Branson, Mo., is even easier to get to from the Ottumwa area — about five hours or so — now that it’s mostly four-lane. Since its reputation has always been that of a “family place” situated right in the middle of the Bible belt, one has certain expectations when planning a vacation there.

We used to make annual visits as my brother and wife lived in nearby Springfield. Several years ago they moved to Florida and we hadn’t been back until this spring. It was an improved and growing Branson we saw this time.

Shows for the Family

What’s new since we last attended? Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner show is an amazing experience for the horsemanship and music. And the dinner is novel — it is for all ages.

The Haygoods were new to us. They’ve performed for 17 years in Branson doing 10,000 shows for 4 million people. They are a family of seven boys and one girl who sing and play about every instrument. It is a creative and fun show. The youngest boy is still in high school and Catherine is in college ... the others are all educated and they are going on to TV — watch for them!

Another show we enjoyed is The Legends, billed as a “live tribute” show. The “stars” change every quarter. We saw Buddy Holly, George Strait, the Blues Brothers, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley. We thought Buddy Holly, the Blues brothers and Elvis were well done. This included the historical facts at the time as well as the music and costuming. This summer, The Legends are Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, the Temptations, as well as the Blues Brothers and Elvis, who are on the program all year.

John Tweed has a new show at the Clay Cooper Theatre. According to the Branson Daily Independent, his voice is “phenomenal” as he sings from “Johnny Cash to Johnny Mathis ... and Josh Turner to Josh Groban.” Andy Williams says, “What a voice you have and what a range ... you’re a terrific entertainer.” We saw Tweed years ago when he was singing at a timeshare where we were staying. He was a tall, shy singer with a huge repertoire of songs and a wide range from very low to very high. We predict he will be very successful!

If you are looking for comedy, Pierce Arrow is the show for you. Jarrett Dougherty is known as Branson’s funniest comedian and for many of his hysterical characters from the Preacher, Brother Cecil Watkins to the crazed Harry Pitts, you never know who will show up. Desta brings country songs and former Miss Florida Kim Boyce lends her talent and grace to singing rock-the-house gospel and patriotic medleys. This is a popular show for all ages.

IMAX Complex

Another attraction at Branson is the IMAX complex which includes not only exceptional films on the big screen (6 stories tall, 83 feet wide) which surrounds you with sound and the feeling that you are in the film as it is happening, but also McFarlain’s Family Restaurant and others in the food court; shows in the Little Opry Theatre (featuring bluegrass and country music); and unique shopping experiences. We watched “Deep Sea,” “Grand Canyon Adventures,” “The Greatest Places” and “Mystery of the Nile” on the IMAX screen.

Titanic a “must see”

A relatively new attraction on the famed 76 strip is The “Titantic — World’s Largest Museum....” It’s one-half scale of the actual size of the ship which sank on its maiden voyage: April 14, 1912.