a great example of the entire staff making "you feel right at home"!!! Definitely will come back and recommend to all our friends!
Chicken Pot Pie!
 I have such a taste for Waxy O'Shea's Chicken Pot Pie Grandma McCulley's original skillet recipe. Tender Chicken chunks with fresh carrots, onion, celery, peas in a creamy chicken sauce topped with a puff pastry lid. Yummy!
11 Ways to Transform Yourself in 2011!
It's New Year's resolution time ... and while sometimes vague notions like "lose weight" or "get more exercise" are just fine, other times nothing short of transformation is required. If you're looking to be a master of at least one aspect of your life at this time next year, read on for ideas. 1) Take up a sport: Not only will this help with the perennial lose-weight-and-exercise resolution, this might just turn you into the kind of person who thinks of herself as an athlete. Get your 2) Finances in order. It's not a fun topic, but with the economy starting to show signs of life, it's even more important to know where your money is going and how to hold on to more of it. 3) Embrace your vices. Perfect people are boring ... and as it turns out, some of the most common, and most enjoyable, vices are actually good for you in moderation. Dark chocolate, a daily adult beverage, and your favorite caffeine buzz all have health benefits. 4) Give yourself the giggles. A good laugh when you are stressed or sad can instantly improve your mood; there's a reason people who see pretty disturbing things on a daily basis, like cops, firefighters, and journalists, tend to have darkly hilarious senses of humor. 5) Find some you time with a hobby. With busy family lives, things can feel like an endless grind of "work, commute, soccer practice, dinner, help with homework, bedtime (theirs), TV/cleaning/bedtime (yours) ... lather, rinse, repeat." Carve out an hour here and there for something you enjoy doing. 6) Get some rest. Easier said than done, of course. If something is keeping you from getting a good night's sleep ... say, a snoring partner, a too loud sleeping environment, or just plain insomnia, look into fixing the problem. You'll think more clearly, have more energy, and even look younger. 7) Start working more healthy foods into your diet. Keep little baggies of heart-healthy nuts in your purse and desk to avoid vending machine temptation, or buy, wash, and cut up veggies and fruit on the weekend so they're ready to go when you need them. You'll enjoy better skin, teeth, and hair, a healthier digestive system, and reduce disease-causing inflammation. 8) Start planning your meals. Spending an hour plotting things out once per week can keep more money in your pocket, keep you from wasting food, and save you a ton of time and irritation 9) Get yourself pampered and prettified with a massage, new haircut, or facial. It's not a health issue, per se, but it can give you a better outlook on life. 10) Manage your moods. Untreated, depression and bipolar disorder can cause a whole host of health problems, and quite frankly, life is just too short to live miserably. 11) Learn to think critically. We're all bombarded with information every day, and most of us have a tendency to only believe that which reflects our biases
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Howard Andrew "Andy" Williams (born December 3, 1927) Andy Williams has recorded 18 Gold and three Platinum certified albums. He had his own TV variety show from 1962–71 in which he performed with Michael Jackson, Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, Elton John, Ella Fitzgerald, Simon & Garfunkel, Mama Cass, Shirley Bassey, Bing Crosby, The Osmonds, Dusty Springfield, Perry Como, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, The Carpenters, Jack Benny, Bette Davis, Dean Martin, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan and many other superstars.
