In just a few short months, visitors to Branson, Missouri will have a new option to travel into town. In May of 2009, the Branson, Missouri Airport (BMG) will begin operating with flights from AirTran. The Unites States’ first privately financed and operated commercial airport will have the ability to do things that municipal airports cannot do, such as offering naming rights and sponsorship opportunities.

The Branson, Missouri airport is a big deal to the city. While operations will be small in the beginning, the location of the airport offers future development possibilities for the entire city of Branson, Missouri. Commercial airline service will allow for more tourists to easily access the city, potentially increasing tourism revenues and traffic by substantial numbers. Being able to travel by air directly into the city will allow visitors to Branson, Missouri the opportunity to visit more often and stay longer.

When the airport opens in May, there will be just one runway. But visitors to Branson, Missouri will have all the amenities they need for their vacations when they land, including auto rental and ground transportation options. The airport is located just eight miles from the heart of Branson, Missouri, allowing for quick access to lodging and to all their vacation destinations.

Visitors to Branson, Missouri have lots to see and do during this Christmas holiday season. One of the most popular Branson, Missouri holiday displays is the Festival of Lights drive-through, a one-mile long paved path that features more than 350 holiday light displays. For just $10 per carload, Branson, Missouri visitors can enjoy the festive displays from the warmth of their car.

Another fun activity for children of all ages in Branson, Missouri is a visit to Silver Dollar City, where the entire theme park is transformed into an 1880s holiday town. Throughout the park, special holiday shows are presented in the various theaters, and Branson, Missouri guests will love the seven-story-tall special effects Christmas tree.

For visitors to Branson, Missouri looking for a “magical” Christmas activity, Kirby VanBurch’s Magic Christmas Spectacular is a must. This enjoyable show features comedy, singing and dancing, exotic animals, and illusions. Guests staying in Branson, Missouri resorts will love bringing the whole family to this unique holiday show.

In addition to all of these fun activities, there are many more Christmas-themed shows that take place in Branson, Missouri. The city is known for its active theater and live entertainment scene, and Christmas time does not disappoint those looking for a live show. From comedians to musicals to country and Southern gospel, there’s a show in Branson, Missouri to fit the tastes of everyone who visits.

For the last 12 years in Branson, Missouri, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has made a stop in the city for Veteran’s Day. Better known as “The Wall,” the half-scale replica of the famous Washington, D.C. memorial is almost 240 feet long and features the names of the more than 58,000 veterans who gave their lives in Vietnam.

This year, The Wall visited Branson, Missouri from November 5-11, and U.S. veterans came from all over the country to see this magnificent monument.

An opening ceremony was held on November 5th, during which the colors were presented, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the Star Spangled Banner was sung. In addition, veterans from Branson, Missouri participated in the wreath-laying ceremony, while Taps was played and a gun salute was fired.

Many of the visiting veterans stayed at Chateau on the Lake, Branson, Missouri’s only AAA Four-Diamond resort, spa and convention center, which rolled out the red carpet for these American heroes.

During the period of time that The Wall was in Branson, Missouri, the names of those inscribed on The Wall were continuously read. Branson, Missouri volunteers signed up to read the names and hometowns of each person on the Wall for 30 minutes at a time. Names were read from 8am to 10pm each of the seven days The Wall was on display in Branson, Missouri.

Next year, visitors to Branson, Missouri who are interested in visiting the town during The Wall’s tour can make reservations at Chateau on the Lake. The Wall is on public display around the same time each year.

Located on the waterfront of Lake Taneycomo, near downtown Branson, Missouri, is a new shopping, dining, and entertainment lifestyle center called Branson Landing. Visitors to Branson, Missouri will have no shortage of things to do when they visit this latest attraction.

Shopping is a favorite pastime of many guests of Chateau on the Lake one of Branson, Missouri’s most popular hotels, and Branson Landing will not disappoint. With over 100 specialty shops in the mall, including a Belk Department store and a Bass Pro Shops store, Branson, Missouri shoppers will be able to cure their retail cravings and find plenty of goodies to bring home.

When it’s time for a bite to eat or to enjoy an evening out, visitors to Branson, Missouri will find many options at the Landing. Dining options range from a quick bite and a cup of coffee to sit-down style restaurants to suit every taste. Branson, Missouri visitors looking for Italian fare might try Mama Milano’s. Or enjoy the Irish atmosphere at Waxy O’Shea’s. Seafood lovers might want to go to Joe’s Crab Shack. Options are nearly endless!

The options for entertainment at the Landing in Branson, Missouri are also numerous. For a night on the town, venues include places such as Bar Louie, a trendy restaurant and bar, or Ernie Bigg’s Dueling Piano Bar. At Ernie Bigg’s the piano players thrive on audience participation, so feel free to put in a request or sing along with the songs. Plus, Branson, Missouri visitors will find many other nightlife entertainment options at the Landing.

A unique element at Branson Landing in Branson, Missouri is the $7.5 million dancing water attraction. Featuring water, fire, light, and music, this exciting attraction was created by the same company responsible for the Bellagio’s dancing waters in Las Vegas. The choreographed shows run every day beginning at noon, every hour. Guests of Chateau on the Lake enjoy this spectacular sight as they stroll along the boardwalk of the Branson Landing.

Finally, there are plenty of options for Branson, Missouri visitors looking for hotel rooms in the area. Plus, the Branson, Missouri convention center is nearby and a perfect location for meetings, parties, or other events. Take the time to visit the Branson Landing during your trip to Branson, Missouri.

While Branson, Missouri is typically known for being a family-friendly resort city, there are plenty of options for night owls seeking some entertainment. With nearly 50 venues for live shows, there will always be something for everyone. Visitors to Branson, Missouri can find music shows for any taste, from rock and roll, to country, to big band, and much more.

A favorite watering hole among Branson, Missouri locals is Rocky’s Lounge. Located in downtown Branson, Missouri, Rocky’s Lounge is an extension of Rocky’s Italian Restaurant. The bar and restaurant offer excellent food and drinks along with live music. A local favorite piano player is on hand some nights and entertains the crowd with his uncanny ability to recall songs and grant crowd requests.

Another popular destination in Branson, Missouri is Outback Branson, an Australian-themed restaurant and bar and entertainment venue. Outback features an outdoor deck, along with live entertainment 7 nights a week and a selection of over 100 beers. The atmosphere is laid back and perfect for enjoying Branson, Missouri nights or relaxing with a game of pool or trivia.

An absolute must for Branson, Missouri nightlife lovers is Planet Branson, where you’ll find karaoke, ballroom dancing, and a huge dance floor. On Wednesdays, Planet Branson hosts the biggest karaoke night in town where you can test your pipes or enjoy listening to music’s future stars, or wannabes! On Tuesdays, ballroom dancing takes the floor, and the rest of the week the dance floor hops with enough music to make anyone tap their toes.

For a classy place to enjoy the night in Branson, Missouri, visit Chateau Grille at Chateau on the Lake. Known for fine dining and excellent French cuisine, Chateau Grille is a perfect choice for a date night. With an extensive wine list, even the most scrupulous diner will find something to perfectly match the perfect entrée. Branson, Missouri visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just stop by for a drink at this beautiful restaurant.

Visitors to Branson, Missouri who are looking for an entertainment option for kids and adults alike will certainly want to carve out some time to go to Silver Dollar City theme park. Offering a look into the 19th century, Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri has a theme of 1800s Ozark towns. This is one of the most successful theme parks in the country, and it’s easy to see why.

With more than 20 rides and attractions along with over 40 shows, Silver Dollar City has something for everyone who comes through Branson, Missouri. Rides include roller coasters such as WildFire, Powderkeg, and Thunderation, along with the Giant Swings and several water rides. Those Branson, Missouri visitors looking for a thrill will not be disappointed in the rides at this park.

Branson, Missouri guests who are looking for a quieter way to spend their day at the park will also find plenty to do with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The park’s 60+ shops are a throwback to the past, dedicated to preserving the arts and crafts of the 19th century. Skilled craftsmen and women showcase trades such as glass blowing, candy making, jewelry making, pottery and much more. Branson, Missouri guests can enjoy watching items be made and then purchase some to take home as souvenirs or gifts.

Visitors to Branson, Missouri will really enjoy the variety of food options that Silver Dollar City has to offer. Since the park is family-oriented, there are plenty of options for family-style dining, buffets, cooking demonstrations, and lots of sweet treats to take with you. Along with fried chicken, salads, barbecued ribs, desserts, and more, the Branson, Missouri park also has your favorite festival concessions like funnel cakes and pork rinds.

When it’s time for a break from the rides in Branson, Missouri, there are shows of all types to entertain the whole family. Check out the “Headin’ West” show in the Opera House for a musical that will take you through the history of the American westward expansion. Stop to listen to the sounds of the Horsecreek Band as they play traditional country and bluegrass tunes. Or for a good laugh and some audience participation, stop by the Street Troupe show. Branson, Missouri visitors will find these and much more to enjoy.

For a great time during your stay in Branson, Missouri, be sure to spend some time at Silver Dollar City. It’s worth at least a day—or 2—for your family!

In September, the Branson, Missouri American Presidents Museum participated in the fourth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine. Museum Day is a day when museums and cultural institutions nationwide open their doors free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors. A celebration of culture, learning and the dissemination of knowledge, Smithsonian’s Museum Day reflects the spirit of the magazine, and emulates the free-admission policy of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, DC-based properties.

“It is important that our museum to participated in this event, as it again showed our community and surrounding areas that we are a museum and cultural center for them,” said Stormy Lynn Snow, executive director of the museum located in Branson, Missouri. “We have so much to offer our visitors; we are happy that many in Branson, Missouri took advantage of this free day to learn more about our collection.”

The American Presidents Museum in Branson, Missouri is the collection management division of the National Center for Presidential Studies. The museum features dozens of exhibits tied to American history, many unique displays including a partial replica of the Oval Office, and hundreds of political artifacts and memorabilia.

Attendees to the Branson, Missouri museum presented Smithsonian magazine’s Museum Day Admission Card to gain free entry to participating institutions. The general public, including Branson, Missouri visitors, participated.

The Compton Ridge Fiddlers’ Convention has been an annual event in Branson, Missouri for many years, and many of this year’s participants have been coming for most of those years. According to several of the fiddlers, the Branson, Missouri convention has been going on since the mid-1970s.

One thing that keeps bringing these musicians back to Branson, Missouri over the years is the friendships they have with others across the country. One player said he has been playing fiddle since he was a teenager and these conventions — which happen in May and September each year — are his favorite events.

“We’ve had some good times here in Branson, Missouri and the music is heavenly,” said one attendee. “I never get tired of hearing the fiddle.”

Leroy Harris, of Purdy, who plays the guitar, has been coming to the convention in Branson, Missouri for the past 10 years. “I love this,” Harris said. “I get a chance to play beautiful music with some great fiddle players.”

Another player said the convention is also a good chance for him to spend time with his grandson, a champion fiddle player in Branson, Missouri. The grandfather-grandson pair enjoys spending time together playing music.

Organizers of the Branson, Missouri convention said they expect the event to continue to grow. “Currently, the convention consists mostly of sitting around playing music and eating good food,” said the manager. “Next year, we are looking at expanding the convention to include some contests and prizes. It’s always a fun event here in Branson, Missouri.”

For kids, collectors and the young-at-heart, the World’s Largest Toy Museum is a Branson, Missouri attraction filled with toys and fun exhibits for visitors to explore. With toys from as far back as 1880, a number of the items in the collection are well over 100 years old!

Branson, Missouri visitors are encouraged to bring the whole family to this famous museum, featuring antique and modern toys. Inside, Branson, Missouri guests discover a broad toy timeline, with everything from old-fashioned hand-carved toys to Elvis memorabilia to Star Wars objects.

Items in the museum’s displays range from traditional classics to unique toys that are one-of-a-kind. During your excursion, peruse toys as tiny as a thimble and as large as a genuine full-sized Rolls Royce. Branson, Missouri visitors also frequently comment on the museum’s sheer number of toys, which is well into the thousands.

Among the many sub-collections for Branson, Missouri vacationers to explore within the museum are pedal cars, cap guns and interesting wind-up toys. Also included are toy soldiers, trucks, boats, cars and trains. And the Branson, Missouri toy museum wouldn’t be complete without Barbie dolls and bicycles.

More generally, the World’s Largest Toy Museum entertains Branson, Missouri visitors with a fascinating celebration of childhood. Patrons who tour the exhibits get the chance to see treasures that brought smiles to the faces of young boys and girls around the world, some more than a century ago.

For those enjoying luxury accommodations in the area at such Branson, Missouri resorts as Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, the museum provides a perfect way for vacationing families to spend quality time together. Adults rediscover their favorite childhood toys, while children get a great peak at life before video games – and even before television!

In addition to its lakes, mountains, shows and attractions, Branson, Missouri features a world of opportunities for wine tasting. Guests at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa – Branson’s only AAA Four-Diamond Resort – enjoy award-winning wines and a seasonal wine tasting series in the resort’s elegant Chateau Grille restaurant. The Branson, Missouri area is also home to three wineries, ideal for learning and tasting even more.

Winner of Wine Spectator magazine’s prestigious “Award of Excellence,” Chateau Grille treats Branson, Missouri vacationers to a six-page wine list designed to provide the perfect complement for each of the restaurant’s exquisitely prepared dishes. Chateau Grille exceeds expectations not only with its delicious cuisine, but with its comprehensive and highly acclaimed wine offerings as well.

The restaurant features a stunning view overlooking Table Rock Lake, which is among Branson, Missouri’s largest and most popular lakes for its abundant fishing, water sports and natural beauty. Thus, Chateau Grille provides the perfect setting for Chateau on the Lake’s winter Vintner Series, hosted annually at the resort.

This seasonal wine tasting series is composed of a handful of Vintner Dinners, each showcasing a well-known winery and highlighted by an elaborate five-course dining experience. Featured wineries present interesting wines, facts, observations and recommendations. The events’ menus vary but are always tantalizing, concocted by the Branson, Missouri resort’s experienced Executive Chef and served by Chateau Grille’s attentive staff.

Branson, Missouri hotel visitors can also discover Chateau Grille’s secrets with regard to wine pairings and selections by sitting at the Chef’s Table, which can only be reserved in advance. Here, gain insight on recipes, preparation, spices and flavors – straight from the Executive Chef himself.

Finally, area visitors can absorb even more of Branson, Missouri’s beauty with a visit to the area’s wineries to try locally produced wines. Branson’s options include Branson Ridge Winery, Mount Pleasant Winery and Stone Hill Winery, all offering free tours and presentations pertaining to the craft of winemaking. At each winery, Branson, Missouri visitors can peruse a gift shop to purchase some great Branson wines.