2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

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About Us

The Lake Texoma Association is a nonprofit organization, over 60 years old, with the mission of preserving and protecting Lake Texoma as well as promoting the entire Texoma region. The LTA regularly engages with stakeholders from all over the Texoma region, including the US Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the

Lake Texoma reservoir, as well as the hydropower entity of Southwestern Power Administration, water supply users and legislators both in Oklahoma and Texas at the federal and state levels.

We invite you to become a member of the Lake Texoma Association, and help us to achieve our mission. Lake Texoma is critical to

Board of Directors William Bain President Bubba Thompson Vice President Kristie Cannon Secretary Christie Bliss Treasurer

Jason Cottingame (Past President), Mike Goodwin, Angel Green, Gigi Rhoten, Bill Ptomey, Lindsay Harber, Carly Meacham, Kelsey Dyes, BJ Kirkpatrick, Janet Reed 2 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

the vitality of the Texoma region and, if conserved and protected, will be here for generations to come.

The Lake Texoma Association has four specific events each year to promote the association and raise funds to fulfill our mission. These are the ways that you can partner with us to ensure not only the success of the LTA but the entire Texoma region.

Each year in January we release this ‘Guide to Lake Texoma.’ The guide is an award-winning publication and, as you will see as you look through its pages, full of information to help our guests experience the region at its best.

You can partner with us in producing this guide through your membership and advertisements.

Each year in March we organize the Burning of the Socks event. This is a lake-wide, multiplevenue event, with each venue sponsoring and planning their own activities. The LTA assists with promotion, flyers and publicity. This year’s Burning of the Socks will be held on Saturday, March 16. Pick your favorite venue and go out and celebrate the arrival of a new season.

We raise many of our funds through the annual Bash for Cash held in August. Between ticket sales and live and silent auction proceeds, the Bash keeps our association thriving. If you’ve never been, you’ve been missing out! Come support the LTA and have some fun with us!

Finally, in the fall, we have our LTA Fundraising Cruise on Fastrac Charter and Cruise’s Island Girl. Come out for a dinner cruise and a good time, and support the LTA. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for plenty of advance notice and information.

What we do at the LTA may not affect you and your business directly, but the economic and environmental success of this lake affects us all.

Become a member, advertise, come to the Bash or cruise with us. The success of the LTA mission means that visitors to this area may continue to enjoy the many opportunities for fun and excitement this region has to offer.

Your Lake Texoma Association Staff, Terri Weir & Brandi Burkhalter

Staff Executive Director Terri Weir Assistant Director Brandi Burkhalter

Advisory board Ed Phillips, Greg Johnson, Chris Duroy

COVER ARTSKIP WEIR

Skip Weir is a local watercolor artist whose work is easily identified by his use of ink and bright vibrant color washes.

Skip is a active member of the Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of UrbanSketchers.com. Urban Sketchers is a global sketch artist organization which meets monthly. At these meetings, participating individuals of the group will choose a scene to sketch on location in their communities and around the world and post online. “See the world, one drawing at a time.”

Skip and his wife Terri love to travel and Skip always takes his sketching supplies to capture interesting buildings, people and places. They have attended workshops in Porto, Portugal, Chicago, Illinois, and San Jose, Costa Rica. These workshops are a terrific opportunity to learn from very accomplished artists.

Skip and Terri have raised five children and have eight grandchildren. Terri is currently the director of the Lake Texoma Association. They live in Durant, Oklahoma.

Skip has been commissioned by many local Texoma businesses who love and appreciate his unique artistic style including realtors, insurance agents, Highport Marina and Tanglewood Resort. To see more of his work, visit facebook. com/skipweirart.

The 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma is the official publication of the Lake Texoma Association, produced in cooperation with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department. Fifty thousand copies of the 2019 Guide were produced at a cost of $0.82 each. Projected readership is 250,000.

2019 Guide Lake Texoma Association P.O. Box 610 Kingston, OK 73439 580-564-2334 | Office 580-564-2344 | Fax laketexomaonline.com | 3

Contents LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Local Activities

Pottsboro, Texas.................................10 Denison, Texas.....................................14 Marshall County, Oklahoma..............22 Area Map.............................................26 Durant, Oklahoma..............................34 Whitesboro, Texas..............................42 Sherman, Texas..................................46

Lake Texoma History............................6 Boating Safety.......................................8 Dining ..................................................12 Fishing Guides.....................................16 On the Road ........................................18 Outdoor Activities ............................20 Night Life............................................24 Camping Guide....................................25 Marina Guide.......................................28 Places to Stay.....................................30 Wildlife ...............................................32 Fishing ................................................36 Golf .....................................................38 Swimming ..........................................40 Real Estate...........................................44

Local Listings History & Culture........................................................7 Boat Sales & Rentals...................................................8 Supporting Members..................................................9 Dining ..........................................................................13 Live Music & Entertainment.....................................19 Hiking, Biking, Equestrian Trails.............................21 Gaming ......................................................................24 4 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Marinas ......................................................................29 Lodging ......................................................................31 Wildlife Refuges & Hunting.....................................32 Fishing Guides...........................................................37 Golf Courses..............................................................38 Beaches & Swimming................................................41 Real Estate Agencies ................................................45

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Lake Texoma

Photo by Brandi Burkhalter

History

For all of its natural beauty and popularity as an aquatic playground, the reservoir is also a highly historical landmark, one whose story dates back nearly three quarters of a century.

The genesis of the 89,000-acre, two-state reservoir can actually be traced back even further, all the way to long ago tales of big seasonal floods on the Red River — a sandy tributary that begins hundreds of miles to the west of the Texomaland area out in the Texas Panhandle.

Most days, as the Prairie Dog Fork of the Red River flows downstream near Canyon into the main stem near Vernon and past Wichita 6 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Without question, Lake Texoma is

one of the most beautiful spots to be found anywhere in Texas and Oklahoma, something that causes millions of visitors, boaters and anglers to marvel at each year.

By Lynn Burkhead

Falls towards Denison, the river doesn’t appear to be too formidable, a shallow ribbon of red-tinted water and sand separating Texas from Oklahoma.

But when the heavens open up with torrential rainfall, just as they did in the El Nino-fueled spring of 2015, the normally placid streambed can turn big, muddy, mean and unruly. So much so that during the 1800s and early 1900s, as powerful and destructive floods occasionally ravaged this portion of the world and on downstream into northeastern Texas and Louisiana, local residents began to wonder how the river might be tamed.

During the 1920s, the idea for

a reservoir — one that could help blunt floodwaters from the area near Denison and on downstream — began to take shape as people such as Denison’s George Moulton and Dr. A.W. Acheson began to champion the idea.

Moulton took hold of the idea and became a one-man public relations firm, eventually figuring out where a dam should be placed on the Red River near Denison. He was soon championing that idea to anyone who would listen, starting a massive letter writing campaign.

After a study in the 1930s, the idea for a reservoir — Denison Reservoir at first, Lake Texoma later on — was officially birthed as

HISTORY AND CULTURE Chickasaw Council House Museum 207 N. Fisher St. Tishomingo, OK (580)371-3351 Chickasaw White House 6379 E. Mansion Dr. Milburn, OK (580)235-7343 Eisenhower Birthplace and Museum 609 S. Lamar Ave. Denison, TX (903)465-8908

Fort Washita 3348 State Rd. Star Route 213 Durant, OK 74701 (580)924-6502 Frontier Village Museum 100 RC Vaughn Rd. Denison, TX Harber Wildlife Museum 4703 Texoma Pkwy. Sherman, TX (903)771-1134

Congress passed the Flood Control Act of 1938. A year later, as war clouds continued to gather across portions of the globe, the first tree was cleared in the lake bed and the project was underway.

The construction of Lake Texoma would include the relocation of roads, railways, bridges and more than 3,000 graves across the eventual lake bed. Some small towns in the area could not be relocated — Cedar Mills, Hagerman and Preston in Texas and Woodville in Oklahoma — with those communities being swallowed up as gathering waters filled the reservoir.

On Jan. 6, 1944, work was com-

Morton Museum 210 S. Dixon St. Gainesville, TX (940)668-8900 Museum of Southern Oklahoma 400 W. Overton #3 Madill, OK (580)795-5060 Perrin Air Force Base Historical Museum 436 McCullum Ave. Denison, TX (903)786-8741

pleted at Denison Dam and the lake began to fill up. By March 1945, the huge reservoir — still the 12th largest lake in the country in terms of volume — had filled its normal conservation pool to the 617-foot mark above sea level, establishing some 1,250-miles of shoreline across the two-state region.

As you might expect, the lake is extremely popular with boaters and campers, especially during summer holiday periods which help to draw an estimated six million visitors per year.

Perhaps the grandest attraction at the two-state reservoir is something that even the late Denison resident

Red River Railroad Museum 101 East Main St., Suite 145 Denison, TX 75021 (903)463-5289 The Sherman Museum 301 South Walnut Sherman, TX (903)893-7623 Three Valley Museum 401 W. Main Street Durant, OK (580)920-1907

George Moulton likely noticed many years ago as he surveyed the eventual lake bed, perhaps while watching a famous Texomaland sunset settle over the region.

And that is that: No matter how far you travel across Texas and/or Oklahoma, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful and relaxing spot anywhere in the southern Great Plains.

Because of all of that, it’s little wonder that literally millions of people enthusiastically make their way to our local reservoir each and every year.

As lakes go, Lake Texoma is simply as good as it gets.

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Boating Safety

If you’re looking to get out on Texoma’s beautiful water this summer to wet a line or have some boating fun, always do everything in your power to enjoy a safe outing with family, loved ones and friends. By Lynn Burkhead

Stay Afloat: According to TPWD’s website, some 85-percent of boating accident fatality victims who drowned were not wearing a life jacket. Such a sobering figure means that if you’re on the water this summer, don’t forget to always wear a legal, properly fitting personal floatation device (PFD) when fishing, boating, water skiing, operating a personal watercraft or even enjoying a canoe or kayak. See TPWD and Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) regulations for complete legal requirements.

PFDs Required for Kids: If you’re boating on Lake Texoma this summer, remember that in Texas and Oklahoma, children under 13 years of age in or on vessels less than 26 feet must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD while underway.

Safety First: From avoiding alcohol use until the day is done to being alert, to environmental conditions and others on the water, to keeping a careful watch on the sky if the weather starts to threaten, use common sense and remain alert to stay safe during a day of aquatic fun on Texoma.

Watch Your Depth: Since Texoma’s sandy bottom is changeable with every big rain event, some areas in the western and northern areas of the lake aren’t as deep as they once were. When boating in such areas,

be aware that depths may be different than shown on maps, particularly in shallower areas near current flow that may have developed sandbars.

Don’t Get Weighed Down: This one is simple — don’t overload your boat, personal watercraft, canoe or kayak beyond its manufacturing specifications for safe operation.

Avoid Unsafe Speeds: Since high speeds have played a role in several of Texoma’s previous boating mishaps and fatalities, always operate your boat or personal watercraft at a safe speed.

Look Out!: Lake Texoma is a vast ecosystem that is always in flux — usually somewhere between an occasional low water and high water period — so pay attention to the lake’s environment around you. This means to be on the lookout for navigational hazards like partially submerged objects that can include stumps, rocks and points. It also means to keep watch for floating debris in the lake, things like a lost cooler, a floating log or even a ski rope that can tangle with your boat motor’s prop.

Get Educated: A final tip is this — since you can never know enough about keeping your family and friends safe out on the water, consider enrolling in a boater education class this summer.

watercraft Sales and Rentals ALBERTA CREEK RESORT (RENT) 9040 Clear Lake Dr., Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2552 www.albertacreek.com

CEDAR BAYOU MARINA (Rental & Sales) 513 Cedar Bayou Blvd., Gordonville, TX 76245 (903)523-4248 www.cedarbayou.com

LIGHTHOUSE RESORT AND MARINA (Rent) 300 Lighthouse Dr., Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)361-5070 www.lighthouseresort.com

BIG MINERAL RESORT, MARINA & CAMP (RENT) 2889 Big Mineral Rd., Sadler, TX 76264 (903)523-4287 www.bigmineral.com

CEDAR MILLS MARINA (Sales) 500 Harbor View Rd., Gordonville, TX 76245 (903)523-4222 www.cedarmills.com

LITTLE MINERAL MARINA & RESORT (Rent & Sales) 300 Little Mineral Blvd., Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2332 www.littlemineral.com

BLACKBEARD MARINE (SALES) 6339 S. Hwy 377, Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-9576 www.blackbeardmarine.net

EISENHOWER YACHT CLUB MARINA (Rent & Sales) 2141 Park Rd. 20, Denison, TX 75020 (903)463-3999 www.eisenhoweryachtclub.com

MARINA DEL REY 7007 Marina Dr. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)565-9440 www.marinadelreyok.com

BLACKBEARD MARINE (SALES) 2005 W. Main St. Durant, OK 74701 (580)925-0957

FLOWING WELLS RESORT & MARINA (Sales) 3217 Flowing Wells Rd., Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2930 www.dfwresort.com

MILL CREEK RESORT & MARINA (SALES) 512 Mill Creek Resort Rd., Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2227 www.millcreekresortandmarina.com

GRANDPAPPY POINT MARINA (Rent & Sales) 132 Grandpappy Dr., Denison, TX 75020 (903)786-2930 www.grandpappy.com

TEXOMA JET SKI RENTAL Kingston, OK 73439 (877)938-6030 www.texomajetskirental.com

BRIDGEVIEW RESORT & MARINA (Rent) 13947 Reel Lane, Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-3979 www.bridgeviewmarinaandresort.com CATFISH BAY MARINA (Rent & Sales) 11866 State Park Rd., Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2307 www.pointe-vista.com 8 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

HIGHPORT RESORT AND MARINA (Rent & Sales) 120 Texoma Harbor Dr., Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-7000 www.highport.com

LTA Supporting MEMBERS A+ Boat Lifts, Inc 9621 Boat Club Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76136 (817)236-8145 www.aboatlifts.com ABC Occupational Safety Service 7242 Hwy 70 Mead, OK 73449 (580)924-0211 Alliance Health Medical Group 1800 W. University Blvd.

Durant, OK 74701 (580)924-0422 www.myalliancehealth.com Ballard Improvements 1711 E. Hwy 82 Gainesville, TX 76240 (580)740-0552 www.ballardimprovement.com BancFirst 302 S. 1st St. Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-3332 www.bancfirst.com Bayless Hall Insurance 501 W. Woodard St. Denison, TX 75021 (903)465-8383 www.bayless-hall.com Bonham Chamber of Commerce 110 W. First Bonham, TX 75418 www.bonhamchamber.com Bugs R Gone PO Box 337 Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-3974 www.bugsaregone.net Butler Insurance Agency 121 S. 1st St. Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-3315 www.butleragencyinc.com Carolyn Fajardo, CPA Madill, OK 73446 CBO Technologies 125 S. 1st St. Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-5200 www.facebook.com/cbosupport

Charlie & Sheri Pollock Edmond, OK 73034 Cherokee Communications 403 N. Service Rd. Calera, OK 74730 (580)434-5375 www.cherokeecomm.com Chickasaw Country 1 East Sheridan, Ste 100 Oklahoma City, OK 73104 (580)272-5329 www.chickasawcountry.com Collins Chiropractic Clinic of Madill and Tishomingo 109 E. Main Tishomingo, OK 73460 (580)371-3330 Computer Bytes PO Box 616 Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-5200 www.cbosupport.com Cook’s RV Service & Sales 84266 N State Hwy 289 Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-9251 facebook.com/CooksRVService Daddy’s Toy Box Boat Storage 1381 W. FM 120 Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)814-4498 www.dtbboatstorage.com Denison Chamber of Commerce 313 W. Woodard St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)465-1551 www.denisontx.us Douglass Distributing 325 E. Forest Ave. Sherman, TX 75091 (903)893-1181 www.douglassdist.com Durant Chamber of Commerce 215 N. 4th Durant, OK 74701 (580)924-0848 www.durantchamber.org Edward Phillips Bixby, OK 74008

Encino1 Apartments of Denison 1101 W. Sears St. Denison, TX (903)814-0700 Extreme Sandbox 80958 Hwy 289 Pottsboro, TX 75076 (702)403-5009 www.EXTREMESANDBOX.COM

Greater Texoma Utility Authority 5100 Airport Rd. Denison, TX (903)786-4433 www.gtua.org Hitchcock Distributing 2901 W. Arkansas Durant, OK (580)924-3350 facebook.com/Hitchcockdist

First United Bank & Trust Company 300 W. Lillie Blvd.

Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-3351 www.firstunitedbank.com

HydroHoist Boat Lifts 83998 North State Hwy 289 Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-5438 boatlift.com/hydrohoist-north-texas

First United Bank & Trust Company 1400 West Main St. Durant, OK 74701 (580)924-2211 www.firstunitedbank.com

Indian Nation Wholesale 230 S. 22nd Ave. Durant, OK (580)920-0110 www.inwsupply.com

French Construction 11485 Lindsey Ln., Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-3297 customhomebuilderskingston.com Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce 311 S. Weaver St. Gainesville, TX 76240 (940)665-2831 www.gainesvillecofc.com

Ironroot Republic Distillery 3111 Loy Lake Rd. Denison, TX (903)337-0495 www.ironrootrepublic.com Jack & Jill Frye Ada, OK 74820 Jan Gage Oklahoma City, OK 73189 Johnston County Chamber of Commerce 106 W. Main Tishomingo, OK (580)371-2175 johnstoncountyokchamber.com

George Chapman Gordonville, TX 76245 Gordon Belshe Tecumseh, OK 74873

Jordan Insurance Group 4007 W. Hwy 70 Durant, OK (580)924-1964 www.jordancovers.com

Grand Lake Association 9630 Hwy. 59 N. Ste B Grove, OK 74344 (918)786-2289 www.grandlakefun.com

Lake Eufaula Association 701 S. Main St. Eufaula, OK (918)689-7751 www.visitlakeeufaula.com

Gray Acres Country Wedding & Events LLC. 297 Cemetery Rd. Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903-647-8923 www.grayacresvenue.com Grayson County Title Co. 210 W. Main Denison, TX 75020 (903)465-2545

Living the Lake Life Services, LLC 1405 4th Ave. NW #203 Ardmore, OK 73401 (580)227-8382 www.livingthelakelife services.com

Bring us your

FINANCIAL CHALLENGE SpendLifeWisely.com

BANKING Member FDIC.

•

Equal Housing Lender.

MORTGAGE

INSURANCE

•

Marshall County Chamber of Commerce 11544 Hwy 70 North Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-2431 www.mccoconline.com

TekWav 314 N. Walnut St. Sherman, TX 75090 (903)271-8899 www.tekwav.com

Myco Contstruction Corporation 6532 SW 44th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73179 (405)745-7655 www.mycocorp.com

Texoma Connect 183 Lakepoint Loop Pottsboro, TX 75076 www.texomaconnect.com

OG&E Electric Services 215 N. 4th Durant, OK 74701 (580)920-0306 www.oge.com Oklahoma Marina Association 14584 Arrowhead Point Rd. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)565-0186 www.oklahomamarinas.org Pottsboro Chamber of Commerce 615 Hwy. 120 East Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-6371 www.pottsborochamber.com Randy & Lori Priess Oklahoma City, OK 73162 Ron Frost Kingston, OK 73439 Sherman Chamber of Commerce 307 W. Washington St. Sherman, TX 75091 (903)893-1184 www.shermanchamber.us Sherman Department of Tourism 307 W. Washington St. Sherman, TX 75091 (903)893-1184 www.shermantx.org State Farm Insurance 113 N. 1st St. Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-5595 www.StateFarm.com

TRYIncubator 507 West Main Denison, TX 75020 (972)999-7588 www.facebook.com/TRYIncubator The UPS Store 4019 W. Hwy. 70 Durant, OK 74701 (580)931-8100 www.locations.theups store.com Tow BoatU.S. Gordonville, TX 76245 (903)267-0767 www.towboatuslaketexoma.com Twin Peaks Water Works 401 S. 1st Madill, OK 73446 (580)677-9025 Watts Funeral Home 200 S. 1st St. Kingston, OK (580)795-3311 www.wattsfuneralhome.com Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce 2535 Hwy 82 E Ste C Whitesboro, TX 76273 (903)564-3331 www.whitesborochamber.com William Dunbar Oklahoma City, OK 73162

T. Douglas Stump Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Let’s take the first step together working on your financial challenge.

Whether that’s making a budget, building savings, or growing your business, we’re here to make it happen.

CALERA COLBERT DENISON DURANT

MADILL POTTSBORO SHERMAN WHITESBORO

& 48 other communities across Texas and Oklahoma

800-924-4427 INVESTMENTS

Not FDIC Insured. No Bank Guarantee. May Lose Value.

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Pottsboro Texas

Welcome to one of the Go Texan Certified Retirement communities, Pottsboro, Texas.

Known for bringing in people from miles around, Pottsboro’s heritage shines through at the city’s annual Frontier Day Festival.

Many years ago, cattle drives would bring rodeo men and women through the city on their way to Dallas for the State Fair. Local individuals would welcome the passersby by hosting a fair. Community members and visitors would share goods, stories and time with each other.

Then when the cattle drives stopped, the festivals continued on FM 120 in Pottsboro. When the Texas Department of Transportation said that the festival was too big to have along the highway, the festival was moved to Friendship Park and continues with more than 75 food and artisan vendors, kids crafts and activities, face painting and exhibitors.

For more laid back fun, the Pottsboro area also has several golf courses, horseback riding opportunities, nature walks and more.

Situated a little over an hour drive from the metroplex, the city is home to weekend visitors, summer home-owners and permanent residents.

Have you ever seen fireworks while over looking a lake? Visit Pottsboro around the Fourth of July to see displays from both the Texas and Oklahoma side of Lake Texoma.

Known for the resorts, and full-service marinas in the area, Pottsboro is all about boating, fishing and dining amenities. Flowing Wells Resort and Marina, Highport Marina, Lighthouse Resort & Marina, Little Mineral Marina and Resort, Mill Creek Resort and Marina all touch the lake.

Restaurants including Arroyo’s Mexican RestauFrontier Day Festival

10 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Come Play. Come Stay.

Tanglewood Resort rant, Genti’s Pizza and Pasta and Roma’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza provide dining options throughout the city.

For more information, call 903-786-6371 or email info@ pottsborochamber.com. Visit the Pottsboro Chamber of Commerce at 615 Highway 120 East in Pottsboro.

SHOPPING The Country Store 7015 W. FM Rd. 120 Pottsboro, TX 75076

903.786.6371 www.PottsboroChamber.com laketexomaonline.com | 11

Dining Fulbelli’s in Sherman, Texas

Water, water everywhere and a whole lot of fish. That is Lake Texoma in a bait box,

and seafood dishes are a staple in many small eateries, with a number of establishments specializing in the fried version. By Edward Southerland The larger communities on the periphery of the lake all have restaurants, some local, some national chains, with seafood on the menu, but dining in close proximity to the water is sometimes limited to weekend or seasonal hours, with many closed all together in the fall and winter. Be sure to call ahead. Here is a list of what to order no matter where you are in Texoma.

Sherman, TX Cellarman’s: Pub food with some seafood offerings.

Fish & chips, oysters on the half shell, boiled shrimp, seafood baskets, oysters Rockefeller. Probably the best place in Texoma for oysters on the half shell. 903813-0994 Fulbelli’s: Upscale dining with large seafood menu including smoked trout, Norwegian salmon, ahi tuna, sea scallops, redfish, flounder, halibut, Coho salmon, shrimp and Maryland crab, lobster mac & cheese, tem-

pura shrimp and scallops. 903-892-8409 The Library Grill: Offering red fish Pontchartrain, baked sea bass, Norwegian salmon, Gulf shrimp, ahi tuna, mahi-mahi. 903-893-5747 Catfish King: Popular, low cost catfish, fried shrimp, and fried oysters with daily specials. 903-868-5953

Denison, TX Huck’s Catfish: Local favorite for catfish, top vote getter in the Best of Texoma. 903-337-0033 Denison Golf and Country Club: Offering peel and eat shrimp, bacon-wrapped shrimp, grilled salmon and a water view. 903-465-4488

Gordonville, TX Pelican’s Landing at Cedar Mills: Lakeside restaurant and bar with catfish and shrimp mixed in with burgers and pizza. 903-523-4500

texas dining Please check websites for seasonal hours of operation.

BARNACLES BAR & GRILL AT TANGLEWOOD 290 Tanglewood Circle Pottsboro, TX 800-833-6569 www.tanglewoodresort.com

FULBELLI’S 115 South Travis Sherman, TX 75090 (903)892-8409 www.fulbelli’s.com

COMMODORE ROOM 290 Tanglewood Circle Pottsboro, TX 75076 800-833-6569 www.tanglewoodresort.com

HILTON GARDEN INN 5015 South US 75 Denison, TX 75020 (903)463-3331 www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

DENISON GOLF & CC 19TH HOLE OLD ROD & GUN BAR & GRILL 5216 FM 84 Denison, Texas 75020 (903) 465-4488 www.denisongolfandcountryclub.com

MO’S AT HIGHPORT RESORT AND MARINA 120 Texoma Harbor Dr. Pottsboro, TX (903)786-7659 www.highport.com

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PATRICK’S ON THE POINT AT GRANDPAPPY POINT MARINA 132 Grandpappy Dr. Denison, TX 903-464-0989 www.grandpappy.com PELICAN’S LANDING WATERFRONT RESTAURANT AT CEDAR MILLS MARINA 500 Harbour View Rd. Gordonville, TX (903)523-4500 http://www.cedarmills.com STRIPER’S GRILL AT MILL CREEK RESORT 512 Mill Creek Resort Rd. Pottsboro, TX 75076-6242 (903)786-2227 www.millcreekresortandmarina.com

THE ISLAND AT HIGHPORT 120 Texoma Harbor Rd. Pottsboro, TX (903)786-7654 www.highport.com OASIS BAR & LOUNGE AT LIGHTHOUSE RESORT 300 Lighthouse Dr. Pottsboro, TX (903)361-0504 www.lighthouseresort.com

Oklahoma dining ALBERTA CREEK RESORT AND FLOATING RESTAURANT 9040 Clear Lake Dr. Kingston, OK (580)564-4465 www.albertacreek.com

BUBBA’S BREWHOUSE 9125 W. Hwy. 70 Durant, OK 74701 (580)931-9206 www.bubbasbrewhouse.com

ANCHOR ‘N AT BUNCOMBE CREEK 14584 Arrowhead Point Rd. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2536

CHICKASAW POINTE GOLF CLUB GRILL 12428 Chickasaw Pointe Rd. East Hwy. 70 Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2581 www.Pointe-Vista.com

BRIDGEVIEW MARINA & RESORT 13947 Reel Lane Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-3979 www.bridgeviewmarinaandresort.com

CHOCTAW CASINO AND RESORT 3735 Choctaw Road Durant, OK 74701 (888)652-4628 www.choctawcasinos.com

Pottsboro, TX Mom’s Cafe: Breakfast and lunch cafe for home cooking with some of the best fried shrimp around.

903-786-5514 Napoli’s: Italian restaurant with salmon sorentina, linguine with clams and scallops, shrimp scampi, lobster ravioli, crab ravioli, shrimp primavera, shrimp Alfredo.

903-786-2683 Tanglewood Resort Commodore Room: Upscale dining with large seafood selection including crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, lobster stuffed mushrooms, mahi-mahi

GRINGO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT 12430 Little Rd. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-7875 https://www.facebook.com/gringoslaketexoma SMILEY’S TRAVEL CENTER 1109 S. 1st. St. Madill, OK 73446 (866) 778-4831 www.smileystravelcenter.com

THE BELLY FLOP AT MARINA DEL REY 7007 Marina Dr. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)565-7212 www.marinadelreyok.com WINSTAR WORLD CASINO AND RESORT 777 Casino Ave. Thackerville, OK (800)622-6317 www.winstarworldcasino.com

SNEAKY TIKI RESTAURANT & BREWERY 3263-B US 70 Mead, OK 73449 (580) 931-0100 facebook.com/Sneakytikibrewery/

and more. 903-833-6569 Craft Pies Pizza Co.: Specialty pizzas, craft soda, salads and more. 903-508-9177

Whitesboro, TX Catfish Haven: Long-time family restaurant specializing in fried catfish. 903-564-3107

Kingston, OK Catfish Platter: Weekend catfish and shrimp restaurant. 580-5644204 BG’s Catch: Popular weekend catfish, shrimp and chicken buffet.

580-564-4320

Gringo’s Mexican Grill and Cantina: Authentic Mexican food restaurant with lunch and dinner specials. 580-564-7875 Ollie’s Juke Joint & Cafe: Cajun style place with catfish gumbo, shrimp and crawfish boils, catfish Susie Mae and other seafood items. Generally very good reviews on web travel sites. 580745-5783

Durant, OK Butterfield’s Buffet Choctaw Casino: Fri. Sat. buffet adds crab legs, shrimp and other seafood to regular menu. 888-652-4228

Cabins RV Sites Tackle Marina

Open Year Round!

(903) 523-4211 laketexomaonline.com | 13

Denison

Texas

In the area once known as a railroad town, Denison has grown into a city that

feels like a small town. With special attention to its downtown area, Denison is a designated historical district with areas for entertainment, art and culture.

The city has downtown art galleries such as MK Gallery, Sparrows Gallery, 413 Makers, Donna Finch Adams Studio and Gallery on Main Street, as well as locally owned stores like Salty Lime Boutique and Under the Eiffel Boutique.

Also on Main Street are the Denison Dance Academy, Shawnda Rains Studio and The Rialto Theater, a live music venue. Home-

stead Winery, Ivanhoe Ale Brewery and Ironroot Republic Distillery also call Denison home.

Main Street Mall is a consignment shop that houses many unique and antique items. Also on the strip are CJ’s Coffee Cafe, Pop Around the Corner and The Retreat, a quilt shop, bed and breakfast and boutique.

Denison is also the birthplace of the 34th United States President

Dwight D. Eisenhower. The birth house is a state historic site and hosts events year round.

With a population of more than 20,000, the city is family friendly with regular festivals and events to bring individuals into the area.

Music on Main, the free summer concert series, welcomes local, regional and national music acts.

Annual festivals include Monsters on Main, Kids Fest, Dia de Muertos

SHoPPING 2 Chicks Home and Market 311 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)815-2323

Iron Root Republic Distillery 3111 Loy Lake Rd. Denison, TX 75020 (903)337-0495

Mary Karam Gallery 404 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)465-3703

Sparrows Gallery 124 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)337-0708

Under the Eiffel Boutique 428 West Main Denison, TX 75020 (903)337-1703

Chateau Ranch, LLC 800 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (972)922-5611

Kaboodles 513 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)464-0441

Pop Around the Corner 501 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020

The Downtown Exchange 410 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)421-2254

Walmart 401 N US Highway 75 Denison, TX 75020 (903)465-9744

Homestead Winery 220 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)464-0030

Main Street Mall 500 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)463-1230

14 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Print House Boutique & Oh Fudge 415 W. Main St. Denison, TX 75020 (903)462-0619

Denison Fall Festival

Doc Holliday Sinners and Saints Festival Festival, Denison Fall Festival and more. The city’s annual Fourth of July celebration at Munson Stadium brings thousands to downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods to watch a fireworks display.

Wanting to get outdoors?

Camp out under the stars at Eisenhower State Park or enjoy one of the nearby marinas like Grandpappy Marina, Eisenhower Marina & Yacht Club, Highport Marina or Tanglewood Resort.

Sitting on the Texas side of Lake Texoma, the city borders Oklahoma and views the 15,350-feet long and 165-feet high Denison Dam built in the 1940s during the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

by Gen. Lucius Clay.

For more information on happenings around Denison, visit the Denison Chamber of Commerce at 313 W. Woodard Street in Denison. Contact them at 903-465-1551 or information@denisontx.us. laketexomaonline.com | 15

Lake Texoma is striped bass country — Morone Saxatillis if you can find a fish that speaks Latin — and anglers come from all over the county in search of the big ones. That is where guides come in. By Edward Southerland

Fishing Fishing with John Blasingame, or any guide, is a turnkey operation.

“You want to get a guide, so you can catch fish,” Blasingame of Adventure Texoma Outdoors said.

“Because I fish every day, and I stay on top of the patterns the fish have. There is no substitute for that kind of experience. I know where the fish are and what kind of baits they are taking.”

Tips to remember:

1. Get a license “Bring yourself, a Lake Texoma fishing license if you are between ages 17 and 65, a cooler with drinks and snacks, and sunscreen,” he said. “I’ll pretty much handle everything else. All your bait and tackle is furnished, and most anything else you need for fishing, I’ll take care of. Most of my trips run five hours or until the customers get tired or catch the limit.”

That limit is 10 fish per day per person.

2. Go where the locals go Mike Beeson and his brother, David, have been fishing guides on Texoma for 28 years and own Four Seasons Guide Service.

“We know where to catch fish on a consistent basis,” Mike Beeson said. “Being on the lake every day, we know where the fish are, and if they’re biting, we’ll catch fish.”

3. It does not matter whether you are a novice or expert

fishermen to some people who have never fished in their lives,” Mike Beeson said. “We go for trophy blue cats on the river sometimes, but mainly we fish for stripers. Texoma is the largest fresh water lake in the world with reproducing stripers in it, so stripers are the primary game fish around here.”

4. Learn the fish Darrell Woodson’s Big D’s Fishing Guide Service operates out of Lighthouse Marina.

“I’ve got a lot of experience out on the lake,” he said. “I grew up in Sherman and fished on the lake all of my life. I bass fished forever up there, and then I turned to stripers; that’s where the money is.”

Stripers, or striped bass are native to the North American Atlantic coastal waters. They are anadromous, migrating to fresh water to spawn, like salmon.

The stripers were common in early colonial fisheries, and in modern times, state game and fish commissions introduced the fish into the ecosystems of large impound reservoirs for both game fishing and to control the population of gizzard shad. The stripers in Lake Texoma are the backbone of the area’s recreational fishing business.

The striper schools migrate with the seasons.

“In spring, they’re going to go up the lake and streams to spawn; then they’ll come back into the main lake,” Woodson said.

5. Have fun

Fishing skills usually are not a factor when engaging a guide.

“We work with some of the most experienced

It’s as simple as that. Fish are where you find them, but having an experienced guide to show the way can be the trump card for a fisherman — veteran or novice.

Best catches Blue Catfish

LARgemouth Bass

Striped Bass

smallmouth Bass

Crappie

It’s A Family Tradition!

Everything you need to make family memories last a lifetime.

Boat Slips Over 500, 22’-50’ Sail and Power Boat Slips, with night security and maintenance. Also available Jet Ski Ports, Launch Ramp, and fish cleaning station.

John Blasingame

texas Fishing Guides CAPTAIN STEVE BARNES LAKE TEXOMA FISHING GUIDE 141 S. Meadowbrook Dr. Pottsboro, TX (940)841-0910 www.txfishingguide.com captsteve@txfishingguide.com

STRIPER EXPRESS FISHING GUIDES 512 Mill Creek Resort Rd. Boathouse #3 Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-4477 www.striperexpress.com bigfish@striperexpress.com

JOHN BRETT’S TEXOMA STRIPER GUIDE SERVICE 458 Fisherman Rd. Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-9279 www.texomastriperfishing.com jbrett1201@gmail.com

STRIPER HUNTER GUIDE SERVICE 512 Mill Creek Resort Rd. Pottsboro, TX (972)816-6000/(888)863-9662 www.texomastriperhunter.com stephen@texomastriperhunter.com

Oklahoma Fishing Guides ADVANTAGE GUIDE SERVICE Out of Alberta Creek-9040 Clear Lake Dr. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-3444 http://www.advantageguideservice.com advantageegs@yahoo.com GONE FISHIN’ GUIDE SERVICE 14256 Whispering Meadows Kingston, OK (405)850-2292 Facebook/Gone Fishing Guide Service Fish Texoma75@gmail.com PAPA BOB’S GUIDE SERVICE 1476 Angler Dr. Kingston, OK 73439 Buncombe Creek (580)263-0036 Facebook/Papabobsfishing papabobsfishing@gmail.com

SPARKY’S GUIDE SERVICE 606 Willow Springs Rd. Mead, OK 73449 (580)305-0533 www.sparkysguideservice.com sparkysguideservice@gmail.com STRIPER COUNTRY GUIDE SERVICE Out of Alberta Creek-9040 Clear Lake Dr. Kingston, OK 73439 (405)627-2250 www.stripercountry.com THIRD GENERATION GUIDE SERVICE 814 NW Redbud St. Kingston, OK 73439 (405)223-3523 Kathrynannstowe@gmail.com

Marine Services, Parts & Fuel Dock Complete inboard/outboard repair and paint, mechanical, electrical, refrigeration and hydraulics. Fuel Dock with pump out service.

Pelican’s Landing Waterfront Restaurant and Bar Family favorites and weekly specials from mouth watering burgers and Prime Rib to $4.99 two-egg breakfast specials.

Ship’s Store and Boutique Trendy resort and beach wear for all ages with a large selection of fun t-shirts, toys and items for boating and camping.

Full Accommodations Deluxe Cottages & Lakeside Cabins, Lodge-Special Event Center, Lakeside Room, RV Park & Campground, fishing guides, playground, petting zoo, 3,000’ turf airstrip and sandy beaches.

Start making your memories today!

Cedar Mills Marina & Resort 500 Harbour View Road Gordonville, TX 76245 903-523-4222 www.cedarmills.com

laketexomaonline.com | 17

It is bike riding season,

On the Road

Texoma Harley Davidson Ambassador of Fun James Ingram believes that Texoma is a great destination for bike riders because there is so much scenery and open road.

“First, Texoma is close enough to Dallas to be a day’s ride away from the big city,” he said. “It offers many destinations from picnic areas to camping opportunities. The scenery, either the lake itself or the surrounding area is beautiful, unspoiled and rustic.

The traffic is light and the riding is relaxing.”

Here are three sites worth visiting (or revisiting) according to Ingram.

1. The Denison Dam “It (the dam) is impressive, and the spillway is really cool when is it has been raining,” Ingram said in an email.

With the high levels of rain in the area, the Denison Dam was last opened in October 2018 when Lake Texoma’s elevation was just over 621 feet. The Denison Dam’s uncontrolled spillway begins at an elevation of 640 feet, and the top of the dam peaks at 670 feet.

and Texoma has no shortage of sites for those looking for a Sunday drive. If you have not been around Lake Texoma in a while, this weekend might be a good time to get the old motorcycle out and take a ride around the region. By Future Brown

2. Carpenter’s Bluff In the northeast corner of Grayson County as well as Bryan County, Oklahoma, Carpenter’s Bluff is a two-lane concrete bridge that spans the Red River.

“It is always a fun ride,” Ingram said.

If you are looking for a vehicle to best enjoy the scenery, Ingram has some suggestions.

“A Harley-Davidson FLTRXS - Road Glide Special or a Harley-Davidson FLHXS - Street Glide Special would be perfect for the couple looking to hit the road and get away from it all,” Ingram said. “There is plenty of room for gear with the tour pack, plus the seat and handlebars can be customized to fit an individual rider.”

There are other options for individual riders as well.

“The Harley-Davidson Heritage Soft Tail is a really great solo ride that is the essence of all that is Harley Davidson, powerful, nimble and comfortable with a classic look all its own,” Ingram said.

LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT VENUES Please check websites or social media pages for upcoming events.

Barbay at Marina del Rey 7007 Marina Dr. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)565-7212 www.marinadelreyok.com Bubba’s Brewhouse 9125 US-70 Durant, OK 74701 (580)931-9206 www.bubbasbrewhouse.com Lighthouse Resort & Marina 300 Lighthouse Dr. Pottsboro, TX (903)361-5070 www.lighthouseresort.com

Little Mineral Resort & Marina 300 Little Mineral Blvd.

Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2332 www.littlemineral.com

Patrick’s on the Point at Grandpappy Point Resort & Marina 132 Grandpappy Dr. Denison, TX (903)465-6330 www.grandpappy.com

Sneaky Tiki at Lake Texoma Lodge & Resort 3263-B US 70 Mead, OK 73449 (580)931-0100 www.SneayTikiTexomaLodge.com

Mill Creek Resort & Marina 512 Mill Creek Resort Rd. Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2227 www.millcreekresortandmarina.com

Pelican’s Landing at Cedar Mills Marina & Resort 500 Harbour View Rd Gordonville, Texas 76245 (903)523-4222 www.pelicans-landing.com

The Island Bar & Grill at Highport Marina 120 Texoma Harbor Drive Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-7654 www.highport.com

18 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Photo courtesy of Texoma HD

3. The city of Callisburg “Any of the FM roads north of Callisburg, Texas,” Ingram’s email said.

“The roads are great with sweeping curves and nice rustic scenery.”

For individuals not interested in the faster two-wheel automobiles, vehicles at Texoma Harley Davidson range in size, power, and price so there is something for everyone.

Texoma Harley Davidson serves a dealerassigned territory from Gainesville in the west to as far as Ardmore in the north. They carry all the latest Harley Davidson motorcycles as well as a large selection of pre-owned Harley Davidson motorcycles.

laketexomaonline.com | 19

Outdoor Activities Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge in Sherman, Texas, offers workamping or RV camping involving singles, couples and families who work part or full time at a site in order to stay on that site.

Carol and Bill Powell were regular workampers at Hagerman. The pair stayed at eight national wildlife refuges and have camped at Hagerman more than five times.

Carol Powell primarily worked with records, digitizing photographs and slides, office work, the visitor center desk, school programs and trash collection. Bill Powell received certification to run various types of heavy machinery on all refuges. He also worked with school programs, maintained buildings and grounds, upgraded the internet system in Cibola and picked up trash.

Also offering a similar program, state park hosting is a job that requires an individual to provide customer service to visitors and give information on park facilities and rules. They may also pick up litter, do

Camping is a favorite pastime

for Lake Texoma visitors and area residents. If you like to take your camping with a side of community service, many destinations near the lake allow patrons to camp on site in exchange for working on the site. By Future Brown

light maintenance work, work in the office and do fee collection.

Hosts are not state park officers and can not perform law enforcement. Each state park has its own duties and can have additional regulations. Hosts receive training in order to perform their duties.

While hosting, individuals may live on an RV site on the grounds. They have water and electrical hookups.

Hosts serve between one month and six months on a given site.

Ren and Scott Fiedenberg had visited more than half of the 94 state parks in Texas by 2017. The pair were park hosts at Eisenhower State Park in Denison last year.

“We are adjusting to living on site; park hosting is a nice way to camp,” Scott said in 2017. “We help them fill in the gaps in staffing, and we get to experience the park on a more long-term basis.”

And, not just for tent camping, work camping can

Hiking, biking & equestrian trails CROSS TIMBERS HIKING TRAIL Juniper Point Campgrounds 32843 Highway 377 Gordonville, TX (903)523-4022 www.recreation.gov CEDAR BAYOU MARINA 513 Cedar Bayou Blvd.

Gordonville, TX 76245 (903)523-4248 www.cedarbayou.com CEDAR MILLS MARINA 500 Harbour View Rd. Gordonville, TX 76245 (903)523-4222 www.cedarmills.com

EISENHOWER STATE PARK 50 Park Road 20 Denison, TX 75020 (903)465-1956 www.tpwd.state.tx.us FLOWING WELLS RESORT AND MARINA 3217 Flowing Wells Road Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2930 www.dfwresort.com HAGERMAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 6465 Refuge Rd. Sherman, TX 75092 (903)786-2826 https://www.fws.gov/refuge/hagerman/

20 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

LAKE TEXOMA STATE PARK 11500 Park Office Rd. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2566 www.travelok.com

SUNDANCE CAMP 295 Glen Eden Dr. Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)361-8500 www.texomadestinations.com

LITTLE MINERAL MARINA & RESORT 300 Little Mineral Blvd.

Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903) 786-2332 www.littlemineral.com

TISHOMINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 12000 South Refuge Road Tishomingo, OK 73460 (580)371-2402 https://www.fws.gov/refuge/tishomingo/

PLATTER FLATS CAMPGROUND 867 Trail Ride Road Platter, OK 74753 (580)434-5864 www.recreation.gov

also include camping in a recreational vehicle.

“The camping here on the lake is wonderful, it’s all wooded,” Debbie Goldman, a park host at Eisenhower said in 2017.

“The trails are great. We see wildlife all the time.

There is something for everyone.”

Goldman and her family have made trips to the Denison park several times over the last three years.

For more information on volunteering at state parks, email volunteer@ TPWD.Texas.Gov or visit the site TPWD.Samaritan. com.

General state park camping information Most Texas state parks charge a day use fee of about $4 to $5 per person, with young children often admitted free of charge. A license is not required for fishing in Texas state parks.

Many of the Oklahoma state parks don’t charge a day-use fee, but do require a fishing license for those older than 14 or 16 (depending on their state of residence) and younger than 65. Most have swimming and picnic areas, nature trails and other activities to entertain kids of all ages.

Camping is available at all the parks and many have cabins available to rent. Camping rates run about $10 a night for tents, between $15 and $30 a night for RVs and somewhat more for cabins.

Texas offers a parks pass which can be used in

more than 90 Texas state parks. The pass costs $70 for the first person and then $25 for a second person who lives at the same address. The passes not only allow you and your guests unlimited free entry into the parks, but discounts on camping, park store purchases and equipment rentals, as well as other special offers. The pass is good for one year. Oklahoma doesn’t offer a park pass at this time.

Get all the information you need on Texas state parks at http://tpwd. texas.gov/state-parks.

For Oklahoma parks, go to http://www.travelok. com/state_parks. laketexomaonline.com | 21

Marshall County Oklahoma

Marshall County, Oklahoma, is known to be the smallest county in Oklahoma. What visitors quickly realize is that it is the smallest county with the biggest heart. Marshall County residents are avid supporters of the county and welcome you to visit any time of year to explore our lake and surrounding towns.

SHoPPING Kingston Hardware 23 N. Main St. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2694 Kingston Pharmacy 7 N. Main St. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2337 Super C-Mart 515 Hwy 70 E. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-3397 Amazing Grace Boutique 815 S. 1st St. Madill, OK 73446 (580)677-9200 Blush Naturally-Spa 211 W. Lillie Blvd.

Madill, OK 73446 (405)401-3535 Effie’s Unique Boutique 14856 W. Hwy. 70 Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-7575

Conveniently located along the western shores of Lake Texoma, Marshall County has much to offer visitors and the locals all year long. During the warmer months you may enjoy swimming at one of the many marinas in the area or boating, skiing, wakeboarding and hanging out at one of the many sandy beaches. Year-round activities including fishing, hunting, camping, bird watching and fossil hunting on the shores of the lake.

If you enjoy golfing, you are in luck! There are two wonderful golf courses located in Marshall County.

When you are ready to head indoors, visit one of the many retail shops and fashionable clothing boutiques located in Kingston and Madill. Marshall County offers name brand clothing, shoes, boots, jewelry and trendy home décor, yard décor, plants and Lake Texoma gear. You can find today’s fashion trends for every age, or pick up a gift for your special someone.

Do you prefer rifling through antique shops and thrift stores? If so, Marshall County has many unique shops for your browsing enjoyment. After you find that perfect piece for your collection, head over to the Museum of Southern Oklahoma on Overton Street in Madill. Since 1975, the Marshall County Historical Society has been filling the museum with history, artifacts and heirlooms, many of which have been donated by countless Marshall County families. Some of these families also contribute to the Ruby Adkins Art Gallery located in downtown Madill where the Madill Art Club meets monthly. There, you can view hundreds of original oil and watercolor paintings as well as pottery, sculptures and mixed media. In October, visit the annual Madill Art Show located at the Marshall County Expo Center. You will not be disappointed.

The National Sandbass Festival – Madill’s “Jumpin’ Little Summer Fest” – is the largest annual event held on the town square in Madill and takes place the first full week of June. The festival attracts over 40,000

22 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

people who travel from across the United States and locally to take part the in carnival, arts and craft fair and food fair. Other events held during the week include a car show, terrapin races, King Sandie Fun Run, King Sandie Fishing Tournament, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, corn hole tournament, baby crawling contests and a talent show competition. Free concerts are also featured nightly that include gospel singing, local bands and well-known Nashville recording artists.

Other annual events located in the county are the Marshall County Jr. Livestock Show (February), Madill FFA Rodeo (the oldest FFA Rodeo in Oklahoma) held every April and the Madill Roundup Club Rodeo (July).

The Marshall County Fair takes place in September and is the educational center of the typical Marshall County farm and home. This event is a great place to meet locals, participate in the annual pet parade, the youth softball toss and the Little Mr. & Miss Marshall County Pageant. In October, check out the Reuel Little Classic which is an annual 5K, 10K and half-marathon which contributes its proceeds to the local Marshall County Hospital Foundation. Holidays in Marshall County are always festive and bright. On the first Saturday in December, park your car along the streets of Kingston and Madill for the annual Marshall County Christmas lighted Parade.

Conveniently located, the borders of Marshall County are 15 miles east of Ardmore, Oklahoma, 15 miles west of Durant, Oklahoma, and within two driving hours of both Oklahoma City and Dallas.

Because Marshall County is “A Great Place to Visit, A Better Place to Live,” visitors will receive a warm and friendly welcome from the residents. For more information about Marshall County and the community events and businesses, please visit the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce website, www.marshallcountyonline.com or call at 580-795-2431.

laketexomaonline.com | 23

Night Life

Ironroot Republic Distillery Choctaw Casino and Resort

For those looking to spend a night on the town while visiting Lake Texoma,

there are plenty of spaces that host regular events. Area breweries and casinos often host concerts and special events to bring people to their doors. By Future Brown In Oklahoma, area patrons and residents can visit casinos not far from the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indian Reservations that oversee them.

WinStar World Casino and Resort is located off Interstate 35 at the Oklahoma/Texas border, and Choctaw Casino and Resort is just half an hour from the lake in Durant, Oklahoma.

In addition to electronic games, guests also can play at the 98 table casino games and 46 poker tables.

Beyond gaming, Choctaw has recently added a new entertainment venue, The District, which features a sports bar, 20 bowling lanes, arcade, laser tag and movie theater.

“There is also a large sports bar showing all the top action sports and the private poker room with 30 tables is also a great added benefit for the adults,” Choctaw Marketing Director Jodi Pestka said. “You can’t forget about the entertainment! Most weekends there is a top act performing at The Grand Theater and free live shows at Gilley’s.”

If having a drink and listening to some live music sounds more appealing, take in some locally made alcoholic beverages while visiting area bars like Tupelo Honey in Denison or Bubba’s Brewhouse in Durant.

As for breweries, 903 Brewers in Sherman is open from 5-9 p.m. Thursdays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Samples are only offered to those over 21. They sell pints of the beer in the tasting room as well.

“Craft beer is popular and people want to see what there is to offer,” 903 Brewers owner Jeremy Roberts said. “We offer free tours at 1:30 p.m. Saturdays. The tasting room is open from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays.”

Ironroot Republic Distillery is located at 3111 Loy Lake Road in Denison. It is open from 2:30-8 p.m.

Saturdays.

The American Distilling Institute — the country’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to craft distilling — awarded Ironroot’s Carpenter’s Bluff Moonshine with top honors in its Clear Corn Whiskey category at the 2015 Craft American Spirits Competition in Louisville, Kentucky.

And, if you are looking for a laidback good time, the Sneaky Tiki Restaurant at the Lake Texoma Lodge and Reservation in Mead, Oklahoma, is known for its drinks and fresh seafood, and Ivanhoe Aleworks in Denison is known for its changing menu and its sampling of bar food.

GAMING Choctaw Casino Resort Hwy. 69/75, Durant, OK (580)920-0160/(800)652-4628

Madill Gaming Center 902 South First Street, Madill, OK (580)795-7301

24 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Texoma Gaming Center 1795 Hwy 70 East, Kingston, OK (580)564-6000

WinStar World Casino & Resort 777 Casino Ave., Thackerville, OK Exit 1 & I-35 (580)276-4229/(800)622-6317

Playground

Walking/Hiking/Biking

Equestrian Trails

Group/Wedding/Reception Facilities

Covered Pavillions

Swimming Pool

Swim Beach

Fishing Dock

Fishing Guide Services

Lodging

Lake Side Dining

Restaurant

Ship Store/Boutique

Grocery/Tackle Store

Public Restroom/Bathhouse

Stand Up Paddleboard/Kayak Rentals

Boat Rentals

Courtesy Slips

Boat Service/Supplies

Boat Launching Ramp

Marina

Water

Sewer Hookup/Dump Station

Electric Available

Waterfront Sites Available

Oklahoma

Tent Camping

Corps of Engineers Campground

RV Camping

Camping Quick Reference Guide Alberta Creek Resort Bridegeview Resort Buncombe Creek Buncombe Creek Resort Marina Caney Creek Choctaw Casino RV Park East Burns Run Johnson Creek Lake Texoma Lodge & Resort Lake Texoma State Park/Catfish Bay Marina Lakeside Little Glasses Marina Newberry Creek Resort & Marina Platter Flats Marina del Rey Texoma Lakeside Motel and RV Park Texoma Shores Resort West Burns Run WinStart RV Park

TEXAS

Big Mineral Camp Cedar Bayou Marina Cedar Mills Marina & Resort Damsite Campground Eisenhower State Park Gone Fishing RV Resort Grandpappy Point Resort & Marina Highport Marina Juniper Point East Juniper Point West Lighthouse Resort & Marina Little Mineral Resort & Marina Mill Creek Resort & Marina Paradise Resort Preston Bend Sundance Camp Walnut Creek Resort

903.786.5438 83998 N. State Hwy 289 Pottsboro, Texas

Additional Distribution Center in Austin

boatlift.com laketexomaonline.com | 25

26 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

laketexomaonline.com | 27

Oklahoma

Alberta Creek Resort

Bridgeview Resort and Marina Buncombe Creek Resort Marina Catfish Bay Marina/Lake Tex. State Park Little Glasses Resort Marina del Rey Newberry Creek Resort and Marina Texoma Shores Resort TEXAS Big Mineral Camp Cedar Bayou Marina Cedar Mills Marina & Resort Eisenhower Yacht Club & Marina Flowing Wells Resort and Marina Grandpappy Point Resort & Marina Highport Marina Lighthouse Resort & Marina Little Mineral Resort & Marina Mill Creek Resort & Marina Rock Creek Resort Walnut Creek Resort

28 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Airstrip

Wedding/Reception Facilites

Entertainment/Bands/Events

Covered Pavillions

Dockominium Sales

Boat Sales

Sailboat Slip

Boat Storage Dry

Boat Storage Wet-50+

Boat Storage Wet

Swimming Pool

Swim Beach

Dock

Fishing Guide Service

RV Hookup

Lodging

Campgrounds

Lake Side Dining

Restaurant

Ship Store/Boutique

Grocery/Tackle Store

Public Restroom/Bathhoouse

Marine Pump Out

Standup Paddleboat/Water Bike Rental

Canoe/Kayak Rental

Boat Rentals

Courtesy Slips

Boat Service/Supplies

Boat Launching Ramp

Boat Fuel

Marina Quick Reference Guide

TEXAS marinas BIG MINERAL RESORT MARINA CAMP 2889 Big Mineral Rd., Sadler, TX Phone: (903)523-4287 www.bigmineral.com CEDAR BAYOU MARINA 513 Cedar Bayou Blvd., Gordonville, TX Phone: (903)523-4248/Fax: (903)523-5154 www.cedarbayou.com Email: allby1@verizon.net CEDAR MILLS MARINA 500 Harbor View Road, Gordonville, TX Phone: (903)523-4222 Email: resort@cedarmills.com www.cedarmills.com EISENHOWER YACHT CLUB 2141 Park Road 20, Denison, TX

Phone: (903)463-3999 Email: eyc@eisenhoweryachtclub.com www.eisenhoweryachtclub.com FLOWING WELLS RESORT 3217 Flowing Wells Rd., Pottsboro, TX Phone: (903)786-2930 www.dfwresort.com GRANDPAPPY POINT RESORT & MARINA 132 Grandpappy Drive, Denison, TX Phone: (903)465-6330 www.grandpappy.com HIGHPORT MARINA 120 Texoma Harbor Dr., Pottsboro, TX Phone: (903)786-7000 Toll Free: (800)786-7000 Mo’s at Highport: (903)786-7654

Super Port Fuel Dock: (903)786-8365 www.highport.com LIGHTHOUSE RESORT & MARINA 300 Lighthouse Dr., Pottsboro, TX Reservations: (903)361-5070 Marina Office: (903)786-2311 Fuel Dock: (903)786-2250 www.lighthouseresort.com Email: info@lighthouseresort.com

Phone: (903)786-2227 Email: tonya@millcreekresortandmarina.com www.millcreekresortandmarina.com ROCK CREEK RESORT 21400 FM 901 North, Gordonville, TX Ship Store Phone: (903)523-5353 Land Sales Phone: (903)523-5105 Boat slip rentals: (214)706-7801 www.rockcreekontexoma.com

LITTLE MINERAL MARINA & RESORT 300 Little Mineral Blvd., Pottsboro, TX Phone: (903)786-2332 www.littlemineral.com MILL CREEK RESORT & MARINA 512 Mill Creek Resort Rd. Pottsboro, TX 75076

WALNUT CREEK RESORT 1075 Walnut Creek Rd. PO Box 346, Gordonville, TX 76245 Phone: (903)523-4211 www.walnutcreekresort.com 1 mi. north and 1 mi. east of Gordonville

Oklahoma marinas ALBERTA CREEK RESORT 9040 Clear Lake Dr. PO Box 9, Kingston, OK 73439 Phone: (580)564-2552 Convenience Store: (580)564-2561 Floating Restaurant: (580)564-4465 Email: customerservice@albertacreek.com www.albertacreek.com BRIDGEVIEW RESORT AND MARINA 13947 Reel Lane, Madill, OK 73446 Phone: (580)795-3979 Ships Store on land Phone: (580)795-3082 Ships Store on water www.bridgeviewmarinaandresort.com

BUNCOMBE CREEK RESORT MARINA 14584 Arrowhead Point Rd. Kingston, OK 73439 Phone: (580)564-2543 Toll-free: (800)636-2543 ANCHOR ‘N RESTAURANT: (580)564-2536 www.buncombecreek.com CATFISH BAY MARINA Pointe Vista Marinas 11586 Rooster Creek Dr., Kingston, OK Marina Office: (580)564-2307 Gas Dock: (580)564-4131 Service Shop: (580)564-2309 Marina Mart: (580)564-4994

The Cabana: (580)564-4968 Email: catfishbay@pointe-vista.com www.pointe-vista.com LITTLE GLASSES RESORT 13443 Parrot Head Lane, Madill, OK Phone: (580)795-2068 Fax: (580)677-9046 Email: reservations@littleglasses.com www.littleglasses.com NEWBERRY CREEK RESORT & MARINA 1582 Newberry Creek Rd., Mead, OK Phone: (580)924-0787 www.newberrycreek.com

MARINA DEL REY 7007 Marina Dr., Kingston, OK 73439 Marina Office: (580)564-7212 Lodging: (580)564-6266 Boat Rental: (580)564-9440 Floating Restaurant: (580)564-9540 www.marinadelreyok.com TEXOMA SHORES RESORT 16022 Cumberland Cove, Madill, OK Phone: (580)795-3828 www.oceancanyon.com

laketexomaonline.com | 29

Lodging Gateway Travel owner and frequent traveler Christy Wagnitz said many people choose to stay somewhere other than a hotel for the flexibility that other options provide. Wagnitz recalled a trip taken with family last summer where everyone stayed together in one large vacation home.

“A lot of people like to have a more home-like situation,” Wagnitz said. “This is especially true when you have multiple generation families that want to do a big family vacation. Many of these have private pools or hot tubs. It is a little more private for activities and things you want to do. It also makes it a little more relaxed for an extended stay for more than a few nights.”

Wagnitz recommends checking the references, reviews and location for any type of accommodation you might be considering for your vacation.

Recreational vehicles: For couples or small families looking to take a trip at their own pace, using an RV can be an excellent option. This method of travel allows you to take in the sights, along with providing the benefit of being able to bring your pets along for the ride. There are around 10 parks, 10 marinas and two state parks that offer RV camping on Lake Texoma.

When it comes to planning a vaca-

tion, deciding where to stay can be a major ordeal. The size of your party and what kind of experience you are hoping to have while away can both play a part in what type of place you choose for your accommodations. By Rhea Bermel Sites including access to water, electricity and sewer run around $20 to $40 per night.

Vacation home rentals: Homes available for short-term rental vary widely in size and price. Having a full kitchen and multiple bathrooms can be a blessing for family gatherings. A home also provides a much better sense of privacy than a hotel or other shared living situation. These type of rentals can be found on websites like Airbnb and VRBO. HomeAway says their vacation rental owners charge an average of $217 per night.

Cabin rental: Those looking for a bit of an adventure but still wanting a home-like atmosphere should consider cabin rental. Cabins range from extremely rustic to bungalow chic in design and can provide many of the same comforts as a vacation home rental, the difference being their location and style. Like their more traditional counterparts, cabins range widely in price dependent on size, amenities and location. Several of the lake’s state parks and marinas offer cabin rentals.

Prices usually range from around $80 to $200 per night.

Glamping: For the truly adventurous, glamping is

Oklahoma lodging Alberta Creek Resort 9040 Clear Lake Dr. Kingston, OK (580)564-2552 www.albertacreek.com

Budget Inn 803 S. 1st St. Madill, OK 73446 (866)238-4218 www.magnusonhotels.com

Choctaw Casino & Resort 3735 Choctaw Rd. Durant, OK 74701 (580)920-0160 www.choctawcasinos.com

American Inn 601 N. 1st St. Madill, OK 73446 (855)516-1090 www.magnusonhotels.com

Buncombe Corner Striper Inn 4033 Shay Rd. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)251-1604 facebook.com/BuncombeCornerStriperInn

Lake Texoma Lodge & Resort 3263 US 70 Mead, OK 73449 (866)831-4293 www.laketexomalodge.com

Arrowhead Point Lodge & Event Center 5347 Shay Rd. Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-9369 facebook.com/Arrowhead-Point-Lodge

Buncombe Creek Resort Marina 14584 Arrowhead Point Road Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2543 www.buncombecreek.com

Little Glasses Resort 13443 Parrot Head Lane Madill, OK (580)795-2068 www.washitapoint.com

Bridgeview Resort 13947 Reel Ln. Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-3979 www.bridgeviewmarinaandresort.com

Cabin Fever Adventures 8985 Texoma Park Rd. Kingston, OK (580)564-1616 www.cabinfeveradventures.net

30 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Marina del Rey 7007 Marina Dr. Kingston, OK 73439 Lodging: (580)564-6266 www.marinadelreyok.com

Newberry Creek Resort & Marina 1582 Newberry Creek Rd. Mead, OK 73449 (580)924-0787 www.newberrycreek.com Texoma Shores Resort 16022 Cumberland Cove Rd. Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-3828 www.texomashoresrvpark.com Thomas Trailer Park PO Box 20 Madill, OK (580)564-3144 Winstar World Casino and Resort 777 Casino Ave. Thackerville, OK (800)622-6317 www.winstarworldcasino.com

Texas lodging Andrew Johnson Cabin Pottsboro, TX 75076 (888)640-7927 https://www.vrbo.com/630763 Big Mineral Camp 2889 Big Mineral Rd. Sadler, TX (903)523-4287 www.bigmineral.com Cabin on Circle 8 Lake Texoma 108 Circle 8 Lane Pottsboro, TX 75076 (940)391-4958 www.CabinLakeTexoma.com Cedar Bayou Marina 513 Cedar Bayou Blvd. Gordonville, TX (903)523-4248 www.cedarbayou.com Cedar Mills Marina 500 Harbour View Road Gordonville, TX 76245 (903)523-4222 www.cedarmills.com

Flowing Wells Resort and Marina 3217 Flowing Wells Road Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2930 www.flowingwellsresort.com

Lake Texoma Hideaway 652 County Rd. Gordonville, TX 76245-2338 (214)773-3239 www.laketexomahideaway.com

Mill Creek Resort & Marina 512 Mill Creek Resort Rd. Pottsboro, TX 75076-6242 (903)786-2227 www.millcreekresortandmarina.com

Gone Fishing RV Resort 730 Oxford Dr. Gordonville, TX 76245 (903)523-3474 www.gonefishingrvresort.com

Lake Texoma Treetop Bungalows 81 Wales Dr. Pottsboro, TX 76245 (903)271-5628

Paradise Cove 503 Paradise Park Dr. Pottsboro, TX (903)419-1009 www.paradisetexoma.com

Grandpappy Point Resort & Marina 132 Grandpappy Dr. Denison, TX (903)465-6330 www.grandpappy.com

Lighthouse Resort & Marina 300 Lighthouse Dr. Pottsboro, TX (903)361-5070 www.lighthouseresort.com

Hilton Garden Inn/Texoma Event Center 5015 U.S. Hwy. 75 Denison, TX 75020 (903)463-3331 www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

Little Mineral Marina & Resort 300 Little Mineral Blvd.

Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2332 www.littlemineral.com

a new craze that provides vacation goers with the opportunity to commune with nature without abandoning all of the comforts of civilization. For around $150 per night, local service iGlamp will provide a large, sturdy tent in similar style to a yurt, furnished with a real bed, furniture, rugs and other luxury essentials. Although

facebook.com/LakeTexomaTreetopBungalows/

some camp sites may provide the glamping set up as part of their reservation package, other services will set up and take down these amenities at the camp site of your choosing. Either way, factor in additional costs for the campsite.

Texas State Parks range anywhere from $20 to $40 dollars per night for one of their camping sites.

Tanglewood Resort & Conference Center 290 Tanglewood Circle Pottsboro, TX www.tanglewoodresort.com Walnut Creek Resort 1075 Walnut Creek Rd. Gordonville, TX 76245-0346 (903)523-4211 www.walnutcreekresort.com

Flowing Wells - Sunset Village

130 deluxe guest rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour business center, fitness center, outdoor pool and Whirlpool

Historic Downtown Denison & Lake Texoma nearby 18 miles from Choctaw Casino in Durant, OK

Adjacent to Texoma Medical Center

For our anglers, we offer complimentary boat charging stations

Complimentary shuttle service within a 5-mile radius

DISCOVER

Hilton

Garden Inn

®

AND

Texoma Event

Center

Featuring 20,000 sq.ft. of flexible meeting and event space; including our Magnolia Ballroom which seats up to 1000 guests, with versatile pre-function space, 2 boardrooms, and 5 additional meeting rooms, and customized event menus created by our in-house culinary team. ph 903-463-3331 fx 903-463-3341 TF 1-877-STAY-HGI

5015 South US 75, Denison, Texas 75020

HGIgateway.com

laketexomaonline.com | 31

Here are five animals that can be hunted around the lake.

1. White-tailed deer

Wildlife Visit Lake Texoma for the opportunity to hunt some of the region’s animals. Be aware of hunting seasons and make sure your have your Texas, Oklahoma or Lake Texoma hunting license before heading out with gear expecting to take home some of the area’s wildlife. By Future Brown and Lynn Burkhead

As you might suspect, Hagerman NWR is a well-known spot in deer hunting circles, especially for a bowhunter hoping to take a record book sized whitetail.

At Hagerman, there is a lottery that only allows those who are chosen to hunt the deer during a given season.

With three management deer hunts each fall, hunters hoping to draw a bowhunting permit for Hagerman must pass a bowhunter education course, score 80 percent or better on an archery shooting proficiency test and have their name drawn in a random computer drawing that takes place every year in the early summer.

2. Waterfowl At Lake Texoma, superb waterfowl hunting has taken place at times since the reservoir was impounded in the early 1940s.

Waterfowl include mallards, pintails, green-winged teal, gadwalls and wigeon flock.

The area is an important wintering stop for clouds of ducks and geese, especially mallard ducks and Canada geese.

For individuals looking to snag a bird, hunters must possess a valid hunting license, a Federal duck stamp, HIP certification, and a state duck stamp endorsement.

3. Upland Birds Turkeys and doves are two popular upland birds that can be found in Texoma.

Dove season starts on Sept. 1 and hunters can find mourning dove and whitewinged doves in the area. Turkey season starts in April.

4. Small game In lands governed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, rules for hunting can be found on the respective sites.

32 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Small game hunters need to look no further to find high populations of fox squirrels and cottontails.

5. Hogs Hagerman is working to control the feral hog population in this area. The refuge has a hunt draw for the opportunity to hunt the animals on the grounds. Visit http:// www.FWS.Gov/Refuge/Hagerman.

wildlife refuges HAGERMAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 6465 Refuge Rd. Sherman, TX 75092 (903)786-2826 Visitor Center Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Saturday 7:30am-4:00pm Sunday 1:00pm-5:00pm Closed on Federal Holidays TISHOMINGO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE 12000 South Refuge Road Tishomingo, OK (580)371-2402 Visitor Center Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Closed on Federal Holidays

Hunting Lake Texoma offers a large range of wildlife for hunters who want to use their skills with a bow and arrow, or with more sophisticated weaponry. Come visit the Lake Texoma Association office, online at www.laketexomaonline.com, or call us at (580)564-2334 for a free map of the public hunting areas around Lake Texoma.

For more hunting information, to include rules and regulations, go online: Oklahoma- www.wildlifedepartment.com Texas- www.tpwd.texas.gov LakeTexamoLodge-Guide_FullPgAd.indd 1

laketexomaonline.com 33 9/29/17 |10:20 AM

Durant

Oklahoma

Durant’s high quality and affordable family-valued lifestyle is located conveniently in the Texoma area. Visitors will feel a strong sense of community while enjoying recreation and entertainment.

Recreational opportunities and activities are abundant on beautiful Lake Texoma — only 15 minutes from Durant. With 89,000 acres of water to enjoy, Lake Texoma can make anyone’s vacation the ultimate experience.

Be sure to visit our charming downtown.

The Durant Main Street program works continuously to make our downtown a thriving attraction. Along with a variety of restaurants and unique shopping on historic Main Street, another asset to our downtown is the Three Valley Museum, which features many historic articles and exhibits.

Durant is fortunate to be the headquarters of the Choctaw Nation. Many of their business enterprises operate throughout Bryan County – among the most popular is the Choctaw Casino Resort. The Resort includes many options for gaming, lodging and dining. Amenities also include the

Main Street

Shopping Bliss 132 W. Main Durant, OK 74701 (580)924-4200

Blue River Winery 3565 Sawmill Rd. Caddo, OK 74729 (580)775-4213

Foster Creativity 124 N. 2nd Ave. Durant, OK 74701 (580)745-8208

Pink Door Boutique 1207 N. Washington Durant, OK 74701 (580)931-3667

Bella Ragazza 201B W. Main Street Durant, OK 74701 (580)924-2762

Cactus Gypsies Boutique 108 North 2nd Ave. Durant, OK 74701 (580)434-2198

Marie’s 134 West Main Durant, OK 74701 (580)924-3205

Southern Drawl Boutique 141 W. Main Street Durant, OK 74701 (580)745-8222

34 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Wal-Mart 3712 W. Main St. Durant, OK 74701

Main Street Oasis Pool and The Spa. The Grand Theater hosts many quality entertainers, and The District features a movie theater, bowling alley and more.

Durant is also the proud home to Southeastern Oklahoma State University. SE enhances our rural setting by providing quality higher education, an award-winning Aviation Program, entertaining Savage Storm sporting events and excellent musical and theatre productions like the annual Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival.

Don’t miss the Magnolia Festival! It’s one of the largest events in southern Oklahoma and celebrates 23 years in 2019. The Durant Riding Club Rodeo kicks off the festival each Memorial Day weekend and is continued at the Choctaw Event Center the weekend after Memorial Day. The Magnolia Festival is packed with family fun including a carnival, live entertainment, unique shopping booths, food vendors, fireworks, children’s activities, 5K run, Rotary Bike Ride and more.

Don’t forget to include historic Fort Washita in your agenda and explore the fascinating history of Fort Washita, located 15 miles northwest of Durant.

Durant is also home to the World’s Largest Peanut! Stop by and snap a pic with the monument at 3rd and Evergreen Street.

Whether you are venturing on a visit or establishing a permanent residence, we invite you to discover Durant. For additional information, contact the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce at 580-9240848, www.durantchamber.org or visit us at 215 N 4th Avenue in Durant.

Region 8 All Indian Rodeo

laketexomaonline.com | 35

Who likes striped bass?

Lake Texoma has over a million fisher-

men that come to the lake every year. Most opt for the striper fishing. Known as the ‘Striper Capital of the World,’ Lake Texoma stripers have been the no. 1 draw for 50 years.

By Bill Carey, Striper Express Oklahoma and Texas biologists stocked a couple hundred adult stripers in 1965. The stripers became abundant after a few years. The word spread, the fishing became phenomenal and the rest is history. In 1977, I joined the group of striper addicts. I hired professional fishing guides for five years, and in 1983 I became a pro guide myself. I would like to explain how you, too, can learn to catch the meanest fighting fish in freshwater. Here is a description of the fishing year over the seasons.

36 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

Winter

The winter months are trophy months. The stripers bite year ‘round and fatten up in the cold months.

In January and February, we trophy hunt. The larger stripers are rogue fish. They are like a big buck deer — they don’t run with the crowds.

We run routes and fish structure with a big RoadRunner jig. We tip it with a 9-inch white worm trailer.

Hence, big baits equal big fish. When we say structure, we target main lake points: mouths of creeks, ditches and humps. There may be up to five big fish holding on structure, and they ambush baits. Fish up to 20+ pounds can be captured in the winter.

Spring

March is the beginning of the spring fishing on Lake Texoma. The lake starts warming up. The fish begin to gather in schools. Spring may be the most popular of all four seasons. March, April and May are the primetime spring months. Late April is the beginning of the top-water action. This is the most exciting fishing of all.

We cast big 6-inch plugs on the shallow banks, and the stripers explode on your offering. Your plug simulates a crippled bait on the surface, so anytime it is in the water, you are in the strike zone. We have stories of fish attacking your plug at the side of the boat. This is not for the faint of heart. We cast the shallow banks at first light in the early mornings. The topwater fishing will last for an hour or longer depending on cloud cover.

After the top-water action is over, we switch to jigs and or slabs. A slab is a lead spoon you fish vertically.

We locate the schools with our electronics. The stripers are grouped up and roaming the lake in search of shad, the main food forage of stripers. The spring season will last till the end of May.

Summer

The summer season begins in June on Lake Texoma.

The stripers have finished spawning. They come back from up rivers and are entering the main lake. Hun-

dreds of thousands of hungry fish begin running all over the lake. They group up in large schools, and it starts with slab fishing. This is when we locate the fish and vertically fish.

We drop the slabs over the side of the boat, let it fall to the bottom and reel up fast. The fish can range from a one pounder to double digits — 10 lb. plus stripers are common.

About mid-June, the fish start surfacing. This is the traditional top-water sight fishing. We cast the 6-inch top-water plugs on the feeding fish. You can see the fish busting shad from long distances. This action will last for a couple of hours, and then they sound. That means the fish will stay grouped up and keep feeding.

We drop slabs and “rip” them up. The striper strikes so hard they can take the rod out of your hands. The summer action will last until the first of September.

Fall

The Fall fishing on Texoma is as popular as the spring season. The lake is cooling down from the heat of summer, and the fish are loving it. The fish move up on the flats in September. They come from the deep water and chase shad in shallower depths.

September is a great month for numbers. We cast jigs and bump the slabs on the bottom. Then, in October we cast the shallow banks with top-water plugs like in May. We have a new fish finder in October.

Thousand of seagulls migrate to the lake for the season. The birds locate fish when the stripers push the shad to the surface.

The topwater fishing will continue until mid-November. The water cools, and we follow the birds — where the stripers are schooling. Again, you can slab the fish vertically or cast jigs for great action and multiple hookups. The same patterns continue through December. December is our second favorite fishing month on Texoma. Decembers aren’t as cold as they used to be, with fall-like temperatures.

There is a year of fishing the seasons on the best fishing lake in the whole wide world. I hope this has helped you learn more about the striped bass.

laketexomaonline.com | 37

If you would rather have a golf club in your hand than a fishing pole, a trip to Texoma will offer you the oppor-

tunity to take some time away from the lake and let you hit the links — and not have to go very far to do so. By Jason Della Rosa

Golf

WinStar Golf Course

The Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club in Kingston, Oklahoma, has been around since October 1999, but saw new holes added last year.

“If you have not played the course before (or since April 1, 2016), then we recommend you invest in a yardage book,” Director of Golf Ryan Chapman said on the course’s website. “The course still puts a demand on the placement of a tee shot.”

The Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club is a 7,011-yard championship layout course with Bermuda fairways and Champion Ultra Dwarf greens. Its website states the course is ranked in the top three in Oklahoma public access courses.

A short drive from Lake Texoma in Sherman, Texas, golfers can play at the Stone Creek Golf Club, which boasts a 7,428-yard, 18-hole championship course that opened in January 2009.

The course was designed by Cal Olson, who has been putting together challenges for golfers since 1979.

Anyone looking for more variety in their rounds, can try the WinStar Golf Course, which is located just east of the WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma. The property expanded to 36 holes in 2017 and was divided into two different 18-hole courses, the

Redbud course and the Scissortail course. The public course offers options for players of all skill levels with five sets of tees that can extend the course from around 4,900 yards to more than 7,200 yards.

For those looking for a different kind of challenge, or just a shorter outing, the Tishomingo Golf and Recreation Club in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, offers a nine-hole regulation length course that is said to reward good shots. The 3,187-yard course is located next to Pennington Creek and has a number of hills.

The golf course at the Tanglewood Resort, located at 290 Tanglewood Circle in Pottsboro, Texas, was designed by one the legends of the game, Arnold Palmer, and renowned architect Ralph Plummer nearly 50 years ago.

A round at the private championship course can provide a challenge to golfers of any skill level, covers 7,000 yards and features lush Bermuda fairways. Seven of the holes involve water of some kind coming into play. The fairways can be narrow, but on most of the holes you can see the flag.

If you are looking to avoid bunkers, they are around the greens, so make sure your approach shot is true.

Golf courses BUNCOMBE CREEK GOLF COURSE Off 377; one mi. north of Willis Bridge, Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-1260 / 9 holes www.buncombecreekgolf.com CHICKASAW POINTE GOLF COURSE East Hwy. 70, Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-2581 / 18 holes www.pointevista.com

DENISON GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Hwy 84N, Denison, TX 75021 (903)465-4488 / 18 holes www.denisoncc.com

TANGLEWOOD RESORT & COUNTRY CLUB 290 Tanglewood Circle, Pottsboro, TX (903)786-4140 / 18 holes www.tanglewoodresort.com/golf

WINSTAR GOLF COURSE 777 Casino Ave., Thackerville, OK (580)276-1240 / 18 holes www.winstargolfcourse.com

STONE CREEK GOLF CLUB 2200 Club House Dr., Sherman, TX (903)870-7980 www.stonecreekcc.com

TISHOMINGO GOLF AND RECREATION CLUB 3600 West Golf Course Rd., Tishomingo, OK 73460 (580)371-2604 / 9 holes

WOODLAWN COUNTRY CLUB 4048 Woodlawn Rd., Denison, TX (903)893-9657 / 18 holes www.woodlawncountryclub.com

38 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

laketexomaonline.com | 39

Swimming 1. Be aware of water clarity Lake Texoma is partially fed by runoff, and the water often has a clouded look. For novice and expert swimmers, that means it can be hard to judge how deep the waters are and what may be below the surface.

“As far as Lake Texoma goes, the biggest safety risk, I would say, is probably the water clarity,” Denison Fire Rescue Captain Seth Foltermann said. “For swimmers, you definitely don’t want to dive in because it’s a gamble. You don’t know what’s underneath the water. You don’t know if it’s two feet deep or twenty feet deep.”

2. Remember the buddy system Do not swim alone. One of the perks of always having a partner is that if something goes wrong, you can help each other. Also, the chances of survival or avoiding injury are much better.

If young swimmers are among those likely to get into the water, Foltermann encouraged parents and

If you’re looking to take a dive into

Lake Texoma, safety should be a top priority. Here are five tips to remember before taking a plunge into the deep end.

By Drew Smith and Future Brown adults to outfit them with life jackets or flotation devices. Keep a close eye on all.

“You want to assign an adult to be a water watcher,” Foltermann said.

3. Check the weather If there is lightning in the forecast, you should not be in the water. If anything more than light rain is expected, you may want to pick a different day to swim.

“You definitely don’t want to swim with the threat of a storm coming in,” Foltermann said. “Always monitor the weather if you plan on either going swimming or boating because severe weather can approach a lot faster than you’d think out on the water. And if lightning is present, you want to be completely out of the water and off the water.”

4. Remember to bring water Swimming while intoxicated or while consuming alcohol is not a good idea. Water is great for hot days as well as on cooler days.

“We want to encourage people to stay hydrated, but

texas beaches and swimming areas BIG MINERAL RESORT, MARINA & CAMP 2889 Big Mineral Rd., Sadler, TX 76264 (903)523-4287 www.bigmineral.com CEDAR MILLS MARINA 500 Harbour View Rd., Gordonville, TX (903)523-4222 www.cedarmills.com EISENHOWER STATE PARK 50 Park Road 20, Denison, TX 75020 (903)465-1956 www.tpwd.state.tx.us

GRANDPAPPY POINT RESORT & MARINA 132 Grandpappy Dr., Denison, TX (903)465-6330 www.grandpappy.com

LIGHTHOUSE RESORT & MARINA 300 Lighthouse Dr., Pottsboro, TX (903)361-5070 www.lighthouseresort.com

ROCK CREEK RESORT 21400 Farm to Market Rd. 901, Gordonville, TX 76245 (903)523-5150 www.ddresorts.com/rock-creek

ISLAND VIEW 87426 Preston Bend Rd. Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)361-8500 www.islandviewtexoma.com

MILL CREEK RESORT & MARINA 512 Mill Creek Resort Rd., Pottsboro, TX (903)786-2227 www.millcreekresortandmarina.com

WALNUT CREEK RESORT 1075 Walnut Creek Rd., Gordonville, TX (903)523-4211 www.walnutcreekresort.com

Oklahoma beaches and swimming areas BRIDGEVIEW MARINA AND RESORT 13947 Reel Ln., Madill, OK 73446 (580)795-3979 www.bridgeviewmarinaandresort.com

EAST BURNS RUN CAMPGROUND 525 East Burns Run Rd., Cartwright, OK (580)965-4660 www.recreation.gov/

BUNCOMBE CREEK RESORT MARINA 14584 Arrowhead Point Rd., Kingston, OK (580)564-2543 www.buncombecreek.com

LAKE TEXOMA STATE PARK 1988 State Park Rd., Kingston, OK Park Office: (580)564-2566 www.TravelOK.com

40 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

LITTLE MINERAL MARINA & RESORT 300 Little Mineral Blvd.

Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-2332 www.littlemineral.com TEXOMA SHORES RESORT 16022 Cumberland Cove Rd., Madill, OK (580)795-3828 www.oceancanyon.com

WEST BURNS RUN CAMPGROUND 825 West Burns Run, Cartwright, OK (580)965-4922 www.recreation.gov/

Five swimming spots to visit Eisenhower State Park (Denison, TX)

Photo by Jose Ramirez

Secluded beach near rocky cliffs with pet and alcohol restrictions.

“It’s a really nice place to go and hang out,” Park Office Manager Tera Bunney said.

Island View (Pottsboro, TX) Very popular swimming beach with an affordable $7 entrance fee. The beach is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends.

Big Mineral Resort (Sadler, TX) you want to do so without drinking alcohol,” Foltermann said. “It can alter your perception of how quickly time passes or how far something might be from you.

It’s just not a good idea to combine alcohol and swimming.”

5. Stay aware of your surroundings “Lake Texoma is a great recreational place, a good summer entertainment venue and we want people to take advantage of it and enjoy it,” Foltermann said.

“Some accidents happen, but most all drownings can be prevented in one way or another. Use common sense, make sure you have competent adult supervision, wear life jackets and never swim alone.”

Big Mineral Resort has a very large swimming area that people enjoy due to its shallow water being optimal for relaxation with friends or family.

West Burns Run Campground (Cartwright, OK) West Burns Run Campground has a public swimming beach that has an access fee of just $5 per carload and opens at 6 a.m.

Lake Texoma State Park (Kingston, OK) Beautiful coves near camping and dining opportunities. Pet and alcohol restrictions apply.

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Whitesboro Public Library

Whitesboro Texas

Whitesboro Peanut Festival

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Whitesboro is ideally situated to live, shop, play and relax.

Located in western Grayson County at the crossroads of US Hwy 82 and US Hwy 377, the city is only an hour north of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex and approximately two hours south of Oklahoma City.

Our small-town atmosphere is supported by family bonds, friendships and community involvement in everything from education and preservation to beautification, events and much more. Whitesboro has many quaint little shops ranging from antiques to boutiques, an old fashion soda fountain, restored old church and the Younger-Sullivan House, among others. Accommodations in and around Whitesboro include motels, cabins, campgrounds and RV parks. Our community also has equine facilities, ranches and a leading horse industry.

Downtown Whitesboro has been home to the

Dashing through Downtown 5K & Fun Run

Annual Peanut Festival since 1965. The event is held the third Saturday in October each year. This festival draws crowds in excess of 10,000 during the one-day event. Free admission includes food, crafts, displays, entertainment stages, a parade, carnival and fun for the entire family. Also, don’t forget the Fourth of July weekend rodeo and the downtown Christmas events.

With Lake Texoma just 12 miles north on Hwy 377, Whitesboro is very close to the lake’s excellent striper fishing, sail and power boating, camping and swimming. Lake Ray Roberts, just 15 miles south on Hwy 377, offers additional opportunities for outdoor recreation and water sports.

Visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet on a stroll on one of the hiking trails or the wildlife at Hagerman Wildlife Refuge on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma. The refuge is home to many species of migrating birds and waterfowl. The visitor center offers information and a gift shop.

The Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce is located at 2535 US Highway 82 East, Suite C in Whitesboro. For more information, email info@whitesborotx.com or call 903-564-3331.

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Real Estate Marie Ward with Tanglewood Real Estate explained the lake’s 89,000 acres of pristine water has consistently been rated one of the top 10 recreational lakes and is known for striped bass fishing, but its deep unobstructed waters are excellent for skiing, sailing and cruising.

“Lake Texoma life allows you to kick back away from the hectic Metroplex environment,” Ward said. “The rocky bluffs, sandy islands and generally clear water make it one of the most scenic lakes in North Texas.”

Bill Ptomey with Coldwell Banker Texoma agreed, saying people are drawn to those neighborhoods that can provide lake access or proximity along with a clean and safe environment.

When considering homes on the Texas side of the

Many beautiful neighborhoods

surround Lake Texoma. Each provides its own unique charms that should be considered to meet your personal needs and preferences. By Rhea Bermel lake, Ward explained subdivisions in Pottsboro, Denison and Gordonville all provide small town friendliness with a variety of shopping, educational and medical facilities.

She said those looking for lakeview or lakefront homes in the Pottsboro area should consider - Preston Forrest, Preston Cove, Russwood on the Lake, Tanglewood Resort, Miller’s Cove, Glen Ellen and Glen Eden.

Those looking for the same in the Denison area can look in the neighborhoods of Thompson Heights, Elmridge and Monarch Ridge.

She recommended those that are interested in the Gordonville area may want to consider Rock Creek and Texoma Bluffs.

On the Oklahoma side, Ptomey said he believes the

Real estate agencies ACTIVE REAL ESTATE Shawn Stovall 509 N. 1st, Madill, OK 73446 (580)564-5167 shawn@activerealestateok.com www.laketexomarealty.com Brewer Realty Group Justin Scott 1010 West Main St, Durant, OK 74701 (903)819-9743 www.homesbybrewerrealty.com

COLDWELL BANKER, VANMETER RADER GROUP 419 W. Main, Durant, OK 74701 (580)924-8404 www.vanmeterrealty.com COLDWELL BANKER VANMETER RADER GROUP 1694 Hwy 70 East, Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-9000 www.cbtexoma.com COURTNEY REALTY Shannon Talkington 14110 Gary Rd. Madill, OK 73446 (580)677-1597 www.courtneyrealty.net EASY LIFE REALTY Lisa Hitchcock & Associates 603 N. Travis Rd., Sherman, TX 75092 (903)814-2689 lisa@easyliferealty.com www.EasyLifeRealty.com ERA STEVE COOK & CO. REALTORS 225 W FM 120, Pottsboro, TX 75076 (903)786-3355 www.eratexoma.com

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HOMES BY LAINIE 421 FM 120 West Pottsboro, TX 75076

(903)686-1872 www.homesbylainie.com JANEY HOGENSON REALTY ERA Steve Cook & Co. Realty PO Box 455, Pottsboro, TX 75076 janeyrealty@yahoo.com LAKE TEXOMA REAL ESTATE 702 Hwy. 70E Ste D., Kingston, OK 73439 (580)564-6216 dcarruthl@sbcglobal.net TANGLEWOOD REAL ESTATE CO. 81750 N. State Hwy 289, Ste 114 Pottsboro, TX (903)786-3100 mward@tanglewoodresort.com TEXOMA AGENCY 1105 Hwy. 70, Kingston, OK 73439 (580)230-2200 kenny@texomaagency.com www.texomaagency.com Wyldewood Homes 3403 Ballam St. Sherman, TX 75090 (903)744-0351 www.wyldewoodhomes.com

most desirable neighborhood to be Washita Point because it is clean, safe and has access to the lake as well as beaches.

Ptomey went on to say the second most desirable neighborhood would be the Caney Soldier Creek development.

“The homes are high end with a number of lake front homes,” Ptomey said. “It also has its own marina called Marina Del Rey. The marina is a big draw for people. This is where Blake Shelton bought a home. “ Another neighborhood to consider is Sandpoint, Ptomey explained.

“It is also clean and safe with medium to high-end homes,” Ptomey said. “There is also a number of private boat houses as well as easy access to a state campground.”

Another one on Ptomey’s list is Buncombe Creek Resort.

“It is a medium-priced area that has a marina,” Ptomey said. “This neighborhood has more reasonably priced homes and sits on the west end of the lake.”

Ptomey’s final recommendation was the Oak Ridge community.

“It is the largest gated community on the lake,” Ptomey said. “It is safe and secure with medium to high end homes. It is located a quarter of a mile from Catfish Bay Marina. It is also located within close proximity to shopping and the Chickasaw Pointe golf course.”

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Sherman Municipal Building

From Finisar beginning production

Sherman

in Sherman and construction progressing on the new Schulman’s Movie Bowl and Grille, to the groundbreaking of the new Sherman High School, the city of Sherman will look like a different place in the next few years. With more than 35,000 residents, the area is growing while still maintaining its small town feel.

Texas

The Snowflake Festival brings people to downtown during December and the annual Lights on the Lake celebration bring them to Pecan Grove Park on the Fourth of July. Other annual free festivals include Christmas in July, the Sherman Police Department’s Fright Fest, Stroll on the Square, the Sherman Arts Fest, a Juneteenth Festival and Hispanic Heritage Festival.

The free summer concert series, Hot Summer Nights, brings nationally and regionally known acts to downtown for nights of music and dancing at Lucy Kidd Key Park.

Local talent can be seen in seasonal productions by the Sherman Community Players and Theatricks, as well as at performances by the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. Local art galleries also display works

Shopping 903 Brewers 1718 S. Elm St. Sherman, TX 75090 (903)487-0856 A Touch of Class Antique Mall 118 W. Lamar Sherman, TX 75090 (903)891-9379 Board and Brush 215 N. Travis St., Suite B Sherman, TX 75090 (903)328-3021

Chandeliers 330 W. Lamar St. Sherman, TX 75090 Downtown Escape Rooms 114 S. Crockett St. Sherman, TX (903)815-1495 Glitzy Girls 100 S. Crockett Ste. 100 Sherman, TX (940)634-3991

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Pickles & Pottery 212 W. Houston St. Sherman, TX (903)892-3200 Pop Pop Popcorn 123 E. Wall St. Sherman, TX 75090 (903)267-8322 Sandy’s Boutique in Kelly Square 115 S. Travis St. Sherman, TX 75090 (903)892-4240

Wal-Mart 401 E US Hwy. 82 Sherman, TX 75092

by local, regionally and nationally known artists.

The Sherman Museum, the Sherman Jazz Museum and the Harber Wildlife Museum always have changing exhibits.

Looking to get outside? Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge hosts classes for children and adults, and area parks often host events for the entire family. Visit http://www.Facebook.com/ShermanParksandRec to find out more about events at Fairview Park, Hawn Spray Ground, The Splash Aquatic Center, Pecan Grove Park, Old Settler’s baseball fields, Center Street fields and Baker Lake and park.

With an array of fast food and chain dining locations, the city is also home to locally-owned restaurants including Fulbelli’s, Old Iron Post, Downtown Grilled Cheese Company, Cellarman’s and City Limits, as well as local craft brewery 903 Brewers.

Sherman is also home to a private college, an accredited school system, many restaurants, theaters, shopping centers and an active downtown association. The city has many offerings for Texoma residents and visitors.

As the largest city in the Lake Texoma region, Sherman is also the Grayson County seat.

The Chamber of Commerce for the city with the slogan “Classic Town. Broad Horizon” is located at 307 W. Washington Street, Suite 100 in Sherman. Call the chamber at 903-893-1184.

Hot Summer Nights

Sherman Arts Festival

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Miss Lake Texoma

More than 50 years after the crowning of the first and only Miss Lake Texoma, judges named a new one in August 2017 at the Lake Texoma Association’s 22nd annual Bash for Cash fundraiser and auction. By Drew Smith

Miss Lake Texoma 1967, Pam Daniel, with Miss Lake Texoma 2018, Kenzie Baca 48 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

This year marked the Lake Texoma Association’s 65th anniversary.

“Our main focus of course is tourism,” LTA Executive Director Terri Weir said of the association’s focus at the event in August. “So if we are doing a good job and we have a good spokesperson in Miss Lake Texoma, somebody who can represent us well, then I think that will bring more interest in the area, that much more revenue, and I think in that we all win. I think it can be a very powerful thing.”

Kenzie Baca, 21, of Sherman was named the new queen in the pageant, which was revived after a 52-year hiatus with help from the Lake Texoma Association, multiple marinas, sponsors and former Miss Lake Texoma Pam Daniel. At the event, the association met its goal of raising its usual total of at least $20,000.

“I’m just honored to be representing the area,” Baca said. “It’s really cool to know that I’m the first one since the 1960s.”

The Miss Lake Texoma competition included a swimsuit presentation and on-stage interviews at Highport Marina.

Contestants made their final appearance in evening gowns for the fundraiser and crowning ceremony at Tanglewood Resort and Conference Center.

Nicole Carter, who represented Highport Marina in the contest, was named the runner up.

“We had seven outstanding contestants,” Weir said. “Every one of them could have been Miss Lake Texoma, no doubt. They were all beautiful, poised and well spoken.”

Weir said the nonprofit revived the Miss Lake Texoma pageant with the goal of starting a new tradition and drawing attention to the group’s fundraiser. The LTA director said the reigning queen will serve as an ambassador to the association and will attend

events throughout the year, before ultimately crowning the next winner.

Baca said she enjoyed competing in the pageant and getting to know her fellow contestants. She said she looks forward to her new duties and connecting with those who live and work in the Lake Texoma region.

“Everywhere you go here, you feel at home,” Baca said. “I’m just proud to represent a community where people treat each other so kindly.”

Lake Texoma Association @LAKETEXOMAASSOCIATION @LAKE_TEXOMA_ASSOCIATION @LTASSOCIATION Miss Lake Texoma Runner Up, Nicole Carter

LAKETEXOMAONLINE.COM

Advertising Index Big Mineral Marina...................................................28 Blackbeard Marine...................................Back Cover Bridgeview Marina.....................................................19 Buncombe Creek Marina.........................................28 Cabin Fever Adventure............................................25 Catfish Bay................................................................39 Cedar Mills Marina & Resort....................................17 Chickasaw Country.....................................................7 Chickasaw Pointe.....................................................39 Coldwell Banker........................................................44 Cook’s RV Service & Sales......................................25 Denison Chamber of Commerce.............................15 Douglass Distributing..............................................47

Durant Chamber of Commerce..............................35 Easy Life Realty........................................................45 Eisenhower Yacht Club...........................................36 Extreme Sandbox.......................................................11 First United Bank.......................................................8 Gone Fishing RV Resort..........................................25 Grandpappy Point Resort & Marina.......................37 Highport Marina.......................................................29 Hilton Garden Inn.....................................................31 Holiday Inn Express.................................................50 HydroHoist Marine Group.......................................25 Lake Texoma Lodge..................................................33 Lake Texoma Treetop Bungalows...........................25

Marshall County Chamber......................................23 Newberry Creek Resort...........................................21 Oklahoma Tourism....................................................51 Overboard Charters................................................25 Pottsboro Chamber of Commerce..........................11 Striper Express........................................................36 Texoma Agency Real Estate....................................45 Texoma Destinations..................................................5 Texoma Medical Center...........................................49 U.S. Army Corp of Engineers..................................41 Walnut Creek Resort & Marina...............................13 Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce......................43

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Urgent Care-Pottsboro 111 E. FM 120, Ste. 104, Pottsboro, TX 903.786.3911 HOURS: M-F: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm

• No appointments necessary • Extended hours • Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners available • Medicare and most insurance plans accepted* *Insurance plans differ. Check with your carrier to determine your benefits.

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50 | 2019 Guide to Lake Texoma

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