I grew up in a small town where I lived within seven miles of both sets of grandparents and all five sets of my aunts, uncles and cousins. So every birthday, 4th of July and most holidays it was very easy for us all to be together.
All it took to get us together was making seven phone calls on a landline inviting them over, telling them what to bring and telling them a date and time. Seeing all my family was very common and I probably didn’t appreciate it as much as I should have.
Fast forward thirty years, now I live four hours away from my childhood home, and those big family gatherings are fewer and farther between. Most of my grandparents have passed on, and all the cousins are raising families of their own in towns scattered across the state. But now I have a family of my own, four amazing kids. Two are off doing their grown-up thing, and two are still at home, which means I’ve got to be intentional if I want us all under one roof again. Thankfully, Hochatown has a way of bringing people together.
This past Mother’s Day, we planned a weekend getaway that checked all the boxes, nature, adventure, food, and most importantly, family time. The beauty of this itinerary? You don’t need a holiday to use it! Whether you’re planning a June weekend or just craving a little escape, Hochatown offers something for every age and interest.
We drove in Thursday evening and headed straight to our cabin tucked away in the woods. By the time we unpacked and kicked off our shoes, it was late, but the anticipation of the weekend didn’t keep us awake!
Friday morning started slow and sweet, just the way I like it. We made pancakes, sausage, and a big bowl of fruit, then enjoyed coffee on the deck while the birds provided the playlist. The guys grabbed their gear and went fishing at Broken Bow Lake, while the girls laced up their shoes and hit the North Cedar Creek Waterfall Trail. It’s a great “starter hike”, easy terrain and a reward at the end of a waterfall nestled in the trees. Perfect spot for a few pictures! And by the way, the fish were biting!
Next, we headed to town for a lemonade and snacks from a food truck. Then we tackled our second hike of the day, the Friends Trail Loop. This one’s more of a challenge but absolutely worth it for the stunning river views and peaceful wooded paths. Afterward, we enjoyed the cabin’s hot tub, watched the sun go down, made soup for dinner, and ended the day with a family movie night. Simple. Sweet. Unforgettable.
Saturday morning greeted us with another round of breakfast and deck coffee. While the college softball games played in the background, we relaxed outside and let the slow morning linger. Then it was time for some family fun off to the Cedar Creek Golf Course for a few rounds at the driving range. Buckets of balls and lots of laughs. It’s a fantastic stop, even for beginners or teens.
After cooling off at the snack shop, we revisited the Cedar Creek Trail for the kids who missed it the first day. Then we headed to Hochatown’s Hochabow Shopping Center for coffee, local chocolates, and some shopping. A great mix of unique souvenirs and small-town charm. Later that evening, we whipped up dinner and capped off the day with a peaceful boat ride on Broken Bow Lake.
Sunday morning, we attended the local church of Christ in Broken Bow, a wonderful way to start the day. Afterward, we made our way to El Presa, a yummy Italian restaurant. We chose outdoor seating that’s just perfect this time of year. The food was hot and fresh.
We spent our final few hours lounging, watching the NBA playoffs, and sneaking in a power nap or two before loading up and heading home with full hearts and happy memories.
Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or just your average Friday, Hochatown offers something special, space to reconnect, nature to explore, and little joys around every bend. My advice? Bring the people you love most, let the itinerary stay loose, and soak in every moment. Because life moves fast but weekends like this slow it down in the best way.
Stay at The Dennis Place Hochatown!
