Branson - Baldknobbers

6/24/11

The Baldknobbers show is one of the oldest in Branson (probably second to the Presley Family).  It has good, high powered, mountain music and madcap hillbilly comedians. 

 These two come up with the zaniest conversations.  Take this one from the Baldknobbers Joke Book Volume III:

"Jobs are so scarce these days.  A personnel director asked a fella, 'Do you lie, cheat, steal, or come in late?

"He said, 'No, but I can learn!'"

- Or -

"I have a friend who is a dentist.  He married a local manicurist.  Ever since the honeymoon, they've been fighting tooth and nail."

Branson - Table Rock Lake

6/24/11

Table Rock Lake was created in 1959 to control floods and generate electricity.  It is maintained by the Army Corps of engineers and provided access for recreation and sports for more than 5 million visitors in 2006 who spent more than $120 million.

In former visits to Branson we enjoyed the famous Silver Dollar City amusement park and toured the power generation dam.  The Showboat Branson Belle cruises the lake and serves an excellent meal while a variety show of music and comedy acts are performed.

Heavy rainfall before our visit added so much water into the lake that some had to be released and flooded some lower areas along the river leading to Lake Taneycomo.

Zach enjoyed the cool water in the 90 + degree air.

Zach's refreshed.

See these resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_Rock_Lake

http://www.bransonmo.com/BransonMoTRLakeGS.htm
http://www.corpsresults.us/recreation/reports/lake.asp?ID=399
http://www.bransonmo.com/HISTROY1GS.htm
http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com/

Branson - Dick's 5 & 10

6/23/11

Dick's 5 & 10 is an incredible store that has to be seen to be understood.  People crowd the place during the day and after shows at night.

http://www.dicksoldtime5and10.com/images/main-store.png

 

 Banners hang along the street of this part of old downtown Branson.

The shelves of the large store are jammed with collectibles on display and products for sale.

Selections of items were so large that it took a long time for some customers to make the right selection.

The freight train ran around the store overhead.

Some of the collectible items for sale were plentiful.

This lamp in the window is from Jean Shepherd's "A Christmas Story."  A display of many patio lights included a string of small leg lights but were sold out.

 

Another off-beat item is the famous pink flamingo that was popular many years ago.  As attractive as it was, it was left in Branson.

The collection of tee shirts included this beauty.

This kid's tee shirt was too precious to ignore!

For much more about Dick's, go to:

http://www.dicksoldtime5and10.com/

More Branson Attractions

6/23/11

 DUCKS are WW II designed amphibious vehicles that travel on land and water.

This vet and his wife parked in the DUCKS lot near us.  We noticed the logo on his spotless bike.

This is the road that the DUCK travels on to get into the water.  The huge amount of rain caused flooding.













This island is under water and boaters are cautioned to avoid approaching too close so that their crafts do not bottom out.

The Branson Belle is a paddle wheel boat that sails on Table Rock Lake.  The meals and entertainment are first class and reasonably priced.












At the end of the ride, there's a museum with humorous and historical items displayed.  The gift shop is down stairs.  Learn more about the DUCKS at:
http://www.bransonshows.com/activity/ShowboatBransonBelle.cfm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=branson%20belle&utm_campaign=Geo%20Branson&gclid=COOUrMvB5KkCFcV_5QodmzAxYw 

Branson, Missouri Sights

6/22/11 - 6/24/11

Branson is an entertainment destination with family-friendly attractions.  We discovered this Tea Party Headquarters on the way to the main strip.  The woman who runs it was helping out in Joplin, Missouri.

This platform in the parking lot seems like a great venue for patriot speeches and music











The Hollywood attraction stands out on the main strip.

 A miniature golf course features this huge blue-waterfall.  It stands out as cool sight on a hot muggy day.

 "Ripley's Believe It Or Not" is a unique and alarming building.

American promotion knows no bounds when entrepreneurs invest in the economy and sell their products to the public.  These fanciful buildings entertain all who pass by.