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Great Getaways: City Fun Arts & Culture Water Fun Western Adventure The Great Outdoors Heart of Oklahoma

The Great Outdoors

(Lawton, Davis, Wilburton, Broken Bow)

Day 1

Check in at Quartz Mountain Resort, 17 miles N of Altus off Highway 44A, (877) 999-5567.
Let the beauty and magic of the mountains in southwest Oklahoma bring you a little closer to nature. This rustic lodge features custom-decorated guest rooms with coffee makers and lake or mountain views. An 18-hole golf course is on site, along with a swimming pool and whirlpool, recreation room, fitness center, hiking, nature and biking trails, library, gift shop and restaurant. Nearby attractions include mini-golf, go-carts and paddle boats. Rates: $89-$119, call for special packages.

Tour Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, NW of Lawton off Highway 49, (580) 429-3222, in the privacy of your own car with a driving tour on CD (or cassette). You'll hear all the fascinating history and facts about the property from more than six tour guides, while observing buffalo and other wildlife just a short distance away. Hiking and biking trails and campsites throughout the refuge offer gorgeous, hidden views not easily seen from the main road. Other activities on the refuge include picnicking, fishing and rock climbing. For a panoramic view of the area, drive to the top of Mount Scott, located on the eastern edge of the refuge. Stop at the visitor's center for restrooms, gifts and information; monthly bus tours are also scheduled on specific nature/wildlife themes. Driving tour $9, bus tours $3.

Dinner at Meers Store, Highway 115 just north of refuge, (580) 429-8051. The plate-sized longhorn beef burgers, barbecue and ribeye are a favorite here, along with their made-from-scratch cobblers. The restaurant is all that's left of a once-booming gold rush town. Entrees: $4-$30.

Day 2

Breakfast in Sundance Café; check out of Quartz Mountain Resort. Drive to Davis.

Lunch at Babe's Hot Tamales, 115 W. Main, (580) 369-5373. Mexican food in a casual atmosphere. Entrees: $4-$9.

Check in at Cedar Creek Cabins, South of Sulphur on Highway 177 then west on Cedar Blue Road, (580) 369-5453. Newly built in 2001, these log cabins sleep four, are fully furnished and include fireplaces, televisions and outdoor grills. A fishing pond is on the grounds, and nearby Arbuckle Lake and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area offer water recreation, hiking and picnicking. Rates: $90-$100.

Drive to Wynnewood and tour G.W. Exotic Animal Park, I-35 at Exit 64, (405) 665-5197, a sanctuary for hundreds of exotic creatures, including lions, bobcats, bears, monkeys and reptiles. Most animals were rescued from neglect or abuse and now have a safe haven to call home. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Summer hours: daily from 9am-7pm.

Dinner at Main Street Restaurant, 202 N. 3rd in Davis, (580) 369-2311, where the specialties are their 14 oz. ribeye and chicken fried steak, fried green tomatoes, and fried ice cream. Daily lunch specials and an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet on Fri-Sat. Closed on Sun-Mon. Entrees: $6-$18.

Day 3

Go on a safari tour at Arbuckle Wilderness, I-35 at Exit 51, (580) 369-3383, an exotic animal drive-thru park where you can feed llamas, giraffes and mountain goats right from your car window. Kids will also love the camel rides, paddle boats and go carts. Food court and gift shop on site. Open daily in summer from 9am-7pm. Call for rates and off-season hours.

Lunch at Buffalo Gap Grill, I-35 Exit 51, (580) 369-3543. Home of the white buffalo, this property is located amidst the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains and also features cabins and a shop for antiques, gifts and collectibles on the premises. Restaurant operation is seasonal.

Spend the afternoon splashing around at Turner Falls Park, I-35 Exit 51, (580) 369-2988, one of Oklahoma's most popular recreation spots. The 77-foot waterfall and surrounding natural caves and pools make it a playground for young and old. Picnic areas, cabins and bathhouses also on site. Day admission (summer): Adults $8, Children (6-12) $7, Children (3-5) $2.

Dinner at Brick's Restaurant in Sulphur, 2112 W. Broadway, (580) 622-3125. Home of the "famous blue plate's" where all the meals are prepared as you order. Other specialties include pecan-smoked ribs and brisket, their world famous zucchini sticks, and homemade yeast rolls made fresh daily. Entrees: $6-13.

Day 4

Check out of Cedar Creek Cabins and drive to Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton. Check in at Belle Starr View Lodge, 5 miles N of town on Highway 2, (918) 465-2562. The 20-room lodge features televisions and coffee makers in each guest room with sweeping views of the San Bois Mountains. Cabins are also available. Robbers Cave State Park is a favorite among rappellers, cave explorers, equestrians and outdoor lovers. The park enjoys notoriety as a former hideout for Jesse James and Belle Starr. Miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails can be found here, along with an outfitter and riding stables offering horse rentals and hayrides. Mini-golf, paddleboats, a nature center and gift shop, swimming pool and various food concessions are on site. Fishing is also popular in the park's three lakes and wildlife is abundant in the area. The Robbers Cave Fall Festival is held annually the third weekend in October, attracting some 60,000 visitors to the area. Lodge/cabin rates: $53-$98.

Dinner at Side Saddle Café, 2900 Carlton Loop (at Robbers Cave State Park), (918) 465-1191. This restaurant offers steaks, chicken, salads, burgers and daily lunch specials. Catering available. Entrees: $5-15.

Day 5

Check out of Belle Starr View Lodge and drive to Smithville. Check in at Rivers Edge Cottages, east of Smithville off Highway 4, (580) 244-7296. For the ultimate in cabin getaways, you'll find comfortable amenities amidst the banks of the upper Mountain Fork River and the pine-forested Kiamichi Mountains. Each cabin is completely furnished and outfitted with a fireplace, double-Jacuzzi tub and large open decks for morning coffee or evening sunsets. Canoes and mountain bikes are provided at no charge for guests. Rates: $125-$165.

Spend the afternoon at Beavers Bend Resort Park on the many miles of hiking, biking, nature or equestrian trails, splash around on the paddleboats and canoes, play a round or two of miniature golf, enjoy a scenic tour of the park via train ride, or visit the Forest Heritage Center for nature exhibits and ongoing programs. The crystal blue waters of Broken Bow Lake provide a great backdrop for boating, fishing and scuba diving. An 18-hole golf course, marina and restaurant are also located at the park, along with lodge rooms, cabins and camping areas. Cabin/lodge rates: $53-175.

Day 6

Enjoy the beauty of southeast Oklahoma along the lower Mountain Fork River with a canoe or kayak float trip from Ambush Adventures, east of Broken Bow on Highway 70, (580) 584-2273. Open seven days a week from March through October, Ambush offers a 4, 5 or 9 mile trip with shuttles to and from the river. Rates: $15-$30.

Dinner at Stephens Gap Restaurant, Highway 259 North, (580) 494-6350. Menu choices range from steak, chicken, fish, and sandwiches. Open seven days a week. Entrees: $8-$13.