Monday, June 29, 2009

Legends in Concert Branson is a Legendary Good Time

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Legends in Concert show in Branson is pure entertainment from start to finish. When I went to see the show the featured performers were Marilyn Monroe, Gretchen Wilson, The Blues Brothers, Elvis and The Temptations. The line-up changes four times a year, so be sure to check which performers will be on stage when you see the show!

The new venue the Legends in Concert show calls home, the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater, is a gorgeous theater with state-of-the-art lighting and sound, creating an atmosphere where a production like Legends can really thrive. The show began with the raucous Blues Brothers, whose charismatic portrayal had me laughing and singing all at the same time. Jake Blues had the facial expressions and singing style perfected, while Elwood blues had all the dance moves down to a tee. And when the harmonica hit the microphone, watch out, because the party just got started! It was a great, energetic way to start the show. Marilyn Monroe hit the stage next and brought plenty of attractive appeal and breathy comedy to the show. Her interaction with a very willing audience participant was pure folly and had everybody laughing in their seats. The performer who embodied Marilyn did a wonderful job of embracing Marilyn’s character and mannerisms. Up next were The Temptations and boy did they have Motown down. I was singing along and swaying in my seat during their renditions of “Ain’t to Proud to Beg,” “My Girl,” and “Can’t Get Next To You.”

Gretchen Wilson and Elvis filled the second half of the show, and I was equally impressed with their performances. From the time Gretchen Wilson rolled out on her 4-Wheeler, she sang with the swagger and gusto of the “real” Gretchen Wilson. “Here for the Party,” “Redneck Woman” and “All Jacked Up” were a few of the hits she delivered during her segment. Then, the King of Rock ‘n Roll entered the building and presented an homage to Elvis’ movie hits, including “G.I. Blues,” “Shoppin’ Around,” “ Blue Hawaii” complete with a sand pit, and “Fools Rush In.” Elvis, performed by Dean Z., does an excellent job of personifying Elvis.

The Branson Legends in Concert Show is a great choice for any Branson visitor as it presents a variety of music and talented performers!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Emerald Pointe Branson is a Gem of a Place to Stay

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comEmerald Pointe in Branson is an upscale lake community offering spectacular views of Table Rock Lake yet easy access to Branson entertainment. When I arrived at the gated community of Emerald Pointe I was impressed by not only their fantastic location, but their array of amenities. There is a medium size exercise room, with elliptical and treadmill machines, an indoor and outdoor pool, free mini-golf, shuffleboard, horse shoes, an activities program and a basketball court. Plus, there is a marina on site where boats can be rented and docked.

The two bedroom condo I had the pleasure of viewing was nicely appointed with new case goods and had just had new flat screen TVs installed. Emerald Pointe by Westgate is currently in the process of updating their resort, as new roofs, décor and furniture are scheduled for the upcoming weeks. However, the current style is a contemporary décor accented with floral designs. The condo has an open floor plan, which includes a nice size living room and fully equipped kitchen, as well as washer and dryer. The master bedroom was very spacious and was equipped with a comfortable bed, and had stunning scenic views. The adjoining master bath utilized its space well and came with a large whirlpool tub, walk-in shower and dual sinks. The second bedroom also came equipped with a bathroom as well.

There are two unit types at the Branson Emerald Pointe Resort – Deluxe and Standard. The Deluxe units have larger kitchens, a screened in patio and guaranteed lake view. The standard units are somewhat smaller and do not have the lake view or screened in patio.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Stay in Luxury at The Majestic at Table Rock Lake

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Majestic at Table Rock Lake in Branson is an exquisite condominium complex featuring a peaceful setting and gorgeous lake views. When I arrived at the resort, I was impressed by the design of the property, as it is located on a main channel of Table Rock Lake yet is still just minutes from Branson shows and attractions. I also rather enjoyed the courtesy dock that is located on property. It had a swim dock (half is shaded, half is open) and courtesy boat stalls that can be rented for $15 nightly. Other amenities at The Majestic include a medium sized pool with large pavilion and open patio space for lounging. The entire pool area has a great view of the lake.

The condos offered are two and three bedrooms, and come in premier and deluxe varieties. The basic difference between premier and deluxe is that the premier units have more square feet, have a guaranteed lake view and offer both an open patio area as well as glassed in sun room. The deluxe units have an outside patio area only. The layout of the two bedroom premier condo featured an open design and luxury case goods and appliances, perfect for creating an upscale home away from home. A large flat screen TV enhanced the living room, which opened to the patio and climate controlled sunroom, which can also be accessed through the master bedroom. The bedding and beds were luxurious and comfortable, as was the whirlpool tub located in the master bath. Wireless internet is available in all of the units at The Majestic Resort.

A stay at the Branson Majestic at Table Rock Lake Resort guarantees that you’ll feel pampered while in Branson. It’s a great way to stay and play on beautiful Table Rock Lake.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Stay & Play on Table Rock Lake at Rock Lane Resort Branson

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Rock Lane Resort in Branson is located on Table Rock Lake, offering beautiful lake views and a peaceful yet inviting atmosphere that is perfect for a Branson vacation. There are a plethora of amenities available at Rock Lane Resort. Their game room is large and includes several arcade games, two pool tables and a sitting area with television. Rock Island Grill, which is located in the main building, serves breakfast and lunch daily and has stunning lake views, creating a great place to relax and have a meal. There are two outdoor pools located on property, one of which has an adjacent pool bar & snack shack (open till 6 on weekdays; 9 on weekends.) Horseshoe pits, playgrounds, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts are also available for guest enjoyment. To top it all off, there is a full service marina on-site, as well as a swim dock and courtesy docks.

The accommodations at the Branson Rock Lane Resort range from hotel rooms to one & two bedroom condominiums. The standard double queen I stayed in had a fabulous view of the lake, was very spacious and was decorated in a floral-seaside motif. It was furnished with average case goods and came with a mini-fridge and microwave and had a balcony. The two bedroom condo offered was spacious as well, with an open layout that featured a fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and living room. The two bedrooms, both furnished with queen beds, had individual bathrooms for guest convenience, with the master bath equipped with a whirlpool tub. Wireless internet is available in all of the units.

A stay at the Rock Lane Resort provides visitors with a glimpse of the other side of Branson. It’s great for families and retirees who want to experience a bit of the famous Ozark outdoors.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Branson Grand Country Amazing Pets is a Hilarious, Kid-Friendly Production

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comIf you’re looking for a show the kids will enjoy, then you’ve found it with Grand Country’s Amazing Pets in Branson. This show is an interactive family-friendly experience where kids are the focus. When I attended the show, the theater was packed with families, all of which laughed and laughed throughout the two-hour performance. The show involves a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds and a very special monkey named Frankie.

This show is fast-paced, and from the moment the show’s host, Sean Paul, brings out Frankie to answer questions the audience knows they are in for a treat. Frankie loves the spotlight and his interactions with Sean Paul, and his wife Juliann, were very funny. There are some very talented dogs in this show as well, all of which are led by Mr. Villari, who hails from Russia. His animals can perform barrel rolls, climb 6 foot tall ladders, ride bicycles and jump through hoops. They can also do dog-paw stands, and one even did a dog-stand using only one thumb. To top things off, there is a costume segment where there is a dancing tropical princess, bride & groom poodles, and a batman dog and ballerina puppy.

The birds in this show, trained by Aliona, are truly remarkable as well. They fly through hoops, climb ladders, rotate on disco balls, go down slides, ride scooters and even tight rope walk while holding a flaming stick. A pet Olympic segment pits one of Aliona’s trained birds against Frankie the monkey while they attempt somersaults, ring stacking and basketball to see who is tops in the animal world.

Perhaps the best part of the Branson Grand Country Amazing Pets show is the interaction with the kids. Between the magic “Chinese rice paper” segment and the snake segment, these kids had me laughing so hard I thought tears would come out of my eyes. The great thing about kids is that they will say and do anything, at any moment, which makes for some great live theater.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

'57 Heaven Museum Branson a Classic Look at Vintage Automobiles

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe ’57 Heaven Museum in Branson, Missouri showcases classic automobiles from 1957 along with the culture of the era. Stepping into the museum, which is located at the Dick Clark American Bandstand Complex, is like taking a step back in time as there is a drive-in movie, fire station, barbershop and old Texaco gas station that really drives the lifestyle of the era home. There are also exhibits throughout the museum that showcase fashions of the ‘50s as well as memorabilia from the decade that brought us great music and classic cars.

There are a myriad of automobiles to see at the museum as every car manufacturer from 1957 is represented at ’57 Heaven, including Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Cadillac, DeSoto, Hudson, Nash, Studebaker, and Packard. As I made my way through a recreated “Hometown America,” I was impressed by the sheer variety presented. I viewed every American-made make and model of 1957 convertibles, including the Chevy Bel-Air Convertible, plus hard tops like the Hudson Hornet, pick-up trucks such as the Studebaker Transtar and station wagons like the Packard “Clipper” Country Sedan. An authentic Plymouth Belvedere police car, three body styles of the extremely rare Chevy El Morocco and the car that set the land speed record at the Daytona Beach Race in 1957 are also on display.

A stroll through the Branson ’57 Heaven Museum is a great way to reconnect with good old-fashioned Americana. It’s a nostalgic look at classic automobiles and the pristine condition of the cars, as well as detailed presentation will make car enthusiasts and tourists alike revel at the “wonder” years of automobiles.

Indian Point Resort an Ideal Place to Stay on Table Rock Lake

Reviewed by Ashley of ReserveDirect.comThe Indian Point Resort in Branson, Missouri, located on gorgeous Table Rock Lake, is part of a resort complex that includes Trails End Resort & Eagles View Resort, all on a quiet cove that offers peaceful seclusion. Plus, the complex offers a deal where you can stay at one, but play at all three! The Indian Point Resort features several amenities, including a guest boat dock, a rental marina where guests can rent pontoons, ski boats, fishing boats and wave runners. Plus, they have paddleboats available FREE to guests. There are also a total of 5 heated pools throughout the three properties, as well as 5 hot tubs & 3 kiddie pools. The Hot Tubs are open year round, the two regularly heated pools are open March-December, and the Super Heated pool is open year round. There is also a walking trail for additional outdoor fun.

The lodges at Branson’s Indian Point Resort range from 1-4 bedroom units, and they offer a lakeside location with great views. The units themselves are charming, and feature a spacious layout. All have patios with seating and BBQ grill, as well as fireplace. The living rooms are fairly large and there is also a full kitchen for guest convenience. The condos at Indian Point Resort are similar to the condos found at Eagles View, and they have a standard flat screen television, , fireplace and balcony with lake view.

The Indian Point Resort is a wonderful place to stay if you enjoy the outdoors and are looking to enjoy a different side of Branson.