The actual population of Branson, Missouri is somewhere around 7,000. However, a great many people also call the mountain areas surrounding Branson home. It was these mountains that greeted and served as home for Branson’s initial entertaining families in 1959, beginning with the Mabe brothers.

The Mabe brothers started as a Branson family who performed twice a week in a converted roller skating rink on Lake Taneycomo in what once was downtown Branson. This trailblazing Branson foursome blended popular country tunes with traditional Ozark Mountain music. They also treated Branson, Missouri visitors to a bit of comedy for further entertainment.

In 1968, the Mabe brothers built a theater on Highway 76, which runs through Branson, Missouri. Here, their act and audience flourished further. Today, the ‘Bald Knobbers,’ as they called themselves, are recognized for having the longest continuously running show in Branson, Missouri.

However, the Bald Knobbers weren’t Branson, Missouri’s only family with entertainment on their minds. In 1960, Hugo and Mary Herchend fulfilled plans to open a small, old-time Ozark village attraction in Branson, Missouri. The attraction was established on top of Marvel Cave, nearly 10 miles west of Branson on Highway 76.

Marvel Cave, which was located where Silver Dollar City theme park now sits, was the first attraction to draw visitors to the Branson, Missouri area over a century ago. Although various stars, mainly country music singers, began coming to the Branson, Missouri area in the 1980s, the city’s long, rich history shows itself in Branson entertainment – even today.

Visitors began being drawn to the Branson, Missouri area over 100 years ago, enticed by Branson’s inspiring natural beauty and plentiful outdoor recreation activities. However, people did not arrive then in the droves that now make Branson, Missouri one of America’s most popular family vacation destinations.

The early beginnings of the Branson, Missouri area involved minister Harold Bell Wright, who moved to the Ozarks in 1898. While in Branson, Wright lived at the homestead of John and Anna Ross. He later immortalized them as “Old Matt” and “Aunt Mollie” in his famous novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills.” Published in 1907, the novel offers tales of the strong, self-sustaining people Wright encountered in Branson, Missouri and its wooded valleys, among other interesting local discoveries and details.

The book, set in Branson, Missouri, sold millions of copies in multiple languages. It was so famous, in fact, that four movies were filmed – including a version in 1941 that featured John Wayne. It was Wayne’s first Technicolor film. Following the publication of “The Shepherd of the Hills” and particularly upon the release of the movies, Branson, Missouri residents began noticing a greater onset of visitors.

Lake Taneycomo was created with the building of the Ozark Beach Dam (also known as Powersite Dam) in Branson, Missouri in 1913. At this point, the Branson area became even more attractive to outdoor enthusiasts. The Branson area and such Branson resorts as Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa continue to attract vacationers who prefer fishing, boating, swimming, hunting and enjoying the rugged natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains and Branson, Missouri’s plentiful lakes.

Touring the world with their record-breaking show, The Twelve Irish Tenors are sparking a sensation wherever they appear – and performing some of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. Branson, Missouri hotel guests and visitors simply can’t get enough of the group, calling it a truly talented batch of vocal musicians.

Branson hotel guests, such as those enjoying a family vacation at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, who have seen the group agree: “The music will make you melt.” Said David King, the show’s creator and producer, “The individual voices would be enough to hold their own on any stage, but when you combine twelve of Ireland’s finest, the result is breathtaking.” The Twelve Irish Tenors offer Branson hotel guests and area visitors a cleverly constructed selection of Irish folk songs, big Opera numbers, modern rock classics, pop and even a special tribute to the Beatles and Barry Manilow in their eclectic repertoire.

The Tenors sing with perfect harmonies and a touch of Irish charm, captivating Branson hotel guests and audience members of all ages. They move with ease from opera to pop, with each member of the group having the opportunity to showcase his own unique talent through a variety of songs. Branson hotel guests can relax and enjoy the sounds of such famous tunes as Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Yesterday, Twist & Shout, Mack the Knife, New York New York and the opera classics, Nessun Dorma and La Donna E Mobile.

You’re planning a family vacation in Branson, Missouri – aptly dubbed the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World.” You’re considering which shows to see, but you’re seeking something different; you want something that’s not run-of-the-mill but retains that “Branson” family-style flavor. You’re in luck, with Legends in Concert — a live tribute show featuring a cast of all-star impersonators – loved by Branson resort guests and visitors of all ages.

The “Legends in Concert” theater is located along the famous 76 Strip and has been a part of the Branson entertainment scene for 12 years. Two hours of engaging entertainment is guaranteed for the Branson resort guests, couples and families who take in this amazing show. The production showcases talented impersonators who recreate legendary performances…and themselves as legendary performers.

From the looks of the original celebrities to the characteristics of their showmanship – including the movement, mannerisms and sounds of their voices – the Legends’ cast nails every detail in a most authentic way. The voices being heard are the performers’ actual voices – no recordings or karaoke tricks are used. Branson resort guests claim that it’s as if the stars themselves are truly right in front of you, serenading you in person.

You’ll be captivated by such stars as Garth Brooks, Liza Minnelli, Tina Turner, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Buddy Holly, Marilyn Monroe, George Strait, the Blues Brothers, and Elvis – from the 50s, of course. With fascinating shows that change four times a year, it’s easy to see why Legends In Concert remains such a popular production in Branson, Missouri among vacationing families and resort guests – including those who stay in ultimate luxury at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, Branson’s only AAA Four-Diamond resort.

It’s the building most frequently photographed in Branson, Missouri…and a popular attraction for visitors – many of whom enjoy the city’s famous sights as part of a relaxing family vacation at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, Branson’s only AAA Four Diamond Award-winning resort.

This building that is so often captured on film is Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, which from the outside looks as though it is about to split apart. Among Branson, Missouri’s most atypical architectural structures, its appearance – believe it or not – reflects a huge earthquake that hit the state in 1812.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum offers Branson, Missouri resort guests and area visitors the chance to peruse an eclectic collection of over 400 of some of the more bizarre and unexplainable things you may ever lay eyes on.

One of the sights you’ll behold is a Matchstick U.S.S. Forrestal, a replica of the Navy’s Aircraft Carrier, the U.S.S. Forrestal. It took over 600 hours to complete and is made from over 48,000 common household matchsticks and toothpicks. Due to its size and basic components, this ship is an amazing object for Branson, Missouri visitors touring the museum to see.

Another intriguing sight is a Playing Card Roman Coliseum. Built on a scale of 1″:11′, it is the replica of a famous Roman Coliseum crafted from 1,971 ordinary playing cards. This small-scale phenomenon was originally built as a High School history project. Branson, Missouri museum visitors can observe the model up-close, with its 500 interior and exterior triangular arches.

When guests at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa are looking for a change of pace from the usual Branson, Missouri attractions, they certainly can’t find an activity further from the ordinary than a visit to Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum!

During a vacation at Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa – the premier resort of Branson, Missouri – guests can pay a visit to the Hollywood Wax Museum, which not only presents statues of well-known stars from every era, but spotlights life-like scenes from movies also cast in wax.

Inside the museum, visitors to our Branson, Missouri resort who explore the museum discover realistic looking, widely recognized movie stars, television actors, musicians and even presidents. Throughout the displays, pieces of information about the movies, shows and involved individuals are showcased to engage Branson, Missouri travelers.

Scenes and actors from classic and contemporary movies, ranging from “Gone With the Wind” to “Pirates of the Caribbean,” intrigue Branson, Missouri guests of every age. Other notable figures displayed in the Hollywood Wax Museum include musicians from many genres, such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Cher and more.

At Branson, Missouri’s Hollywood Wax Museum, visitors additionally discover a display of famous American presidents, from such great historical figures as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, to modern presidents like Ronald Regan and Bill Clinton.

When you visit Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, in Branson, Missouri, there are always plenty of sights and attractions to enjoy. The Hollywood Wax Museum is great for family entertainment. Not only is the museum fun and interesting, it also has a gift shop filled with souvenirs that feature classic stars.

The Billboard World Song Contest, sponsored by Billboard Magazine, is proud to present its 15th Annual Contest in Branson, MO in 2008. Contest winners will receive over $30,000 in prizes, including cash, equipment, merchandise and promotional support.

First-place winners in all categories will be invited to perform their winning song onstage in Branson, MO in front of music industry professionals, theatre owners and talent buyers. In addition to the Billboard prizes, a $5,000 Grand Prize winner, Runner-up ($1,500), and second runner-up ($1,000) will be selected from the live performance line-up by a jury of industry insiders.

Among the song categories featured at this Branson, MO event are: Rock/Alternative Rock, Pop, Country, Latin, Folk/Americana, Jazz, Contemporary Christian/Gospel, R&B/Blues, Dance, Rap/HipHop and World. A new category – Electronica/Soundtrack – also seeks entries.

The top three winners in each of the eleven categories – including first-placers performing here in Branson, MO – will have their song featured on a CD that will distributed exclusively to industry decision-makers. This contest offers great exposure for up-and-coming songwriters, as well as a chance to experience Branson, MO.

Once a year, Branson, MO – where you’ll find Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa – packs a little bit of everything it has to offer into five fun-filled days, showcasing world-class performers, local arts and culture, and authentic Branson, MO cuisine.

Known as BransonFest, this celebration welcomes spring with an incredible array of Branson, MO’s finest features and attractions – all in one location! Celebrating its 16th year, BransonFest 2008 is set to take place between April 8th and 12th at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater complex.

Activities begin at Noon on Tuesday, April 8th, and the first “Big Show” is in the American Bandstand Theatre here in Branson, MO at 7:00 pm. At the daily “Big Shows”, you can sample some of Branson’s best shows. If you attend them all, you’ll enjoy at least 50!

Wednesday through Saturday, the outdoor activities begin at 9 a.m. and the “Big Shows” take place at 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. Plus, daily activities in the “Real American Entertainment” Tent and the Hospitality, Business and Arts tents are free and open to the public.

BransonFest 2008 is your chance to sample the inspiring experience that Branson, MO offers its more than seven million visitors annually. We can’t wait to see you at Chateau on the Lake for all the excitement in store!

Destination weddings have become increasingly popular over the years. Thus, many couples from around the Midwest have naturally traveled to the Branson, Missouri area to exchange vows and celebrate at such well-suited destinations as Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa.

Branson, Missouri provides such an ideal location for a destination wedding because of its centralized status, luxury accommodations, restaurants, and wide variety of services and leisure activities – including pampering for the entire wedding party at the ultra-elegant, full-service Spa Chateau at Chateau on the Lake. Branson, Missouri-bound brides and grooms also enjoy the perk of marrying in an equally appealing honeymoon destination!

Families today tend to spread further away, making weddings among the only times they are able to gather together. To avoid the difficulty of traveling to far-off locales, Branson, Missouri is ideally set right in the heartland of America, a day’s drive from half the country’s population.

Traditional wedding ceremonies can be celebrated at Branson, Missouri’s local churches. Vows can also be exchanged at properties such as Silver Dollar City, the Titanic Museum, and Branson Missouri’s only AAA Four-Diamond award-winning resort: Chateau on the Lake. For guests here, saying “I Do” and enjoying a reception in our beautiful ballroom or on the top of an Ozark Mountain overlooking Table Rock Lake are among your options, ensuring your wedding will be an occasion to remember.

We at the Chateau will work with you to coordinate every detail, including flowers, catering and cuisine, photographers, video recordings and more. And as Branson, Missouri’s premier resort destination for weddings in the area, Chateau on the Lake can help you plan and carry out your entire event, from the rehearsal dinner to the reception menu…the wedding setting to your gracious honeymoon suite.

In addition to the magnificent shows and attractions in Branson, Missouri, there are three different movie theaters from which guests to Chateau on the Lake can choose when in search of indoor entertainment. Below are descriptions of each movie theater, all of which offer a unique experience.

Branson Meadows Cinemas in Branson, Missouri boasts 11 theatres that promise crystal-clear sight and sound, comfortable seats and handsome décor throughout. The rows of this Branson, Missouri theater match the width of the screen, so viewers feel more immersed in the action.

In addition to an IMAX giant-screen projection system, Branson’s IMAX Theater – the second among Branson, Missouri’s three movie venues – has installed a new 35mm projection system to show 35mm feature films each evening in addition to the IMAX giant screen film presentations. Using a specialized projection lens, this major Branson, Missouri attraction can produce an image up to seven times larger than regular theaters.

The Elite Cinema III is the newest and perhaps most choice movie-going experience in the Branson, Missouri area. Each theater features stadium-style seating, oversized seats with adjustable arm rests, ample leg room, Tempur-Pedic foam seat pads for the ultimate in comfort, and an impressive digital surround sound system.

Whether you choose to explore your options inside or out, in Branson, Missouri, and as a guest at Chateau on the Lake, you’ll discover a magnificent array of ways to enjoy your brilliant Branson, Missouri vacation!