Southwest flies to Branson

I generally don't take travel tips from television comedies, but when one of the gay duo on ABC's "Modern Family" ­— Cam, played by Eric Stone­street — praised Branson, Mo., I took note. The character is a former farm boy from Missouri with a penchant for musicals, so it made weird sense when he dreamily referenced Branson's "vibrant theater scene, top-notch restaurants, on top of being the jewel of Missouri's White River." Southwest Airlines sees the appeal of this town, too. On March 9, it began service from Chicago to Branson Airport, which opened in 2009 (serviced at the time by Sun Country). Skeptical of Cam's description? What's more vibrant than seeing the Osmond Brothers, an Abba tribute group and riding a thrilling new wooden coaster?