Oklahoma's Enchanting Lakeside Escape Offers Local Wine, Cabins, And Trails Through The Ouachita Mountains

There's something about crisp mountain air in a lakefront landscape that turns everyday life into a magical experience. When that scene is set in Oklahoma's Ouachita Mountains, you can't help but make the beautiful Broken Bow Lake your destination of choice. Although summertime begs for outdoor recreation like swimming and kayaking, the cooler months are ideal for taking it slow in the small city of Broken Bow. Who wouldn't want to curl up in a cabin, admiring the mighty ranges and glittering lake, all while sipping on a glass of wine? Whether you open a bottle at home or check out the local wineries, this lakeside haven offers a whole other vibe when the temperature drops.

Nebraska residents will ask, "Which came first: Broken Bow, Oklahoma, or Broken Bow, Nebraska?" Loggers from Nebraska settled the area, took advantage of timber resources, and named it after their place of origin. Nowadays, people look for cabin rentals on Vrbo or Airbnb to take some time off with Ouachita Mountains views. You'll be on cloud wine, too, with several spots providing a variety of bottles. From the abundance of trails at Beavers Bend and Hochatown State Parks to low-key staycations with vino, Broken Bow is just that undiscovered escape from the big cities.

Getting to Broken Bow from Tulsa is more than a three-hour drive — the same applies to Oklahoma City, which is 3.5 hours away. Instead, make Texarkana your base if you're flying in, since the regional airport here is just an hour and a half away. The drive is also doable from Little Rock and its artsy neighborhoods, but expect to be on the road for three hours. While you can book a room at familiar hotel chains, you'll be denying yourself a unique cabin stay.

Swap the been-there-done-that hotel with a luxury cabin for the ultimate escape in Broken Bow. Whitetail Ridge, for instance, is a top spot for that cabin-chic comfort, with expansive vistas of the lush surroundings. This rustic accommodation sleeps up to eight people, with three bedrooms and a loft bed, but it's the hot tub with views that guests rave about. Second Wind Luxury Cabin is a lakeside property with a capacity for 10 guests, equipped with lots of entertainment for a memorable stay. You can relax in the hot tub, play arcade games, chill on the patio, and unwind by the fire pit.

Another cabin-in-the-woods rental is Bent Pine Lodge, with space for 14 people. Here, the great outdoors is right at your fingertips — when you're not playing billiards with your friends, hike the forested trails and explore the wilderness. These are just a few of the high-end cottages available. You'll be spoiled for choice when you're searching for bookings, with choices like New Enchanted Lodge, Hallelujah Cabin, and French Country Honeymoon.

On to the second most important thing: wine. Make your way to FishTales Winery and Bistro to stock up on the semi-sweet Autumn Jewel white or sweet Hudson Creek red wines. While you're there, indulge in some of their offerings, such as cheesy shrimp toast, apple cranberry walnut salad, or blackberry-bacon-jalapeno panini. Knotted Rope Winery has some full-bodied bottles, too, like the Unraveled blackberry Merlot, Lool de Loop aged in a bourbon barrel, and Knotty or Nice with fruity notes. Heading into downtown? Stop by Girls Gone Wine for a glass or two. Sample varieties first before deciding your favorite — then savor it on the patio and purchase a bottle on your way out to bring back to your cabin.

You'll never run out of trails to hike in Broken Bow, especially when your playground is Beavers Bend State Park on the Oklahoma-Arkansas border. Many come here to boat and fish during the warmer season, but wandering among the fall foliage is an entirely different experience. Take it easy on the Mountain Fork River Trail, a mile-long out-and-back path that brings you to the rushing waters. Wear sturdy boots, as it can get quite muddy after rain. The Cedar Bluff Nature Trail is another hike with some elevation changes. The 0.8-mile loop is an uphill trek surrounded by a verdant forest, which eventually rewards you with a picturesque panorama.

Those exploring Hochatown State Park also have a few routes to tackle. The Lake View Lodge Trail Short Loop is just 1.4 miles, but the peaceful path is as gorgeous as it gets. You can double the length of that trail to hike up hills, revel in the towering trees, and rest with a breathtaking sight before you. The Choctaw Nation Trail, on the other hand, is 3.4 miles of dense woods, flowing creeks, and waterfront scenery. Since you're already in Broken Bow, visit the Little River National Wildlife Refuge to learn about the flora and fauna. On your walk, be on the lookout for bald eagles, condors, waterfowl, and more bird species.

Alternatively, you can stay downtown and make a loop around Broken Bow City Park — the 0.8-mile route makes for a leisurely stroll around the pond. You might see some people fishing here, while others practice their baseball skills on the field. When you've had your fair share of the good, old cabin life, you'll love cozy camping in Talihina, a quiet Oklahoma town that's a laid-back hideaway.