Southwest Airlines Announces New, Daily Nonstop Flights Between Chicago and Branson

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) recently announced that they will add a 79th destination to its route map with service to Branson beginning on March 9, 2013, with daily nonstop service to and from Chicago. From star-studded performances at live music shows, to endless fun at 1880s-inspired theme park Silver Dollar City, to majestic beauty at three pristine lakes, to nationally ranked golf courses and premiere museums, shopping, spas and dining, Branson, Missouri is one of the hottest vacation destinations in the United States. Incorporated as a city in 1912, the entertainment mecca is celebrating its 100th year. With this one-of-a-kind experience just over an hour away, it is an ideal family-friendly Midwestern destination.

Featuring world-class entertainment, Branson boasts 50 theaters with more than 64,000 seats, which is 22% more than Broadway! Branson’s thriving entertainment scene includes over 100 live productions at any given time, including magicians, rock 'n' roll, country, family harmonies, comedy, variety, bluegrass, dinner shows, gospel, celebrity impersonators, and well-known performers starring in limited engagements.

Branson features over two dozen museums and attractions including the Titanic Museum (holding one of the largest, permanent exhibits of Titanic artifacts), Silver Dollar City (soon home to the $10 million Outlaw Run, the world’s steepest and most daring wooden roller coaster, opening Spring 2013), the World’s Largest Antique Toy Museum, Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, Hollywood Wax Museum, Gone With The Wind Museum, numerous miniature golf courses, zip lines, go-karts courses and water parks.

A holiday gem, Branson ignites with festive spirit starting November 1 with the 24th Annual Ozark Mountain Christmas. Branson transforms into a winter wonderland featuring spectacular lighting displays and over 85 shows celebrating the season. Silver Dollar City, called “The most illuminated park on earth” by the Travel Channel and “One of the most sparkly, lively holiday celebrations anywhere” by Midwest Living, is decorated with over 4 million lights and features an array of festivities during its An Old Time Christmas event from November 3 through December 30.

One of the many reasons to come to Branson is the shopping. A delightful array of shopping options are available in Branson including upscale boutiques, Ozark-themed shops, art galleries, outlet malls, the new Branson Landing, and the historic downtown shopping district. At Silver Dollar City, artisans create custom-made pottery, jewelry, home furnishings, colorful blown glass and other treasures.

Branson features 4-star diamond hotels including the Chateau On The Lake Resort, as well as cabins, bed and breakfasts, motels, condos, houseboats and nearly 30 campgrounds and RV parks. Whether guests prefer the picturesque view from a resort on Table Rock Lake or choose to stay in the midst of the excitement on world famous Highway 76, there are countless lodging options to suit a variety of budgets and tastes.

Golf Magazine’s Annual Top 100 U.S. Courses featured three courses in Branson. There are golf pros to help perfect your swing, par-3 courses to 18-hole championship courses and some of the best pro shops in the Midwest.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Branson offers hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting, spelunking, rock climbing and other recreational activities. Beautiful public parks, beaches, resorts, campgrounds, forests and recreational facilities abound. The Branson Lakes Area features more than 200 miles of trails through the pristine Ozark wilderness. Branson’s breath-taking three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake feature great fishing and a variety of water sports for the whole family. Catch bass, trout, catfish, or walleye or rent a fishing boat, ski boat, or a house boat from which you can watch the sunset over the Ozarks at the end of the day.

From buffets to waterfront gourmet restaurants to scenic dinner cruises on the Showboat Branson Belle, Branson offers hundreds of dining options. It's a lot of fun to eat in Branson, even if you just want coffee or a cone from famous Andy’s Custard for the kids. Missouri has a rich, 150-year history of producing world-class wines, and wine-lovers visiting Branson should plan to have a tasting at one of the area's award-winning wineries.

America's most veteran-friendly town, Branson salutes veterans and active-duty armed forces year-round. Their service, commitment and ultimate sacrifice is honored with multiple special events, warm welcomes and VIP treatment. Male and female veterans and active duty personnel from all military branches and from all wars, conflicts and peacetime service are appreciated in the Branson/Lakes Area every day of the year.

Travel to and from Branson is easier than ever. The stunning new Branson Airport, which opened in 2009, is just 10 miles south of the world-famous Branson Strip. The airport and 58,000-square foot terminal have the capacity to handle more than 1 million enplanements annually. With the introduction of Southwest Airlines flights from Chicago and other Midwest hubs, visitors can expect hour-or-less flights and stress-free service at the lodge-style airport, which immediately evokes the feeling of being on vacation. Departing planes receive the “Branson Wave” from airport staff, in the friendliest sendoff in America.