Did you know Branson is home to “America’s Largest Veterans Celebration?” It’s called “Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week” and it’s a holiday you don’t want to miss! It starts November 3 and runs through November 11. You will love Veterans Day in Branson!

We are proud to be an American and love celebrating our Veterans. Wondering what to do for the upcoming holiday? We’ve got you covered! Here are our recommendations on what to do on Veterans Day in Branson:

• Annual Branson Veterans Day Parade :: The Veterans Day parade will take place in downtown Branson at 11:00 am. For parade information call Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 913 at 417-294-0728
• College of the Ozarks :: Go see Flames of Freedom, a true story of a graduate from School of the Ozarks who became a navigator on a B-17 bomber in World War II. The story is incredible and admission is free {Dates: October 3, 5, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31; November 7, 9*, 11, 12, 14, & 16. *November 9th showing will be a special 7 pm showing for Veterans, open to the public.}
• Veterans Sporting Clay Shoots :: This fundraiser gives you access to lunch, a drawing for door prizes, and 100 targets!  {November 4, Starting at 8:30 AM, Ozark Shooters Complex, bransonveteransevents@yahoo.com}
• Opening Ceremony “Vets for Vets Celebration” :: The 6th annual “Vets for Vets Celebration Show” that kicks off Branson’s Veterans Homecoming week. {November 5, Doors open at 1 PM, Baldknobbers Theater, Free}
• Welcome Home Celebration Opening Day :: Visit Jim Stafford’s Theatre from 3-5 PM on November 5 to kick off Veterans Week!
• World War II Mini Reunion :: Jim Stafford’s Theatre on November 5 from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
• Branson’s IMAX ‘Military Film Festival’ :: Free for veterans, $5 of all others. Seating begins at 8 AM, film begins at 8:30 AM. Nov. 6 “The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel”, Nov. 7 “Heroes on Deck: WWII on Lake Michigan”, Nov. 8  “Lost and Found: The Legacy of the USS Lagarto”, Nov. 9 “The Unimaginable Journey of Peter Ertel”, Nov. 10“Brothers in War”
• Vietnam Veterans Mini Reunion :: Clay Cooper Theatre November 6, 10 AM-12 PM
• Medics, Nurses, & Combat Vets Mini Reunion :: Westgate Resort Grand Pavilion November 6, 2 PM – 4 PM
• Sandbox Party Breakfast :: Free breakfast for all veterans that have served in the “Sandbox” at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner on November 7th from 8:30 AM to 10 AM
• POW/MIA Service Remembrance :: The POW/MIA Service of Remembrance will be at the Vietnam Memorial Wall at the Welk Resort at 8 AM on November 7.
• POW Network 21st Annual Military Gala & Banquet :: An elegant evening of dining and celebration in the Great Hall at Chateau on the Lake. November 8. Tickets & Reservations required. Contact the Chateau on the Lake for more details.
• Women Veterans Mini Reunion :: Best Western Branson Inn & Conference Center on November 8 at 4 PM. RSVP required bransonveteransevents@yahoo.com
• Annual Tribute to Women Veterans & Rose Petal Ceremony :: Pentagon Survivor guest speaker at the Clarion Hotel on November 9. Contact bvtf-mo@hotmail.com for more information.
• Morning Flag Raising & Wreath Laying Ceremony :: College of the Ozark will host a morning flag raising and wreath laying ceremony near the Williams Memorial Chapel at 7 AM on November 10.
• Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast :: American Legion Post 220 will host a pancake breakfast from 7 AM to 10 AM at the Legion facility at the Faith Lutheran Church on November 10.
• Marine Corps Ball :: The Marine Corps Ball & Semper Fi Raffle will be held at the Radisson Hotel Branson on November 10 at 6 PM.
• Veterans Day Observation :: Veterans and Military Coalition of the Ozarks will observe Veterans Day at 9 AM, November 12 at Big Cedar Lodge. Ceremonies include speakers, flag presentation, color guard, three-volley salute, wreath-laying, military static displays, and other activities

We are also offering a discount to all guests who make a new reservation and stay 3 or more nights the week of Veterans Day!

The Ozark Mountains are home to some of the most breathtaking sights in the world. Don’t believe me? Check out these spots on your next Branson visit for the best views of Branson! Trust us, you will be thankful you took the time to explore. They are stunning and create a beautiful photo opportunity for you and your family! For accommodations and other Branson activities, visit our website: rentbranson.com

1. Top of the Rock: There are so many options when it comes to soaking in the Ozark views at Top of the Rock! Drive a golf cart, golf, hike, or have dinner on the patio! Top of the Rock has so many Ozark views and is rich in our history!
2. 165 Scenic Overlook: Be sure to visit this overlook at sunset! There’s a place to pull over for photos and a terrific ice cream shop across the street! Best part: totally free!!
3. Dogwood Canyon: 10,000 acres of pure beauty lies in Dogwood Canyon. So many activities to explore the Canyon too! Walking, biking, tram, horseback, Segway, or dinner all provide a breathtaking experience. Beautiful waterfalls, dams, mountains, caves, rivers, wildlife, and mills all harmoniously make Dogwood Canyon a must-see.
4. Ozark Mountain Highroad: Otherwise known as Highway 465, The Highroad provides a glimmering snapshot of Ozark beauty. Beautiful year-round, it’s especially gorgeous in the fall. If you’re looking for a care-free Sunday drive, this is your road.
5. Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area: Take your choice of varying hiking trails and observation platforms. Pack a picnic and be sure to take plenty of water!

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Not to mention the stunning views you get from the back deck of your very own cabin! Visit rentbranson.com to choose the best cabin for your getaway and our Branson Blog for the best activities and events.

Halloween is around the corner and we have the inside scoop on where you should go to make the most of the holiday! We’ve already shared local tips on the best pumpkin patches in the area, the scariest haunted houses in the area and our secret pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe with you all- and now we are sharing tips on where to go on Halloween in Branson!

• Branson Landing :: Merchants will be open this year so you and the kids can go trick or treat in one safe, convenient location. Also, you don’t want to miss the Monster Mash Street Dance that starts here at 6:30 PM!
• The McKenna Farm :: They have set up a big bale maze, corn maze, bounce pads, hay rides and pumpkins galore for you and the family! They are open 10 am – 6 PM week days and 10 am – 7 PM Friday and Saturday!
• Big Cedar Haunted Caves :: The caves on Big Cedar’s property were discovered on accident, but they’ve made the most of them. Big Cedar is located near some of our properties and is an easy drive for some quick family fun!

Want to dress up, but forgot to go buy an outfit on time? Here are a few easy ideas you can recreate with items you already have at home!

• Super Mario Brothers :: Grab a pair of overalls, a red or green shirt with a matching red or green hat {if you have the hat} and draw on a mustache with a black eyeliner pencil!
• Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany’s :: All you need is a little black dress, a strand of pearls, and a high bun {and small tiara if you have one}! Classic and simple!
• A Mime :: Throw on a striped shirt, paint your face white and add bright red lips! Throw on a beret too if you have one!
• A Pirate : Again, if you have a striped shirt all you need are black pants and a bandanna! Tie the bandaa over the top of your head and draw on an eye patch with black eyeliner! You could even draw on a mustache and little beard if you want!
• Risky Business :: Borrow a man’s oversized white shirt {wear some shorts or leggings underneath}, tall white socks and a pair of Rayban style sunglasses {or any sunglasses}!

We love Silver Dollar City, and they are adding a new addition in a few months! In Spring of 2018, Silver Dollar City will open its tallest, fastest, and spiniest rollercoaster yet called the Time Traveller! The roller coaster will cost $26 million and was designed specifically for the Ozark Mountains by MACK rides out of Waldkirk, Germany.

The rollercoaster includes a 10 story, 90 degree drop and reaches 50.3 mph. This roller coaster has been kept under wraps for 2 years now!  The ride also includes a dive loop, a vertical loop, and a zero gravity roll, all while spinning! It’s going to be a roller coaster lover’s dream! Riders will move from 0-47 mph in just 3 seconds! The Time Traveler also crosses over itself 14 times!  While most of the rides at SDC are set in the 1800’s, Time Traveler has a definite futuristic vibe. The ride lasts 1 minute 57 seconds and will challenge the dreamer in all of us!