November is a popular time to visit Branson. Tour buses are everywhere. Tourists are coming for the colors, Veterans Day, shopping and, of course, the Christmas Shows. The town is lit up with Christmas Lights!! The sights and sounds of Christmas are everywhere.
The last couple of evenings the sky has been clear with a bright moon...
The mornings have been cold and frosty. Even though it's been cold, the mornings have been beautiful with clear skies and a bright sun. This morning we decided to avoid the crowds and grab a 10:00 show. It was cold (low 30's) when we left this morning; by early afternoon the temperature had risen to the low 60's. We went to see the The Hughes Family Christmas Show at the Hughes Theatre. Imagine our surprise when we arrived at the Theatre only to find it packed!! Five tour buses were in the parking lot. We were grateful that we were able to get seats! The show was sold-out...
The Hughes Family Christmas Show is truly a family show. Not only do the five brothers and their wives perform, but all of their children participate in the show. Even the youngest (baby) came out on stage. The children danced and sang their way across the stage. A talented family!!
Friday, November 15
Early this afternoon we went to Silver Dollar City for "An Old Time Christmas". Silver Dollar City is much more than an amusement park. In addition to the more than 30 rides (including Outlaw Run, which is the worlds newest, most daring roller coaster), the Grand Exposition (amusement rides geared to young children), Silver Dollar City has many live shows daily. Silver Dollar City is known for its speciality shops, culinary school and talented craftsman. Lots of dining locations provide a variety of food.
This time of year, Silver Dollar City is decked out with millions of Christmas lights...
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| This Christmas Tree is magnificent when lit |
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| Wow! There sure is a lot to see here... |
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| Which way should we go?? |
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| A blacksmith. One of the talented craftsmen here at Silver Dollar City |
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| Look what I found!!! |
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| We rode the train and sang Christmas Carols. It's a good way to see more of the park... |
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| as seen from the train... |
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| another sight from the train... |
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| Wheeeeee!!!! |
Following our train ride, we continued exploring the park...
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| A Chapel on the grounds. Beautiful in its simplicity... |
Soon, it was time for the lighting of the Christmas Tree...
Waiting for the parade to begin...
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| Amazing pianist and keyboard player. Kept us entertained while waiting for the start of the parade |
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| One of the floats... |
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| Love this snow globe! |
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Thank you Nicole Taylor for suggesting we visit Silver Dollar City. You were so right, it's a very fun place!!
Sunday, November 17
A beautiful and warm mid-70's day. A perfect day to take Cooper and go for a hike. As most of the trails around here are closed due to hunting, we decided to go to Aunts Creek. Aunts Creek is an Army Corps of Engineer Campground, located in Kimberling City. The campground is closed for camping, but the park is still open for picnicking and hiking. It's located on Table Rock Lake...
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| Table Rock Lake |
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| Cooper is having a blast!! |
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| Table Rock Lake through the trees... |
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| Coop loves to play in the water... |
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| Out for a swim on a beautiful day... |
Tuesday, November 19
This afternoon we went back to the Sight and Sound Theatre to see the
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| In front of the theatre |
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| All decorated for Christmas |
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| Even the ceiling is amazing |
The Miracle of Christmas was about the birth of Christ. It was a wonderful production utilizing period clothing (the costumes, especially those of the Kings, were beautiful). Of course, camels were also in the show!! We're so grateful that we were able to see this production. A great way to kick-off the Thanksgiving and Christmas season!!
Thursday, November 28
Happy Thanksgiving!!! One of our favorite things to do while in a new area is to seek out unique places to dine that are off the beaten path. We like to dine where the locals do. Today, for our Thanksgiving dinner, we dined at the White River Grill in Rockaway Beach.
The restaurant is not much to look at...
however, the food is outstanding!! Our traditional Thanksgiving Dinner was by far and away the best meal we have had since we've arrived in Branson.
The White River Grille sits on Lake Taneycomo. Dock your boat and come in for a great meal!!
Back in the '50's, Rockaway Beach was known as the "Fort Lauderdale" west of the Mississippi. When Table Rock Lake Dam was constructed, Lake Taneycomo went from a warm lake (perfect for swimming and boating) to a cold lake. Lake Taneycomo is now known for its Trout fishing. The city of Branson grew and Rockaway Beach began its slow decline. Today, it is trying to make a comeback. The downtown area is still in a state of decline, but there are signs of life in the new apartment buildings that are being constructed.
So many blessings for which to be thankful!! Ron and I are so grateful and thankful for each and everyone. We give praise and thanksgiving to God each and everyday.
