Branson Hosts the K-Swiss Ironman

Friday, June 10, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
September 18, 2011, Branson will once again host the K-Swiss Ironman event attracting athletes from across the globe.  Athletes will begin the race with a 1.2 mile swim in Table Rock lake at Moonshine Beach, transitioning in the parking lot to a 56-mile bike ride through the beautiful Ozark hills, and finally begin and end the 13.1 mile run at Branson landing.  Whether you are participating in the race or simply coming out to cheer on the athletes make sure you book your rooms at one of our 6 conveniently located Award Winning Branson Hotels:  Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites at Branson Meadows, Comfort Inn West, and Holiday Inn Express at Green Mountain Drive.   All offer superb amenities and Branson package deals.  If you would like to schedule a massage before or after the race, our dedicated staff will locate just the right therapist for you.  Athletes and spectators alike will enjoy fine dining, shopping, countless Branson attractions, and the beauty of a fall weekend in the Ozarks.  Call us today at 877-368-3782 for premier ticket information and best Branson lodging.  

Branson Shows and the Twelve Irish Tenors

Saturday, May 21, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck

Branson is noted for its award winning shows and The Twelve Irish Tenors is a definite winner!  These twelve, talented, young men perform in the Branson Variety Theater located on Highway 76.  Diverging from the country music flare of many Branson shows, The Twelve Irish Tenors are a unique group featuring a genre of music spanning traditional Irish folk, Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, and a tour of famous operas.  With abundant energy, humor, and rich tenor voices, these boys keep the audience greatly entertained!  Concluding the show with Queen's "Barcelona," this fifty-plus woman thought the musical number would be WAAAAAYYY over-the-top for the sixty to seventies crowd in the audience.  But this talented group had the audience on their feet when the last note of Barcelona was sung!

Navigating show times and lodging while attempting to enjoy all the fun things to do in Branson, can be daunting.  Our in-house ticket service, offered free of charge and operated by Branson locals who know the city and its attractions well, provides guests the tools to plan a stress-free vacation.  Call us today at 877-386-7829.  Our staff is eager to assist you with a fun-filled vacation    

Yakov's Dinner Adventure

Wednesday, May 18, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
When we think of "Yakov," we generally think of extreme humor and explosive laughter!  However, Yakov Smirnoff's talents reveal an artistic, insightful, and inventive element that far surpasses the stereotypical view of the comedian presented onstage in his Branson, Missouri theater.  Yakov's Dinner Adventure is an adventure your family will not want to miss.  Creating a fairy tale surrounding the compelling story of Marina & Andrei, two young Russian circus performers, Yakov crafts a beautiful love story with Russian dancers, the evil sister with her torches of fire, and a stunning ballet.  Children will be thoroughly entertained by the blend of zany comedy along with the superb performance by national Unicycling Champion Anton Soumiatin, Alena Oulianova the Fire Eater, and much more!  You will not be disappointed by the delicious meal prepared at the theater and served to you as you enjoy the show.  The meal includes: Beef Brisket, Chicken A La Yakov, Potatoes, Vegetables, Bread, Strawberry Shortcake, Beverage and a Souvenir. (Child's meal features Yak in the Box - hot dog, nachos, Strawberry Shortcake and a Souvenir).  

Featuring kid-friendly Branson Hotels with Indoor Pools, hot tubs, and a free hot breakfast, let one of our qualified staff members assist you with your Branson Package Deals today!  Be sure to include Yakov's Dinner Adventure in your next visit to Branson.  Call us today at 877-FUN-STAY.  

Father's Day in Branson Missouri!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
Are you racking your brain trying to think of a great way to celebrate dad on Father's Day?  Join us here in Branson and let us help you plan the perfect weekend.  Located beside the Titanic Museum, the Best Western Center Pointe Inn is located in the heart of Branson's entertainment.  Father's Day weekend, June 18 and 19, Bass Pro Shops will host their Father's Day Bass Pro Boat Show in the parking lot of the museum.  Dad will be able to view some of the newest and fastest models on the market, including fishing, pontoon party boats, ski, and sport boats.  As I've mentioned before, the Titanic Museum is free to children ages 4 and under.  This unique attraction is shaped like the Titanic herself and was built half-scale to the original. 

Plan on challenging Dad to a race around one of the 5 conveniently located Branson Tracks.  You can buy your go pass at the hotel and save money at any of the Family Friendly go-kart tracks.  Branson also showcases four outstanding golf courses and our award winning hotel, theComfort Inn at Thousand Hills  located on Wildwood Drive, is adjacent to the beautiful Thousand Hills Golf Course.  After a fantastic weekend like this, you can count on Dad taking you swimming in the indoor pool  and relaxing in the hot tub back at the hotel.  Each hotel offers iBranson Ticket Services to  help you plan an incredible time for your family over Father's Day weekend -- call us today at 877-FUN-STAY (877-386-7829). 

Charlie Daniels Performs at the Mansion Theatre!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
Grand Ole Opry member, Charlie Daniels, will be performing one night in the beautiful, newly renovated Mansion Theater!  Come on out to hear this legendary country and southern rock music group -- The Charlie Daniels Band, Thursday, April 28.  iBranson has tickets available and will assist you with accommodations in our luxurious Branson suites!  You will enjoy some of Charlie's biggest hits:  "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," "Long Haired Country Boy," "Uneasy Rider," and more! 

The Charlie Daniels Band will perform in the recently remodeled and refurbished 2150 seat theater.  Renovations include new carpet, new acoustics and sound system, along with enhanced lighting technology. 

Charlie is a born patriot and a supporter of our brave men and women serving in the military.  Branson, Missouri is also proud to honor and support our military and we do so in many ways.  Our entertainers take time in their shows to recognize the men and women who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces and pay tribute to these men and women with their performances.  Branson is proud to host the Charlie Daniels Band and we encourage you to call to reserve your tickets and allow our staff to assist with your hotel needs.  Call us today at 877-ENTERTAIN (877-386-7829).

Culture and History abound in Branson's Museums!

Saturday, April 23, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck

Featuring the final Branson museums, I want to highlight a few in Branson --  Venturing a few miles south of Branson to Point Lookout, the College of the Ozarks is home to several historic sites and this beautiful campus is a must see Branson attraction.  The Ralph Foster Museum is dedicated to the history of the Ozarks and the Edwards Mill is a working mill powered by a 12-foot water wheel.  Creating memories with your children would not be complete without teaching them about the men and women who have served our great country in all branches of military service.   The Veterans Memorial Museum honors those who have provided the freedoms we enjoy today.  Welcoming you at the front door is a full-size World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane and inside over 2,000 military artifacts.  Your hearts will be touched as you exit the museum after viewing the 15-ton bronze sculpture consisting of 50 life-size solders storming a beach.  Names of the men and women who lost their lives serving our country line the walls throughout the museum.  Our award winning Branson hotels are centrally located and will allow you easy access to all the fun things to do in Branson!  Let our dedicated staff help you with all your vacation needs -- call us today at 877-FUN-STAY!

Museum Attractions in Branson Missouri

Friday, April 22, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck

Our great service hotels strive to provide you with more than the best suites in Branson, Missouri -- we make your visit to Branson a favorable experience by offering in-house Branson attraction information and package deals.  Our Comfort Inn West and Best Western Music Capital Inn will provide the launching pad for continuing your trek of Branson's 10 extraordinary museums! 

The Harold Bell Wright Museum shares a location with the World's Largest Toy Museum, so after enjoying the nostalgia and fun of the toy museum, don't forget to visit the museum of the 20th century best selling American writer Harold Bell Wright.  Local history will come alive as you view the antiques, gun collection, personal items, and manuscripts of Mr. Wright's books.  And what child will not enjoy walking through the land of dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Walk Museum!  Life-size sculptures will captivate the imaginations of children young and old!  Located just 9 miles north of Branson, is the Bonniebrook -- The Home of Rose O'Neill mansion.  This mansion was the favorite retreat of Rose O'Neill, world renowned artist, novelist, poet, and creator of the Kewpie Doll.  Walk through the flower gardens and waterfalls on scenic trails surrounding this restored National Historic Site.  As you can see,  Branson has more to offer than just our award willing shows!  Call 877-FUN-STAY and let our qualified staff get you started on creating great family memories with our Branson package deals!  


Visit Branson's Museums!

Thursday, April 21, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
The Titanic and the Hollywood Wax Museum are just two of the 10 Branson Museums worth viewing!  Ripley's Believe It or Not has over 400 exhibits that will challenge your concept of truth and fiction.  Children of all ages will enjoy a journey of discovery and entertainment through the wacky, fantastic exhibits in Ripley's Believe It or Not museum.  The Branson Auto Museum features over 100 classic cars inside and 15-20 outside -- many that are available to purchase.  As the inventory changes regularly, this is a museum worth visiting more than once.  You will enjoy walking through the gift shop complete with automotive related items and viewing the display of rare and unusual toys in the Old Toys and More toy store.  

You will want to include visiting the World's Largest Toy Museum on your trip.  This museum is filled with toys dating as far back as the 1880's.  What a fun way for parents and grandparents to show their kids some of the toys that entertained them as children -- toys without batteries!  I'll share more on Branson museums to visit later, but don't forget how easy it is to secure Branson lodging specials and Branson package deals through our hotels.  Comfort Inn West, Best Western Music Capital Inn, and Best Western Center Pointe Inn are all located at the center of the many attractions in Branson, Missouri.  So give us a call today at 877-FUN-STAY (877-386-7829) and let us help you plan your next Branson vacation!

Branson Dining Surprises

Monday, April 18, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
My son, Kyle and I went on a date to Billy Bob's restaurant last week.  If you haven't eaten at Billy Bob's you are really missing out!  Not only will you enjoy a world-class hamburger and fries, milkshakes, and limeades, you will dine in a relaxing, extraordinarily friendly atmosphere.  Locals and regular guests to Branson are crazy about this little hamburger joint.  While we were enjoying our hamburgers, we were also treated to an amazing Branson quartet -- the Cat's Pajamas when they walked into the diner and sang a couple songs to the crowd.  The Cat's Pajamas is a group of 5 young men creating the sound of an entire band using only their voices.  Featured in the third season of America's Got Talent, these guys will wow you with their high energy, humor, charm, and powerhouse voices.  After touring worldwide for the past 5 years, they will be performing in the Dutton Theater from March through December 2011.  The Dutton Theater is located on west highway 76 a few blocks from the Best Western Center Pointe Inn.  Contact one of our staff members at 877-FUN-STAY (877-386-7829) and allow us to handle all your Branson entertainment needs and provide you with great service at our award-winning Branson hotels.  

Girls Weekend in Branson!

Saturday, April 16, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
Remember those junor high and high school days of slumber parties -- laughing and connecting with friends?  Okay, too long ago -- how about college days!  Still fun -- less drama!  Staying up late, painting toe nails and laughing about the craziest no-nonsense stuff.  How about reclaiming your carefree days reconnecting with great friends for a weekend get-a-way in Branson, Missouri.  Branson is a fabulous place to host a women's conference, women's church retreat -- or simply gather a few close friends for some pampering.  Discover Branson's Award Winning Mountain Lodge, the Comfort Inn & Suites,  which offers an amazing view, distinct atmosphere, superb amenities, and conveniently located within reach of all the Branson fun.  You will enjoy the opportunity of spending precious, uninterrupted time with friends in this charming atmosphere and quaint decor.  Be sure to visit the relatively new Branson Landing outdoor mall featuring over 100 specialty shops and a variety of awesome restaurants.  The Branson Landing is situated on the banks of Taneycomo Lake with an easy access to the boardwalk along the lake.  Call us today at 877-FUN-STAY (877-386-7829) and let us help you plan a weekend of pampering.  

Choosing a Hotel

Sunday, April 10, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
When choosing a hotel for a family vacation, business trip, or a weekend get-away, what do you look for?  The answer to that question, I'm sure, will vary depending on budget, purpose, and whether you are male or female!  But let's face it, if mama is happy, generally the rest of the family is happy.  Myer Hotels has been in the lodging business for 44 years and has actively contributed to Branson's hospitality market for 28 years receiving numerous national awards.  The six conveniently located award winning Branson hotels include:  Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows, Comfort Inn West, and Holiday Inn Express Green Mountain Drive.   Amenities include indoor pools and hot tubs, modern fitness facilities, game rooms, and a free hot breakfast.  Oh, and lest I forget ... beautifully decorated rooms featuring comfy beds with lots, and lots, and lots of pillows.  So the next time you are planning a stay in the gorgeous Ozarks -- contact us at 877-FUN-STAY  You will be glad you did!

Great Hotels for Kids

Saturday, April 9, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck

Let's face it, these economic times call for creative measures when planning family vacations and securing great family memories, and we want to help ease the strain of that pocket book!  Each of our hotels features outstanding amenities making them great hotels for vacationing with your kids.  Planning inexpensive family fun is not difficult in Branson.  The Branson Titanic Museum, located west of Branson on Highway 76, is free to children 4 years old and younger.  Shaped like the original ship, the museum offers a historic glimpse of the event of 1912.  The Hollywood Wax Museum, a few blocks from the Titanic, is also free to children 4 and under.  Recently renovated, the museum is devoted entirely to celebrity figures.  Children of all ages will enjoy rubbing shoulders and sharing the spotlight with their favorite movie star!  Branson offers lots of great values for families.  Our Best Western Center Pointe Inn is the perfect location for treating your family to COUNTLESS fun things to do in Branson.  Along with the museums, you won't want to miss visiting the nearby Branson Track and Tanger Outlet mall.  Make sure you contact one of the iBranson offices located at each of our hotels for great Branson discount tickets.  Call us today at 877-FUN-STAY for premier ticket information and Branson lodging specials!


Hiking in the Ozarks

Thursday, April 7, 2011 by Kathy Hoeck
Bridge along hiking trail in Busiek State ParkWhether you are an expert or novice hiker, the Ozarks offer unsurpassed hiking experiences for all levels.  Dewey Shore to Marina is a 2.2 mile trail running from the Dewey Shore Visitor Center along Table Rock Lake to the State Park Marina.  Park your vehicle at either site for a round trip hike of nearly 5 miles.  This paved trail is relatively flat, passes by the Showboat Branson Belle, and provides a panoramic view of beautiful Table Rock Lake throughout the trail.  This trail accommodates walkers, runners, and bicyclists. 

The Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area, located west of Branson on Highway 76 is 1,534 acres of steep hills, oak/hickory forest, and scenic glades.   Included on this trail is a half-mile section along Roark Creek, an undistrubed Ozark headwaters stream.  The area was donated or purchased from Ruth and Paul Henning and it was their desire to presevere this stunning site for everyone to enjoy.  The Comfort Inn West is one of the closest hotels to Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area.  

A bit more challenging hiking can be found a short 10 miles north of Branson at Busiek State Forest.  The trails are wide and well worn, but be sure to wear your boots as they can be rocky and rough in some places.  Parts of the trail are steep, so this might be a hike geared more for your teens than small children.  The attached picture will give you an idea o the beauty of the Busiek State Forest.  The park has nice creeks, hills with glades, and spectacular views of the Ozarks.  Join us in the Ozarks before the heat hits and enjoy some spring hiking!