Exploring the Charm of Ringold, OK (aka Broken Bow): Our First Stop and Casino + Sites Review

As our RV adventure kicked off, first stop was Ringold, OK, on the outskirts of Broken Bow. Here is our review of our campsite, local casinos, and other points of interest. Our rating scale is 1-5 on various attributes with 1 being the worst and 5 being excellent.

Hochatown Saloon

Choctaw Broken Bow

Choctaw Idabel

Campsite

We spent a week at the Pine Creek Hideaway Cabins and RV Resort. Nestled in the tranquil beauty of nature, this charming park became our temporary home during our time in the area.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the cozy ambiance that the park offered with large pull-through sites that made settling in a breeze. With spacious and well-maintained grounds, we immediately felt at ease in this serene oasis. The community areas provided a wonderful space for large gatherings and grilling, allowing fellow travelers to connect and share their stories.

What truly impressed us was the versatility of the Pine Creek Hideaway. Alongside RV sites, they also offer 5th wheels and cabins for rent. This presents an excellent opportunity for camping enthusiasts who are new to the world of 5th wheels to experience the lifestyle before making a significant investment. It's a perfect chance to dip your toes into the camping experience and explore the wonders of the great outdoors.

Another highlight was the small pond located within the park. This picturesque feature provided an opportunity for various water activities such as kayaking, swimming, and paddle boarding. It was a delightful way to embrace the natural surroundings and unwind in the serenity of the great outdoors.

RATING (1-5 SCALE):

• Location - 4

• Ease of Entry - 4

• Facilities - 5

• Entertainment - 3

Casinos

We had the chance to visit two unique Choctaw Casinos: one in Broken Bow and another in Idabel. While both casinos had a slightly dated ambiance, they offered an array of modern gaming options that kept the excitement alive.

One notable advantage of these Choctaw Casinos was the integration of a unified player's club system. This meant that our existing player's club account from Choctaw Casino in Durant seamlessly worked at both locations. This unified system allowed us to earn points and rewards across all the Choctaw Casino properties, making it convenient to accumulate benefits and redeem rewards during our play.

The gaming machines at both casinos were in good working condition, providing a decent variety despite the smaller size of the establishments. As we explored the gaming floor, we were delighted to find a selection of the latest games that kept us entertained throughout our visit. Additionally, complimentary drinks were offered, adding a refreshing touch to our gaming experience.

For those seeking more than just gaming, both casinos had options to satisfy culinary cravings. With bars and restaurants available, we had the opportunity to indulge in mixed cocktails and enjoy a satisfying meal. The restrooms were well-maintained and cleanliness was a top priority, evident from the diligent cleaning crews that frequently sanitized the machines.

One minor drawback we encountered was the limited availability of ticket redemption machines and ATMs. This made it slightly inconvenient when needing to obtain cash or cash-in vouchers. However, it did not significantly hinder our overall experience.

In Broken Bow, we discovered the added perk of table games, providing an alternative gaming option for those seeking a different kind of excitement. Unfortunately, they were closed during our visit on Tuesday but were open on Friday night when we couldn't resist another spin! On the other hand, the Idabel location did not offer table games but instead had an entertaining family-oriented area called The District. It featured activities such as bowling and video games, making it a fun-filled option to entertain all ages.

RATING (1-5 SCALE):

• Player Card Rewards Program/Perks - 5

• Payout - 5

• Smoking Level - 4

• Food & Beverage - 3

• Hotel or RV Park - NA

• Spa - NA

Points of Interest

Hochatown Distilling Co., Mountain Fork Brewery, and Hochatown Saloon

While visiting Ringold, OK (aka Broken Bow), we had the pleasure of experiencing a range of delightful culinary and beverage destinations. Among them, Hochatown Distilling Co. stood out for its remarkable atmosphere and exceptional selection of bourbons and vodka.

Stepping into Hochatown Distilling Co., we were immediately captivated by its inviting ambiance. The distillery offered a variety of bourbon options, from single barrel to bonded, each showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication put into their creation. We found all the bourbons to be of high quality and thoroughly enjoyed their smooth and flavorful profiles. Surprisingly, even as non-vodka drinkers, we were pleasantly surprised by the vodka's smoothness, devoid of any harsh burn. It was a testament to the distillery's commitment to excellence.

One particular highlight was the bourbon-infused truffles, which proved to be an irresistible treat. The combination of the decadent truffles and the rich flavors of the bourbon was a match made in heaven. We couldn't resist picking up a box to savor later.

The distillery offered single barrel bourbons aged for either 40 or 44 months. While both were enjoyable, the 44-month-old bourbon stood out with its exceptional character. Notes of banana bread and chocolate danced on our palates, and though our bartender, JJ, suggested a hint of Dr Pepper, the predominant aroma of banana nut prevailed. The experience was a true delight for bourbon enthusiasts. They offer distillery tours Thursday - Saturday for a reasonable amount which includes a complementary sampling for those 21 and older!

Hochatown Distilling Co. also boasted an impressive gift shop, where we found a wide selection of clothing, bar items, and unique gifts. It was the perfect place to explore and find mementos of our visit. I walked away with a Himalayan handmade candle with a grapefruit pine scent (you can find it on Amazon here)!

Another culinary gem we discovered was the Mountain Fork Brewery. The wood-fired pizzas were a standout (we had the Kickin' Chicken), showcasing delicious flavors and perfect crusts. We were pleasantly surprised by the Sneaky Snake draft beer, which offered a unique and enjoyable drinking experience. As if that weren't enough, the brewery even had a ranch bar—a haven for ranch dressing lovers, where you could indulge in this classic condiment to your heart's content. It was a mouthwatering experience that left us craving more.

For a taste of the Old West, we ventured to the Hochatown Saloon. The food was satisfying, though the service was just adequate. The true highlight was the saloon's ambiance, complete with swinging saloon doors and a grand bar. We could easily envision the lively atmosphere on weekends with dancing and live music. Since we visited during the week, the energy was more subdued, and while it was enjoyable, we wondered if it would truly come alive on a weekend.

Overall, our culinary exploration in Ringold, OK, left us with a mix of exceptional experiences. Hochatown Distillery impressed us with its outstanding selection of bourbons and vodka, while Mountain Fork Brewery delighted our taste buds with wood-fired pizzas and unique brews. The Hochatown Saloon provided a glimpse into the Old West, offering a taste of history and a promising atmosphere.

RATING (1-5 SCALE):

• Food & Beverage - 4

• Facility Cleanliness - 5

• Entertainment - 4

Join us on our next blog post as we continue our journey, seeking out new flavors and discovering casinos and other fun points of interest along the way.

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!