tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21112307233966321262024-03-13T19:03:55.986-05:00Vacation Home in Branson - Canyon Retreat and Nature's RetreatVacation Home in BransonAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-82173773496390533482013-08-13T22:46:00.001-05:002013-08-13T22:51:43.697-05:00Are the Beds Comfortable?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">No one asks me this question.</span></b><br />
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<i>Are the beds comfortable at our vacation houses?</i><br />
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Last month our family rented a beach house in Florida. We were thrilled that we would be staying in a vacation home that had the Atlantic Ocean as our backyard.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urELIJoc2MU/Ugr3Z_a9XaI/AAAAAAAAF7U/ZWfRnNisLlA/s1600/beds+comfortable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-urELIJoc2MU/Ugr3Z_a9XaI/AAAAAAAAF7U/ZWfRnNisLlA/s400/beds+comfortable.jpg" width="400" /></span></a>The photos showed flat screen TVs, and the owners said the house had been completely rehabbed and renovated just 3 years ago. So we assumed that everything was no older than 3 years and would be in good shape.<br />
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I didn't even think to ask about the beds. Mike called the bed we slept in a "Chinese torture bed" because the pillow top on it was so very slanted. We still had a lovely vacation, but all week he kept talking about how he was looking forward to going home to sleep in his own bed. Mike had even mentioned leaving a negative review because of how horribly uncomfortable the bed was.<br />
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Comfortable beds are different for every person. Some people prefer a soft bed, some people prefer a hard bed, and some people prefer a bed like baby bear's...just right. But the beds at this beach house were not comfortable for anyone in our family.<br />
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I had checked the reviews, and no one had mentioned uncomfortable beds. And the beds are important when you are on vacation! You spend a minimum of 30% of your time in bed. And if you figure in some naps and extra sleeping in, time spent in bed could reach 40-50% on some days.<br />
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So when you are looking for a vacation home rental, read the reviews for mentions of the beds. Ask the owners if guests ever comment on how the beds are <i>(if there is no mention, that doesn't mean the beds are terrible...but if there is mention of how wonderful the beds were, then score!)</i>.<br />
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This morning I contemplated the reasons why I had not gotten out of bed yet (we are currently at <a href="http://vacationhomeinbranson.com/naturesretreat.html" target="_blank">Nature's Retreat</a>). <b>Here are the top three reasons that I decided why I did not want to get up</b>:<br />
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<b>3. I stayed up very late the night before.</b><br />
<b>2. I am on vacation.</b><br />
<i>and the top reason...</i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1. The bed is just soooo comfortable!</span></b></div>
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Guests have actually asked where our beds are from so they can purchase the same mattress set for their own home. One guest even wanted to give a set for a wedding gift!</div>
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<span style="font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">We want you to have a wonderful time while you are staying in our vacation homes. And </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">we know that a good sleep in a comfortable bed is a key secret to a memorable getaway</span></b>.</div>
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<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Read about it from our past guests, <a href="http://www.vacationhomeinbranson.com/" target="_blank">in over 100 reviews between Canyon Retreat and Nature's Retreat</a>. </span><b><i>Then call me to make a date with our beds.</i></b></div>
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Tyann Marcink</div>
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636.584.3864</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-63293670697761659332013-02-16T20:22:00.000-06:002013-02-16T20:22:50.919-06:00Parakeet Pete's Waterfront ZiplineYes, you read that correctly - another zipline in town! Could there be too many zips in the area? Maybe. But each one excels at different levels of adrenaline rushes.<br />
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The newest one will have you zipping over Lake Taneycomo, which none of the others do. And, they have a chairlift if you still want the view but don't want to strap on the zipping harness.<br />
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This zip will be another excellent one for families and large groups to experience together. And, you will want to make sure you have your camera handy for some amazing views of the downtown area from an observation deck on Mt. Branson.<br />
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You can make your reservations and check out photos at www.bransonzipline.com.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jMmC_ydbd4/USA-P1YYAbI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/uTPH9xss8GY/s1600/2012-12-15+19.10.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9jMmC_ydbd4/USA-P1YYAbI/AAAAAAAAFYQ/uTPH9xss8GY/s640/2012-12-15+19.10.15.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zippers will land in the area of the Nativity Scene on the right of this photo of the Landing fountains. Note that the attraction will not be open while the Nativity Scene is on display.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-74846764857812674702012-04-10T15:19:00.001-05:002012-04-10T15:22:24.979-05:00Sweet Mother of a Deal for Zip Lines and Titanic Museum<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So this is an </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>AWESOME</i></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> deal I found! You can pick this up from </span><a href="http://www.radiotalon.com/%5Cimages/stories/branson/Branson_and_Area_Deals.pdf" style="color: #000566; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Radio Talon</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, another radio station that sells tickets they have received for advertising.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x9fHdjmxPyKgBjiwzAAGxBWZqBN5MzmH-HAVM-PeQJuWQNqN2K97hnAIxZ3O4DUlFpjSxcjDHjWDYny676ay_rR1b7t1PfbGQne2vsxf9S0sw2WKkRnpzOEGLtxvDgY-Ar1yTbvKlyAr/s1600/zip.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #000566; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-x9fHdjmxPyKgBjiwzAAGxBWZqBN5MzmH-HAVM-PeQJuWQNqN2K97hnAIxZ3O4DUlFpjSxcjDHjWDYny676ay_rR1b7t1PfbGQne2vsxf9S0sw2WKkRnpzOEGLtxvDgY-Ar1yTbvKlyAr/s320/zip.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(0, 5, 102); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(0, 5, 102); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(0, 5, 102); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(0, 5, 102); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="296" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Adventures Zipline of Branson rides are just $30 each (regular price is $60). And when you spend $100 or more with Radio Talon, you receive a FREE family pass (up to 2 adults and 4 kids) to the Titanic exhibit, with audio (a $68 value).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Here is </span><b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.radiotalon.com/%5Cimages/stories/branson/Branson_and_Area_Deals.pdf" style="color: #000566; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">the list</a></b><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> of other great discounted tickets to shows you may be interested in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And here is how you do it, straight from the radio's website:</span><br />
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<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Call (678-0940, 235-6041, 800-928-5253) or stop in at the radio station at 126 S. Jefferson in Aurora to see if we have the certificates you want. </li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Call the show or hotel to make a reservation. Tell them you will be using a certificate from the radio station, and they will give you a confirmation number. </li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Purchase your certificate from the radio station in person or by phone with a credit card. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. </li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Take your certificate to the show to receive your tickets or to the hotel to check in for your lodging. You will be charged sales tax upon redemption.</li>
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Easy peasy to save a lot in Branson!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-56712981523987077722012-04-09T16:30:00.001-05:002012-04-12T10:15:59.361-05:00Hristos Voskrese<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwpULT4J_kPnjm0JzLmVMzVkC5aCuNkzpdX_lAMneUywwG0my8iRCSDBDcyakPjiyIprqzdb-RfXaFkLSd0CbiNYkCg-n7BCkToUSnidtosfCjMnAQdaQdhFDiuAOjykDf57spaNPa6ll/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwpULT4J_kPnjm0JzLmVMzVkC5aCuNkzpdX_lAMneUywwG0my8iRCSDBDcyakPjiyIprqzdb-RfXaFkLSd0CbiNYkCg-n7BCkToUSnidtosfCjMnAQdaQdhFDiuAOjykDf57spaNPa6ll/s400/01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Jacob, Tyann, Joey, Mike, and Noah</td></tr>
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Our annual Easter family photo. Looks like sitting on the couch is becoming our usual pose.<br />
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This is our living room, with my husband's grandmother's artwork in the background. Nina came to the United States from Russia when she was 8 years old. The family tale includes that her family came from a line of royalty...maybe she was a Russian princess?<br />
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Nina was wonderfully and artistically talented. Her art was to create rugs. Yes, rugs. She would purchase burlap the size of the rug she wanted to make, whether a small picture size or a large area rug.<br />
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Then, she would take wool fabric, many times picking up wool clothing from garage sales, stripping it to small pieces. Nina dyed the wool to the colors she wanted and set to hooking the wool, creating the rug artwork.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat4dBOCaVxfk0LDdHN2ja6Bo4CpNZjpc2nD934YaVIiT3NwEmraEoE1493zCaaA3rLEzczR6F9hFFmT1eCeEwl5dOKVT5YkCGqemHLClMlZf6NlgJsX1Fm5xKBmKrFYVmsMWoc1NkXBU/s1600/Nina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiat4dBOCaVxfk0LDdHN2ja6Bo4CpNZjpc2nD934YaVIiT3NwEmraEoE1493zCaaA3rLEzczR6F9hFFmT1eCeEwl5dOKVT5YkCGqemHLClMlZf6NlgJsX1Fm5xKBmKrFYVmsMWoc1NkXBU/s320/Nina.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on the picture to see the details.</td></tr>
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Nina's pieces were her own masterpieces. Sometimes she even created pieces mimicking a famous painting. My husband's favorite piece of hers was her rendition of Van Gogh's <i>Starry Night</i>. Unfortunately, that piece was lost after Nina passed away.<br />
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We had the piece hanging in our living room professionally framed and cleaned so that we can enjoy it. The scene is of an idyllic countryside, including a horse and buggy, a small village, and birds flying over the mountains. Nina's attention to detail is amazing.<br />
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In memory of Nina, <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><i>Hristos Voskrese</i> (Christ has risen!). He has risen indeed!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-49648838659755797022012-03-28T12:47:00.001-05:002012-03-28T12:47:26.227-05:00Spring Special at Nature's Retreat!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0UrGSZdTc4/T3NM7jWzwjI/AAAAAAAADy0/3M-xrk1YNvw/s1600/trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0UrGSZdTc4/T3NM7jWzwjI/AAAAAAAADy0/3M-xrk1YNvw/s400/trees.jpg" width="400" /></a>April is my favorite month of the year - so much so that I planned our wedding for April, 13 years ago. Spring is beautiful with all the new beginnings around us. The flowers and trees are blossoming, fresh wind blows through the air, and the rejuvenating rains wash the winter away.<br />
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To celebrate, we have 2 choices of specials for the month of April at Nature's Retreat. Choose either<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> 20% off your entire stay</span></b> (cleaning fee not included in the discount), or <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night free</span></b>!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGTRfYpn5mc/T3NMvyvdCsI/AAAAAAAADyU/lV5zsju16Lc/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGTRfYpn5mc/T3NMvyvdCsI/AAAAAAAADyU/lV5zsju16Lc/s320/01.jpg" width="212" /></a>Be sure to call or email as soon as you have your days picked out, as the open dates won't last very long.</div>
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Don't forget that Nature's Retreat is the <span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">ONLY 5 bedroom in the Branson area that also has:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">all king size beds in 5 bedrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">4 full bathrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">a 700+ sq. ft. family room with pool table, foosball table, and big screen TV</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">15 x 12 deck with gas grill</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">TV/DVDs in all of the bedrooms</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">The nature trail is just outside our door, and there's a beautiful little waterfall when the creek is high enough. We are only 5 minutes to the grocery stores in Hollister and 10 minutes to the Branson Strip and Branson Landing.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhqt4gGcbpU/T3NM-CeoPBI/AAAAAAAADy8/weSquEoAQRo/s1600/creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhqt4gGcbpU/T3NM-CeoPBI/AAAAAAAADy8/weSquEoAQRo/s320/creek.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Yes, there's a lot to do in Branson, but Nature's Retreat is also a wonderful place to relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your family and friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">636.584.3864</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">tyann@vacationhomeinbranson.com</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-14288392751676911842012-02-24T20:45:00.001-06:002012-02-24T20:45:11.990-06:00Branson is 100 this Year and We are on Pinterest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Birthday, Branson! This is an exciting year for Branson, Missouri, and there are many, many events planned to celebrate. Keep up with the <b><a href="http://www.branson100.org/events.php" target="_blank">calendar of events</a></b>, or how about on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Branson100" target="_blank"><b>Facebook page</b></a> with the most recent happenings for the birthday.<br />
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Or how about 100 ways to celebrate?!?! Here are just a few of the suggestions:<br />
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<ul>
<li>17.Read the book, The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright.</li>
<li>18.Learn to play the fiddle.</li>
<li>21.Invite some Girl Scouts to celebrate their 100th birthday with us in Branson!</li>
<li>72.Plant a garden of heirloom tomatoes.</li>
<li>73.Gather 100 people for a centennial trash pick-up day.</li>
<li>75.Walk 100 miles in Branson on our trails, through Downtown, our parks, your neighborhood or along 76 Country Blvd.</li>
<li>76.Try to catch 100 fish in Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Lake.</li>
<li>79.Golf 100 holes at our area courses per month…that’s about 5 ½ rounds.</li>
<li>80.Drive 100 laps on a go-cart.</li>
<li>81.Take and log 100 photos of your favorite places in Branson</li>
</ul>
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And here is the <b><a href="http://www.branson100.org/100-ways-to-celebrate.php" target="_blank">complete list</a></b> from their website.</div>
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Are you on Pinterest? Follow our <b><a href="http://pinterest.com/tyannmarcink/branson-missouri/" target="_blank">Branson, Missouri board</a></b> for ideas on activities for when you visit Branson!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-4645981298699646752012-01-02T10:18:00.000-06:002012-01-02T10:21:03.949-06:00Ready for a Branson Getaway?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your family and friends. Since you had such a great time, why not spend a weekend getaway or a week vacation in Branson with them? There are some prime summer dates still available, as well as some awesome Spring Break, spring, and early summer openings.<br />
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Visit our website <a href="http://www.vacationhomeinbranson.com/"><b>www.vacationhomeinbranson.com</b></a> for the current availability calendars for both homes and <a href="http://www.vacationhomeinbranson.com/contact.html"><b>call us today</b></a> to reserve your getaway in our fabulous vacation homes!<br />
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Mike and Tyann Marcink<br />
636.584.3864Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-47771636378844893532011-07-01T13:33:00.002-05:002011-07-01T13:35:42.729-05:00July 4th Celebrations in Branson<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JI_kJbUESI4/Tg0zRQpqibI/AAAAAAAAC24/9MCh8wu3SEI/s1600/fireworks-big-cedar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 275px; height: 400px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5624207881276131762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JI_kJbUESI4/Tg0zRQpqibI/AAAAAAAAC24/9MCh8wu3SEI/s400/fireworks-big-cedar.jpg" /></a><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/02/gallery/fireworks-324x205.jpg"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2009/07/02/gallery/fireworks-324x205.jpg"></a>If you are headed to Branson this weekend, you will have a good time! Branson has a celebration schedule packed full of activities for everyone. Here are the weekend events (courtesy of the <a href="http://www.explorebranson.com/">Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce</a>):</div><div><br /><strong><em>Saturday, July 2</em></strong></div><div><br />38 Special & The Kentucky Headhunters, Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater </div><div><br />26th Annual Fireburst, Harter House Parking Lot; Kimberling City </div><div><br /><em><strong>Sunday, July 3</strong></em></div><div><br />The Souled Out Band – Live In Concert!, Branson Landing Town Square</div><div><br />Branson Landing’s 4th Annual "Liberty Light Up" Concert!, Branson Landing Town Square</div><div><br />Shepherd of the Hills Fireworks Celebration, Shepherd of the Hills Homestead</div><div><br /><strong><em>Monday, July 4</em></strong></div><strong><em></em></strong><div><br />Spirit of 76 Independence Day, Branson Landing</div><div><br />Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks, featuring the Clay Self Band, Big Cedar Lodge</div><div><br />Cape Fair Fireworks Display, Cape Fair Marina</div><div><br />Annual Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks, Rockaway Beach Park</div><div><br />35th Annual Fire & Thunder Fireworks Display, Shell Knob (1 mile S. of Bridge)</div><div><br />58th Annual Hollister 4th of July Celebration, Historic Downtown Hollister</div><div><br />Symphony of Hearts For Joplin – Benefit Concert For Homes of Hope, Branson Landing</div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-50525726834065011472011-05-06T12:31:00.006-05:002011-05-06T12:43:06.391-05:00Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub Groupon<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUleY0XkjqA/TcQyzQpP4dI/AAAAAAAACz4/T4I6mJD2KJg/s1600/waxyosheas.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603659692578431442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aUleY0XkjqA/TcQyzQpP4dI/AAAAAAAACz4/T4I6mJD2KJg/s400/waxyosheas.jpg" /></a>Tucked into Branson Landing, just up from the beautiful fire and water fountain show, is <strong>Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub</strong>. If you have been to the Landing before, you may have walked past the pub and noticed the fun, laughter, and music coming from inside.<br /><br />Waxy's offers daily specials along with some toe tapping music, and with the current Groupon deal, you can enjoy yourself for half the price! Use our <a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu10052488"><strong>referral link</strong></a> to access Groupon, then make sure you are on Springfield, MO to see the deal. You can purchase <strong><em>$25 of food and drinks for just $12</em></strong> with the Groupon deal...it's only good for another 2 days, so don't delay if you're ready to have some downright fun on your next trip to Branson!<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://waxyosheas.com/html/branson/home.html">Waxy O'Shea's website</a> for their specials and calendar of performances.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-51788003818359705792011-05-05T09:41:00.003-05:002011-05-05T10:02:06.429-05:00Showboat Branson Belle - Buy One and Get One Free!<a href="http://www.bransonworld.com/dbimages/bioheaders/showboat_branson_belle_fiddle_show_2011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.bransonworld.com/dbimages/bioheaders/showboat_branson_belle_fiddle_show_2011.jpg" /></a>Yes, it's true! During the month of May, you may purchase a ticket and get a ticket FREE to the <strong><a href="http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com/special-offers/default.aspx?id=367">Showboat <em>Branson Belle</em></a></strong>. Another sweet Branson deal to make your vacation even better. Offer is not valid online or at the ticket office, so that means you will need to call in your advanced reservation to snag the deal. There is a limit to the free tickets you can purchase - just 2 free tickets with 2 paid tickets per reservation.<br /><br /><strong>What is the Showboat <em>Branson Belle</em>?</strong> It is a beautiful paddlewheel boat on Table Rock Lake that serves a full 3 course meal along with an entertaining live show (two shoes currently - <a href="http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com/cruises-dining/show_detail.aspx?AttractionID=1427"><strong><em>Funny Fiddle</em></strong></a> and <a href="http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com/cruises-dining/show_detail.aspx?AttractionID=1426"><em><strong>Encore!</strong></em></a>). Located between State Park Marina and Moonshine Beach, it's only 5 to 10 minutes from our vacation homes Nature's Retreat and Canyon Retreat.<br /><br />Are you a fan of the reality TV show <em>Undercover Boss</em>? The Showboat <em>Branson Belle</em> was featured along with Silver Dollar City and Ride the Ducks on the show as part of the Herschend Family Entertainment Group when boss Joel Mansby went undercover.<br /><br />More about the <em>Branson Belle</em> from their <a href="http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com/faq/">website FAQ</a>:<br /><br /><strong>Riverboat Features & Amenities<br /></strong><em>•How many decks or levels are there aboard the riverboat?<br /></em>The dining theater area of the ship has three levels, all of which provide excellent views of the stage. There is one exterior deck on the very top of the ship, where the captain's wheelhouse is located. The lowest level of the ship houses the engine room and kitchen.<br /><br /><em>•Are there many stairs to climb on the Showboat Branson Belle?<br /></em>Most of our seating is located on the main deck, which is the one you will enter when you board the Showboat. You can travel by stairs, or by elevator to the other two decks where seating is available.<br /><br /><em>•How will I know where I'm sitting on the Showboat Branson Belle?<br /></em>A table assignment is printed individually on each ticket. The table assignment will also be communicated to you by the ticket seller or reservationist.<br /><br /><strong>Dining Service & Food and Drink Availability<br /></strong><em>•Can I request a vegetarian plate? A low-cal plate? A Kosher meal? Or a diabetic meal?<br /></em>Yes, to all of the above requests. Simply inform your server.<br /><br /><em>•Do you use MSG in the preparation of food for the riverboat?<br /></em>None of the items currently planned for the menu include MSG, but please make your server aware of your concern, and they will be able to alert you to any menu items which may contain MSG at the time of your service.<br /><br /><em>•Are alcoholic beverages served on the Showboat Branson Belle?<br /></em>No alcoholic beverages are available on the Showboat Branson Belle.<br /><br /><em>•What types of drinks are available on the Showboat Branson Belle?<br /></em>Coffee, tea, iced tea and water are free with your meal. Large soft drinks are available and specialty coffees and frozen drinks may also be purchased.<br /><br />If you would like to view our menus, visit the <a href="http://www.showboatbransonbelle.com/cruises-dining/">Cruises & Dining section</a>.<br /><br /><strong>Onboard Experience & Entertainment<br /></strong><em>•What happens when I get on board the Showboat Branson Belle?<br /></em>Upon boarding, our photographers will provide you the opportunity to be photographed. Later, the picture is developed and you will have the choice of purchasing it. You can then enter the dining room/theater and find the location of your table. Meal service will begin shortly, followed by the major part of the show. Before the Showboat docks, you will have approximately 20 to 30 minutes to stroll the exterior decks of the Showboat and enjoy scenic views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains. Find out more about the onboard experience in Cruises & Dining.<br /><br /><em>•Will I be able to see the view of Table Rock Lake from inside the riverboat?<br /></em>Yes. The ship has large windows on all three interior decks of the theater. You can also explore a few smaller lounge areas, the exterior promenades and outer decks of the ship which also provide great views of the lake.<br /><br /><em>•Will I have an opportunity to see Table Rock Lake?<br /></em>Yes. Each cruise includes deck time to explore the ship and enjoy the views. Beautiful scenic views of the lake can be enjoyed from all exterior decks of the Showboat Branson Belle.<br /><br /><em>•Will the show performers sign autographs?<br /></em>Yes.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-78034651222661301622011-02-18T07:44:00.004-06:002011-02-18T08:01:38.025-06:00Zip Lining... "Geranomoooooooooo!"Mike and I <strong><em>love</em></strong> the extreme adrenaline rush you get when flying through the trees! Mike is afraid of heights, but he pushed his fears back while on vacation one year and indulged me with a zip line ride down the Dominican Republic mountains. <em><strong>What a thrill</strong></em>!<br /><br />Well, Branson has four (4) zip line rides that just opened in 2010, and <a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu10052488"><strong>today's Groupon</strong></a> is more than half off one of the rides! <a href="http://www.goziplineusa.com/index.html"><strong>Zip Line USA</strong></a> is just a bit west of Branson in Reeds Spring, about 30 minutes from Canyon Retreat and Nature's Retreat.<br /><br />Their 90 minute ride down 9 different zip lines, the longest one being 3200 feet long (wow!), is regularly $75 per person, but the Groupon is for <strong><em>only $37 per person</em></strong>. The deal is only good for 3 days, so make your spring plans to ride, and go buy your Groupons today! You must use them by May 31, 2011,<br /><br />The entire family can ride, as the minimum age is only 3 years old. Weight limit is 275 lbs. Start shooting emails, go text crazy, and ring the phones to see how many people in your family want an awesome ride!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.groupon.com/r/uu10052488"><strong><span style="color:#990000;">Please use my referral link to sign up for Groupon</span></strong></a>...thank you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-89150031757308255422011-01-28T20:19:00.003-06:002011-01-28T20:24:40.582-06:00News from The Track!<div>I just received this email from The Track:</div><div></div><br /><div>***</div><div></div><br /><div><strong><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TUN6NcpkZvI/AAAAAAAACyI/oOTGmcY5keI/s1600/162040_79033057839_7711838_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567427935807497970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TUN6NcpkZvI/AAAAAAAACyI/oOTGmcY5keI/s400/162040_79033057839_7711838_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>2011 is Gonna Rock!!<br /></strong><br />In celebration of 30 years of providing family entertainment in Branson, we are <strong>giving one lucky winner 30 RIDES PER MONTH March through December this year! </strong>Become a fan of our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/canyonretreat#!/pages/The-Track-Family-Fun-Parks/79033057839"><strong>Facebook Page</strong></a> by Feb.11, and we will choose a winner from our Facebook fans. Spread the word to your family and friends! Second prize will be a Super Loaded Go-Card, and third prize will be a Loaded Go-Card, totaling over $3,000 in giveaways! Look for more exciting 30-year promotions in the months to come! It’s our birthday, but we will be giving out the gifts this year!!<br /><br />If you haven’t heard, there are BIG changes happening at The Track in 2011! Get a sneak peek of Track 4's new Heavy Metal High Rise on our YouTube page! It's a steel & concrete go-kart track reaching over 4 stories! At Track 3, experience a new road course style classic track with tighter and higher banked curves. Both tracks open in March! Follow the construction progress on our Facebook page and on our live interactive webcams .<br /><br />We've teamed up with Titanic and had fun at their 5th Annual Ice Carving Competition in January. If you're getting cabin fever this winter, come out to Track 5 and have some fun with our Track-Titanic Combo Pack. Get 1 Track activity (laser tag or go-karts), 5 arcade game plays and a child admission to Titanic Museum Attraction for $15.00 - that's over 40% off! Buy this combo at either location. </div><br /><div></div><div>We hope we have already gotten to host you for some family fun through our 30 years, but we definitely look forward to seeing you this year…it will truly ROCK!!<br /></div><br /><div>***</div><div></div><br /><div>We are definitely looking forward to fun at the track this year!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-14417228683473453582010-12-30T21:06:00.002-06:002010-12-30T21:13:21.857-06:00Nature's Retreat - special 10% off until tomorrow!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TR1J8NKPijI/AAAAAAAACv0/EaWjsPI3nWk/s1600/frontx.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556678813918661170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TR1J8NKPijI/AAAAAAAACv0/EaWjsPI3nWk/s400/frontx.jpg" /></a>Wow, time has flown by! Nature's Retreat is finally finished and we closed on it today. Have you seen the new pictures yet? It's beautiful! Be sure to<a href="http://www.vacationhomeinbranson.com/naturesretreat.html"><strong> visit our website to see all of them</strong></a>. Granted, the furniture is not yet delivered, but the rooms are waiting!<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>This next week we'll be working on finishing out the lower level with the family room, 4th bathroom, 5th bedroom, and laundry room.</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Tomorrow the 10% construction special ends</strong>, so give me a call in the morning to reserve your 2011 vacation in Branson at Nature's Retreat. Half of June is already taken, and July is getting booked quickly...don't hesitate!</div><div></div><br /><div>Tyann Marcink</div><div>636.584.3864</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-83780891439360225732010-10-01T15:04:00.002-05:002010-10-01T15:10:26.382-05:00New at The Track!***<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TKZACoosppI/AAAAAAAACtk/qIabnK_xPkQ/s1600/n79033057839_7595.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523172407028524690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 132px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TKZACoosppI/AAAAAAAACtk/qIabnK_xPkQ/s400/n79033057839_7595.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>The Track Family Fun Parks<br /></strong>Launches Multi-Million Dollar Building Projects:<br />Big Changes Coming to Two Facilities in 2011<br /><br />Branson, Missouri - - After 30 years of providing family entertainment to local residents and area visitors, The Track Family Fun Parks has decided to celebrate by reinvesting almost three million dollars in its facilities. Construction is underway in a two-facility capital upgrade that will be completed in the spring of 2011. Track 4 (3345 W. Hwy. 76) will feature a new high-rise go-kart track constructed of steel and concrete that rises 40 feet in the air. Track 3 (2505 W. Hwy. 76) will take on a new look with additional go-kart tracks as well as an expanded building that will offer greater flexibility in indoor activity.<br /><br />“We could not be more thrilled to be reinvesting in our parks for 2011,” said Larry Schmitt, President/Owner of The Track Family Fun Parks. “We have not built a new major attraction at our facilities since 2002, and we feel like this is a great year for it. We are in the family fun business, and the addition of these attractions will provide an enhanced experience for our guests,” Schmitt added.<br /><br />The new high-rise go-kart track at Track 4 will be the latest addition to The Track’s high-rise family. The LumberJack at Track 5 and Wild Woody at Track 3 were built in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The new track’s state of the art steel and concrete construction will be more weather-friendly and will offer all the high-rise excitement of the other tracks. "These capital projects should definitely have a positive impact on our business, but we feel like this reinvestment on Hwy. 76 will be a benefit for the entire community," Schmitt said.<br /><br />The Track Family Fun Parks will provide more details about the new projects at the beginning of 2011. Visit <a href="http://www.bransontracks.com/">http://www.bransontracks.com/</a> for more information and to follow the progress of the construction on The Track's new network of live interactive webcams.<br /><br />***from The Track's Email Announcement </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-60176564308718358632010-08-28T19:46:00.005-05:002010-08-28T19:59:21.146-05:00Gathering your family in Branson from across the United States?<div style="text-align: left;">Fly non-stop directly into the Branson Airport! AirTran Airways has several flights from major cities.</div><div><br /></div><div>From their latest email:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">Branson AirExpress offers nonstop service to Austin, Des Moines, Gulfport-Biloxi, Houston, Shreveport and beginning September 10 Chicago Midway and Indianapolis! Fares start as low as $49* one way! For travel assistance in Branson and around the world contact us at 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Verdana;font-size:small;">. You may also visit us at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=83614667&msgid=639912&act=3TOT&c=528849&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flybranson.com" title="FlyBranson.com">FlyBranson.com</a>, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=83614667&msgid=639912&act=3TOT&c=528849&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flybransontravel.com" title="FlyBransonTravel.com">FlyBransonTravel.com</a> or <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=83614667&msgid=639912&act=3TOT&c=528849&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bransonairexpress.com" title="BransonAirExpress.com">BransonAirExpress.com</a>.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Verdana;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/THmwCT5RXcI/AAAAAAAACs4/lxlNt15o34c/s400/bransonairplane.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 134px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510629172811226562" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family:'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;font-size:medium;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">AirTran will add a third Atlanta arrival on Thur</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">sd</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">ay, Friday, </span></span>and Saturday, and a third departure on Fr</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">id</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">ay, Saturday, Sunday, which presents additional connections never before available from Branson. The new connections include Tunica, Mississippi (U</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;color:#333333;">TM), Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi (GPT), Cancun, Mexico (CUN), Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ), and Nassau, Bahamas (NAS). Additional connection opportunities to Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida (SRQ), Pensacola, Florida (PNS) and Miami, Florida (MIA) have also been created.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family:Verdana;font-size:small;"><br /></span></div>One Way Fares Starting at...<br /><br />Austin - $59*<br />Chicago - $69*<br />Des Moines - $49*<br />Gulfport-Biloxi - $59*<br />Houston - $69*<br />Indianapolis - $59*<br />Shreveport - $49*<div><br /></div><div>Have your family reunion at Canyon Retreat or Nature's Retreat...<a href="http://www.vacationhomeinbranson.com/contact.html"><b>call me today</b></a> to reserve your dates!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-13483090938455277122010-07-07T21:55:00.004-05:002010-07-07T22:05:49.544-05:00Announcing...Nature's Retreat..our new vacation home!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TDVAZofssCI/AAAAAAAACrc/paGarbIyz1s/s1600/naturescomingsoon.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491366129759465506" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TDVAZofssCI/AAAAAAAACrc/paGarbIyz1s/s400/naturescomingsoon.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Yes, you read that correctly! We are building <strong>another vacation home</strong> just like Canyon Retreat...and only a few houses down the street.</div><br /><div></div><div>Nature's Retreat will be set up the same as Canyon Retreat:</div><br /><ul><li><strong>4 bedrooms with king size beds</strong></li><br /><li><strong>TV/DVD in each bedroom</strong></li><br /><li><strong>4 full bathrooms</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Sleeps 14</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Great room / dining/ kitchen open floor plan</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Cathedral ceilings</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Large back deck</strong></li><br /><li><strong>Family room with pool table, big screen TV, and adding a foosball table</strong></li></ul><div></div><div>Since Nature's Retreat is also in the Branson Canyon neighborhood, guests will be able to enjoy the <strong>zero-entry swimming pool and the clubhouse</strong>.</div><br /><div></div><div>We already have several reservations for 2011 for Canyon Retreat, and we are accepting reservations for Nature's Retreat already. <strong><span style="color:#000066;">First availability will be March 1, 2011, just in time for Spring Break!</span></strong> </div><br /><div></div><div>Rates will be the same for both homes...and the rates have not gone up for 3 years...so <strong>call me today to reserve your vacation at Canyon Retreat or Nature's Retreat</strong>!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-3129550012802289512010-06-14T22:40:00.008-05:002010-06-21T18:27:01.867-05:00Ride the Ducks! (special family 4 pack available online)Looking to tour Branson in style? <strong>Ride the Ducks</strong> for a quacky good time!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBb3jCPte5I/AAAAAAAACpw/D5iBxK8YElk/s1600/duckslake.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 363px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482841777640405906" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBb3jCPte5I/AAAAAAAACpw/D5iBxK8YElk/s400/duckslake.bmp" /></a> Seriously...the Ducks will be one of the highlights of your trip to Branson.<br /><br />Before you board, you will receive a special item that will help your experience be set apart from any other regular tour...a wacky quacker. Quack! Yep, and not only will you <strong><em>want</em></strong> to quack at everyone, you will be given many opportunities to do so!<br /><br />Choose from a tour<strong> through Branson and into Table Rock Lake</strong>, departing from the Strip or a tour through <strong>downtown Branson and into Lake Taneycomo</strong>, departing form the Branson Landing.<br /><br />Before you go, be sure to <a href="http://branson.ridetheducks.com/special-offers.aspx"><strong>purchase your tickets online</strong></a> and get the online special of only $50 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children)!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBb3a2SaXjI/AAAAAAAACpo/aKDSkwyntAQ/s1600/ducksmtn.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482841636991557170" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBb3a2SaXjI/AAAAAAAACpo/aKDSkwyntAQ/s400/ducksmtn.jpg" /></a><br />We rode the Ducks when our youngest was only 3 months old, and the other two boys were 4 years and 2 years old. They absolutely loved it. The captains give great detail about the history of Branson while throwing in some pretty corny (and funny) jokes along the way.<br /><br />We saw some gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains, and then splashed into the lake at the Branson Belle. The kids even get a chance to drive the Duck in the water!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBb3mtcWpSI/AAAAAAAACp4/HEzgD4VH83w/s1600/ridetheducksnoah-137x150.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482841840775767330" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBb3mtcWpSI/AAAAAAAACp4/HEzgD4VH83w/s400/ridetheducksnoah-137x150.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ride the Ducks is a wonderful Branson experience, and we look forward to riding again this summer!<br /><br />Oh, and save those Wacky Quackers!!! Quack them at many Branson businesses and attractions and receive a discount! <a href="http://branson.ridetheducks.com/special-offers/wacky-quackers.aspx"><strong>Click here</strong></a> for a current list of participating businesses.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBb3mtcWpSI/AAAAAAAACp4/HEzgD4VH83w/s1600/ridetheducksnoah-137x150.jpg"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-59529588678176422712010-06-11T21:58:00.007-05:002010-06-12T09:39:42.067-05:00Branson Zipline - Huge Discount!I just saw this super discount at <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"><a href="http://www.bigriverbargains.com/index.cfm?event=ViewItemDetail&storeitemid=35323">Big River Bargains</a></span></strong> for the brand new <strong><span style="color:#000066;"><a href="http://www.bransonzipline.com/">Branson Zipline</a></span></strong>! You can do the 2.5 hour Xplorer Canopy Tour <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBL4UfAED0I/AAAAAAAACpg/3QFhfCJtciE/s1600/zipline.bmp"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 179px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481716727266152258" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/TBL4UfAED0I/AAAAAAAACpg/3QFhfCJtciE/s400/zipline.bmp" /></a>for $59 - normally $99 - WOW! My problem is that my boys would want to do it, too...you must be between 75 lbs. and 275 lbs. to participate, and well, Joey is only 42 lbs. at 4 years old...maybe in a few more years!<br /><br /><strong>Just added 6/12/2010...I noticed that KCWD 96.1 radio station is offering the same for just $45! These you will need to purchase in person at their office (I am not sure if they will mail them to you or not). Call their office at 870-741-1402 for more information.</strong><br /><br />You may even be able to use your <strong>Branson Guest Card</strong> (<a href="http://vacationhomeinbranson.blogspot.com/2010/05/branson-guest-card-savings-on-your-trip.html">see post below</a>) when you arrive to receive a FREE 5x7 photo of your adventure!<br /><br />Make your reservations with Branson Zipline, as they do have a limit for the tours each day. You can even do this online, and then enter the voucher code you receive from Big River Bargains at checkout. <em><strong>Please note that Big River Bargains change their offerings almost daily</strong></em>, so if you know you want to do the zipline, I would purchase the advance discount tickets immediately - then you can make your reservation when you know which date you would like.<br /><br />Be sure to leave a comment to let us know how your adventure was!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-69291777650071499082010-05-26T14:05:00.006-05:002010-05-26T14:26:15.585-05:00Branson Guest Card = savings on your trip!The <strong>Branson Guest Card</strong> is a simple, credit card sized card that is so packed with discounts that they send a full book along with the card so you know all of your discounts! Before our trip down to Branson in early May, I ordered our card online at <a href="http://www.bransonguestcard.com/">http://www.bransonguestcard.com/</a> for $19.95, plus $2 shipping. It was a Sunday evening, and I had the card and book in hand on Wednesday (First Class mail).<br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.bransonguestcard.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475658147282651378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/S_1yEtxBiPI/AAAAAAAACpY/4U5Kt0CLJl4/s320/bransonguestcard.jpg" /></a></p><p>You can also now pick up the card for the same price ($19.95) at many of the locations in Branson that honor them, as well as the <strong>Branson Chamber of Commerce</strong> (located just north of Branson on Hwy. 248, west of Hwy. 65,on the south side of the road).</p><p>We already saved $2.50 per person to play <strong>miniature golf</strong>, as well as 10% off our very favorite pizza, <strong>Pizza by the Chef in Hollister</strong>. We are looking forward to saving even more this coming weekend at <strong>Indian Point Marina</strong> when we go tubing,<strong> Famous Dave's BBQ</strong> at the Landing, and more! To see the <strong>entire list of savings for shows, attractions, restaurants, and even gas</strong>, visit their website at <a href="http://www.bransonguestcard.com/">http://www.bransonguestcard.com</a>.</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-22908864109938365502010-05-21T20:25:00.007-05:002010-05-21T21:02:16.290-05:00The Hiking Trail at Branson Canyon<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/S_c086jqpUI/AAAAAAAACoQ/0loCen6dizQ/s1600/hikingbridgex.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473902093207774530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/S_c086jqpUI/AAAAAAAACoQ/0loCen6dizQ/s320/hikingbridgex.jpg" border="0" /></a>As promised, here are a couple of pictures of the newly cut <strong>hiking trail</strong> in our little neighborhood. The trail winds up into the woods and then follows along the creek, coming to a handhewn log bridge that crosses over and then back into civilization.<br /><br />Even though <strong>Branson Canyon</strong> is only 5 minutes from <strong>Hollister</strong> and 1 1/2 miles from Hwy. 65, it feels like the middle of nowhere, tucked into the side of the<strong> Ozark Mountains</strong>, overlooking <strong>Table Rock Lake</strong>.<br /><br /><br /><p></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/S_c64pEeO2I/AAAAAAAACo4/vanwWTfQl4Y/s1600/hikingtrailx.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473908616863824738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/S_c64pEeO2I/AAAAAAAACo4/vanwWTfQl4Y/s200/hikingtrailx.jpg" border="0" /></a>If you haven't stayed at <strong>Canyon Retreat</strong> yet, be sure to make your reservations soon. There are just a few odd dates available for the summer still, and guests are already calling about the fall, so don't hesitate too long! Give me a call today - 636.584.3864!<br /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-88444398428573774392010-05-16T22:33:00.005-05:002010-05-21T20:59:22.186-05:00Dixie Stampede Discount TIckets!Looking to go to one of <strong><em>THE BEST</em></strong> shows in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Branson</span> for less? Visit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">KTLO</span> Radio's website and give them a call today to purchase <strong><a href="http://www.dixiestampede.com/branson.php">Dixie Stampede</a></strong> tickets for only $33 each (regularly $46.99 each).<br /><br />How to do it:<br /><ul><li><div align="left">Call the radio station at 870-425-3101.</div></li><li><div align="left">Purchase the number of tickets you need.</div></li><li><div align="left">The radio station will mail you ticket vouchers.</div></li><li><div align="left">Call Dixie Stampede to make your reservation and let them know that you have ticket vouchers to redeem.</div></li><li><div align="left">Redeem your ticket vouchers for the tickets at the Dixie Stampede ticket window.</div></li><li><div align="left">Enjoy the show!</div></li></ul><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/S_c6O2hbX4I/AAAAAAAACow/pNR0Z7CH8TI/s1600/dixie2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473907898920427394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/S_c6O2hbX4I/AAAAAAAACow/pNR0Z7CH8TI/s400/dixie2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-56348826304417156182010-03-30T12:17:00.002-05:002010-03-30T12:19:36.846-05:00Hiking Trails!We got word that the hiking trail has been cut! The trailhead is at the top of the hill near our home. We can't wait to go check it out this spring!!! As soon as we do, we'll be sure to post a few tantalizing pictures.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-42448022197258675042010-01-09T10:56:00.004-06:002010-01-09T11:06:15.969-06:00Travel Insurance for your Trip - Just in CaseFor NewYear's Eve, we had a family scheduled to arrive for a 3 day weekend. They planned to celebrate their son's visit home from Iraq while he was on furlough. The plan was for him to arrive home on the 27th, and they would then come down to Canyon Retreat on the 1st of the year.<br /><br />However, plans didn't go smoothly. As of the 27th, the son was still overseas. Then he made it to Ireland on the 28th, but the plane was in for repairs. Finally, on the 30th, he made it home safely, and the family was able to make their trip to Branson and relax together at Canyon Retreat.<br /><br />A little too late, we thought of travel insurance. We <em>highly</em> encourage travel insurance now. Most plans can be cancelled because of illness, and your trip total is refunded by the insurance company. You can even upgrade your plan to include "cancel for any reason."<br /><br />If you do purchase travel insurance and end up cancelling your trip to Branson and stay at Canyon Retreat, we will refund the cleaning portion of the amount. The cleaning (only $135 currently) is more than the price of the insurance in many cases.<br /><br />For example, a family that would like to come to Canyon Retreat for a week during Spring Break may not be able to make it because of an ongoing illness. They want to book, though, as the family member is currently doing fine. The total cost of Canyon Retreat for the week would be $1435, and the insurance through <a href="http://test.etravelprotection.com/servlet/WASCPure?accam=F200014&csid=&image">Access America</a> would only cost them $67.50. According to the quote, this covers cancellation because of illness. So if they end up unfortunately needing to cancel, they would not be out of any money. And if all goes according to plan, the cost of the insurance added to the cost of Canyon Retreat is still a very reasonable lodging cost.<br /><br />Please contact me today to reserve your vacation in Branson and Canyon Retreat!<br />Tyann Marcink<br />636.584.3864Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-80310588133639634492009-08-04T11:29:00.005-05:002009-08-04T11:42:06.099-05:00Silver Dollar City discount ticketsWoo hoo! We can now purchase <strong>discounted Silver Dollar City tickets</strong> for you. Not only are they good for one full day, but you also get a second full day for FREE!<br /><br /><strong>Adult tickets are $49 each</strong>, and <strong>child tickets are $39 each. This price includes tax! </strong>Children ages 3 and under are <em>always</em> free. <span style="font-size:85%;">(Plus $15 fee on entire purchase, not per ticket, to cover postage and such. If you would like to pay by credit card, it is an additional 3% to cover the fees.)</span><br /><br /><strong><em>This will save you over $5 per ticket!</em></strong><br /><br />Season passes are just $79 per adult and $69 per child, including tax.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.vacationhomeinbranson.com/contact.html">Call me today</a>, and I will Priority Mail your tickets to you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2111230723396632126.post-66829106860572923222009-07-14T08:44:00.004-05:002009-07-14T09:00:20.291-05:00Branson in the Autumn...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/SlyPWcgp_4I/AAAAAAAACHQ/W-S92q0i140/s1600-h/deck.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358315272437104514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_2T1dtCvhvAc/SlyPWcgp_4I/AAAAAAAACHQ/W-S92q0i140/s320/deck.jpg" border="0" /></a> ...is just as popular as summer for getaways with family and friends. In September and October, Canyon Retreat sees several different groups - families celebrating a birthday or anniversary milestone, families enjoying one of the many church conventions hosted by Branson, friends who graduated high school together, and friends who are enjoying an ault weekend without the kids.<br /><br />In November and December, and into January, Canyon Retreat hosts many, many families celebrating the holidays together. Because of its central location in the United States, Branson is an excellent choice of destination to bring the extended family together for a reunioin. And now with the new Branson airport open, just 8 miles away (don't worry - the planes don't fly over us!), <a href="http://www.flybranson.com/"><strong>family can fly in for as low as $64 one way from select airports</strong></a>.<br /><br />The weather cools down to a comfortable 50 to 70 degree range in Branson during the autumn - perfect for your favorite outdoor activities on the lake and in the woods or for just relaxing on Canyon Retreat's back deck. And Silver Dollar City and Branson's amazing selection of live shows are still going strong, all the way to Christmas, and many until the New Year.<br /><br />Be sure to <a href="http://www.vacationhomeinbranson.com/contact.html">call me today</a> to reserve your time at Canyon Retreat!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02748942455044865913noreply@blogger.com