Time can be harsh on everyone and everything; we get wrinkles, buildings get blistering paint, our seats get wider, and the theater seats get threadbare and worn. We need glasses, and the Branson IMAX and Dixie Stampede get whole new sound and light systems – it’s just a part of the circle of life! Both the IMAX and Dixie Stampede are Branson hometown favorites, and the entire town (as well as tourists from all over) is excited to see the refurbishments. Planning to reopen in time for the 2016 season, the renovations promise to be exciting and state of the art.
Dixie Stampede
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, a dinner theater, has been in Branson since 1995, and most of its changes will be technical ones rather than cosmetic ones. They’ve added a cave, a waterfall, and an amazing LED wall with 12 million lights. The original setting was a plantation home, straight out of Dixie, but that’s been changed to an Ozarks setting, more appropriate for our beautiful surroundings here in Branson. With sets that drop down from the ceiling and sound systems so sensitive, guests will forget they are in a dinner theater in the middle of Branson, Missouri and will feel like they are a part of the show! John Richardson, who is director of marketing, says all the changes will have first time customers wanting to come back again and again, and their repeat customers will be so impressed with the new features they will continue to come back as well. Dixie Stampede is scheduled to reopen the first week of March.
Branson IMAX
Our IMAX theatre will have both cosmetic and technical upgrades. People today want to be comfortable when sitting for a couple of hours, and as such, they are planning on replacing their 20-year-old standard movie seats with larger recliners and gliders that are both comfortable and luxurious. This change will lower the capacity somewhat, 500 seats will be replaced with 400, but this change is worth it. The big upgrade, however, will be in the projection system. Today’s digital 70-millimeter projector is being replaced with the latest and greatest of Laser systems, which is much brighter and is so new that only a few are in use throughout the world. People can witness the changes as they happen by checking the Branson IMAX Facebook page. The big reopen date for IMAX is tentatively scheduled for the 3rd or 4th week of March. Whichever date they choose, it will be just in time to see the new Batman movie, “Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice” thrilling fans of the Batman franchise the world over!
Branson is home to some of the most amazing entertainment and has so many great restaurants, but what if we told you that you can get both under one roof? Branson is notorious for their fun, entertaining, exciting, and, at times, unpredictable dinner shows. Here are four of Branson’s best places to go for dinner and a show when you book your next vacation through Sunset Nightly Rentals.
Branson Murder Mystery Dinner Show Presents Murder on the 76 Trail
As one of Branson’s most interactive dinner shows, this murder mystery is set during the days of the Old West and will pick 15 audience members to participate. In this unique murder mystery, you will be able to play some of the most famous characters of that time, such as outlaw Jesse James, his brother Frank James, Calamity Jane, or Annie ‘Get Your Gun’ Oakley. Next time you are planning a vacation to Branson, don’t miss this amazing show packed full of entertainment and great food!
Dixie Stampede
Dolly Parton’s “Dixie Stampede” is a show like no other. In a 35,000 square foot arena, there are 32 beautiful horses and amazingly talented equestrians performing unbelievable stunts with grace and ease. As you watch the special effects and listen to the music accompanying the show, you can’t help but to be mesmerized. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, it does, as you enjoy a full four course meal. As Dolly Parton herself once said, “it’s the most fun place to eat in Branson.” So, listen to Mrs. Parton and scoot on down to Dixie Stampede and have the time of your life!
Showboat Branson Belle
This is the perfect dinner show for the entire family. The Showboat Branson Belle is overflowing with big boat fun. Here you and your family can watch the music of The Snow Men, Cassandre Fiamon-Haygood, and The Rockin’ Dockers. You will also get to see the talented dance troupe Rhythm and comedian/emcee Christopher James. While you are enjoying all of this entertainment you also get to indulge in a delicious three course meal. This is a must see show for your entire family.
A Tribute to George Strait Dinner Show
Famously known as the King of Country, George Strait has been blessing our hearts and our ears with some of the best country music for decades. It is Gordy Wensel and his wife, Debbie, who brought the Tribute to George Strait Dinner Show to Branson, where they sing Strait’s greatest country hits as you enjoy a spectacular meal. If you haven’t been able to catch the King of Country himself, you definitely should make it a point to check out the Wensel’s tribute on your next Branson vacation.
From murder mystery to exceptional equestrians, and from showstoppers on a showboat to a tribute to the King of Country, Branson has got it covered. Next time you are planning your vacation with Sunset Nightly Rentals make sure take in one, or all four, of these amazing dinner shows.
Welcome to Branson, MO, home to every type of entertainment and amusement imaginable, with unique museums and attractions, some of the largest shopping malls in the world, plenty of outdoor activities for those looking for fresh air and natural beauty, amazing places to eat, and plenty of live shows. With so much to do, you will never get bored, but sometimes what you need most is just to get away from it all and go on a beautiful hike. Branson has miles and miles of amazing hiking trails to fill that need. Below are just a few of the local favorites, with options for beginners as well as for some of the most experienced hikers.
White River Valley Trail System
The White River Valley Trail System is made up of a 2.9-mile loop located just outside of Branson. This trail is rated as “difficult” and as such, is best suited to more experienced hikers. With a high point reaching 239 feet, there is plenty of diversity in views, including rocks and dirt areas that are flat and durable, and areas with views of rivers and nearby Lake Taneycomo.
Glade Exploration Trail
Located near Branson, this trail is an easy one for all skill levels and includes thousands of wildflowers and lots of trees. The trail also offers a variety of activity options such as bird watching, wildlife sightings, and trail running; it’s a hike that happens to be kid friendly.
Table Rock Lakeshore Trail
Covering just under 3 miles, this trail located right outside of Branson, MO features a beautiful lake and accompanying beach. With beautiful forests, fishing spots, trail running opportunities, and kid friendly trails, it’s a great hike for all skill levels.
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
The Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is a continuous loop trail that includes a beautiful lake. Many hikers love to take their dogs for walks along this trail, though dogs must always be kept leashed. Hiking is accessible all year round and includes rocky terrain, a cave, a lake and waterfall, beautiful views and plenty of wild flowers.
Hercules Glades
The Hercules Glade Wilderness offers miles and miles of hiking trails, which include gorgeous views of the Ozark Mountains, cedar trees, sprawling prairies, hickory and oak trees, and plenty of pines. Many of the trails in the area are only suitable for the most experienced hikers, while other areas are great for the whole family, so be sure to check a map of all the trails in the Hercules Glades Wilderness to pick the best spots.
The Track Family Fun Parks has always been an exciting adventure for kids of all ages, but it is now about to get even better! Offering go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf and so much more, park President Craig Wescott had felt his fun park needed just a little something extra and when he heard about the possibility of Navy Pier disposing of their Ferris wheel, he jumped at the chance, and the wheel will soon be rolling 550 miles south to its new home overlooking Branson’s dazzling strip. Branson locals are excited about the new “family member”!
History of the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
The first Ferris wheel was designed and built for the 1893 World’s Fair held in Chicago, Illinois in direct response to the success of the Eiffel Tower’s construction at the 1889 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) held in Paris. Wanting to prove that “anything they could do, we could do better”, George Washington Ferris designed and constructed the world’s first Ferris wheel and history was made.
The current wheel is a replica, built in 1995, designed as homage to Chicago’s first, and is well loved by visitors and residents alike. Chicagoans will not be left without a wheel for long, though; a new 196-foot-high Ferris Wheel should be in the old one’s place by the summer of 2016. Construction on the new wheel began in the beginning of January, so visitors to Navy Pier get to enjoy the sight of the large structure rising up into the clouds. Navy Pier CEO Brian Murphy is happy that the former Chicago Landmark will get new life in a new home and that families will continue to have the opportunity of viewing a new town from a unique perspective – 150 feet high up in the air!
Dismantling and Transporting
Dismantling and transporting the wheel will not be an inexpensive operation, nor will it be a simple one. Costing over 2.5 million dollars for transportation and maintenance to get it back into top operating order, it is now living in pieces in a gigantic Chicago warehouse, waiting for Mr. Wescott to determine the best method of transportation. The 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel has 40 gondolas and can hold 240 passengers when in operation, and will take at least 2 trucks to deliver it to its new home in beautiful Branson, Missouri. Wescott is estimating that it will be open for business by Memorial Day Weekend.