This is my third time to visit Oklahoma. My first visit was in 2021, when I explored Tulsa and Pawhuska. That trip came right after the loss of my furry baby, Coco, and it was exactly what my soul needed during that sad time. The experience was peaceful and comforting.

Tulsa: A Step into the Past

In Tulsa, I visited the Philbrook Museum of Art. The gardens and short trails were stunning, making me feel like I had stepped into a chapter of a Jane Austen novel. I’ve always believed I was born in the wrong time period because I love old-world history, its lifestyle, and its simplistic vibes. This museum brought all those feelings to life. I went during the week, and it was perfect-not many people around. I visited in July, so it was a little hot. If you’re planning a summer visit, I recommend going early or closer to the evening to avoid the warm temperatures.

Bridal Tip: Brides looking for a location for their bridal session will find this museum a stunning option with such a gorgeous backdrop.

Pawhuska: A Food Lover’s Haven

As a fan of The Pioneer Woman Cooking Show, visiting The Mercantile in Pawhuska was a must. It’s about an hour’s drive from Tulsa and the food is simply amazing. The service from the entire staff was also great. I had to try the wedge salad to experience the ranch dressing-it was so good I could have had a glass of it on its own! I had the Catfish Fry for my lunch, which also comes with a side of cornbread and a remoulade sauce. The fish was flaky and very flavorful. I ended up leaving with two sides of the cornbread and remoulade sauce- they were that wonderful! If you’re familiar with Ree Drummond and have seen any episodes of her cooking show, The Pioneer Woman, I recommend a trip to Pawhuska, especially during the fall.

Broken Bow: A Nature Lover’s Dream

I visited Broken Bow in 2023 and again in 2024. My 2023 visit was my first time in this area, and I was there with my family. Roasting s’mores in the evenings was magical. Sitting by the fire with my family and furry nephews was so much fun-these memories my heart will hold onto forever. We stayed in an Airbnb, but I didn’t have a good experience that first time. However, my visit just a month ago at a different property more than made up for that first bad experience back in 2023. I’ll give you all the details about this property below. I recommend booking this cabin directly through them. Do Not Use the Airbnb App-book directly with the property. I’ve recently started using VRBO for all my vacation home rentals, as my experiences with Airbnb have been horrible, and I have stopped using their services. Finding this new property at Broken Bow for lodging is a game-changer for me, and I plan to visit every year. I love hiking and the hiking trails in Broken Bow, along the rivers or lakes, are stunning and peaceful. For nature lovers, there are plenty of activities for all ages. The food? I would gain weight if I lived in Broken Bow! There’s a wide variety of restaurants and diners, and the atmosphere in each location is so much fun. Broken Bow is very special to me-its nature and beauty has nurtured me and always inspired me. I highly recommend Broken Bow. Renting a cabin can be budget-friendly for larger families.

Lodging Recommendations

Broken Bow: Creekside Retreat Cabin

www.creeksideretreatcabin.com

This property is stunning, Aimee, the host, is the nicest and most helpful host I have encountered during my travels. The cabin is nestled in the woods with a creek that runs along the backyard, making it a magical place. The property has two main bedrooms on the first floor, each with a beautiful spa-like en-suite. The first floor also features a family room, spacious dining area, and a gorgeous kitchen. The second floor has a third bedroom and a bunk room accommodating three bunk beds for the kiddos. These two bedrooms on the second floor share a bathroom. The second floor also has a balcony that overlooks the gorgeous backyard. The backyard is stunning and has many seating areas, including a fire pit area for roasting s’mores. The creek runs along the backyard and, in certain areas, right under the patio. The sound of the creek adds so much tranquility to all the outdoor spaces. This property is pet friendly, and your furry babies will definitely have the time of their lives. For our Elohim Li Journey community, booking directly through the property on their website, will save you an additional 10% using our “VIP10” code. You can check out my Instagram account @cocosmom06. Under the Oklahoma Highlight, towards the end of the highlight, there is a video of both the indoors and outdoor areas.

Food Recommendations

*The Blue Rooster - Casual Family Dining

*Naaman’s Championship BBQ - Casual Family Dining

*Local 259 Grocery Store - Deli Food

*Tacohoma Tacos and More - Food Truck

*Hochatown Coffee Central - Pastries/Coffee

*Hochatown Saloon

Activity Recommendations

*Rugaru Adventures - Ziplining

*Outlaw’s Guided Adventures - UTV Rentals

*Beavers Bend State Park, Eagle Drive Dayuse Area, Carson Creek Recreation Area, Mountain Fork Park

*Choctaw Landing Hochatown - Casino, Lodging, and Dining

Yippie Kayo Kayaks

Broken Bow and Hochatown Boat Rentals Tangled Webb Adventures

*Please note: All these recommendations with an asterisk are based on my personal experiences. The others listed are available options I have not yet had the opportunity to visit.