Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Top 8 BRANSON Spring Break Family Adventures and FOODIE STOPS

Hi. It has been so great to "dig" ourselves out of the snow in Branson, Mo and interact as a community again. What a fantastic BREAK in the weather! It makes me excited for Spring Break.

Ok, so the truth is...I am terrible at planning activities for my children for #SpringBreak! I usually wait until the last minute. So, in honor of all of my fellow procrastinators out there, I am putting this short list together for YOU who genuinely want to kick up your heels and create a spirit of adventure and memories for your children, but you are short on time and finances.

Drum Roll Please.....

1. Buckets and Boards -If you would like to entertain your children and be their "Hero" for the day, make plans to see Buckets and Boards at the Clay Cooper Theater. My kids have seen them several times and they never disappoint.




2. Dixie Stampede - Celebrating their 20th season this year in 2014, the Dixie Stampede is a GREAT family show that includes live animals and fire. Plus you get to eat really good food with your hands. The soup is to die for. They have added a new feature this year called the bucket races. You should definitely volunteer to be a part of this fierce competition while you are there.

3. Jonah at Sight and Sound Theater - I love the opportunity to provide my children with visual aid when teaching them the stories of the bible. How about reading the story of Jonah in the bible with your family and then taking them to see the musical at Sight and Sound Theater? They will use all of their senses and will remember the story forever.


4. WorldFest at Silver Dollar City - It is such a blessing to have a World-Class Christian Theme Park right here in the Ozarks! This year's #WorldFest includes Spanish Guitar player, Folk Dancing, Island Fire, a Harp Player, and food from around the world. Plus, you can experience the new Wooden RollerCoaster - Outlaw Run. Adventure Seekers - this ride will do it for you.

5. Branson Zipline Canopy Tours - Have you ziplined yet? It is such a rush! We loved it and are now zipline junkies. Your kids will thank you.


6. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery  - Located in Taney County just below the Table Rock Dam, Shepherd of the Hills is the Department’s largest trout-rearing hatchery. If you are on a serious budget, this trout farm is free and it will entertain. You can see how they raise trout from tiny babies to full grown fish, ready to release in the wild trout. It is really interesting. They have trout food available for purchase that you can give to your kids and let them feed the fish. My kids really enjoy feeding them. You can also take a short hike down to the river and watch the fly fishermen catch wild trout. Bring your poles and make a day of it.







7. Table Rock Dam Tour - Even the men in your life will enjoy this one.

8. Titanic Museum Attraction - My personal favorite. Spend time before your visit teaching your kids about Titanic. We have an excellent educational resource center on our website where you can plan hands on learning activities in subjects like math, science, writing, etc to teach your kids the history of Titanic. Then, take them to the Interactive Titanic Museum Attraction with their printed Scavenger Hunt in hand and see how much they learn! Read our MOM reviews here.

This year, we pay tribute to the 8 Musicians onboard Titanic. It is a perfect experience for the musicians in your family.

ATTN FOODIES - Here are my TOP 8 Recommendations for Families with Children:

1. Dana's BBQ
2. Fuddruckers
3. Billy Bob's
4. Does Andy's count as food? Yes, I think it does.
5. Pizza World
6. Sushi House - Yes, my children eat sushi
7. Shogun Japanese - pricey but has a habachi grill which is fun for kids.
8. Branson Landing - Old Chicago

So, I have made it pretty easy for you and I to plan activities for #SpringBreak. Right?  Who's coming?

Love to all,

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser, #Titanic Museum Attraction
Facebook - Let's be friends.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Who was in Love on Titanic? The story of Dickinson and Helen Bishop - Survivors

Who was in Love on Titanic in 1912? There were 12 NEWLYWED couples that sailed on the RMS Titanic. Nine of these couples were returning home to America from their honeymoons overseas; 3 were Newlyweds from other countries who were moving to America to start a new life together. Only 5 couples would survive together. 


Encyclopedia Titanica
"Meet" Dickinson and Helen Bishop - This couple were from Dowagiac, MI and they boarded Titanic at Cherbourg. According to the Encyclopedia Titanica, Helen was the first to get into Lifeboat #7; her husband followed. Helen was reported to have told a very interesting story on the lifeboat while awaiting rescue. She said that while her and her husband were honeymooning in Egypt, they visited a fortune teller. According to this fortune teller, they would survive a shipwreck and an earthquake. Then, she would lose her life later in a car accident. She explained to other passengers that they had to be rescued, according to her fortune. These events would all unfold during her life.
Lifeboat photo from Wikipedia

Later during a vacation in California, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop survived a giant earthquake. And finally, in 1913, a car accident put Helen in critical condition from a fractured skull. She recovered after a steel plate was placed in her head, but she suffered mentally from the accident and the couple ended their marriage in January 1916.


 Click here for more information on their Titanic story: http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-survivor/helen-bishop.html

Visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. this Valentine's Day Weekend. (1) Meet Molly Brown's Great Granddaughter, (2) Meet Captain Rostron's Great Granddaughters and see the Loving Cup Reunion, (3) Meet Penelope Carlevato, author of Tea on the Titanic, (4) Renew your wedding vows on Titanic's $1 Million Grand Staircase.


See you soon!
Chief Purser, Erin Wicker