Thursday, May 29, 2014

PGA Golf Tour in Branson! Chance to Win a Trip to Branson!

Wow. Our friend Johnny Morris, owner of Bass Pro Shops seems to have done it again! The PGA Golf Tour is coming to Branson, Mo. next week (June 4-8, 2014) for the Big Cedar Lodge, Legends of Golf Tournament. Players in the Pro-Am tournament are Hale Irwin, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, and Lee Trevino. According to Big Cedar's website, "This two-man team competition will be conducted over 54-holes on the resort's Par-3 Top of the Rock course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and the 18-hole Buffalo Ridge Golf Course (formerly known as Branson Creek), designed by Tom Fazio."
Click here for more details.

Branson, Mo. continues to grow. It is the perfect vacation destination for you and your family. Not a golfer? That's ok. We have shopping, shows, attractions, zip lines, go carts, a theme park, and more and best of all, it's affordable. "It's all smiles in Branson, Mo."

However, if this summer finds you short on cash, we have the perfect opportunity for you to win big in our DARE TO SHARE, Branson Getaway Giveaway. One winner will receive the following prize package: 

 

Hurry! Contest ends June 8, 2014. 

See you at the PGA Tour. I can't wait to get some autographs!

Chief Purser
Erin Wicker

Thursday, May 22, 2014

June at Titanic Branson - Summer Adventure Awaits You.

Hi friends. I am literally counting down the days until summer. I love it when my kids get out of school and we can enjoy summer activities. Last time we talked, I was planning all of the great things to do with my family this summer. In this post, I wanted to tell you about all of the events we have planned at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. this June. I think we have something interesting for everyone. Check it out:

1. Visit the Titanic Musician Gallery - if you haven't had a chance to come see our new 2014 gallery this year, please make plans to bring your family. We have an entire gallery dedicated to the Musicians who sailed on Titanic and played until the ship's final hours. This new gallery is perfect for Branson -the live music show capital of the world!

For more than 50 years, live shows have been a staple of a vacation in Branson. Today with more than 100 shows, Branson is truly the live music show capital of the world! Morning, afternoon and night, Branson offers a variety of entertainment options for all visitors. - See more at: http://www.explorebranson.com/shows/#sthash.bZo6fHuf.dpuf
For more than 50 years, live shows have been a staple of a vacation in Branson. Today with more than 100 shows, Branson is truly the live music show capital of the world! Morning, afternoon and night, Branson offers a variety of entertainment options for all visitors. - See more at: http://www.explorebranson.com/shows/#sthash.bZo6fHuf.dpuf
Here is a link for more information: http://www.titanicbranson.com/titanic-branson-news-events.php#musicians

2. The Titanic Branson Father's Day Boat Show is Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15th from 9am - 6pm. This year, We’ve invited Branson West Marine to drop anchor in our parking lot and show off some of their newest, fastest, hottest models from their show room. This exclusive Father’s Day event is free and open to the public. Perfect gift for Dad!

Here is a link for more information:  http://www.titanicbranson.com/titanic-branson-news-events.php#boatshow

3. Meet Titanic Descendant Yvonne Hume, the Great Niece of Titanic 1st Violinist, John Law Hume.

When: Friday, June 20th and Saturday, June 21st.
Where: Titanic Museum Attraction Branson, Mo. 

Yvonne Hume is the great niece of Titanic's 1st violinist, John Law Hume, who at age 21, played with Wallace Hartley and the other band members on Titanic, as the ship went down. Ms. Hume was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, but grew up in Peckham, London. She has written and published 5 books about Titanic and is now working on her autobiography. She is a fascinating woman who has done extensive research on Titanic and will now be at our Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, MO. to meet and greet guests and tell of her family relation to John Law Hume. You won't want to miss this great opportunity to speak with a descendant of a Titanic Musician.

Here is a link for more information:
http://www.titanicbranson.com/titanic-branson-news-events.php#hume



4. Visit our Gorgeous Gift Shop busting at the seams with Titanic gifts and collectibles. 

Our gift shop alone is worth the trip (in my opinion). It is gorgeous and full of Titanic gifts and collectibles. My favorite new item is our smoke stack mug. If you pair 4 together, you better leave the 4th one empty. You know why? Because Titanic also had 4 smoke stacks, but the 4th was just for show. It just made Titanic look better.

5. Molly and Carter will make a grand appearance in June! I miss those lovely ladies. 
Here are their hours for the next couple of months. They are our furry friends that help us honor the 10 dogs that were on Titanic. You won't want to miss these brief opportunities to snuggle them. 
 


Now, what are you waiting for? There is a world class Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. (and Pigeon Forge, Tn) waiting for you to discover. Come see us with your family and make lifetime memories.

For tickets, visit our website at : https://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/tickets/index_b.php

Happy Memorial Day. God Bless you all!

Chief Purser
Erin Wicker

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Thursday, May 15, 2014

Learn Ways to Save $ on a Smoky Mountain Vacation this Summer.

In this day and age, most family vacations have a budget. To get the most bang for your buck on a Smoky Mountain, Pigeon Forge, Tn. Summer Vacation this year, here are some tips:

1. The Titanic Museum Attraction has partnered with several local Pigeon Forge, Tn. attractions to discount tickets when you bundle. Here is a link to view the packages: http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/titanic-pigeon-forge-combo-offers.php

2. SeePigeonForge.com offers so pre-packaged summer vacations that you can purchase or you can build your own vacation package. http://seepigeonforge.com/vacation-packages/summer-vacation-packages

3. ReservePigeonForge.com offers deals on shows, attractions, and hotels. This link will show you the actual savings from purchasing off of their website: http://www.reservepigeonforge.com/pigeon-forge-deals

4. COUPONS! This site has some wonderful Pigeon Forge coupons, Gatlinburg coupons and Sevierville coupons that you can print out and use during your vacation. I noticed coupons for the Lumberjack Feud, Dixie Stampede, Mountain Memories Tours and Ripley’s Aquarium. http://www.visitmysmokies.com/coupons/

5. Here is a link to information on other ways to save during your trip to the Smoky Mountains: http://www.mypigeonforge.com/savings/





I hope that these links are useful for you. After all, when you pre-plan, you can get more discounts and your family will be able to do more things. Enjoy!

Chief Purser
Erin Wicker



Thursday, May 8, 2014

Embrace the Spirit of Adventure!

As the school year comes to an end, I begin looking ahead to summer vacation and the potential to create wonderful memories with my family. What will we do? Who will we visit? What fun, adventurous activities can we do together as a family? It definitely reminds me of the Titanic. There were families that sailed on Titanic who were looking for adventure. They were traveling to America for a new fresh start. If that's not adventurous, I don't what is...

I keep reminding my family that life is short. The time is now to make summer adventure plans. Here is my bucket list for this summer with my family:

1. Visit the Titanic in Pigeon Forge and see the Only Bible Saved from Titanic. (you have to remember that although I work for the Titanic Museum Attraction, I am located in Branson, Mo. and haven't been able to see this amazing artifact.)
2. We are going to take tennis lessons as a family. I played tennis when I was 7 years old and I think I need a refresher course. My children are excited to do this with me.

3. We are going to take a trip to Dallas, Texas to visit the Dallas World Aquarium and hang out with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc.

4. We are going zip lining with our Soccer Club in Branson, Mo. This will definitely involve our spirits of adventure.
Branson Zipline - This is how we roll in B-Town.

5. We will definitely be onboard when Titanic Descendant Yvonne Hume comes to visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. this June! If you are a Titaniac, you won't want to miss this opportunity. She was related to one of the Musicians on Titanic - There is an entire gallery dedicated to these musicians and it is on display now through December 2014. It is a must see!

6. The Lake - I know I talk about this every year, but the highlight of my life, summers, family memories, etc. is the lake. I can't wait.
Table Rock Lake at Sunset

7. Paula Deen is opening a new restaurant in at the Island in Pigeon Forge, Tn. this summer and I have to go try it...I wonder how much butter was used on Titanic? Hmmm. I will find out!
Paula Deen at the Press Conference announcing her new restaurant in Pigeon Forge, Tn.

8. No summer would be complete without a trip to White Water in Branson, Mo. They are opening up a new ride this summer and I am terrified, but my spirit of adventure says, "YES"!
White Water Branson - Kapau Plummet
9. Talk about adventure! Our sons will be playing in the Schwan's USA Cup in Minnesota. 18 countries and 20 US State teams will be represented and my children will play these teams. We are blessed and I can't wait for this family experience.
#26, My Superstar.
10. Ok. So I have to have something on my bucket list that seems a little bit out of reach. My oldest is really in to Marine Biology and Deep Sea Diving. My dream adventure would be to take him diving at a coral reef or give him classes on how to care for injured marine life. We'll see....

What are your plans? Whatever they are, I hope you are embracing the spirit of adventure in your life.
See you at the Titanic!
Chief Purser
Erin Wicker

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Friday, May 2, 2014

Road Trips with Kids. Are We There Yet?

"Are we there yet?" This phrase has been spoken many times in the back seat of my Hyandai as we have traveled the countryside on vacation, for soccer tournaments, or to visit family. I have to be honest. I have been that Mom that gives her kids an ipad and says, "Here, play some video games. We will be there before you know it." But, here's the thing. I didn't have those when I was growing up. I had my imagination and a travel scavenger hunt game. I had to find a cow, a flag, a train, and a blue truck.

As summer approaches, I am going to proactive before our road trips this year and am planning some fun games to keep my kids occupied and happy. Here are my ideas so far:

  • Tape recorder: Let the kids produce a vacation broadcast - I am a marketer and am starting my kids early on their skills. :)
  •  Books on tape for the whole family, such as Percy Jackson's Lightning Theif
  • The Classic License Plate Game - you have to find a license plate from every state in the US
  • The Curiosity Game (idea from PBS Kids) -
    o What is your favorite sport to play?
    o What are your three favorite vegetables?
    o Where is one place you’ve never been that you would like to go?
    o What do you like best about your friend _________?
    o If we could open a zoo in our backyard, what five animals would you choose?
    o If you could choose your meals for one day, what would you choose?
    o What is your favorite season? Why?
    o What do you think our next family car should be like?
    o If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would you choose?
Now, If you are planning a trip to visit one of our Titanic Museum Attractions this summer, there are a ton of fun ideas for games to play in the car. Here is my Titanic related car game list:

  • Before you arrive at the Titanic, talk to your kids about the history of what happened 102 years ago. 
  • Print off this Titanic Scavenger Hunt before you go and have your kids do their best to answer the questions. http://www.titanicattraction.com/titanic-education-hunt.php Then, after you visit the ship, have them go back and talk about the correct answers.
  •  Give every child a Titanic Job - one child could be assigned Captain of Titanic, one could be a Nurse on Titanic, one could be a musician on Titanic, etc. Ask them to talk about what it might have been like to have that job on Titanic.
  • Talk about the classes on Titanic. Ask your children which class they would have traveled on Titanic? Talk about the price to travel each class.
  • If you are visiting the Titanic in Branson, Mo. talk to your children about the musicians that played on Titanic. (this year the Titanic in Branson has an entire gallery dedicated to the musicians who were onboard Titanic) Talk about the different instruments that were represented and which instrument they would like to play. Turn on the radio and try to identify the different instruments used in the music.
  • If you are on your way to the Titanic in Pigeon Forge, Tn., describe Molly Brown and why she was known as a hero on Titanic. Ask your older children what they would have done if they were on a sinking ship. Would they have helped others, or would they have tried to swim to safety?
Those are just a few ideas to keep your children occupied and their imaginations active. Of course you will need snacks. I like to pack things that are fun to eat like trail mix, twizzlers, whale crackers, and popcorn.

Do you have your own fun games that you play on road trips? Leave a comment or suggestion!
Happy Traveling!

See you on the road....

Chief Purser
Erin Wicker