Did you grow up watching the Osmond Family performing on television? I did, so it was so exciting to learn that Jimmy Osmond was the host of the Ozark Mountain Christmas Show and the owner of the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center & Theatre.
I love the phases of the moon displayed at the top of the stage.
During our #BloggingBranson trip we saw several Christmas performances including:
However, The Andy Williams Ozark Mountain Christmas Show was very nostalgic. Jimmy Osmond hosts the show along with The Lennon Sisters, and their granddaughters. They sang our favorite holiday songs, and then we had special guests join the show.
Charlie Green from Britain’s Got Talent also joins them on stage along with some other talented artists who were discovered on television. America’s Got Talent performers, AYO featuring Voices of Glory are now performing in Branson after their experience on America’s Got Talent.
Voices of Glory is a group of siblings with tight harmonies, and inspirational messages starring Michael, Avery, and Nadia Cole. The group were top five on “America’s Got Talent,” and they were personally selected by Mr. Andy Williams to be in his annual Christmas Show.
The Ozark Mountain Christmas Show
The Ozark Mountain Christmas Show has been running for 27 seasons. If you are interested in attending the show, the dates for 2019 are November 1 – December 14, 2019. You can purchase tickets online directly from the theatre.
Here’s a quick preview of the show.
The Andy Williams Performing Arts Center & Theatre
The Andy Williams Performing Arts Center & Theatre is a beautiful theatre with enough space to seat 2,000 guests comfortably. There are no bad seats in the house and every view is unobstructed.
The grounds are so beautiful with natural rock formations and streams throughout the 16 acres. The theatre was designed and created with the help of Andy Williams in 1992. Great performers such as Glen Campbell, Petula Clark, Ann-Margaret, Charo, and other special guests have performed at this major Branson attraction.
I was surprised when I saw ice skaters dancing across the stage as the performers were singing. That was a nice feature of the Christmas Show that no other performers in Branson offers. That’s what I love about Branson, every theatre offers something different for each show. You will love each one for their unique touches.
The granddaughters of the Lennon Sisters performing while ice skaters dance across the stage.The Lennon Sisters singing.
The Andy Williams Moon River Theatre doesn’t just host a Christmas show. They have shows throughout the year including:
When selecting a holiday show to book when visiting Branson, Missouri, you must include this show on your list! If you enjoy original television clips of the variety shows that used to air on TV, you will love this show! There are several clips from the years when the Lennon sisters and Jimmy Osmond were small children.
Wanna eat at the world’s largest fork and meatball? Wanna ride a Ferris Wheel inside the restaurant? Yes, I said INSIDE the restaurant! How about taking a souvenier photograph at a photo station?
You can have all this fun and more at Pasghetti’s family owned restaurant in Branson, MO. During the #BloggingBranson trip we had the opportunity to have lunch there and it was so delicious! I had the meatball sub and probably could have eatten two it was that good!
What Makes Pasghetti’s So Famous?
The large fork and meatball may be an attention grabber for one. The decor inside the restaurant is also what makes it stand out from any other place I have ever gone for a meal. It’s a fun place to eat!
When you walk in you feel like you are stepping back in time to the Al Capone era, but along a New York City street, with storefronts along the sides and seating “out front” of those storefronts.
There are seven themed rooms, each with their own music to match the theme. And in the middle of the restaurant you will find a full size trolly car that also serves as a bar!
Upstairs is where you will find the ferris wheel along with a Coney Island gameroom for kids, and private banquet facilities should you need space for hosting a larger event with a large preset menu to allow the staff to serve the meals in a timely manner. This is perfect for motor coach tours.
You Get Great Value For A Great Price
The cost of the meals at Pasghetti’s is very reasonable. Entrees range from $11 to $25. The sauces are fresh from scratch and everything is freshly prepared. You also get hearty size portions, so you won’t be leaving there hungry, that’s for sure!
When we were there for lunch we had the opportunity to meet with the owner Nolan who told us the story of how they built the restaurant and how the bricks were all brought in and made to look old and authentic.
If you are planning a trip to Branson, MO, you MUST put Pasghetti’s on your list of one of the places you HAVE to eat a meal at. You will not be disappointed.
Would you go to Pasghetti’s for a meal? You can visit their website to see their full menu along with their hours and location.
For the past three years, the weather in Florida in January has been quite unpredictable. That’s why it is important to know what to put on your Dopey Challenge packing list. I am providing my packing advice for the Dopey Challenge because it includes all races (except the kid races).
The first year I ran my first marathon in January of 2013, the temperature was in the mid-80’s with humidity. The past two years we started the 5K with temperatures 30 degrees or below. Then each day it got warmer little by little.
Two years ago, the half marathon was cancelled due to thunderstorms in the area where the volunteers would have been. I have even heard the stories of how there was sleet and ice at the water stops in 2010. So now I pack for ALL weather conditions!
Organize Your Clothes For Each Race
When I run the Dopey Challenge I have a costume for each race. I place them in zip lock back along with the underwear, bra, socks, compression shorts, and accessories I will need for that race. This also helps to keep each day organized so when I need to get the next race day laid out, the costume and accessories are all together and easily accessible. I am also including cold weather clothes with each race outfit.
Keep Your Race Gear With You
I also pack all race gear, costumes and shoes in my carry on bag when I fly. That is a must for any race that I run. I can live without clothes and my makeup; but I can not run without MY GEAR.
Also when checking into the hotel the race gear bag is always in my sight. I don’t want to take any chances of it getting misplaced accidentally.
What to pack for each race
Running Essentials
The basic running essentials are the items you trained in back home. On race day is not the time to try out something you haven’t trained with. You will need one of these for every race. The essentials include:
Socks
Compression socks
Underwear
Sports bra (nipple guards for men)
Compression shorts
Running shoes
Garmin/Running Watch
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Visor
Braces or KT tape for problem areas
Glide
Running Costume Accessories
If you are wearing a costume you need to consider packing the following into separate baggies:
Sparkle skirt or bottoms
Top
Socks/Compression tights or leggings
Wings/headpiece/jewelry
Wig
Hair clips or bows
Running Accessories
If you run with music or special gear don’t forget to pack those into a separate baggie to keep everything organized
Music player and charger
Headphones and charger
Sunglasses
Fuel belt
Fuel (Gus, chews, gels, food, etc.)
Spi belt
Water bottle
Weather Gear
Running Clothes for Weather
To be prepared for all-weather conditions, I pack the following extra items to have just in case:
Capri running tights
Fleece lined running tights
Regular running tights
Short sleeve shirts (layering pieces)
Long sleeve shirts
A throwaway sweatshirt and/or shirt
A winter hat
Gloves
An extra zip up hoodie
A bathrobe works very well as a warm layer and easy to shed once the race starts
Fleece towel from Wal-Mart that you can easily toss
I have seen runners with a towel or blanket from the hotel!
Weather Running Accessories
Without knowing FOR SURE if the weather is going to be what they truly predict, we do have to plan for anything. Especially if you have run the races in the past two years. I now will be packing the following additional items just in case. Even if the forecast shows a perfect 70 degrees and sun all week, I don’t want to take my chances.
I pack the following portable items with me as essentials on race day to have at the race start and finish.
Rain Poncho – you can purchase them at Rite-Aid for $1.00 each. They are folded up nice and small so you can keep it in your race belt.
Heat Wrap – The foil mylar thermal blankets you get at the end of races are also sold in stores. They are usually in the camping section. I purchased them in bulk on Amazon and have plenty. I sometimes bring extras with me on race morning in case my friends need one.
A plastic bag (grocery bag). I use this bag on race morning to carry my phone, snacks, water, banana and whatever else I may need that morning. Then just before the race starts I empty it in the garbage and squish up the bag and tuck it in my race belt.
This bag becomes very useful at the end of the marathon when you have your medal(s), a bottle of water or Power Ade, banana, snack box, heat shield and/or cooling towel.
It’s especially important should you need to go to the bathroom. You can leave it all in the bag outside the potty!
A Trash bag – If the forecast is sounding like heavy rain, Disney will still start the race. Grab some large trash bags from the hotel and wear them as a poncho on race morning. Do your best to stay as dry as you can while you are standing in the corrals waiting. If it is raining hard on race morning you can wrap your shoes in bags to keep them somewhat dry.
Hand Warmers – you can load up on them now at Target in the dollar section or Home Depot sells them in boxes. Again another compact item that you wouldn’t be sorry you brought with you just in case.
Gloves – They don’t sell a lot of gloves in Florida. It’s not something you can find easily. Two years ago we noticed socks all over the side of the road during the marathon. People were using socks for gloves. Since it was so cold for so long they didn’t start shedding them until around mile 8.
Newspaper – to stuff into your shoes if they get wet at a race. They will be dried out overnight!
The items listed above contain affiliate links.
Bag Check At The Race
This is an example of bag check from the Tokyo marathon.
I left a bag at bag check for my first marathon. Since then, I don’t really need to check one. But some people would like their desired items after the race. To do so, you check your bag at the race start. Each section represents the first letter of your last name. Then you leave your items in the runDisney plastic bag (this is the only bag they will allow).
At the end of the race they match your bib number to the bag and you can have your things. Some people like to have the following after the race:
Flip flops
Powder
Deodorant
Dry Shirt
Action Wipes or baby wipes
If you follow these tips and have these items with you prior to the race start you are one step ahead of the game! It’s better to have it with you, then to have to worry about getting a ride to a nearby store and buying throwaway clothes, which usually sell out once people see the forecast is colder than expected.
Have a great race and I’d love to see you out on the race courses! Check out my Facebook Page to follow along with me this week! Please leave your instagram or Facebook page link in the comments so I can connect with more runDisney friends!
Are you looking for a “home away from home” where you can have a FREE hot breakfast buffet every day? Where you can drive straight to some of the greatest shows in the Midwest, and avoid the traffic? I know just the place! It’s The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center. Not only do they offer an incredible rate for their rooms; but they save you time as well! I’m also raffling off a gift certificate to the Stone Castle Hotel in my blog post as well!
I was invited by The Stone Castle Hotel and Conference Center as part of a media FAM trip to explore Branson, Missouri. All opinions are 100% my own.
I had the pleasure of staying in the Camelot Suite with a jacuzzi tub in my room. We were so busy during this trip that I hit my pillow each night and slept so well, for the short time we did sleep!
We had a full itinerary from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. each day to capture all our Branson knowledge to share with you all through our eyes and our blogs.
Here are pictures of my room, the Camelot Suite.
The vanity of the Camelot SuiteThe King Size Bed in the Camelot SuiteThe jacuzzi tub in the Camelot Suite
The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
This beautiful, three building hotel is located in the heart of Branson, MO. They are adjacent to the Mount Pleasant Winery and the Curling Vine Winery. How can you go wrong if you chose a place located right near not one, but two wineries! Plus it also has the appearance of a castle in the hills.
Where else can you go where you can have a Christmas story read to you each night during the months of November and December? The minute you step foot into the lobby and are greeted by such friendly staff members, you will feel right at home.
I am from Connecticut, so to have such a warm greeting was a welcome surprise to me. I found out that everyone at The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center are like that. It was a pleasure to be treated so kindly.
What Makes The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center So Different?
The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center have great trusting relationships with their partners.
Partners including Clay Cooper Theatre, Andy Williams Performing Arts Center & Theatre, Titanic, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, The Haygoods, Silver Dollar City, Branson Craft Mall, Hughes Brothers Theater, The Track Family Fun Parks.
Speciality Designed Themed Suites
During a scavenger hunt we had at the #BloggingBranson event, we had the opportunity to visit several of the themed suites, family suites and standard rooms. Take a virtual tour of the hotel and check out their accommodations!
When making your reservations you can experience Branson on another level with one of their speciality designed themed suites:
19th Hole
20,000 Leagues Room
Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza Suite
Aspen Room
Camelot Room
Captain’s Quarters Room with Balcony
Clay Cooper’s Crib Suite
Dolly Parton’s Stampede Suite
Jungle Suite with Balcony
Major League Legends Suite
Medieval Knights Suite
Miss Kitty’s
Native American Room with Balcony
Observatory
OK Corral Suite with Balcony
Outback Room
Oval Office
Safari Room
Sherlock Holmes Room
Tahitian Nights Suite with Balcony
Taj Mahal Room with Balcony
Titanic Suite
Vineyard Suite with Balcony
Free Amenities At The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
Hot country breakfast buffet served daily from 6:30 – 9:30 a.m. (scrambled eggs, biscuits, and gravy, sausage, oatmeal, yogurt, toast, cereals, milk, juices, and coffee). Served in Building 2
Wifi
32″ flat screen televisions
2 Swimming Pools and a hot tub
There is a beautiful Gazebo Area located above the Guinevere Building and provides a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the views of the Branson hills.
Things To Know About The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
All beds are pillow-top comfort beds.
All rooms include:
Coffee Maker and Coffee
Hair dryer
Iron and ironing board
Refrigerator
All rooms are non-smoking.
2 Guest laundry rooms.
Check in time is 3:00 p.m.
Check out time is 11:00 a.m.
45 minutes from Branson-Springfield Airport
14 miles from the Branson Airport
Should you need childcare, the staff at The Stone Castle Hotel can make recommendations for you. Also, if you need baby gear while vising Branson, Baby’s Away Supply Rental can also make arrangements with you.
Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center Gift Certificate Giveaway
Enter to win a Gift Certificate for 2 nights at The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center.
Sleep training? Why would you need sleep training? Well, sleep is one of the most important elements to your training. It is very important during the recovery phase. Unfortunately, many of us bypass sleep to get in our training runs. For instance, we may wake up earlier to run before it gets to hot out or to get those miles in before work. However, are you making it a priority to go to bed earlier to make up for that lost time?
Why Is Sleep Training Important
Antonio Williams, M.S., NASM, P.E.S, Case Management Specialist, Health Educator from Cigna says that over time your central nervous system learns what muscles will produce the most efficient movement.
He says:
While you were asleep, your mind replayed your actions. It downloaded everything that worked and didn’t work while you tried to ride the bike. After a good night’s rest (about 7-8 hours for an adult) you set out to ride the bike again. This time, you were ahead of the game. Your body recognized all the pitfalls from yesterday and adapted. You were able to balance without falling and moved on to the next phase of bike riding. Then you had another good night’s sleep and repeated the cycle of motor learning.
How much sleep do you need?
Who knew that all that went on while you were sleeping? So your sleep can be a critical role to not only helping with your recovery, but also making you faster. As Antonio says, 7-8 hours is a minimum for how much sleep you should get every night. It’s important to be consistent with your bedtime – even on weekends. And on weekends, it’s also important to get us close to your normal weekday routine so that you don’t suffer from weekend jet lag on Monday.
Despite being diagnosed years ago with scoliosis (a curvature of the spine), Jordan Stubblefield, age 27, used to be very physically active. In fact, he has served in the Army Reserves for over 10 years, including two recent active duty tours in Afghanistan. Now Jordan is readjusting to his full-time civilian job as a senior software developer.
Jordan Stubblefield, military vet readjusting to a civilian job with the helop of Cigna and Achilles
However, the change to a sedentary lifestyle and sitting at a computer for long hours every day has put pressure on his spine and aggravated his scoliosis, causing severe back pain. Looking for a way to keep doing a job he enjoys, Jordan asked his employer about making some changes to his workspace.
“I was no longer physically active without the disciplined approach to exercise that full-time military service gave me. I’m sitting most of the day now. My scoliosis didn’t really bother me when I was active, but I began to get severe back pain once I found myself behind a desk every day,” said Jordan.
Jordan’s employer put him in touch with Cigna. Cigna’s vocational coaches not only help customers who have a disabling illness or injury with their return-to-work efforts, but also provide pre-disability support services to individuals who are experiencing pain or discomfort doing their day to day job tasks. The goal is to prevent the situation from escalating and reduce the likelihood of a person needing to go out on a disability claim.
Jaclyn Sphon, a Cigna vocational coach, helped facilitate with Jordan’s employer adjustments to his work station equipment and helped him reintegrate fitness back into his routine. She also offered him the opportunity to work with Achilles International through Cigna’s customer referral program. Achilles International is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities participate in athletic events. An Achilles personal trainer provided Jordan with a customized workout plan to gradually and safely increase his physical activity, strength and stamina.
“When I brought my workplace accommodation request to my employer, I had no idea of all the resources that would be made available to me through Cigna. Receiving personalized attention from my Cigna vocational coach and Achilles International has helped me get back to feeling at 100 percent and start a gym routine again,” said Jordan.
To celebrate Jordan’s progress, Cigna offered him the opportunity to participate in the Walt Disney World® 5K presented by Cigna on January 10 as a member of Team Cigna.
“For Cigna customers, participating in a race represents a healthy milestone on the road to recovery. We believe that, as you gain –and in Jordan’s case regain –physical strength, you’ll also build confidence, which can positively affect all areas of your life, including your work performance,” said Ryan Bruce, manager of the Healthy Working Life Program at Cigna. “It was an honor for the Cigna team to work with Jordan and help him readjust to a civilian job after his active service to our country.”
“It was surreal to receive an invitationfrom Cigna to participate in the 5k at Walt Disney World. It will be a first time visit for me, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to celebrate my progress in this way. I’m also incredibly grateful for all the support I received to literally get me on my feet and moving again,” adds Jordan.
