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PREVIEW By Steve Kirchner, Editor & Publisher
or those of us who grew up in the West. Old Tucson Studios were built in 1939 for the early years of television in the movie Arizona, and since that time hundreds of western U.S, the gunslinger and the Old movies and television shows have been shot on location West went hand in hand. We enjoyed here. Those names read like a who’s who of film making: shows like Gunsmoke, The Lone Little House on the Praire, The Mark of Zorro and the Ranger, Maverick, Wagon Train, and Last Outpost, featuring that gunslinger Ronald Reagan, Bonanza. Movie standouts included and others mentioned here. Rio Bravo, Shootout at OK Corral, Cimmaron, and a Today Old Tucson is still a working movie production host of other titles. facility, but the best part is the town is open to visitors Actors like James Arness, Clayton Moore, Roy Rogers and one of the top attractions in the state of Arizona. and John Wayne were In addition to a new Native larger than life itself, and Village, you’ll love Heritage their roles created a mysSquare featuring twelve new tique about the Old West building sets and three new that lives to this day. streets that bring back some of As the announcer on the the magic of Old Tucson. Lone Ranger might say, Tour operator Shebby Lee, with this issue of Byways CTP, takes a journey along “Return with us now to the Old West Trail. Beginning those thrilling days of yesand ending in Denver, this teryear! From out of the tour includes several Oregon past come the thundering Trail sites along with other hoofbeats of the great attractions in the Old West horse Silver! The Lone Trail states of Nebraska, South Ranger rides again!” Dakota, Montana and The journey to the Old Wyoming. West begins in Nevada, The final stop in the Old where the discovery of West is in “Wild at Heart” gold and silver turned Deadwood, South Dakota. Virginia City into the Again, gold was the catalyst most important industrial which brought miners to city between Denver and South Dakota. The discovery San Francisco, and it of gold in the Black Hills in turned destitute prospecClayton Moore, as the Lone Ranger, 1874 set off one of the last tors from all over the with Silver in 1965. great gold rushes in the counworld into millionaires. try. Practically overnight, the But it did much more than that. In fact, cities such as tiny gold camp boomed into a town that played by its San Francisco were built on the miners riches, and histoown rules that attracted outlaws, gamblers and gunry shows that the fortunes made here played a key role in slingers along with the gold seekers. And made characfinancing the U.S. Government during America’s Civil ters such as Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane War. famous in the old West. Mining continues to play a role in the West today, as Branson, Missouri is celebrating a century of enterwe learn from visiting Elko, called the Best Small Town. tainment combined with a deep foundation of faith and Here in Northeast Nevada is the nation’s largest gold love of country and the Ozarks, creating an American producer, and gold mining tours are available from April story that is unique. Learn how faith, and with a love of through October. Located at the base of the beautiful craftsmanship and music, combined with a 1907 novel, Ruby Mountains, Elko is half way between Reno and “The Shepherd of the Hills,” helped turn this small Salt Lake City. Tucson is Arizona’s “Film-Making Capital of the Old Ozark community into one of the largest entertainment 4 • Byways
venues in North America. It’s a story that’s evolved over 100 years, and not even devastating fires, or most recently, an F2 category tornado, can keep this Entertainment Capital from doing business as usual -- entertaining visitors from throughout the world! In What’s Happening, the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma is offering groups a first-hand experience of
its thriving culture through a series of interactive cultural tours. And in Orlando, Universal’s “Superstar Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of Movie Memories,” the first interactive entertainment experience, are launching in May. We hope you enjoy the latest edition of Byways.
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Volume 29, Issue No. 2, 2012
Features
On the cover. A lonely buffalo grazes on the plains of South Dakota. For more on the Old West, turn to page 10. Photo courtesy South Dakota Department of Tourism.
The Old West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A Nevada City of Silver and Gold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Elko, Best Small Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Arizona’s Film-Making Capital of the Old West. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Traveling the Old West Trail Offers Unique Adventure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Deadwood, Wild at Heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Branson at 100. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 A Century to Celebrate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Branson Open for Business Despite Tornado Scare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
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Cherokee Nation Provides Group Tours with Exciting Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Universal Orlando Sets Superstar Parade and Cinematic Spectacular. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Via Rail’s Canada Packages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Celebrate Victoria’s 150th Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Coming in future issues of Byways… Favorite destinations along the highways and byways of America’s Oceans, Rivers and Lakes, the Mid-Atlantic States, Great American Roads, and much more are upcoming in future issues of Byways magazine. Right: The View from Virginia Beach, Virginia
Left: The Mississippi River near New Orleans. Byways • 7
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The Old West
Virginia City, Nevada was the City of Silver and Gold. 10 • Byways
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A Nevada City of Silver and Gold
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The Virginia & Truckee Railroad
he 19th century mining bonanza turned Virginia City into the most important industrial city between Denver and San Francisco, and it turned destitute prospectors from all over the world into millionaires. They built mansions, hospitals, churches, opera houses and schools, and imported furniture, fashions, and entertainment from Europe and the Orient. They helped finance the Civil War, and went on to build empires around the world. Among the finest examples is San Francisco, a city built with Comstock silver. The Ophir, Gould, Curry and Consolidated Virginia mines -- those consisting of the “Big Bonanza” of 1873 -- brought out at least $300 million in mineral deposits and made telecommunications giant John Mackay a virtual overnight millionaire. The Comstock king spent millions of those proceeds on Nevada’s School of Mines. In addition to Mackay, the “Bonanza Kings” included Fair, Flood and O’Brien. Other notable icons of the Comstock included engineer Adolph Sutro, banker William Sharon, entrepreneur George Hearst, and madame Julia Bulette. While the Virginia Truckee Railroad transported bullion from the rural highlands of Virginia City to Carson City, the Territorial Enterprise, with literary whiz Mark Twain, delivered news of the day to the vibrant mining 12 • Byways
metropolis of 25,000 citizens at its peak. In 1868, Mark Twain reminisced and wrote about his journalism career in Nevada with the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise: “To find a petrified man, or break a stranger’s leg, or cave an imaginary mine, or discover some dead Indians in a Gold Hill tunnel, or massacre a family at Dutch Nick’s, were feats and calamities that we never hesitated about devising when the public needed matters of thrilling interest for breakfast. The seemingly tranquil ENTERPRISE office was a ghastly factory of slaughter, mutilation and general destruction in those days.” Mark Twain's Letters from Washington, Number IX, Territorial Enterprise, March 7, 1868 The spirits of the people of the “Queen of the Comstock” still haunt the places where they lived, worked, played, learned, and died. Mining was a hard way to make a living, with 100-degree temperatures 3,000 feet down a mine shaft that required deep concentration from the person at the helm of the elevator. The the wealth of Virginia City helped finance the U.S. government during the Civil War, as attested by a museum named after General Ulysses Grant. In fact, silver from Virginia City may have helped save the Union. Away from work, the people of the Comstock enjoyed
Festivals and special events bring Virginia City back to life.
Virginia City circa 1867-1868
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performances at Piper’s Opera House, which still stands today as a favorite for events and weddings. The citizens also played baseball as a favorite pastime, and unwound after a long day at Virginia City’s many saloons that topped twenty-
Virginia City Docents
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two at one point. Many attended school, with the Fourth Ward School once educating grammar and high school students. It is now considered a must stop on the driving tour
The Fort Ward School
of museums and attractions south of town. Virginia City Convention and Tourism Authority at 775-847Comstockers are buried in the cemetery with stories told 4FUN(4386). to this day, and tombstone messages reflect their unconventional lives. The history and stories of Virginia City are as unique, rich, and colorful as the streets and buildings themselves. One must see Virginia City to even remotely understand it. Virginia City has a slew of attractions and events to educate, excite, enlighten, and make you a devoted fan of this Comstock mining town. This is a place where “rags to riches” was a natural path for lucky residents, and now as a visitor, you can join in the fun and adventure. Tour the Chollar Mine, considered one of the richest places in the world. Or hop a train and take the path through the historic Comstock. Whatever you decide to see, Virginia City offers a wide selection of guided and self-guided tours, tour packages, and group tours. Choose the best way In March, the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry & St. for you to experience one of the greatest mining Patrick's Day Parade features marching towns in the West. leprechauns, green attractions, and a For attraction details, contact the Virginia City Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry. Byways • 15
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Lamoille Canyon and Angle Lake scenic byways, located near Elko in northeastern Nevada offer spectacular views, hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife and photography. Byways • 19
Elko, Best Small Town
Elko is located at the base of the Ruby Mountains between Reno and Salt Lake City. 20 • Byways
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lko, Nevada is located in the northeastern corner media productions. Hike accessible trails, walk through of the state and sits at the base of the beautiful a wagon encampment, and see a Shoshone village. Elko has over 2400 rooms throughout the city with Ruby Mountains between Reno, Nevada and Salt several restaurants and specialty shops to choose from, Lake City, Utah conveniently located off of interstate Itwo golf courses, over 500 RV spaces and a new region80. al airport. Elko has over 100,000 square feet of affordWith all of the variety and distinct choices in quality of life, it is easy to see why Elko was named the “Best able meeting space citywide. The Elko Convention & Visitors Authority has over 30 Small Town in America” by author Norman Crampton. years experience in pre-convention and program planThe town has grown since earning this distinction in the ning. We offer 11,000 square feet of meeting space, with mid-1990s. Many would say that the size of Elko is “just a 913-seat auditorium. The new Jade Garden Events right.” Patio is the newest addition for staging outdoor meetNortheast Nevada is the nation’s largest gold producings, events, and social gatherings. er, offering gold mining tours April through October. For more information on the Elko area go to Along with mining you’ll experience Western, Basque and Native American culture at its finest. Located in the www.exploreelko.com or call toll free 1-800-248-3556. historic Pioneer Hotel, the home to the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the traditional cultures of the American West. Tour the Northeastern Nevada Museum’s history gallery and collection, which includes cultural, economic and early settler’s artifacts. The museum’s Wanamaker Wildlife Wing contains more than 300 animal mounts from around the world. Lamoille Canyon and Angle Lake scenic byways offer spectacular views, hiking, biking, bird watching, wildlife and photography. Opening in the summer of 2012, will be the new $20 million California Trails Interpretive Center. Experience life-size dioramas, original murals, exhibits on native peoples, and multiCalifornia Trails Interpretive Center Elko Balloon Festival attracts balloons of all shapes and sizes.
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Arizona’s Film-Making Capital of the Old West
The West was largely filmed on location in two Arizona communites, Old Tucson and Mescal. This scene features Heritage Square, featuring twelve new building sets and three new streets that bring back some of the magic of Old Tucson. Byways • 25
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ld Tucson Studios is a movie studio and theme park just west of Tucson, Arizona, adjacent to the Tucson Mountains and close to the western portion of Saguaro National Park. Built in 1939 for the movie Arizona, it has been used for the filming of many movies and television westerns since then, such as Little House on the Prairie. Opened to the public in 1960, historical tours are offered about the movies filmed there, along with live cast entertainment featuring stunt shows and shootouts. Today, Old Tucson Company offers producers two 26 • Byways
exclusive Arizona western production locations, Old Tucson and Mescal. Old Tucson, conveniently located 12 miles west of Tucson, is a complete western town spread out over 300 acres in the beautiful Tucson Mountain Park and the incomparable Saguaro National Park. Mescal, just 45 minutes south of Tucson International Airport, is an 80-acre open prairie western “ghost town” set located near Benson, Arizona. Old Tucson Studios was originally built in 1938 by Columbia Pictures on a Pima County-owned site as a replica of 1860s Tucson for the movie Arizona, starring William Holden and Jean Arthur. Workers built more
Kix Brooks and Ernie Hudson in a scene from Freewill Films “To Kill A Memory.” Set in the 1920s, the film tells the story of a young newspaper journalist’s quest for the truth behind one of the most notorious bank heists in western history, “The Mid-Day Massacre.”
than 50 buildings in 40 days. Many of those structures are still standing. After Arizona completed filming, the location lay dormant for several years, until the filming of The Bells of St.Mary’s (1945), starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman. Other early movies filmed on this set included The Last Round-Up (1947) with Gene Autry and Winchester '73 (1950) with James Stewart and The Last Outpost with Ronald Reagan. The 1950s saw the
filming of Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold (1967), and Cimarron (1959) among others. In 1959, entrepreneur Robert Shelton leased the property from Pima County and began to restore the aging facility. Old Tucson Studios re-opened in 1960, as both a film studio and a theme park. The park grew building by building with each movie filmed on its dusty streets. John Wayne starred in four movies at Old Tucson Studios. Rio Bravo (1959) added a saloon, bank building and doctor’s office; McLintock! (1963) added the McLintock Hotel; El Dorado (1966) brought a renovation of the storefronts on Front Street; and with Rio Lobo (1970) came a cantina, a granitelined creek, a jail and a ranch house. In 1968, a 13,000 square foot (1,208 square meter) soundstage was built to give Old Tucson Studios greater movie-making versatility. The first film to use the soundstage was Young Billy Young (1968), starring Robert Mitchum and Angie Dickinson. That same year, Shelton also puchased the Mescal
The Hotel and Saloon in Old Tucson.
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Gunfight in Old Tucson
property, Old Tucson’s second filming location just 40 which filmed all of the town of Redemption scenes there. miles southeast of Tucson. The park also began adding tours, rides and shows for the entertainment of visitors, most notably gunfights The merchantile shop in Mescal staged in the “streets” by stunt performers. Old Tucson served as an ideal location for shooting scenes for TV series like NBC’s The High Chaparral (1967–1971), Little House on the Prairie and later Father Murphy, featuring Merlin Olsen and “Petrocelli.” Three Amigos was a popular comedy shot there in the 80s, utilizing the church set. From 1989 to 1992 the show The Young Riders filmed here and at the Mescal sister site. The main street appears prominently in 1990s westerns such as Tombstone. A partial mirror set exists at Mescal, and is featured in The Quick and the Dead 28 • Byways
The Old West town of Mescal, Arizona
From 1970 to 1980 Old Tucson and its Mescal property hosted 77 film and television productions. Little House on the Prairie (1977-1983) starring Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert and Karen Grassel, was among
the memorable television productions that called Old Tucson and Mescal home, including Gunsmoke (197274) with James Arness; The Mark of Zorro (1974) featuring Ricardo Montalban; The New Maverick (1978) The old Saloon in Mescal
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The National Reservation Center Charter a motorcoach anywhere in North America 30 • Byways
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with James Garner, and The Gambler (1979), a made-forTV movie starring Kenny Rogers and Bruce Boxleitner. Park expansion included the Silverlake Park area, complete with antique carousel, a new train depot and narrow-gauge train, the C.P. Huntington, and antique car rides. Perhaps the most exciting acquisition during this time was the 1872 steam locomotive The Reno. Bob Shelton purchased the authentic train The Mission is one of several churches in Old Tucson. from MGM and General Information brought it to Old Tucson in 1970. The Reno has since 520-883-0100 or been featured in hundreds of films and television shows, GuestRelations@OldTucson.com becoming our very own “silent” movie star. http://www.oldtucson.com On April 25, 1995, a fire destroyed much of Old Tucson Studios. Buildings, costumes and memorabilia were lost in the blaze. Also lost in the blaze, was the only copy of a short film about the history of Old Tucson Studios. This film included rare behind the scenes footage of stars, such as William Holden, John Wayne and Angie Dickinson. After 20 months of reconstruction, Old Tucson re-opened its doors in January, 1997. The sets that were lost were not recreated; instead, entirely new buildings were constructed, and the streets were widened. If you haven’t visited Old Tucson recently, you haven’t visited! In addition to a new Native Village, you’ll love Heritage Square featuring twelve new building sets and three new streets that bring back some of the magic of Old Tucson. Hollywood Production Designer Gene Rudolph whose credits include western classics Young Guns 2, The Great Gatsby and The Right Stuff, among others, created the design for the project. Heritage Square provides a backdrop for audiences to experience the Old West as it was meant to be experienced. Today, Old Tucson provides guests with a unique western experience and lasting memories.
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Touring Mount Rushmore by motorcoach. Photo courtesy South Dakota Department of Tourism.
Traveling the Old West Trail Offers Unique Adventure
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By Shebby Lee, CTP
xplore the West where legends live on this 7-day journey to the past. Visit the site of “Custer’s Last Stand,” stroll the same storied streets of Deadwood Gulch once inhabited by Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickock and Poker Alice, view awe-inspiring mountain carvings, and walk in actual Oregon Trail wagon ruts which have survived more than a century of sun, wind and weather. Beginning and ending in Denver, this program includes several Oregon Trail sites along with other attractions in the Old West Trail states of Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. Fort Laramie
stood one-third of the way across the continent from the “jumping off” point of Independence. Enjoy an Oregon Trail campfire supper under the stars; take a covered wagon ride in actual Oregon Trail ruts; stand in the shadow of Chimney Rock, one of the most iconic mileposts on the entire trail; and tour Fort Robinson, a strategically located military and Indian agency during the final Indian Wars, where Crazy Horse breathed his last. The Black Hills were the sacred Paha Sapa of the Sioux, the last Native tribe to submit to the United States government in the late 19th century. The tribes were
Chimney Rock, a beacon to travelers along the Oregon, Mormon and California Trails. Located near Bayard, Nebraska, Chimney Rock is the most mentioned landmark in pioneer journals.
Wild Bill Hickock
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The Sioux tribes were completely dependent on the buffalo for subsistence, and with its demise came their own. Fortunately, the buffalo (scientific name: Bison Bison) survived, and are today no longer endangered in South Dakota. Photo courtesy South Dakota Department of Tourism. 34 • Byways
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Little Big Horn National Historic Battlefield Memorial
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completely dependent on the buffalo for subsistence, and with its demise came their own. Fortunately, the buffalo (scientific name: Bison Bison) survived, and are today no longer endangered. The Sioux have also recovered and participants will learn about their buffalo culture at Kevin Costner’s “Tatanka: Story of the Bison near Deadwood.” Also included is a jeep ride to Custer State Park’s famous buffalo herd -- stars of Shebby Lee Tours’ Buffalo Roundup tour each fall. The trail leads next to the Little Big Horn National Historic Battlefield, site of the famous confrontation between Crazy Horse and Lt. Colonel George Armstrong Custer. Here we’ll gain some special insight into the conflict by hearing the “other side of the story” on a special tour led by a Native American guide Like all Vanishing Trails Expeditions, the Old West Trail features living history, special speakers and events, authentic meals, interpretive centers, historic sites and other activities specifically related to the theme of the tour. These programs allow partici-
Sioux Pow Wow Photo courtesy South Dakota Department of Tourism.
pants to experience first-hand the sites where the pivotal events of the history of the West actually took place. All programs are led by tour directors carefully trained not only in the nuts and bolts of leading a group tour, but in the historical background for every tour. They conduct the onboard discussions, provide necessary information for every stop and activity, and are there to augment the primary interpreters and re-enactors who make the subject come alive. Shebby Lee Tours has been specializing in historic and cultural heritage tours of the Great American West since 1978. Dates for the Old West Trail are June 16-22, 2012. All tours are commissionable to tour operators and travel agencies. For more information on this and other tour opportunities, contact Shebby Lee Tours, PO Box 1032, Rapid City, SD 57709, 800-888-8306, or e-mail: info@shebbyleetours.com. Vist the website at www.shebbyleetours.com.
A cowboy enjoys the beautiful Wyoming view. Photo courtesy WyomingTourism.org.
About the Author: Shebby Lee, CTP is owner of SHEBBY LEE TOURS, Inc. in Rapid City, SD. She is also a proud co-owner of Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) featuring 32 Premiere North American Tour Operators providing Guaranteed Departures Worldwide.
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Deadwood, Wild at Heart
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he discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874 set and gunslingers. Bars, brothels and gaming halls made off one of the last great gold rushes in the country. up this tiny town in the Black Hills of South Dakota that In 1876, miners moved into the northern Black was home to legendary characters like Wild Bill Hickok, Hills. That’s where they came across a gulch full of dead Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock. Not much has changed in Deadwood. It’s still a town trees and a creek full of gold…and Deadwood was born. Practically overnight, the tiny gold camp boomed into wild at heart. Walk in the footsteps of legends at one of a town that played by its own rules that attracted outlaws, gamblers and gunslingers along with the gold seekers. Wild A winner at Deadwood’s Silverado Casino Bill Hickok was one of those men who came looking for fortune. But just a few short weeks after arriving, he was gunned down while holding a poker hand of aces and eights -- forever after known as the Dead Man’s Hand. Calamity Jane also made a name for herself in these parts and is buried next to Hickok in Mount Moriah Cemetery. Other legends, like Potato Creek Johnny, Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen, created their legends and legacies in this tiny Black Hills town. Long before the modern day gaming halls were built, Deadwood was known as a lawless town run by infamous gamblers 38 • Byways
Deadwood in the 1890s
Deadwood’s historic Franklin Hotel
the historic attractions or belly up to the buffet and enjoy a Wild West feast. Today you can play in one of the historic gaming halls of Deadwood. The world-class gaming facilities have 24/7 gaming, $100 bet limits and limitless fun. Play the latest slot or try your luck at one of the live Blackjack, poker and Texas Hold’em tables. At venues like the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex, winners play where players win, and this is clearly one of Deadwood’s Top of the Town Casinos! Stop in to enjoy table games and slots. The entire city of Deadwood is a national historic landmark. In Deadwood you can ponder the truth at the foot of Wild Bill’s grave in Mount Moriah Cemetary, tour the Adams House, pan for gold in the Broken Boot Mine, or take a self-guided walking tour into the past that puts the Wild West into perspective.
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Branson Landing cruises at night.
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Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo in the Fall
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A Century to Celebrate
ranson is a unique place with a uniquely Entertainment Industry The area first gained national prominence in the enterAmerican story. tainment industry in 1954 when Red Foley, a legendary Nestled deep in the Ozark Mountains in southern country singer with 38 top-ten hits, moved to Springfield Missouri, this small community has always had a wel- from Nashville, Tennessee, to host “Ozark Jubilee,” one coming spirit, a tenacity to make it through tough times, of the first successful network television shows. In 1959, Mabe brothers Bob, Bill, Lyle, and Jim began and a deep foundation of faith. These ideals -- coupled performing twice a week in a converted roller skating with a love of craftsmanship and music -- shaped the culrink on the Lake Taneycomo waterfront in downtown ture of the Ozarks and the Branson area. Branson. The brothers combined popular country tunes It was this culture, set against the natural beauty of the with Ozark Mountain music and threw in a dash of comOzarks, that drew the first “tourists” to the Branson edy to entertain audiences. In 1969, the Baldknobbers, as region in the late 1800s, including an author named the brothers called themselves, built a theater on Harold Bell Wright. And it was this culture that so many people around the world became fascinated with after Highway 76, making their act the longest continuously reading Wright’s landmark 1907 novel, “The Shepherd running show in Branson today. In 1963, the Presley family began a music show at The of the Hills.” Underground Theater near Talking Rocks Cavern in Word spread quickly about Branson and the Ozarks. Kimberling City with special guests from “Ozark By 1912, the settlement was bustling with residents and Jubilee.” Presley’s Country Jubilee made history in 1967 visitors, and was officially incorporated as a city. when the family built the first music theater on Hwy. 76. 42 • Byways
A few miles east of Silver Dollar City, Dr. Bruce Trimble and his wife, Mary, began staging an outdoor pageant in 1959 based on the best-selling novel “The Shepherd of the Hills.” The amphitheater was actually located on the site where the models for author Harold Bell Wright’s characters lived. Under Mary, her son Mark and his wife Lea’s direction, the production grew into one of the nation’s most popular outdoor historical dramas. In 1985, Gary Snadon (school teacher and former cast member of the outdoor drama) along with his wife, Pat, purchased the homestead. They added the 230-foot tall inspiration tower in 1989, and in 1990, had the Morgan County Church relocated to the homestead to signify the churches where Wright once preached. Today, the Shepherd of the Hills is the longest-running outdoor drama in the world and boasts a cast of more than 80 actors, dozens of animals, pyrotechnical displays and authentic props and sets. Western music legends, The Sons of the Pioneers, perform in a chuckwagon dinner show on the Homestead grounds. During the 1970s and 1980s, more nationally known entertainers such as Roy Clark, Box Car Willie, Mel Tillis, Jim Stafford and Ray Stevens began performing in Branson. Still the existing family variety shows remained popular as the area welcomed new additions such as the Toby Show, Bob-O-Links Country Hoedown, The Texans and Chisai Child’s Starlite Theater where Japanese fiddle player Shoji Tabuchi debuted. By the late 1980s and early 90s, several national stars established permanent roots in Branson and
Downtown Branson in 1948
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along with local celebrities, built the theaters that literally formed Branson’s live music show foundation.
Elvis at Legends in Concert
malls, condominium and housing developments, service businesses, and healthcare facilities grew proportionally. The City of Branson and Taney County undertook major infrastructure projects in the 1990s to accommoThe Boom, and Recent Developments date the influx of new visitors and residents. Over the When the popular “60 Minutes” TV program came to past 10-plus years, the City has invested more than $40 town in 1991, there were 22 theaters in operation and million in road improvements, making it easy to get many more in various stages of development and construction, such as Andy Williams Moon River Theater around town. and The Grand Palace. When the show aired on December 8, 1991 and proclaimed Branson the “live music capital of the entire universe” it was true, but it was also a turning-point proclamation. Many agree that “60 Minutes” launched Branson into a new era of growth by revealing to the world the wonderful playground of fun and entertainment this small southwest Missouri town had become. Performers, visitors, developers and new residents flocked to see what was going on. Throughout the 1990s, Branson not only saw tremendous growth in the number of theaters, but also the number of hotels, motels, Downtown Branson taken from Mt. Branson. bed & breakfasts, lakeside resorts, restaurants, attractions, shopping 44 • Byways
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The view from Lake Taneycomo to Table Rock Dam.
The Branson Scenic Railroad
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The grand finale of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.
In 2006, the $420 million, 95-acre Branson Landing Hilton Hotel opened. In 2008, Branson’s largest theatre, opened. The award-winning development on Branson's the 3,000-seat Sight and Sound Theatre, opened and Lake Taneycomo waterfront blends retail shopping, din- began staging Biblical theme productions. ing, luxury lodging, river walk, condominiums, a town And in 2009, the new Branson Airport began providing convenient jet service for visitors from across the United States. Jim Stafford welcomes guests to his Branson In the past 100 years, Branson has evolved and grown theater. in many ways. Today, Branson is home to more than 10,000 residents and has become Missouri’s top vacation destination, welcoming about 8 million visitors a year. Branson is now surrounded by three lakes and countless attractions and entertainment options. But in other ways, Branson has remained unchanged since those early days. The unspoiled Ozark Mountain vistas, wilderness and waterways are as breathtaking as Comedian Yakov Smirnoff in Branson
plaza, several marinas and nightlife into a dynamic, waterfront setting. Other recent developments in Branson include the multi-million dollar Titanic Museum Attraction, towering 100’ over the 76 Strip, with a permanent collection of 400 items and offering an interactive experience. In 2007, the new state-of-the art Branson Convention Center and adjoining 12-story 48 • Byways
The Hughes Brothers on stage in Branson.
,ever. The folks who live here still have a rugged and independent spirit, as well as a deep dedication to God, country and family. And visitors still come from great distances to forget their cares for a while. In 2012, Branson turns 100. Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB PO Box 1897 Branson MO 65615 | 1-877-BRANSON ExploreBranson.com
Branson Open for Business Despite Tornado Scare
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t is a reality that an EF-2 Tornado hit Branson during the early morning hours of February 29, severely damaging some of its businesses and residences. However, without minimizing the effect of the tornado on those directly impacted, offering them our sympathy and assisting them in any way possible -- the other realities of the tornado were that there were no fatalities, limited injuries, the vast majority of the businesses and residences were not damaged and Branson’s main economic generator,, its tourism industry, is alive and well. Despite some media reports, Branson is open for business! So please come and enjoy all it has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Showboat Branson Belle
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Vanessa Jennings, Kiowa Native American artist, demonstrates her craft. Photo courtesy TravelOK.com
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Cherokee Nation Provide Group Tours With Exciting Activities
Guest add-ons range from storytelling, syllabary workshop, and basket weaving to traditional Cherokee cuisine, wine tours, and hiking expeditions among others.
rom the spirit of Will Rogers to the remarkable discovery of Sequoyah’s talking leaves, Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma is offering groups a first-hand experience of its thriving culture through a series of interactive cultural tours. Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, was voted one of the Top 100 Best Small Towns in America. Group tours can be built into exciting daytrips, funfilled weekend getaways, or compelling weeklong excursions filled with culture, exploration, food and fun. Hotel accommodations are also available at the awardwinning Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Cherokee Casino Roland and Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs. With four historical tours and dozens of authentic cultural attractions plus recreational activities and nightlife, Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism can create an experience that’s custom-fit to any groups’ needs. 50 • Byways
Special activities for groups to add-on to their trip that can be sold separately or together range from storytelling, genealogy and traditional pottery workshops; language and syllabary workshops; and basket weaving
to traditional Cherokee cuisine; wine tours; and hiking expeditions among others. “Cherokee Nation group tours offer a unique opportunity for family and friends to share in an enjoyable expe-
rience with authentic Cherokee culture and to participate in traditional Cherokee activities,” said Molly Jarvis, vice president of cultural tourism at Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “The many add-ons compliment the tours and provide firsthand knowledge of Cherokee lifeways.” Groups have the option of riding on the Cherokee Nation Osiyo Shuttle or taking their own private Motorcoach, which includes a step-on guide. The four historically authentic cultural group tours feature a widerange of interesting locations and inspiring cultural sites that include: •The Cherokee History Tour with stops at the Cherokee Heritage Center and Museum which houses the Trail of Tears exhibit; the Murrell Home, the only antebellum plantation home left in Oklahoma; Tahlequah, the capital
Cherokee Nation Entertainment and was created in 2007 to preserve and promote the history and culture of the Cherokee people. Efforts by the Cherokee Nation include award winning cultural, specialty and event tours; operation of three Cherokee Nation museums, six Cherokee Nation Gift Shops and two Cherokee Nation Welcome Centers. For more information, please visit http://www.CherokeeTourismOK.com.
About Cherokee Nation Entertainment Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the gaming, hospitality, retail and tourism entity of the Cherokee Nation. Cherokee Nation Entertainment operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
g n i n e p p a H s ’ t Wha
Tulsa, seven Cherokee Casinos, four hotels, two golf courses and many other retail operations in northeastern city of the great Oklahoma. For more information, please visit Cherokee Nation, with visits to the http://www.CherokeeStarRewards.com. Cherokee National Capitol Building, Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum, and Cherokee National Prison Museum; and Northeastern State University’s Seminary About Cherokee Nation The Cherokee Nation is the sovereign operating govHall, formerly the Cherokee Female Seminary and the ernment of the Cherokee people. It is a federally recogfirst institution of higher learning for women west of the nized tribe of more than 300,000 Cherokee citizens, with Mississippi River. its capital located in Tahlequah, OK. • The Will Rogers History Tour celebrates the life and work of Oklahoma’s favorite son and world-famous Cherokee with a visit to the Will Rogers Museum; Rogers’ birthplace, Dog Iron Ranch; historic downtowns of Oologah and Claremore; and the J.M. Davis Arms museum.
• The Civil War History Tour also commemorates the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and features stops at historic Capitol Square in Tahlequah; the Murrell Home; Fort Gibson Historic Site; and Honey Springs Battle site.
In Tahlequah, tucked away in the beautiful foothills of the Ozark Mountains, you’ll find the Cherokee Heritage Center. This outstanding tribute to the Cherokee. Photo courtesy TavelOK.com.
• The Cherokee Old Settler Tour revisits a time before the Cherokee Removal, or the Trail of Tears, when a group of Cherokees willingly relocated to Arkansas beginning in 1808 and then to Indian Territory in 1828. The tour visits Tahlonteeskee Courthouse, Sequoyah’s Cabin State Park, Dwight Mission, and Fort Gibson Historic Site.
Group tour pricing for 10 or more is available. For ticketing and additional information on the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism program, call (877) 779-6977 or visit CherokeeTourismOK.com. Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism is managed by
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UNIVERSAL ORLANDO SETS OPENING FOR NEW SUPERSTAR PARADE AND CINEMATIC SPECTACULAR
Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular
show highlights some of the most fun, dramatic, aweinspiring moments from nearly 200 films – representing approximately 300 Academy Award nominations and 100 Academy Award winners. Narrated by Academy Award-winning actor and Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille honoree Morgan Freeman, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular celebrates niversal Orlando has set a joint grand opening Universal Pictures’ most iconic films. Their most powerdate for two new spectacularly entertaining guest ful moments will be shown in crystal-clear clarity on cutexperiences. The new Universal’s Superstar ting-edge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios Parade and Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 lagoon -- surrounded by colorful, dramatically synchroYears of Movie Memories will have their grand the first nized fountains and pyrotechnics and all against a powerful musical score. The experience will take guests on week in May. an emotional journey through epic cinematic moments Both experiences follow this year’s re-opening of The filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triBlue Man Group Show, the re-launch of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and the opening of the new umph. The new show will run year-round except during Hollywood Drive-In Miniature Golf experience at annual and special events. Universal’s Superstar Parade will offer an entirely Universal Citywalk. They will be followed by this summer’s launch of Universal Orlando’s newest blockbuster new form of interactive entertainment that will give guests and entire families the opportunity to join in the ride – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 100 Years of fun. Some of today’s most beloved characters and stoMovie Memories will present some of the world’s best ries will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal and most popular films in an innovative, high-tech sym- Studios during the parade, an all-new show experience phony of imagery, light, sound and special effects. The that features larger-than-life floats, state-of-the-art tech52 • Byways
Universal’s Superstar Parade Will Be A First-Ever Interactive Entertainment Experience; Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular Dramatically Showcases Powerful, Emotional Moments from Modern Film
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nology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will get to sing and dance along with their favorite characters including the minions from the blockbuster animated feature Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora & Diego. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy performances and character meetand-greets prior to the parade at select locations throughout the day. About Universal Orlando Resort There are many ways to enjoy your Orlando vacation, but there is only one place where vacation becomes adventure: Universal Orlando Resort. It is a unique destination featuring two theme parks, three magnificently themed on-site hotels and a nighttime entertainment complex. It’s the only Orlando destination where you are not just entertained – you become part of the most exhilarating entertainment ever created. You can soar above
Characters from Univesal’s Superstar Parade
Hogwarts with Harry Potter, swing above the streets with Spider-Man, battle aliens alongside Agent J, and help Shrek save Princess Fiona in Shrek 4-D. Coming this summer: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
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VIA Rail's Canada Packages
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Nova Scotia, Courtesy Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture & Heritage.
he weather is warming up which means traces of winter are beginning to fade; flowers are starting to blossom and it’s time for travelers to start thinking about their next train trip! VIA Rail Canada lets travelers see the beauty of Canada this spring with a variety of train packages – highlighting Canada’s Atlantic seaside towns, French-Canadian culture and historic lakes throughout the country’s landscape.
Quebec to the Maritimes Discover the cultural wonders of the cosmopolitan city of Montreal and enjoy a sightseeing tour through the old world charm of Quebec City. Continue your journey on VIA Rail’s Ocean. Travelers will indulge in the marvelous scenery of Canada’s Maritime Provinces along their overnight journey to Halifax. Upon arriving in Halifax, you’ll dive right into this historic city founded in 1749. Enjoy tours of the historic Fort George, known as Citadel Hill, or the largest forested park on 54 • Byways
the Halifax peninsula with commanding views of Canada’s Atlantic coast, Point Pleasant Park. This six day package concludes after your exploration of Halifax. Passengers can book now, for travel datesbe-
A VIA train at the station in London, Ontario.
journey stretches through the five eastern cities of Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. This package highlights a wide array of city touring from Toronto’s urban center to the natural wonders of Niagara Falls. Explore French-Canadian culture in the capital city of Ottawa and French-speaking metropolises of Montreal and Quebec City. Starting at US$798 per person based on double occupancy, passengers can book now and it is available seven days a week departing from Toronto.
A Thousand Island Cruise On VIA Rail’s Corridor route, explore the historic meeting point where the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario intersect. This one to two-night package includes a round trip on VIA Rail from Toronto; a cruise along the sceMontreal, Quebec, Photo courtesy Caroline West nic Thousand Islands; and a trolley tour of the historic town of Kingston. Starting in May, ginning June 1st. Prices start at US$1,355 based on dou- rates start at US$255 based on double occupancy. ble occupancy. For a full list of VIA Rail’s current train packages, and terms and conditions please visit: Gems of Eastern Canada http://www.trainpackages.ca/en/home This ten-night package allows you to take in all that . Eastern Canada has to offer in its urban city life. The
A concert in Ottawa, Ontario. Courtesy Ottawa Tourism.
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Victoria’s famous Empress Hotel.
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Celebrate Victoria’s 150th Birthday
BC’s capital city plans parades, concerts and special events to mark its big year by Suzanne Morphet he’s 150 this year and more beautiful and vibrant than ever. Some have even called her sexy. Residents and visitors alike are celebrating Victoria, capital city of British Columbia and tea-drinking capital of Canada – at least we like to think so! Event organizers have been working hard to make sure we remember her with fun activities throughout 2012. Annual events like the Victoria Day parade in May will be bigger and better than ever. There’ll be marching bands from all over the Pacific Northwest, clowns and lots of floats. Bring a chair for three hours of non-stop entertainment. On Aug. 2 there’s a public ceremony with speeches by dignitaries – sounds like a chance to wear your fascinator, gals – followed by an outdoor party for everyone, with music, performances, activities for the kids, and a big, big birthday cake. And this year at Symphony Splash (first week in in August) – the not-to-be-missed outdoor con56 • Byways
cert where everyone gathers around the Inner Harbour – the Victoria Symphony will include music and instruments from our past. But the event I’m most looking forward to is the fortbuilding contest in old Bastion Square (date to be announced). This is where – and how – Victoria started, as Fort Victoria, a Hudson’s Bay Company outpost named for the queen of the day. Who would have guessed a fort would grow into one of Canada’s most picturesque and cosmopolitan cities? Victoria is the capital of British Columbia.
Byways is published bi-monthly by Byways, Inc. and distributed electronically throughout North America. Byways is emailed to more than 4000 tour operators and 20,000 travel agencies through the internet. Subscriptions are complimentary. An iPad version is available for consumers in iTunes and Newsstand in the App Store. Byways’ distribution includes motorcoach companies, tour operators, travel agents, bank travel managers, school band and athletic planners, and meeting planners. For advertising rates, editorial deadlines, or to place advertising insertions, contact: Byways Magazine, 42 Cabin Hill Lane, Mount Jackson, VA 22842. Telephone 540-477-3202. Fax 540-477-3858. Toll-free 800-469-0062. ©Copyright 2012 by Byways, Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be duplicated in any form without express written permission of the publisher. Editor and Publisher Stephen M. Kirchner
Advertising Director 1.800.469.0062 • 540.477.3202 • Fax 540.477.3858
Internet: bywaysmagazine.com byways@motorcoach.com
Advertisers Index
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16 5 62 23 9 39 16 31 30 8 37 47 22 45 6 53 22 17 17 6 6 8 2
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