On The Osage: Barefoot & Barbeque

Down to Business in Skiatook, Music Capital of the Osage

by Kelly Bland

I knew it was going to be a good visit when one of the first things she asked was if she could take her shoes off. It was the first time Julie Sneed Womack, from Skiatook, Oklahoma, had been to my home. She was coming to be my guest on an Osagin’ It podcast episode where we were going to talk about her book, Tea with Isabel.

Now women, you’ll understand this — when a woman makes you feel at home in your own home — there’s a friend. And so, the visit began … barefooted and bold conversation — now where else can you get a combination like that? 😉

Skiatook seems quickly to be on its way to becoming a creative conduit for authors, artists, and musicians. Julie and her family recently moved here from California — and in her novel, she made Skiatook and Osage County the setting for her story — even though she was writing it while still living in California!

It’s no wonder, if you have ever been out to Lake Skiatook where the waters turn a beautiful shade of pink at sunset amidst the breath-taking Osage Hills, that Skiatook would be appealing. Cross Timbers Marina at the lake is quickly becoming the playground for the rich and famous with their secluded location, boat and watercraft rentals, top-notch marina, restaurant with scenic views, and outstanding hospitality.

On another note, music has also long been in the veins of Skiatook. The airport there was once named after Hee Haw’s Roy Clark and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn actually lived in Skiatook as a teenager. Today, Skiatook is tapping into those roots and distinguishing itself as The Music Capital of the Osage. During the summer months, in Central Park on Rogers Boulevard, live music is on deck along with food trucks and vendors at the monthly Third Thursday in the Park event.

Additionally, at this year’s Pioneer Days celebration in Skiatook, Gracee Shriver of The Voice performed live!! Shriver was Kelly Clarkson’s top pick on the popular TV show. So, it should come as no surprise that Skiatook is also the home of the annual Tallgrass Music Festival. The Tallgrass Music Festival brings the best of the best in Bluegrass entertainment to Osage County every year at the Skiatook Sports Complex. This year’s festival will take place October 16-17 – and it’s free! Hear Springstreet, The Baker Family, and more while you enjoy an afternoon and evening of entertainment sure to get your toes tapping and your hands clapping — in Skiatook!

Now, I would be amiss if I didn’t mention before getting back to Julie, that Skiatook is also home to Mac’s Barbeque – which was one of Southern Living Magazine’s pick for Top BBQ’s in the South! A visit to Skiatook just isn’t complete until you live like a local and dine at Oklahoma’s BEST barbeque restaurant!

Back to Julie. Did I mention she brought scones? They were wonderful as we sat in my kitchen with heels kicked off, enjoying girl talk, and recording the latest podcast episode. You’re invited to kick off your shoes, pull up the pod, and join us as we visit about the plot of Tea with Isabel, about being brave enough to go for your dreams — a little of what Julie sees in Osage County, and what is out there on the horizon. To get a copy of her novel, it’s available on Amazon and in Osage County at The Buckin’ Flamingo in Pawhuska, the Osage County Historical Society Museum, and at Wilson’s Tall Chief Store at Lake Skiatook.

Y’all come see us in one of the prettiest counties in all of Oklahoma where #TheSmilesAreAlwaysFree. You’ll never meet a stranger — just friends and neighbors — because that’s the way we like it. 😊 Check out the Osagin’ It podcast on Apple Podcasts, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, and more. For more information on Skiatook and all of our communities in the Osage, download the free Visit the Osage app or pull us up online at VisitTheOsage.com. Hope to see y’all in the Osage soon!