The Joplin Globe, Joplin, MO

Best of Branson

Discussion

March 8, 2012

Dave Woods: Branson radio team gives spring break recommendations

By Dave Woods The Joplin Globe

BRANSON Mo. — I jumped at the chance to talk about Branson with Steve Willoughby and Janet Ellis.

Steve and Janet host a successful morning radio show on KRZK, 106.3 FM. The two Branson talkers chat and spat their way through four hours of morning radio, five days a week.

They’ve done that for almost 18 years, logging more than a million minutes on the air since 1994. By any standard, that’s a good run. The pair watched Branson boom and have interviewed hundreds of entertainers along the way.

Who better to ask about Branson’s spring break options? When I arranged the interview, I didn’t know I would do it on the air during the team’s morning show. No pressure, right?



Options?

First question up: Name your best bets for family spring break fun in Branson.

“First thing that comes to mind is the Track Family Fun Parks,” Steve said quickly, before Janet could wedge in a word. “The Tracks have something for everybody. There’s Kid’s Country for the little kids on up to the Wild Woody.”

Wild Woody, a towering all-wooden go-kart track is a great attraction. I prefer the Track’s Heavy Metal High Rise, a corkscrewing metal version of the classic track.

While the 13-year-old boy inside Steve’s adult body longed for go-kart action, he didn’t neglect Branson’s other entertainment options.

“There’s great music shows and Titanic,” he added. “Titanic is a huge opportunity for people to learn and have fun.”

Janet agreed.

“They have the Molly Brown exhibit right now that is very classy and classic,” she said. “I got a message from my best friend’s daughter. She said her boys are fascinated with the Titanic.”

Another Branson staple, Grand Country Square, is a good option for a family looking for a fun and affordable break. It offers an indoor water park and lodging on site.

“They have Splash Country 365 days a year,” Janet said. “You can go in and have a lot of fun and have pizza and play mini-golf and laser tag.”

The Grand Country complex also offers a music hall, laser tag, shopping and a large buffet.

Many shows and attractions are open and many more will open their doors in the coming weeks.



Adventure

“Adventure (tourism) is really growing,” Steve said. “Zip-lining around Branson is a lot of fun. You have Shepherd of the Hills (Vigilante Zip Rider) and a lot of great zip lines around. There is a lot of adventure around.”

Janet said she opts for a more casual adventure.

“We have a lot of trails that folks can walk,” Janet said. “Put on your hiking boots and go out and enjoy the Ozarks.”

While dipping anything but your toes — or a hook — in Table Rock Lake isn’t advisable until early summer, Janet does have a suggestion for the outdoor types.

“It’s still a little brisk to be hitting the lakes, but you can always do a little fishing,” she said. “I saw people fishing downtown on Branson Landing just yesterday.”

Spring break, Janet said, is a great time for folks to come to Branson, even in the wake of the recent storm.

“Branson is a great family place and a great place for seniors and a great family reunion place,” she said. “We invite everyone down and take part of the Ozarks hospitality back home with them.”

 

 

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