Chickasaw Country, OK – Chickasaw Country announces its 2023 finalists for the Best of Chickasaw Country awards.
The competition now shifts to the second phase, where fans are encouraged to vote for the top nominations in 17 categories of businesses, attractions, restaurants and events in south-central Oklahoma. The top five destinations in each category with the most nominations, six in the event of a tie, advanced to the voting and finalist phase. This year’s finalists are:
· Best Antique Shop
Auntie Mae’s Antiques, Purcell
Junk Stars, Tishomingo
The Gettin’ Place, Sulphur
The Marlow Mercantile, Marlow
The re-Finery, Ada
· Best Attraction
Blue River, Tishomingo
Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan
Ole Red, Tishomingo
Turner Falls Park, Davis
· Best BBQ
Jake’s Rib, Chickasha
Ole Red, Tishomingo
Pigskins BBQ, Ada
Punkins BBQ & Catfish Restaurant, Pauls Valley
Smokin Joe’s Rib Ranch, Davis
Swadley’s Bar-B-Q, Ardmore
· Best Boutique
3rd & Broadway, Ada
Kedford Boutique, Tishomingo
Savvy Parke, Purcell
Serendipity on Main, Ada
The White Feather, Pauls Valley
· Best Casino
Artesian Casino, Sulphur
Chisholm Casino, Duncan
Riverwind Casino, Norman
Treasure Valley Casino, Davis
WinStar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville
· Best Coffee Shop
Arbuckle Craft Coffee, Ada
Bedre’ Café, Sulphur
Hot Mess Coffee Co., Lindsay
Viridian Coffee, Duncan
Ya Ya’s Coffee and Bakery, Purcell
· Best Family-Friendly Attraction
Arbuckle Wilderness, Davis
Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan
The Clubhouse, Ardmore
Turner Falls Park, Davis
· Best Festival
Artesian Ars Festival, Sulphur
Chickasaw Annual Festival, Tishomingo
Chickasha Festival of Light, Chickasha
National Sand Bass Festival, Madill
Okie Noodling Tournament & Festival, Pauls Valley
· Best Golf Course
Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club, Kingston
Pauls Valley Municipal Golf Course, Pauls Valley
The Territory Golf and Country Club, Duncan
Tishomingo Golf Course, Tishomingo
WinStar Golf Club, Thackerville
· Best Lake
Clear Creek, Duncan
Lake Murray, Ardmore
Lake of the Arbuckles, Sulphur
Lake R.C. Longmire, Pauls Valley
Lake Texoma, Kingston
Purcell Lake, Purcell
· Best Live Performance Venue
Legends Pub House and Venue, Chickasha
McSwain Theatre, Ada
Riverwind Casino, Norman
Simmons Center & Jack A Maurer Convention Center, Duncan
The Doghouse at Old Red, Tishomingo
· Best Lodging
Artesian Hotel, Casino and Spa, Sulphur
Cedar & Stone Bed and Breakfast, Tishomingo
Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center, Sulphur
Inn at Mulberry, Tishomingo
Parish Place, Tishomingo
Secret Garden Cottages, Sulphur
· Best Museum
Chickasaw Bank Museum, Tishomingo
Chickasaw Council House Museum, Tishomingo
Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur
Chisholm Trail Heritage Center, Duncan
Toy & Action Figure Museum, Pauls Valley
· Best Overall Dining
Café Alley, Ardmore
Gonzalez Mexican Restaurant, Tishomingo
Ole Red, Tishomingo
Punkins BBQ & Catfish Restaurant, Pauls Valley
Sonny’s Café, Purcell
· Best Run or Ride
Alfalfa Bill Century Bike Ride, Tishomingo
Bison View 5K, Sulphur
Fireball Classic Memorial Run, Ada
Rock Island Ride, Chickasha
Stevie’s Run, Tishomingo
· Best Wedding Venue
Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center, Sulphur
Elegant Events & Weddings (Formerly known as Arbuckle Wedding Chapel), Davis
Southwind Hills, Goldsby
The Wildflower, Tishomingo
Waddell Vineyards, Ada
· Best Winery/Brewery
Cotton Blossom Winery, Marlow
Kochendorfer Brewing Co., Duncan
Old Silo Winery, Tishomingo
Rusty Nail Winery and Tasting Room, Sulphur
Shakespeare Wine Company, Chickasha
“The businesses, restaurants, events and attractions that have made it as finalists represent the best-of-the-best in Chickasaw Country,” said Paige Shepherd, director of tourism for the Chickasaw Nation. “The finalists were determined by the number of nominations received in the past few weeks. These finalists stand out to locals and visitors alike as the top things to do and see and places to stay and eat. It is truly an honor for these finalists as they have been nominated by their customers.”
The public has until March 3 to vote for their favorite finalist. Visit here or www.chickasawcountry.com to vote for your favorite business and attraction in Chickasaw Country.
Winners in each category will be announced on March 28.
About Chickasaw Country
Nestled in the south-central region of Oklahoma, Chickasaw Country is a regional tourism organization representing 13 of Oklahoma's 77 counties. A division of the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw Country is a tourism resource for visitors and communities in the region, promoting local attractions, experiences and events. South-central Oklahoma is an easy, versatile, friendly and beautiful escape packed with First American and Western culture, outdoor recreation, local dining, breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind festivals. For adventure-seekers, cultural lovers and everything in between, Chickasaw Country is uniquely positioned as a go-to, spur of the moment, easy-to-get-to, ever-changing vacation, for a day, a weekend, a week or longer.
