Train ride through Ozarks among adventures in Branson

The scenery was spectacular as we nestled our way through tunnels, over trestles and through the southwest Missouri wilderness that is still home to much of the wildlife and other ruins of long-ago communities now named on railroad maps.

To learn more the Branson Scenic Railway, visit www.bransontrain.com/.

Located a few blocks away from the train depot you will find waterfront shopping, entertainment and restaurants at Branson Landing. We strolled along the 1.5-mile boardwalk where the sidewalks were filled with shoppers meandering in and out of stores like Belk Department Store, Bass Pro Shop, and over 100 specialty stores. There is food for every palate too. Whether you are in the mood for fine dining, BBQ, or a sub sandwich, there’s something for everyone. It’s a haven for the finest restaurant and dining choices in the Midwest.

Another spectacular part of our stay was the 2 ½ acre Town Square at Branson Landing. It’s the home to a $7.5 million water fountain spectacular, synchronized to light, sound, music and fire on the waterfront. It was created by the foremost fountain designers of the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.

I sat in amazement as I watched the interplay of water fountains shooting 120-foot geysers and fire cannons blasting, all choreographed to light and music. With a 1,500 seat amphitheatre, it’s the perfect place to take in a concert or other special event.
We stayed in the heart of historic downtown at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing on Lake Taneycomo. This is the place for luxury and convenience to tons of Branson attractions. It’s the perfect place to hang your hat on a trip to Branson. It is minutes from theatres, shopping, golf courses, Table Rock Lake, and numerous attractions.

The hotel has a residential feel with rooms with one king bed or two queens beds. They feature the Hilton Serenity collection which includes a pillow top mattress, down comforter and 250 thread count triple sheets. Our room had an easy chair with ottoman, 32 inch flat panel television, a large well-lit work desk with granite counter tops, two phone lines with data ports and voice mail, high speed Internet access, a miniature refrigerator and more.

For more information on the hotel, log onto www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/HROBRHH-Hilton-Promenade.

While at the hotel, we treated ourselves to night out at the Level 2 Steakhouse. It’s located just across the street at the Hilton Hotel and Convention Center. This was an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant features 28-day aged corn fed Midwest beef, fresh seafood, heritage Missouri pork, locally grown produce and signature house made desserts.

Try anything on the menu and you’ll be happy, although I highly recommend the Dungeness Crab Cakes and Pan-Seared Hawaiian Ahi Tuna to start. We followed that with a mouth-watering steak with fresh cut onion rings and egg noodles and cheese sauce. Be sure to save room for their signature dessert, Missouri Butter Cake.

One afternoon, we were treated to the music of Jason Yaeger while having lunch at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner. Yaeger, who made it to American Idol’s Top 24, is one of the professional singing servers who entertain diners as they eat. Another American Idol finalist, Matt Kester, is also among the line-up of talented singers, who must audition for their jobs. Many have been on or are currently on some of Branson’s most popular productions, including Shoji Tobuchi, The Promise, Magnificent 7, The Presley’s, and many more. We heard gospel, country and a variety of genres while we dined on a Hard Luck Burger and a Hard Times Patty Melt. This is a time to splurge on a Shake or Float. Their ice cream is the best. This classic diner is located in the Grand Village at 2800 West 76 Country Blvd. They say Mel’s is where “We sing for Your Supper.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Branson is always a mecca to see top notch shows, so it was hard to narrow down our choices, but we were pleased with each and every decision. First, we saw Ray Stevens who is celebrating 50 years in the music business this year. He’s sold more than 25 million albums and over 4 million videos throughout his illustrious career, and still kept the crowd in stitches with his observant and witty songwriting. Stevens performed the old classics such as, “It’s Me Again Margaret” and “The Streak,” as well as his new song, “We the People.”

For more information, go to www.WelkResortBranson.com.

We also experienced a musical extravaganza at the Shoji Tabuchi Show. Here, we experienced blazing violins, stunning harmonies and world-class choreography. We watched in amazement as this talented group performed country, gospel, and songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Tabuchi is quiet the showman himself. He is truly a musical perfectionist with a heart of gold.

The musical is showcased in a theatre that is often called the “Showplace of Branson.” Its décor is reminiscent of the grand theatre palaces of the 1930s and even the restrooms will leave you in awe.

For more information, log onto www. shoji.com.

“Noah, the Musical,” was next on our list. It brought the story of Noah to life like never before. We traveled with Noah along his journey as he became overwhelmed to fulfill God’s will against all odds. This show is presented in grand fashion, complete with an on-stage ark, live animals and an incredibly intricate set design. We watched as Noah and his family led live animals through the crowd to actually feeling as if we were stepping inside the Arc. It’s well worth the trip.

This musical will continue at the Sight and Sound Theater until October 2011. They will halt the performance from October 30 – December 31, 2010 for their Christmas production, Miracle of Christmas.

For more information on Noah or the Miracle of Christmas visit www.sight-sound.com.

To start planning your visit to Branson, log onto www.explorebranson.com.