Ozark Mountain Melodies – (Branson)

Today is a travel day. Sit back and relax as we meander southward through farmlands with an included lunch along the way. Tonight, we reach our destination at the Drury Inn in Kansas City. (L)

Rise and Shine! Today, we’ll wind our way through Missouri’s beautiful countryside dotted with blossoming white dogwood and striking redbud trees and into the low-lying hills of the Ozark Mountains. We launch our spring tour in Branson with the #1 Hits of the ’60s Show! You’ll love hearing songs from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s! Elvis, The Beach Boys, Carol King, ABBA, The Bee Gees…and the list goes on and on. Add over 100 costume changes, fun videos, and a talented cast of seven musicians, a live band, and you’ve got the recipe for a great show. While in Branson, you’ll enjoy your accommodations at the Grand Country Resort along the famous Branson Strip for a three-night stay. After settling into our rooms at the resort, we dine at the Grand Country Buffet (on the premises), followed by the Grand Jubilee Show (just down the hallway from the buffet). You’ll love the dynamic performance of Branson’s BEST Quartet, New South! This incredible group entertains you with spectacular music, great harmonies, family comedy, and Ozark’s hospitality. What an amazing day this has been! (B) (D)

This morning, sit back, relax, and savor a delicious breakfast buffet at the Grand Country Resort. Our first stop of the day is in the Historic District of Downtown Branson at Dick’s 5 & 10. The people who remember the old-time, five-and-dime stores will love this shopping stop! You can find almost anything you need, like gifts, souvenirs, toys, old-time candy, and the list goes on and on! After a short drive, we arrive at the David Show at the Sight and Sound Theatre. This production focuses on the biblical story of David and Goliath and how a shepherd was able to fight something much larger than himself because God was on his side. This epic bible story comes to life with spectacular special effects, massive sets, and live animals. With original music inspired by the Psalms, “David” is a state-of-the-art theatrical experience for the whole family. We depart for the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead Tour and Inspiration Point. The Inspiration Tower is a 230-foot-tall structure erected in 1989 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Harold Bell Wright’s first visit to the area. The panoramic views are absolutely gorgeous in any season. On a clear day, you can see over 90 miles. The Shepherd of the Hills was the beginning of the Branson phenomenon. Now you have an opportunity to visit the farm where the book was actually written! You will enjoy an open-air, jeep-drawn tram through the wooded 160-acre farm with our Ozark Native Tour Guide. Some highlights include Old Matt’s Cabin, the Morgan Community Church, and the newly restored Historic Uncle Ike’s Post Office, plus you’ll be able to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the nightly performance at the Old Mill Theater. We stop for an included evening meal before we arrive at the Clay Cooper’s Country Express Show. Clay and his cast of 25 incredible entertainers show their versatility while performing all styles of music, including Country, Rock n’ Roll, Gospel, and Patriotic. The singing, dancing, and hysterical comedy will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! Clay and his gang guarantee a family-friendly show for every age! (B) (D)

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast buffet before we head to our first stop in the Historic District of Downtown Branson at Dick’s 5 & 10. Those who remember the classic 5 & 10 stores will love this charming shopping stop! You'll find everything from gifts and souvenirs to toys and old-fashioned candy — and much more! By mid-morning, we arrive for a tour at the College of the Ozarks with a student guide. This unique American college has students work instead of paying tuition to help cover their educational expenses. Students work in over 80 different areas, including the computer center, dairy, farm, and offices. Your student guide will highlight key campus spots like Williams Memorial Chapel, the Greenhouses, The Mill, the Stained Glass & Candle Shop, and more. Next, soak in the natural beauty of the Ozarks with a short photo stop at a scenic overlook offering panoramic views of the area. Get ready to set sail for an adventure on the open waters of Table Rock Lake with live music, dancing, comedy, magic, a meal and more on the Silver Dollar City’s Showboat Luncheon Cruise.  Join in as the showboat’s Master of Ceremonies entertains us and presents the newest sensation in live stage performance.  Enjoy hearing your favorite songs by a talented troupe of singers alongside their featured 4-piece band.  A delicious 3-course meal is served while you’re being entertained.   There will be plenty of time to wander the boat to take in the picturesque views of Table Rock Lake on this 2-hour cruise.  On our way back to Branson, we make a stop at the Dewey Short Visitor Center.  After viewing a 20-Minute film about the area and construction of the Table Rock Dam, you’ll be able to view interesting exhibits such as a state-of-the-art interactive map of Table Rock Lake, beautiful wall murals, and a replica of an Ozarks Bluff complete with flora and fauna. Also included are Native American Artifact Exhibits and Ozark Dioramas with fascinating features at the Interpretive Center. Our next stop is at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and Conservation Education Center.  This new facility showcases a new 7500-gallon aquarium, exhibits focusing on local wildlife and habitats, and a new multipurpose room. Every year the hatchery produces between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds of both rainbow and brown trout with 80 percent of production going into Lake Taneycomo. This afternoon, we combine eating and shopping in one stop at the Branson Craft Mall. Our evening meal is at the Pickin Porch Grill followed by free time for a shopping opportunity in Branson’s most unique craft mall!  Enjoy shopping from more than 200 vendors, artists and crafters.  You’ll find apparel, quilts, leather goods, jewelry and much more! This evening, we arrive at the Daniel Show at the Sight and Sound Theatre.  This production focuses on the biblical story of Daniel. Taken from his people, Daniel is exiled far from home in the perilous Kingdom of Babylon. Now this faithful servant must navigate his new life inside a palace filled with golden statues and shifting empires.  As royal pressures mount, Daniel is faced with a dangerous choice.  Will his trust in God remain steadfast through every test of faith?  From the fiery furnace to the infamous den of lions, this epic bible story comes to life with spectacular special effects, massive sets, and live animals.  “Daniel” is a state-of-the-art theatrical experience for the whole family. (B) (L) (D)

Today, we turn our coach toward home. 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. Then, five years later, the first exploration took place. Twelve local women, answering a newspaper ad that was seeking explorers, ventured into the cave. Their names still 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 its 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 at Smith’s Restaurant and later make a shopping stop at Russell Stover Chocolates before arriving at our hotel accommodations tonight at the Drury Inn in St. Joseph, Missouri. (B) (L)

All good things must come to an end. This is a perfect time for you to share your favorite memories of this tour. Your cars will be lined up in the parking lot at Rustad’s after a fun-filled six-day vacation. (B)