Orlando–based AirTran Airways announced this weekend the addition of nonstop flights on Saturdays between Branson Airport and Orlando International Airport beginning Dec. 19, 2009, making it even easier to travel between two of the country’s most popular family destinations. AirTran was the first national carrier to offer service out of Branson when the airport opened last December.

“The addition of low-cost nonstop Orlando service is a welcomed addition to AirTran’s presence at Branson Airport,” said Jeff Bourk, executive director, Branson Airport. “The new service will make it easy and convenient for folks, in southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas, to travel to the exciting vacation destination of Orlando to enjoy the beautiful weather during the winter months.”

In addition, the carrier announced a nationwide sale this morning, with one-way fares starting as low as $39. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 13, 2009 for travel through Jan. 27, 2010. Fares do not require a roundtrip purchase or overnight stay, however some blackout dates apply: Nov. 25 and Nov. 28 to 30, and Dec. 18 through Jan. 4, 2010. Also note that service to/from Newark International Airport ends Oct. 25, and seasonal service to/from San Diego ends Oct. 30.

For more information or reservations, visit www.airtran.com or call 800-AIR-TRAN.

Could Branson, Mo., become the Beatles’ Graceland? Louise Harrison, sister of the late and great George Harrison, has found a welcoming home for all things Beatles in the unsuspecting Midwestern city. Her first Beatles project in Branson has been a real success. Liverpool Legends The Ultimate Beatles Experience is a tribute to the Fab Four and the group plays close to five shows a week. In 2006 and 2007, the Experience was voted “Best Show” and the Legends voted “Best Band” in Branson.

Courtesy of the Liverpool Legends

However, it is Harrison’s next big plan for Branson that will really get Beatles lovers everywhere to swoon. She announced plans on Aug. 20 to open a Beatles museum in Branson by Spring 2009. It will be filled with Beatles’ memorabilia, much of which will come from her personal collection and has never been displayed before to the public. What makes this museum even more notable is that it will be the first Beatles museum in the United States.

The Beatles Museum will be part of the Starlite Theater, the current home of the Liverpool Legends. When complete, the five-story glass atrium will feature its own flying yellow submarines, strawberry fields (forever), some of London’s emblematic red phone booths, Penny Lane and the famous crosswalk on Abbey Road.

So grab your LP’s, Nehru jackets and love beads, and head on down to Branson.

Be sure to check out this week’s TravelMuse Branson issue—from where to stay and eat, to the best family shows to see and, of course, its famous Christmas festival. TravelMuse will be bringing you all the insider information about planning a great trip to this Midwest entertainment mecca.