It’s Bluegrass and BBQ time at Branson’s Silver Dollar City.The popular Branson theme park’s annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival runs now thru May 30. It’s a unique opportunity to catch some of the world’s best bluegrass music amidst a fun environment filled with rides, attractions, entertainment and delicious barbeque.

This exceptional music festival offers up dozens of top Bluegrass artists including Rhonda Vincent, a seven time winner of IBMA’s Female Vocalist of the Year; The Grascals, two time winner of IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year and Russell Moore, 2010 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year, and IIIrd Tyme Out, seven time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year.

In addition to top musicians, there is plenty of top notch BBQ. Tempt your taste buds with everything from Memphis dry rubs and Carolina vinegars to Texas-style BBQ.  The festival features a giant, 9-foot wood fired smoker filled with 40,000 pounds of slow cooked brisket, chicken, ribs and pulled pork.

The Bluegrass entertainment is all included with Silver Dollar City admission. The 1880’s themed park offers 30 fun-filled rides and attractions designed to thrill the entire family. You’ll also find dozens of period craftsmen demonstrating their work.

For additional details, go to http://www.silverdollarcity.com/. Or visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/ for information on discount Branson vacation packages and accommodations such as Westgate Branson Woods Resort.

Branson, Missouri is known for its live shows. But while Branson’s 40+ theaters offer up more than 100 shows per day, one of the best live shows can be seen free of charge just a few shorts miles southwest of the city.The action takes place, not on a stage, but at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery run by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

The hatchery has been producing rainbow and brown trout for Branson area lakes since 1958. And those Branson lakes continue to offer up some of the world’s very best fishing year after year.

The hatchery typically produces about 1,125,000 catchable trout each year, weighing more than 300,000 pounds.

Branson’s popular Lake Taneycomo receives nearly 700,000 catchable trout per year from the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and others such as the nearby Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Southwest Missouri.

This fun adventure is also a great learning experience for the kids who can see the various stages of development in different holding tanks. Be sure to bring a few quarters to purchase fish food, as well!

The facility offers all trout production phases. Egg incubation and early rearing is completed in the hatchery building in jar type incubation units, and aluminum/fiberglass tanks. There are also 12 outdoor concrete raceways or man-made canals, for intermediate rearing, and the final rearing is completed in 20 outdoor concrete raceways. Three earthen ponds are also used for fish production.

The Shepherd of the Hills hatchery hosts more than 250,000 visitors annually. To find more information and suggestions on things to do in Branson, visit http://www.ticket2branson.com/ or http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

Branson, Missouri is well known for its family friendly atmosphere. In fact, you might say that the entire town is G-rated and safe for everyone in the family, from the youngest children to the oldest grandparents.From fun, wholesome shows and concerts to family-oriented theme parks, water parks, attractions and outdoor recreation, Branson has something for everyone…especially adventures that will keep the kids entertained.

Branson has a variety of outdoor and indoor water parks to keep you refreshed year round.  The biggest and only outdoor water park is White Water where you’ll find everything from high flying water slides to a relaxing lazy river. If you prefer an indoor water park, check out Castle Rock or Grand Country’s Splash Country.

For even bigger theme park thrills, things don’t get much bigger than Branson’s popular Silver Dollar City. Kids and adults alike will love this theme park modeled after an 1880’s Ozark Mountain town. Home to more than 30 rides and attractions, 40 shows daily, intriguing period costumes and a variety of period craftsmen, Silver Dollar City also plays host to 6 major festivals throughout the year, including National KidsFest!

While you’ll find championship golf courses in the Branson area, you’ll also find plenty of miniature golf that’s ideal for the whole family. But you will have to pick your favorite theme as putt-putt courses run the distance from prehistoric dinosaurs to bands of pirates.

Take one look at the huge bow of the Titanic standing 100 feet high above Branson’s Hwy 76 and you’ll see right away why the Titanic Museum is another popular kid spot!

Speaking of tours, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more kid friendly tour than Ride the Ducks. You’ll experience an amazing tour of the entire Branson area by both land and water - all from one amazingly amphibious vehicle. Ride around the heart of the Ozarks to see all that Branson has to offer then splash directly into scenic Table Rock Lake to experience a water view of the area.

Even mealtime can be a fun time for kids in Branson. Choose from a number of dinner shows, including Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede where you’ll be entertained by 32 magnificent horses, trick riders, racing pigs, longhorn steers and more, all accompanied by a delicious four-course meal.

Branson offers more than 100 live shows per day, and every one is suitable, family entertainment. However, kids in particular will be delighted by several shows such as Noah the Musical which is highlighted by both animatronics and live animals. The Acrobats of China show offers a variety of amazing acrobatic feats. And what child isn’t mesmerized by magic and ventriloquism, both of which are plentiful in the Hamner Barber Show!

All in all, Branson remains a great travel destination for families. While the Branson area is filled with kid-friendly attractions, Westgate Branson Woods provides equally family-friendly accommodations. Spacious and luxurious rooms offer separate bedrooms for family privacy, fully equipped kitchens to fix a meal or snack, and all the other comforts of home.

Of course, Branson offers so much more than live shows and family entertainment. It’s also the perfect destination for outdoor recreation and the area’s three spectacular lakes provide ample opportunity for boating, swimming, water sports and some of the nation’s very best fishing.

Westgate Branson Woods also adds to your Branson fun with a number of on-site amenities and recreational opportunities such as hiking trails, tennis and basketball, a campfire area, two outdoor swimming pools, one indoor pool and even a lighted playground.

If you’re ready to pack up the kids and discover Branson for yourself, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/ for special discounts on attraction tickets and resort accommodations.

Branson, Missouri is affectionately known as the live music show capital of the world. That’s because on any given day, you can find plenty of live entertainment featuring virtually all types of music from rock and pop to country and gospel, and everything in between.

Yet despite the abundance of regular musical shows, the Branson area is preparing to welcome several limited engagement performances by The Charlie Daniels Band, Sawyer Brown and The Oak Ridge Boys, from April 26-29, 2011.

Charlie Daniels hits the stage at the Mansion America Theatre for one performance on April 28. A Grammy winner, Daniels has been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and has sold more than 20 million records with hits like “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and “Long Haired Country Boy.”

Sawyer Brown is scheduled to perform once at the Oakridge Boy’s Theatre on April 29. The country band, named after a road near where they practiced, has been captivating audiences with top ten hits and high energy concerts since 1981.

Meanwhile, the Oak Ridge Boys are slated to perform April 26 and 27, bringing their distinctive and recognizable sound back to Branson at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre.

In over three decades of performing, they have had one double platinum album, three platinum albums, and 12 gold albums plus over 30 “Top Ten” hits and more than a dozen national Number One singles including “Fancy Free,” “Gonna Take A Lot Of River,” “Elvira,” “Thank God For Kids,” “American Made,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On” and “I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes.”

For more information on Branson’s long list of family shows as well as discount tickets and discount Branson vacation packages, please visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/ today.

With more than 100 shows, Branson prides itself on its variety of live shows and grand entertainment. But of all the big production shows in Branson, few may be as grand as the Grand Jubilee!Featuring laugh out loud comedy, exceptional musicians and incredible singing voices, the Grand Jubilee offers a fast-moving variety show production that can captivate the entire family.

Backed by a talented live band, the show’s powerful vocals are provided by one of Branson’s premiere male quartets, offering an astounding and powerful vocal range. The quartet is accompanied by lead female vocalist Jackie Brown.

Of course, Grand Jubilee is just one of many fun-filled musical and variety shows you’ll find in Branson. For additional information or discount tickets to any of the Branson shows and attractions, or discount Branson vacation packages, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.

While known for its dozens of theaters and more than 100 different live shows, Branson is equally known for its widespread and myriad outdoor activities.

Branson sits nestled in the heart of Missouri’s beautiful Ozark Mountains, a popular destination for hiking, biking and camping. Three spectacular lakes make it a prized area for water recreation as well, including swimming, boating and some of the world’s best trout fishing.

For those looking for a full day’s adventure, there’s Silver Dollar City theme park, featuring 30 exciting rides and attractions ranging from roller coasters and water rides to a Crafts & Culinary school, plus more than 40 shows. Silver Dollar City also features a variety of festivals each year including World-Fest, KidsFest, Southern Gospel Picnic and a National Harvest Festival.

Geyser Gulch also offers Silver Dollar City visitors an expansive water-themed play area.

Other outdoor adventures include the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours. With several options to choose from, visitors can fly through an amazing forest canopy while certified guides provide interesting stories and the history and ecology of the area.

The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama is based on the novel by Harold Bell Wright. One of the most widely read novels of all time, this large scale production of the book is a timeless tale that brings the area to life through a cast of 80 actors and 40 horses. Visitors are sure to enjoy not only the play, but also the beautiful outdoor setting.  

Inspiration Tower is a 230-foot-high observation point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains. Located on the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, Inspiration Tower was built in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of author Harold Bell Wright’s visit to the Ozarks. Enjoy spectacular views from the enclosed observation deck or take a fresh breath of air on the outdoor observation area.  You can see more than 90 miles on a clear day!

The Historic Homestead Tour offers an hour-long tram ride with stops at Inspiration Point, Old Matt’s Cabin, Little Pete’s Cave, and Wright Church.  The cabin is featured in the novel, Shepherd of the Hills. Inside you’ll find many historical items and antiques, furniture, clothing, cooking utensils and tools.

For more on Branson’s outdoor activities and discount Branson vacation packages, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/ today.

Spring has arrived in Branson and that means the self proclaimed “live entertainment capital of the world” is once again one of the nation’s premiere destinations for live shows.

A vast majority of the many live shows in Branson have already opened their 2011 season. In addition, the area’s most popular attraction - Silver Dollar City theme park - also re-opening for the season on March 17.

Shows now open in Branson include: # 1 Hits of the 60′s, Absolutely Patsy, A Country Legacy - Fountains of Country, Acrobats of China, Amazing Pets, Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, Bucket ‘n’ Boards, Cassandre’ The Voice of an Angel, Circle B Supper Club, Clay Cooper Country Music Express, Comedy Jamboree, Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show, Dixie Stampede, Eagles Tribute,
Grand Jubilee, Hamner Barber Variety, Hank Williams Revisited, Haygoods, Hooray for Hollywood, Hughes Brothers, Jeerk Rhythm Artist Group, Jim Stafford, A Tribute to John Denver, Joseph Hall Elvis Rock N Remember Tribute, Kirby VanBurch, Legends in Concert, Legends of Kung Fu, Liverpool Legends, Neal McCoy (Limited Engagement at different times), New South Gospel, Ozark Mountain Jubilee, Pierce Arrow, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Rankin Brothers, Red,Hot & Blue, Shake Rattle & Roll, SIX, Strait Country, Sunday Gospel Jubilee, Todd Oliver & Friends, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, A Tribute to Marty Robbins, Twelve Irish Tenors, and Yakov’s Dinner Adventure.

Just as spring brings a colorful new season of flowering beauty to the surrounding Ozark Mountains, most of the Branson shows incorporate colorful new changes and new material each spring. For example, the Presleys’ Country Jubilee is said to create 50-70 percent new material for its show each year.

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned or to make lodging arrangements at Westgate Branson Woods resort, please visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/.  

Silver Dollar City is known as one of the most popular destinations in the Missouri Ozarks. It’s also known for its festivals. And with festival season about to begin, get ready for the fun.

With a total of six world-class festivals throughout the year, Silver Dollar City offers fun for everyone. You can take a trip around the world without ever leaving the Ozarks during World-Fest.

You can celebrate BBQ, Bluegrass and Gospel music. You can experience America’s largest Kidsfest. You can see hundreds of America’s finest craftsmen create amazing works of art. Or you can be dazzled by the Christmas spirit during an Old Time Christmas celebration. It’s all part of Silver Dollar City’s annual run of exceptional festivals.

Of course, every day is a fun-filled adventure at the 1880’s style, award-winning theme park. Silver Dollar City offers 30 rides and attractions for adventure seekers of all ages. You can hop aboard the thrilling “Wildfire,” a multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour. Or check out the new “Half Dollar Holler” ride specially designed for kids through age 7.

Silver Dollar City also offers some of the best live shows and entertainment available in an area best known for its abundant and exceptional live entertainment.

Festival season kicks off with World-Fest, April 7 to May 8. 2011. This international event is a colorful and musical celebration of entertainment, food, culture, music and fun that has become a must-see tradition every spring in the Ozarks.

World-Fest features world-class performers and musical artists from around the globe including folk singers, an Irish tenor, steel drum corps from Trinidad and Tobago, stilt dancers, champion fiddlers from Canada, amazing acrobats and more.

World-Fest also features the “Tastes of the World,” a delicious food pavilion providing a taste-tempting selection of international food specialties such as Irish Stew, Chicken Fajitas and Italian Calzone and desserts like Baklava, Tiramisu Torte and Apple Dumplings served with Cinnamon Ice Cream.

For additional information or tickets to Silver Dollar City or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements, visit http://www.westgatereservations.com/ or http://www.ticket2branson.com/.

From its headwaters, 92 miles southwest of Branson, MO, the White River begins a long and winding 760 journey before ultimately intersecting with the Mississippi River. Along the way, the river was key to creating three amazing man-made lakes that provide the Branson area residents and visitors with hydro-electric power, flood prevention and fabulous outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, water skiing and other activities.

The most popular of the three lakes is Table Rock Lake which was formed with the completion of Table Rock Dam in 1958. With more than 43,000 surface acres and 745 miles of shoreline, Table Rock Lake features excellent warm water fishing for largemouth Bass, smallmouth Bass, Crappie and Catfish.

Lake Taneycomo, starts as the White Rive flows through Table Rock Dam and then downstream 22 miles to the Powersite Dam. Lake Taneycomo is a cold water lake because its main source of water is the water run through the generators of Table Rock Dam at a depth of 140 feet and a temperature of about 45 degrees year round.

With waters generally too cold for swimming, Taneycomo remains a haven for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and trout fishing. In fact, the lake’s rainbow and brown trout populations are plentiful, making it one of the most popular trout fishing destinations in the country.

The third lake, Bull Shoals, was created with the completion of Bull Shoals Dam in 1951. This 45,000 acre lake also provides fabulous boating and fishing, though it sees far less traffic than the other two Branson area lakes.

For more information on the popular Branson Lakes Area, go to http://www.branson.com/. Or visit http://www.ticket2branson/ or http://www.westgatereservations.com/ for information on discount Branson vacation packages and discount Branson lodging, including Westgate Branson Woods Resort.

Two days is all that’s left.

Dec. 29 and 30 are the final operating days of the season at Branson’s most popular tourist attraction - Silver Dollar City theme park. It’s your last two days to enjoy the fun and entertainment at SDC until the park re-opens on March 17, 2011.

Don’t miss your chance to come home for the holidays to An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City, considered one of the top 5 holiday events in the nation by Good Morning America.

It’s a celebration for the entire family with more than 4 million dazzling lights, and a 5-story high Christmas tree, that twinkles with a million dancing lights and other special effects. There’s also shows like a living nativity and Frosty!, plus the delicious tastes of the season are in abundance all around the park.

Weather permitting, you can experience more than 30 rides and attractions ranging from the Frisco sing-along steam train, to the thrilling Powderkeg roller coaster and the intriguing grounds of The Grand Exposition.

For more information on the theme park as well as its 2011 season, go to http://www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com/. Or for information on discount Branson lodging and resorts including Westgate Branson Woods Resort, go to http://www.westgatereservations.com/.