We just returned from our first, hopefully annual Family Holiday Getaway to Branson, MO. We had such a great time that I wanted to share it with you right away in case you want to try to get there yourself this holiday season.

I haven’t been to Branson since I was about 10 years old, so I didn’t know what to expect, short of all the stories I’d heard about the traffic and the cheesy shows. The traffic was real, and there were plenty of “cheesy shows” from which to choose, but we a memorable family experience that I will always cherish.

We were fortunate enough to be the guests of the Chateau on the Lake, and I can’t say enough about the property. This was one of the finest hotels I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, and it’s location– off the main strip in Branson, atop an Ozark hill, overlooking Table Rock Lake — was one of the pluses.

Here are just some of the things I loved about the Chateau:

Our check-in was seamless and was our first glimpse of the Chateau’s commitment to service. Everyone went out of their way to help our family get situated. Our luggage was delivered to our room within five minutes of our arrival, and the Bellhop who delivered it also gave us a rundown of the offerings on the property, as well as some tips and suggestions for enjoying Branson and avoiding the traffic. (That came in very handy when we realized we’d forgotten not one, but TWO pieces of luggage at home — our toddler’s suitcase and my vanity bag. Another story altogether.)

The inside of the hotel was even more impressive than the outside, decorated in beautiful holiday splendor. The exterior donned the expected Christmas lights, but also a full-size sleigh, which was perfect for posing my kids in for pictures. Inside, Santa hung from a rope in the middle of the hotel’s 11 stories of rooms overlooking the lobby. The middle of the atrium-inspired main floor included a life-sized nativity scene at the corner of the indoor waterway, three enormous, extravagant gingerbread houses, two bird cages, larger-than-life wooden soldiers, decked-out Christmas trees and lights galore. The photo opportunities were endless, much to my teenager’s dismay.

Our rooms overlooked  Table Rock Lake and had balconies that we were able to enjoy because of the 60-degree weather that blessed us on Saturday. The rooms also had all the touches that make you feel like you’re on vacation, plus a few extras. There were chocolates on the pillows, oversized, plush towels in the bathrooms, a large flatscreen television with in-room movies available for purchase, and not one, but TWO bags for dirty clothes in the closet. (Sounds like a small detail, but one I really appreciated). The welcome letter was a delight that helped set the tone for our weekend stay. I will include it in its entirety at the end of this post, but here is an excerpt: “We hope God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.” What a nice touch!

As expected, the Chateau on the Lake offers lots of amenities, including:

• Award-winning fine dining and casual dining at two restaurants, a deli and a  sweet shop/coffee shop (we enjoyed a meal at the Atrium Cafe, and it was top-notch).
• Plenty of opportunity for physical activity– a well-equipped fitness center, a hotub and indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a marina, tennis courts and walking trails.
• An in-house kid-friendly theatre, free wireless Internet, a full-service concierge desk, a lobby workstation with a printer, an on-site ATM and a pet-friendly policy.
• Special holiday offerings.

While we could’ve kept busy at the Chateau for most of our visit and it was hard to leave its santuary, we were commited to”experience” Branson. To our way of thinking, that included seeing the Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and visiting Silver Dollar City.

The Dixie Stampede had flipped the switch to its holiday show, so we enjoyed a performance full of Christmas music and tributes to the true reason for the season. If you’re like I was and you are unfamiliar with the show, here are the basics: It’s a dinner show that includes an opening act in the Carriage Room, followed by a dinner in the main theater (served without utensils!) while you watch action-packed horse-riding and stunts designed to get the audience participating. My teen thought it was cheesy (no surprise there); my tween thought it was funny but didn’t like the lack of utensils at dinner; my toddler LOVED it; and my husband and I think it’s something everyone should do once (although we were surrounded by folks who had been there multiple times).

Silver Dollar City was worth the visit simply for its ability to get us into the holiday spirit. The lights and decorations were absolutely beautiful. You really feel as though you’ve walked back in time as you enter the park.  Everything — from the food and live demonstrations of traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, glass blowing and candle making to the shows and entertainment — make this destination a perfect place to bring your family. My older kids enjoyed the rides, although they wished there more of them, and my toddler enjoyed the few attractions that were geared for the younger set.

I’m very glad we made this trip for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which was the time our family spent laughing together. Our teen resisted going because she had to miss several swim practices and had no desire to visit “hickville” (her words, not mine). I briefly considered allowing her to stay home with Aunts who offered to keep her. I’m grateful I didn’t do that. By traveling to such a family-oriented, Christian-rooted place as Branson, I was reminded of the importance of time together as a family. The traffic that slowed our progress through town slowed our “pace.”  We listened to our toddler sing and were touched when she named her doll after her big sister. We laughed at all the signs for Elvis impersonators. We ate fudge and shared ice cream. We re-enacted skits from Saturday Night Live and shared political humor. And, we had this photo made on the Branson strip! It was a hoot, and just look at how adorable my toddler is with her her hands folded in her lap and her fat little foot sticking out from under her saloon-girl dress.

———–

Note from Chateau on the Lake to Guests:

In ancient times there was a prayer for the Stranger within our gates.

Because this hotel is a human institution to serve people, and not soley a money making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under the roof.

May this suite and hotel be your “second” home. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own home.

The reasons that brought you our way may vary. May the tranquility and the simplicity of the Ozarks add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.

We are all travelers. From ‘birth till death’ we travel between eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you  meet , and a joy to those you know and love you best.

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