Mickey Gilley in Branson Proves He's Still #1

The Mickey Gilley Show in Branson, Missouri is a great way to see the legendary Mickey Gilley in all of his glory. He performs many of his #1 hits and brings his stellar showmanship to the stage to a deliver two hours of great entertainment. The show begins with “# 1 Rock 'n Roll C & W Boogie Blues Man,” and soon Gilley is singing “Fool for your Love,” which was excellent. Gilley interacts and talks with the audience throughout his show, adding a personal touch to the songs he performs. “Room Full of Roses,” and “I Overlooked an Orchid” were wonderfully performed and “A Headache Tomorrow” and “Girls get Prettier at Closing Time” showcased Gilley’s lighter side, and the fun he had in his heyday. “Talk to Me” and “Put Your Dreams Away” were also beautifully performed to great applause.

Joey Riley’s comedy plays a big role in the show, and you can tell Mickey Gilley really enjoys the zingers they throw back and forth at each other. At one point, Gilley even does a Sonny & Cher impersonation, and the hilariousness of it all doesn’t surpass anyone in the audience. On songs like “Why Me Lord,” “I’ll Fly Away” and “Justify Your Love” Mickey Gilley shows that he is still the man who brought all those #1’s home! Gilley really shines on “Great Balls of Fire,” where his piano skills are on full display.

Of course, Branson’s Mickey Gilley also does a special tribute segment to the “Urban Cowboy,” which he helped make famous. “Orange Blossom Special,” with Joey Riley on fiddle, really got my feet tapping and “Here Comes the Hurt Again,” “Honky Tonk Wine,” and “Hello Texas” showcase the music that made the movie famous. Gilley ends the show with rousing renditions of “Lookin’ for Love” and “Stand by Me,” while showing everybody he still has what it takes to be a hit!

Haygoods Deliver the Goods During Their Branson Shows

The Haygoods Show in Branson, Missouri is a fast-paced, energetic show featuring a variety of music. The show features seven brothers and one sister who excel at performing. From the many different instruments they can play, to the bravado of their voices, these performers are truly talented. The show begins with a medley of Motown hits, including “How Sweet It Is,” “Get Ready,” “I Can’t Help Myself,” and “Can’t Get Next to You.” I was really impressed with the vocals of these performances! A Swing music segment was next, and the black light production aspect of this segment made it visually appealing, as did the dance moves. The Haygood family are all talented musicians, and during all of their songs, this talent is on full display. Doo-Wop songs are also played tribute to, and the Haygoods really shine on “In the Still of the Night.”

The Haygoods set the stage on fire (literally!) during renditions of “Johnny B. Goode,” “Shake, Rattle & Roll,” and “Great Balls of Fire.” Hilarity ensues when they invoke the Blues Brothers, but one of the highlights of the evening were the instrumental versions of “Eleanor Rigby” and “Amazing Grace.” The song, “Go Rest High on that Mountain,” served as their veteran tribute, and this performance was one of the best of the night!

Other highlights of the night included “Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “Seven Bridges Road” and an lively dance segment that features the boys kicking up their heels ‘til the sparks fly. The show ends with a medley of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “Proud to be an American,” which is a perfect way to cap off an evening featuring the talent of this all-American family.

The Branson Haygoods Show is an entertaining choice for any Branson visitor.

Branson's Rankin Brothers Show an Instant Classic

The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue in Branson, Missouri transports guests to the golden age of music, featuring classic hits by the Everly Brothers, the Righteous Brothers, Elvis, Buddy Holly and many other unforgettable performers who paved the way for artists today. The show begins with a rousing rendition of “Old Time Rock ‘n Roll” and segued into hits like “Summertime Blues,” “Taking Care of Business,” and “Sweet Caroline,” which sounded so good I thought Neil Diamond was performing!

The songs performed throughout the show are melodies we all know, and the Rankin Brothers showcase their pure talent on favorites like “Wake Up ‘Lil Susie,” “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling,” and “The Sound of Silence.” The Rankinettes, the girl group of the show, also perform hits like “One Fine Day” and “Leader of the Pack” to great applause.

The second half of Branson’s Rankin Brothers Show begins with a prom theme and songs like “Unchained Melody” and “Twistin’ the Night Away” are performed as the nostalgic waves embrace the crowd. Jukebox hits are played to tribute to next, as “Great Balls of Fire,” “In the Jungle,” and “I’m Walkin" filled the theater. The show concludes with a wonderful performance of “Johnny B. Goode” that really brings down the house.

The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue is a great show choice for any Branson visitor.

Branson's Chateau on the Lake offers Extraordinary Elegance & Superb Scenery

The Chateau on the Lake in Branson, Missouri is a beautiful property situated on an Ozark Mountain, overlooking scenic Table Rock Lake. The property is lavish in regards to both its size and amenities offered, creating an atmosphere Branson guests can truly enjoy. The beauty of the Chateau is highlighted throughout its many areas, beginning with its lobby. The massive interior landscaping is centered on a flowing waterfall that cascades through rocks and foliage. It is a beautiful sight to see, and superbly combines the elegance of the Chateau with the natural aspects of Branson’s Ozark Mountains.

The rooms offered at the Chateau are of double/double or king varieties. The rooms are lavishly decorated and offer the utmost in relaxation. The Serta beds are very comfortable, and the style of the room, which features rich browns and maroons, creates an ambiance of comfort not many properties achieve with such distinction. The rooms are very spacious as well, offer mountain vista views, and come furnished with leather chair, executive desk with chairs, ’27 TV and in-room safe. The appealing aspects of the Chateau’s rooms are extended to its bathrooms, which are ornamented with stunning tile that compliments the other décor of the room. The spaciousness of the bathroom is also extended with a curved shower rod addition.

The rooms at Branson’s Chateau of the Lake are just part of the experience. The amenities featured at the resort are all-encompassing. The beautiful landscape provides several ‘garden’ areas for relaxing, as do the wrap-around verandas offering picturesque views of Table Rock Lake. There are two tennis courts, a basketball court, movie theater (capacity=50 people,) a large indoor pool and Jacuzzi that is open 24 hours a day, a children’s playground area, outdoor pool of large proportion with Jacuzzi and plenty of lounging space, well-equipped fitness center with new equipment and round the clock availability, as well as a full service Spa.

On top of this extensive list of amenities, the Chateau also features a deli with poolside service, a Sweet Shoppe, two restaurants, including the Chateau Grille, and The Library Lounge, which has cocktail service, flat panel TV’s and gorgeous vistas that go one for miles.

The attention to detail at the Chateau creates an atmosphere guests will truly enjoy. From the bell service when you arrive, to the optional valet parking, this resort is in a class all its own.

Branson's Yakov Smirnoff Combines Love & Laughter during Show

The Yakov Smirnoff Show in Branson, Missouri is a show based on Yakov’s own observational humor, including the differences between his upbringing in Russia and his transition to American life. The show begins with a broadway-style segment called “Laugh, Laugh,” which ends with the introduction of Yakov. His comedy is front and center during the first half of the show, were he comments on everything from baby changing stations to his misconceptions of American culture. The show also showcases the culture of Yakov’s native land, as he has Russian dancers perform traditional routines highlighting Russian customs. Yakov salutes his new home, Branson, with a song called “From Red to Redneck.” The Russian dancers also have fun with Midwest culture, performing a Russian Hoedown. My favorite part of the evening was during Yakov’s moment as President of the U.S.A., during which he answered questions from the audience. If humor was the fastest way to fix the current problems at hand, then Yakov would get my vote!

The second half of the Branson Yakov Smirnoff Show is dedicated to Yakov’s new passion, the psychology of Love and Laughter, and how the two are connected in everyday life. Yakov discusses this serious topic with humor and witty banter, and his Laboratory of Laughter shows guests how happiness can only be achieved once you are truly happy with your inner self. This segment is highlighted by a Pirate Scene, in which the treasure chest of unending happiness is unlocked to show it contains everything already inside of you! During the second half, Yakov also pays tribute to America, the graces it has bestowed upon him and the opportunities it holds for us all. The final segment is very moving, as Yakov discusses his first night in America and how it molded him into the man he is today.

Pointe Royale in Branson a Royal Place to Stay

The Pointe Royale Condominium Resort & Golf Course in Branson offers an extensive array of amenities for guests. The gated community offers privacy and security, along with several ‘extras’ that make guests feel right at home. The Clubhouse at Pointe Royale features the Royale Room, Grand Regal Room, exercise center (which is very big and is equipped with 3 TV’s for your enjoyment,) lounge with additional patio, an indoor heated pool, enormous outdoor pool with lots of lounging space, along with a children’s pool featuring a gradual slope and textured floor. There is also a changing area/restrooms in the pool pavilion area for your convenience, as well as two lighted tennis courts. The golf resort at Pointe Royale is currently under renovation and will reopen in April of 2009. There are also walking trails available to guests as well as fishing along Lake Taneycomo, playgrounds for the children and basketball court.

The condos at Branson’s Pointe Royale Resort are very nice and offer a spacious yet affordable way to spend your days in Branson. Available in one, two or three bedroom layouts, the property has a variety of options, including standard and deluxe versions, in order to satisfy every guest’s needs and budget. The condos come fully furnished, have patios or balconies, washer and dryers and for every bedroom there is a bathroom to compliment it. Whirlpool tubs are in many, if not all of the master suite baths, and many also feature dual sinks. The condos are each individually owned, so the décor in each will change according to its owner. However, there are certain guidelines that must be met and every condo I toured was very tastefully decorated.

The Pointe Royale Condominium Resort is a great choice for any Branson traveler looking for not just a place to stay, but a home away from home.

Best Western Branson Inn Proves They're One of The Best

The Best Western Inn near Silver Dollar City provides two of the things most Branson visitors look for when they visit: a close location to Silver Dollar City and comfortable yet affordable rooms. However, this property also provides the extra amenities visitors look for when they come to Branson as well. The warm, inviting presence of the lobby is apparent throughout the rest of the hotel, especially in their guest rooms, which come in double, queen or king varieties. The rooms are furnished with nice, newer-looking case goods, a rich-hued country décor, ’27 TV, the standard coffee maker, hair dryer and iron/ironing board and featured a newly remodeled bathroom highlighted by new tile and curved shower rod. My favorite feature of the room was the balcony/patio, which I thoroughly enjoyed during my visit due to the peacefulness of the property. The spaciousness and cleanliness of the rooms were also a plus.

The amenities at Branson’s Best Western Inn Silver Dollar City range from a 24 hour coffee bar to a free public computer station to a restaurant-style breakfast room. The breakfast at the Best Western is held in a large space, with scenic views, and a variety of breakfast staples are served, including biscuits and gravy, French toast, hard-boiled eggs and more. There is also a very large game room on property, perhaps the largest in Branson, and it is equipped with 7 arcade games, pool table, air hockey and vending machines. The pool area at the Best Western is massive. The indoor pool is in an atrium-style building with plenty of sunlight, patio and lounging space and featured not only an enormous pool but a heated kiddie pool and brand new 12 person Jacuzzi.

I could go on and on about the available amenities at the Best Western. They truly do create a home away from home for their guests.

Branson's Honeysuckle Inn An Oasis of Comfort

Honeysuckle Inn in Branson, Missouri is an oasis of comfort and relaxation in the midst of all things Branson entertainment. Located on the corner of the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Hwy 76, this hotel features outdoor corridors, fantastic landscaping and extra amenities to keep guests satisfied with their stay. For instance, the Honeysuckle Inn has several unique sitting/garden areas for guests to enjoy, one with a fish pond. The outdoor pool area is very large, offering one of the area’s largest pools, and plenty of patio space. There is also an indoor pool of good size, along with a huge indoor Jacuzzi with additional patio and lounging space. The property also serves a deluxe continental breakfast which features biscuits and gravy, waffles and cold cereals. The breakfast room is reminiscent of an atrium due to its spaciousness and sunlit qualities. I must say, the breakfast I ate during my stay was wonderful and the biscuits and gravy were delicious!

The rooms at the Branson’s Honeysuckle Inn come in double double, double queen and king styles, and are decorated in warm, rich colors with floral accents that make the rooms feel like home. The room is furnished with newer case goods, coffee maker, hair dryer, ’27 TV, comfortable beds and café style table and chairs. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the entire property has a very private feel about it. For guest convenience, there is also a guest laundry room available, which is equipped with two washers and two dryers, microwave and TV, irons and ironing boards. A very large meeting space is also available at the Honeysuckle, which can fit up to 100 people, and features a beautiful veranda.

The Honeysuckle Inn is an excellent choice for any Branson visitor.

Branson's Red Roof Inn Delivers Quality & Convenience

The Red Roof Inn in Branson, Missouri has two really great things going for it: Location and Great Rates. These two elements are essential to visitors coming to Branson, and the Red Roof Inn easily delivers them both. The property has 2 buildings, one offering indoor corridors, the other offering exterior corridors. There are elevators on every floor of the buildings and the outdoor pool, which is a nice size, is located between the two buildings.

The rooms at Branson’s Red Roof Inn offer double, queen or king size beds, and feature the standard amenities one comes to expect from a franchise property like Red Roof Inn. The décor is a blend of royal hues and country charm, and the room is equipped with a ’19 television (soon to be replaced with ’27 TV’s), café style table and two chairs, and coffee maker. The vanity is located outside of the bathroom, which has just recently had new tile installed. The case goods in the room are a bit dated, but as a whole the room feels spacious and comfortable for the price. While I visited the property, I found it to be very inviting and the WIFI in the lobby was very convenient to use during my travel. The FREE continental breakfast, served in the lobby, also helped me satisfy those early morning coffee and doughnut needs. Plus, there was plenty of flat, level parking at the Red Roof Inn, something regular visitors to Branson know is important!

The Red Roof Inn is a good choice for Branson visitors looking for affordability and quality.

Branson's Fall Creek Inn Offers a Peaceful Way to Stay in the Ozarks

The Fall Creek Inn & Suites in Branson, Missouri is a peaceful yet convenient option for Branson visitors. Located on Highway 165, The Acrobats of China and The Welk Theater are close by, as are several great places to eat, such as Danna’s BBQ & Burgers, Fall Creek Steakhouse, Shorty Small’s and Tony Z’s. The property is designed with the Ozarks in mind, with cedar siding accenting the exterior of this hotel and a bubbling creek located in the “backyard” of the property. Perhaps its best amenity, the creek that flows behind the Fall Creek Inn creates a scenic, relaxing way to enjoy the Ozarks. There are even horseshoes and picnic tables nearby (with grill) that make spending your time at Fall Creek Inn easy as ever. Their outdoor pool, which is of medium size, is also located near this area.

There are several room types offered at this hotel, including double queen, single king and Family Suites. The King and Double Queen Rooms feature a similar layout, with the vanity located outside of the bath. The rooms are equipped with all new Serta mattresses, ’25 televisions, a modern décor and café style table and chairs. The Family Suite, which is spacious enough for a family with small children, is divided so the bedroom area is adjacent to the living room area, which is stocked with a sofa-sleeper couch. The bathroom is larger than the standard hotel rooms and is highlighted by a step-up bath.

The rooms at Branson’s Fall Creek Inn provide the comforts of home, and tranquil elements of the Ozarks outdoors, while also being easy-on-the-checkbook. It’s a good choice for any Branson visitor.

Branson's Barrington Inn Offers Regal Quality & Comfort

The Barrington Inn in Branson, Missouri is a nice property offering budget friendly rates and the comforts of home. Located near the Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, this indoor corridor facility features a lobby with outdoor décor that includes a business center room with WIFI connection. The four-level hotel also has an indoor pool of medium size with Jacuzzi as well as a guest laundry facility equipped with two washers and two dryers, perfect for long trips.

While I visited the Barrington Inn, I enjoyed a continental breakfast offering standard items like fruit, bagels, donuts and some delicious biscuits and gravy. There are two breakfast rooms, with the main room on the 2nd floor and the other overflow room located on the 3rd floor.

The rooms at Branson’s Barrington Inn are a great choice for the price. Decorated in deep maroons and greens, the guest rooms feature an outdoorsy yet regal décor, ’27 televisions, the standard coffee maker, hair dryer and iron/ironing board and newly updated bathrooms. The bathrooms have all-new vanities that are a beautiful wood design with granite countertops. It truly brings the whole room together and adds a nice touch of elegance. The Barrington also offers King Jacuzzi rooms with a spacious layout that divides the bedroom area from the Jacuzzi area, which is highlighted by frosted windows. The Jacuzzi is also very big, perfect for those romantic, relaxing getaways.