Injun Joe here making up for lost time with my first Christmas visit and second visit in the same year (a first for me), after a very long hiatus (see my last post, a trip review from June). So I arrived shortly after the 1pm open on Dec 8th, a frigid but dry day. I believe it was well below freezing from open to close, the train was open but the tram from the lot was more than enough wind in the face for me. That's ok, I was here for the other stuff.
First stop: the leather goods store for the exact hat I was looking for, at a very reasonable price too! Next off to the Dickens show.
Wonderful! A standing o from a very near full house. Next, I headed towards the J-j-jimmy Stewart show. But first I wondered into the Christmas tree ornament sales building. This was awesome. It was very crowded and I didn't have the time to peruse all the trees carefully, but I found some cool ornaments for my Texan sister from a western tree, and an exquisite nativity carving in a branch. Plus some Santa earrings for my niece. I downed a tasty hot dog and quickly chilled fries outside the Hall and then headed inside.
I'd never been in the Heritage Hall. It appears to be a little more flexible than the more luxurious opera house. Once again, another nearly full house. This production was also well received. I enjoyed the slightly abstract set and the moving ending, but liked the Christmas Carol just a bit more, this time anyway. I'd gladly watch both again.
Afterwards, I wandered a bit heading to the square looking at the now lit lights, which were amazing. I missed the tree lighting, but got some pictures and headed down to the Outfitters for a knife for my nephew. Time was flying by and I decided to forego the saloon show for another time and instead catch the last nativity show (I don't recall the proper name). I tried a cookie s'more from across the way while waiting for the parade. The roasted marshmallows frankly, would have been better alone on this cold eve. But the parade coming down heart attack hill was cool enough to warm even a penguin's spirits. I absolutely loved it. It moved a little briskly but on this night, no one was complaining. I just wish I had more time! I could have went inside somewhere and ate something good! Most people started heading for the exit around this time it seemed (oh 630ish I'd venture).
As I headed to the Riverfront Playhouse, I saw the show at the Dockside was going on despite the sub freezing temperatures. Understandably, the crowd was nearly bigger on stage. I felt really bad for the performers. Strangely, I didn't feel such for the outside shopkeepers, although in retrospect, I really think they should have just closed and cancelled the stuff outside. Earlier I noticed the children's show at the Boatworks going on and thinking those must be some snotty nosed brats by now. I guess I'm just a pansy nowadays, but seriously, it was collllllld.
I stopped in the White River Mercantile and the two nice ladies helped me pick out a nice gift for my niece. At the Huss Gallery, I found a nice print to have personalized for my folks for a very nice price. I was sorry to hear the artist, Mr. Ron Huss, had passed away last year. Hopefully, they find someone to carry on the trade, as a painter at work would be cool to witness. I had it sent to the front and headed to the porch at the Playhouse where a meager crowd was waiting.
After being let in, we waited in relative (to the opera house and heritage hall) cold as an intimate crowd of about 50 trickled in for the last performance of the day. I thought the show and performance, though awfully short, was great. There was quite a bit of good stuff going on here, but 15 more minutes of material wouldn't have killed anyone. The theatre itself, which I had also never entered was pretty awesome too. The pews were nice and comfy.
Quick stop for some apple butter and t.o.e. jam (tangerine, orange, elderberry) for mom. LOL. And another quick stop for some genuine SDC taffy for the office. (They scarfed it down). A bit of perusing at the HH waiting for my print and then thankfully, a bus this time back to the lot.
I always wanted to do a shopping spree at SDC and I left with many of those brown bags I love. Overall, just a great time for about 7 brrrrrrriliant hours of SDC.
Thanks for another great day (and night!), HFE. I'll post more later about the rest of my trip to Branson in that thread, including the breathtaking newly remodeled IMAX theater and the film I saw there, Ozarks Legends and Legacy plus my trip to the top of the wheel!
