A 2014 Branson Family Vacation

If you're like me, you are ready for a vacation, and not just a family gathering at Christmas - although these are wonderful. You are ready to GET OUT OF DODGE. You are ready to break free from the mundane routine of your life. You are ready to go wild, make memories, do something spontaneous, play, and HAVE FUN. I want to help you make plans and I will use my experience as a seasoned professional in Branson, Mo. to do just that.

I live in Vacation Land. Branson offers so many fun things to do with your family that we usually don't have to plan our family vacations outside of our own city. 

So, as a mom and as Chief Purser of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo., I would like to give you MY TOP 10 Best Activities to do with your family in Branson, Mo. in 2014.

Drum Roll Please....Joy to the World....(reference from Christmas Vacation) 

10. Visit a Cave! 

Especially when weather outside isn't ideal, my boys love spelunking. (Big Word) Actually, we like visiting tourists caves. One of our favorites is Talking Rocks Cavern . And guess what- They are open year round so you can even go in the winter. Yay. I can wear my kids out so they will sleep. Yes, sleep is good.

9. See a Show! There are more than 100 to choose from.

There is a great directory of shows on the Explore Branson website. We have 2 favorites - Six and anything that Sight and Sound Theater does. Also, I just noticed when perusing the Explore Branson site that there is an 80's Ladies Show at God and Country Theater. YES PLEASE. Being that I grew up in the 80's, I would love to do a girls night out here.

8. IMAX

Who doesn't want to see a GIANT movie? This month on the GIANT screen, they have 3 films - one about the Grand Canyon, one about butterflies, and one about Trains. The Grand Canyon one is on our winter bucket list.

7. Silver Dollar City Theme Park. 

Need I say more? In 2013, they opened a brand new wooden roller coaster that is the first of its kind in the world. There are coaster, rides, games, shopping, great food, and tons of entertainment around every corner. This attraction does not disappoint with kids either.

6. Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede -

If you like to eat an entire chicken with your hands, you will love this place. This is a North VS South competition where you will see live animals, trick racing, lumberjacks, pig races, and a very talented performance by Dolly Parton. The food is great and my kids NEVER get bored. They love it. They are mesmorized the entire time. Plus you get entertainment and food at the same time. IT's a win win.

5. EAT! Everyone loves to eat. 

I grew up in Dallas, Texas which is the restaurant capitol of the world. I have very high expectations about food that I pay for. I am also a good cook, so rarely do I find food out that meets my expectations. So, when I tell you the best places to eat in Branson, Mo., I mean it. My favorites are the Keeter Center, Big Cedar Lodge's The Worman House, Cantina Laredo, and Sushi House.

4. Go to the Lake. 

Table Rock Lake is the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. Because I grew up in a very busy city, most weekends our family left town to boat and camp. We traveled all over the place. I camped in a tent back then, but as a mom with children, that seems completely archaic to me now. Now, I camp complete with air conditioning, microwave, shower, and beds in our camper. :) I know I am spoiled. At Table Rock Lake you can boat, ski, wakeboard, tube, paddle board, kayak, para-sail, swim, scuba dive, hike, fish, skip rocks, etc. It is absolutely wonderful and my boys LOVE going.

3. Go Shopping. 

The shopping is endless in Branson, Mo. We have a huge Tanger Outlet Mall complete with all of the big names like Nike, Anne Taylor LOFT, Banana Republic, Under Armour, Polo, Old Navy, Aeropostale, and American Eagle. Although my boys act like they dread going, they sure do have a good time when they are getting stuff. We also have a high end mall, called the Branson Landing right on Lake Taneycomo close to Downtown Branson. It is a really pretty outdoor mall with Bass Pro Shops being the flagship. I have seen the fish in the tank at Bass Pro Shops over 1,000+ times. My kids never get tired of it. It's crazy.

2. Go-Carts. Putt-putt. Bumper Boats. Arcade.

What kid doesn't like to go-cart on vacation? The Tracks Family Fun Parks have tracks all down the 76 strip. There are many to choose from and each one gives different aged children a chance to race. I love taking my kids to do this because they love it. However, take my advice...If you plan to do the bumper boats, look into the eyes of the other children who are participating. If you see a child who can't stop stearing at you, run. I went on these with my child last summer and got soaked. I was marked by a marksman and SHE WON. By the way, I might be the best ski-ball competitor in the world. Just saying....

And the #1 best thing to do on your next family vacation in Branson, Mo. is.........


1. Tour the Titanic Museum in Branson!

We've built the Permanent, Interactive Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. I am the chief purser, bringing you all news and event happenings at the ship. This January 2014, we will open a new Titanic exhibit as a tribute to the musicians who sailed Titanic. Around every corner in our attraction, kids learn while participating in hands on activities like touching an iceberg, walking the $1 M Grand Staircase, sending an SOS signal, answering trivia questions, etc. You can teach your kids about the history of the Titanic ship, without them even knowing it. It truly is a family experience "....not to be missed." - USA Today.

Bonus -
CUSTARD. Do it. You can diet later.

Take your kids to Andy's Frozen Custard. You can't go wrong here. It is sugary butter. Wait - did Paula Deen invent Frozen Custard? If your kids frown while eating this, there is something terribly wrong.
Anyways, you can't go wrong with a Branson, Mo. family vacation. There are memories waiting to be made her. Come and make them.

Blessings!

Erin Wicker

Myth Busters: Do you know the real TITANIC Museum Attraction?

Myth Busters:

Do you know the real TITANIC Museum Attraction?                        

Myth:  The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is probably just another tourist trap.

Fact:  Absolutely not.  Endorsed by the world-famous Titanic Historical Society, Titanic Museum Attraction is an internationally recognized living museum that holds the largest display of Titanic artifacts anywhere.  Our more than 2.5 million visitors can attest to its authenticity—from unparalleled attention to detail, design and installation to its exact recreations of some of the ship’s most-famous architectural features.

“It’s a museum not to be missed.” — USA TODAY

Myth:  Some Titanic “artifacts” on display just have to be replicas.

Fact:  False. The more than 400 genuine Titanic artifacts our galleries display are valued above $4 million and hold documented evidence of provenance.  Not one has been altered, forged, stolen or looted. 

“Visitors receive a boarding pass in the name of an actual passenger, whose fate

they learn at the end of the visit...” — The New York Times, March 14, 2012

Myth:  The Titanic Museum Attraction is not recommended for kids.

Fact: False. Children five years and older are fascinated and really get it.  They describe their museum experiences with words like “awesome, “cool” and “really cool.”  The museum attraction is a living classroom filled with hands-on opportunities that motivate, educate and inspire.  Every child receives a special boarding pass profiling a youngster who actually sailed on Titanic.  We even created a special audio tour just for kids and our onboard Scavenger Hunt adds to the excitement.  When you book your tickets ask for the audio tour.  Kids love it.   Plus they will hear actual passengers who were on Titanic.  Recorded by the museum owner for his Titanic television specials.

Voted one of five museum exhibits sure to “delight kids and parents” by The Dallas Morning News

Myth:  The outside is impressive, but the inside is probably hokey.

Fact: False. No one who tours our museum finds it hokey.  “Disney-like,” “stunning,” “elegant and inspiring”—these are the words visitors use to describe the interior.  Titanic Pigeon Forge is a $25 million property built half-scale to the original from the actual plans Harland & Wolff used to build Titanic.  Everything here reflects the grandeur and old-world craftsmanship of the original ship.  Our hand-crafted Grand Staircase cost over $1 million to build and is the only one in the world that accommodates visitors.  Step foot on it and walk its stairs, just like Titanic passengers on the original.

  “Excellent!  Worth the money!” —  Trip Advisor

 Other Questions Answered:

1. Why do you decorate at Christmas? Titanic didn't sail at Christmas time.

We decorate the Titanic Museum Attraction at Christmas based on what she might have looked like if she did sail at Christmas. She was built during the Edwardian Era and our #Christmas decor reflects that same Era. 

2. Why do you have a Titanic Fantasy Princess at the Titanic? 

She is the keeper of all of the memories of the 2,208 passengers and crew who sailed Titanic and she is the keeper of all of YOUR dreams and wishes today. 

3. Why can't we take photos inside the museum? 

The primary concern of our museum is to safeguard the artifacts. That must always come first. The second concern is to make those objects available for the purpose of education, research and enjoyment. In addition, some of the artifacts on display are on loan from Titanic collectors and they are copyrighted. Legally, we cannot allow photographs within our museums. Everyday our Titanic Museums serve as a moment of reflection as to what that April night back in 1912 must have been like for the 2,208 passengers and crew of the RMS Titanic.

 

 We invite YOU to come visit us at the ship and experience myth busting first hand.

Reservations are requested to guarantee a boarding time

800-381-7670

     Thank you to all of our amazing guests, visitors, and friends for joining us in honoring the 2,208 passengers and crew of the Titanic. We are thankful for you.  

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Christmas Countdown - 20 more days

Merry Christmas Friends. I love this month. I love spending time reflecting on the birth of Jesus and my primary goal is to share my love for Jesus with my family and create lasting holiday memories with them. 

Each year, after the Thanksgiving Holiday (my other favorite), I hang this Countdown Calendar on the wall in our living room for my children. Each day of December, my children wake up in the morning and scurry over to the calendar to open the appropriate sachel and find a gift inside.

I have printed off clip art from the internet on little sheets of paper and folded them to fit in these tiny bags. Each clip art represents something that we are going to do together or something my children are going to receive.

Here are some examples of what is in each of the bags this year:

1. Read a Book About Christmas

This image means we are going to read a story about the birth of Jesus that night. 

2. Meet the Titanic Fantasy Princess

This image means we are going to visit the Titanic Museum Attraction and meet the Titanic Fantasy Princess

This has become a tradition in our household ever since she made her first appearance. The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess is this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland, which features thousands of holiday lights, Edwardian-style decorations, costumed merry-makers and a Gift Shoppe brimming with one-of-a-kind selections. Also available is a magical photo op with the princess herself.Here is the link for additional information. It's worth it. http://www.titanicbranson.com/titanic-branson-news-events.php#fantasyprincess

"The most lavish monument to the sea's most famous disaster." - USA Today

3. Make Christmas Cookies

This image means we are going to make Christmas cookies together.

4. Receive a Gift.

This image means they are going to receive a gift. 

I buy $1 gifts from Target and Michaels. Here are some of the gifts I bought this year.

$1 gifts like candy, grow a snowman, smelly markers, etc.

5. See the Miracle of Christmas at Sight and Sound Theater

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This image means we are taking a trip to see the Miracle of Christmas play at the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson, Mo. 

This play is about the birth of Jesus. Here is a link for more information, dates, times, and cost. http://www.sight-sound.com/WebSite/shows.do?showCD=MOC#m1

6. Christmas shopping money

This image means I am going to give each child $1 to use to buy Christmas gifts. 

7. Go to the Movies

This image means we are going to see the Disney movie Frozen at the movie theater.

8. Silver Dollar City

This image means I am taking the kids to Silver Dollar City to see the Christmas Parade

Here is what Good Morning America has to say about visiting Silver Dollar City for the Holidays : "Don't Miss A Top 5 Spot To Light Up The Holidays!" Link: http://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park/festivals/An-Old-Time-Christmas.aspx?icid=aotc-sdchome-ca-2

I repeat several of these like reading Christmas stories, giving them Christmas money, and the $1 Christmas gifts. They get so excited every morning to see what adventure or present awaits them in the bag. It is fun to bless them and I know that we are creating memories together that will last forever. In fact, each November the kids ask - "Mommy, when are you going the get the Christmas Calendar out?" My answer is always....December 1. It does take a little bit of planning, but it is so worth the effort. Plus, I can teach them about the miracle of Christmas in a fun and exciting way.

What traditions do you have with your family?

Love and Blessings,

Chief Purser
Erin Wicker

Our Family Trip To Titanic Branson for Christmas

As Chief Purser at the Titanic Museum Attraction, our Captain gave me special approval to bring my family in to get a sneak peek at all of the Christmas decorations inside the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo. After all, if I haven't seen them, I can't tell all of you about them. I have to say that the crew really outdid themselves this year. The decorations are absolutely breathtaking.

My boys were really looking forward to seeing the iceberg. It is a REAL living, growing iceberg. They were curious to see if it had gotten any bigger.

Parents, this iceberg provides a perfect learning opportunity. How are icebergs formed? How big can they get? We have a few science lessons available on our website at http://www.titanicattraction.com/titanic-education-science.php . If you do one of these lessons before your tour and then talk about the lesson as you go through the museum, it will bring the lesson to life for your children.

My oldest son loves the giant Titanic model. He is fascinated by it. When you are there, ask a crew member to shine a light in on the windows of the model. I won't tell you what you'll see. I want it to be a surprise. It took the artist 2 years to build this ship. It is just amazing and we are very lucky to have such an exhibit.

If you love dogs, you'll love this next part of our tour. By the way, this next part is only in Branson, Mo. Our Pigeon Forge location doesn't have a dog exhibit. Now, you ask, "Why dogs?" Well, there were 10 dogs that traveled on Titanic in 1912. Molly and Carter are our 2 King Charles Spaniels who represent the 10 dogs. Their kennel, pictured here, cost $1M to construct. They will be turning 5 on Thanksgiving weekend and we will have a giant birthday celebration in their honor. Click here for details. 


If you would like to teach your children about the 10 different breeds of dogs that were on Titanic, visit our Molly and Carter page. It is very interesting to see what kinds of dogs people had as pets, 101 years ago. Again, your children will learn so many valuable things, but because the museum is set up as an interactive attraction, they won't realize that they are learning.

After we spent time with Molly and Carter, we were off to see the Grand Staircase. I couldn't wait. It's my favorite part of the museum. Mostly because it really makes me feel like I am a passenger on the ship, on my way to a fancy party. My children look at it as a competition - who can reach the top first. Did you know that our Titanic Museum Attraction owners built the Grand Staircase from original Harland and Wolfe architectual plans? I can't explain to you in words the beauty of this Grand Staircase. The Edwardian Style Christmas decorations are exquisite and the atmosphere is truly magical.
Titanic didn't sail at Christmas, but if she had, we believe she would have looked like this. We decorate at Christmas to honor the 2,208 passengers and crew of Titanic in hopes that their legacy will go on.

The tour continues up the stairs where you will see a 1st class stateroom, Molly Brown's Gallery which will be leaving Branson at the end of the year, and you will see several interactive rooms full of learning opportunities.

 Your family can enter the Captain's bridge and learn about all of the equipment it takes to run and steer such a huge ship. They can actually put their hands in 28 degree water and see how long they can withstand the frigid temperature. They can feel how steep the ship decks became as Titanic descended into the water. They can sit in an actual size lifeboat and hear actual Titanic passengers tell their stories. And, what kid doesn't want to learn how to send an SOS signal? You can do that too. Also, available online are additional educational lessons to back up what they learn in these interactive rooms.
At the end of your tour, you can meet Polar. He is an interactive digital bear. He talks to the children about Titanic and they can actually talk back to him. This is a high tech interactive feature that my boys really think is entertaining. On your tour, you can find out why Polar came to be. It is a history lesson straight from Titanic and its sure to pull at your heart strings.

At the end of the tour is the gift shop brimming with one of a kind original gifts and collectibles. It's especially beautiful at Christmas. My children especially love the toy section. Our favorite is the coby blocks available in the gift shop. They built the ship last year and it is on display in our house. These are blocks that are compatible with legos.

We spent almost 2 hours touring the Titanic Museum Attraction. We stopped for a few more photos outside the ship. There are some really pretty Christmas props outside perfect for photo opportunities.

As you can see, this is a history lesson full of interactive exhibits decorated beautifully for Christmas. We have amazing events planned including fireworks and snow in Pigeon Forge, Tn. and a Fantasy Princess that will make her rounds at both locations. Oh and we are open year round!  The only days we are closed are Christmas Day and January 6-9, 2014 in Branson and January 13-16, 2014 in Pigeon Forge. We close for those 4 days each year so that we can clean the ship from bow to stern and install new galleries and exhibits. We change every year. So, each year, there are new reasons to visit the Titanic Museum Attraction - a continuous history lesson in honor of the 2,208 passengers and crew of the RMS Titanic.

Peace and Blessings be with You and Yours this Holiday Season, 

Chief Purser

Erin Wicker

  and family. :)

P.S. write me and tell me about your Christmas trip to Titanic. I would love to hear from you!

Facebook - www.facebook.com/Titanicmuseumattraction
Email - erin.wicker@titanicattraction.com
Comment below.

Jewelry! One of my favorite subjects!

Who out there in Cyberspace shops for jewelry on JTV? If you don't, you should. They truly have

some great deals on high fashion, high quality gems and if you don't know what to get your loved one for Christmas, you can't go wrong with jewelry.

Tune in to Jewelry Television this Thursday, Nov. 21st at 8pm (est) and Friday, November 22nd at 1pm and 10pm (est) for a very special #Christmas shopping opportunity. Titanic Museum Attraction and Jewelry Television will present an exclusive line of high-quality jewelry, reminiscent of the kinds of pieces actually on the Titanic's maiden voyage 101 years ago.

Click here to get a sneak peek at the collection. 

And, it is an honor to announce that Our 1st Class Titanic Museum Attraction Maid Jamie will be a co-host on both evenings. Jamie will be sharing Titanic stories with JTV's viewing audience. The reason this jewelry collection is special is because it represents specific woman passengers who actually sailed on Titanic. By purchasing one of these pieces, you will be wearing a piece of history. It is a great way to continue to honor the women who sailed Titanic and a great way to pass on the history of Titanic so that she is never forgotten.
If you have purchased Titanic Jewelry on JTV, I would love to hear from you. What did you purchase and why? Were you pleased with your purchase? Have you been able to share Titanic history with your friends and family because you are wearing one of our pieces?

I will be online during both evenings this week. Follow me on Twitter @TitanicUSA to talk about each piece as it is presented.



Talk soon!

Erin Wicker
Chief Purser
Titanic Museum Attraction

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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Branson during Christmas 2013

I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here. Wait. I can't believe I only have 39 more shopping days until Christmas. I love Christmas. It's a bit overwhelming, but what better things could we be doing with our lives than blessing each other in honor of our savior? 
Besides shopping and giving, I have a top 10 list of my favorite things I like to do with my family during Christmas in Branson, Mo. 

Another Drum Roll Please.....

10. Experience The 25th Annual Ozark Mountain Christmas as Branson transforms into a Holiday Wonderland.

It's so beautiful. Christmas is the busiest time of year in the Ozark Mountains. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy all of the holiday lights, shows, shopping, and entertainment that Branson, Mo. has to offer. Why? Because every square inch of Branson is decorated.

9. Drive through the Branson Area Festival of Lights that includes 175 holiday displays. 



Now through December 31, 2013, Gather your family and drive over to the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through off of Shepherd of the Hills Expwy, where you will see thousands of holiday lights in a 1-mile drive complete with Christmas music. Make this one of your family's holiday traditions. Spolier alert - Santa is at the end of the lighted tunnel with a special treat for all good little boys and girls, so be on your best behavior.

8.  Shop the Branson Landing and the Tanger Outlets of Branson for the best Holiday gift selection.  


November 28th, 2013 at 10pm - Black Friday look out. Branson, Mo. is home to so much shopping, you will be able to get gifts for everyone on your list! Branson Landing, located next to Downtown Branson on lake Taneycomo, has over 100 specialty stores, and our favorite, the Bass Pro Shops. Tanger Outlet Malls will have an after Thanksgiving Moonlight holiday sale at 10pm on Thanksgiving night. Get there early. The parking lot is packed. I like to go and people watch with my husband. It's very entertaining.

7. Stay at the 5-Star Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa and eat Breakfast with Santa. 

Enjoy 4-star hotel accommodations plus on Saturday, December 21, 2013 will be the 16th Annual Breakfast with Santa event at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa. They have chosen this year to support a local 
 charity with ticket sales - Options Pregnancy Clinic. Click here to visit their website and make reservations. 
My kids love meeting Santa and eating the delicious breakfast. Who wouldn't?

 6. Attend An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. 

We go every year. Visit Silver Dollar City this Christmas, one of the WORLD's TOP 10 Amusement Parks. You will enjoy 5 million holiday lights, a Christmas Parade complete with Santa himself, and a train ride that shares the True Meaning of Christmas, not to mention all of the rides. The new wooden roller coaster, Outlaw Run, is the very first wooden roller coaster to twist upside down! Visit their website here for tickets. 
 

5. See Branson's 65th Annual Adoration Celebration & Parade in Downtown Branson. 

A tradition in Branson, Mo. the 65th Annual Adoration Parade begins with the lighting of a nativity scene on the top of the hill overlooking Taneycomo. It is a time to celebrate Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas with your family. Click Here for parade information.  We like to bring hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows.



4. See the Miracle of Christmas production at Sight and Sound Theater 

Away in a manager, no place for his head...You know the song by heart. It's the story of the birth of Jesus. It's a very visual way to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas. My children love the live animals that they bring on stage! Find out more here.  
 
 
3. Browse the Titanic Gift Shop brimming with Classic Christmas gifts and ornaments. 

Now through December 31, 2013 - The entire ship inside and out will be aglow with Christmas Click Here to see it.

lights and decorations. In the gift shop, you will find children's toys, collectible hand-painted Christmas ornaments, beautiful jewelry, and gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.  Have you seen the Titanic ship that you build out of blocks that are compatible with legos? It is awesome. My boys built it last year.


 
2. Fly direct to Branson, Mo. via Southwest Airlines now landing at the Branson Airport. 

I obviously don't have to fly, but this is a big deal for Branson. This makes travel a hop and a jump! Fly direct to Branson, Mo through Southwest Airlines. Enjoy low fares and an airport with a hometown feel. It's easy to get in and out and you are minutes away from the Ozark Mountain Christmas celebrations. Click here for rates and dates.  

AND...the #1 reason to visit Branson, Mo. during Christmas 2013....
 

1. Meet The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess,  this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland. 

If you like fantasy and the magic that surrounds the Christmas holidays, this is for you! The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess is this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland, which features thousands of holiday lights, Edwardian-style decorations, costumed merry-makers and a Gift Shoppe brimming with one-of-a-kind selections. Also available is a magical photo op with the princess herself. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this events. 

Well, if you have any questions, let me know. I'd be glad to help. If you have any photos of your family visiting Branson during Christmas, post them to our facebook page - Titanic Museum Attraction.  Share the Christmas spirit with us!

Yours Truly, 

Chief Purser Erin Wicker