Each time that I sit down at my computer to write this column I wonder what I will
write about. This time it is different because this time I am going to talk about
one of my favorite mini-vacation spots, Branson, Missouri.

Branson is a place that Donna and I really enjoy visiting for a few days several times
each year. For one thing, it's about a three hour drive from our home in Kansas
which makes it just a good drive and the other is that we enjoy going to the shows,
venturing into the many stores and leaving there with the feeling that for just
two or three days we left our everyday problems at home and really enjoyed ourselves.

I believe that everyone has heard about Branson, Missouri- and you have probably wondered
what there is to do there. How much time do you have? Do you like to be entertained?
There are forty-two Theatres in Branson with all sorts of entertainment that ranges
from Jazz, Fifties Rock and Roll, Country, Comedy, Magic and you name it, it's there.

Do you like to shop? Shopping is a big part of things to do in Branson and you can
shop till you drop in three large outlet malls and two or three smaller ones too.

Do you like to eat? You won't go hungry in Branson. There are many places to sit down
and have a delicious country meal. And then there are the little places like
one of our favorites, Cakes and Cream. We stop in this small store just to get
Blackberry Cobbler with Ice Cream. Now, you talk about good eating,
I get that hungry feeling just talking about it.

There are many very good shows in Branson and each one is very entertaining in it's own way,
but I have my favorites. In my opinion, the best show in Branson is called "The Baldknobbers".
It's also the very first show that was in Branson.

There are no big name star's in this show, but if you really want to be entertained
and need a good belly hurting laugh, see this show while you are attending the reunion.

Another show that I like to see and never get tired of going to is "The World Famous Platters".
I'm sure that you remember their music. Songs such as "Only You", "Harbor Lights"
and the old standard "The Great Pretender".
While you are in Branson, relive the memories with this show.

Another great show is one called "Lost in the Fifties".
This show takes you back to a time when life was just a little simpler
and the music was something that had meaning to it.

Even today the music from that era is going strong and is being played on many
oldie stations. Go see this show and you will leave the Theatre feeling good.

Do you remember "The Porter Waggoner Show" that was on TV several years ago?
Well, Buck Trent, Porter's Banjo Pickin sidekick from that show does a morning show
in Branson and I understand that it is very entertaining.
If you like to get a early start in the mornings, you might want to take this show in.

Dolly Parton's "Dixie Stampede" is a very good show also and you get Dinner with the show.
Don't expect knives and forks with this meal, it's all finger food,
but very good finger food.

So that you won't be too shocked when you get to Branson,
Elvis has been seen in Branson and as a matter of fact he performs there.
So does Marilyn Monroe, Bobby Darin and the Blues Brothers along with many
other famous people.

The show "Legend's in Concert" is a rotating troupe out of Las Vegas that performs nightly
in Branson and imitates many famous people from times past.
All music performed in the show is the actual performers voice
and they do such a great job that you sometimes think that the original star is on stage.

Others shows that I would recommend are "The Jim Owen Morning Show".
Lot's of laughs to start the day off and very entertaining.

"The Yakoff Smirnoff Show", Russian Comedian and very funny.

"Country Tonight" is another good and entertaining show.

Remember Moe Bandy? Moe is in Branson and has his own Theatre and this is a very good show.
Mickey Gilley will be in town on August 24th and 25th and Mickey has a very good show.
Charlie Pride and Neil McCoy will be in town that week also.
Charlie will be at the Grand Palace Theatre on Tuesday night the 20th of August
and Neil McCoy will be at the Grand Palace on Thursday night the 22nd of August.
If you are interested in seeing either Charlie or Neil you can call 1-800-884-4536
for ticket information.

I imagine that the Theatre will be packed for both of these performers
so if you are interested, call and check it out soon.

These are just a few of my favorite shows in Branson and there are many others
that I have not mentioned that are just as good.

If you like the Lakes, Branson is between two large bodies of water (by Missouri standards),
Lake Taneycomo and Lake Table Rock.

If you want to go out on the water, take a cruise on the "Showboat Branson Belle"
for an entertaining two hours. You can get this with dinner also.
If that is a little too much, you can Ride the Ducks on a sightseeing tour
of the Branson area and take a cruise on Table Rock Lake.

There is something in Branson for everyone whether it be entertainment,
crafts, eating or just plain shopping.

I'm sure that you will find something to fill your free time.

While you are in Branson, take the time to go to downtown Branson
and see all of the little shops that they have there and enjoy the Ozark Hospitality.
Also, take a day trip and visit Silver Dollar City and see crafts being made
the way that they used to make them.

If Roller Coasters are your thing, you can find that there also.
So, dress for comfort and wear comfortable shoes because you are about to visit
a place that you have seen advertised and have heard others talk about many times.
It will be a trip that I'm sure you will enjoy.
Donna and I hope to see you in Branson.

Clete

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