I’m curious how many kids these days get to shoot off fireworks themselves.
I’m not going to tell my exact age, but when I was a kid, my parents let us use our allowance money to buy as many firecrackers, bottle rockets (that may give you a hint of my age), and smoke bombs as we could at our local fireworks stand.
I would gather as many plastic containers and tin cans as I could find around the house to blow up with firecrackers. I would tie two or three together, put them under a Cool Whip container, light them, and then run. I could spend hours lighting firecrackers.
In the town where I grew up, you could shoot off fireworks from July 1 through July 4, so for four days that was pretty much all my brother and I did. Then, of course, on the evening of the Fourth of July, we would bring out the bigger fireworks and put on our own little show in the front yard.
Sometimes the neighbors would come out and sit nearby while we lit fountains, Roman candles, and those missile shaped rockets that fly straight up into the air, squealing and whistling before exploding. Just FYI, those will clear the neighbor’s porch pretty quickly.
It probably comes as no surprise that lakes continue to top the list of favorite outdoor destinations for the month of July.
Broken Bow Lake is one of Oklahoma’s hidden gems. Whether you enjoy spending the day on a pontoon boat, pulling the kids on a tube, skiing across the water, or simply anchoring in a quiet cove and floating, lake days are some of the best days. There is just something so fun about spending a day on the water. If you don’t have a boat, Hochatown has several options for renting one.
If a slower pace is more your thing, then kayaks and paddleboards on Broken Bow Lake allow you to explore the peaceful coves and crystal clear waters. Early mornings are especially beautiful when the water is calm, the fog is lifting off the lake, and the only sound you hear is a paddle dipping into the water.
Maybe you’re bringing your besties to Hochatown for coffee shops, art galleries, museums, and a friendly game of pickleball. There are courts available in the area.
Broken Bow is surrounded by beautiful forests, scenic trails, and countless opportunities to enjoy nature. A simple morning walk through the pines can be just as refreshing as any planned activity.
Trail maps are available in the State Park, or you can download the AllTrails app and find a trail that fits your adventure level. My favorite one to take my friends on is the Friends Trail because it’s fun to take a picture out in front of the entrance.
Golf continues to be a favorite summer pastime, and the Hochatown area offers opportunities for both serious golfers and families looking for a little friendly competition. Whether you’re keeping score or simply trying not to lose your ball in the trees, golf provides a great excuse to spend a few hours outdoors.
Even if you don’t want to play a round of golf, there is a driving range available as an option as well. Mini golf remains a family favorite and is often where some of the funniest vacation memories are made.
One of the biggest travel trends this July isn’t found at an attraction at all. It’s found right outside the cabin. Cornhole, Spikeball, ladder golf, giant Jenga, and other lawn games continue to bring families together. It’s amazing how quickly grandparents, parents, teenagers, and little kids can all become fiercely competitive over a simple game of cornhole.
After a day on the lake, a hike through the woods, or a round of golf, people find themselves back at the cabin gathered around a firepit. Marshmallows are roasted. Stories are told. Laughter carries through the trees. It’s always fun to ask a question to get conversations going. Just silly questions like, “what is one of your guilty pleasures”. It might get interesting!
One of the best ways to plan a successful vacation in Hochatown is to make sure everyone in your group gets to enjoy at least one of their favorite activities.
If someone loves adventure, schedule time for zip lining through the trees or working their way through the maze.
If someone enjoys live music, plan an evening at the Saloon for a concert.
For the shoppers in the group, leave plenty of time to browse the unique boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores scattered throughout Hochatown and Broken Bow.
Anglers may want a morning on the lake, coffee lovers may want to do a taste test of all the local coffee shops, and those who simply want to relax may enjoy a spa visit or a quiet afternoon reading on the cabin deck.
When everyone has something to look forward to, the entire trip becomes more enjoyable. And don’t forget nap time either! Everyone is in a lot better mood when they can nap!
And while it can be tempting to spend hours planning meals and cooking for a crowd, don’t forget that you’re on vacation too. Hochatown and Broken Bow have a number of family friendly restaurants that make it easy to leave the cooking to someone else.
Whether you’re craving barbecue, burgers, pizza, Mexican food, steaks, or a hearty country breakfast, there are plenty of great options nearby. Instead of spending your evening washing dishes, spend that time making memories around the table, laughing with family, and enjoying the local flavors.
Happy Fourth of July, and enjoy the rest of the month as well!
Clarie
