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Missouri

Marvelous Missouri: Discover the Best of Branson & the Ozarks

Program No. 1615RJ

Discover Branson, the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” as you enjoy five public shows, one private show with a cast Q&A and opportunities to explore the beautiful Ozarks.

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6 days

5 nights

13 meals

5B 3L 5D

Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation

Branson, MO

City Tour, Workshop, Dutton Family Performance

Branson, MO

Sight & Sound Theater, Hits of the 60's and 50's

Branson, MO

Shepherd of the Hills, Ozark Musicians, Clay Cooper Country

Branson, MO

College of the Ozarks, Dogwood Canyon, C.J Newsom Show

Branson, MO

Program Concludes

Branson, MO

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At a Glance

Join us in Branson, the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” as we experience good ol’ American music, theater and fun in the heart of the Ozarks. Find out the history of Branson's overnight success, the elements of its entertainment scene and the famous Branson formula of “Faith, Family and Flag.” Enjoy live theater shows, often surrounded by lectures, meet-and-greets and Q&A’s with the cast and crew. Immerse yourself in local history and natural beauty during field trips to Table Rock Lake — a reservoir built and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers — Shepherd of the Hills Historic Site and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Plus, enjoy a private performance just for your group, as well as a dinner-and-entertainment experience.

Activity Level

On Your Feet

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

Best of all, you’ll…

Enjoy six live performances, which includes one given exclusively for our private group.
Meet with current performers and production specialists such as technicians and set designers to hear what it's like to work in the business and how they make the magic happen.
Discover the natural beauty of the Ozarks during field trips to Table Rock Lake, Shepherd of the Hills Historic Site and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.

General Notes

Please note, Branson has a strong culture of “Faith, Family, Flag.” Some of the performances we’ll attend may have religious undertones. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.

Featured Expert

All trip experts

Amber Campbell

Amber Campbell is a native of LaRussell, Mo., and a graduate of Southwest Baptist University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre, with a music minor. Amber loves to perform and is raising her beautiful daughter Jade in the Branson community. She has been a featured vocalist and emcee for several Branson shows over the years, but her most rewarding experience has been owning, producing and performing in “#1 Hits of the 60’s (& 50’s too!)”

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Amber Campbell View biography

Matt Muhoberac View biography

Matt Muhoberac grew up in a family of professional musicians in Los Angeles, Calif. His credits as a composer, arranger, singer and musician include TV shows like “General Hospital,” “NBC Sports” and “Friends.” Matt also created musical works for commercials for advertisers including McDonald's, Budweiser, and Chevrolet, as well as for animated series including “The Addams Family,” “Power Puff Girls,” “Life with Louie” and Bill Cosby's "Fatherhood." He moved to Branson 20 years ago to raise his three-year-old daughter and has never looked back. Twelve years ago, he was a founding member of the show “#1 Hits of the 60's,” where he met his wife, Amber.

Suggested Reading List (5 books)

Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop

You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

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Marvelous Missouri: Discover the Best of Branson & the Ozarks

Program Number: 1615

Branson, MO: Travel Guide to Fun City USA

by David and Joan Vokac

Branson is an ultimate destination for people of all ages and interests. Its attractions are as unique and diverse as you can find anywhere in America. Branson is all about entertainment as its claim to fame, and it does that extremely well. It boasts one of the most impressive live theater strips in America along Country Boulevard. Once known only for country-western, in recent years Branson has matured to feature all sorts of music, comedy, dance, and more. A major award-winning amusement park built into wooded landscapes provides thrilling rides, an impressive cave, and artisans working on-site. Lake Taneycomo provides a wealth of water recreation, and worthwhile museums range from butterflies to history. This guide to "fun city" explores all of these and more, along with food for all appetites and lodging from bargain to family to romantic. More than 70 listings, a weather profile, and a discussion of the town's livability are featured in this guidebook for those seeking a great travel destination, or looking for an exciting new hometown.

The Bittersweet Ozarks at a Glance

by Ellen Grey Massey

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.

Growing Up Hillbilly near Branson, MO

by Betty Perkins White

The story of Growing Up Hillbilly near Branson Missouri takes place less than ten miles from where the book, the Shepherd of The Hills was written and begins during the same year as it was published. This book will further enhance your knowledge about the people that chose to call these hills their home.

Taney County, Missouri including its History, the Titanic Museum Attraction, and more

by Sharon Clyde

Local history and information about local attractions and things to do.

Insiders' Guide to Branson and the Ozark Mountains

by Dr. Fred Pfister

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

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Marvelous Missouri: Discover the Best of Branson & the Ozarks

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At a Glance

Best of all, you’ll…

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