| Coming
to America on Titanic
By Jaynee, Titanic First Class Maid
 
Did
you know Titanic was conceived in London, born in Belfast, Northern
Ireland, registered as a British mail ship out of Liverpool but was
actually owned by an American railroad tycoon by the name of J.P.
Morgan? I know, it surprised me, too, but that’s Titanic for
you, full of surprises and mysterious mysteries as my dear auntie
used to say.
Well, as the story goes, J.P. had his very own private suite and promenade
deck on Titanic and was supposed to be on board for her maiden voyage,
but a last-minute change of plans saved the millionaire from watching
his big investment slip away. Many of the ship’s 270 American
first class passengers weren’t so lucky.
Coming to America on Titanic, rich or poor, was the ultimate adventure
in 1912. It was a time of opulence and conspicuous spending for the
independently wealthy like American first class passengers John Jacob
Astor and his young wife, Madeleine; Margaret “Molly”
Brown; and Ida and Isador Straus, owners of Macy’s department
store. Meanwhile, below decks, it was a time of hope and wishful thinkin’
for the 710 poor souls in third class who were seeking independence
of their own in a new and shiny place: “They’ve got a
dream to take them there. Got a dream they’ve come to share.
They’re coming to America.” But, alas, the dreamers aboard
Titanic would awaken to a terrible nightmare on April 15, 1912.
Every year at this time, when freedom’s light is burning bright,
I think of them—all of those dear people, young and old, who
wanted so badly to live the American Dream we celebrate on Independence
Day. By chance or by ancestry, we were all in the same boat at one
time or another. Whatever it took. However we got here…we’re
together now, saluting the flag that unites us all.
May God bless America.
Cruise
into the new Branson Auto Museum
The brand new
Branson Auto Museum will feature all types of collectible automobiles,
including hot rods, muscle, classics and celebrity/TV vehicles. The
museum, located at 1335 West Hwy. 76, will display more than 100 rare
automobiles, some of which will also be for sale. Additionally, there
will be approximately 15 cars outside of the building for sale. You
could drive away with the car of your dreams! This also means the
display will continuously change. You’ll find unique and hard-to-find
automotive-related items in the gift shop.
School groups are encouraged to visit and learn the history of the
automobile. Each vehicle will feature an information plaque, describing
the year, make, model and interesting facts about the vehicle. Some
permanent automobiles will have a video presentation from a local
entertainer/celebrity describing the vehicle.
After browsing the incredible collection, grab a bite to eat at the
200-seat full-service restaurant also located on the property. Olyvia’s
Restaurant features American-style food, including steaks, seafood,
pasta and more. Live entertainment will also be available beginning
in May.
The Branson Auto Museum will be open 9 a.m. 9 p.m. in the spring
and summer. For more information, call 417-335-2600. You can also
visit their website at www.bransonmuseum.com
Branson
Landing…
Where the
Adventurous Shop, Dine, Play & Stay!

Branson Landing is a 95 acre entertainment retail destination, offering
sumptuous living, eclectic shops, fine dining, intimate cafés
and nightspots, and a waterfront boardwalk - all animated with live
entertainment and a first-of-its-kind merging of water, fire, light
and music.
The 1.5-mile-long Branson Landing waterfront development bursts forth
with a dazzling $7.5 million water fountain spectacular in town square.
From Town Square, you will find more than 100 specialty stores and
restaurants, a multitude of entertainment options, strolling atmosphere
characters, a dynamic schedule of events, the Hilton Promenade Hotel,
as well as the New Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.
Experience year-round shopping between the two Anchor stores, Bass
Pro Shops and Belk Department Store, with favorites such as Aéropostale,
Ann Taylor Loft, Charlotte Russe, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek,
Hollister, J. Jill, Victoria’s Secret, White House|Black Market
and many more.
The development's signature waterfront dining offers a multitude of
options, including Cantina Laredo, Texas Land & Cattle, Bar Louie,
Joe's Crab Shack, Famous Dave's BBQ, Garfield's Pub & Restaurant,
plus a dozen specialty food shops. With the most recent openings of
Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar & Grill, Bass Pro's White River
Fish House and Romano's Macaroni Grill, guests are sure to find a
variety of different dining environments from which to choose, certain
to satisfy any appetite.
In addition to the wide variety of shopping and dining options, one
can also find exciting adventures aboard Ride the Ducks Land and Lake
Sightseeing Tours or by visiting the Branson Landing Marina &
Shoppes, where you can take a cruise on Lake Taneycomo aboard Branson’s
Lake Queen or Branson’s Landing Princess, departing daily from
Branson Landing. Guests visiting the new waterfront area behind Joe’s
Crab Shack will also discover Denny’s Harley Davidson Store,
a Marina Gift Shop, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop and Shorty
Small’s Restaurant and Dockside Pub, all located within the
Branson Landing Marina & Shoppes.
For a complete listing of shops, restaurants, sales, special events,
concerts and more, visit www.bransonlanding.com.
Branson's
Ozark Mountain Spring Debuts
Dozens
of Special Events and Festivals Set
for March, April and May

As the daytime temperatures begin to rise and the dogwoods, redbuds
and wildflowers transform the Ozarks into a springtime oasis, Branson’s
world-famous live music shows celebrate 50 years, while family attractions
and unique theme parks introduce new acts, features, and exhibits
for the season.
New
this year, Ozark Mountain Spring will offer special events and festivals
throughout the community.
From March through May, Ozark Mountain Spring’s full calendar
will feature the thrill of NAIA college basketball and one of the
nation’s largest air shows; collector car auctions and culinary
demonstrations; FLW bass tournaments as well as the international
folk music and cuisines of World-Fest, to name just a few. Spring
is a perfect time to experience all that the Branson/Lakes Area
has to offer.
New in 2009, The Great American Pie Show, featuring NBC’s
Al Roker as a celebrity judge, will be held April 24-25 at the Branson
Convention Center. Culinary events are popular nationwide and Taste
of Home magazine’s cooking demonstrations will be a part of
the festivities that weekend.
Special events are planned each week during Ozark Mountain Spring
including the Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show, Kewpiesta
at Rose O’Neill’s beloved Bonniebrook and Silver Dollar
City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival.
“Ozark Mountain Spring mirrors another successful concept:
Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Ross Summers, President/CEO
of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB.
Twenty years ago, Branson went dark after Thanksgiving. Now, November
has become Branson’s second busiest month. Ozark Mountain
Christmas has become one of the region’s top holiday destinations.
It is so successful that it was featured last year on the Travel
Channel’s “Most Christmasy Places” special. For
more information about Branson events, call 1-800-BRANSON
Dixie Stampede
More than a show; it's an adventure!

Dixie
Stampede is a fun-filled, action-packed dinner and show extravaganza
for everyone! It’s the perfect place for families, friends and
groups to gather for spectacular special effects and amazing stunts
by some of the most talented performers in the area. It brings together
stunning artists, amazing horse feats, fantastic stunt riders, magic
and audience participation, with a delicious four-course dinner for
one amazing price.
Dixie Stampede began as a dream for world-renowned singer and entertainer
Dolly Parton. “With the grand entertainment of our horses and
performers, along with a delicious meal, Dixie Stampede is the most
fun place to eat anywhere,” said Parton.
With 32 horses, dozens of cast members, a stampede of Longhorn steer,
amazing ostrich races, magic and seating for 1,000 around a 35,000
sq. ft. arena, Dixie Stampede is more than a show…it’s
an adventure!
Come
early and take a stroll by the outdoor stable area where you can get
a preview of the magnificent performers — the horses themselves!
Then stop by the Carriage Room for a pre-show with Albert Lucas, Guinness
record sport juggler. Enjoy popcorn, peanuts and a beverage while
being entertained. At show time, you’ll be escorted into the
beautiful arena where the extravaganza begins … the Dixie Stampede
four-course meal and show of a lifetime.
For reservations or more information, call 1-800-520-5544. You can
also visit their Web site at www.dixiestampede.com
Get
Up-Close with the Stars at Hollywood Wax Museum

Dozens
of A-list stars are ready and waiting to take photos with you at the
newly renovated Hollywood Wax Museum in Branson. The landmark attraction
has brought new star power and dynamic style to the show during its
recent $5 million renovation. The fresh lineup of expertly sculpted
celebrity wax figures is set in open environments where guests enjoy
interacting with them and taking photos while being part of great
television and movie moments.
Kris Zeisler, executive producer of “You Want Answers”
on the Travel Channel, said he recognizes the quality, fun and value
of the experience at the Hollywood Wax Museum. “After exploring
wax museums across the country, our editorial team decided to feature
the Hollywood Wax Museum,” Zeisler said. The attraction will
be named “Best American Wax Museum” in a segment scheduled
to air on the Travel Channel this spring.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the Hollywood Wax Museum’s
extensive collection of celebrity gifts and memorabilia available
for sale at the Studio Store.
The Hollywood Wax Museum Branson is located at 3030 W. Hwy.
76, across from the Starlite Theatre. It opens every day of the year
at 8 a.m. For more information, call (417) 337-8277 or you can visit
their website at www.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com.
Showstopping
Cruises Now Boarding

All aboard the largest ship ever built on a landlocked
lake, the Showboat Branson Belle. Set sail on a beautiful two-hour
voyage at noon, 4 or 8 p.m. onboard the 700-seat, 1890s-style paddle
wheeler. Journey past the lush Ozark Mountains on the crystal clear
waters of Table Rock Lake and experience elegant Branson dining
and a spectacular show.
Discover breathtaking views from the vessel’s three grand
decks and experience fabulous dining with a delicious three-course
meal prepared fresh daily in the ship’s galley and served
by a first-class waitstaff. For that extra-special occasion, your
ticket can be upgraded to premium dining in the intimate Paddle
Wheel Club Room or along the Captain’s Row. There, a decadent
meal can be chosen from a menu of exquisite entrées, and
guests are pampered with personal service and VIP show seating.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the Showboat’s production, Showstoppers,
featuring talented singers and dancers performing nearly 50 musical
numbers, from Broadway hits and big-screen ballads to audience favorites.
All while a world-class emcee and a phenomenal six-piece orchestra,
showcasing a combined total of 250 years in the industry, take the
live show to a whole other level. Plus, don’t miss the unique
comedy stylings of magician Christopher James at noon and nationally
acclaimed ventriloquist Todd Oliver and his three talking dogs —
Irving, Lucy and Elvis — on evening cruises. Enjoy cruising
on the Showboat March through December.
For more information, call 800-475-9370. You can also visit their
Web site at www.showboatbransonbelle.com.
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