Spring is a great time to visit Branson, Missouri.

Photographs courtesy of the venues

 

[pullquote]Above Photo: Table Rock Lake Dam.[/pullquote] The big news from Branson is the Million Dollar Quartet, opening June 25 at the Welk Resort Theatre. This all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway show is based on the amazing true story of a night in 1956, when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins had a jam session at Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis, Tennessee. It’s been called “one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time.” The resort is a beautiful complex. The recently renovated Welk Resort Hotel offers wonderful accommodations and fun for the whole family. Its Splash-A-Torium is 10,000 square feet of water fun and features an “outrageous” 117-foot indoor water slide! The Stage Door Restaurant is conveniently located off the lobby of the state-of-the-art Welk Resort Theatre, where a memorable night in music history will become a music memory for you. For more information, log on to welkbranson.com.

Congratulations to the beautiful Payne Stewart Golf Club, just named the No. 1 Golf Course to Play in Missouri by Golfweek for the fourth year in a row! Playing this award-winning course not only gives golfers the thrill of hills, water and trees in a gorgeous setting, but they also learn about the life of Missouri native Payne Stewart, with stories at each of the 18 uniquely named holes. Log on to their website, paynestewartgolfclub.com, for a great virtual tour of the course. The Clubhouse sports bar, Many Faces of Payne Bar & Grill, is open to the public and features a display of memorabilia from Stewart’s life. There are five Ryder Cup bags, some of Stewart’s legendary apparel, and more. Lodging options include nightly rentals at Branson Hills and a Hampton Inn.

Chateau on the Lake Resort Spa & Convention Center sits high above Table Rock Lake, with incredible views and amenities. Indoor and outdoor pools and a full-service marina with boats and lake activities add to the vacation fun. Dining options include the Chateau Grille with indoor and outdoor seating; a sweet shop and a deli; and the Atrium Café & Wine Bar overlooking the indoor waterfall. The Library Lounge has exquisite lake views, a beautiful bar and cozy seating areas. Chateau’s newly renovated rooms feature new beds with cherry wood headboards; Sealy Perfect Sleeper plush mattresses; custom-made toppers with down inserts and 300 thread-count sateen sheets; granite-top desks and bedside tables with new phones; new window treatments; custom-made shower curtains; and new Gilchrist & Soames bathroom amenities. Chateau has you covered from morning ‘til night! Log on to chateauonthelake.com for more details.

The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks recently received recognition as one of nine tuition-free colleges in The Princeton Review book Colleges That Pay You Back, where it was one of the nation’s best colleges for students who seek outstanding academics, career preparation and generous financial aid. Another recent accolade: second in the list of Top 20 Best College Farms in America. One of the ways this honor manifests itself is the delicious menu at Dobyns Dining Room in The Keeter Center. Lunch, dinner and their now-famous Sunday brunch feature many items from their farm, including meat, dairy products and fresh produce. Cooking enthusiasts can partake of the Farm-to-Fork Cooking School, a wonderful experience. Suites at Mabee Lodge at Keeter have a fireplace, private balcony and elegantly handcrafted Ozarks décor. A campus tour will highlight your visit! Log on to keetercenter.edu to get a preview.

Hilton Branson Convention Center and Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing offer wonderful amenities such as a concierge desk, pool, laundry and valet, and 24-hour business center, as well as luxurious rooms and suites. The Convention Center Hotel has an indoor and an outdoor pool, which connects to Clear Lounge. Upstairs is Level 2 Steakhouse. Offering 28-day, aged steaks seared at 1,600 degrees and a well-stocked wine cellar, it’s an extraordinary dining experience. The Promenade is in the heart of Branson Landing, close to shopping and dining.

Both hotels offer golf packages with the award-winning Payne Stewart Golf Club, including: a Girl Friends Golf Getaway and during the Bass Pro Legends of Golf Tournament April 22 through 26, a special package that features breakfast, golf, cocktails, discounts on future play at the course and much more. Log on to hiltonsofbranson.com for more information.