Branson & the Ozarks Autumn Spectacular

Rustad Tours invites you to join us in witnessing the transformation of the Ozarks during their “Fall Color Make Over!” You’ll view the stunning foliage take on brilliant flush tones, making its makeover from brilliant reds to various shades of gold. Branson is known for having a long history of showcasing the best musical talent, shows, and attractions. However, the autumn season, when it reveals its unique beauty, further adds to the charm and hospitality of the Ozarks. There is so much to see and do in the Ozark Mountains, but not enough time to do it all. Today is a travel day and our destination is Kansas City, MO. (L)

Our motorcoach travels through Missouri’s farm country into the low-lying hills of the Ozark Mountains, revealing majestic vistas and towering rock formations. This afternoon, we arrive in Branson where we’ll enjoy the Legends in Concert Show. This world-famous tribute show features an amazing cast of all-star entertainers. Each legendary performer not only looks like the star they portray, but uses their natural voice to pay homage to their iconic counterpart. You’ll be impressed with their elaborate theatrical sets, magnificent costumes, and a full array of sound effects, including 3D multimedia and multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art lighting, laser and sound systems, as well as a live orchestra. By late afternoon we check into the Grand Country Inn and Resort and enjoy dinner at their Grand Country Buffet. We complete our first day in Branson at the hysterical, historical, and downright entertaining “Sons of Britches Show.” The theater gets up close and personal with the trio sportin’ a combination of bib overalls and classy white dress shirts with bow ties. They deliver amazing music featuring Country, Cajun, and Bluegrass, along with their special “Hillbilly Chic” that will have you in “Stitches in your Britches.” (B) (D)

Today is your chance to sleep in, relax, and enjoy a fantastic breakfast buffet at our hotel resort. By mid-morning, take a seat at the Grand Country Music Hall right at our resort for the “Down Home Country Show,” known for being the best show in Branson to hear traditional Country Music. You’ll step back in time with all your country favorites featuring Classic Country, Western Swing, Bluegrass, and much more. Enjoy all the songs that made you fall in love with Country Music. By mid-day, we’ll stop for an included lunch break at Godfather’s Pizza. This afternoon, you’ll journey to Top of the Rock where you’ll get an unforgettable two-and-a-half mile ride in an electric cart through Lost Canyon and Cave Trail that leads you to the awe-inspiring Lost Canyon Cave. While at the 4-story cave, you’ll enjoy watching the cascading waterfalls. We will also enjoy a visit to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. This is a 35,000-square-foot treasure trove of Ozarks history. You’ll see dioramas showcasing the creatures that roamed the Ozarks in the region’s early days, Native American artifacts, Civil War relics, and more. You’ll have a short break to rest and refresh back at the resort before we depart for our included evening dinner and entertainment. Evening meal is included at the Uptown Café before attending the Dutton Family Show. Spanning three generations, these musical performers will entertain all of us with a variety of instruments and music, from bluegrass to classical and everything in between. It will be a great family show to end a wonderful day in Branson! By late evening, you’ll return to the Grand Country Inn to settle in for a good night’s rest!(B) (L) (D)

With full tummies and feeling refreshed, get ready for another day of adventure in Branson. This morning we’ll take a two hour, guided area tour of Branson with Comedian Terry Sanders. You’ll see many highlights and fascinating history about Branson including Table Rock Dam, the scenic overlook, and the College of the Ozarks. Terry Sanders is known as Missouri’s favorite comedic actor and is very busy! He’s still going strong with his 43rd year as a comic headliner, now known as the “Face of Branson.” Around mid-day, Rustad Tours has carved out some free time for you amid our busy schedule in Branson. Get ready for some “Power Shopping” and great food at the “Pickin’ Porch Grill.” You’ll have loads of fun shopping at Branson’s Craft Mall featuring shops with arts, crafts, amazing edibles, and the best food Branson has to offer at the Pickin’ Porch Grill. Enjoy this one-stop shopping venue with over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. You’ll find treasures such as apparel, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, and much, much more! Also, don’t forget to grab some specialty coffees, chocolates, nuts, honey, jams, and jellies that can only be found here. This afternoon. sit back and enjoy the Petersen Show, an award-winning family band complete with their sibling humor and top-notch bluegrass sound. The band performs traditional Bluegrass with a contemporary twist for a music style that appeals to audience members of all ages. The Petersens will entertain you with gospel acapella, original songs, and yodeling to completely satisfy the bluegrass appetite of the audience. The Petersons have traveled the world sharing their music. In 2018 the Petersen’s placed fourth in the International Bluegrass Competition in Nashville! By late afternoon, we’ll enjoy an included evening meal before taking in the David Show at the Sight and Sound Theater. David has been described as the Master Poet, Fearless Warrior and Anointed King. The production focuses on the famous Biblical Story of David and Goliath. From still waters to shadowed valleys, David’s ascent to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals, and Philistine soldiers. After unprecedented victories lead to devasting failures, this passionate warrior will face the biggest battle of all: the one with himself. You’ll experience one of the most legendary Bible stories as it comes to life with spectacular special effects, massive sets, and live animals in this brand new original stage production. After the show, we travel back to our hotel resort with warm feelings about the great time we’ve had in Branson. (B) (L) (D)

Today, we’re homeward bound! By mid morning, we’ll make a stop in Springfield, Missouri, at Fantastic Caverns, America’s Ride-Through Cave! It was discovered in 1862 by an Ozarks farmer…or more precisely by his dog, who crawled through a small entrance on a hillside. Five years later, the first exploration took place after twelve local women answered the newspaper ad that was seeking explorers. Together they ventured into the cave and their names remain on a cave wall today. The tour of this cave is by jeep-drawn trams. Since you ride all the way through, you can experience the magnitude, stillness, and splendor of the caverns while preserving their natural features. Fantastic Caverns is one of 7,300 documented caves that dot the Missouri landscape. It’s no wonder Missouri is known as the “Cave State.” We make a stop along the way for an included noon lunch before arriving at our hotel accommodations tonight at the Drury Inn in St. Joseph, Missouri. (B) (L)

Leaving St. Joseph, our coach turns toward home. We’ll make our usual stops along the way and by late afternoon we arrive back in Kerkhoven. Rustad Tours hopes this tour has created many treasured memories of our “Colorfall” time in Branson! (B)