On the Town - Branson

 

QUINTESSENTIAL

STAGE PRESENTS
With more than 100 shows daily and 53 theaters, Branson is the "Live Music Capital of the World." Here's a sampling of what's new this year:

- Crooner Andy Williams has thrilled audiences for more than 50 years. This summer, he welcomes the Righteous Brothers' Bill Medley with Paul Revere & The Raiders to his Moon River Theatre. Through Oct. 24. www.moonrivergrill.com

- The Mansion Theatre presents Cathy Rigby in Peter Pan, the Tony Award-nominated Broadway production. Rigby first played Peter Pan in 1974. Through Dec. 12. www.themansiontheatre.com

- The Osmonds are coming back to Branson, performing at the Osmonds Theatre, owned by youngest brother Jimmie. Sept. 4 through Dec. 12. www.osmondstheater.com

- Country greats Lee Greenwood and The Bellamy Brothers will grace the stage at the Welk Resort Theatre, singing hits like "God Bless The USA" and "Let Your Love Flow," respectively. Sept. 14 through Oct. 24. www.welktheatre.com

TAKE TO THE HILLS
When Harold Bell Wright penned The Shepherd of the Hills-portraying life in the Ozarks-in 1907, he had no idea it would inspire travel to Branson and the Ozark Mountains. At The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead, visit Old Matt's Cabin, the original home of the book's main characters; Inspiration Tower, offering 90-plus-mile panoramic views; and Inspiration Point, the second-highest peak in Missouri and the place where Wright began compiling notes for his book. Don't miss the nightly outdoor performance of the book, which features more than 80 actors, 40 horses, a flock of sheep and a vintage 1908 DeWitt auto.

No Payne, No Gain
Payne Stewart, the late golf champion known for his signature knickers, tam o'shanter cap, pure swing and sportsmanlike conduct, was born in nearby Springfield, MO. Last month, the Payne Stewart Golf Club (www.paynestewartgolfclub.com) opened, built to honor this golf great. Each of the 18 holes is accompanied by a story from Stewart's career.

Also don't miss the Troon Golf-managed, award-winning course at Branson Creek Golf Club (www.bransoncreekgolf.com) and Thousand Hills Golf Course (www.thousandhills.com), which local golfers have nicknamed "Two Thousand Hills."

ALL DOLLED UP
Illustrator Rose O'Neill, who lived about 14 miles from Branson, is the inventor of the cute (albeit a bit creepy) Kewpie doll. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the doll quickly became a phenomenon when it was created. Take a visit to O'Neill's homestead Bonniebrook, which has a museum that houses hundreds of the dolls as well as nearly 60 of O'Neill's original works. You can also stroll the property's lush grounds and tour the family home.

Wine

STONE HILL WINERY
www.stonehillwinery.com
WHAT TO TASTE: 2008 Vignoles
WHY: This wine has a unique fruit flavor, with strawberries, peaches and a hint of cotton candy. It has won numerous awards at various international wine competitions.
FUN FACT: During the free tour, a Spumante bottler will demonstrate how they get the bubbles in the Spumante Blush and Golden Spumante.

BRANSON RIDGE WINERY
www.bransonridgewinery.com
WHAT TO TASTE: Norton 2004
WHY: Norton is the state grape of Missouri. This dry, red wine is bold and full-bodied with flavors of dark cherry, oak and blackberry.
FUN FACT: Guests can enjoy Branson Landing's daily fountain shows-complete with 120-foot geysers and fire cannons-from the winery's covered patio.

MOUNT PLEASANT WINERY
www.mountpleasant.com
WHAT TO TASTE: Vintage port
WHY: This wine is so well regarded, it was chosen by a Swedish countess to be served at her wedding.
FUN FACT: Visitors can bottle their own dessert wine from a specially designed 600-gallon French oak barrel. In addition, the winery runs entirely on hydroelectric power and is built partially into the ground to reduce energy consumption.