Three cheers for the red, white and blue!
There’s no better time to enjoy the freedom of the open road than Independence Day weekend. Picnics by the lake, the piquant aroma of BBQ in the air, refreshing watermelon and the crackling of fireworks in the sky – the essence of summer is unmistakable on this special holiday. To celebrate, we’re listing off destinations to visit for a weekend of All-American fun. Grab your lawn chairs and a pack of sparklers (and maybe your favorite eating pants), we’re going to make this Fourth of July one to remember.
POPS 66 Soda Ranch
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POPS 66 Soda Ranch
First up, POPS on historic Route 66 for some bottled sodas. With 700 varieties, you have the freedom to choose the flavors that exactly fit your mood. Sweet, sour, salty, they’ve got it all. You can even order online for quick curbside pick-up. A Jones Root Beer or Nesbitt’s Honey Lemonade would be the cherry on top of an already perfect picnic. The store at POPS 66 will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the restaurant from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4.
Butcher BBQ
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Butcher BBQ
Come one, come all, come early to Butcher BBQ Stand in Wellston! Just 20 minutes east of POPS, this two-time World BBQ Champion chop block typically sees a line forming around 9:30 a.m., and you’ll know why once you get a taste. Get your burnt ends, brisket, ribs and more by the pound to take to the lake or stop by for a piled-up Hillbilly Philly (burnt ends, queso, jalapeños, BBQ sauce). Be sure to add a side of Apple Pie BBQ Beans. Butcher BBQ is closed on July 4 but will be open July 3 and 5.
Lake Murray
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Lake Murray
With family, friends and food in tow, head to Lake Murray for a full day of fishing, swimming, boating, hiking or lounging in the shade. Stop by Lake Murray Water Sports for your party barge rental before a round of mini-golf and a sno-cone. There are group packages available as well!
Bedré Café
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Bedré Café
For those spending the 4th in Sulphur, enjoy a hand-dipped scoop of ice cream or made-to-order sandwich at the classic 1950s-style Bedré Café located at The Artesian Hotel. After a quick stop by neighboring Sweet Swirlz for a goodie bag of treats, you’ll be set for a fun day shopping downtown Sulphur or visiting the nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area! Bedré Café will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4 and Sweet Swirlz from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Pie Junkie
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There’s no dessert more American than a good ol’ slice of pie. Few do it as well as Pie Junkie! The July 4th menu includes three festive pies available for pre-order: the Star Spangled Apple and Cherry pies with star cutouts and the Red, White & Blue Pie filled with glazed strawberries and blueberries topped with whipped cream. Place your pre-order at piejunkie.com before they reach capacity and pick it up Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. until noon, individual slices and extra whole pies won’t be available.
Lake Texoma State Park
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Lake Texoma State Park
Spend the day exploring on horseback and fishing one of the country’s largest reservoirs, then sit back and relax as you wait for the action to begin. The Independence Day Fireworks Show at Roosevelt Bridge is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 3, but is subject to change depending on weather or for any public health reasons.
All of these destinations and more are featured in our ready-made Fourth of July Adventure. Feel free to save and use it as a starting point for your own custom weekend getaway. Once you’re done, share it with your friends and family on social media!
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