Vacation Home in Branson - Canyon Retreat and Nature's Retreat

Ready for a Branson Getaway?

2012-01-02T10:18:00.000-06:00

We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your family and friends. Since you had such a great time, why not spend a weekend getaway or a week vacation in Branson with them? There are some prime summer dates still available, as well as some awesome Spring Break, spring, and early summer openings.

Visit our website www.vacationhomeinbranson.com for the current availability calendars for both homes and call us today to reserve your getaway in our fabulous vacation homes!

Mike and Tyann Marcink
636.584.3864

July 4th Celebrations in Branson

2011-07-01T13:33:00.002-05:00

If you are headed to Branson this weekend, you will have a good time! Branson has a celebration schedule packed full of activities for everyone. Here are the weekend events (courtesy of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce):

Saturday, July 2

38 Special & The Kentucky Headhunters, Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater

26th Annual Fireburst, Harter House Parking Lot; Kimberling City

Sunday, July 3

The Souled Out Band – Live In Concert!, Branson Landing Town Square

Branson Landing’s 4th Annual "Liberty Light Up" Concert!, Branson Landing Town Square

Shepherd of the Hills Fireworks Celebration, Shepherd of the Hills Homestead

Monday, July 4

Spirit of 76 Independence Day, Branson Landing

Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks, featuring the Clay Self Band, Big Cedar Lodge

Cape Fair Fireworks Display, Cape Fair Marina

Annual Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks, Rockaway Beach Park

35th Annual Fire & Thunder Fireworks Display, Shell Knob (1 mile S. of Bridge)

58th Annual Hollister 4th of July Celebration, Historic Downtown Hollister

Symphony of Hearts For Joplin – Benefit Concert For Homes of Hope, Branson Landing

Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub Groupon

2011-05-06T12:31:00.006-05:00

Tucked into Branson Landing, just up from the beautiful fire and water fountain show, is Waxy O'Shea's Irish Pub. If you have been to the Landing before, you may have walked past the pub and noticed the fun, laughter, and music coming from inside.

Waxy's offers daily specials along with some toe tapping music, and with the current Groupon deal, you can enjoy yourself for half the price! Use our referral link to access Groupon, then make sure you are on Springfield, MO to see the deal. You can purchase $25 of food and drinks for just $12 with the Groupon deal...it's only good for another 2 days, so don't delay if you're ready to have some downright fun on your next trip to Branson!

Visit Waxy O'Shea's website for their specials and calendar of performances.

Showboat Branson Belle - Buy One and Get One Free!

2011-05-05T09:41:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's true! During the month of May, you may purchase a ticket and get a ticket FREE to the Showboat Branson Belle. Another sweet Branson deal to make your vacation even better. Offer is not valid online or at the ticket office, so that means you will need to call in your advanced reservation to snag the deal. There is a limit to the free tickets you can purchase - just 2 free tickets with 2 paid tickets per reservation.

What is the Showboat Branson Belle? It is a beautiful paddlewheel boat on Table Rock Lake that serves a full 3 course meal along with an entertaining live show (two shoes currently - Funny Fiddle and Encore!). Located between State Park Marina and Moonshine Beach, it's only 5 to 10 minutes from our vacation homes Nature's Retreat and Canyon Retreat.

Are you a fan of the reality TV show Undercover Boss? The Showboat Branson Belle was featured along with Silver Dollar City and Ride the Ducks on the show as part of the Herschend Family Entertainment Group when boss Joel Mansby went undercover.

More about the Branson Belle from their website FAQ:

Riverboat Features & Amenities
•How many decks or levels are there aboard the riverboat?
The dining theater area of the ship has three levels, all of which provide excellent views of the stage. There is one exterior deck on the very top of the ship, where the captain's wheelhouse is located. The lowest level of the ship houses the engine room and kitchen.

•Are there many stairs to climb on the Showboat Branson Belle?
Most of our seating is located on the main deck, which is the one you will enter when you board the Showboat. You can travel by stairs, or by elevator to the other two decks where seating is available.

•How will I know where I'm sitting on the Showboat Branson Belle?
A table assignment is printed individually on each ticket. The table assignment will also be communicated to you by the ticket seller or reservationist.

Dining Service & Food and Drink Availability
•Can I request a vegetarian plate? A low-cal plate? A Kosher meal? Or a diabetic meal?
Yes, to all of the above requests. Simply inform your server.

•Do you use MSG in the preparation of food for the riverboat?
None of the items currently planned for the menu include MSG, but please make your server aware of your concern, and they will be able to alert you to any menu items which may contain MSG at the time of your service.

•Are alcoholic beverages served on the Showboat Branson Belle?
No alcoholic beverages are available on the Showboat Branson Belle.

•What types of drinks are available on the Showboat Branson Belle?
Coffee, tea, iced tea and water are free with your meal. Large soft drinks are available and specialty coffees and frozen drinks may also be purchased.

If you would like to view our menus, visit the Cruises & Dining section.

Onboard Experience & Entertainment
•What happens when I get on board the Showboat Branson Belle?
Upon boarding, our photographers will provide you the opportunity to be photographed. Later, the picture is developed and you will have the choice of purchasing it. You can then enter the dining room/theater and find the location of your table. Meal service will begin shortly, followed by the major part of the show. Before the Showboat docks, you will have approximately 20 to 30 minutes to stroll the exterior decks of the Showboat and enjoy scenic views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains. Find out more about the onboard experience in Cruises & Dining.

•Will I be able to see the view of Table Rock Lake from inside the riverboat?
Yes. The ship has large windows on all three interior decks of the theater. You can also explore a few smaller lounge areas, the exterior promenades and outer decks of the ship which also provide great views of the lake.

•Will I have an opportunity to see Table Rock Lake?
Yes. Each cruise includes deck time to explore the ship and enjoy the views. Beautiful scenic views of the lake can be enjoyed from all exterior decks of the Showboat Branson Belle.

•Will the show performers sign autographs?
Yes.

Zip Lining... "Geranomoooooooooo!"

2011-02-18T07:44:00.004-06:00

Mike and I love the extreme adrenaline rush you get when flying through the trees! Mike is afraid of heights, but he pushed his fears back while on vacation one year and indulged me with a zip line ride down the Dominican Republic mountains. What a thrill!

Well, Branson has four (4) zip line rides that just opened in 2010, and today's Groupon is more than half off one of the rides! Zip Line USA is just a bit west of Branson in Reeds Spring, about 30 minutes from Canyon Retreat and Nature's Retreat.

Their 90 minute ride down 9 different zip lines, the longest one being 3200 feet long (wow!), is regularly $75 per person, but the Groupon is for only $37 per person. The deal is only good for 3 days, so make your spring plans to ride, and go buy your Groupons today! You must use them by May 31, 2011,

The entire family can ride, as the minimum age is only 3 years old. Weight limit is 275 lbs. Start shooting emails, go text crazy, and ring the phones to see how many people in your family want an awesome ride!

Please use my referral link to sign up for Groupon...thank you!

News from The Track!

2011-01-28T20:19:00.003-06:00

I just received this email from The Track:

***

2011 is Gonna Rock!!

In celebration of 30 years of providing family entertainment in Branson, we are giving one lucky winner 30 RIDES PER MONTH March through December this year! Become a fan of our Facebook Page by Feb.11, and we will choose a winner from our Facebook fans. Spread the word to your family and friends! Second prize will be a Super Loaded Go-Card, and third prize will be a Loaded Go-Card, totaling over $3,000 in giveaways! Look for more exciting 30-year promotions in the months to come! It’s our birthday, but we will be giving out the gifts this year!!

If you haven’t heard, there are BIG changes happening at The Track in 2011! Get a sneak peek of Track 4's new Heavy Metal High Rise on our YouTube page! It's a steel & concrete go-kart track reaching over 4 stories! At Track 3, experience a new road course style classic track with tighter and higher banked curves. Both tracks open in March! Follow the construction progress on our Facebook page and on our live interactive webcams .

We've teamed up with Titanic and had fun at their 5th Annual Ice Carving Competition in January. If you're getting cabin fever this winter, come out to Track 5 and have some fun with our Track-Titanic Combo Pack. Get 1 Track activity (laser tag or go-karts), 5 arcade game plays and a child admission to Titanic Museum Attraction for $15.00 - that's over 40% off! Buy this combo at either location.

We hope we have already gotten to host you for some family fun through our 30 years, but we definitely look forward to seeing you this year…it will truly ROCK!!

***

We are definitely looking forward to fun at the track this year!

Nature's Retreat - special 10% off until tomorrow!

2010-12-30T21:06:00.002-06:00

Wow, time has flown by! Nature's Retreat is finally finished and we closed on it today. Have you seen the new pictures yet? It's beautiful! Be sure to visit our website to see all of them. Granted, the furniture is not yet delivered, but the rooms are waiting!

This next week we'll be working on finishing out the lower level with the family room, 4th bathroom, 5th bedroom, and laundry room.

Tomorrow the 10% construction special ends, so give me a call in the morning to reserve your 2011 vacation in Branson at Nature's Retreat. Half of June is already taken, and July is getting booked quickly...don't hesitate!

Tyann Marcink

636.584.3864

New at The Track!***

2010-10-01T15:04:00.002-05:00

The Track Family Fun Parks
Launches Multi-Million Dollar Building Projects:
Big Changes Coming to Two Facilities in 2011

Branson, Missouri - - After 30 years of providing family entertainment to local residents and area visitors, The Track Family Fun Parks has decided to celebrate by reinvesting almost three million dollars in its facilities. Construction is underway in a two-facility capital upgrade that will be completed in the spring of 2011. Track 4 (3345 W. Hwy. 76) will feature a new high-rise go-kart track constructed of steel and concrete that rises 40 feet in the air. Track 3 (2505 W. Hwy. 76) will take on a new look with additional go-kart tracks as well as an expanded building that will offer greater flexibility in indoor activity.

“We could not be more thrilled to be reinvesting in our parks for 2011,” said Larry Schmitt, President/Owner of The Track Family Fun Parks. “We have not built a new major attraction at our facilities since 2002, and we feel like this is a great year for it. We are in the family fun business, and the addition of these attractions will provide an enhanced experience for our guests,” Schmitt added.

The new high-rise go-kart track at Track 4 will be the latest addition to The Track’s high-rise family. The LumberJack at Track 5 and Wild Woody at Track 3 were built in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The new track’s state of the art steel and concrete construction will be more weather-friendly and will offer all the high-rise excitement of the other tracks. "These capital projects should definitely have a positive impact on our business, but we feel like this reinvestment on Hwy. 76 will be a benefit for the entire community," Schmitt said.

The Track Family Fun Parks will provide more details about the new projects at the beginning of 2011. Visit http://www.bransontracks.com/ for more information and to follow the progress of the construction on The Track's new network of live interactive webcams.

***from The Track's Email Announcement

Gathering your family in Branson from across the United States?

2010-08-28T19:46:00.005-05:00

Fly non-stop directly into the Branson Airport! AirTran Airways has several flights from major cities.

From their latest email:

Branson AirExpress offers nonstop service to Austin, Des Moines, Gulfport-Biloxi, Houston, Shreveport and beginning September 10 Chicago Midway and Indianapolis! Fares start as low as $49* one way! For travel assistance in Branson and around the world contact us at 1-888-FLY-BKG1 (1-888-359-2541). You may also visit us at FlyBranson.com, FlyBransonTravel.com or BransonAirExpress.com.

AirTran will add a third Atlanta arrival on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and a third departure on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, which presents additional connections never before available from Branson. The new connections include Tunica, Mississippi (UTM), Gulfport-Biloxi, Mississippi (GPT), Cancun, Mexico (CUN), Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ), and Nassau, Bahamas (NAS). Additional connection opportunities to Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida (SRQ), Pensacola, Florida (PNS) and Miami, Florida (MIA) have also been created.

One Way Fares Starting at...

Austin - $59*
Chicago - $69*
Des Moines - $49*
Gulfport-Biloxi - $59*
Houston - $69*
Indianapolis - $59*
Shreveport - $49*

Have your family reunion at Canyon Retreat or Nature's Retreat...call me today to reserve your dates!

Announcing...Nature's Retreat..our new vacation home!

2010-07-07T21:55:00.004-05:00

Yes, you read that correctly! We are building another vacation home just like Canyon Retreat...and only a few houses down the street.

Nature's Retreat will be set up the same as Canyon Retreat:

4 bedrooms with king size beds

TV/DVD in each bedroom

4 full bathrooms

Sleeps 14

Great room / dining/ kitchen open floor plan

Cathedral ceilings

Large back deck

Family room with pool table, big screen TV, and adding a foosball table

Since Nature's Retreat is also in the Branson Canyon neighborhood, guests will be able to enjoy the zero-entry swimming pool and the clubhouse.

We already have several reservations for 2011 for Canyon Retreat, and we are accepting reservations for Nature's Retreat already. First availability will be March 1, 2011, just in time for Spring Break!

Rates will be the same for both homes...and the rates have not gone up for 3 years...so call me today to reserve your vacation at Canyon Retreat or Nature's Retreat!

Ride the Ducks! (special family 4 pack available online)

2010-06-14T22:40:00.008-05:00

Looking to tour Branson in style? Ride the Ducks for a quacky good time! Seriously...the Ducks will be one of the highlights of your trip to Branson.

Before you board, you will receive a special item that will help your experience be set apart from any other regular tour...a wacky quacker. Quack! Yep, and not only will you want to quack at everyone, you will be given many opportunities to do so!

Choose from a tour through Branson and into Table Rock Lake, departing from the Strip or a tour through downtown Branson and into Lake Taneycomo, departing form the Branson Landing.

Before you go, be sure to purchase your tickets online and get the online special of only $50 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children)!

We rode the Ducks when our youngest was only 3 months old, and the other two boys were 4 years and 2 years old. They absolutely loved it. The captains give great detail about the history of Branson while throwing in some pretty corny (and funny) jokes along the way.

We saw some gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake and the Ozark Mountains, and then splashed into the lake at the Branson Belle. The kids even get a chance to drive the Duck in the water!

Ride the Ducks is a wonderful Branson experience, and we look forward to riding again this summer!

Oh, and save those Wacky Quackers!!! Quack them at many Branson businesses and attractions and receive a discount! Click here for a current list of participating businesses.

Branson Zipline - Huge Discount!

2010-06-11T21:58:00.007-05:00

I just saw this super discount at Big River Bargains for the brand new Branson Zipline! You can do the 2.5 hour Xplorer Canopy Tour for $59 - normally $99 - WOW! My problem is that my boys would want to do it, too...you must be between 75 lbs. and 275 lbs. to participate, and well, Joey is only 42 lbs. at 4 years old...maybe in a few more years!

Just added 6/12/2010...I noticed that KCWD 96.1 radio station is offering the same for just $45! These you will need to purchase in person at their office (I am not sure if they will mail them to you or not). Call their office at 870-741-1402 for more information.

You may even be able to use your Branson Guest Card (see post below) when you arrive to receive a FREE 5x7 photo of your adventure!

Make your reservations with Branson Zipline, as they do have a limit for the tours each day. You can even do this online, and then enter the voucher code you receive from Big River Bargains at checkout. Please note that Big River Bargains change their offerings almost daily, so if you know you want to do the zipline, I would purchase the advance discount tickets immediately - then you can make your reservation when you know which date you would like.

Be sure to leave a comment to let us know how your adventure was!!!

Branson Guest Card = savings on your trip!

2010-05-26T14:05:00.006-05:00

The Branson Guest Card is a simple, credit card sized card that is so packed with discounts that they send a full book along with the card so you know all of your discounts! Before our trip down to Branson in early May, I ordered our card online at http://www.bransonguestcard.com/ for $19.95, plus $2 shipping. It was a Sunday evening, and I had the card and book in hand on Wednesday (First Class mail).

You can also now pick up the card for the same price ($19.95) at many of the locations in Branson that honor them, as well as the Branson Chamber of Commerce (located just north of Branson on Hwy. 248, west of Hwy. 65,on the south side of the road).

We already saved $2.50 per person to play miniature golf, as well as 10% off our very favorite pizza, Pizza by the Chef in Hollister. We are looking forward to saving even more this coming weekend at Indian Point Marina when we go tubing, Famous Dave's BBQ at the Landing, and more! To see the entire list of savings for shows, attractions, restaurants, and even gas, visit their website at http://www.bransonguestcard.com.

The Hiking Trail at Branson Canyon

2010-05-21T20:25:00.007-05:00

As promised, here are a couple of pictures of the newly cut hiking trail in our little neighborhood. The trail winds up into the woods and then follows along the creek, coming to a handhewn log bridge that crosses over and then back into civilization.

Even though Branson Canyon is only 5 minutes from Hollister and 1 1/2 miles from Hwy. 65, it feels like the middle of nowhere, tucked into the side of the Ozark Mountains, overlooking Table Rock Lake.

If you haven't stayed at Canyon Retreat yet, be sure to make your reservations soon. There are just a few odd dates available for the summer still, and guests are already calling about the fall, so don't hesitate too long! Give me a call today - 636.584.3864!

Dixie Stampede Discount TIckets!

2010-05-16T22:33:00.005-05:00

Looking to go to one of THE BEST shows in Branson for less? Visit KTLO Radio's website and give them a call today to purchase Dixie Stampede tickets for only $33 each (regularly $46.99 each).

How to do it:

Call the radio station at 870-425-3101.
Purchase the number of tickets you need.
The radio station will mail you ticket vouchers.
Call Dixie Stampede to make your reservation and let them know that you have ticket vouchers to redeem.
Redeem your ticket vouchers for the tickets at the Dixie Stampede ticket window.
Enjoy the show!

Hiking Trails!

2010-03-30T12:17:00.002-05:00

We got word that the hiking trail has been cut! The trailhead is at the top of the hill near our home. We can't wait to go check it out this spring!!! As soon as we do, we'll be sure to post a few tantalizing pictures.

Travel Insurance for your Trip - Just in Case

2010-01-09T10:56:00.004-06:00

For NewYear's Eve, we had a family scheduled to arrive for a 3 day weekend. They planned to celebrate their son's visit home from Iraq while he was on furlough. The plan was for him to arrive home on the 27th, and they would then come down to Canyon Retreat on the 1st of the year.

However, plans didn't go smoothly. As of the 27th, the son was still overseas. Then he made it to Ireland on the 28th, but the plane was in for repairs. Finally, on the 30th, he made it home safely, and the family was able to make their trip to Branson and relax together at Canyon Retreat.

A little too late, we thought of travel insurance. We highly encourage travel insurance now. Most plans can be cancelled because of illness, and your trip total is refunded by the insurance company. You can even upgrade your plan to include "cancel for any reason."

If you do purchase travel insurance and end up cancelling your trip to Branson and stay at Canyon Retreat, we will refund the cleaning portion of the amount. The cleaning (only $135 currently) is more than the price of the insurance in many cases.

For example, a family that would like to come to Canyon Retreat for a week during Spring Break may not be able to make it because of an ongoing illness. They want to book, though, as the family member is currently doing fine. The total cost of Canyon Retreat for the week would be $1435, and the insurance through Access America would only cost them $67.50. According to the quote, this covers cancellation because of illness. So if they end up unfortunately needing to cancel, they would not be out of any money. And if all goes according to plan, the cost of the insurance added to the cost of Canyon Retreat is still a very reasonable lodging cost.

Please contact me today to reserve your vacation in Branson and Canyon Retreat!
Tyann Marcink
636.584.3864

Silver Dollar City discount tickets

2009-08-04T11:29:00.005-05:00

Woo hoo! We can now purchase discounted Silver Dollar City tickets for you. Not only are they good for one full day, but you also get a second full day for FREE!

Adult tickets are $49 each, and child tickets are $39 each. This price includes tax! Children ages 3 and under are always free. (Plus $15 fee on entire purchase, not per ticket, to cover postage and such. If you would like to pay by credit card, it is an additional 3% to cover the fees.)

This will save you over $5 per ticket!

Season passes are just $79 per adult and $69 per child, including tax.

Call me today, and I will Priority Mail your tickets to you!

Branson in the Autumn...

2009-07-14T08:44:00.004-05:00

...is just as popular as summer for getaways with family and friends. In September and October, Canyon Retreat sees several different groups - families celebrating a birthday or anniversary milestone, families enjoying one of the many church conventions hosted by Branson, friends who graduated high school together, and friends who are enjoying an ault weekend without the kids.

In November and December, and into January, Canyon Retreat hosts many, many families celebrating the holidays together. Because of its central location in the United States, Branson is an excellent choice of destination to bring the extended family together for a reunioin. And now with the new Branson airport open, just 8 miles away (don't worry - the planes don't fly over us!), family can fly in for as low as $64 one way from select airports.

The weather cools down to a comfortable 50 to 70 degree range in Branson during the autumn - perfect for your favorite outdoor activities on the lake and in the woods or for just relaxing on Canyon Retreat's back deck. And Silver Dollar City and Branson's amazing selection of live shows are still going strong, all the way to Christmas, and many until the New Year.

Be sure to call me today to reserve your time at Canyon Retreat!

Welcome to Our Place in Branson!

2009-05-19T20:42:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is our porch. And, yes, we invite you to come sit and relax with your family and friends!

canyon (kan'yen) - a deep valley between high steep banks, usually containing a river
retreat (ri-tret') - a place of privacy; a place affording peace and quiet

Our Canyon Retreat home, a leisurely 1/4 mile stroll from the shore of Table Rock Lake, has a p eaceful view of the lake and the surrounding Ozark Mountains. The beauty of nature is seen from our triple windows in the great room, from our expansive back deck, and from our Adirondack chairs on the front porch (see picture!).

Canyon Retreat is not just a place to stay, but a place to play. We have “decked out” our home with many, many exceptional amenities, including a sleek black pool table, a solid wood poker table, a 50" DLP TV, a 42" plasma TV, a TV in each bedroom...

During your vacation, don’t overlook setting time aside to take advantage of our s wimming pool with “zero entry” and "cool touch" deck just across the street, our clubhouse with game room and conference room, as well as the playground for kids.

Branson's parks, AquaPlex, and skate park are also nearby for family enjoyment. See our activities page for ideas on what to do in the Branson area, including free and inexpensive Branson entertainment.

Canyon Retreat has easy access to all of the adventures that Table Rock Lake and Branson have to offer. We are simply less than a minute to the public boat launch, just 5 minutes to exciting water activities at State Park Marina, 5 minutes to world class golf at Branson Creek, 10 minutes to Moonshine Beach, and 10 minutes to the exciting Branson Landing and Branson Strip (webcam).

MAP of our location.

Call us today to reserve your vacation at Canyon Retreat! 636.584.3864