April 24, 2008
3562 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway (from 76 turn right at IHOP)

This is my favorite “rainy day” place.  You can enjoy the day, from breakfast to dinner, and not see or do the same thing twice.  The IMAX Entertainment Complex owners, Paul Bluto and Ann Bluto, have created an atmosphere which captures the warmth and hospitality of the Ozarks.  This is one of the best "wheelchair friendly" places in Branson.  There is a covered entry where you can leave passengers at the door, and the parking lot is "mostly" level.  Also, the restrooms are a nice size for anyone with a wheelchair or walker.  The Little Opry Theater has an area for guests in wheelchairs.  Leona, Opal or Mike will greet you at the Opry door and see to it that you have a great view of the stage.

McFarlain’s Family Restaurant
8:00 a.m.  Start your day with a real breakfast.  The meals are cooked up fast, fresh, and at a very reasonable price. The staff is first rate and they make sure you get exactly what you want.

Ozark’s Legacy and Legends 9:00 a.m. on the IMAX Giant Screen
(55 mins.)   This is a heartwarming film about the Ozark’s.  After seeing this you will probably want the DVD to take home.  Well, it just happens to be available in the Legacy and Legend’s Gift Shop.  But don’t go now, that’s later.

A Tribute To John Denver 10:00 a.m. Little Opry Theater (Veterans buy 1 get 1 free)
(2 hrs +) James Garrett and gang love to entertain.  It doesn’t matter if the audience is 2 or 200, you will get an outstanding performance.  They take you on an emotional roller coaster from “Annie’s Song” to “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy”.  With James are Lori Locke, Rick Quincey (steel guitar, fiddle, harmonica, guitar, vocals), Randy Plummer (Upright bass, vocals), C.J. Newsom (vocals) and Kasi Means (vocals). This show won the 2007 Editor’s Pick for Best Morning Show by Branson Critic.

Food Court (lunch or dessert)
Quizno’s Sub, Breadeaux Pizza, or Baskin Robbin’s Ice Cream, there’s something for everybody.

New’s Country 2:00 p.m. Little Opry Theater (Veterans buy 1 get 1 free)
(2 hrs.)  Leroy New is known as Branson’s Guitar Wizard and when you see and hear him, you’ll know why.  He plays “Under the Double Eagle.” so fast you lose sight of his hand!  Or his moving version of “What Now My Love” can relax you better than any medicine on the market! Leroy is like your favorite uncle.  He tells the stories that take you back to the “good old days’ when life was more lay-back.  You’ll love the banter between Leroy, Jim Glaspy (bass, banjo, dobro, guitar, vocals), Shawn Pittman (fiddle, mandolin, hammered dulcimer), and Ken Christensen (keyboard, sound effects, vocals).  Feel free to request a favorite country, bluegrass, or gospel song.  These guys are talented beyond your expectations!

Shopping
You will have fun checking out the 16 different specialty shops!  I did all my Christmas shopping here last year.  Don’t forget to get your copy of the “Ozarks Legacy and Legends” DVD at the Legacy and Legends Gift Shop.  There is a wonderful place called Ozark Mountain Quilts where the prices are low, low, low and they ship anywhere in the US for a small fee.  And there are many more things to see all through the lobby. 

Strait Country 5:00 p.m. Little Opry Theater (Veterans buy 1 get 1 free)
James Garrett and gang sing George Strait and more.  This show is new and quickly becoming a Branson favorite.  James is joined by Jim Glaspy (dobro, banjo, guitar, vocals), Randy Plummer (bass, vocals) and Lori Locke.

Smoke On The Mountain 8:00 p.m. Little Opry Theater
(2 hrs)  This show is a blend of great gospel music and a hilarious story.  The play is set in 1938 and you’re a member of the Mount Pleasant Church where the preacher is planning a first-ever Saturday night church singing.  I don’t want to give any of it away except to say you’ll laugh till it hurts!

Movies
If you haven’t had enough, there are the latest movies at the Elite Cinema III.  This theater has stadium seating and is more comfortable than your motel room!  The seats are oversized with Tempur-Pedic Foam and movable armrests, for even more room.

So if it’s raining (or not), head on over to the IMAX Entertainment Complex for a day of music, shopping, dining, fun and excitement – that’s what BRANSON is all about!!

(picture)  IMAX owner Paul Bluto sings “Don’t Should On Me” with the audience joining him during a recent show in the Little Opry Theater.  (Shown are Randy Plummer, James Garrett, and Rick Quincey of A Tribute To John Denver Show.)

(picture)  New’s Country
left to right:  Ken Christensen, Shawn Pittman, Leroy New, Jim Glaspy

Velva Cort, Editor

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Velva Cort, Editor