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Hiking in Branson
There a lot of great trails and places to go hiking in the area. I love the Branson Lakeside Trails, which take you down the side of a mountain to a beautiful lake view.This one is found across from the American Bandstand Theater, on Fall Creek Rd.
For an easy walking trail, the one behind Stockstill Park is a great option.This park is off of Epps Road.
North of Branson, there is another park inside the Mark Twain National Forest called Busick Park, it has multiple trails.
Another great option is the White River Corridor Trail, which is found off of Hwy 165 S. just below the dam, close to the fish hatchery. In the same area, there is great trail called the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, which is part the Dewey Short Visitors Center.
South of Branson, about 45 minutes, there is a beautiful park called Dogwood Canyon. Unfortunately this park is privately owned and they make you pay for use of the trails, but you can also rent bikes and ride horses there.
For information on saving money and traveling to Branson, MO, check out BransonTravelOffice.com.
Favorite Branson Shows
From someone who lives in and loves Branson, MO; here are my favorite shows. These are shows I take my family to, when they are in town.
- SIX- This is six brothers who sing acapella, and use their voices to perform these amazing sounds and melodies. Every time I am looking around for some instruments, but there aren’t any!
- Legends in Concert- True they are impersonators, but they are great… the Blues Brothers, especially, they always have so much energy.
- Yakov Smirnoff- Love good comedy? Then, this is the guy for you!
- Andy Williams- He is only here in the fall through Christmas, but always an outstanding show.
- Oak Ridge Boys- Who doesn’t love these guys? Sadly, they only perform in Branson on select dates.
- Baldknobber’s Jamboree- Do not forget this show. As one of the original shows in Branson, you can’t get much more ‘Branson’ than this. This show is just a little country, he-haw comedy show.
- Pierce Arrow- Never heard of these guys? Well they are big in Branson; this show has some of country’s biggest hits, and one of the funniest comedians in town.
- Noah the Musical- This show is a fantastic production! Live animals and a huge stage that looks like an arc.
For information and discounts on Branson shows and a lot more, check out BransonTravelOffice.com.
What’s not to love about Branson, MO?
Okay, maybe the traffic is a little horrific at times, but a seriously fun place to be. Branson is home to such a wide variety of attractions that it is a perfect travel destination for all types of people.
Branson is nestled right in the beautiful Ozark Mountains and has three spectacular lakes (Table Rock Lake, Taneycomo Lake, and Bull Shoals Lake). The climate and location inspires a wide array of local wildlife. So there is sure to be a perfect place for you to go hunting, fishing, golfing, hiking, cave exploring, and boating. Plus new in 2010, there are going to be several places to go zip-lining right in the mountains!
Not it to all that the great outdoors has to offer? Branson is also home to over 100 live entertainment shows’ including Shoji Tabuchi, Oak Ridge Boys, SIX, Pierce Arrow, Liverpool Legends, and many more. It also offers some fantastic shopping opportunities with two outlet malls and a huge shopping area at the Branson Landing.
For more information on saving money in Branson, check out BransonTravelOffice.com.
Three Cheese and Chicken Quesadillas
1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1 Cup Monterrey Jack Cheese, shredded
1 Cup Colby Cheese, shredded
2 Cup Cooked Chicken Breast, diced*
12 Flour Tortilla Shells
1 Medium Tomato
Onion Seasoning
- Place one teaspoon of butter in a large skillet and then place one tortilla on top of that. Set heat to medium on the range.
- Sprinkle a small portion of the 3 cheeses on top on the tortilla. Then, sprinkle on some chicken and tomatoes and onion seasoning. Then, add sprinkle another layer of cheese.
- Place another flour tortilla on top of that and continue cooking until the bottom tortilla is lightly browned and the cheeses are partially melted. Then, flip the quesadilla and brown the other side.
- Repeat until cooking all 6 quesadillas. I like to cut them into six triangles to serve. I serve with sour cream and salsa.
*Cook the chicken with some taco seasoning or chili powder to give the quesadillas a little flavor.
Why aren’t there anymore ‘Gilmore Girls’?
As a teenager, I watched the ‘Gilmore Girls’ show with my mother every week. It was such a witty, fun and yet wholesome show (Otherwise my mother definitely would not have let me watch!). Anyway it seems that they just don’t make shows like it anymore and it saddens me. But I am sure that there are shows like that from other generations. Perhaps there are people that feel that way about… ‘ I Love Lucy’ or ‘Leave it to Beaver’.
Anyway, I was very sad a few years back when they stopped running them, fortunately they are still on re-runs on ABC Family. And, I own the first six seasons that I can watch anytime I need to get a “fix”. Anyway, just thought I would share my “gilmore girls passion” because there are bound to be some other people out there as crazy about them as I am.
Twas the Night before Christmas
Christmas is such a wonderful, magical time of year and this poem brings out a lot childhood memories for me.
“Twas the Night before Christmas” by Clement Clark Moore
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”
Peanut Butter Bonbons
Peanut Butter Bon-bons
(Also know as Buck-eyes and Peanut Butter Balls)
- ¾ C. Butter
- 1 ½ C. Peanut Butter
- 1 lb. Powdered Sugar
- 1 Pkg. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
- Paraffin Wax
Directions
- In medium sauce pan, over medium heat, stir together peanut butter and butter. Cook till smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
- Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth, by hand.
- Then, roll mixture into ¾ in. balls and place on baking sheet. Cover and refridgerate over night.
- Melt chocolate chips and paraffin* in sauce pan on medium to low heat You may want to use a double broiler). Using a tooth pick dip each ball in the melted chocolate and swirl around until it is completely covered.
*Adding a few shavings of paraffin wax helps the chocolate melt smoother and keeps it from clumping.
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<table cellpadding=”2″ style=”font-size:16px; font-weight:bold”>
<tr>
<th valign=”top” colspan=”3″>Top Hotel Destinations</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style=”width:33%” valign=”top”>
<ul>
<li><a title=”Anaheim, California Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/anaheim-california-hotels/”>Anaheim</a></li>
<li><a title=”Austin, Texas Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/austin-texas-hotels/”>Austin</a></li>
<li><a title=”Boston, Massachusetts Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/boston-massachusetts-hotels/”>Boston</a></li>
<li><a title=”Chicago, Illinois Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/chicago-illinois-hotels/”>Chicago</a></li>
<li><a title=”Dallas, Texas Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/dallas-texas-hotels/”>Dallas</a></li>
<li><a title=”Denver, Colorado Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/denver-colorado-hotels/”>Denver</a></li>
<li><a title=”Detroit, Michigan Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/detroit-michigan-hotels/”>Detroit</a></li>
<li><a title=”Houston, Texas Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/houston-texas-hotels/”>Houston</a></li>
<li><a title=”Las Vegas, Nevada Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/las-vegas-nevada-hotels/”>Las Vegas</a></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style=”width:33%” valign=”top”>
<ul>
<li><a title=”Los Angeles, California Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/los-angeles-california-hotels/”>Los Angeles</a></li>
<li><a title=”Miami, Florida Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/miami-florida-hotels/”>Miami</a></li>
<li><a title=”Milwaukee, Wisconsin Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/milwaukee-wisconsin-hotels/”>Milwaukee</a></li>
<li><a title=”Minneapolis, Minnesota Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/minneapolis-minnesota-hotels/”>Minneapolis</a></li>
<li><a title=”Nashville, Tennessee Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/nashville-tennessee-hotels/”>Nashville</a></li>
<li><a title=”New Orleans, Louisiana Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/new-orleans-louisiana-hotels/”>New Orleans</a></li>
<li><a title=”New York City, New York Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/new-york-city-new-york-hotels/”>New York City</a></li>
<li><a title=”Norfolk, Virginia Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/norfolk-virginia-hotels/”>Norfolk</a></li>
<li><a title=”Orlando, Florida Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/orlando-florida-hotels/”>Orlando</a></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style=”width:33%” valign=”top”>
<ul>
<li><a title=”Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/philadelphia-pennsylvania-hotels/”>Philadelphia</a></li>
<li><a title=”Phoenix, Arizona Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/phoenix-arizona-hotels/”>Phoenix</a></li>
<li><a title=”San Diego, California Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/san-diego-california-hotels/”>San Diego</a></li>
<li><a title=”San Francisco, California Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/san-francisco-california-hotels/”>San Francisco</a></li>
<li><a title=”Seattle, Washington Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/seattle-washington-hotels/”>Seattle</a></li>
<li><a title=”St. Louis, Missouri Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/st-louis-missouri-hotels/”>St. Louis</a></li>
<li><a title=”Tampa, Florida Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/tampa-florida-hotels/”>Tampa</a></li>
<li><a title=”Tucson, Arizona Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/tucson-arizona-hotels/”>Tucson</a></li>
<li><a title=”Washington, DC Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/washington-dc-hotels/”>Washington DC</a></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
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<table cellpadding=”2″ style=”font-size:13px; font-weight:bold”>
<tr>
<th valign=”top” colspan=”3″>Hotels (All Cities)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style=”width:33%” valign=”top”>
<ul>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Alabama</p>
<li><a title=”Abbeville, Alabama Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/abbeville-alabama-hotels/”>Abbeville</a></li>
<li><a title=”Alabaster, Alabama Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/alabaster-alabama-hotels/”>Alabaster</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Arizona</p>
<li><a title=”Phoenix, Arizona Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/phoenix-arizona-hotels/”>Phoenix</a></li>
<li><a title=”Tucson, Arizona Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/tucson-arizona-hotels/”>Tucson</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Florida</p>
<li><a title=”Miami, Florida Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/miami-florida-hotels/”>Miami</a></li>
<li><a title=”Orlando, Florida Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/orlando-florida-hotels/”>Orlando</a></li>
<li><a title=”Tampa, Florida Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/tampa-florida-hotels/”>Tampa</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Illinois</p>
<li><a title=”Chicago, Illinois Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/chicago-illinois-hotels/”>Chicago</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Colorado</p>
<li><a title=”Denver, Colorado Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/denver-colorado-hotels/”>Denver</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Louisiana</p>
<li><a title=”New Orleans, Louisiana Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/new-orleans-louisiana-hotels/”>New Orleans</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Norfolk</p>
<li><a title=”Norfolk, Virginia Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/norfolk-virginia-hotels/”>Norfolk</a></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style=”width:33%” valign=”top”>
<ul>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Alaska</p>
<li><a title=”Sitka, Alaska Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/sitka-alaska-hotels/”>Sitka</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Massachusetts</p>
<li><a title=”Boston, Massachusetts Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/boston-massachusetts-hotels/”>Boston</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Michigan</p>
<li><a title=”Detroit, Michigan Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/detroit-michigan-hotels/”>Detroit</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Wisconsin</p>
<li><a title=”Milwaukee, Wisconsin Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/milwaukee-wisconsin-hotels/”>Milwaukee</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Minnesota</p>
<li><a title=”Minneapolis, Minnesota Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/minneapolis-minnesota-hotels/”>Minneapolis</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Pennsylvania</p>
<li><a title=”Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/philadelphia-pennsylvania-hotels/”>Philadelphia</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Washington</p>
<li><a title=”Seattle, Washington Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/seattle-washington-hotels/”>Seattle</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Washington, DC</p>
<li><a title=”Washington, DC Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/washington-dc-hotels/”>Washington DC</a></li>
</ul>
</td>
<td style=”width:33%” valign=”top”>
<ul>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>California</p>
<li><a title=”Anaheim, California Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/anaheim-california-hotels/”>Anaheim</a></li>
<li><a title=”Los Angeles, California Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/los-angeles-california-hotels/”>Los Angeles</a></li>
<li><a title=”San Diego, California Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/san-diego-california-hotels/”>San Diego</a></li>
<li><a title=”San Francisco, California Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/san-francisco-california-hotels/”>San Francisco</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Texas</p>
<li><a title=”Austin, Texas Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/austin-texas-hotels/”>Austin</a></li>
<li><a title=”Dallas, Texas Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/dallas-texas-hotels/”>Dallas</a></li>
<li><a title=”Houston, Texas Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/houston-texas-hotels/”>Houston</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Nevada</p>
<li><a title=”Las Vegas, Nevada Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/las-vegas-nevada-hotels/”>Las Vegas</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Missouri</p>
<li><a title=”St. Louis, Missouri Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/st-louis-missouri-hotels/”>St. Louis</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>New York</p>
<li><a title=”New York City, New York Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/new-york-city-new-york-hotels/”>New York City</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Tennessee</p>
<li><a title=”Nashville, Tennessee Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/nashville-tennessee-hotels/”>Nashville</a></li>
<p style=”margin:0px; font-size:14px;”>Wyoming</p>
<li><a title=”Douglas, Wyoming Hotels” href=”/travel/hotels/douglas-wyoming-hotels/”>Douglas</a></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
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10 Favorite Holiday Treats
I have already begun baking like crazy for all the different Holiday events, but now I am about to make the Christmas “must have” treats for me and my family. What’s on this year’s “must have” list? Well here it goes! I will add all recipes that are not already here, over the next couple of days.
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- GiGi’s Special Sugar Cookies
- Microwave Peanut Brittle
- Monster Cookies
- Peanut Butter Bonbons
- “No-Bake” Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
- Cinnamon Hard Candy
- Gingerbread Men
- White Chocolate Dipped Pretzels
- Muddy Buddies
Christmas Traditions
Some traditions just can’t be forgotten or left behind. My husband and I decided that we want to carry on special holiday traditions from our families, and pass them on to our “eventual family”.
So this year, we bought our first special Christmas Tree Ornament as a married couple… and yes it was a “First Christmas” ornament. We plan on getting an ornament every year that represents something special that has happened to us that year.
Another tradition, which I know everyone does this, is the Christmas Stocking. But, my husband and I decided to try and make them really fun this year. So it has more fun stuff, not just the regular stuff like new tooth brushes and socks etc.Even our puppy, Daisy, gets a stocking full of toys!
Also, something that my family has done for a long time now is Christmas PJs. Since my husband doesn’t really sleep in pajamas too often he gets Christmas boxers!
I know I have talked about our tradition of the Christmas Countdown before. We won’t start that tradition until we have kids, but it is such a great tradition. You just leave a note in the countdown box everyday in December up to Christmas day and that note has some clues that lead to a “surprise”. It was usually something really small, but I loved hunting for and finding those little surprises as much as opening my presents on Christmas day.
So the important thing in all the traditions is just being together and spending time with the people you love.
Polar Express
This is one movie, I just can’t get through Christmas without watching! It has quickly become one of my holiday favorites. Also, a great movie for kids and families.
Here is a little taste! (No pun intended!)
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