I might be a health-nut, but I'm also a Food Network FIEND... And every now and then a girl's got to remember what butter and cream taste like! So this past weekend, mom and I took a day trip to Pawhuska, Oklahoma-- home of Ree Drummond's country-cooking empire. We were also with our good family friend Janet (we are the Three Musketeers. The last time the three of us were together, we were in Italy!) The day was perfectly fun, filling and memorable. But I DO have suggestions if you plan on going in the future...
1. Be Cognizant of When You're Visiting
We went on a Friday the first week of January--school is back in session, out-of-state holiday visitors have gone back home. There were virtually no lines, which we were not expecting. If you can avoid the weekend crowds, the better. Pick a day when you're fine with the weather, since there is some outdoor walking involved throughout the visit.
2. Go On a Day When You Can See the Lodge
This is where she does her filming for the show! Check her website for dates you can tour it. She announces the dates sporadically--and it was my favorite part of the entire trip! When you check out at The Mercantile, they'll give you printed directions on getting to the property. The landmark directions take you several miles into her property--the land is so expansive and something in itself to take in. It's more than 400,000 acres, which is roughly the size of Connecticut!
Once you're in the lodge, you can roam freely to check out her kitchen, pantry, guest bedrooms, etc! It was like Ree had left for the weekend--leaving shoes and half-empty wine bottles lying around--and said "Ya'll come over if you want. We'll be gone!" No security, nobody checks you in, you didn't feel like you were being watched or asked not to touch anything. Really welcoming!
3. Check Out the Upstairs Cafe at The Mercantile
We were expecting the restaurant line to be three hours long, so we had lunch in OKC before heading that way. BUT only because we knew there was a cafe upstairs that many people might not know about. If you go on a day when the wait is forever and the crowds are horrendous, go upstairs and get a boxed lunch, pastries and coffee. It's much quicker and also delicious! Mom and I both agreed that the play next time would be to get a sandwich to go and eat it at the Lodge! I had an espresso and brownie.
My real camera was, of course, dead when we got to Pawhuska. So my pictures aren't the best--but hopefully these give you the gist of the road trip. I think it's important to remember that "vacations" don't always have to be week-long trips to destinations on the other side of the world. A day trip is sometimes just what you need--a chance to see something new, but still be close to the comforts of home. Happy eating and traveling, my friends!
xo,
MM
Mom and Janet-- best friends since junior high! The three of us have become travel partners, and we make each other laugh.out.LOUD.