Between stunning natural resources, affordable shopping, and a delightful dining scene, the Branson area has a lot to offer. However, Branson is an entertainer’s town first and foremost. From star-studded concert lineups to towering billboards, driving along Branson’s main drag sometimes includes celebrity sightings. Read on to familiarize yourself with a few famous people who have spent time in Branson. If you’re lucky, you might spy one or two yourself during your next trip to this entertainment paradise.
Famous People Who Have Spent Time in Branson
Singing Sensations
Country Stars
Branson’s down-home spirit attracts some of the most widely-known country entertainers. Past country performers include Wynonna Judd, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Mathis, and the Oak Ridge Boys. However, perhaps the most popular country-adjacent show in Branson is the brainchild of country sensation Dolly Parton. After decades in business, Dolly Parton’s Stampede continues to draw huge crowds for an extraordinary dinner show featuring 32 horses and a cast of top-notch trick riders. The show includes a hearty country-style dinner, live music, and dazzling special effects. Guests will also enjoy a final serenade that’s been written and recorded by Parton herself. It’s an entertainment experience unlike any other.
Dino Kartsonakis
If you’re a fan of classical music, you’ve likely heard of Dino Kartsonakis and his unique piano stylings. Known as “America’s Greatest Piano Showman,” Kartsonakis tinkles the ivories with a regular Branson show. The show takes guests on an international musical adventure, combining the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas strip with Branson’s personable charm. However, for many Branson natives, the name “Dino Kartsonakis” means a lot more than flashy piano skills. Surprisingly enough, Kartsonakis is also known as the carrot cake king of the Ozarks. See for yourself at Dino’s Cake & Coffee Co., a cafe on Branson’s Main Street serving whole cakes, cake by the slice, scrumptious baked goods, and freshly roasted coffee. Dino and his wife, Cheryl, opened the bakery in 2007.
Professional Athletes
Some of the most widely recognized athletes of all time come from the Branson area. Take, for example, the late World Golf Hall of Fame member Payne Stewart, who was born in the Ozarks. Although Stewart passed away in 1999, his legacy lives on within the Branson golf scene. In fact, legendary golfer and PGA tour winner Tiger Woods recently announced plans for Payne’s Valley, the first public-access golf course designed by TGR Designs, a golf course design company owned by Woods. The course, which will open this year, will feature a variety of pristine water features and a spectacularly scenic nineteenth hole. If you’d rather kick back and watch the pros play, Big Cedar Lodge hosts the annual PGA Tour Legends of Golf tournament every year. The tournament is an exciting way to meet and greet some of the most recognizable famous people who have spent time in Branson.
Other Entertainers
Barry Williams
Table Rock Lake is one of Branson’s most popular attractions for tourists, but did you know it’s also a hit with visiting celebrities? The next time you’re enjoying a relaxing day on the water, keep an eye out for Greg Brady. Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady in The Brady Bunch, is a Table Rock Lake devotee. He discovered the Branson gem during production of his variety show, which ran for six years on the bustling Branson strip. Although the show’s run has ended, you might still be able to score a photo with Greg Brady: Williams still lives in the Branson area and spends free time on the lake. Williams is just one example of the many famous people who have spent time in Branson and decided to stick around to enjoy the area’s breathtaking natural resources.
Paul Henning
Ozarkians know not to take themselves too seriously – which is why residents and visitors can enjoy a bit of hillbilly-themed fun now and again. Paul Henning, the creator of The Beverly Hillbillies, enjoyed that culture so much that he set several episodes of the show in the Branson area. Henning continued to pay tribute to the Branson area long after the cameras stopped rolling, donating more than 1,500 acres for use as a conservation area. Henning also donated the Clampett family’s modified 1921 Oldsmobile truck to the College of the Ozarks. You can see the truck for yourself at the Ralph Foster Museum.
Celebrity Tribute Artists
Some of the most recognizable famous people who have spent time in Branson aren’t celebrities at all – they’re highly skilled celebrity impersonators and tribute artists. The Branson area is home to an incredible array of tribute artists honoring favorites like Elvis Presley, George Strait, Neil Diamond, and Patsy Cline. Branson is also home to several group tributes paying homage to The Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, ABBA, and more.
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From Dolly Parton to Tiger Woods, there are plenty of famous people who have spent time in Branson. If you’re planning a trip to Branson to see for yourself, make sure to reach out to Branson Vacation Rentals when you’re ready to book your lodging.
At Branson Vacation Rentals, we have a variety of accommodations available. Our selection of beautiful cabins and condos are great for family gatherings, business groups, and romantic getaways. And as a family business, we strive to make your stay as comfortable and accommodating as possible. Our rentals offer any-day check-in, free WiFi, and beautiful wooded views. For booking information and details about availability and amenities, please call 417-832-9991 or visit our website. Let Branson Vacation Rentals set you up in style.