Karen’s Opinion

Are you getting bored this summer? Would you like to take a family vacation that will take you back to the simple times? Visiting Branson is a fun way to enjoy spectacular shows like Presleys’ Country Jubilee. The Jubilee slapstick will have you laughing so hard, your sides will hurt. Folks, this is great family entertainment from the downright hilarious skits to the gospel influence.

Speaking of gospel entertainment, the 1st Annual Branson Gospel Music Convention, is coming to Branson July 14 to 17. The convention will be held at the Branson Convention Center, which is adjacent to the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. Groups featured include The Blackwood Quartet, The Chuck Wagon Gang, Florida Boys, The Stamps, and The Paynes.

Perhaps golfing is your idea of relaxing vacation. You will be thrilled with the Payne Stewart Golf Course. The course is built with the features that exemplified Payne Stewart’s sense of humor, style and experiences. The course incorporates natural rock outcroppings, waterfalls and creeks and wooded areas into the design features. Widely known for his wardrobe of traditional golf knickers or plus fours and a tam o’ shanter cap, Payne Stewart was a champion and one of Missouri’s own. Tragically, his life was cut short when at the age of 42, Payne Stewart was killed in a plane crash.

A stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing will be one of pure enjoyment. You will be pampered and feel rested from your visits to shopping areas, nature hikes and the like. Let Branson be your vacation spot.

Imagine yourself wearing shorts, drinking pina coladas, reading your favorite book and soaking up some sun. Does that sound like something you wish you could do? Well, you can stop wishing and make a visit to Kissimmee, Florida a reality when you sign up to win during the Kissimmee Freedom to Enjoy sweepstakes.

Any day of the year is a good day when you are in Kissimmee! Located just south of Orlando, you can be as busy as you want to be. You can spend your days at various theme parks or relax and enjoy the tranquility of a beautiful beach. Your choice of places to stay is as varied as the things to do once you get to Kissimmee. You may choose a rented vacation home where you can enjoy all the comforts of home or choose my favorite travel destination, a hotel with rooms set up as suites. I like having my bed made for me but the option to cook if I feel like doing so. The choices for vacation destinations in Kissimmee are so many, you might have trouble deciding which one is best for you!

Check out the Freedom to Enjoy sweepstakes to sign up for your chance to win. Drawings will be held on or around 6/1/09.