Big Cedar Lodge

Today, Danny and I drove to Branson, Missouri, to stay at Big Cedar Lodge. Last July as we were shopping in the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, Missouri, we were stopped by a lady wanting us to purchase an opportunity to visit Big Cedar Lodge in Branson for $99. We would immediately receive a $25 Bass Pro Shop gift card and we would get 2 nights at the Radisson Hotel in Branson. When we took the tour of Big Cedar Lodge we would receive 4 more $25 gift cards..... We looked at each other and thought.... we'd like to do this and actually won't be out any money in the long run.... so we signed up and made reservations for the 29th and 30th of September. Yesterday, I got a call from the resort people who said they had an open room at Big Cedar Lodge and we could actually stay at the resort (which is an upgrade) at no additional cost to us. Soooo, here we are in a wonderful room at Big Cedar Lodge and tomorrow we'll get the grand tour and sales pitch. Then we'll be able to enjoy the resort amenities as well as take in all that Branson has to offer. I'll try to post pictures tomorrow.

Well, this isn't "tomorrow," but several days later. Here are some pictures of Big Cedar Lodge... The first one is in the lobby of the registration center. The mammoth skeleton is real and was brought from Russia.

Our room was in Falls Lodge. To arrive at the lodge we had to drive across a spring that flowed over the road and down the hill in a series of small water falls. Everything was beautifully maintained and the flowers were gorgeous!

Our room was spacious and looked a lot like a Bass Pro Shop with all the animal heads, pictures of nature, and animal skins hanging on the walls. It didn't bother me as it continued the rustic lodge feel. We could tell that the decor was expensive & first class in detail and comfort!

The bath was unique because it had windows between it and the bedroom. There was a jetted tub, a separate shower and the sink was huge. The rustic theme continued here with a tree between the tub and shower.

We were staying for 2 nights, and Danny is shown here figuring out what a two night stay would cost us if we paid full price....$362 per night times 2 nights = $724.... out of our budget!

After checking in and enjoying a cup of coffee, we took off for Silver Dollar City to enjoy the GAC performance that follows the park closing. It was the same show that we saw back in June, but it was still very enjoyable!

Thursday morning, we ate half a bagel before going for our "Sales Tour" at 8:45..... at the end of 5 hours, we walked away with a "Sampler 24" which gives us 12,000 points each year for 2 years. The points cannot be used in June, July or August and must be used at limited resorts, but the ones available are places we would like to go.... Orlando, Myrtle Beach, Williamsburg, Charleston, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Branson to name a few. If we like this type of travel, then we may consider purchasing a timeshare at the end of the two years. I like the idea of having clean, nice condos to stay in when we travel as well as be able to give this opportunity to our kids once we're not able to travel. AND YES, we did get $100 in gift cards in addition to the $25 we already got on the day we signed up!

By the time we finished the tour, I was past being hungry.... I became "OLE GROUCHY!" I admire Danny for putting up with me when I'm like that!

Before going into Branson, we drove around the resort to see what was available for us to do when come back and use our Sampler 24. There are horses to ride, miniature golf, carriage rides, evening chuck wagon rides with a stop for s'mores, swimming pools and hot tubs, a man made lazy river to float on in inner tubes, canoes, paddle boats, and several restaurants. Here are some pictures.

I thought stuffed crows sitting on the phone lines in our hallway was a "Hoot!"

Table Rock Lake in the background, and a view of Falls Lodge from the lower part of the resort is below.

Finally we drove into town and ate lunch/dinner at 5:00 at what we thought was Outback Steakhouse, but it wasn't... this was Outback Steak and Oyster Bar which has been in Branson longer than Outback Steakhouse has been around. I'm glad we had a coupon for bucks off! It wasn't our favorite meal, but I ate like it was since I was so hungry!

After dinner, we enjoyed the Baldnobber's Show..... corny but very funny. It felt like we were in Mountain View, Arkansas, at one of their shows.

Friday morning, we ate an early breakfast buffet in town so that I wouln't get famished and become Ole Grouch again. Then we walked through one of the numerous antique/flea markets in town before heading to Silver Dollar City. The Arts and Crafts Festival is being held at SDC this month so we enjoyed watching experts create their crafts.... one lady was turning flax into linen and dying it with color from a root. Very interesting. There were sculptors, painters, cane syrup makers, basket weavers and lots of other artist. We also went to the Opera House and saw an excellent show called "Westward Ho". All the performers were excellent, but one man sang "Maria" and it was wonderful! They received a standing ovation at the end of the show!

We headed for home and are busy planning our next trip to Memphis to attend Courtney and Keith's baby shower at their church on October 10th. Just 2 more months until little Maggie Lynn will arrive. Can hardly wait!! Until till then, bye!