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Water Fun

(Grove, Muskogee, Tahlequah, Broken Bow)

Day 1

Arrive in Grove and check in to Shangri La Resort, 57401 East Highway 125, (800) 331-4060. This sprawling, lakeside resort has all the ingredients for a fun-filled family getaway. The property has several restaurants on site and offers a complete line-up of recreational opportunities including two championship golf courses, a full-service spa and fitness center, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and swimming pools and bowling. Call for rates and special packages.

Lunch at Raggedy's Restaurant, 414 E 3rd St, (918) 791-9292. Located inside Annie's Galleria, an indoor emporium of specialty shops for the home, body and palate, menu items include burgers, sandwiches, soups and desserts.

After lunch, climb aboard the Grand Trolley for an afternoon of fun sightseeing and shopping. Stops are made at all the following locations, except the Darryl Starbird Museum: Har-Ber Village, 4404 W. 20th, (918) 786-6446, a reconstructed turn-of-the-century village featuring 100+ buildings and collections. Adults $3.50, Seniors $2.50, Children 14 and under FREE.Lendonwood Gardens, 1308 W. 13th, (918) 786-2938, a breathtaking botanical garden with five distinct garden areas and rare plants not seen anywhere else in the Midwest. A $5 donation is suggested, open daily during daylight hours. Darryl Starbird's National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame, Highway 85A at Monkey Island, (918) 257-4234, features a collection of 40 exotic vehicles and memorabilia honoring America's top custom car builders. Many of the vehicles are historically significant and most are priceless in value. Adults $6, Children (8-12) $3, Wed-Sun 11am-5pm.
Get a close-up look at the beautiful Grand Lake o' the Cherokees with a dinner cruise on the Cherokee Queen, 11350 Highway 59 North, (918) 786-4272. Reminiscent of the paddlewheel riverboats, the twin-decked Cherokee Queen I, and her sister ship, the triple-decked Cherokee Queen II offers daily sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, dance cruises and private charters. Each ship is climate-controlled and boasts some of the best views on the lake. Call for cruise dates and rates.

Day 2

Spend the day on the lake with a little help from Sail Grand, (918) 257-6000, a watersports outfitter located near Shangri-La, offering everything from para-sailing and boat rentals to wave runners and a water trampoline! A sandy beach area also offers volleyball, a snack bar and an outdoor sound system.

Finish the day with dinner and a show at the Picture in Scripture Amphitheater near Disney, (918) 435-8207. Menu selections include chicken, catfish, barbecue or burgers, as well as light concessions. The drama, "The Elijah Factor," will leave you spellbound as the biblical drama displays the power of God in his encounters with the wicked King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Spectacular sound effects, state-of-the-art sound, pyro-technics, and a live cast of 80 make this a must-see! Fri-Sat at 7:30pm from June 18 to August 21, and Sat evenings in September. Adults $10, Children (ages 4-12) $4. Additional cost for dinner.

Day 3

Check out of Shangri La Resort and drive to Muskogee. Tour the USS Batfish War Memorial Park, north of town, (918) 682-6294, an actual World War II submarine that visitors can walk through. Other exhibit items in the park area include an army tank, cannons, military memorabilia and a veteran's Walk of Honor. Adults $5, Seniors $3, Children (6-15) $2, Children 5 and under and Veterans are FREE. Open Mar 15-Oct 15, Mon and Wed-Sat from 9am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm. Closed on Tue.

Check in at LaQuinta Inn & Suites, 3031 Military Parkway, (918) 687-9000. This newly built property features an indoor heated pool, exercise room, restaurant and lounge. Guest rooms include cable TV, HBO and in-room movies, microwave and fridge. Rates: $72-$120.

Spend the afternoon at River Country Family Water Park, 34th & Arline, (918) 684-6301, a great place to beat the heat. Built in 2000, kids of all ages will love the beaches, slides, pools and lazy river. Mon-Fri noon-7pm, Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 1-6pm. Adults $5, Children (3-15) $4, Children under 3 FREE.

Dinner at Jasper's Restaurant, 1702 W. Okmulgee, (918) 682-7867. A local favorite offering a variety of menu items, and all-you-can-eat specials Thu and Fri. Entrees: $6-$17.

Day 4

Check out of hotel and drive to Tahlequah, where you'll enjoy an afternoon float trip on the Illinois River with Hanging Rock Camp, 7453 Highway 10, (800) 375-3088. This local outfitter will drop you off on the northern tip of the river where some of the most beautiful scenery is viewed. Canoe or raft rentals are available, and a caf� and convenience store are located on site. Rates $12-$68.

Check in at Tenkiller Lodge, located at intersection of Hwy 82 and Indian Rd at Keys, (918) 453-9000. Amenities include spacious rooms with four-poster log beds, a free continental breakfast (in summer) and outdoor pool and pavilion. Average rate $70.

Dinner at Goldie's Patio & Grill, 1810 Park Hill Rd, (918) 456-8938. Open for lunch and dinner.

Tour the Cherokee Heritage Center and see the "Trail of Tears" outdoor drama, 3 miles S of Tahlequah off Highway 62, (888) 999-6007. Committed to the preservation of the history and culture of the Cherokee people, the grounds include a 1,500-seat outdoor amphitheater where the summer production of the "Trail of Tears" is performed, the Tsa-La-Gi ancient village, Adams Corner Rural Village and Farm, and the Cherokee National Museum where visitors will find permanent and temporary exhibits, the Cherokee National Archives, and a museum shop offering books and works from Cherokee artists and crafters. Drama every Thu-Sat at 8pm from June 19-September 4.

Day 5

Check out of lodge and drive to Beavers Bend Resort Park near Broken Bow. Check in at Lakeview Lodge, off Highway 259, (800) 435-5514. This 40-room lodge offers a spectacular view of Broken Bow Lake, and guest rooms are appointed with refined country furnishings, cable TV and coffee makers. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning in the Great Room. Spend the afternoon on the many miles of hiking, biking, nature or equestrian trails, splash around on the paddleboats and bumper boats, 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. Cabins and camping areas also available at the park. Cabin/lodge rates: $53-$175.

Dinner at Abendigo's Grill & Patio, Highway 259 North at Stevens Gap Rd near Hochatown, (580) 494-7222. The best in casual dining, with appetizers, salads, steak and seafood.

Day 6

Begin the day with a round of golf at Cedar Creek Golf Course, known as Oklahoma's "Little Augusta." Nestled in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains near the entrance of Beavers Bend State Park, the long, narrow course is surrounded by pine forests and the deep-blue waters of Broken Bow Lake. Green fees: $10-$18.

Dinner at Smokin Joe's Bar-b-cue & Steaks, Highway 259 North, (580) 494-6544. Open Thu-Fr at 5pm, Sat-Sun at 11am.