It's late. We're heading deeper into the woods. I'm surprised we made it this far — a last-minute decision meant we drove from Dallas to southeastern Oklahoma in our Tesla. Range anxiety was real, but as we pull up to Choctaw Landing, I feel relieved.
And even more so, after charging the car for free out front. (Thank goodness my wife remembered the charge adaptor.) I eye the Choctaw gas station across the lot. Unloading the car, I thought tomorrow we'd be fully charged, ready to roll and explore. That is, after lounging around the pool. Relax, then hiking. A full day.
Opened in May 2024 and located in Hochatown, Choctaw Landing is the Choctaw Nation’s newest 100-room luxury resort and casino. Out front on stage, a troubadour plays a Zach Bryan song as kids run around on a turf field. Inside, a fire greets us in the lobby upon arrival. The place feels like a lodge.
We head up to our room to retire for the evening. It's not until my head is resting on the pillow that it hits me: There is a casino here, but we didn't even see it. Tomorrow that will change.
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"Let me turn on the hot tub," a man in a Choctaw shirt says. He had made a beeline from the other side of the pool. He turns on the jet, we thank him and he leaves. As my wife and I soak, we look out at a canopy of green trees to our left, and the hotel to our right. Choctaw Landing's roof cuts triangles in the clear, blue sky.
It's not even 10:30 am. The day started spectacularly.
Post-lunch, it's time for hiking. I love hiking. I love the woods. I love mountains. There is no shortage of trails, just moments away by car. We start easy, with the Cedar Bluff trail, which doesn't disappoint with a beautiful overlook. There are activities nearby, including a lake and paddle boats. College students jump from rocky ledges into the water below. It's early fall, but today, this place is an endless summer.
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Dinner is Tuklo Grill, Choctaw Landing's self-described “Oklahoma-meets-Southern cooking” restaurant. Choctaw Landing doesn't yet have a fancy schmancy eatery like 1832 Steakhouse in Durant. Tuklo Grill's casual ambience suits this woodland resort. It's real good. I like it.
Before heading up to bed, we stop in the casino. Choctaw in Durant feels like a casino and a resort, but Choctaw Landing feels more like a resort and a casino. Both are great getaways for North Texans, but this distinction is important.
Choctaw Landing is an ideal spot for those who do want to game as well as relax by the pool and connect with nature. But if you just want to do the last two, it's hard to beat Choctaw Landing for the location and the amenities.
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The car is fully charged for the three-hour drive back, with a stop in Sulphur Springs. This is a beautiful part of Oklahoma and a wonderful place to get away. Thank goodness for that.
And thank you Choctaw Landing for hosting and treating us. The resort is located at 272 N State Highway 259A, Hochatown, OK 74728.
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