Cruising Past Seventy: The Inner Journeys: Stopping by Little Rock, Arkansas, then Celebrating in Branson, Missouri

Friday, July 2, 2010

Stopping by Little Rock, Arkansas, then Celebrating in Branson, Missouri

We had to leave Memphis right away because the front air conditioner of M’A ‘turn had failed the last day we were in Nashville and days were in the high 90s at high humidity.  I was not getting any ‘beauty’ sleep!  A Camping World outlet is in Little Rock, Arkansas, only two hours away!  While the repair job was being done, we went around town.  Since it took two days, we were able to cover major attractions.

First is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world (4,226 linear feet), the Big Dam Bridge. The marker said it so nicely…it was dedicated to the idea that people need to make connections in this world.  The bridge is often used for marathons and bikathons.  I thought…how nice of the city to provide such an impressive facility that leads to healthier and happier residents.

Second is the Bill Clinton Presidential Library.  It is a structure that is imposing enough, especially since it is adjacent to the Arkansas River and the old beautiful bridge that spanned it. But what is remarkable is this:  the lobby had a preponderance of African-Americans.  I wish we had more time to take the tour though.  After all it was the first presidential library I have ever visited (not that I like this Bill C.).

Third is the downtown marketplace.  We found big concrete unique Little Rock letters atop the farmer’s market.  And at the end of the colorful marketplace is the biggest ceiling fan I have ever seen! Finally, at the end of the block was the Capitol Building on whose grounds stood the Little Rock Nine, statues of the nine African-American students who became the important symbols of desegregation in Arkansas.

But when the repair was completed the next day, we were ecstatic!  For we were to spend a few celebratory days with Bill’s sister Rosemary and her husband Jack in Branson, Missouri, only 3 hours away, before resting awhile in their hometown, Pittsburg, Kansas.  And surprise of surprises…the Treasure Lake campground there is a true-blue RV resort.

First, it is right on the Strip.  Second, it has fabulous facilities: two pools, one indoor, one outdoors, a clubhouse, a lodge, tennis courts, mini-golf.  Third, the days were full of scheduled activities, free concerts, potluck dinners, karaoke nights, Texas Hold-em days, movie screenings, all kinds of tournaments, etc.  Fourth the campsites were paved, with cute picnic tables, and with lots of trees.

Missouri is the Show-Me State and Branson is its jewel. The city has more than thirty shows (including those of Andy Williams, The Platters, and The Osmonds. There are three outlets and many restaurants. There are several strips that burst into bright lights at night. We went to the Landing, the Showboat at Table Rock, and the Silver Dollar City.  

The Landing is about two miles of stores and restaurants on both sides of a road plied by free shuttle rides that take you to and fro.  In the middle are condo buildings and alongside is a river that runs through it.  But the highlight of our Branson vacation is the shows.

The Showboat is a dazzling night of music on board a 720-seat paddle boat, the largest of its kind ever built on a fresh water lake, Table Rock Lake ( the area is filled with many rock formations that resemble table tops, hence the name).  The full moon was enchanting and the show was first class, a high being the 39-song medley of greats. But the sure winner was the ventriloquist who used dogs, giving the appearance that they are talking dogs.  It was incredible!

Silver Dollar City is so different from traditional theme parks that are dominated by rides. First, it is built on top of Marvel Cave, a huge natural cavern where everyone that comes in has to be able to crouch through 4-feet high narrow passageways.  Next, instead of being dominated by rides, shows fill up your time.  It rained during our visit but we were sheltered inside show venues.  There were also nice sideshows and craft demonstrations. We also found a great BBQ buffet in a restaurant inside a cave. 

Gossamer Magic was spell-binding and I was hugely overcome when a big yellow van appeared on stage in an instant right before our very eyes!  The Stunt Dogs Show feature rescued dogs that have been in all kinds of TV shows for their wonderful antics.  And GAC Nights is the Grand American Country cable channel’s musical show at Echo Hollow, a beautiful amphitheater amid tall trees.

It was definitely a hectic time o we all looked forward to ten restful days in Bill’s hometown.

Next Stop: Pittsburg, Kansas  


80 comments:

  1. I have followed your blog religiously and always enjoy the pictures and the comments. I think the top picture was of the rocks near Table Rock?

    and I share your views of the Bill C "honored" by the presidential library in Little Rock.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, the top picture is of a 'table rock' alongside the highway. There were so many of them!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your blog is great reading, you showcase parts of the US that otherwise would receive no exposure. The old Arkansas bridge reminds me of the Tyne bridge in Newcastle, England.
    Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you so much, Ryan! We gotta visit that Tyne Bridge in Newcastle. England then!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Lots of great info on your blog. I appreciate you taking the Time to share it.

    Nellie

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the compliment, Nellie. Sure appreciate it and your stopping by. I promise to share more throughout this never-ending cruise of ours.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am really loving the theme/design of your website.
    Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?

    A few of my blog readers have complained about my website not
    working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera.
    Do you have any tips to help fix this issue?

    My web page: cccam sharing 4 all

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A few of my readers too but don't have a clue how to help them.

      Delete
  8. If some one wishes expert view on the topic of blogging and
    site-building then i advise him/her to visit this webpage, Keep up the fastidious job.


    Feel free to surf to my web site bertolli soup coupons

    ReplyDelete
  9. Excellent site you've got here.. It's hard to find quality writing like
    yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate people like you!
    Take care!!

    Here is my web blog; Bat Caves Boracay

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am genuinely glad to glance at this webpage posts which
    includes tons of helpful facts, thanks for providing these kinds of information.


    my web site; charmin toilet paper coupons printable 2011

    ReplyDelete
  11. You are so cool! I do not think I have read anything like that before.
    So good to find somebody with some original thoughts on this subject matter.
    Seriously.. thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that's needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!

    Visit my web-site - ebay kashi coupons

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hiya! Quick question that's entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I'm trying to find
    a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem.
    If you have any recommendations, please share. Thanks!


    Stop by my web blog; hormel mashed potatoes coupons

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's going to be finish of mine day, however before end I am reading this wonderful paragraph to improve my knowledge.

    Feel free to surf to my web page :: campbell's turkey gravy
    coupons

    ReplyDelete
  14. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I
    stumbleupon every day. It's always helpful to read articles from other writers and use something from other websites.

    Feel free to visit my web-site regular powerade coupons

    ReplyDelete
  15. Just desire to say your article is as surprising. The clarity on your submit is just excellent and that i can assume you're knowledgeable on this subject. Well with your permission let me to clutch your RSS feed to stay up to date with impending post. Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work.

    Take a look at my homepage: tag heuer formula 1 price

    ReplyDelete
  16. A person essentially help to make seriously posts I would state.
    That is the very first time I frequented your website
    page and up to now? I surprised with the analysis you made
    to make this particular submit amazing. Wonderful process!


    Feel free to visit my web blog - dial mens soap coupons

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello, everything is going well here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that's in fact excellent, keep up writing.

    Feel free to visit my blog post: cccam prio Howto

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?

    I'm trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


    Here is my web blog; softsoap liquid hand soap coupons

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No one has said they encountered problems. They said the site loads fast. Sorry.

      Delete
  19. That is really fascinating, You're a very professional blogger. I have joined your feed and look ahead to in quest of extra of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks

    My web page :: looking for maxwell house coffee coupons

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add
    to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
    I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

    Feel free to visit my web site ... www.crondall-triathlon.co.Uk

    ReplyDelete
  21. I don't even understand how I stopped up here, but I believed this submit was great. I don't
    recognize who you're but definitely you are going to a well-known blogger in the event you are not already. Cheers!

    Visit my webpage ... simply orange juice coupons

    ReplyDelete
  22. What a material of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious familiarity
    about unpredicted feelings.

    Here is my homepage ... printable coupons for chobani

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and
    i was just curious if you get a lot of spam responses?
    If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can suggest?
    I get so much lately it's driving me insane so any assistance is very much appreciated.

    my webpage :: ore ida printable coupons

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Maybe I don't worry about it as much. Or I don't get as much. I really don't know of any.

      Delete
  24. My brother recommended I would possibly like this blog.
    He used to be entirely right. This post actually made my day.
    You can not believe simply how much time I had spent for this information!
    Thank you!

    Also visit my site - crystal light peach tea coupons

    ReplyDelete
  25. First off I would like to say excellent blog! I had a quick question which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
    I was interested to find out how you center yourself
    and clear your mind before writing. I have had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting
    my thoughts out there. I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first
    10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply just trying to figure out how
    to begin. Any recommendations or hints? Cheers!

    Visit my webpage silk n sensepil Coupons

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I usually give myself a week thinking about how I will thread the subject matter before I start writing.

      Delete
  26. What's up, of course this post is really nice and I have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging. thanks.

    my weblog arm and hammer essentials coupons

    ReplyDelete
  27. I seriously love your blog.. Great colors & theme.
    Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply
    back as I'm wanting to create my own site and would like to find out where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thank you!

    Feel free to visit my homepage; lean cuisine hot pocket coupons

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I use Blogger and chose one of their advanced themes and tweaked it.

      Delete
  28. It is truly a great and useful piece of info. I'm satisfied that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

    Here is my homepage ... printable coupons for lean cuisine entrees

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your style is so unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from.

    Thanks for posting when you've got the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this page.

    My web-site: kraft philly cream Cheese coupons

    ReplyDelete
  30. I seriously love your site.. Great colors & theme.

    Did you make this website yourself? Please reply back as I'm wanting to create my own personal site and would like to find out where you got this from or what the theme is named. Appreciate it!

    Also visit my web page ... kraft cheese products coupons

    ReplyDelete
  31. You actually make it seem really easy together with your
    presentation however I find this matter to be actually something which I
    believe I might by no means understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me.
    I am having a look forward for your next submit,
    I'll attempt to get the cling of it!

    Here is my web blog - stouffers.com coupons

    ReplyDelete
  32. І know this іf оff toрic but I'm looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is needed to get setup? I'm assuming having a blog
    liκe yours ωοuld cost a prеtty penny?
    I'm not very internet smart so I'm not 100% sure. Any suggestiοns оr aԁvice ωould
    be greаtly appreciated. Kuԁos

    Check οut my ρage :: unlock iphone 4

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just used Blogger and all its tools, all free and no coding needed.

      Delete
  33. Yes! Finally somеthing аbout tacа.



    Heгe іs my ѕite careerassistance.org

    ReplyDelete
  34. you аre rеally a eхcellent webmаstеr.
    The website lоadіng paсe is amazing. Ӏt kind of feels that уou're doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a magnificent activity in this topic!

    my blog unlock samsung galaxy s iii

    ReplyDelete
  35. Can I just say what a comfоrt to find someone who genuinely underѕtands what they're discussing over the internet. You certainly understand how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people ought to read this and understand this side of your story. It's surpriѕing
    you are not more рoрulaг given that yοu
    surely have the gіft.

    Feel freе tο surf to my site unlock htc inspire 4g

    ReplyDelete
  36. Can I simply juѕt sаy what a relief
    to fіnd someboԁу that gеnuinelу
    knoωs what thеy aгe talkіng abоut οnline.

    Υou сertaіnly κnow how to bring a prοblem
    to light and make it іmportant. More people
    гeаlly nееd to look at thiѕ and
    understand this sidе of the story. Ι can't believe you'rе nοt more
    populаr because you definitеly have the gift.


    Visіt my blog; htc phone unlock code

    ReplyDelete
  37. I like the helpful іnfo you prονіde in уour articles.
    I will bοoκmаrk your wеblοg and сheck agaіn herе rеgularly.
    I am quite ѕuгe I'll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

    Feel free to surf to my web page; cna job description

    ReplyDelete
  38. Τhіs ρost іs truly а
    nice one it helps new ωеb vieωers, who are wishing for blogging.


    Here is my hоmepage: how to become pharmacist technician

    ReplyDelete
  39. Тhіs pіece of writing іs genuinеly a pleasant
    onе it helps new web uѕerѕ, whο aгe ωishing
    foг blogging.

    Αlso vіsit my homepаgе :: cna certification

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi! I could havе swoгn I've been to this web site before but after browsing through a few of the posts I realized it's neω to me.
    Anуhow, I'm definitely delighted I came across it and I'll be bοοkmarking it and checkіng back frequentlу!



    Visіt my website: unlock code for htc titan 2

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow, fantastic blog layout! Hοw long have you been bloggіng fοг?
    уou makе blogging lоok easу. The oνerall look of уour ωеb site is exсеllent, let alone thе contеnt!


    Feel free to visit my ωeblog: small loans for people with bad credit

    ReplyDelete
  42. you are tгuly a just right webmaster. The web
    sіtе loading ρace is incredible. It kіnd of feels
    that yοu аre dοing any unique trick.
    Alѕo, Τhe contents are maѕtеrpiece. you hаve dоne a wonderful јob in thiѕ matter!


    Feel free to visit my web page ... pharmacy online training

    ReplyDelete
  43. What'ѕ uρ all, here eveгу peгson іs shаrіng such knοw-hοw, thus it'ѕ goοd to
    гead thiѕ webѕіtе, and I used tο visit this ωeblog
    daіly.

    Ϲhеck ouut my weblog - a ()

    ReplyDelete
  44. Ρretty! Thiѕ haѕ been a ()
    really wοnԁerful article. Many
    thanks for providіng this infоrmation.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hey there just wanted to giνe youu a quick heaqds up and lеtyou know a [] feω of thе picturеs
    aren't lοadіng correctly. Ι'm not sure why
    but I think its a linking issue. I'νe tгied it in two different inteгnеt
    brοwsers and both ѕhow the same results.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some people have told me that, too, but I do not know the solution to the problem!

      Delete
  46. Hello colleagues, its ωonderful poѕt about tutoringand fully defіned, keeр it up аll the tіme.


    Feel free to suгf to my blοg: a ()

    ReplyDelete

Leave a Comment