As with any good excursion, it’s best to start out with a bite to eat. Swing by the Gemini Cafe for breakfast, where house favorites like the Gemini Stack—hash browns, cheese, sausage, onions, eggs, peppers, and salsa—mix together for the perfect plate. Need something more substantial? The Catfish special at the Red B is not to be missed.
Your quest kicks off in Idabel, where treasures abound in stores new and old. Let the ladies at The Polished Loft be your personal shopper for the day, where boutique finds shine at small town prices (the plus-size section is an answer to our prayers, too!). Want to shop for shoes? The ladies at historic Sherman’s Shoes will get you set up with a new pair—and maybe a Pandora jewelry set, too.pol
And don’t you dare leave town without one of McCurtain County’s newest must-haves, a Hochatime T-shirt. Find yours at the Chic Chandelier in Idabel, along with plenty of designer and off-the-rack finds for men, women and children.
After a day of browsing, you’ll be ready for a bite to eat. Grab a roadside-style burger from Whip’s Diner, or munch of something spicy from Papa Poblano’s. Prefer a patio? Stop by the Blue Rooster for garden-fresh and golden-fried everything (the squash and peppers are delicious) and a brew list that puts some of Oklahoma’s biggest bars to shame.
Feel like pizza instead? Drop into the Grateful Head next door for festive pies, cold drinks, and live music every weekend.
If you’re looking for something on the fancier side, Abendigo’s across the street should do the trick. Don’t forget to stop by Steven’s Gap for a slice of homemade pie for dessert.
If you’re traveling with the gals, keep the evening open for a night at Girls Gone Wine. Their gift shop is filled with rooms upon rooms of gotta-have-it goodies—or as co-owner Chandra Rickey puts it, “absolutely everything you want, and nothing you need.” Hey—indulgence is the name of the game on this trip, and these ladies do it right!
For all your hunting needs, head to the new Bruton’s store in Hochatown for all things outdoor.
Back in Broken Bow, be sure to pop into Something Special for a true treasure hunt. Not sure what you want? Grab one of their surprise grab bags. The brown paper sacks are stapled shut to enforce the ‘no peeking’ rule, but you can be sure the contents will make you smile—and the surprise is half the fun!
Speaking of surprises, they’re hiding around every corner at Antiques Etc. Spend an afternoon browsing classic toys, old records, collectors items, and antiques for every taste.
Afterward, don’t forget to stop by Janet’s Treasure Chest. No fun-hunting adventure would be complete without a visit. Grab a selfie with Bigfoot while you’re there—rumor has it, he stops by from time to time.
For an afternoon snack, check out Sherrell’s Pharmacy. This old-timey soda fountain is celebrating its 100th year in business, and you’ll be glad to know that not much has changed over the years.
Munch on a double dip cone and take in the nostalgia.
Once you’ve had your fill of frozen treats, stroll down the street to Mostly Memories, where owner Jeannie Gross can turn an old chicken coop into a dining room cabinet, and farmhouse junk into refurbished gold. Be sure to check out their new antique soda fountain! Insider tip: it’s cash or check only here, so leave the credit cards at home.
Prefer something more hands-on? Sign up for a quilting class at the Quilt Shoppe across the street, stop by the Gardner Mansion and Museum to browse through ancient relics and native artifacts from the Choctaw peoples, or brave the chaos at Hochatown Escape Games.
End the evening with a scenic view of the water on a Broken Bow Lake Duck Tour. Keep an eye out for photo ops, and take in the beauty of Beavers Bend. With so much to hunt for in McCurtain County, you’re going to need a comfy place to rest your head at the end of the day. Head this way to book a cabin, and start planning your adventure around the Beavers Bend!
