Give me a couple of days, some Oklahoma backroads, and a camera, and there’s no telling what we’ll get into. This time, Jenny, Baker, and I headed to Johnston County. We ended up with a private tour of an old Western town, a hamburger worth talking about, an unexpected Christmas purchase, and a dog who probably thinks this entire business exists so strangers can give him treats. There was also an evening beside a creek that managed to quiet my brain for a little while. That alone probably deserves some kind of tourism award.
Melissa and Chris from Tishomingo showed us around on our first day, and having locals lead the way makes a trip a whole lot more interesting. They know the stories, the places to stop, and the things you’d probably drive right past while saying, “I wonder what that was.” Which, honestly, is a fairly large portion of my travel commentary. They shared their time and knowledge with us, and we spent another day wandering through small towns and shops, meeting people and following our curiosity. This is my kind of exploring. Give me something old, something pretty, or somebody with a good story, and we may be here a while.
The Chickasaw Capitol in Tishomingo was one of those stops where the camera comes up and the questions start rolling. The building and the statue out front both caught my attention. I enjoy photographing places like this, but once I get home and start looking through the pictures, I want to know more. Then I’m looking up history, following one detail into another, and suddenly my quick photo stop has homework. I do this to myself regularly. There’s so much Chickasaw history tied to Tishomingo, and spending time there gave me a reason to dig a little deeper into the Oklahoma I’m out here trying to explore.
We also stopped at Pennington Creek Dam, which immediately gave me two things to focus on: the water and that old structure nearby. Water will usually get me to stop, but an old building adds a whole new batch of questions. What was it used for? What did this place look like years ago? What stories do the locals have about it? I can stand there taking pictures, but somebody reading this probably has a childhood memory that would make the whole place come alive. If that somebody is you, I’m listening. This is one of the reasons I love sharing these stops. I bring the picture, and sometimes y’all bring the best part of the story.
Blue River gave us more scenery to enjoy, and our exploring also brought us to Scotty’s Blue River One Stop. Now, I can appreciate history and beautiful water all day, but eventually this operation requires a hamburger. Scotty’s delivered. That was an amazing burger, and I see no reason to bury that information in a travel blog. Jenny went inside while I stayed outside on Baker duty, because apparently my job titles now include photographer, backroad explorer, and personal assistant to a short dog. Jason is carrying on Scotty’s, and I’m glad we got to include their place in our trip. A local stop with a really good burger is useful information. You’re welcome.
Then there was Sipokni West outside Reagan. An old Western town? Well, obviously we needed to look at that. The problem was, it was closed to the public when we arrived. But there was a phone number posted, and sometimes curiosity just needs somebody to answer the phone. Johnny Shackleford answered, and what could have been a quick look from outside turned into about two hours of him personally showing us through the buildings and sharing the stories behind the place. That is a pretty good return on one phone call.
Walking through Sipokni West with Johnny was a treat. When the person who helped create a place is standing right there telling you about it, you tend to forget about whatever else you thought you were going to do that afternoon. There was another building to see, another story to hear, and another question to ask. What stuck with me was how much Johnny cared about people enjoying themselves. He kept coming back to people having fun and being happy. He’d put so much into this place, and here he was giving us his time so we could enjoy it, too. Johnny, thank you for answering that phone. If Sipokni West catches your interest, contact them before making the trip so you can find out about visiting.
Our wandering also took us to Priddy’s General Store in Milburn, where we met DeAnn. There were homemade jams and jellies, local meat, flowers, candles, Christmas décor, and plenty of reasons to take your time looking around. We also learned about her husband’s Rapture Ready Embroidery. Jenny found a Christmas wiener-dog canvas, and I suppose once you own a dog like Baker, those purchases are legally required. We went exploring Johnston County and somehow expanded the seasonal dachshund collection. Travel broadens your horizons.
DeAnn was so kind, and she gave Baker attention and a treat. Naturally, he was completely on board with this stop. I’m out here trying to capture Oklahoma’s beauty and share the stories of its people, and Baker is building a statewide snack network. Honestly, his business model might be better than mine. We enjoyed getting to meet DeAnn, and Priddy’s became another one of those places I was glad we’d taken the time to stop.
For all the running around, eating, picture taking, and meeting people, there was one part of this trip where I was happy to sit still. That was at Camp Doug beside Rock Creek. Big rocks, trees, water, and the evening light coming through made it a beautiful place to be. Doug Blackburn shared something special with us there, and I don’t think I realized how much I needed that quiet until I was sitting in it.
My brain usually has several projects going, a few worries circling, and at least one completely unrelated thought demanding immediate attention. There’s always something I need to fix, finish, figure out, or remember after I’ve already forgotten it twice. But beside that creek, I could just sit. Watch the water. Enjoy the light. Let the evening happen without trying to get ahead of it. Jenny took a picture of me there, and I’m thankful she did. I’m usually the one behind the camera, so having a picture that brings back exactly how that moment felt means a lot to me. That evening is burned into my memory.
That’s quite a range for a couple of days. We went from Chickasaw history and creekside views to a Western town tour, a burger I’m still recommending, and Christmas shopping with a dog. Along the way, we met people who were willing to share their stories, their businesses, and their little corner of Oklahoma with us. Melissa and Chris, Johnny, DeAnn, Jason, and Doug all helped make this trip what it was. Thank you to them and to everyone who welcomed us in Tishomingo and Johnston County.
If you head that way, leave yourself a little room to wander. Stop in the store. Eat at the local place. Ask about the old building. Make the phone call. You may end up spending two hours somewhere you thought you’d only photograph from the road. You may find a spot beside a creek that makes you want to put the camera down for a minute. And if you take your wife into a general store, understand that a Christmas wiener dog may be coming home with you.
Johnston County gave us plenty to photograph and even more to talk about. I’m glad we went, and I know there’s more waiting for another trip. If you know this part of Oklahoma, tell me what we need to see next or share a story about one of these places. I’ll bring the camera. Baker will handle quality control on the treats.
Stay tuned for Part 2