Exploring Oklahoma with Children
Top stops & eats While my husband is content spending most of his lake time fishing, I prefer boat cruises to enjoy the gorgeous rocky bluffs surrounding the shore, water skiing and marina hopping. In every direction, you’ll find recently renovated marinas offering everything from dining to shopping to live music. Beyond the typical wares like gas, ice, or boat and watersport rentals, each on- the-water spot has its own vibe: • Cookson Bend Marina: This tiki- themed bar and outdoor restaurant boasts friendly service and a store that’s well stocked with items from sunscreen to wakeboards. Come hungry and their ultimate fajita nachos will hit the spot! • Pine Cove Marina: This spot is known for Clearwater Café, a wide selection of boat rentals and the lake’s newest RV park, The Cove, which is within walking distance of the marina. • Barnacle Bill’s Marina: After an extensive renovation, the highly anticipated, new two-story restaurant and slushy bar is fully open for the 2024 summer season.
VIDRINE’S HUSBAND, SON, DAD AND DOG ENJOY LAKE LIFE.
While not right on the water, you won’t find a more adorable, tucked-away place to stay than The Blue Doors at Tenkiller, near Gore. Their casita-style rentals blend sustainability with Instagram- worthy aesthetics and tons of amenities for the family. In addition, they often host live music on Saturdays from spring until fall. No matter which part of Lake Tenkiller you explore, be ready for friendly folks, beautiful scenery and the laid-back energy of lake life. It’s the perfect way to unplug and recharge, while also inspiring you to find the best version of yourself. Editor’s note: Lindsay Vidrine is a native Oklahoman and loves exploring the outdoors with her husband, teenage son and their spunky terrier rescue. Together, they enjoy visiting national and state parks while
• Burnt Cabin: This popular floating restaurant and bar offers spectacular views, tasty menu options and often hosts live music you can enjoy from your boat or the shore. An expanded indoor dining area is new this summer. Their retail store is always fun to peruse for Tenkiller apparel, lake gear and essentials. • Sixshooter, Snake Creek, Strayhorn and Bluewater Bay (in Pettit Bay) all have marinas as well, so you are never far from snacks, gas or rental services. If you’re looking to feed your family off the water, here are a few more options near my favorite area, Cookson Bend: • Cookson Café: Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., their hearty breakfast options are perfect for fueling up for a day on the water, but they serve a great lunch, too. • The Deck at Cookson Village: This lively dinner spot offers pizza, burgers, cold drinks, yard games and rockin’ live music. • Princess Restaurant: Don’t miss their milkshakes, homemade pie, burgers and fries. Enough said. Where to stay As for lodging, you will find a wide range of VRBO and Airbnb vacation rentals, cabins and motels, as well as tent or RV campsites all around the lake. Tenkiller is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers so Recreation.gov is a great place to start when looking for campsite information and maps. Their recreation areas also provide day-use passes for public swimming areas, boat launches and picnic tables around the lake.
working their way across nearly all 50 states.
AFTER SPENDING CHILDHOOD
SUMMERS AT THE LAKE, VIDRINE IS PASSING ON THE TRADITION TO HER SON.
60 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JULY-AUGUST 2024
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