Road Scholar : Great American Get-Together in Branson - Missouri

Great American Get-Together in Branson

Program Number:

21178RJ

Start and End Dates:


	3/20/2013 - 3/27/2013;

Duration:

7 nights

Location:

Branson, Missouri

Price starting at:

$1,795.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

History & Culture

Meals:

18; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners

Join us for a week of good old-fashioned music, learning and fun in the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” Branson, Missouri. We have an amazing lineup in store at Branson’s world-famous venues. Hear live music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, Broadway hits and gospel, plus specialty circus shows, magic and comedy. Learn how early settlers of the Ozarks created a fabric woven of faith, love of country and family that still endures and is the essence of Branson’s feel-good entertainment today. If you have ever wanted to experience Branson — or if you’ve always wanted to come back — this is a can’t-miss event!

Highlights

• You’ll stay in accommodations in the heart of the action in historic downtown Branson, right across the street from bustling Branson Landing.
• Attend four outstanding performances (including the New Shanghai Circus) and two private shows!
• Learn what is distinctive about Ozark geology and culture including dialects, folklore, religion, and especially the music that has been passed along from generation to generation.
• View works by Sargent, Homer, Rockwell, Warhol and other prominent artists on a full-day field trip to the magnificent new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to a few blocks; standing up to one hour; getting on/off coach. Elevators and ramps available.

This program has been limited to 200 participants, but the group will be divided into smaller groups for most activities.

Coordinated by Ozark Adventures.

Branson

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, Branson is a popular tourist destination, famous for its many live music theaters, clubs and other entertainment venues, as well as its historic downtown and surrounding natural beauty.

Accommodations
Our sleek hotel is located in the heart of historic downtown Branson and is an ideal base to discover Branson’s attractions. It is attached to the Branson Convention Center and across the street from the vibrant waterfront entertainment district, Branson Landing. The hotel is AAA “Four Diamond” rated.

Meals and Lodgings
	Hilton Convention Center
		Branson	7 nights

Hilton Convention Center
	Type:	Three-Star Hotel
	Description:	Located in the heart of historic downtown Branson, the sleek 12-story tower of the Hilton Branson Convention Center hotel offers an ideal base to discover Branson attractions. The hotel is AAA “Four Diamond” rated. It is attached to the Branson Convention Center and across the street from the vibrant waterfront entertainment district, Branson Landing. This stylish tower hotel offers a stunning design, inspired by the beauty of the Ozark Mountain Region. You can re-energize with a workout in the hotel’s fitness center or relax by the pool. Begin the day with the hotel’s signature breakfast and wrap up with a cocktail or simply retire to your stylish room with HDTV and complimentary high-speed WiFi internet access. 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.
	Contact info:	200 East Main Street Branson, MO 65616 USA phone: 141-733-6540 x0
	Facility amenities:	For Your Fitness and Recreation Convenience • Fishing • Fitness Room • Pool For Your Comfort and Convenience • Automated Teller (ATM) • Baggage Storage • Concierge Desk • Elevators • Foreign Currency Exchange • Laundry/Valet Service • Local Area Transportation • Luggage Hold • Multi-Lingual Staff • Room Service • Safety Deposit Box • Snack Shop For Your Business Convenience • Audio/Visual Equipment Rental • Business Center • Express Mail • Fax • Meeting Rooms • Notary Public • Photo Copying Service • Video Conferencing Available
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	Call 866-442-4772 Additional nights approx. $89 (Plus taxes).
	Check in time:	3:00 PM
	Additional nights after:	Call 866-442-4772 Additional nights approx. $89 (Plus taxes).
	Check out time:	12:00 PM

Travel Details
	Start of Program: 4:30pm You will be staying at Hilton Convention Center that night.
	End of Program: 8:00am You will be staying at Hilton Convention Center the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. You must have a government issued photo ID or passport to enter the Table Rock Dam.
	Parking availability: On site with permit

Transportation

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Branson
	Nearest city or town:	Branson, Missouri
	Nearest highway:	Highway 65
	Nearest airport:	Branson Airport (BKG) is 10 miles south of the city center and has limited service. Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is 50 miles north and is serviced by a number of major airlines.

	From End of Program
	Location:	Branson
		(Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
	Springfield/Branson, MO	From Airport
	Service:	Commercial Van/Shuttle
	Travel Time:	1 hour
	Distance:	60 miles
		There will be one bus pick up at 1pm and one at 3:15pm on Wednesday, March 20 for the participants traveling via Road Scholar flights. Transfers included in program cost.
	Springfield/Branson, MO	To Airport
	Service:
		Transfers included in program cost.

Driving Directions
	To the Hilton	Regardless of your direction of arrival, (from the north if from Springfield, or the south, if from Arkansas) exit from Highway 65 at the Highway 76 Exit at Branson. Proceed east for a little more than one mile. The Hilton will be on the south side of the highway, across the road from the "Landing". Their address is 200 East Main Street, MO 65616

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Arrival & Check-in, Registration & Orientation, Welcome Dinner, Performance
(Wednesday, March 20)

Afternoon:

HOTEL CHECK-IN: Available from 3:00pm.

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.

Accommodations:	Hilton Convention Center
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 2:

History of the Ozarks, Life of a Silver Dollar City Performer, College of the Ozarks, Acrobats of China
(Thursday, March 21)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	PRESENTATION: The Life of a Silver Dollar City Performer. Regardless of the venue, a full-time performing career means lots of hard work. Learn from one of the performers what it takes to be part of an incredibly detailed make-believe world. 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.

Accommodations:	Hilton Convention Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:

History of Branson, Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Dam Field Trip, Hamner Barber Show
(Friday, March 22)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	PRESENTATION: History of Branson. Learn how and why this small town became a major destination drawing visitors and vacationers from throughout the country to what is now known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” boasting more theater seats than Broadway. Examine Branson’s proud dedication to the values of faith, family, and flag that exemplify the place and its people.
Morning:	PRESENTATION: Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City is a theme park in the state of Missouri. Opened on May 1, 1960, the park is located between Branson and Branson West on Missouri Route 76. The park is an 1880's-themed experience that fits Branson's vision as a family-friendly vacation destination with down-home charm. Silver Dollar City has developed into one of the most successful theme parks in the United States. Situated at the site of one of the Ozarks' oldest attractions, Marvel Cave, Silver Dollar City figuratively sprang from the ground. The cave, which has been designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior, is important not only because of its subterranean features but also because of its role in the origins of Silver Dollar City. The park gained much public notice when the Clampett family of CBS-TV's The Beverly Hillbillies decided to pay a visit to Silver Dollar City (treated as an actual town, rather than a theme park) to start off the 1969-1970 season.
Lunch:	Lunch will be out at the Olive Garden.
Afternoon:	FIELD TRIP: Table Rock Dam. Discover one of the area’s man-made wonders. YOU MUST HAVE A US ISSUED PHOTO ID OR PASSPORT TO ENTER THE DAM. Designed and constructed 1954-1958, and operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Table Rock Dam was created to provide flood control for the White and lower Mississippi Rivers and to generate hydro-electric power. The dam and powerhouse have become points of interest for energy conservation fans and history buffs alike. Get an up close and personal view as you go behind the scenes during an expert led walk. Go deep inside the dam and see first hand what it takes to operate the massive structure, create hydro-electric power, and maintain the pristine water for fishing, boating, and recreation on the 43,000 acre Table Rock Lake.
Dinner:	Dinner out this evening features Ozark “vittels” (victuals) – real home style food. Many people first heard this term on the "Beverly Hillbillies" tv series.
Evening:	PERFORMANCE: The Hamner Barber Show. MAGIC, The Magazine for Magicians is considered to be the premiere periodical in the world of magic. The August 2004 cover story titled, “Branson Magic” reviews the best magic and variety shows playing in Branson this season. Their take on the Hamner Barber Variety Show was nothing short of fantastic! In a full page story, MAGIC magazine Editor John Moehring praised The Hamner’s original stage escape illusion by stating“Vertigo is not only devilishly suspenseful, but it is perhaps the only stage escape that has a surprise climax that seems physically impossible.” Moehring also complimented Jim Barber’s half of the show as“clever comedy and impeccable ventriloquism.” The shows talented cast of dancers also received kudos in the review. “Choreographer A.J. Herd struts her stuff in a Broadway dance medley, “Downtown” Kenny Brown sings with elegance and soul, and Tim Lewis is a hoofer par excellence, proving as Dave (Hamner) has already told his audience, “these guys aren’t just a bunch of box jumpers.”

Accommodations:	Hilton Convention Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Ventriloquism, Costumes, Branson Excursion, Dixie Stampede
(Saturday, March 23)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	LECTURE: Costuming: Meet with a veteran wardrobe mistress and learn the tricks of the trade for the ever popular aspect of costume changes! Discuss the issue that 'Dressers' face in their position and the how do they deal with performers/directors/fabric. Dressers are responsible for assisting cast members with costume changes backstage, when necessary. They are often used to assist primarily with quick costume changes, where a character exits and must enter again very quickly wearing a different costume. Presenter: Barbara Cox, Veteran Wardrobe Mistress
Morning:	LECTURE: Ventriloquism Arts: Ventriloquism is an act of stagecraft in which a person (a ventriloquist) manipulates his or her voice so that it appears that the voice is coming from elsewhere, usually a puppeteer "dummy". The act of ventriloquism is commonly called in English the ability to "throw" one's voice. Meet the Co-Star of the Hamner Barber show! by Jim Barber, Ventriloquist and Co-Star of the Hamner Barber Variety Show
Lunch:	Lunch is out at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:	EXCURSION: Inside and Outside Branson. Enjoy a guided exploration of the area with its pristine lakes for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water activities. You will see some of the varied attractions, championship golf courses, historical sites, and museums you may want to visit during free time.
Dinner:	Dinner will be out at a popular local restaurant.
Evening:	BACKSTAGE AT THE THEATER & PERFORMANCE: Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. This family-style event includes pre-show entertainment and a complete Ozarks dinner (chicken, barbecued pork loin, soup, corn-on-the-cob, potato, dessert, and beverages; vegetarian option; menu subject to change). The main show is fun for all ages, filled with friendly North and South competition, horse riding stunts, special effects, and musical production numbers. Note: The Dixie Stampede involves live animals, dramatic lighting, sound, and pyrotechnics.

Accommodations:	Hilton Convention Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Full Day Field Trips to Arkansas: Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville; Free Evening on your own
(Sunday, March 24)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	FULL DAY FIELD TRIP: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Travel time aboard our comfortable motorcoach should be approximately 2 hours, and we will have an excursion through Bentonville upon arrival. The Museum was founded in 2005 by Alice Walton of the Walmart family fortune, and general admission is sponsored by Walmart. Crystal Bridges explores the unfolding story of America and celebrates the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of landscape. Surrounded by 120 acres of forests, garden sculpture and walking trails, it takes its name from nearby Crystal Spring and the bridge construction incorporated in the building design by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. A series of pavilions nestled around two creek-fed ponds housew galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large, glass-enclosed gathering hall.
Lunch:	Lunch will be in Bentonville.
Afternoon:	FIELD TRIP continues: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The Crystal Bridges collection offers a superb overview of American art including American masterworks as well as surprising, lesser-known gems from the Colonial era through the 19th Century to Modern and to contemporary works. Sculpture in the collection graces interior galleries and outdoor trails. Notable works in the permanent collection include a Charles Willson Peale portrait of George Washington. Crystal Bridges also enjoys numerous arrangements and partnerships with other art museums to share collections. 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.

Accommodations:	Hilton Convention Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6:

Free Morning and lunch on your own, Field trip and Tasting at Copper Run Distillery & Stone Hill Winery, Grand Jubilee Performance
(Monday, March 25)

Breakfast:	Breakfast is at the hotel.
Morning:	OPTIONAL FREE MORNING: Take the morning to continue your personal explorations and enjoy what interests you most. We will be happy to offer suggestions for sights to see and shows to take in.
Lunch:	Lunch is on your own today to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. We will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:	FIELD TRIP & TASTING: Copper Run Distillery. This unique business -- Copper Run Distillery is the first legal distillery in the Ozark Mountains since the prohibition ended in 1933. You will take a tour of the actual stills and learn first hand from the master how it is all done! This will include samples - if you dare! Copper Run Distillery out of Walnut Shade, calling it the first legal distillery to crop up in the Ozark Mountains since Prohibition. Copper Run produces un-aged corn whiskey, also known as moonshine, from a blend of 80 percent corn and 20 percent wheat. The end result clocks in at a staggering 75 to 80 percent alcohol content per bottle.The distillery also makes whiskey, vodka and rum from black-strap molasses
Afternoon:	FIELD TRIP & TASTING: Missouri Wine. Before prohibition, Missouri was the country's second leading wine producer, second only to New York. Learn from an expert how a combination of factors -- from a new generation of well-educated winemakers, healthier lifestyles, and the increasing consumer demand for locally brewed spirits -- has once again catapulted Missouri's wine industry into the international spotlight. Growing 70 percent since 2001, Missouri now ranks 11th in the nation. Missouri wines are once again winning national and international acclaim, and we will enjoy tasting samples. Creating the best Missouri Wine with more than 160 years of rich winemaking heritage, Stone Hill Winery is an intriguing union of old world history and new world technology. As a Missouri Winery we stand for excellence and taste. We invite you to personally experience our Missouri Wines and the world of Stone Hill Winery to discover for yourself the story behind the medals!
Dinner:	Dinner at the famous Grand Country Buffet!
Evening:	SHOW: From the first downbeat, audiences fall in love with the tight harmonies and dynamic performances of Branson’s BEST Quartet, New South! Singing today’s country hits as well as quartet classics from the Oak Ridge Boys to the Statler Brothers, this show is a always a hit! The high energy and versatility of the entire cast astound audiences. From Country to Gospel and 50’s to modern day, the Grand Jubilee explodes with musical fun to satisfy any age. Funny man, Jamie Haage, as Jim Dandy, and Emcee extraordinaire, Mike Patrick, keep audiences absolutely doubled over in laughter. Along with super vocalists Jackie Brown and Todd Bradshaw, put this show on your must see list.

Accommodations:	Hilton Convention Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7:

Enjoy a good ol fashion Hootenanny with one of the original Branson performers - Bob Mabe! Lecture / Performance with Rod Phillips, Free Afternoon to explore
(Tuesday, March 26)

Breakfast:	Breakfast is at the hotel.
Morning:	PERFORMANCE & LECTURE: Musical Instruments of the Ozarks. Learn while you are being entertained by Rod Phillips a premier Branson performer. Rod Phillips is a singer/songwriter who has thirteen albums to his credit, seven of which are in the acoustic songwriter style. His career spans folk, country, classical, jazz, and musicals, all of these styles reflected in his songs. He played piano and a myriad of other instruments with folk and country big-time stars Michael Martin Murphey, The New Christy Minstrels, and Jim Stafford, which contributed to his professional stage poise—that and 3,500 performances at Presley’s Country music in Branson the past 14 years.
Lunch:	Lunch is on the go. You will be provided with a sack lunch to take with you on your afternoon adventure!
Afternoon:	FREE AFTERNOON: We have a jam-packed evening in store, so continue your personal explorations or grab a nap.
Dinner:	Our farewell dinner at the hotel will be a special time for enjoying a delicious meal together amid the company of new friends.
Evening:	FOLK DANCE CLASS: Take part in a folk dancing class in preparation for this evening's Hootenanny. Folk dance originated in the 18th Century and reflects the traditional life of the people. Steps have been passed down through generations, rarely being changed. Under expert guidance, learn some of the more popular dances. HOOTENANNY: Traditionally, “hootenanny” was an old country word for “party.” Nowadays, the word most commonly refers to a folk-music party with an open microphone, where everyone is welcome to get up and play or sing. Kick up your heels with our very own private party featuring traditional folk music, dancing, and good old fashioned Ozarks humor. A great way to end the week!
Evening:	Private Performance Just for You: Enjoy an evening with Bob Mabe and his Kitchen Band in a private setting. Bob was the one of the founders of the Baldknobbers show. The Baldknobbers began the Branson family entertainment phenomenon in 1959 when the four Mabe brothers began entertaining visitors on the Branson lakefront. The performance will take you to yesteryear with its timeless classic appeal and down home fun. See how much music has an effect on the population in the Ozarks.

Accommodations:	Hilton Convention Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Departure for home! Safe journeys!
(Wednesday, March 27)

Breakfast:	Breakfast is at the hotel.
Morning:	The program concludes with breakfast. We hope you have had a wonderful experience at The Road Scholar Great American Get Together in Branson, and will return for other learning adventures in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals Included:

Breakfast

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Insiders' Guide to Branson and the Ozark Mountains

Author: Dr. Fred Pfister

Description: For more than twenty years, the Insiders' Guide® series has been the essential source for in-depth travel and relocation information—from true insiders whose personal, practical perspective gives you everything you need to know. With more than forty theaters on and around its famous Strip, Branson is proudly called the Live Music Capital of the World. But there's more to this year-round vacation destination than its shows and stars: World-class golf, theme parks, and historic sites are all within easy reach. This authoritative guide shows you how to navigate the glitz and glitter of Branson as well as the natural beauty of the scenic Ozark Mountain country. • Countless details on how to live and thrive in the area, from the best fishing holes to the lowdown on real estate • The inside scoop on the top shopping, seasonal festivals, and live entertainment offerings • Comprehensive listings of restaurants and accommodations • Sections dedicated to children and retirement

The Bittersweet Ozarks at a Glance

Author: Ellen Grey Massey

Description: The Bittersweet Ozarks at a Glance is a beautiful and unique photograph collection that portrays the Bittersweet Ozarks, collected by Ellen Gray Massey and her students, more than thirty years ago. Had the students not researched and recorded, the information from the 494 men and women they captured in words and pictures most would be lost forever for most of them have died. From 1973 until 1983, the young people published 482 articles and features in 40 issues of Bittersweet, the Ozark Quarterly.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

7 nights accommodations
18 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 10
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 9
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 3
Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.
Performances: 7
Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.

Plus these special experiences...

Attend four outstanding performances and two private shows in Branson, MO - The Live Entertainment Capitol of the World!
Learn about the Culture of the Ozarks and how Branson became a national destination!
Take a day trip to the inspired Crystal Bridges museum!
Take part in learning more about Missouri Wine and the famous liquor called 'Moonshine' with working experts in the field!

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Walking up to a few blocks; standing up to one hour; getting on/off coach. Elevators and ramps available.

This program has been limited to 200 participants, but the group will be divided into smaller groups for most activities.

Coordinated by Ozark Adventures.

Branson

Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains on the shores of Lake Taneycomo, Branson is a popular tourist destination, famous for its many live music theaters, clubs and other entertainment venues, as well as its historic downtown and surrounding natural beauty.

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Travel Details

Springfield/Branson, MO

From Airport

Service:

Commercial Van/Shuttle

Travel Time:

1 hour

Distance:

60 miles

There will be one bus pick up at 1pm and one at 3:15pm on Wednesday, March 20 for the participants traveling via Road Scholar flights. Transfers included in program cost.