Since moving to Texas Carol and I have been hyper focused on raising our family and building an even more successful business, consequently our time for travel has been confined to long weekends and day trips around North Texas and Oklahoma. Surprisingly, there are many beautiful places and interesting towns that have satisfied our hunger for travel. Crepes overlooking the Seine have been replaced by breakfast tacos overlooking Lake Travis, and the latter may be even more enjoyable out of sheer need to get away. Recently, we found another wonderful get-a-way called Broken Bow Lake, just 3 hours away in south-eastern Oklahoma near town of Hochatown. Hochatown/Broken Bow Lake is a charming blue collar area that is quickly gaining a reputation for its beautiful views, fishing, food, and local brewery. Nestled in the arms of the Hochatown and Beavers Bend State Parks, Broken Bow Lake is 14,000 acres with shores that sparkle pink from quartz formed 300 million years ago during the Pennsylvanian period. It really is a bazaar site to see. There are no homes on the lake and camping is designated in a few areas. The uninhabited shores offers a beauty not found in the normally crowded shores of most lakes, rather the local luxury cabins are located a short drive from the lake, and luckily we had a great connection.
As it turns out, we had some friends that own cabins in a gorgeous area of town hidden among the enormous pine trees that stand guard like soldiers at attention. Roughing it is not an option in these exquisitely finished homes. These fully finished "cabins" have all the modern touches while still paying homage to their surroundings. Rich woods and exposed beams bring the outside in. We had a wonderful time relaxing on the deck, grilling out, and enjoying cold beverages in the hot-tub. The kids had fun rock hunting and splashing in the clear-water stream that twists and turns around the properties.
There are plenty of places to keep the kids busy as well, but because of the remote location a map tends to help (see the one we created after our trip). Our friends liked it so much they are leaving them for their guests. A short drive away, we found a great little spot for mini-golf and paddle boating that the kids did not want to leave. There great spots for fishing, hiking, and bird watching as well. Whether you want a nice peaceful spot to finish that book, or to get out there and get your hands dirty, Broken Bow offers both.
Matching the stunning vistas and fun is the delicious food including wonderful southern fare, a family friendly pizza joint with cold beer, and a spot known for fried chicken that would be worth the drive alone, as well as a grocery store with everything you need. Broken Bow is really just the right balance of nature and convenience. A lovely get-a-way.
Next time your itching to get out of the DFW area, check out our list below of our favorite places to stay, play, and eat while in Broken Bow.
