As the weather starts to heat up so do the stages in Branson, Missouri and at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 17th, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater will be sizzling with Branson, Missouri’s 16th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show! Branson, Missouri, also known as the “live music show capital of the world,” is the perfect place to escape the winter blues during February and March, and Branson, Missouri’s Hot Winter Fun Big Show is the perfect opportunity to sample a wide variety of shows and performers in one exciting show.

Branson, Missouri’s Big Show provides the audience a chance to see portions of shows that are open during the winter months, including Jim Stafford, Legends In Concert, Hughes Brothers Show, Pierce Arrow, Kirby Van Burch, Circle B Supper Show, Grand Jubilee, Smoke On The Mountain, Always & Forever Patsy Cline, Comedy Jamboree, Red, Hot, & Blue, Rock N Roll is Here to Stay, Rock U Mentally, Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue, and more.

The Hot Winter Fun Big Show is a great opportunity for guests staying at Chateau on the Lake – Branson, Missouri’s only AAA Four-Diamond resort and spa – to discover the city’s broad spectrum of entertainment options. While the perception of many is that the Branson, Missouri shows are predominantly old-fashioned and country-focused, there is a wide array of contemporary choices to please the whole family.

Of course, guests of Chateau on the Lake also have the opportunity to dine in one of Branson, Missouri’s finest restaurants – the Wine Spectator Award-winning Chateau Grille – and to relax and rejuvenate in the new 9,000 sq. ft. Spa Chateau – Branson, Missouri’s most elegant day-spa.

For more information about all the exciting things to do at and around Branson, Missouri’s one-and-only AAA Four-Diamond resort and spa, please call 1-888-333-LAKE (5253) and talk to Chateau on the Lake.

Branson, Missouri is known for a wide variety of entertainment options, but beginning in early 2010, guests will have a new fun way to spend an afternoon. The Branson, Missouri Zipline is set to open in the springtime, offering an exhilarating way to experience the beauty of the Ozark Mountains and surrounding terrain. Visitors to Branson, Missouri can find the Branson Zipline conveniently located off of Highway 65.

Visitors to the Branson, Missouri Zipline attraction will learn that ziplines actually originated in Costa Rica as a means of transportation through the Costa Rican jungle. Today, zipline tours like the one in Branson, Missouri are becoming more and more popular—the rush of excitement often gets visitors hooked after their first time on the zipline!

At this Branson, Missouri location, guests will spend their tour exploring more than one mile worth of ziplines, canopy walks, and platforms. Generally, it is suggested that visitors to Branson, Missouri allow up to about three and a half hours in total to get through the course and gift shop. Each Branson, Missouri zipline tour group will be accompanied through the course by a certified guide, who will help with equipment and landings and will point out some of the most interesting ecological and topographical aspects of the Ozarks.

There are only a few restrictions of which visitors to Branson, Missouri need to be aware. There are no age restrictions, but participants must fall within certain weight guidelines. The Zipline guides ask guests of Branson, Missouri to wear clothing that is comfortable for physical activity, as well as closed shoes. Visitors to Branson, Missouri are welcome to document their tour with cameras, provided that they are attached to your person by a strap.

The Branson, Missouri attraction is expected to book up quickly, so make your reservations as far in advance as possible. For more information on the Branson, Missouri Zipline and updates on the approaching grand opening, visit www.bransonzipline.com.

Look no further than Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Missouri for the best place to ring in the New Year! This beautiful Branson, Missouri resort is known as the “Castle in the Ozarks” and is the perfect setting to enjoy New Year’s Eve festivities in high style. In addition to a special New Year’s Eve party, guests of this Branson, Missouri destination will find plenty of other ways to relax at Chateau on the Lake, as well.

New Year’s Eve is always a special night, and the Branson, Missouri Chateau on the Lake resort is throwing an exciting party. On Thursday, December 31, 2009, Branson, Missouri guests will enjoy the “50s Sock Hop” theme party beginning at 7:30 p.m. Branson, Missouri visitors can enjoy appetizers with a three-course “surf and turf” dinner beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Afterward, the Branson, Missouri party really begins when SH-Boom takes the stage. This Midwest show band will entertain guests of Branson, Missouri’s Chateau on the Lake with the sounds of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. At midnight, Branson, Missouri visitors will enjoy a champagne toast and balloon drop, followed by a spectacular fireworks show outside.

Branson, Missouri guests who take advantage of New Year’s Eve room packages will receive one-night accommodations, two admissions to the party, and a late 6:00 p.m. check-out the next day. During their stay at Chateau on the Lake, Branson, Missouri guests can also relax with spa treatments, dine at the Chateau Grille, or spend some time exploring Branson.

For more information on the Branson, Missouri Chateau on the Lake Resort, or to make reservations for New Year’s Eve, visit www.chateauonthelake.com. Start 2010 off right with a memorable visit to Branson, Missouri!

Branson, Missouri is known for having some of the country’s best stage shows. At the Branson, Missouri Variety Theater, visitors can choose from several award-winning shows and productions. This favorite Branson, Missouri venue is located right on Branson’s Country Music Boulevard, making it easily accessible and within close proximity to many restaurants and dining establishments.

The Branson, Missouri Variety Theater is known for its unbelievable entertainment and dazzling shows. There are currently four shows from which guests of Branson, Missouri can choose, including a special Christmas-themed show. David King, one of England’s most respected international producers, produces the shows at this Branson, Missouri venue.

For those visitors to Branson, Missouri who enjoy Broadway productions, the Broadway! show is an excellent way to see all of your favorite shows in one evening. Guests of Branson, Missouri can currently see Broadway! The Star-Spangled Celebration! This show takes Branson, Missouri visitors through some of the most famous Broadway shows of all time, including Grease, Oklahoma, Chicago, Cabaret, Mama Mia, and many others.

Another popular show at this Branson, Missouri theater is the Spirit of the Dance. Now in its tenth season, this show features Irish dancing combined with other international rhythms, such as tango, flamenco, and salsa. This Branson, Missouri show is performed by the world-champion dancers of the Irish International Dance Company.

There are two more shows on stage at the Branson, Missouri Variety Theater. For those guests of Branson, Missouri who enjoy operatic performances, the Twelve Irish Tenors is a perfect choice. This talented group performs everything from opera and pop to jazz and classical. Or, for families visiting Branson, Missouri during the holidays, the Spirit of Christmas is perfect. On stage for just two years now, this holiday show combines Broadway and Christmas into one spectacular show.

For more information, contact the concierge at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa or visit www.bransonvarietytheater.com.

The holidays are upon us, and visitors to Branson, Missouri are already celebrating at Silver Dollar City theme park. Named the “friendliest park in the world,” this favorite Branson, Missouri attraction features rides, shows, shops, and plenty of restaurants and eateries. But during the holiday season, Silver Dollar City shows Branson, Missouri visitors how to truly enjoy An Old Time Christmas—one of the top five holiday events in the country.

Branson, Missouri visitors start their celebration at the park’s square, where they find Christmas on Main Street. This beautiful display is one of Branson, Missouri’s best, and includes over four million twinkling lights. The display also features the five-story tall special effects Christmas tree. A favorite part of the Branson, Missouri display, the tree’s lights dance and change to the tunes of various Christmas carols.

Also on the agenda for guests of Branson, Missouri is the park’s Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade, or perhaps a stop by one of the live shows throughout the property. The parade, which takes place twice each evening, delights Branson, Missouri visitors with holiday-themed floats. Guests to Branson, Missouri can also choose from a variety of live shows throughout the day, including the Living Nativity and “Frosty! The Musical.”

A must-see for Branson, Missouri visitors is the Silver Dollar City production of A Dicken’s Christmas Carol. This musical adaptation of the traditional story will create lasting memories for visitors to Branson, Missouri. The show features a live band, talented actors, amazing special effects, beautiful scenery and spectacular costumes. Families in Branson, Missouri will truly enjoy this show.

While at Branson, Missouri’s Silver Dollar City Christmas Celebration, there are plenty of dining options for the whole family to enjoy, including a chance for lunch with Santa and lots of holiday-related food and treats throughout the park’s restaurants. Plus, be sure to take home a token of this Branson, Missouri trip by visiting any of the park’s 60 arts and crafts stores.

For more information on Branson, Missouri’s An Old Time Christmas, visit your concierge at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa.

Branson, Missouri might be all about the shows, but there are plenty of places for visitors to get back to nature, too. At the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in Branson, Missouri, nature lovers will find a great place to stop during their trip. Just a few miles from the heart of Branson, Missouri, you’ll find the facility in the Missouri Department of Conservation trout production program.

The Fish Hatchery in Branson, Missouri began in 1957 and the first trout were produced just a year later in 1958. Today, this Branson, Missouri hatchery produces more than a million trout annually, which are distributed to Lake Taneycomo for fishing. The primary purpose of the Branson, Missouri hatchery is to produce rainbow and brown trout in order to meet conservation requirements.

Visitors to the Branson, Missouri facility have lots to see and do. Guided tours are offered on weekdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day for guests of Branson, Missouri, and during the rest of the year, self-guided tours are encouraged. Guests of Branson, Missouri will learn about the trout production process, including incubation, maintenance, and raising and spawning ponds. At the end, visitors to Branson, Missouri can also help feed the hungry fish.

In addition to the hatchery, the 200-acre property also includes four scenic hiking trails. Visitors to Branson, Missouri will enjoy a diverse array of plants and animals along the way. Guests of Branson, Missouri can also participate in lakeside activities, such as trout fishing, picnics, and much more.

For information, directions, and hours of operation at this Branson, Missouri facility, see your concierge at Chateau on the Lake Resort.

Branson, Missouri is known for its variety of stage productions, shows, concerts, nightlife and restaurants, but it’s not every day that visitors can come face-to-face with some of the world’s most famous celebrities. There’s a place in Branson, Missouri that guarantees guests a close encounter with movie stars, musicians, politicians and other well-known faces—it’s the Hollywood Wax Museum!

The Hollywood Wax Museum began in Hollywood over 40 years ago when creator Spoony Singh wanted to bring people as close as possible to their favorite celebrities. It wasn’t long before the attraction became so popular that cities like Branson, Missouri found a home for a branch of the museum as well.

After a recent $5-million renovation, this Branson, Missouri attraction is now brighter and more fun than ever. Before Branson, Missouri guests even step foot inside, they’ll notice the Hollywood glamour that adorns the museums sign. The 15-foot-long neon sign now greets visitors with over 1,200 lights. Plus, visitors to Branson, Missouri can’t help but notice “Mt. Hollywood.” This Mt. Rushmore-like structure is now the most photographed landmark in Branson, Missouri.

The rest of the renovations were designed to make the experience even more interactive for visitors to Branson, Missouri. Inside, guests staying in Branson, Missouri will get up close and personal with their favorite stars and enjoy lots of photo opportunities. Sit on a bench with Forrest Gump, hang with Spiderman, or dance with Austin Powers. The American Idol judges also have a home in Branson, Missouri, so guests can try their singing voice for the famous trio. And that’s just a few of the famous faces that await your arrival!

For more information on the Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson, Missouri, contact the concierge at Chateau on the Lake Resort.

In Branson, Missouri, the fun never stops. And at the New Shanghai Variety Theater, visitors to Branson, Missouri will be awed by the talent showcased at the New Shanghai Circus, where some of the best acrobats from China perform daily. Since 1998, the Acrobats of China have been performing to Branson, Missouri audiences in their 1,000-seat theater.

Branson, Missouri’s Acrobats of China perform classic Chinese acts that date back thousands of years. Approximately 40 performers take the stage during each show, transporting visitors in Branson, Missouri to the exotic Eastern locales of China. The acrobats consistently amaze audiences with their agility, flexibility and exhilarating performances.

Guests of this Branson, Missouri show will be treated an array of interesting acts. Visitors to Branson, Missouri hotels will see hoop diving, jar juggling, trapeze work, aerial ballet, the lion dance, and much more. The combination of elegant dancing, music, magic, and beautiful sets always leave the Branson, Missouri audiences wanting much more.

The New Shanghai Circus has won many awards for its Branson, Missouri performances, including “Best Show of the Year” and “The Branson, Missouri Peace Award.” Individual performers also frequently win awards for their excellence, lending to the credibility and experience of the show.

This is one show not to miss during your trip to Branson, Missouri, so simply ask for more information during your stay at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa.

At the Stone Hill Winery in Branson, Missouri, all wine lovers will find something to please their palates. First-time visitors to Branson, Missouri may be surprised to learn that this unassuming winery is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Located just a short distance from the Branson, Missouri business district, visiting the winery and enjoying a glass or two is a relaxing way to spend some time.

The 12,000 sq. ft. complex has been in business in Branson, Missouri for over 160 years. The best way to experience this Branson, Missouri winery is to take the free tour. Guests from Branson, Missouri will be guided through the step-by-step winemaking process, including a short film about the origins, a walk through the Sherry maturing area, and then through the Spumante bottling process.

After the tour, guests at Branson, Missouri hotels will end up in the tasting rooms. Here, they’ll have a chance to taste any or all of the winery’s array of wines and juices. Wines range from big, bold reds to fruitier whites, roses, and sparkling varieties. Plus, many guests of Branson, Missouri hotels are especially taken by the Cream Sherry—a favorite among visitors to the winery.

Before leaving Branson, Missouri’s Stone Hill Winery, be sure to spend some time browsing in the gift shop. You can purchase bottles of wine and other wine-related items to take home. Make sure to grab some extra bottles of your favorite wine, because chances are you won’t be able to buy it too far out of Branson, Missouri!

For more information on tours at the Stone Hill Winery, ask the concierge at Branson, Missouri’s Chateau on the Lake Resort.

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.