Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

Fall 2016

Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine

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DREAMSCAPES FALL 2016 40 IT'S ONLY THE BEGINNING OF NOVEMBER BUT IT'S STARTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS HERE IN BRANSON, MISSOURI. WHEN THE WEATHER TURNS COLD, AND THE SUMMER CROWDS RETREAT, BRANSON TRANSFORMS INTO A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND. I n the distance, the rugged Ozark Mountains look like a perfectly mani- cured golf course. The intoxicating scent of hot toddies leads me to an enclave of shops selling maple syrup-infused can- dles and cutesy knick-knacks for the house. Outside, a giant six-metre-tall Christmas tree is loaded with crimson ornaments. If you're looking for more Christmas para- phernalia, an endless selection of baubles awaits across the laneway at Kringles Christmas Shop, the largest store of its kind in Missouri. Earlier in the day I saw tap-dancing rein- deer and fairy princesses doing the splits on stage. But beyond the quirky jolliness and festivities, Branson, a town of only 10,000 residents, offers a smorgasbord of family- friendly live entertainment and undeniably top-notch talent. Locals say Branson became recognized as an entertainment hub when CBS's 60 Minutes came to town back in 1991. Today, more than seven million folks make the trek to Branson each year where there are more than 100 shows from which to choose, all at surprisingly affordable prices. Classic acts such as Johnny Mathis, Neil Sedaka and the Osmonds (minus Donny and Marie) fill the seats, and country greats like the Oak Ridge Boys and Wynonna Judd also perform here. If tribute shows are your thing, then Branson is your scene; Elvis, the Carpenters and ABBA are among the long list of musicians represented. There are also showstoppers such as the Acrobats BRANSON Glitz BY RENA GODFREY

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