Happy Wanderer: Branson, Mo., a wholesome Vegas

By Ginny Prior Columnist Posted: 07/21/2011 09:52:17 AM PDT Updated: 07/21/2011 09:52:18 AM PDT One ad shows Satan -- with horns, bulging muscles and a devilish grin. The other touts the Osmonds -- sequined jumpsuits, broad smiles and perfect teeth. When it comes to live entertainment, Las Vegas and Branson, Mo., both want your business, but they go about getting it in different ways. Think of Branson as Vegas without the sin. On any given day, more than 100 live shows play this Midwestern mecca where billboards line the "strip" trumpeting everyone from Andy Williams to the Liverpool Legends. Branson's focus is on family entertainment with plenty of sizzle but none of the sex. "Some people call us the buckle of the Bible Belt," said a gal from the chamber of commerce as she showed me around last month. "You can bring the kids here and not have to worry about them seeing something inappropriate. Indeed, it's a bit like dying and going to heaven. On my first day, alone, I caught a 10 a.m. show of the Twelve Irish Tenors (a world-renowned song and dance troop); lunched at Moon River Cafe with a pop-in by the crooner himself, Andy Williams; rode go-carts at The Track and duck boats through town (splashing down in an Ozark Mountain lake) and then topped it off at Level 2 Steakhouse, where the beef is grilled on 10,000-year-old Himalayan salt blocks in a 1600-degree infrared oven and served with your choice of steak knives. It's a far cry from the vittles that Jed, Jethro, Ellie May and Granny ate in "The Beverly Hillbillies." The '60s sitcom featured several episodes shot in Branson, at Silver Dollar City. I spent most of Day 2 in this popular theme park and came out with a deep appreciation for Ozark history, as well as the revelation that my aging body no longer likes extreme roller coasters.Silver Dollar City has several, but luckily they've also got shows like the The Fabulous Wallendas! Famous Family Circus, an 1880s craft village with working Ozark artisans and a cave with the largest entrance room in the country. Marvel Cave was the first attraction on the site, open to visitors back in 1894. The third day of my visit was perhaps the most impressive. I toured College of the Ozarks, known respectfully as "Hard Work U". It's a school that should be the model for higher education today. Every one of the 1,400 students earns his tuition, room and board with an on-campus job and they even built their own luxury hotel and restaurant on the site -- which they run to get hospitality experience. An on-campus farm provides hogs and fresh vegetables for the school, which has hosted some of the world's most powerful leaders, including British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and President George W. Bush. Throughout my tour of Branson, I picked up on a recurring theme -- God and country. One of several retired preachers living here called it "the last place of refuge." It was evident in the way most shows opened with a salute to our soldiers and a reference to prayer. This wholesome Missouri town may seem a bit out of place in this rapidly changing world, but it certainly got me thinking. If the sky opens up and it looks like the world is coming to an end -- I'm booking the next flight to Branson.

Branson Race Track Proposal - Controversy Covered by Roseann Moring (SNL)

Many Taney County residents got their first chance to speak publicly Monday about a controversial plan to build a racetrack south of Hollister. Neighbors appeared to overwhelmingly oppose the project, but others said it could be a much-needed shot in the arm for the area. The Taney County Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing about developer Russell Cook's proposal to build a NASCAR-style racetrack, the Branson Sports Entertainment Complex. The planning commission is scheduled to vote to issue a recommendation on the project July 18. That recommendation will go to the Taney County Commission, which will make the final decision. At least 400 people arrived to hear testimony from the development team, state legislators, Bass Pro Shops employees and others who are interested in the project. Representatives for Cook, who didn't attend, said the 65,000-seat arena would bring a new group of people to the Branson area, especially because racetracks generally attract a younger crowd than the usual Branson tourists. Opponents, led by a Bass Pro Shops representative, said there is not enough information or concrete plans to move forward. Much of the debate centered around the noise. A sound engineer said that the proposed track's position -- almost 200 feet below U.S. 65 -- as well as the hilly terrain and nearby trees would greatly buffer noise levels in the area. But opponents said they don't believe that, and their analyses showed that noise would travel at least a few miles. The commission can impose restrictions on noise levels. Monday night's meeting was the first time many neighbors and other residents had a chance to voice their opinion. Two attendees asked whether alcohol would be allowed. Another asked that the county give no tax breaks to the project. "We are firmly against this," said Bob West, who is active in a nearby neighborhood. He echoed many of those who live in the area, and many people who live in the 204 nearby homes also said they are worried about decreased land values around the track. "Is it worth destroying 204 families' lives?" asked Connie Crawford, who said the construction had cracked her drywall. Crawford was especially unhappy that Cook didn't attend the meeting to answer questions and hear complaints. Others said they like the possibility of job creation. Contractor Harold Huffman, who lives in Arkansas, said the area needs those new jobs. "Every one of the contractors I know personally have had to make deep cuts to their employees," he said. "I believe there's an opportunity to bring the jobs back."