Showboat Branson Belle Shines with New Shows

The Showboat Branson Belle is a unique Branson venue highlighting not only the talent of the Midwest, but the beauty of the Ozarks.  Featuring amazing vocalists, talented musicians and laugh-out-loud humor, this Branson show entertained me from start to finish. Plus, a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle is incredible, as the scenic beauty of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake take center stage.

I recommend any Showboat Branson Belle visitor to arrive to the boat at least 30-40 minutes prior to show time, as this gives you time to peruse the docking area, take pictures and find your seats without being rushed. Food service also begins 10 minutes prior to the actual show, as does drink service.

The Showboat infuses a combination of dance, singing, and comedy, all accompanied by a live band, creating a show known as Made in the USA.  The Showmen, the Rockin’ Dockers, Christopher James and Janice Martin are the featured performers.   The eclectic mix of talent kept the show fresh and fun, with The Showmen excelling on renditions of “Seven Bridges Road” by the Eagles and “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts. Their medley of pop hits featuring everything from The Temptations to The Beach Boys to The Beatles and The Jackson 5 really got the crowd moving and was one of my favorite portions of the show. Janice Martin, a classically trained violinist, pianist and vocalist, shone while performing “Rhapsody in Blue” and “Orange Blossom Special,” but the highlight of her performance was her aerial act, during which she maneuvers gracefully though the air during a violin solo.

Christopher James, the Emcee of the show, is a hilarious addition to the Showboat Branson Belle cast. His comedic timing, magician skills and engaging manner with the audience was the glue of Encore.

Branson's Acrobats of China Amazes Guests

The Acrobats of China in Branson, Missouri is a family-friendly show full of entertainment featuring the talented, acrobatic artists of China. This show amazed me from the very beginning, as these performers defy gravity, pushing their skills to new heights and generally do the impossible with their bodies.

A few of the highlights of the 2 hours Acrobats of China show were the two girls in the first 30 minutes who lock arms and maneuver each other sideways, overhead, and even into a human plank position. These girls and their ability to transcend the normal movement of human bodies was truly amazing. Another spectacular stunt featured the males of the group jumping through hoops, literally! They would run, jump, flip, or somersault into a stand of hoops, and at one point the hoop was five circles high! The way these performers gracefully swooped through these small circles, and at such a height, was unbelievable. The sash climbing segment had to be my most favorite, as it was the most “hold your breath” trick of the show. As the girl walks on stage, she holds on to sashes hanging from the ceiling, and seamlessly climbs the sash, tying it around her feet all the while, and in turn, brings the show to new heights!

Branson’s Acrobats of China features many other acrobatic tricks, including juggling a 35 pound jug, a magic trick, chair balancing and rope walking on a swinging rope.

This is a great show for families with children, as the kids in the audience were completely enthralled by the entertainers. Overall, though, it is a good choice for any Branson visitor looking to be amazed by the human body!

Dare to be Scared at Ripley's Haunted Adventure

Ripley’s attractions are a staple of the Myrtle Beach entertainment scene.  There are five fantastic attractions in the Grand Strand area, including Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Ripley’s Moving Theater and Ripley’s Mirror Maze.  For over thirty years families have been flocking to these affordable family attractions that add unbelievable fun to any beach vacation.

If you dare to be scared visit Ripley’s Haunted Adventure for a terrifying trip through a three-story haunted house.  High-tech animatronics, live actors, dozens of gory scenes and pitch-black areas will haunt you until you escape the attraction.   As you walk through the haunted scenes, your heart will race, your senses will heighten and you’ll know you are in the fright zone.  Stay with your group and enjoy the scare!

Plus, it’s located right next door to Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Moving Theater and Mirror Maze attractions so you can conveniently add even more Ripley’s attractions to your itinerary. 

Note: Ripley’s Haunted Adventure can be quite frightening, and is not recommended for children.   

Wind Your Way through Ripley's Mirror Maze

Ripley’s attractions are a staple of the Myrtle Beach entertainment scene.  There are five fantastic attractions in the Grand Strand area, including Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Ripley’s Moving Theater and Ripley’s Mirror Maze.  For over thirty years families have been flocking to these affordable family attractions that add unbelievable fun to any beach vacation.

At Ripley’s Mirror Maze you are tested to see if you can find the way out.  It’s great fun and a different experience every time you try!  There are over 100 mirrors, LED lights and surround sound bringing together an atmosphere of infinite reflections.  Encounter surprising corners, dead ends and continuous circles until you find the way through the maze.  You can go through the maze as many times as you’d like with your Ripley’s Mirror Maze tickets.  Compete for the best time and let the winner earn a free ice cream on the boardwalk! 

Plus, it’s located right next door to the Haunted Adventure, Moving Theater and Museum attractions so you can conveniently add even more Ripley’s attractions to your itinerary. 

Action-Packed Adventure Awaits at Ripley's Moving Theater

Ripley’s attractions are a staple of the Myrtle Beach entertainment scene.  There are five fantastic attractions in the Grand Strand area, including Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Ripley’s Moving Theater and Ripley’s Mirror Maze.  For over thirty years families have been flocking to these affordable family attractions that add unbelievable fun to any beach vacation.

If you want to experience a movie that you ride, head to Ripleys Moving Theater Myrtle Beach.   Prepare for a motion simulator ride featuring action-packed adventure flicks with special effects ad moving seats, Six-channel surround sound, a large movie screen, and 4-D imagery adds to the only virtual reality attraction in Myrtle Beach.  Two movies are shown, and they are on continuous runs, so you can stop in to ride Ripley’s Moving Theater any time!  Plus, the attraction does have non-moving seats for guests that would rather not feel every bump, twist and dip. 

Ripley's Moving Theater is located right next door to the Haunted Adventure, Mirror Maze and Museum attractions so you can conveniently add even more Ripley’s attractions to your itinerary. 

See If You Believe It or Not at Ripley's Museum Myrtle Beach

Ripley’s attractions are a staple of the Myrtle Beach entertainment scene.  There are five fantastic attractions in the Grand Strand area, including Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Ripley’s Moving Theater and Ripley’s Mirror Maze.  For over thirty years families have been flocking to these affordable family attractions that add unbelievable fun to any beach vacation.

At Ripleys Believe It or Not Myrtle Beach you can explore a museum filled with oddities, treasures and unique exhibits.  The cracked façade of the over the building houses over 500 bizarre, strange and interesting items.  Take a look at shrunken head, gape at a 6-legged calf, and compare yourself to the world’s tallest man.  Marvel at the oddities before you and see if you believe it or not!  A visit to the Ripley’s Museum is an interesting way to spend a few hours.  Plus, it’s located right next door to the Haunted Adventure, Mirror Maze and Moving Theater attractions so you can conveniently add even more Ripley’s attractions to your itinerary. 

Reserve Ripleys Believe It or Not tickets to discover a world of the strange, bizarre and downright unusual.   

Brookgreen Gardens Combines Sculptures & South Carolina Scenery

Escape to Brookgreen Gardens for a memorable day in Myrtle Beach.  The sculpture garden and wildlife preserve is located in Murrell’s Inlet, just a short drive from the popular beach destination.  Quaint, peaceful and serene, Brookgreen Gardens puts the full beauty of South Carolina on display.  Take a stroll through the manicured lawns and blooming gardens, admire the world-renowned sculptures and visit the wildlife that call the Gardens home.

There is something simply spectacular about the 9,200 acres of Brookgreen Gardens South Carolina.  From its beginnings in 1931, when Archer and Anna Huntington founded the estate, the focus of Brookgreen has been to preserve the native flora and fauna of the area while incorporating beautiful pieces of art into the natural setting.  That focus has led Brookgreen Gardens to earn a spot on the National Historic Landmark list and the Gardens are also recognized as having one of the most significant collections of American sculpture.    A varied mix of landscapes, from forested swamps to salt marshes, and low-hanging, twisting trees over 100 years old, make the setting of Brookgreen Gardens extremely picturesque. 
 

Live Oak Allee

Plan to spend several hours at Brookgreen Gardens as there is a lot to explore.  Every day a selection of tours, programs, excursion and exhibits are planned.  Walk the Lowcountry Trail to discover some of the area’s history, while a visit to the Zoo will put you up-close to native animals of the Carolinas like alligators, eagles, wild turkeys and deer.  A cypress aviary and butterfly house add to the Zoo, which is the only Zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on the coast of North and South Carolina.  



Samson and the Lion

One of my favorite places at the Gardens was the Live Oak Allee garden.  Here I found an area comprised of 250 year old oak trees planted when this land was used as a rice plantation.  Spanish moss and fern hang from the trees lined the garden space, framing it in a an ever-so-artful manner.  The heart and soul of the Brookgreen Gardens are the sculptures, which beautifully blend with the natural scenery and vibrant flowers.  There are over 1,400 works total, by over 350 artists.  Some of the standout pieces include the Alligator Bender, Diana of the Chase, Samson and the Lion, and Fountain of the Muses. 

Make time for a visit Brookgreen Gardens.  The expansive attraction is a hidden gem for many visitors, but ask any local and they rave about all the Gardens have to offer.  Plus, your admission to Brookgreen Gardens I valid for seven consecutive days so you can come back, explore even more or simply spend time in the solitude of this splendid South Carolina treasure.