Just got back from Branson yesterday and what a wonderful time we had! Instead of seeing all the same shows as we have on our last few trips, we decided to check out some new ones too. We always see Dixie Stampede, Pierce Arrow and Mickey Gilley...they were all great! We just never seem to get tired of Dixie Stampede. This trip we added The Haygoods and The Lowe Family. The Haygoods were very good; it's definitely full of action! The highlight of our trip was The Lowe Family. It's, for lack of a better word, spectacular, and will be on every one of our trips. The talent of this entire family is unbelievable and we've never seen so many beautiful costume changes. They did a Latin number that makes me want to take dance lessons! We've got a trip planned in November and can't wait to go back!

Hi #1 Fan! Sounds like you had a great time in Branson. My wife and I are going to Branson in September and we'll check out the shows you recommend. We've never been there before so we need all the help we can get. Where do you suggest we buy our tickets? It looks like we're the pioneers of this new forum so I'm going to let my family and friends who are planning a Branson trip know about it. Some of them have been to Branson before so maybe they can make some suggestions for us new folk! Thanks again for letting us know about your trip!

I'd be careful about where you buy your tickets in Branson. There are so many shady operations that promise you the deal of the lifetime or some even offer them for 'free.' Like my good old dad used to say, "If it's too good to be true, it probably is." I found places along the street that would give you free tickets if you listen to their timeshare pitch. It's not worth it!!! Believe me! The free tickets you do get are usually to mediocure (at best) shows. Save your time and spend your money wisely. If you want a good show, you probably will pay a little more to see it. Don't throw your money away on mediocure talent.

I would recommed picking out some shows and contacting the theater directly--bypass the "deals of a lifetime" on the side of the road.

"I'd be careful about where you buy your tickets in Branson. There are so many shady operations that promise you the deal of the lifetime or some even offer them for free."

VERY GOOD ADVICE! My husband and I just returned from Branson after spending the July 4th weekend there and we got snookered in by a timeshare. They said the presentation would be 90 minutes long and we were there for over 3 hours and they were really pooring on the pressure. We finally just got up and left after some manager started insulting us. Next time we'll buy our tickets at the box office and use a coupon if one is available. [/i]

I just wanted to tell everyone about my Branson trip. We just came back from Branson over the holiday weekend and although it isn't too far away, we only manage to get up there once a year or so. Anyway, we all had a great time!

We spent two mornings at Silver Dollar City and Celebration City. Those grandkids just wear me out! Good thing I let grandpa chase them around most of the time!

The afternoons and evenings we spent seeing some really good shows. The first night we saw Yakov and laughed our pants off! He was hillarious! We also saw Cirque which left me breathless. I thought someone was going to die! Paul Harris made us laugh too-but not like Yakov. Lost in the 50s was a fun one since that's when I was young-brought back a lot of fond memories.

The only thing that frustrated us a little bit was the traffic. So many cars jammed onto such a little street. My grandson is helping me and he's going to try and put my photo of the street in this.



Well, we'll see if that works. I'd like to hear about other people's trips to Branson too!

Sounds like you had a good time. We're looking at planning our next family reunion in Branson next year. Any ideas?

Gretchin, Branson is a wonderful place for a family reunion. My family (30 of us) all met there 2 years ago for a reunion and had a great time. So much to see and do and we're planning another reunion in Branson in 2007. If you want some ideas, I'm full of them...lol Our favorites...we love Mickey Gilley and see him every trip to Branson. He and Joey Riley are very good together. We also try to see Pierce Arrow every trip (the comedian, Jarrett, makes us laugh til we're sick) and Dixie Stampede. Dixie was the very first show we saw in Branson many years ago. As I mentioned on an earlier post, we saw 2 new shows this last trip. The Haygoods at Music City Center and The Lowe Family at The Welk Theater. These are both very good shows, but The Lowe Family left us speechless. The Haygoods are all very talented and very nice looking young men so the audience was full of half-dressed screaming teenage girls. We happened to be sitting right behind 4 of them so it was a little distracting. Other than that, we enjoyed their show. Sure hope this helps a little.

We are going to be in Branson in Sept. also. We always call the theaters direct to get our tickets. You could also try www.missouribargins.com or www.bigriverbargins.com I have checked them out but haven't seen any tickets to shows we will be seeing.

It sounds like you all have had some good trips to Branson!

We're going to Branson in October for 5 days and we can't wait. Never been there before but some of our friends have told us how wonderful it is. They tell us not to miss the Paul Harris Show. That we will laugh til we're sick. Anyone out there been to this show? We're also thinking about going to Cirque since we'll have 2 teenagers with us. Thanks for any help you can give me.

Cirque is awesome! It's like a Las Vegas quality show. Something defintely different for Branson. I just amazes me how those people can do the acrobatics and feets of strength that they do. Cirque is always on my must-see list when I visit Branson.

Now Paul Harris I've never seen so I don't know. I'll have to check him out next time I'm in town.

Your friends are right! The Paul Harris Show is defiantly a "laugh til your sick" show!

Branson is a wonderful place to bring a family for a vacation! As a performer and entertainer, I have had the opportunity to get to know a lot of the shows and there is something for everyone to enjoy! Most shows have a family pass, a discounted rate for families- so make sure to ask for one. Definately spend the day at The Shepherd of the Hills- there is so much history and fun to be had there! Three shows, a guided jeep tour, the Inspiration Tower, Frog races for the Kids, Trail Rides, craft shops and everything! Based on the best-seelling novel by Harold Bell Wright, the Outdoor Drama is not the typical Branson music show- it has everything- comedy, action, good guys vs. bad guys, a love story and drama. This is something you should not miss! Shepherd is the reason why Branson is what it is today- the first tourist attraction was this homestead in 1907- coming up soon is the Celebrate 100 years of tourism in Branson- keep an eye out for events leading up to the celebration next year!

My wife and 4 kids (5,7,9 and 5 mos.) just got back from Branson. We got stuck on the Powder Keg...at the very top...yikes...at Silver Dollar City. The kids loved it. There are over 110 shows in Branson and most of the "discount ticket" places, including the Branson Tourism Center (a ticket outlet...not a real tourism center, in my opinion) had the same ole same ole as far as discount tickets. Most of the booths that are set up are to bait you into buying a time share...don't do it unless you can take the high tension sales pitches. They're just not worth it. There's a lot of shows that are "tucked away" from the billboard blitz on the strip and it's really hard to find these gems.

We saw the Horns show at the Circle B Chuckwagon. It was great! Of course, I love Western Swing music. A real "cowboy Von Trapps" deal where the whole family serves, sings and says "howdy". We loved it. The place is hard to find though. It's right across from the Grand Palace on Wildwood in the old Dinner Bell Restaurant bldg. It's something we mentioned to the Horns. Anyway, they also have a great comedian there called the Cowman. He was hysterical and did a great song called "God Bless the Women" about vets. We laughed and cried. His wife and new baby were there too.

We love the burgers at Danna's. It's on 165 and about 4 mins from Lawrence Welk's place. We also at Shorty Smalls...yummy ribs. We split a plate there was so much food!

Let's see. Oh, and we saw Cirque. It's great for the family, too. It's a bit sparse compared to O, which we've seen, but still nice.

As far as the inside scoop. Try www.bransonmom.com for their message boards or look at *www.mybransonconcierge.com*, which is coming in July or August....they have personal recommendations from Branson insiders and a coupons page.

Have fun and happy trails, ya'll.

joeygee

Nice to hear you had a wonderful time. I just love Branson! It's true that some of the best shows are off the strip. The problem is finding them! I try to avoid the strip when I can because of traffic, but I'm so nervous about getting lost and I still haven't found a map that is true to their road layout.

My husband and I just decided yesterday to try and make another Branson run this fall. I can't wait! Even though I've been to Branson several times, I'm sure there are dozens of shows I still haven't seen.
Suggestions anyone?

joeygee...Thanks for sharing about your trip, it sounds like you had a good time! If I was stuck at the top of a ride I would have freaked out, yikes is right!!!

Thanks for the positive feedback on our show! We just updated our gallery on our website with recent show pictures that you may enjoy.

Lowe Family Photo Gallery

We look forward to seeing you all in Branson!

WOW and welcome to the forum Lowe Family. We saw you on our last trip to Branson and we absolutely LOVED your show and your family. We have you booked for our next trip to Branson in November and can't wait. The nice lady at your gift cart said that one of the daughters, sorry can't remember which one, is going to be playing the harp in your Christmas show. Can you tell us which one it is please. Are there any instruments your family doesn't play?? Can't wait to see you all again. In our opinion, you have the finest show we have ever seen anywhere. And it was so nice of all of you to come out in the lobby after the show and talk with everyone. That's why we go to Branson. We love the personal touch. By the way, we did something we rarely do, and purchased one of your dvd's of the show. It's just fantastic and it's making the rounds with all our friends and neighbors. See you in November!

Does anyone have an opinion of Baldnobbers. We have reservations stay there. We are planning a visit in 3 weeks,and know nothing about Branson. We planned on getting the 3 city hopper pass at Silver Dollar City and going on the Branson Belle. Any suggestions for a newby?

THE BALDNOBBERS ARE GREAT. THEY HAVE WONDERFUL MUSIC AND GREAT COMEDY. I SEE THEM EVERYTIME I VISIT BRANSON. YOU WON'T BE DISSAPOINTED!