As I sit in a little coffee shop near my Pennsylvania home, I watch a flurry fall to the ground.  A man sits next to me and says, “Can you believe this weather, in late March!” We continue for the next half-hour or so, talking about the weather as I imagine the other 7 or so patrons of the coffee shop are probably doing.

Then the man begins to tell me of a wonderful place where the weather is sunny and warm and the dogwood trees are in bloom.  Where there is always something to do and see, the people are friendly and the barbeque is Mmm, Mmm… good.  He tells me this place is Branson, Missouri; he and his family have vacationed there for over 20 years.  He says, “My wife is home, packin’ the bags now.  We can’t wait to see all of the trees and flowers in bloom and get into some warmer weather.”

He must of noticed that grim look of jealousy on my face when he said, “Hey, I’ve seen you down at the Doctor’s office, right? You’re the receptionist.”  The look of jealousy turns to gratefulness as he tells me that Grand Crowne Resorts in Branson is observing the month of April as Administrative Professionals month.  They will be celebrating all office professionals by offering discounts on nightly rentals in their beautiful condominiums and also discounts on show tickets and attractions.  He tells me that Grand Crowne Resorts can plan my vacation from beginning to end; they can help me with my accommodations, where to get that authentic barbeque, and recommend Branson’s top entertainment.  Not to mention, Grand Crowne Resorts can get me some of the best seats to the shows for some of the best prices.

The man gives me the number and as I write down, 1-800-313-8530, I can’t help but think, what a morning.  Who would have thought this cold morning in the coffee shop would have turned into an amazing vacation to Branson, Missouri!  The man and I look down to see our coffee cups are empty, we say our goodbyes and I say, “Maybe we can enjoy a cup of coffee in warmer weather…I’ll see you in Branson.”

For those of you in search of warmer weather or just need a great vacation, call 1-800-313-8530.  Be sure to inquire about April specials as Grand Crowne Resorts, Branson will honor Administrative Professionals throughout the month.  Also, visit www.GrandCrowneResorts.com anytime to see all of their discount vacation packages.

About Grand Crowne Resorts:
Grand Crowne Resorts offers a wide array of lodging options to fit any mood, budget or personal preference.

With several resort locations, 20,000 member families and a reputation for excellence in customer service and hospitality, Grand Crowne Resorts has been helping families make memories for more than 25 years.

Set amid the scenic Ozark Mountains, just minutes from Table Rock Lake, Grand Crowne Resorts is located in the heart of Branson’s entertainment district. This family-friendly resort is a year-round, four season vacation destination with something for everyone. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking and boating, coupled with nearby theaters and live-shows galore, make Branson the perfect location for finding that balance between excitement and relaxation.

Grand Crowne Resort, Branson offers several distinct lodging options to choose from, making it easy and fun to customize your vacation to suit your specific needs.  Visit www.GrandCrowneResorts.com or call 1-800-313-8530 today.

Owners’ Week 2011 was a success! From Grand Crowne Union Station, we left the hustle and bustle of New York City to the gracious, southern hospitality of Louisville, Kentucky (The Majestic Building), home of the “Grand Crowne Derby Night”. Large or small, contemporary or old-fashioned, big brimmed, feathered, flowery, furry or just plain fascinating… Ladies and gentlemen topped off their Oaks and Derby duds with a variety of ostentatious head wear. My personal favorite and winner for the “most creative” was topped with a grouping of yellow peeps. Owners placed their bets on their favorite horse to win the simulated races displayed in the main dining area. Prizes were given out in a drawing that included Grand Crowne Resorts goods, tickets to shows and a coveted Biloxi Vacation.

On March 2nd, some guests attended the Owners’ workshop. It proved to be a big help in assisting Owners in signing up for an account on www.GrandCrowneResorts.com and navigation through the website. Afterwards, a presentation was given on how Owners can use their points. Back on board our railway excursion, we headed North to experience the sights and sounds of Motown in Detroit, Michigan. The quartet fired up with excitement as they wooed the audience with their energy and smooth moves. We even managed to capture an Owner on camera shakin’ his tush on stage with Aretha Franklin. The fun continued when the DJ played some classic hits from the oldies and Owners had the opportunity to show their moves on the dance floor.

Back on board March 3rd, we were headed to Atlantic City. Upon arrival, we knew right away that we were in for the busiest and most exciting night yet. The Majestic was transformed into our very own comedy club, show lounge, boardwalk and casino. On either side of the lobby were indoor tents where Owners were welcome to their choice of foods. Philly cheese steak sandwiches, sausage on a stick, pizza, cotton candy, popcorn and fudge were among some of the options. Some guests had their face painted, others were found playing blackjack, craps, and even slots! In the lounge area, Owners enjoyed listening to the smooth voices of big names such as Sammie Davis, Jr. and Frank Sinatra of the Rat Pack and ventured upstairs to find hilarious comedy from Legends in Concert’s very own Buddy Holly.

Our train rolled into Washington, D.C. under strict security watch on March 4th. Owners lined up to attend an exclusive invitation to the Presidential State Dinner. Once inside this prestigious event, socializing, wining and dining continued while music played by a harpist. Owners met, not only our very own Association Ambassadors and staff responsible for this week, but one special surprise guest… Bill Clinton. Bill’s outstanding comedy act and singing had everyone laughing. That ended our regal closing event! We hope to see everyone at next year’s 2012 Owners’ Week!

For more information about Grand Crowne Resorts and upcoming events, please visit us at www.GrandCrowneResorts.com. Did you attend Owners’ Week and want to view pictures of the event? Visit our Facebook page.

Now is the best time to book your vacation to Branson, MO. In addition to several Christmas light tours and shows this holiday, Branson is host to more than 50 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, shopping galore, and a full range of dining options. Lodging, you ask? Grand Crowne Resorts has you covered, because for a limited time we’re offering our lowest rates of the season, plus a special offer for a free night for stays between December 13 through December 27, 2009 – click here to book online for these last minute deals!

No room at the Inn?

Christmas is ‘Mary’ at Grand Crowne Resorts!

Call between 2pm and 4pm on Cyber-Monday, November 30, 2009, and tell us your favorite holiday-themed name and we’ll give you our Christmas is ‘Mary’ free night offer:

Stay 2 nights or longer and receive your 3rd night free in a condo or lodge vacation rental at Grand Crowne Resorts in Branson, Missouri between November 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010.  Please tell your friends and family about this holiday offer!

Call 1-800-313-8530 for Reservations

Here are some Christmas is ‘Mary’ name examples:

• Santa
• Mary
• Kris
• Tim
• Noel
• Holly
• Ivy
• Gabriel
• Nicholas
• Bell
• Carol

Call 1-800-313-8530 for Reservations

The city of Branson celebrates the holiday season with festive events scheduled throughout the month of December. Bundle up the kids and take a walk through Silver Dollar City’s over 4-million dazzling lights display or enjoy several Christmas light tours from the comfort of your own vehicle.

The Trail of Lights is a drive-thru animation display that will carry you into the very heart of Christmas. The Trail winds its way through the historic 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, and will take you down the famous “Trail that Nobody Knows How Old” into a holiday wonderland. Nov 1, 2009 – Dec 31, 2009, Phone: 417-334-4191
Web: http://theshepherdofthehills.com

Branson Area Festival of Lights, Nov 1, 2009 – Jan 2, 2010
Located right off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, at 700 Expressway Lane.
Phone: 417-334-4084 Web: http://www.explorebranson.com/christmas/bafol.php

Join the community-wide celebration as all of Branson is aglow for the holidays. Special holiday shows, drive through light displays and spectacular shopping and dining provide all the reasons to celebrate the holidays in Branson. Included is the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Though Display, more than 1 mile of Christmas lights on display.

An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
Nov 7, 2009 – Dec 30, 2009, Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-831-4FUN, Web: http://www.silverdollarcity.com

See all your family’s favorites along with new surprises amidst the glow of over 4 million dazzling lights. You’ll create special holiday traditions, celebrate the true meaning of this magical season and take home memories that will last a lifetime! The celebration truly starts with Silver Dollar City’s square, the setting for Christmas on Main Street, their biggest light show ever!  But be sure to stick around, because the Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade glides through the streets of the “City” twice each evening, weather permitting.

This weekend only, Grand Crowne Resorts is offering their Great American Family Holiday Package:

• 4 Days/3 Nights Select Motel Accommodations
• 2 Adult & 2 Children Tix to Silver Dollar City
• 2 Adult & 2 Children Tix to Legends or Baldknobbers
• 4 Tix to Trail of Lights or Ride The Ducks Branson Landing Cruise
• Branson Landing VIP Shoppers Coupon Booklet
• Branson VIP Coupon Book
• $60 Dinner Voucher

A popular package that allows you to experience the Ozark Mountain Christmas season. Call 877-800-1170 or visit our website for more information.

Get ready… set… SHOP! Kickoff your holiday shopping and save big on your holiday shopping when you come to Branson, MO.

Outlet Shop on Thanksgiving Day!

Thursday, November 26, 2009, Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Phone: (417) 335-6686, Web: http://www.BransonOutlets.com

Factory Merchants Branson will be open on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 6pm. Come out and get a jump on the busiest shopping weekend of the year!
Just look for the red roofs to find Factory Merchants Branson.

After-Thanksgiving Weekend Sale

Nov 27, 2009 – Nov 29, 2009, Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Phone: (417) 335-6686, Web: http://www.BransonOutlets.com

Factory Merchants Branson will open early and still open late for your shopping convenience. Fri, Nov 27: 7am-10pm, Sat, Nov 28: 8am-10pm and Sun, Nov 29: 9am-7pm. Just look for the red roofs to find great outlet shopping featuring such fine stores as Carter’s, Reebok, Pendleton, Jones New York, Lane Bryant Outlet, Red Wing Shoes and many more!

Madness of Midnight at Tanger Outlets

Nov 27, 2009 – Nov 29, 2009, Location: Tanger Outlet Center
Web: http://www.tangeroutlet.com/

The Madness of Midnight is back! All Tanger Centers will open at midnight on Thanksgiving night and sales will continue throughout the weekend. We will promote offers on the Web a month prior to the sales, building anticipation for the event.

Midnight Madness – Friday, 11/27 Midnight-7am

Early Bird Offer – Friday, 11/27 7am-11am & Saturday, 11/28 Open-11am

Evening Owl Offer – Friday & Saturday, 11/27 & 11/28 5pm-Close

BIG End of Weekend Offer – Sunday, 11/29 Open-Close

Black Friday Specials at Branson Landing

Nov 27-29, 2009, Location: Branson Landing
Web: http://www.bransonlanding.com/

Don’t miss holiday shopping at the Branson Landing ! There will be Black Friday early bird specials where the more you spend, the more you save.

Thanksgiving 11 AM – 5 PM (Select Stores Open)
Day After Thanksgiving 8 AM – 9 PM
Christmas Eve 10 AM – 6 PM
Christmas Day Closed
New Years Eve 11 AM – 7 PM
New Years Day 11 AM – 7 PM

Branson Landing Trolley Hours
Mondays – Saturdays: 10AM – 9PM
Sundays: 11AM – 7PM

Bass Pro Shop Hours
Monday through Saturday – 9A – 7P
Sunday – 10A – 6P

Belk Department Store Hours
Monday through Saturday – 10A – 9P
Sunday – 11A – 7P

Features

• 3 days/2 nights Motel Accommodations
• $100 Tanger Outlet Mall Shopping Gift Card
• Branson Landing VIP Shoppers Coupon Booklet
• $60 Dining Voucher
• Branson VIP Coupon Book

Call 877-800-1170 or visit our website for more information. Be sure to ask about our condo upgrade option.

The Branson, MO area is well known for the family friendly summertime events, but don’t let the calendar dictate your activities!  Come to Branson, MO for our ‘fifth’ season – it’s what we fondly call the Fall-iday Season!  Enjoy the many activities and events planned with the cool, crisp, Autumn and Holiday days.   Even though there are already hundreds of things to do including the theaters and attractions, we have put together our own list with a brief description of the event, phone number and web site for additional info.

White Flight at The Butterfly Palace, Nov 1, 2009 – Jan 15, 2010
Located at 4106 W. Hwy. 76, they are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone: 417-332-2231 Web: www.thebutterflypalace.com

Thousands of white butterflies flutter like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparkling with thousands of twinkling lights while fantastic holiday music fills your soul. Simply unforgettable! Back for the 2009 holidays – Living Statues! These breathtaking angels will amaze you with their quiet beauty and joyful peace and will stun you when they suddenly come to life! Each self-guided holiday journey also includes a 3-D movie about butterflies, a sneak peek at some amazing creatures inside the Living Rainforest Science Center, and a chance to get lost inside the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze.

It’s “Winter Wonderlanding” At The Branson Landing, featuring the Twelve Irish Tenors and the Spirit of Christmas Shows, Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 5:30 pm.

Branson Landing is excited to kick off the holiday season this year with a spectacular “Winter WonderLanding” event in Town Square – featuring a very special holiday show produced by our friends from The Branson Variety Theatre. This amazing production will feature the Twelve Irish Tenors AND the amazing cast of singers and dancers from the Spirit of Christmas Show.

Santa Claus at Town Square in Branson Landing, Nov 5, 2009 – Dec 24, 2009

You need to check their website for specific times that Santa will be there.
Location: Town Square – Branson Landing, Web:http://www.bransonlanding.com/SantaSchedule_09.html

Santa Claus is coming to town – Branson Landing’s Town Square that is! Don’t miss your chance to visit Santa Claus in his very own 50-foot Christmas TreeHouse, complete with a cozy fireplace, holiday cheer and memorable photo opportunities. Visit the Branson Landing Website to view Santa’s 2009 Schedule at Branson Landing. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us as we welcome Santa Claus back to Branson Landing this holiday season with a very special Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony produced in conjunction with our friends – The Twelve Irish Tenors and The Spirit of Christmas Dancers from the Branson Variety Theater. It’s Winter WonderLanding at Branson Landing and it kicks off on Thursday, November 5th! HO…HO…HO…

Polar Express Train Ride, Nov 6, 2009 – Dec 19, 2009
Location: Branson Scenic Railway, Phone: 417-334-3050, Web: http://www.bransontrain.com

The Branson Scenic Railway is proud to bring the officially licensed Polar Express Train Ride event to Branson this holiday season! The Polar Express Train Rides are based on the holiday feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures and the beloved children’s book, by Chris Van Allsburg, about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

A Bonniebrook Christmas, Nov 7, 2009 – Nov 28, 2009

Times: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Phone: 417-561-1509
Admission: 12 and under free; adult tours $7.00

Starting with an open house 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday, November 7, Bonniebrook Historical Society presents A Bonniebrook Christmas at the home of American artist Rose O’Neill. There will be holiday decorations at the Victorian style home and visitor center at Bonniebrook. There will also be music, refreshments, and free tours during the open house.

Call for Paintings White River Painting Exhibit

Nov 12, 2009 – Dec 17, 2009, Location: Edwards Art Gallery
Phone: 417-690-2603, Web: mailto://ash@cofo.edu

Entry Deadline November 11, 2009
The White River Painting Exhibit and Sale will take place in Edwards Art Gallery.

They invite artists throughout the Ozarks region to submit paintings that reflect their personal views of what is important to them about the Ozarks. Themes of paintings might reflect an artist’s impressions about the environment, the beauty of the region, history, family, fishing, agriculture, tourism, community, education, architecture, transportation, or entertainment.

Christmas in the Ozarks, Nov 25, 2009 – Nov 29, 2009

Location: Branson Convention Center, Phone: 417-334-5903
Web: www.ChristmasintheOzarks.com

This Christmas show features live entertainment, free pictures with Santa, unique gifts and cash prizes. Exhibitors can contact Burch Productions at 417-334-5903 for more information.

Christmas Tour of Homes, Dec 4, 2009 – Dec 5, 2009

Times: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Phone: Sharon Clarke at 417-365-0170
Admission: $15, Web: mailto://sharonjclarke@gmail.com

2009 Christmas Tour of Homes in the Table Rock Lake area near Branson. Tickets may be purchased at the Country Mart in Branson West, and in Kimberling City at the Kimberling Area Library, Metropolitan National Bank, People’s Bank, Summer Fresh Supermarket, and Harter House. Included with the Tour of Homes is a Hospitality Room at the Kimberling Area Library offering complimentary refreshments, a Unique Boutique of craft items, Silent Auction, Prize Drawing, and Bake Sale. A light lunch will also be available for purchase at our Christmas Tea Room located at the Hospitality Room. The Tea Room will be open both days of the tour from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM. For more information, contact Sue Spoley at 417-779-2626 (sespol@reisenbach.com).

Now…go out and have some FUN!   Enjoy yourself and your time with the family this Holiday Season!

Come see Andy Williams lead off the 3rd Annual Holiday Promenade of Stars this year on the world famous Highway 76 Strip in Branson, MO! White Water is the starting point at 10:30 am and the parade ends at The Grand Village.  Be sure to arrive early for a good seat along the parade route!

Holiday Promenade of Stars Highlights:

• The Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade will be televised on KSFX Ozarks FOX and will air on Thanksgiving Day.
• KOMC‐FM will be doing an uninterrupted live broadcast from 10:30 – 12:00 PM at the event.
• Advertisement placement for the Holiday Promenade of Stars is open to all businesses, shows, entertainers, civic groups, clubs and organizations who would like to participate.
• Stars will be performing at a staging area located on Hwy 76 in front of The Titanic.

Grand Crowne Resorts’ Owners can watch the parade from outside the Titanic for free, or you can get reserved seating for just $10. There will be special appearances and performances by some of Branson’s brightest stars outside at the Titanic to be televised on Thanksgiving and Christmas days on RFD TV. Reserved seating is limited so hurry! Contact our Activities Department for details at 417-332-8382.

Owners, Grand Crowne Resorts is giving you the opportunity to win a full week of accommodations at an Interval International member resort in Orlando, FL. Best of all, there’s absolutely no charge.

Interested? If so, submit your referrals before September 30, 2009 and receive one(1) entry into the drawing. Of course, the more you refer, the better your chances are to win. The drawing will be held on October 1, 2009, so hurry!

Go to  and login. Click on Referral Program to submit your referrals.

The variety of cars expected at the show will mean there’ll be something of interest to everyone, so come down to Branson and enjoy!