Are the Beds Comfortable?

No one asks me this question.

Are the beds comfortable at our vacation houses?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (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!).

This morning I contemplated the reasons why I had not gotten out of bed yet (we are currently at Nature's Retreat). Here are the top three reasons that I decided why I did not want to get up:

3. I stayed up very late the night before.
2. I am on vacation.
and the top reason...

1. The bed is just soooo comfortable!

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!

We want you to have a wonderful time while you are staying in our vacation homes. And we know that a good sleep in a comfortable bed is a key secret to a memorable getaway.

Read about it from our past guests, in over 100 reviews between Canyon Retreat and Nature's Retreat. Then call me to make a date with our beds.

Tyann Marcink

636.584.3864

Ready for a Branson Getaway?

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.

Visit our website www.vacationhomeinbranson.com for the current availability calendars for both homes and call us today to reserve your getaway in our fabulous vacation homes!

Mike and Tyann Marcink
636.584.3864

Showboat Branson Belle - Buy One and Get One Free!

Yes, it's true! During the month of May, you may purchase a ticket and get a ticket FREE to the Showboat Branson Belle. 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.

What is the Showboat Branson Belle? 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 - Funny Fiddle and Encore!). 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.

Are you a fan of the reality TV show Undercover Boss? The Showboat Branson Belle 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.

More about the Branson Belle from their website FAQ:

Riverboat Features & Amenities
•How many decks or levels are there aboard the riverboat?
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.

•Are there many stairs to climb on the Showboat Branson Belle?
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.

•How will I know where I'm sitting on the Showboat Branson Belle?
A table assignment is printed individually on each ticket. The table assignment will also be communicated to you by the ticket seller or reservationist.

Dining Service & Food and Drink Availability
•Can I request a vegetarian plate? A low-cal plate? A Kosher meal? Or a diabetic meal?
Yes, to all of the above requests. Simply inform your server.

•Do you use MSG in the preparation of food for the riverboat?
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.

•Are alcoholic beverages served on the Showboat Branson Belle?
No alcoholic beverages are available on the Showboat Branson Belle.

•What types of drinks are available on the Showboat Branson Belle?
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.

If you would like to view our menus, visit the Cruises & Dining section.

Onboard Experience & Entertainment
•What happens when I get on board the Showboat Branson Belle?
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.

•Will I be able to see the view of Table Rock Lake from inside the riverboat?
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.

•Will I have an opportunity to see Table Rock Lake?
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.

•Will the show performers sign autographs?
Yes.

Nature's Retreat - special 10% off until tomorrow!

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 visit our website to see all of them. Granted, the furniture is not yet delivered, but the rooms are waiting!

This next week we'll be working on finishing out the lower level with the family room, 4th bathroom, 5th bedroom, and laundry room.

Tomorrow the 10% construction special ends, 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!

Tyann Marcink

636.584.3864

Announcing...Nature's Retreat..our new vacation home!

Yes, you read that correctly! We are building another vacation home just like Canyon Retreat...and only a few houses down the street.

Nature's Retreat will be set up the same as Canyon Retreat:

• 4 bedrooms with king size beds


• TV/DVD in each bedroom


• 4 full bathrooms


• Sleeps 14


• Great room / dining/ kitchen open floor plan


• Cathedral ceilings


• Large back deck


• Family room with pool table, big screen TV, and adding a foosball table

Since Nature's Retreat is also in the Branson Canyon neighborhood, guests will be able to enjoy the zero-entry swimming pool and the clubhouse.

We already have several reservations for 2011 for Canyon Retreat, and we are accepting reservations for Nature's Retreat already. First availability will be March 1, 2011, just in time for Spring Break!

Rates will be the same for both homes...and the rates have not gone up for 3 years...so call me today to reserve your vacation at Canyon Retreat or Nature's Retreat!

Ride the Ducks! (special family 4 pack available online)

Looking to tour Branson in style? Ride the Ducks for a quacky good time! Seriously...the Ducks will be one of the highlights of your trip to Branson.

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 want to quack at everyone, you will be given many opportunities to do so!

Choose from a tour through Branson and into Table Rock Lake, departing from the Strip or a tour through downtown Branson and into Lake Taneycomo, departing form the Branson Landing.

Before you go, be sure to purchase your tickets online and get the online special of only $50 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children)!

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.

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!

Ride the Ducks is a wonderful Branson experience, and we look forward to riding again this summer!

Oh, and save those Wacky Quackers!!! Quack them at many Branson businesses and attractions and receive a discount! Click here for a current list of participating businesses.

Branson Guest Card = savings on your trip!

The Branson Guest Card 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 http://www.bransonguestcard.com/ 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).

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 Branson Chamber of Commerce (located just north of Branson on Hwy. 248, west of Hwy. 65,on the south side of the road).

We already saved $2.50 per person to play miniature golf, as well as 10% off our very favorite pizza, Pizza by the Chef in Hollister. We are looking forward to saving even more this coming weekend at Indian Point Marina when we go tubing, Famous Dave's BBQ at the Landing, and more! To see the entire list of savings for shows, attractions, restaurants, and even gas, visit their website at http://www.bransonguestcard.com.

Branson in the Autumn...

...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.

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!), family can fly in for as low as $64 one way from select airports.

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.

Be sure to call me today to reserve your time at Canyon Retreat!