Discover Branson, Bentonville & Eureka Springs!

Day 1- Arrive in Branson, MO
Check-in to the hotel and freshen up prior to dinner, baggage handling is included. Dinner this evening is included at a local restaurant. After dinner we will see “IT”. “IT”, starring the Hughes Brothers” fills the Branson stage…literally! More than 50 members of the Hughes clan employ a wide array of musical gifts, including magnificent dance moves, exceptional skill on a variety of instruments, and vocals highlighted by impeccable harmonies. Stone Castle Inn (D)

Day 2 – Branson
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then head out to enjoy some free time in Old Downtown Branson and on The Branson Landing. Historic Downtown Branson is a destination of its own. Downtown has a wide variety of restaurants, retail shops, entertainment, and unique attractions. We will enjoy lunch on our own in Historic Downtown or on The Landing and then head out for our behind the scenes tour of the Sight and Sound Theatre. We will go back stage ans see how the drama unfolds and discover the technology ans ingenuity that powers the dramatic complexity of each show. After our behind the scenes tour we will see the show Moses. “Moses” brings the Bible tale to life in Branson! This epic adventure… this powerful story…this biblical tale of one man’s journey from humble and broken to the follower of God who delivers the children of Israel from enslavement, is shared by a phenomenal cast, astonishing sets, a brilliant score, and stunning costumes. You’ll quickly let go of the world outside as the production pulls you into the saga; it parts the red sea around the audience, and lets you experience the celebration of the Israelites as they travel the path to freedom. Nowhere else in Branson can you experience quite the same combination of feelings – awestruck, surprised, relieved, beautifully inspired – as you’ll experience in this tremendous production! After enjoying the show we will go to dinner at a local favorite, Shorty Small’s. Plain and simple, Shorty Small’s name belies the fact that big flavor is a given. In fact, the kitchen serves abundantly tasty plates of barbecued chicken, pulled pork, brisket, steaks, burgers, and ribs. Following dinner we will enjoy a featured show at The Andy Williams Moonriver Theatre. Andy Williams personally designed and helped to create the Moon River Theatre. He visited Branson and later planned to return to build a $12 million state of the art theatre he eventually named the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. Moon River opened its doors on May 1, 1992. Andy had become the first non-country performer to open a theatre in Branson. And thanks to his ground breaking decision, other non-country performers and theme shows began to move in to the tiny town that would soon be known as the live music capital of the world.  Stone Castle Inn  (B,D)

Day 3 – Bentonville, AR
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then we are off to Bentonville, AR. After a city tour of Bentonville we will tour the Walton 5 & 10/Walmart Visitor’s Center. Located in Sam Walton’s original Bentonville variety store, the center traces the original and growth of Walmart Stores, Inc. We will have lunch today at Fred’s Hickory Inn. This was Sam Walton’s favorite restaurant and is where the name “Walmart” was created and where billions of dollars of business has been conducted. Fred’s Hickory Inn has been a Bentonville staple since 1970 when Fred first opened the doors. Offering an extensive menu hand crafted to provide a unique experience while staying true to Fred’s vision over 45 years ago this Ozark jewel is a must visit. After lunch we will tour the Museum of Native American History The Museum of Native American History invites you to “Walk through America’s Past,” where we will give you a glimpse into what life was like for America’s first inhabitants. Our displays feature relics that date from over 14,000 years old to historic times.  Come visit our museum and enjoy seeing some of the finest treasures ever created by early craftsmen. The next tour will be the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the first new major art museum built in the U.S. in the last 20 years. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. After checking into our hotel we will enjoy dinner at Simple Pleasures and a trip down memory lane. Simple Pleasures is a very unique place, distinguished by 1930s service station architecture, outstanding landscaping and landscaping art. We combine our passion for collecting pop culture stuff with our joy of traveling to see friends and relatives. Flea markets, antique shops, auction, and historic places slow our travel but provide the thrill of the hunt. Our interests are anything that Simple Pleasures’ guests connect with. Simmons Suites Hotel, (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Eureka Springs, AR
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel we will head out for our tour of Terra Studios. Terra Studios is where the now famous Bluebird of Happiness is made. Stroll along the wooded paths through the mural garden, or explore the pottery showroom and watch as our collectible glass bluebirds are proudly made in the USA by skilled Arkansas crafts people. We will have lunch on our own today in Eureka Springs, AR. After lunch, all aboard, we will enjoy a relaxing Tram Tour of Historic Eureka Springs. See and learn about Eureka Springs up close and personal as you ride slowly and quietly through the beautiful and charming historic district of Eureka Springs, Arkansas on one of the city owned, open-air trams. Following our tour we will visit Myrtie Mays for dinner, one of Eureka Springs’ oldest dining traditions, Myrtie’s dishes up hearty breakfasts, daily lunch specials, mouth-watering dinners, fresh homemade desserts, and the most bountiful salad bar in Eureka Springs. We will round out our evening seeing the Great Passion Play. Staged in an outdoor amphitheater, the multi-level set, special lighting and sound effects, live animals, and a cast of 150 Biblically costumed actors come together to create the thrilling epic drama of Jesus Christ’s last days on earth. This Christian attraction has been performed since 1968 in the beautiful Ozark Mountains in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Best Western Eureka (B,D)

Day 5 – Depart for Home
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your own Church service at Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel before departing for home. The chapel was designed by E. Faye Jones and Maurice Jennings. Jones was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and his influence is seen in Jones’ designs. The chapel is built entirely of glass and steel and sits on a wooded hilltop overlooking Lake Norwood. Sister to Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel is just about perfect. It is located in the lovely town of Bella Vista, and is a memorial to its namesake, who was deeply spiritual and had a great love for nature. (B)