Attending our International Convention often takes members to places they have never been. Some take advantage of that and extend their time to do a little sightseeing. If you are a fan of the Food Network, a trip to nearby Pawhuska is likely on your to-do list. I enjoyed my visit to Pawhuska several years ago. Fans of The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, will recognize Pawhuska as her hometown. She and her family have renovated several buildings in downtown Pawhuska. Many of these businesses offer food that you have seen on her show.
Explore Pawhuska: A Foodie’s Delight
Stop by the Mercantile for a delicious breakfast, pick up picnic fixings at the deli, head to P-Town Pizza for dinner, and pick up a tasty treat at Charlie’s Sweet Shop to finish your day. Even though most people head to Pawhuska for the food, there is more to do there than eat. If you are lucky, the lodge where Ree films her show will be open for a free tour. The schedule of tour dates is posted on The Mercantile’s website a few months in advance.
Historical and Cultural Experiences
Other potential activities include a visit to the Osage Nation Museum or the Ben Johnson Cowboy Museum for the history buff.
Tallgrass Prairie Adventures
The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is the largest protected piece of tallgrass prairie on earth and is the home to 2,500 bison. This park offers a driving loop and hiking trails. More information can be found at Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve | TNC in Oklahoma.
Where to Stay
If you want to spend a night in Pawhuska, it looks like all the rooms at The Pioneer Woman’s Rooming House are already booked for that week. However, you might luck out with a cancellation, so check the website on a regular basis. If nothing opens, there are plenty of Airbnb options and hotels in the area.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Oklahoma City in June!
Author: Jonel Thames Leake, CPCU, ASLI, AAI, CPIW, DAE, CLP-A
Jonel is a long-time member of IAIP. If she isn’t at work as a commercial lines agent or teaching a virtual IAIP class, you will likely find her watching the Food Network.