Branson 2012

Autumn in the Ozarks

October 8-13

 

     Experience the magic and beauty of the Ozarks and help Branson celebrate their 100th birthday with Laura and Gary Block October 8-13, 2012.  Six days/five nights with an unbelievable eight shows and eleven different performers which will include Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, Sons of the Pioneers Chuckwagon Show, The Baldknobbers, Roy Rogers Jr. with Brule, Andy Williams, Pat Boone, Debbie Boone all on the same stage, and three other fantastic shows.  Plus a guided tour of Branson and surrounding area, attractions, four dinners, five hot breakfast buffets and one lunch.  Nestled in the lakeside beauty of the Ozark Mountains, Branson embodies essential American values such as patriotism, faith, courage and generosity of spirit in a warm inviting atmosphere that is truly genuine and heartfelt.  This is an unbelievable week of fun and entertainment. 

 

Day One - Monday

     Our Andy’s Charter tour coach departs from Little Falls early in the morning.  We’ll pick up in Royalton, Rice, St. Cloud, Twin Cities or any other location on our route.  Our destination is Independence, Missouri for our overnight stay at a brand new Drury Inn. This will be the first time we’ve used this beautiful hotel.  The 5:30 Kickback with a rotating menu of hot food and cold beverages will be waiting for us when we arrive.  Long distance calls are also free tonight, so phone a friend or loved one and say “hello” at no cost!  Plus there’s free sodas and popcorn in the lobby. 

 

Day Two - Tuesday

     The day begins with a hot breakfast buffet.  “Hot” means sausage and eggs, not bread and a toaster!  Choose from scrambled eggs, sausage, Belgian waffles, biscuits, gravy and more.  We’re heading south to Branson today and on our way we’ll stop at Lampert’s Café in Springfield for lunch on our own.  Lampert’s is the home of “ throwed rolls” and generous portions of food.  A lot has happened over the past 100 years, and we’ve asked a local step-on guide to join us when we arrive in Branson and show us what’s new with a tour of the city and the area.  We’ll take a beautiful drive north of Branson, out deep in the woods, and visit a real live hillbilly working “still”.  This is one of three legal stills in the state of Missouri.  This is a rare opportunity to talk to the family who operates the still and maybe have a sample, if you so desire!  It’s time to freshen up as we check into the Dutton Inn.  The newly remodeled and stylish rooms are comfortable and clean.  The Dutton Inn also recently added luxurious new mattresses so we can get a better night’s sleep in preparation for each day of Branson adventures; plus each room has a microwave and fridge.  Step out of the present, away from modern chaos and hassles of life, and into the Old West with the Sons of the Pioneers, a group that started with country legends from the past.  The atmosphere of the stage at Shepherd of the Hills is complete with tumbleweeds and cactus to mark the true nature of the Old West.  All decked out in their cowboy gear, the Sons of the Pioneers will treat us to songs such as “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Red River Valley”.  They mix their music with the perfect amount of comedy, creating a show that will never be forgotten.  Before the show, we’ll enjoy an authentic Chuckwagon dinner that includes roasted chicken quarters, BBQ beef, beans, potatoes, roasted corn, rolls, apple cobbler and beverages.  Our seats are located close to the front for these living legends in their own time….an American institution.  This is a great way to kick-off our first of eight shows in Branson.  This evening we’ll celebrate Andy Williams’ 75th year of entertaining as he shares the stage with Pat and Debby Boone at the elegant Moon River Theatre where we’ll find an exquisite décor of warm woodwork, art, antiques and beautiful fabrics.  Williams has announced that he will return to the stage in September and October, joined by friends, Pat and Debby Boone.  The legendary singer has been undergoing treatment for bladder cancer and a theater spokesman says all seems to be going well and Andy is looking forward to returning this fall.   There will be the great music of Andy, Pat and Debby.  Pat Boone has sold over 45 million albums, had 38 Top Forty hits such as “Ain’t That A Shame” and “Love Letters in the Sand” and appeared in twelve Hollywood movies.  Pat is one of the biggest charting artists of the late 1950’s: second only to Elvis Presley.  His daughter Debby is a multiple Grammy winner with her biggest hit, the unforgettable “You Light Up My Life”.  Add that to the hits of Andy Williams and we’ll have a fabulous evening with reserved seats in the 13-16 row of the center section. It’ll be a busy first day in Branson; and a relaxing night at the Dutton Inn is something we’ll look forward to.

 

Day Three - Wednesday

     We’ll start off our day with the hot breakfast buffet at the Dutton Inn which includes scrambled eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, sausage, fruit, cereals, juice and more.  Branson’s #1 morning show, The Bretts, is first on our schedule today.  We have reserved seats beginning in the eighth row of the center section for this morning’s show at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.  The Bretts deliver high energy, high-caliber professional entertainment and make their daytime performance the place to be on the Strip.  This year’s show is expected to be the best show yet and they’re excited to have Garon, the youngest of the Brett family, back in town in October.  Lunch and shopping is on our own.  This afternoon our reserved seats are in the center section beginning in the third row at the Dutton Family Theatre.  Millions have watched the Duttons on PBS or saw them reach the Top Ten on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent”.  Now we’ll be able to experience the performance everyone is talking about, featuring old favorites and new.  Favorite songs, sketches and dance routines are all featured in this gigantic fast moving extravaganza.  The three-generation multi-award winning international touring and recording artists have earned last year’s “Best Show in Branson” award. “I absolutely loved it”, says X-Factor judge Simon Cowell….and we will too.  A grand night is planned for us this evening as we head down Highway #76 to the magnificent show on top of the hill.  When we think of Branson, we think of world class live entertainment and that’s what we’ll experience tonight at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction with a family feast and fantastic show filled with 32 magnificent horses, Stampede of the Buffalo, Belles of the Ball, trick riding and competition singing, dancing and family friendly comedy, miniature racing horses, a patriotic grand finale, all while enjoying a mouth-watering four-course meal complete with a delicious dessert.  Our table seats are in section A2 and A3, which is a great location on the north side of the arena.  The evening starts with the pre-show entertainment in the world-famous Carriage Room where we’ll enjoy the fun and excitement of the fabulous Opening Act.  Following that show we’ll be comfortably seated in the incredible 35,000 square foot main arena where it’s time to discover a feast as big as the main event.  Our meal includes a mouth watering tender whole rotisserie chicken, hickory smoked barbecued pork loin, creamy vegetable soup, homemade biscuits, hot buttered corn on the cob, herb-pasted potato, dessert and beverage. (Vegetarian meals are also available, but need to be ordered when you sign up for the trip; pasta is substituted for the meat.)  

 

     Day Four - Thursday

     We’ll start our final full day in Branson with the breakfast buffet.  We have an unbelievable day planned!  Last year we saw “Clay Cooper’s Country Christmas” at Clay’s newly renovated theater (at the tune of 2 million dollars).  The majority of people who traveled with us agreed that Clay Cooper Country Music Express was the best show we saw in 2011.  That was the holiday show and now we’d like to see his regular show in its entirety with country classics and country hits.  Clay Cooper and his talented cast of 20 veteran entertainers light up the stage with a high energy variety show filled with singin’, dancin’, rope twirlin’, and hysterical comedy.   Our reserved seats begin in the 6th row.  Be ready to laugh a lot and walk out feeling warm and fuzzy all over.  You are guaranteed to love this show.  Lunch is included today as we take the elevator to Clay’s second floor dining room.  Catered by Montana Mikes, lunch begins with cheese broccoli soup, turkey sandwich, potato salad, dessert and beverage.  Many people are acquainted with RFD-TV and this afternoon we’ll be heading to that theater known as RFD-TV.  The Theatre opened in 2007 to provide a base to showcase its popular lineup of family-oriented shows.  Located in the heart of Branson’s entertainment district, RFD-TV’s 2,000 soft seat theater is the new home to one of the most unique pairing – Roy Rogers Jr. and the Native American experience Brule.  We have reserved seats that begin in the fifth row for this incredible and completely different show.  The first half pays tribute to the 100th birthday of The King of the Cowboys, Roy Rogers.  Roy’s son Roy Jr. and his band, the High Riders, perform classic music reminiscent of his father.  The show is full of surprises and great music along with Dusty sharing his stories of growing up with his father Roy and his wife Dale Evans who also would have been 100 years old in October.  Dustin Roy Rogers, son of Dusty and grandson to Roy joins his father on stage.  Dustin sounds and looks very much like his grandpa when Roy rode the silver screen in the 1930’s and ‘40’s.  If you grew up watching Roy Rogers, you do not want to miss this show.  Both performers will take time to meet with us during intermission.  The second half opens with Brule, a journey of sight, sound and soul that has been amazing audiences at RFD-TV since 2009 through brilliant dancing and amazing music that has become the new “must-see” in Branson.  This is a full theatrical production

 

Gary Block Tours

320-632-8632

mgaryblock@hotmail.com                                   www.garyblocktours.com

 

combing the mesmerizing choreographed dance moves of one of the most dynamic groups of Native American dancers in the country and Brule, a four time winner of the Native American Music Awards band of the year.  Together, they bring a show that has been compared to a Native American version of “Cirque du Soleil”.  Roy Roger Jr. joins Brule near the end of the show that caps a performance nothing short of spectacular.  There’s still one more show to experience.  What a perfect way to finish our day with reserved seats at this evening’s performance of the Baldknobbers Jamboree Show, the show that started it all in Branson.  This family entertainment phenomenon began over 50 years ago when the four Mabe brothers, known as the Baldknobbers, began entertaining visitors on the Branson lakefront.  Today, the family legacy continues to wow audiences by delivering everything from traditional country to today’s #1 hits and dynamite comedy.  The second and third generation of the Mabe family carry on the family tradition joined a cast of dynamic singers, musicians, comedians and entertainers.  This is Branson’s first show and each year the Baldknobbers perform an all new show.  New music and songs! New costuming and lots and lots of new comedy!   

  

Day Five - Friday

     Breakfast is the hot buffet and then it is back on the road as we head north through Missouri and into Iowa.  We’ll stop for lunch on our own and have some fun on the coach.  Our home tonight is the Drury Inn in West Des Moines. Take a break with the 5:30 Kickback food & beverages, plus free long distance calls once again.   There are also a number of unique shopping experiences adjacent to the hotel.  After a day of traveling, this unique Drury Inn will provide a comfortable place to relax and unwind.  This evening, we’ve set aside one of the Drury conference rooms for a fun group get together.

 

Day Six - Saturday

     The hot breakfast buffet at the Drury Inn is ours to enjoy again as we prepare for our last day together.  Lunch today is on our own at Cabelas in Owatonna.  Once again, this is a Branson trip unlike any other!!  Compare our price with other companies and remember this is six days and five nights, plus eight fabulous shows and eleven different entertainers.  You get a lot more for your dollar when you travel to Branson with us.  A great time guaranteed with pleasant memories to enjoy for many years.

 

 

This is a one-of-a-kind six day/five night Branson getaway at a great price that includes eight shows with eleven performers , a guided tour of Branson and surrounding area, four dinners, one lunch, five hot breakfast buffets, beverages, plus a lot more.  The Branson tradition continues and we would love it if you joined us October 8 – 13, 2012.

 

Cost:         $699 Double occupancy per person

$644 Triple occupancy per person

$616 Quad occupancy per person

$859 Single occupancy 

 

100.00 non-refundable deposit, per person, will reserve your spot and must be mailed within 3 days of signing up.  Balance is due September 1, 2012. 

 

 

 

Gary Block Tours

320-632-8632

mgaryblock@hotmail.com                                   www.garyblocktours.com

 

 

  

Ø  Comfortable Andy’s Charter Tour Coach transportation

Ø  Experienced and friendly driver

Ø  Sons of the Pioneers Chuck Wagon show & dinner (near the front)

Ø  Andy Williams, Pat Boone & Debby Boone ( Rows 13th-16th center section)

Ø  Brett Family Show (8th-10th row center section)

Ø  Dutton Family Show (3rd row, center section)

Ø  Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Show (Section A2 & A3)

Ø  Clay Cooper Country Music Express Show (seats starting in row 6)

Ø  Roy Rogers Jr. and Brule (6th row, center section)

Ø  The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show (seat assignment was not available when this went to print)

Ø  Step-on guided tour of Branson & the surrounding area

Ø  Visit a hillbilly working “still”, deep in the woods north of Branson

Ø  One night lodging at the new Drury Inn – Independence, MO

Ø  Three nights lodging – new remodeled Dutton Inn – Branson, MO

Ø  One night lodging at the Drury Inn – West Des Moines, IA

Ø  Cabela’s - Owatonna, MN

Ø  Four dinners

Ø  One lunch

Ø  Five hot breakfast buffets

Ø  Free long distance calls at Drury Inns

Ø  Shopping opportunities

Ø  Luggage handling

Ø  Refreshments on coach

Ø  Gratuities & taxes

Ø  Fun - Games - Prizes

Ø  Hosted by Laura & Gary Block

 

 

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Transportation and lodging hosted by Gary Block Tours is arranged with independent firms.  Bookings for entertainment are arranged through independent hotels, theatres and other entertainment venues.  We take great pride in our selection of reliable firms.  However, we do not control these independent firms.  Sometimes shows or celebrity appearances are changed or cancelled without notice.  We cannot be responsible for claims or losses arising out of injury, accident, death, loss of enjoyment, frustration or inconvenience that arises from the act or omission of any independent firm supplying services to Gary Block Tours, or for mechanical breakdowns, governmental actions, acts of God, strikes or acts of war beyond our control.  We cannot be responsible for the consequences of your failure to follow instructions, including but not limited to check in, check out and baggage handling.  If events or reservations are cancelled or changed, we will make every effort to provide a comparable substitute tour experience. 

Deposits and payments are non-refundable unless the tour is cancelled.

I have read and understand the Cancellation and Refund Policy notice.

All participants of this trip must sign below.

 

Clip & return with payment to:  Gary Block Tours, 112 SE 4th Street, Little Falls, MN  56345

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Branson 2012