Chickasaw Country has announced the 2025 Best of Chickasaw Country awards finalists.
The competition now advances to the second phase, where fans are invited to vote for their top picks across 17 categories of businesses, attractions, restaurants and events in south-central Oklahoma. The top five destinations in each category with the most nominations, with some additional finalists in the event of a tie, have advanced to the voting stage. This year’s finalists are:
Best Antique Shop
-Auntie Mae’s Antiques, Purcell
-The Gettin’ Place, Sulphur
-The re-FINERY, Ada
-Scissortail Shops Antiques, Davis
-T-Town Vintage & Co., Tishomingo
Best Attraction
- Blue River, Tishomingo
-Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur
-Chickasaw National Recreational Area, Sulphur
-Ole Red, Tishomingo
-Turner Falls Park, Davis
Best BBQ
- The Backside, Madill
- J&J BBQ and Catering, Kingston
- Ole Red, Tishomingo
- Pigskins BBQ, Ada
- Punkins BBQ & Catfish, Pauls Valley
- Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch, Davis
Best Boutique
- Amazing Grace, Madill
- Devils Den Apothecary, Tishomingo
-Kedford Boutique, Tishomingo
- Pamper Me Boutique, Sulphur
- Savvy Parke, Purcell
Best Casino
- Artesian Casino, Sulphur
-Riverwind Casino, Norman
- Treasure Valley Casino, Davis
-West Bay Casino & Resort, Kingston
-WinStar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville
Best Coffee Shop
- Bedré Cafe, Sulphur
- Cup & Crumb Coffee & Bakery, Sulphur
-Greg’s Rockin’ Goat Coffee, Kingston
- Iron Wolf Coffee House, Tishomingo
- Latte’ Da Coffee House, Tishomingo
Best Family-Friendly Attraction
- Blue River, Tishomingo
-Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur
-Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur
- Lazer Zone, Ada
- Turner Falls Park, Davis
Best Festival
-Artesian Arts Festival, Sulphur
-Chickasaw Annual Meeting & Festival, Tishomingo
-Chickasha Festival of Light, Chickasha
-National Sand Bass Festival, Madill
- Red, White and Boom!, Tishomingo
Best Golf Course
- Buncombe Creek Golf Course, Kingston
- Chickasaw Pointe Golf Club, Kingston
-Sulphur Hills Golf Course, Sulphur
- Tishomingo Golf Course, Tishomingo
- WinStar Golf Club, Thackerville
Best Lake
- Blue River, Tishomingo
- Lake of the Arbuckles, Sulphur
-Lake Chickasha, Chickasha
- Lake Murray, Ardmore
- Lake Texoma, Kingston
- Purcell Lake, Purcell
- Veterans Lake, Sulphur
Best Live Performance Venue
-The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa, Sulphur
- The Doghouse at Ole Red, Tishomingo
-Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville
-Rusty Chicken Saloon, Tishomingo
-Showplace Theatre at Riverwind Casino, Norman
Best Lodging
- The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa, Sulphur
- Cedar & Stone Bed and Breakfast, Tishomingo
-Inn at Mulberry, Tishomingo
-The Lodges at Fossil Creek, Kingston
- Secret Garden Cottages, Sulphur
Best Museum
-Arbuckle Historical Society Museum, Davis
-Chickasaw Bank Museum, Tishomingo
-Chickasaw Cultural Center, Sulphur
- Grady County Historical Society Museum, Chickasha -
The Toy and Action Figure Museum, Pauls Valley
Best Overall Dining
- Café Alley, Ardmore
-Gonzalez Mexican Restaurant, Tishomingo
- Ole Red, Tishomingo
- Springs at The Artesian, Sulphur
- Twisted Anchor Grill & Patio, Kingston
Best Run or Ride
- Bison View 5K, Sulphur
-Fireball Classic Memorial Run, Ada
- FireFly Run, Tishomingo
- Hoot (Hills of Oklahoma Bike Tour), Davis
-Rock Island Ride, Chickasha
- Stevy’s Run, Tishomingo
Best Wedding Venue
-The Artesian Hotel, Casino & Spa, Sulphur
-Chickasaw Retreat & Conference Center, Sulphur
-Daffodil Aisle Event Center, Davis
-Elegant Events & Weddings (formerly Arbuckle Chapel), Davis
-The Grand Canadian Theater, Purcell
-The Ponds at Marble Farms, Ardmore
- The Springs Wedding and Event Venues, Blanchard
-The Wildflower, Tishomingo
Best Winery/Brewery
-Bois D’Arc Winery & Vineyard, Madill
- Crystal Creek Winery, Mead
-Kochendorfer Brewing Company, Duncan
-Old Silo Winery, Tishomingo
- Rusty Nail Winery and Tasting Room, Sulphur
-Shakespeare Wine Company, Chickasha
“Thank you to the locals and visitors who nominated these finalists for the Best of Chickasaw Country,” said Paige Shepherd, Chickasaw Nation Director of Tourism. “These businesses represent the best-of-the-best in southcentral Oklahoma, as seen by their customers and clients. To make it to the voting phase is a tremendous honor for them all.”
The public has until February 21 to vote for their favorite finalists. Visit chickasawcountry.com to vote. Votes can be made daily until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Winners in each category will be announced March 25.