Happy Trails Tours
Happy Trail Tours
PO Box 432, Forbes, Minnesota 55738
email: [email protected]
(218) 744-4159

Toll Free at 1-800-635-7779
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Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas

November 15-21, 2022

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                                                    Things to Know Before You Go on Branson Tour - November 15-21,2022
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​The Coach/ Escort & Driver: The bus is being chartered through TROBEC BUS CO. The coach has 56 comfortable seats that recline. The bus also has a restroom on board, TV sets with a VCR/DVD player, microphone, and adjustable footrests. We love to play movies on board, tell stories, play a few games and have snacks! (We love treats!)  Folks are welcome to bring snacks on board, too.  We stop every 2-3 hours.
How to Pack: The tour is completely casual. Dress comfortably with good walking shoes. Pack along a fall/winter jacket. Pack a camera and/or video camera. Still shots are allowed in the theaters…but videos of any kind are not.
Seat Rotation:   We do not rotate seats. We used to try to preset seating but it's getting more and more difficult to promise any particular seat. Please let us know in advance if you have any special needs and we'll do our best to accommodate ~ But cannot promise. We practice all CDC guidelines for motorcoach travel.
Hotels /Smoking/ Non-smoking: The hotels where we are staying are 3+*. Read your day-by-days to learn the specifics on each property. All the rooms are non-smoking. Most hotel properties are all non-smoking. Please don’t smoke in them. Penalty charges WILL apply. We stop every 2 ½ -3 hours for quick breaks, comfort stops or meals along the way.
Special Needs / Perfumes/ Fragrances: Kindly refrain from using strong perfumes/ fragrant colognes while traveling on this tour. So many folks have allergies to the chemicals in them and may become sick while traveling. Thank you very much for this consideration.  Please let us know if you any special needs such as; allergies, motion sickness, medical concerns, or physical disabilities that may affect walking or climbing stairs. We have several hotel rooms in Branson that offer handicapped bars in the bathroom, roll in shower and two beds. Let us know if you need one. They are reserved on a first-come, first served basis. Unfortunately, we cannot promise these rooms.
Tipping: Tips for included meals, luggage handling and city tour guide is included in this package. Tips for your bus driver and Happy Trails Tour guide is not included and may be done at your own discretion at the end of the tour.
Weather: The weather should be warm and very nice, however, we‘ve seen it SNOW in Branson this time of year (Though that‘s rare…we’ve also seen it get as hot as 80 degrees!)  Normal temps are between 55-65. With the high elevation, we recommend layering your clothing since mornings and evening can be cool and afternoons can be warmer.
Weather Conditions: In 2007 when we were on a Branson Christmas tour, a blizzard swept through the Midwest and paralyzed the entire region from Kansas City to Northern Minnesota. It caused us to have to spend one more night in Branson (where it was 65 degrees and sunny!). The following day, we traveled home with only wet roads to contend with and everyone stayed safe. We tell you about this because it can happen again. (Hopefully it won’t). One more piece of information….You are financially responsible for the added expense if this should happen. Actually, we had a wonderful “extra” day in Branson and everyone was happy. We took in another show, ate at another nice restaurant but most of all…we were safe and warm.
NOTE: Travel Insurance helped pick up the cost of this added expense for our travelers who purchased the insurance.
Changes on your Itinerary:
We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling.  Thank you for your understanding. If a change of hotel, restaurant or an attraction occurs, we’ll try to replace it with one of equal value or better if at all possible. As always… we’ll inform you of any changes as we learn of them, themselves.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is available to help defray monies lost due to illness, family emergencies, trip interruption, due to cancellation. It can offer peace of mind and financial security and protect your tour investment.  Call our office for further information.
 
Happy Trails Disclaimer: Happy Trails Tours acts only as an agent for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, theater, or other services connected with this tour.  Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Happy Trails Tours, INC and their respective employees, agents, representatives accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other default of any company or person in performing these services.  Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of country in which they are provided.  Happy Trails Tours INC is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours/trips arranged by Happy Trails Tours. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects.
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​                                                                                       Nov 15th -Tuesday - Day 1
This tour includes boarding in towns throughout the state of MN with our bus charter company, Trobecs of St Stephens, MN.
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Northeast Minnesota:  _____5:15 am-Grand Rapids IM Hotel -1702 S Pokegama            ______6:00 am-Hibbing Hampton Inn  4225 9th Ave West
                                     _____6:30 am-Virginia Village Inn - 1500 13th ST                         ______6:45 am-Eveleth Super Eight 1080 Industrial Park
7:45-8:45- Arrive to Duluth Perkins Miller Hill Mall Restaurant for breakfast, paying on own.
                                     _____8:30 am - Duluth PERKINS Miller Hill Mall          The coach departs at 8:45 am from Duluth.                                                                                 _____9:15 am - Barnum Mini-Mart – 3694 Main Street                  ______10:30 am- North Branch McDonalds
Central Minnesota:       ___8:45 am - Baxter- Walmart-McDonalds @ 7295 Glory Road - # 218-829-5510
                                     ____10:00 am - Sartell, AmericInn - 19 Le Sauk Drive - # 320-259-0877
                                    Our friends from Central MN will meet the Happy Trails group in Burnsville.
Twin Cities:                 _____11:30 am - Meet at Burnsville Mall - APPLEBEES Entrance  This is an estimated time for shuttle & coach to arrive.. 
11:30 am- Lunch break will be at the Burnsville Mall
                                                      This stop offers a good variety of restaurants to choose from...Panera Bread, Food Court on lower level, Applebees and more.
 1:00 pm- Re-board the coach and continue on to Des Moines, Iowa.
 2:30 pm- A mid-afternoon coffee and comfort stop will be made at the MN / IA boarder at the "Top of Iowa"
                                                      We'll stay here about 1/2 hour and then we'll continue on our way.
 5:45 pm- Estimated arrival to:  Drury Inn  5505 Mills Civic Parkway, Des Moines, IA                                  # 515-457-9500            
               Tonight is at your leisure. This hotel offers hot & cold buffet between 5:30-7:00 pm with complimentary cocktails. There are also restaurants                  within walking distance. This property is beautiful! It offers coffeemakers in the rooms, hairdryer, irons & boards, free hot and cold                                beverages in the lobby, indoor / outdoor heated pool and a fitness center.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Light Dinner Included
                                                                                 Nov 16th -Wednesday- Day 2
6:30 am- Full breakfast included, at the hotel before we depart for Branson.   6:30 am- Set your luggage outside your door for the porter.
7:30 am- The coach departs Des Moines for Branson, MO.  A mid-morning stop will made as well as a lunch stop en-route. 
               This day is dedicated to traveling south to Branson, Missouri. We'll make comfort stops every 2 1/2 - 3 hours.
3:30 pm- Estimated arrival to: The Radisson Hotel Branson - 120 South Wildwood Dr., Branson, MO  65616      # 417-335-5767
                We’ll settle into this wonderful property for the next four nights. It offers a wonderful restaurant on site, pool and whirlpool, free Wi-Fi and                       two beds in the rooms along with a coffee maker, irons and ironing boards and hairdryer.
5:00 pm- A nice Dinner is included tonight is at our hotel- MENU:  Plated – Baked Chicken/Roast Beef, salad, red potatoes, veggie, rolls & dessert
7:15 am- Begin our way to the Mansion Theater to see the Oakridge Boys Christmas Show!
               The Oak Ridge Boys return to Branson, bringing their huge catalog of hit country, pop, and gospel songs! With phenomenal harmonies                       and an amazing career that's spanned several decades, they've more than earned the incredible love and respect they get from both fans                   and industry folks alike. Settle in for an amazing evening to kick off our 1st night in Branson.
                                                                                                                                                                              Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
                                                                                      Nov 17th- Thursday - Day 3
  7:00 – 9:00 am Enjoy Breakfast served at the hotel.          Early to mid-morning open.   
10:30 am- Board the coach and travel to the Imax Branson Entertainment Complex where shops (A great fudge shop) along with other fun attractions                 are located. Your lunch is included here which is why we will arrive a little earlier so you have time to explore on your own.
11:30 am- Lunch, included, at McFarlains Restaurant. Several plated options to pick from.
   1:00 pm- Travel to the Welk Theater.
   2:00 pm- Take your seats for the Danny O Donnell Show!  
                Everyone loves Danny’s show. Last year it did not include Christmas songs, but he may change it up for the new year. You will hear many                    fabulous Christmas songs at the other theaters. Another note: you will have ample time to shop after his show. The WelkTheater has a                        lovely gift shop. We will be eating our dinner right here at the Welk Theater.
 5:00 pm- Buffet Dinner at the Cantina Restaurant.
 6:30 pm- Board the coach and begin our journey to the next theater…. The Kings Castle. 
 8:00 pm- Take your seats for Branson’s Christmas Wonderland Show
                This is one of Branson's largest holiday Christmas show celebrations with a dazzlingvariety of singers, dancers, and performers at this                        beloved holiday show, Branson's Christmas Wonderland! Take a break from the hectic holiday season and enjoy a show that is sure to put                  you in the spirit. Full of red and white costumes and sparkles galore, this show will amaze you as performers spread yuletide fever. This                      show will play all of your favorite seasonal tunes including, 'Happy Holidays', 'I'll Be Home for Christmas,' 'The First Noel,' and more with                      dancing girls straight from the North Pole!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
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                                                                                         Nov 18th - Friday- Day 4
7:00 -9:00 am- Breakfast is served at the Inn.  Help yourselves.
9:00 am-11 am - Board the coach and we'll make our way through the Ozark Mountains with our good friend and tour guide, Omar Gibson.  Our                      tour will include a stop Point Royal overlook, Lake Taney Como and a drive over the dam along with stories and the history of beautiful                       Ozark Mountains. We'll also make time for a drive through the College of the Ozarks making time to pick up one of their delicious home-                        made Fruitcakes. 
11:15 am- Our tour will end at the Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks. This is where you will have your lunch.
               The menu is fabulous sit-down meal of duet plate of roasted pork loin and chicken breast with vegetable, starch, dessert and beverage. (All                 homemade by the students.)
1:15 pm- Begin our way by motor coach for Yakov’s Theater for his 2 pm matinee.
               Yakov Smirnoff, the Famous Russian Comedian: Yakov returns to Branson for limited show dates in 2021! Fresh from touring the                           world and with plenty of new material from politics Yakov says, "It's time to Make America Laugh Again!" (And he's not 'Putin' you on!).                         Celebrate America withYakov. When Yakov says, "What A Country!" You'll feel like standing and cheering for the Red, White, and Blue! 
4:30 pm- Let's board the coach and travel to our next exciting venue.
              After our show, we will travel to the Branson’s Craft Mall where they offer a nice place to get dinner. We may even be able to enjoy a    little                music if they have someone coming in that night performing on stage while we eat. The big thing here is all the cool crafts that everyone                      likes to browse and shop for. Dinner is included at the Pickin’ Porch Café.
7:00 pm- Board the coach and travel to the Dutton Theater for a delightful show.
8:00 pm – Curtain Call for the fabulous Dutton Family Christmas. NBC's "America's Got Talent" Finalists... You are in for a treat! This family is so                    talented that they've become known as "Branson's Premier Music Variety Show".                                Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
 
                                                                                       Nov 19th-Saturday - Day 5
  7:00 – 9:00 am Enjoy Breakfast served at the hotel. Early to mid-morning open.   
10:15 am- Board the coach and travel to the boat dock for our 12 pm – Luncheon Cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle.
              Showboat Branson Belle Main Show Experience. Set sail for adventure on the open waters of Table Rock Lake with live music, dancing,                      comedy, magic, a meal and more! Join the Showboat's master of ceremonies as he presents the newest sensation in live stage                                    performance. You can select your menu at the time of seating.
2:00-5:00 pm- The afternoon is wide open to explore or relax as per your own agenda.
              Here’s an opportunity to visit Old Downtown or Branson Landing
5:30 pm- Dinner, included at the Grand Country Buffet
7:00 am- Travel to the Mansion Theater for our last fabulous performance in Branson…. Bellamy Brothers.
              The Bellamy Brothers are an American pop and country music duo consisting of brothers David Milton Bellamy and Homer Howard Bellamy,                from Darby,   Florida. The duo had considerable musical success in the 1970s and 1980s, starting with the release of their crossover hit "Let                Your Love Flow" in 1976, a number one single on the Billboard Hot 10. You will enjoy this show very much!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
 
                                                                                         Nov 20th-Sunday- Day 6
7:30 am- 8:30 am - Enjoy Breakfast.   7:30 am - Set your luggage outside your door for the porter.
8:30 am- We'll say good-bye to Branson, MO.
            We’ll make stops along the way as we wind our way northward toward Des Moines -back to the beautiful Drury Inn.
6:00 pm- Estimated arrival to Drury Inn  5505 Mills Civic Parkway, Des Moines, IA        # 515-457-9500 
                  Tonight is at your leisure. Again....the hotel offers hot & cold buffet between 5:30-7:00 pm with complimentary cocktails. There are also       restaurants within walking distance. This property is beautiful! It offers coffeemakers in the rooms, hairdryer, irons & boards, free hot and      cold beverages in the lobby, indoor / outdoor heated pool and a fitness center.                                    
 
                                                                                                                                                                                  Breakfast / Light Dinner Included
 
                                                                                               Nov 21st Monday- Day 7
 7:00 - 8:00 am- Enjoy a full hot Breakfast at the Drury Inn-  7 am - Set your luggage outside your door for the porter.
 8:00 am- Board the coach and we'll begin our journey back to the Minnesota Northland.
                  On our way.... we'll make a stop at the Russell Stover’s Candy Outlet Store. “Life really is like a box of chocolates”. 
 1:00 PM- Arrive to Burnsville Mall - Get our lunch here while they switch everything over to the other coach. 
  2:00 pm- Estimated departure time from Burnsville.  Estimated arrivals to the various towns are as follows;
 
Central MN:  4:00 pm- Sartell; 4:45 pm- Little Falls; 5:15 pm- Baxter
Northeast:    3:30 pm-No Branch;  4:30 pm- Barnum; 5:00 pm – Duluth; 7:00 pm-  Eveleth; 7:15 pm- Virginia;  7:45 pm- Hibbing; 8:30 pm-Gr Rapids.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Breakfast Included
 
                                                                   Basic Information About the Branson Ozark Mountain Tour

Reservations: Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservation is held without a financial deposit made. Reservations may be released if final payments are not received by the date specified.
Dress Code & How to Pack: The tour is comfortable and casual. The most important thing is to be relaxed and enjoy yourself. It can get chilly in the Ozark mountains in the early mornings and evenings so plan on layering clothing as you need it. Wear comfortable shoes, bring an umbrella and a raincoat. Don’t forget your camera and battery charger. Bring a fall jacket. For some, you may wish to bring a swimming suit for hotels with pools.
Meals: The meals we include offer limited menu options, some plated and some buffets. On the 1st and last night of the tour, the Drury Inn offers a light cocktails/dinner reception from 5:30-7 pm.
Hotels: The hotels we are using are the Drury Inns and the Radisson Hotel in Branson. All hotels offer elevators, free Wi-Fi and the Drury has an indoor.  They also offer two queen or double beds. Though they offer two per room, couples may find they have one King bed. Be sure to let us know if you need TWO.
Fully Guided with Professional Drivers and Escorts: Our tour managers are very personable and will greet each of you as they take great care in operating a well-organized tour. Our drivers are professional and very experienced.
Luggage: Pack one suitcase each. This suitcase is delivered each night to your rooms by the porter. (Tips are included so no need to tip them more). You may bring a carry-on bag, as well, on board. Carry-on bags are handled by yourself. Do not make them heavier than what you can carrry.
The Coach: The coach is a beautiful 56 passenger motorcoach with reclining seats, big windows, restroom, TV’, CD &  DVD and chartered through Trobec’s Bus Company, St Stephens. It has seatbelts, foot-rests, cup holders and spacious leg room. It also has a restroom, microphone. Wi-Fi & 110 outlets are also offered.  You will need to be able to climb about 6 steps to get inside.
SEATING: We will prearrange all seating prior to boarding.  We do not rotate seats so you will keep the seat you have throughout the tour. If you have a special need for seating, kindly let us know in advance. If the coach is full, we will assign seats according to physical need and the date of registration. Look for a “sign” with your name on your seat. We will announce your seat location prior to departure.
Comfort Stops: We stop every 2 - 3 hours for breaks.  PLEASE NOTE:  Sometimes we end up on a stretch of road that may prevent us from stopping exactly at 2.5 or 3 hours. We do our best to accommodate but remember…there’s also a restroom on board IF you need it. Thank you for your understanding.
Itinerary and Timing:  We try our best to stay on the schedule set. We need you to do your part, as well. If you know you need more time to get to the coach, please adjust your schedule to accommodate the time set. This will help us all stay on schedule. Sometimes we have NO control over the estimated time we arrive to a destination. It may have to do with traffic due to heavy congestion on the 76 Strip in Branson or weather could play a part in our timing. Construction  can also play a part in our timing. But the most important thing we can control is “our personal timing”. Thank you in advance for your respect in that. With such a full coach, it’s very important to to be prompt. Late coaches are not very popular with those who are expecting to receive us on the other end and can cause the driver and tour manager a bit of anxiety. Thank you so very much for your attention to this!
Pace Yourself! This is a very full itinerary and we’ve allowed opportunities to pace yourself, should you need to slow it down a bit.
Shuttles : Sometimes, if an area where we promised a boarding location falls short in numbers, we may have to offer a small shuttle vehicle to help save costs or have you meet at a location along our route. We'd rather run a shuttle than totally cancel the convenience of a ride for folks for this tour. We hope you'll understand. Occassionally we offer smaller shuttle vehicles. By smaller vehicle such as a car or SUV. The shuttle we generally run are a mini-coach.
Special Needs: Be sure to let us know of any special needs...such as diet, walking, stairs, allergies or motion sickness, etc…. If you use a wheelchair, walker (one with a seat is best) or a scooter, please let us know.  Please refrain from using strong cologns or perfumes while on board the coach. So many folks have allergies and we want everyone comfortable while traveling.  Diabetics are encouraged to bring along some little snacks as we cannot always promise meal breaks on schedule though we do our best.
Tipping: The tour includes tips for luggage handling, meals and step-on-guides while touring Branson.  Tips are not included for your driver & on board travel host or meals that you pay for on your own. Thank you for your consideration.
Schedule Changes:  We reserve the right to adjust this schedule for the benefit of all traveling. Sometimes changes occur beyond our control. If a change occurs, we’ll replace it something of equal value. We have no control over any of the attractions listed in this flyer nor can we control hotels, tour companies (other than our own); restaurants, visitor centers, museums, etc…
 
Disclaimer: Happy Trails Tours acts only as an agent for the various independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, theater, or other services connected with this tour.  Such services are subject to the terms and conditions of those suppliers. Happy Trails Tours, INC and their respective employees, agents, representatives accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other default of any company or person in performing these services.  Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws or other causes. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of country in which they are provided.  Happy Trails Tours INC is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in the tours/trips arranged by Happy Trails Tours. Individual travelers are responsible for purchasing a travel insurance policy, if desired, that will cover some of the expenses associated with the loss of luggage or personal effects. Fear of Travel due to Covid is not a covered reason to cancel this tour.
Happy Trail Tours | PO Box 55 Virginia, Mn 55792 | (218) 744-4159 | toll free (800) 635-7779 | Email us 
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