Best Read Guide Branson Missouri

Branson is The Shepherd of the Hills country

From the novel of the same name written by Harold Bell Wright in 1907, until now, you will see its influence everywhere.
In 1907 when the book was published, it quickly became the fourth most widely read novel in the United States. The book also was made part of school curriculums across the Midwest corridor for its great historical authenticity. As a result, tourists started flocking to the area to see the places written about and to meet the actual people from the book.
Hospitality was just as great then as it is now, and the locals not only made the visitors feel welcome and right at home, but also started performing little scenes of the book on the front lawns of their homes to rave reviews. Over the years, this production was expanded. Now there is an outdoor theatre where the entire book is depicted with great detail and excitement, making it the most performed outdoor drama in America.
As you travel around Branson, look for the names “Old Matt’s Guest House,” “Baldknobbers,” “Shepherd of the Hills Expressway,” “Aunt Mollie’s Inn,” “Little Pete’s Road,” “Dewey Bald,” “Shepherd of the Hills Realtors” and more — all of these businesses took their names directly from the book.
Don’t miss The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama at Old Mill Theatre — it is still history in the making. For more information, call 417-334-4191. You can also visit their Web site at www.theshepherdofthehills.com.

Mount Pleasant Winery

Mount Pleasant Winery’s 9,200 square-foot tasting and bottling experience in Branson is nestled on two acres on Green Mountain Drive. The beautiful ledgestone building will offer patrons the chance to sample Mount Pleasant’s numerous celebrated wines while relaxing at the black stone bar or in one of the separate tasting rooms. Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to bottle their own wine from a specially designed 600-gallon French oak barrel.
Conveniently located just down the road from the Moon River Theatre where Andy Williams performs, Mount Pleasant’s Branson facility is not far from “the strip,” making the winery a great place for theatergoers to unwind between shows.
Founded in 1859, Mount Pleasant Winery is the oldest winery in Augusta, Missouri, the first government-appointed wine-growing district in the United States. The winery grows 12 varieties of grapes on its 85-acre site, producing 45,000 cases of wine -annually, including estate-bottled wines and international award-winning ports. The winery will offer two sweeter varieties, one red and one white, just for Branson. Mount Pleasant will also offer their own grape juice to its Branson patrons.
Perfect for individuals, small groups and bus tours, Mount Pleasant’s Branson facility is open Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can also visit their Web site at www.mountpleasantwinery.com