A trolley provided by Historic Downtown Branson offers FREE rides for your convenience between Historic Downtown and the Branson Landing. In March the schedule is Friday-Sunday, 11:00am-5:00pm. The trolley runs on a continual loop; pick up and drop off is generally every 15 minutes.
PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet containing your name tag, up-to-date schedule, and other important information we will review during orientation.
INTRODUCTIONS & ORIENTATION: 4:30pm. Meet your fellow participants and the program staff during a get-acquainted session followed by an informative overview of the program. We will review the schedule and any changes, cover responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
SCHEDULE: As with all of Road Scholar's "Great American Get Together" programs, you will have opportunities to hear excellent speakers, go on field trips and excursions, attend performances with the group, and explore on your own. The schedule that follows describes the major program activities and events. Each presentation and field trip will be repeated so that everyone has an opportunity to attend them all. Depending on which group you are in, you may follow the representative schedule shown or will have an itinerary with variations from day to day. On Day 5, there will be a full-day field trip to the fabulous new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. After you arrive for the program, if you have questions about the schedule your group will follow, please do not hesitate to ask your assigned Group Leader.Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel as you continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars.Evening: PERFORMANCE: Enjoy a performance exclusively for us by one of Branson’s favorite duo acts, Mike and Nancee Micham, who bring old time characters to life with country humor, traditional Irish music, folk, gospel, and silly songs for the whole family. They have a big following, beloved by fans for the great interaction with each and every audience.Lodging: Hilton Convention CenterMeals Included: Dinner
Silver Dollar City began as a themed 19th Century mining town/craft village at the entrance to Marvel Cave, and has grown into one of the most popular theme parks in the United States. Imagine a day in the life of an 1880s family living in the Ozarks, a time when the mountainous terrain made travel difficult and families lived isolated from the rest of the world and had to rely on themselves and their neighbors for all their needs. Silver Dollar City also offers entertaining shows on its streets and theaters around the property.Morning: PRESENTATION: History and Culture of the Ozarks. This highland region covers much of southern Missouri and parts of Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma — some 47,000 square miles. Learn what is distinctive about Ozarks geology, history, and culture including characteristics of regional architecture, dialects, folklore and folkways, religion, and especially music that has been preserved and passed along from generation to generation.Lunch: Boarding our motorcoach, we will travel to the College of the Ozarks for lunch at the Keeter Center and its Dobyns Dining Room serving some the best food in the area. Dobyns serves the finest, freshest ingredients available, many of which are grown locally including (in season) campus gardens worked by students.Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: College of the Ozarks. Our guided visit will take you to the college’s chapel, greenhouses, mill, kitchens, and a special World War II exhibit. Founded in 1906, the college embodies the spirit and values of the Ozarks. Its goals are to foster Christian faith through the integration of faith with learning, living, and service; and to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and willingness to defend it. The college charges no tuition. Instead, students work campus jobs to defray the cost of their education.Dinner: This full-service restaurant, located inside the Branson IMAX Entertainment Complex, is famous for its legendary Ozarks cuisine, homemade pies, unique atmosphere and entertaining hospitality!Evening: PERFORMANCE: Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus. More than 40 Chinese acrobats bring the Orient to Branson in this showcase of classic Chinese dance and dramatic physical performance art. The New Shanghai Circus celebrates the exotic wonders of China with a fast-paced, exciting production with beautiful backdrops, state-of-the-art lighting, and beautifully designed costumes. The line-up features a revolving series of amazing acts such as Diabolo, Bicycle Tricks, Russian Bar, Aerial Fish Ballet, Adagio, Plates Spinning, Pole Climbers, Magic Clock, Roller Skating, Handstand Art, Human Top, Chair Stack, and more.Lodging: Hilton Convention CenterMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After an audio-led exploration, spend the remainder of the afternoon marveling at the works in this fabulous complex that is a work of art in itself.Dinner: We should arrive back at the hotel by approximately 5:00pm. Dinner this evening -- usually called “supper” in the Ozarks -- is on your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice from the many options available. We will be happy to offer suggestions.Evening: FREE EVENING: This evening is free for you to explore on your own. Take in another of Branson's fantastic shows or experience the town’s nightlife. We will be happy to offer suggestions.Lodging: Hilton Convention CenterMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch