Best of Chickasaw Country 2023

Today we are discussing Chickasaw Country’s Best of 2023.

Chickasaw Country is 7,648 square miles of beautiful landscape, charming towns, bustling main streets, First American and Western culture along with incredible food. Located on either side of the I-35 corridor in south-central Oklahoma, Chickasaw Country has everything you’re looking for and more. From lakes and cabins to casinos and luxury spas, Chickasaw Country is an exciting getaway full of adventure in every form for every age. You can visit for the day or stay a few more – there’s plenty to do! Hike through the parks, relax at the spa, browse the boutiques, learn something new and simply enjoy the different cultures surrounding you.

Auntie Mae's Antiques is a shop located in the historic downtown area of Purcell. The 9,000 square ft establishment has been remodeled to reflect the history of the 100+ year old building. The original ceiling is still in place, and under the floors, a cellar with a tunnel was found. They suspect the tunnel was made during the prohibition era and the opening can be spotted in the store. Today, the space is filled with rustic and chic decor, oil and gas collectables, and many other reclaimed and repurposed items.

The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers a world of opportunities to learn and connect with First American history. Watch the story of the Chickasaw people unfold before your eyes through powerful performances, reenactments, demonstrations, collections and exhibits at one of the largest and most comprehensive tribal cultural centers in the United States.

While visiting Turner Falls or the Arbuckle Wilderness in Davis, Oklahoma, be sure to stop by the nearby Smokin’ Joe's Rib Ranch. Whether you want to dine in or get your food to go, the food never disappoints! Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch offers catering services for guests who have large events, or maybe it is just one REALLY hungry fan who can't get enough of the delicious food. Either way, we encourage you to find out why this BBQ restaurant is so iconic and why its food continues to draw people in and keeps them coming back time and time again!

Located in downtown Ada, Serendipity on Main is a charming boutique offering a unique variety of merchandise and apparel. Serendipity specializes in those hard-to-find items like special newborn gifts, crafty home décor and must-have additions for your wardrobe. Indulge in a serendipitous shopping experience frosted with fashions that are just to die for!

Located in Thackerville, OK, WinStar World Casino and Resort boasts the world's largest collection of electronic games with over 8,500 of the best electronic games available, nearly 100 table games, a 55-table poker room and even a bingo hall if that is more to your liking. Experience live entertainment at Lucas Oil Live, a 250,000-square-foot entertainment venue hosting world-famous artists year-round. The WinStar Convention Center can accommodate your next big or small event or corporate outing. The culinary scene is top tier with over 20 restaurants and 12 bars from casual to upscale.

Located inside the Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa in Sulphur, Bedré Cafe is an all-in-one coffee bar, candy store, sandwich shop and confectionary. The cafe offers gourmet coffees made with Bedré coffee and other specialty drinks such as Bedré Soda, fresh fruit smoothies, soft drinks and teas.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area is one of only three Oklahoma parks affiliated with the National Park Service, this national park is a beautiful oasis of water, foliage, and wildlife, creating the perfect backdrop for all your favorite outdoor activities. Located in south-central Oklahoma, the park offers year-round activities such as boating, skiing, sailing, fishing, swimming, hiking and camping. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area is Travel and Leisure Magazine’s choice for the best campsite in Oklahoma. It provides more than 30 miles of trails for both novice and experienced hikers to enjoy. The Travertine Nature Center serves as the park’s main educational center providing groups with interactive learning opportunities, informational exhibits, and other Ranger-led programs, including guided hikes and educational tours on flora and fauna found within the park.

Recognized as one of the top holiday light shows in the nation, the Chickasha Festival of Light features over 3.5 million twinkling lights in Shannon Springs Park. Drive through the displays and gaze in wonder at dazzling light scenes, animated displays and even a computer-animated light show synchronized to favorite holiday tunes. The centerpiece of the Chickasha Festival of Light is the iconic 172-ft Christmas tree that can be seen for miles around.

Festival of Light Episode

WinStar Golf Club is designed for total luxury when it comes to pampering our patrons. The two championship 18-hole courses by Weibring-Wolfard Golf Design allow for golfers of all levels to enjoy themselves every day of the year. The amenities at this golf club are second to none. Golf carts are equipped with touchscreen GPS as well as scented face towels and complimentary bottled water.

Located in Kingston, OK, Lake Texoma State Park offers many things to do including water activities, camping, picnic areas, hiking and wildlife viewing. With 93,000 surface acres of water, you can have enjoy a range of water activities from boating, kayaking and canoeing to swimming, fishing and more. Camp in one the two RV areas featuring 30 and 50 amp full hookups with water service or the tent sites with showers and boat ramps.

For the music fan in all of us, The Doghouse at Ole Red is a concert venue attached to the famous Ole Red restaurant in Tishomingo, Oklahoma! Come enjoy live entertainment Friday and Saturday! Also, Thursday Night Ole Red Jams have officially kicked off, so make sure to start the weekend early with a night of music and food every Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM!

Experience modern luxury and vintage grandeur at the Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa in Sulphur, Oklahoma. This boutique hotel boasts 81 beautifully adorned guest rooms, on-site dining, gaming and shopping opportunities. Groups can spend time at the casino or treat themselves to a relaxing day at the hotel’s state-of-the-art spa facilities. This elegant 4-story hotel is built on the historic grounds of the original Artesian Hotel, constructed in 1906, and destroyed by a fire in 1962.

Artesian Hotel Episode

The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, Oklahoma, offers a world of opportunities to learn and connect with First American history. Watch the story of the Chickasaw people unfold before your eyes through powerful performances, reenactments, demonstrations, collections and exhibits at one of the largest and most comprehensive tribal cultural centers in the United States.

A premier tourist destination in Chickasaw Country, The Rusty Nail is a boutique winery housed in an exquisitely restored building in the heart of Sulphur, Oklahoma. This family-operated business was established in 2010 by Sulphur women and natives who love wine.

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