The question most asked me about the upcoming Conference is “What is the best show in Branson?”  Sometimes, the question comes with qualifiers such as “for my family,” or “for the money.”

Here is the best listing of the shows that I’ve found on the internet.
vacationsmadeeasy.com/BransonMO/...

There are, at last count, 91 regular, year-around shows in Branson.  There are another dozen or so seasonal shows and there are special shows, such as Bill Cosby and Amy Grant, several times a year.   On the list of 91 shows, I’ve been to 10.  My two favorites are Shoji Tabuchi Show and the Pierce Arrow Show. (The Shoji Tabuchi Show with transportation will be part of the conference package offering.)   Silver Dollar City admission includes daily several shows and the evening show in the Echo Hollow amphitheater.   It takes about two days at the park to see them all.  I will be looking for savings coupons that are often available only locally to include in your conference package when you arrive.

Often the best show deals come with legitimate three-day, two-night motel packages or with nice condo rentals.  But, some of the very best deals include a two or three hour time-share sales pitch. I’ve taken advantage of these, endured the tour and presentation,  and then just said, “thanks, but no thanks.” If you can make decisions based on sound judgment and not emotions, you can get two nights in a hotel and four show vouchers for $59-79.00. But, please check the Branson Better Business Bureau before you sign up if the deal looks too good.

I will be putting together lots of information on Springfield and Branson and other local attractions in the next few weeks.  This is intended to help you plan extra time if you plan to combine conference with vacation.  I will also be putting together information on nearby cultural and historical sites and a list of great shopping venues, including the new Branson Landing Center.

If you want to start planning early, in addition to my suggestions, go to thingstodo.com/states/MO/southwest.html. That is one of the best sites for information and prices.  Also, check the conference home page on the ACL website often for updates and new information.

We do have an announcement on the conference hotel. We were able to negotiate a great rate at a nearby hotel. That will be for those who may wish to stay in a hotel instead of on the Evangel campus.

The conference team is dedicated to giving you the best possible professional experience and providing opportunities for a great vacation if you care to include it.  The Springfield area is noted for family friendly attractions and value for the money.

My job is to host you and I plan to do my best.  Send me your questions and I’ll try to give you the best answer I can.

Woodie Moore

Forty minutes from Evangel, motels in the Branson area have nice, clean rooms that are very reasonable, even during the summer season. It is a good idea to book reservations a few days in advance, but usually there are vacancies available even during the summer. Those wishing to visit the many lakes for fishing or water sports can rent Jon boats, ski boats, jet-skis, and pontoon boats that are very reasonably priced. Trout fishing is excellent year round on the daily-stocked Lake Taneycomo. There are also condo rental packages available that are so reasonable that the locals use them often for a weekend away.

One of the premier attractions to the area is the above-mentioned new Branson Landing Shopping and Convention area. It opened last year beside Lake Taneycomo. Not to be missed is the new $7.5 million fountain which gives free shows about 10 times a day. In addition to the Landing, there are three outlet malls in Branson which provide some real treasures for bargain shoppers. Probably the best comprehensive websites are Springfield.org and Branson.com.

Sometimes when I go to an ACL conference, I want to venture out and try the local restaurants. If you get the craving for something besides the wonderful food at Evangel, here are some of my favorites.

At the Oasis Resort, where some of you may stay, Wednesday lunch is a special treat. Cashew Chicken (Springfield style) was invented just a few yards from the Evangel campus. During WW II, there was a very nice restaurant, The Grove, across the street from the O’Reilly Army Hospital (where EU now sits.) It was very popular and drew big crowds nightly, especially the Army brass. However, it soon fell out of favor in the 1950’s. There was a Chinese cook there in the 50s, who was trying to come up with a new dish to draw the same type of crowds that The Grove had enjoyed during the 1940s. He concocted a recipe for his now famous Cashew Chicken. Now his son works as chef at the Fire and Ice Restaurant at the Oasis. On Wednesday you can order a plate of this wonderful delight for just $8.00. To get there from Evangel, go north on Glenstone to just south of I-44 and look on the east side for the large Oasis Resort sign.

Another favorite is Hemingway’s Blue Water Cafe inside the Bass Pro Shop. Their breakfast/brunch buffet features gently fried catfish and hush puppies. That comes with fresh fruit, eggs, sausage, biscuits, and gravy to make a meal that will last well into the afternoon or evening. Hemingway’s is also the place to go for sea food in the evenings. To get there from Evangel, go South on Glenstone about three miles to Sunshine. From there, go west (right) on Sunshine to Campbell. Bass Pro is on the southwest corner. You really can’t miss it since it covers about four city blocks (and is currently being expanded).

Sally and I frequent a Texas-style roadhouse for their excellent sirloin steak and other delights. On Monday through Thursday evenings, you can get a meal of steak, chicken, or other entrees and two sides for a total of $13.98. That is the total for two people. Add drinks and your total bill, with a generous tip, will be about $20.00. The steak is as good as any I’ve ever tasted. To get there from Evangel, go south on Glenstone to Battlefield. Turn west by the mall on Battlefield. Go about a mile (just past National) and turn south (left) into the parking lot.

There are about 100 Tex-Mex restaurants in Springfield. Most are average. But, one little hole-in-the-wall place stands out if you like really good authentic Mexican food. It is owned and operated by a brother and sister team who moved here from the highlands in south Mexico. It is called La Huasteca (The Waterfalls). You go south on Glenstone to Sunshine and then go west about a block. It is tucked in between the Blimpies and a quick loan business on the north side of Sunshine. Lunch specials run about $4.95 to 6.95.

If you want to drive a few miles down US 65 towards Branson, you can take in Lambert’s Cafe. It is about twenty minutes from campus. Its claim to fame is long lines at the door and “the only home of throwed rolls.” In my opinion, the food is “homey.” But, it has a parking lot about the size of mega-church parking lot and it is usually half full of buses. Many consider it a must stop on the way to Branson. Don’t worry if you can’t catch a roll—they keep pitching them until one lands in your hands, lap, or plate. Lambert’s Café was recommended as 10 great places to take an exit to good eatin' in USA Today, June 1, 2006. Take US 65 South to the Highway J exit. It is about five minutes after you cross the Lake Springfield bridge on US 65.

About two blocks from campus is Crosstown BBQ. It was started many years ago by an African-American truck driver from Kansas City. For years he slept in the back room during the week and drove home on the weekends. He built the business one happy customer at a time. Now his son lives locally and manages the restaurant. The minute you walk in you will feel like a regular. See the reviews at: Gusto.com. Exit the EU campus on the north side onto Division Street. Then go west (left) about two long blocks. It is located on the north side and parking can be a problem sometimes. Best bet is to walk over.

For a lunch, a late evening snack, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, try the Mud House. It is the downtown favorite hangout of college students. It has a nice atmosphere with comfy couches, little corner tables, free wireless internet, and great assortment of coffees and teas. It is smack dab in the middle of downtown Springfield. It is surrounded by old stores, many of which are now converted into antique malls. I can spend hours browsing and remembering when I was young. To get to the Mud House, you go south on Glenstone about one mile to St. Louis. Go west into the downtown area. South street goes south off the square and the Mud House is about a block. Be prepared to search for parking and walking a couple of blocks.

Springfield has about 800 restaurants at last count. You can find a good list with maps at: Google. If you want to venture out, please feel free to email me at my school address and I’ll give you my opinion of the place. But, since I eat most of my meals in Sally’s Café, I’m not a good authority. Still not satisfied and want to try something exotic? Go to http://www.yelp.com/springfield-mo and read the reviews on other places you might enjoy.

Woodie Moore