SAMSON IN BRANSON SIGHT & SOUND

demowebsites On October 9, 2018 BRANSON, MO

If you can only see one show while in Branson, you must see SAMSON in Branson at the Sight & Sound Theater.

The story of Samson comes alive on stage as you have never seen it before. It is spectacular and an unforgettable presentation of the story of Samson that you will be talking about for a long time. Samson comes to life right before your eyes. It is like being back in time and apart of history.

VIDEO BELOW EXPLAINS MORE ABOUT SAMSON

Living only a few hours from Branson has allowed us to see each new show at Sight & Sound theater. The performers, costumes, special effects, sound, and everything it takes to make this play is spectacular.

Each show including Noah, Joseph, Jonah, and now Samson have all been show-stopping spectacular theater productions. They have been the very best shows we have ever seen anywhere. Each one of these shows has been jaw-dropping plays, but this is especially true about Samson.

SAMSON IN BRANSON

Samson is a well-known story in the bible. He gets his incredible strength by keeping his long hair. His hair is the symbol of the covenant Samson has with God. Eventually, Samson reveals his secret to his strength to Delia. After Samson fall asleep, Delia cuts his hair. You can read the entire story in Judges 16. After being blind and put in prison, Samson asks God to give him his strength back one more time. God granted his request. Samson was able to bring down an entire building to destroy Philistines.

WALLS WILL FALL – Theater Comes Tumbling Down

Did I say literally bring the theater tumbling down? The entire theater all the way around you falls down. SLAM! CLANG! BANG! Coloums hit the stage beside you, in front of you, and even above you. It is loud and jaw-dropping. With the sound effects and vibrations, you feel the power of God with the strength of Samson.

ORDER DVD SAMSON IN BRANSON

If you cannot get to Branson, to see Samson or you did not see Noah, Joseph, Jonah, you can order a DVD of the live play. It is so worth watching.

ANIMALS IN SAMSON

OTHER BRANSON REVIEWS

Roark Family Favorite Branson Shows

Roark Family Favorite Branson Restaurants

This is strictly my opinion of great places to visit in Branson, Missouri.

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TOP OF THE ROCK BRANSON

demowebsites On September 28, 2018 BRANSON, MO

Top of the Rock is about ten minutes from Branson. It is a must-see World Class destination.

The Top Of The Rock includes 360-degree views of the area, breathtaking sunsets, three delicious restaurants, Canyon Cave and nature trail, a gorgeous wedding chapel, plus a stunning golf course you will not want to miss. This post is a review of some of my favorites. My family and I enjoyed the best time at the Top Of The Rock. If you are near Branson, you must see it for yourself.

Top of the Rock, just south of Branson, is a world-class destination created by Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shop’s fame. This should tell you no expense has been spared to build a spectacular facility in the Big Cedar Lodge family of outdoor destinations. Top of the Rock features the world-class Top of the Rock Golf Course, Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, and Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Top of the Rock also features the “End of the Trail” All-American Wine Cellar, three restaurants, a Golf Pro Shop, and the spectacular Chapel of the Ozarks and Civil War era cabin. As you can see, Top of the Rock is not just for golfers. It is for everyone of all ages to enjoy.

10 MILES SOUTH OF BRANSON

As you drive south from Branson down Highway 65, you will notice these giant rock formations up on a hill on the west side of the road. We drove by this for several years wondering what was being built as we spent vacations in Branson. Do not drive by and just wonder what it is. Turn in, and the first thing you find is a massive entry gatehouse where a guard will tell you is there is a $10 entry fee if you are not staying at Big Cedar Lodge. The entry fee goes toward any purchase you make inside the grounds. My first thought was What? $10 just to drive through? I should have known better. Even if you don’t take them on the offer of full credit toward any purchase, the entry fee was worth every penny.

Driving past the gate the beauty of the perfectly manicured landscape makes your jaw drop. We haven’t even made it to the parking lot yet, and you are pulling out your camera to capture the view. The best way to describe it is Johnny Morris creates the clean and picture perfect “Disney World” type experience with natural landscape and the beauty of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake. Every detail at the Top of the Rock pays homage to the Ozarks history. Artisans have seamlessly blended natural formations with man-made structures.

We quickly park the car at the Welcome Center which shows you some of the fun at awaits ahead. We then ride the shuttle bus up to the main buildings. There you will find most of the attractions.

TOP OF THE ROCK SUNSET CEREMONY – free

The Sunset Ceremony was my personal favorite. Looking out over the beauty of Table Rock Lake and the backdrop of the Ozarks from the peak of Top of the Rock will leave you knowing there must be a God. Johnny Morris and his team took this backdrop and made it easily accessible to enjoy the closing moments of the day in spectacular fashion. They call it the Sunset Ceremony. Gather your family and friends together and listen to a traditional Scottish bagpiper as you enjoy the splendor of the sunset over Table Rock Lake. Then, just as the sun shows its final glistening light, you will hear a civil war cannon erupt as you raise your glass for a toast – concluding a moment that you will be able to look back on for years to come. The end to a perfect day.

CHAPEL OF THE OZARKS – free

Do you want to plan a fairytale wedding? At least bring your camera and pretend you are a princess. There is no over venue like the Chapel of the Ozarks. This enchanting, three-story chapel boasts incredible floor-to-ceiling views of Table Rock Lake through arched windows, native limestone detailing and a steeple with a bell tower. Beyond the antique pine wood entry doors, the chapel opens to soaring 23-foot vaulted ceilings and broad bay windows that perfectly frame the overlook of Table Rock Lake. You can rent the chapel and get married there. Right next to the chapel is the civil war cannon pictures below. It is a part of the sunset ceremony.

RESTAURANTS AT TOP OF THE ROCK IN BRANSON, MO

While visiting the Top Of The Rock, we saw and walked through each one of these restaurants. The food looked fabulous on everyone’s plate. It is pricey but it looks like it would be well worth it. Eating at Top Of The Rock is definitely something I am looking forward to do.

Osage Restaurant

The Osage Restaurant is the premier dining experience at Top of the Rock. It features American cuisine in a stunning dining room with sweeping Ozark Mountain Views. Decorate with custom artwork and native artifacts; the entire design is a stunningly elegant atmosphere.

Buffalo Bar

Located on the lower level of Osage Restaurant is Buffalo Bar offering a casual menu. Some of the dishes include wood-fired pizzas and open-air dining. There is a banquet space with glass doors that open to an infinity pool with a massive bronze sculpture.

Arnie’s Barn

Unique in both design and cuisine, Arnie’s Barn is a 150-year-old wooden barn that was brought from Arnold Palmer’s hometown in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. It was reconstructed at Top of the Rock by a local Amish family. This magnificent structure features soaring, vaulted ceilings and two lofts. It is home to the Pro Shop and a Mexican restaurant.

TOP OF THE ROCK GOLF COURSE – Additional fee

High on a bluff top overlooking Table Rock Lake, you will find the Jack Nicholas Signature designed Top of the Rock Golf Course. It is the first-ever Par-3 course to be in a professional championship. Here you will find a place where golf and peaceful waterfalls, wandering creeks, bass-filled ponds and pristine lakes all co-exist. Other amenities include an Arnold Palmer-designed practice range, with 18 target greens. You will also find a 70,000 square-foot “Himalayan” putting course, designed by Tom Watson.

LOST CANYON CAVE AND NATURE TRAIL – Additional fee

Enjoy a 2 and 1/2 mile long golf cart riding tour showcasing some of the area’s natural beauty. This includes many table rock formations. Enjoy Lost Canyon Cave and the beautiful waterfalls. You can purchase a discounted Adventure Pass to enjoy both the Lost Canyon and Ancient Ozarks Museum.

ANCIENT OZARKS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM – Additional fee

Learn and explore the rich history of the area at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. You will enjoy the vast collection of American Indian artifacts on display. Other galleries and exhibits focus on prehistoric animals that roamed the Ozarks and the American Civil War. You can purchase a discounted Adventure Pass to enjoy both the Lost Canyon and Ancient Ozarks Museum.

OTHER BRANSON REVIEWS

Roark Family Favorite Branson Shows

Roark Family Favorite Branson Restaurants

This is strictly my opinion of great places to visit in Branson, Missouri.

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Crafts & Cowboy Festival Silver Dollar City

demowebsites On October 17, 2017 BRANSON, MO, SOUTHEAST

Why Visit Silver Dollar City? If you have never experienced Silver Dollar City, I am thrilled you are here.

I hope by the end of this post you will see why my family and I love to visit Silver Dollar City. There is always a celebration going on in the park but I am telling you do not miss the Crafts & Cowboy Festival nor the Christmas Festival.

First Of All:

Because visiting Silver Dollar City theme park is one of my favorite things to do, I added a second post on my recipe blog, Recipes For Our Daily Bread, with additional information about Silver Dollar City Culinary School.

More About Silver Dollar City Culinary Classes On My Recipe Blog, Recipes For Our Daily Bread.

No Place Like Branson And Silver Dollar City For Christmas

My family and I will be experiencing Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas Festival and Lights in December. I look forward to sharing a post and pictures with you soon.

Picture Provided By Silver Dollar City

This year, 2017, is the perfect time to visit Silver Dollar City during the Christmas Festival. Silver Dollar City is adding another 1.5 million lights to its already 6 million lights. I am rarely speechless but the amazing light display leaves me breathless. It is fabulous! Lights line every inch of every building, rooftop, tree, and so much more. It is seriously difficult to describe. If you do not read any further, it would be O.K. as long as you are checking out more information on Christmas at Silver Dollar City.

Picture Provided By Silver Dollar City

Do Not Miss Some Of My Favorite Things While Visiting Silver Dollar City At Christmas

Christmas In Midtown

Revel in the warmth and beauty of the all-new Christmas In Midtown® light spectacular, featuring 1.5 million twinkling lights.

A Dickens’ Christmas Carol

Silver Dollar City’s musical adaptation of the famous classic novel by Charles Dickens.

Christmas On Main Street

Silver Dollar City presents our biggest light show ever including the 5-story special effects Christmas tree.

Below picture provided by Silver Dollar City.

Rudolph’s Holly Jolly^TM
Christmas Light Parade

Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade glides through Silver Dollar City’s streets twice each evening, weather permitting.

It’s A Wonderful Life

George Bailey discovers the true value of life, family, and friends with a little help from his guardian angel, Clarence.

Silver Dollar City is a family-friendly theme park.

My family and I have been visiting this park for over 20 years. It is rare to find a place where kids, teens, parents, and even grandparents will have lots to do in the same place. The park offers rides for all ages including several roller coasters, shows, food, craftsmen and even a Culinary school. You can also watch silversmiths, bakers, candy makers, blacksmiths, glass blowers, basket makers, and much more.

Why do I love Silver Dollar City especially during the fall?

I cannot think of a better way to celebrate fall than walking around Silver Dollar City theme park. Autumn in the Ozarks is beautiful! I love spending time in the fresh fall air while observing all the sights, sounds and smells that Silver Dollar City has to offer. The Ozarks are breathtaking in the autumn with rolling hills of brilliant colors. Silver Dollar City is located in the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri. On top of the natural beautiful fall colors that fill trees everywhere, Silver Dollar City is decorated with festive fall decorations. Happy scarecrows and pumpkins line the streets, and scream fall is in the air.

HAPPY FALL Y’ALL! I Love All The Fall Decorations At Silver Dollar City

The fall decorations make beautiful backdrops for pictures.

Speaking of Scarecrows

My special needs son could not get enough of the scarecrow who was pretending to be part of the fence. As we entered the park, the scarecrow below came alive. He started talking to us while hanging on the fence. He surprised us by jumping down off the fence. After getting down, he had his picture made with my special needs son, Caleb. Thank you, Mr. Scarecrow.

Notice the lights in the picture. Silver Dollar City is ready to celebrate Christmas with millions of Christmas lights.

Why Do My Kids Love To Visit Silver Dollar City?

Silver Dollar City is home to some thrilling rides. My teens and young adults get to the park early to visit their favorite rides including:

Fire In The Hole

Silver Dollar City’s indoor roller coaster which has high-speed drops and thrilling surprises around every corner.

PowderKeg

Their roller coaster that will launch you from 0 to 53 mph in 2.8 seconds!

Outlaw Run

Silver Dollar City’s newest roller coaster is wooden and includes three twists upside down.

On a warm sunny day, they also love to ride Silver Dollar City’s water rides including:

American Plunge

Silver Dollar City’s float trip with a soaking five-story splash down at 35 mph.

Lost River of the Ozarks which is a rapid whitewater ride.

If you love roller coasters, make plans to visit Silver Dollar City in 2018.

A new ride called Time Traveler which will be the World’s Fastest, Steepest and Tallest Complete-Circuit Spinning Roller Coaster.

Time Traveler will be world record-breaking:

Fastest – Top speed of 50.3 miles per hour
Steepest – A 10-story, 90-degree vertical drop…straight down. Custom-engineered to have

Silver Dollar City Visiting Craftsmen During Crafts & Cowboy Festival

Silver Dollar City is the home of the nation’s largest festival of demonstrating craftsmen, with entertainment and activities saluting the Great American Cowboy: If you enjoy craft festivals, you will enjoy over 125 visiting craftsmen from around the country.

CowBoy Festival Activities

Wild Mustangs – Learn about these beautiful horses and their rescue.
Silver Dollar City’s Wild West Show features trick riders, Native American dance with 8-time World Champion Native American Hoop Dancer Nakotah LaRance, comedy canines, and trick roper and bullwhip artist A.J. Silver.

Legendary Western actor and watercolor artist Buck Taylor hosts “Buck Taylor’s Cowboy Emporium,” featuring a variety of Western crafts.
Plus Chuck Wagon & Food Network Chef Kent Rollins and Extreme Mustangs are featured in the Red Gold courtyard.

A Western Barn Dance with a live band.
Western music is played by The Malpass Brothers, The Home Rangers, Belinda Gail and Kristyn Harris, 2016 Western Music Association Entertainer of the Year.

Stop by my recipe blog, Recipes For Our Daily Bread, for details on Silver Dollar City Culinary School.

OTHER BRANSON REVIEWS

Roark Family Favorite Branson Shows

Roark Family Favorite Branson Restaurants

This is strictly my opinion of great places to visit in Branson, Missouri.

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Dollywood Theme Park Has Something For Everyone To Do

demowebsites On June 25, 2017 SOUTHEAST

Dollywood theme park has something for the entire family to do. I am going to show you what we loved to do in the park.

I highly recommend vacationing in the Gatlinburg area and visiting Dollywood theme park. It has fantastic rides for every age, shows, and amazing food. Please keep reading for full review.

Dollywood Corporation gave me tickets to Dollywood, but this review is my honest opinion.

Our Dollywood Adventures

My family and I entered Dollywood as soon as it opened. We wanted to get a full day inside Dollywood to explore all it has to offer. As we entered the theme park, my older kids, young adults, hurried off to ride the more thrilling rides. While they were enjoying the Wild Eagle, Drop Line, Mystery Mind, Thunderhead, and more, the rest of us headed off to Rockin’ Roadway.

Rockin’ Roadway

Rockin’ Roadway is ideal for small children or a special needs child. It was the perfect ride for my special needs son, Caleb. Caleb has had 17 brain surgeries, cerebral palsy and seizures but was able to ride Rockin’ Roadway. The cars are attached to a rail so he could not get hurt. Caleb hopped behind the wheel of a red convertible with the biggest smile on his face. Caleb had so much fun driving his convertible he drove it again.

My Favorite Part Of Dollywood Is Learning More About Dolly

I have always been a huge Dolly Parton fan. My father, Aunts, and Uncles all loved Dolly. Everyone owned Dolly’s music and listened to it daily. I grew up listening and memorizing every word she sang. So, to get to learn more about Dolly was incredibly exciting to me.

Who does not love Dolly Parton? She is a huge inspiration. Even if you do not like country music, you have to love Dolly’s story. She came from nothing and has done extremely well. One of my favorite things at Dollywood was getting to see Dolly’s childhood home. Seeing where Dolly lived as a little girl, brought to life how far Dolly has made it.

Dolly Parton Fans

Do not miss Dolly’s bus tour, Dolly’s Museum which is called Chasing Rainbows, Dolly’s “My People” show, and Dolly’s childhood home.

Dolly Parton’s 1994 Prevost Tour Bus at Dollywood

The picture below was taken on her bus. Her longtime friend and manager designed it. The bus is located at Dollywood outside Chasing Rainbows which is Dolly’s museum. Be sure to watch the video for more pictures.

Chasing Rainbows The Dolly Parton Story “Museum”

Dolly’s museum is full of everything Dolly throughout her career. Her famous coat of many colors both the real one and the one in her hit T.V. show call Coat Of Many Colors is in the museum. Besides the coats, you will find lots of Dolly’s fabulous outfits she has worn through the years plus pictures of Dolly and her family, her wedding dress, and lots of awards. It is a lot of fun looking at all of Dolly’s memorabilia.

Dolly’s “My People” Show in Dollywood

Besides Dolly’s Tour Bus, the replica of Dolly’s childhood house her brother built, and her wonderful museum, you will not want to miss Dolly’s “My People” Show.

“My People” Show

Dolly joins her family in this show in a prerecorded video. In Dolly’s words, “With the love of your family, all things are possible.” “My People” features her brother Randy, niece, along with several other family members including her uncle and aunt. It is a heartwarming wonderful show. What makes the show unique is Dolly appearing on the massive video screen the entire show. Every word she says matches to what is happening in the show. It seems like Dolly’s is present.

Other Shows We Enjoyed While Visiting Dollywood

Dreamland Drive-in

Dollywood has fantastic shows you will not want to miss. One of my favorite shows besides “My People” is Dreamland Drive-in. It is a 50’s and 60’s high-energy music show. The singers not only sing but they are always moving and dancing all over the stage. The music is upbeat which makes this a family favorite show. Even my teenagers and young adult kids enjoy Dreamland Drive-in.

Gem Tones

If you like the high energy of 50’s music, do not miss Gem Tones. They sing and perform the best of the 50’s & 60’s music in the streets. Check times and places and be sure not to miss Gem Tones.

The 50’s area in Dollywood also includes cool antique cars. They make great backdrops for pictures.

Do Not Miss Wings Of America Birds Of Prey In Dollywood

Another one of our favorite shows at Dollywood was Wings of America Birds of Prey. Wings of American is not just a show. While learning about all sorts of birds, they fly right over your head. The star of the show is the Bald Eagle. The audience was glued to every move the bald eagle made. He was not just beautiful but majestic. They carry the birds up and down the aisles, so everyone gets a chance to see them. At the end of the show, the Bald Eagle was still on stage. You can get a great picture of him sitting on his perch. I highly recommend you see Wings of America Birds of Prey. You will love it.

The Festivals at Dollywood, Barbeque & Bluegrass at Dollywood

During the year, Dollywood celebrates several different seasons. We visited Dollywood while the Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival was happening. You can get barbecue ribs, chicken, sausage, and pulled pork. I had a bbq pulled pork sandwich which was fantastic. While you are eating, enjoy listening to fabulous Bluegrass music.

The Artisans Were Mesmerizing To Watch At Dollywood

Dollywood is full of incredibly talented artisans from glass blowers, candle makers, blacksmiths, leather designer, woodcarver, and much more. One of my favorites was the potter. I could have watched him all day. He took clay and molded it into beautiful cups right before my eyes. I could not help thinking as I was looking at the Potter mold the clay how it reminded me of how God has slowly molded me over the years. Sometimes we experience terrible things in our lives, I know I have had my share, but I am better because of it. My struggles have allowed me to trust God. The potter molding his clay reminded me of how we can allow God to mold us or we can choose not to let Him work in our life. Hopefully, we will be moldable just like the clay.

Our Day At Dollywood Theme Park

The Roark family had a fantastic fun-filled day at Dollywood. Our only regret is that we did not have enough time to see it all. We will have to plan another trip to check out the other half of the park we never even got to see.

Fires in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The fires in the Gatlinburg area were devastating to many homes, lodges and the beautiful Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg, but the town of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge did not get harmed. At least, everything we saw was all right. The Smoky Mountains were back to tourism as normal.