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

Parakeet Pete's Waterfront Zipline

Yes, 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.

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.

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.

You can make your reservations and check out photos at www.bransonzipline.com.

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.

Sweet Mother of a Deal for Zip Lines and Titanic Museum

So this is an AWESOME deal I found! You can pick this up from Radio Talon, another radio station that sells tickets they have received for advertising.

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).

Here is the list of other great discounted tickets to shows you may be interested in.

And here is how you do it, straight from the radio's website:

1. 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.   
2. 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. 
3. Purchase your certificate from the radio station in person or by phone with a credit card.  We accept VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. 
4. 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.

Easy peasy to save a lot in Branson!

Spring Special at Nature's Retreat!

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.

To celebrate, we have 2 choices of specials for the month of April at Nature's Retreat. Choose either 20% off your entire stay (cleaning fee not included in the discount), or stay 3 nights and receive the 4th night free!

Be sure to call or email as soon as you have your days picked out, as the open dates won't last very long.

Don't forget that Nature's Retreat is the ONLY 5 bedroom in the Branson area that also has:

• all king size beds in 5 bedrooms
• 4 full bathrooms
• a 700+ sq. ft. family room with pool table, foosball table, and big screen TV
• 15 x 12 deck with gas grill
• TV/DVDs in all of the bedrooms

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.

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!

636.584.3864

tyann@vacationhomeinbranson.com

Branson is 100 this Year and We are on Pinterest!

Happy Birthday, Branson! This is an exciting year for Branson, Missouri, and there are many, many events planned to celebrate. Keep up with the calendar of events, or how about on their Facebook page with the most recent happenings for the birthday.

Or how about 100 ways to celebrate?!?! Here are just a few of the suggestions:

• 17.Read the book, The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright.
• 18.Learn to play the fiddle.
• 21.Invite some Girl Scouts to celebrate their 100th birthday with us in Branson!
• 72.Plant a garden of heirloom tomatoes.
• 73.Gather 100 people for a centennial trash pick-up day.
• 75.Walk 100 miles in Branson on our trails, through Downtown, our parks, your neighborhood or along 76 Country Blvd.
• 76.Try to catch 100 fish in Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock Lake.
• 79.Golf 100 holes at our area courses per month…that’s about 5 ½ rounds.
• 80.Drive 100 laps on a go-cart.
• 81.Take and log 100 photos of your favorite places in Branson

And here is the complete list from their website.

Are you on Pinterest? Follow our Branson, Missouri board for ideas on activities for when you visit Branson!

July 4th Celebrations in Branson

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 Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce):

Saturday, July 2

38 Special & The Kentucky Headhunters, Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater

26th Annual Fireburst, Harter House Parking Lot; Kimberling City

Sunday, July 3

The Souled Out Band – Live In Concert!, Branson Landing Town Square

Branson Landing’s 4th Annual "Liberty Light Up" Concert!, Branson Landing Town Square

Shepherd of the Hills Fireworks Celebration, Shepherd of the Hills Homestead

Monday, July 4

Spirit of 76 Independence Day, Branson Landing

Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks, featuring the Clay Self Band, Big Cedar Lodge

Cape Fair Fireworks Display, Cape Fair Marina

Annual Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks, Rockaway Beach Park

35th Annual Fire & Thunder Fireworks Display, Shell Knob (1 mile S. of Bridge)

58th Annual Hollister 4th of July Celebration, Historic Downtown Hollister

Symphony of Hearts For Joplin – Benefit Concert For Homes of Hope, Branson Landing

Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub Groupon

Tucked into Branson Landing, just up from the beautiful fire and water fountain show, is Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub. 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.

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 referral link to access Groupon, then make sure you are on Springfield, MO to see the deal. You can purchase $25 of food and drinks for just $12 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!

Visit Waxy O'Shea's website for their specials and calendar of performances.

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.

Zip Lining... "Geranomoooooooooo!"

Mike and I love 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. What a thrill!

Well, Branson has four (4) zip line rides that just opened in 2010, and today's Groupon is more than half off one of the rides! Zip Line USA is just a bit west of Branson in Reeds Spring, about 30 minutes from Canyon Retreat and Nature's Retreat.

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 only $37 per person. 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,

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!

Please use my referral link to sign up for Groupon...thank you!

Gathering your family in Branson from across the United States?

Fly non-stop directly into the Branson Airport! AirTran Airways has several flights from major cities.

From their latest email:

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). You may also visit us at FlyBranson.com, FlyBransonTravel.com or BransonAirExpress.com.

AirTran will add a third Atlanta arrival on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and a third departure on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, which presents additional connections never before available from Branson. The new connections include Tunica, Mississippi (UTM), 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.

One Way Fares Starting at...

Austin - $59*
Chicago - $69*
Des Moines - $49*
Gulfport-Biloxi - $59*
Houston - $69*
Indianapolis - $59*
Shreveport - $49*

Have your family reunion at Canyon Retreat or Nature's Retreat...call me today to reserve your dates!

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 Zipline - Huge Discount!

I just saw this super discount at Big River Bargains for the brand new Branson Zipline! You can do the 2.5 hour Xplorer Canopy Tour 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!

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.

You may even be able to use your Branson Guest Card (see post below) when you arrive to receive a FREE 5x7 photo of your adventure!

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. Please note that Big River Bargains change their offerings almost daily, 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.

Be sure to leave a comment to let us know how your adventure was!!!

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.

Hiking 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.

Silver Dollar City discount tickets

Woo hoo! We can now purchase discounted Silver Dollar City tickets for you. Not only are they good for one full day, but you also get a second full day for FREE!

Adult tickets are $49 each, and child tickets are $39 each. This price includes tax! Children ages 3 and under are always free. (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.)

This will save you over $5 per ticket!

Season passes are just $79 per adult and $69 per child, including tax.

Call me today, and I will Priority Mail your tickets to you!

Welcome to Our Place in Branson!

Yes, this is our porch. And, yes, we invite you to come sit and relax with your family and friends!

canyon (kan'yen) - a deep valley between high steep banks, usually containing a river
retreat (ri-tret') - a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet

Our Canyon Retreat home, a leisurely 1/4 mile stroll from the shore of Table Rock Lake, has a peaceful view of the lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. The beauty of nature is seen from our triple windows in the great room, from our expansive back deck, and from our Adirondack chairs on the front porch (see picture!).

Canyon Retreat is not just a place to stay, but a place to play. We have “decked out” our home with many, many exceptional amenities, including a sleek black pool table, a solid wood poker table, a 50" DLP TV, a 42" plasma TV, a TV in each bedroom...

During your vacation, don’t overlook setting time aside to take advantage of our swimming pool with “zero entry” and "cool touch" deck just across the street, our clubhouse with game room and conference room, as well as the playground for kids.

Branson's parks, AquaPlex, and skate park are also nearby for family enjoyment. See our activities page for ideas on what to do in the Branson area, including free and inexpensive Branson entertainment.

Canyon Retreat has easy access to all of the adventures that Table Rock Lake and Branson have to offer. We are simply less than a minute to the public boat launch, just 5 minutes to exciting water activities at State Park Marina, 5 minutes to world class golf at Branson Creek, 10 minutes to Moonshine Beach, and 10 minutes to the exciting Branson Landing and Branson Strip (webcam).

MAP of our location.

Call us today to reserve your vacation at Canyon Retreat! 636.584.3864