Blogging Branson Missouri

We’re happy to welcome the newest addition to the Branson community, Dan Davis and family. Dan is the latest member of the Thousand Hills Resort family and will oversee all golf operations including the 18 hole Branson golf course and pro shop. Dan will also serve on the Branson Golf Council which is dedicated to promoting Branson as a golf destination.

Dan has plenty of experience to bring to the area. Dan is a PGA Professional originally from Raymore, MO. Along the way to Branson he qualified for nationals as a collegiate golfer and completed the National Golf Management Program at New Mexico State University. He then served in various capacities for a number of Midwest golf courses, including his most recent challange. Dan opened a brand new course, Spring Creek Golf Course in Seneca, KS and made it one of the top public courses in North-East Kansas in less than 3 years.

Along with his wife Whitney and their 3 children - Jessica, Haley and Dylan, Dan has come to Branson eager to make Thousand Hills and golf in Branson continue to grow. We’re proud to welcome Dan and his family to the area. There’s no doubt his years of experience will only enhance the reputation and national recognition the Branson area has earned as a top golf destination. Come out to Thousand Hills Golf Course and stop by the Pro Shop to help us welcome him to the community.

The Tour of Missouri is underway. With Stage 1 already complete, and Stage 2 finishing today, the competitors are ready to roll into Branson tomorrow, September 10th for one of the toughest stages-The Tour of Branson. The weather in Branson tomorrow is calling for clear and cool-the perfect fall day for this exciting event.

The Tour of Missouri is a local version of the world famous Tour De France bicycle race. But just because it’s being held in Missouri, don’t doubt that the action will be every bit as exciting as it’s older cousin. The Tour of Missouri features many of the best riders from all over the country and even the world, many of whom have competed in the Tour De France. Divided up into 10 stages spread out over the entire state there’s going to be a lot of exciting jockeying for position as riders fight to stay in front.

The Tour of Branson leg, Stage 3 will be especially exciting due to the Ozark hills. Riders will experience some of the greatest elevation changes of any stage as they travel from the Branson Landing, up Highway 65 to Highway 248, then up and down the Ozark Mountain Highroad (Highway 465) before finally finishing on the famed Highway 76 in front of Shepherd of the Hills. Spectators are welcome at various places all along the route-so be sure and get there early to get the best vantage point to cheer on the racers as they go by.

Be sure and support the Tour of Missouri, show that in addition to the world famous Branson Attractions, that Missourians can also get out and support a world-class athletic event.

MissouriLife magazine provides thousands of readers in the Missouri area bi-monthly recommendations and reviews of travel, leisure & recreation opportunites throughout the Show-Me State. Recently columnist John Robinson visited the Branson area for his column “King of the Road” and while here he profiled some of the lodges in the area.

He had many good words to say about the Cabins at Grand Mountain, a group of Branson Cabins located in the heart of town. Don’t let the heart of town location fool you though, despite the convenience of being near all shows and attractions these cabins are located in a wooded, secluded hollow giving the illusion of being alone in the Ozark Hills. These are not your traditional log cabins either-these offer an affordable alternative to home with fully furnished kitchens, living rooms and more. For more information on these inquire at the Thousand Hills Clubhouse.

Another location featured in Robinson’s article was Rock Lane Lodge, a picturesque resort where his family stayed while growing up. Other local lodges such as Skyview Lodge, White River Lodge and Big Cedar Lodge are all mentioned as good places for a relaxing or romantic weekend getaway.

Overall though Mr. Robinson’s article is well worth checking it-he worked hard to get away from the bright lights of the strip and find the most relaxing area lodges that capture the feeling of getting away from it all in the Ozarks. No matter which of his recommendations you follow, you’re sure to find a refreshing change of pace from your average crowded hotel.

Have a getaway spot of your own that you’re willing to share? Leave a comment below!

Be sure to set aside some time this weekend to have fun and food while honoring some local Branson doctors who have dedicated themselves to making Branson a healthier and better place to live. The “Wild Hogs” Roast and Appreciation Golf Tournament is being held to honor Drs. Pat O’Brien, Lynn Shaffer and Charles Spears. They have long been supporters of the Skaggs Foundation and have spent their time and efforts on making Skaggs be one of the best health centers in the nation.

First off is the Roast which is July 27th at 3:00 at the Pierce Arrow Theater. There you can count on entertainment as the guests of honor are roasted and applauded by none other than the Pierce Arrow entertainers themselves. Don’t miss Hors’doeurves donated by local restaurants. Tickets are available in advance or at the door for only $10 or your generous donation.

The next day on July 28th the celebration continues at Thousand Hills Branson Golf Course. Sign up and bring 3 friends and your clubs–whether you’re a weekend player or a daily duffer you’re sure to have fun at the 4 person scramble tournament. Your tournament fee includes lunch, awards, hole-in-one prizes, The Birdie Girls and more. Practice your putting and prepare for fun. The golf scramble signup fee is $500 per 4 person team–this fee also gets you up to 8 tickets to the roast as well.

All the profit from the Roast and Golf Tournament will be donated to the Skaggs Foundation which works to support all the programs and facilities of Skaggs Community Health Center.  Be sure to come out and thank these community leaders for everything they’ve done. And don’t forget to have some fun while you’re at it! For any questions or for signup information contact Cliff Easum at Thousand Hills Golf Shop, 417-334-4553.

Twenty-five years ago we first came across the Ozark area headed for another destination.  The natural beauty of the hills, lakes, blue sky and genuinely warm hospitality of the Branson area made us change our intended route to explore more of the area we had just found.
 
Imagine touring the area on a motorcycle.  Each corner opening up yet another panoramic view of the Ozark mountains.  The roads in the area are like none other taking full advantage of the natural flow of the hillsides and valleys.  Now throw in a glimpse of Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals to complete the picture.

The Ozarks offer so many roads through Mark Twain Forest on Hwy 39 with over hanging trees and glimpses of the valleys below or winding Hwy 86 to War Eagle and Roaring River State Park with its’ trout hatchery, fishing, hiking and horse trails and caves with natural pools for exploring.  Another favorite is “H” Hwy crossing Bear Creek and other natural springs through small almost forgotten towns.  

Is there any wonder why so many visitors to the area return permanently to call Branson home.  We are from the Northern Midwest and that will always be home but we are proud to be a part of the ever growing, changing yet still so aware of natures importance to this region.

The challenge to you readers is to slow down when driving through the Ozark area, turn down the radio, tv’s or better yet turn them off. Put the ipods, computers, game boys etc away.  Listen to the sounds around you, breathe deeply and take the time to enjoy.

The special event is my wedding – the date of my event is September 27th, 2008.  In order to get the invitations prepared, I must have all the details.   I have just started my search for the perfect place to get married in and around Branson.   The search begins . . . . 

The Garden of Dreams is the perfect place for an outdoor wedding.  The Garden of Dreams is located 22 miles East of Ozark on Route 14 at the Honeybranch Cave.   Fresh outdoor scents and evening air are so serene it would be an intoxicating environment for any wedding, not to mention the lush landscape of the Ozarks that would make such beautiful photos.

I also discovered Branson Landing Cruises located at the Branson Landing in downtown Branson.  I could get married on the sparkling waters of  Lake Taneycomo.  My entire wedding party would be cruising down the lake enjoying the beautiful countryside. Imagine the steam coming off the lake and the tall bluffs that are unbelievable. Seeing some of our native wildlife will be exciting.   Not a care in the world - being catered the whole time by the Landing Princess Crew. It sounds very romantic and a perfect place to have a marriage ceremony.

For a more traditional type wedding I have found The Dogwood Chapel located just North of Branson off “F” Highway.  It is a charming Log Cabin Chapel built over 40 years ago, complete with stained glass windows. How natural is that?  This charming Chapel is indicative of the Ozarks area.    

There is also the “Inn Style” wedding at the Hummingbird Inn, which is located 5 miles outside Branson city limits, nestled in the Ozark Mountain countryside.  The Hummingbird Inn offers indoor and outdoor weddings – “Inn Style”. 

Then there is the famous Stonegate Glass Chapel located North of Branson on Highway 176 in Walnut Shade, Missouri.  This looks to be an awesome place for a wedding with the walls of glass that let in streams of light from all directions.   The view is breathtaking.   They also have the Meadows of Eden reception hall next door to the chapel which includes chandeliers and a grand staircase.   

Also I can’t forget a place to hold a reception. There are numerous reception halls, and Branson meeting spaces in the area worth considering. Many offer their services to help plan the celebration of the big day. 

My search has landed on some of the most beautiful choices for a wedding.   Although my heart is still leaning towards a church wedding –  Cinderella has got nothing on me.  Stay tuned for the next journey of my wedding plans.

Summer is here and the Branson Parks & Recreation is in full swing with volleyball, softball, baseball & basketball tournaments. Branson will be host to the Division 1 National Basketball Championship for Girls age 11 and under beginning June 28 through July 5.  Over 60 teams from across the U.S. will be coming to Branson, along with coaches, parents, siblings, other family members and friends.  More than 2,000 people are expected to attend and some of the most popular accommodations for those attending are Thousand Hills branson condominiums. Games will be played at gymnasiums at all Branson school campuses, the Branson RecPlex and Kirbyville elementary school.  The College of the Ozarks will host Opening Ceremonies at Keeter Gymnasium on Friday, June 27, prior to the tournament’s first game.

The last time I looked on the web site for Branson Parks & Recreations they had about forty tournaments scheduled altogether so check out their schedule and bring out the whole family and enjoy the summer.

The popular RecPlex is another great way to spend the summer. The RecPlex state-of-the art sports and recreation center complex boasting over 40 acres of facilities that combine fitness, recreation, aquatics and organized athletics at one convenient location. The 44,000 square foot recreation center features two gymnasiums, a fitness center, indoor track, locker rooms, community rooms, game room and concession area. The outdoor facilities include and incredible acquatics park complete with water slides, four softball/baseball fields, soccer fields, concessions, picnic pavilions, playground and walking path. A great way to spend an inexpensive summer vacation in Branson.

 Know of other Branson summer activities going on? Leave a comment and let us know!