Oklahoma Oasis: Finding Calm at Coon Creek COE near Ponca City

After a four-day, 500-mile whirlwind of travel, arriving at the Coon Creek COE (Corp of Engineers) campground near Ponca City, Oklahoma, felt like stepping into a peaceful oasis. This lovely lakeside retreat was the perfect antidote to road fatigue, offering three days of much-needed relaxation and adventure. We quickly set up camp and were ready to explore!

A Slice of Pioneer Life: The Mercantile Visit

Our first “must-do” adventure took us to the famed Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska. We kicked off the morning with a delicious breakfast that fueled our exploration of the truly unique shop. If you’re a fan of the Magnolia shops in Waco, Texas, owned by Joanna and Chip Gaines, this spot will give you a similar vibe—it’s bursting with charm and distinctive finds.

My absolute favorite display? The salt and pepper shakers! I’ve never seen such a vast, varied collection—it was a true feast for the eyes. Plus, they even have their own hotel! It was a fantastic way to immerse ourselves in a little slice of Oklahoma hospitality and retail therapy.

Lakeside Tranquility: Hiking Kaw Lake

One afternoon, we traded the shopping bags for hiking boots and headed straight for the beautiful Kaw Lake. We tackled the scenic Eagle View Trail, which provided stunning vistas of the water and the tranquil Oklahoma landscape. It was a wonderful way to reconnect with nature and enjoy the peaceful outdoors. The fresh air and gorgeous lake views were exactly what we needed!

🎰 High-Rolling Ahead: A Pit Stop at Winstar

With our final destination—Texas—just one stop away, Mitch, indulged me with a two-night stay at the enormous Winstar Casino! While I usually enjoy a mother-daughter casino trip, my daughter couldn’t join this time, so I went solo. And guess what? I’m such a high roller that I actually walked away with a $30 profit! A win is a win, right? It was a fun, brief detour before hitting the road one last time.

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