MARIETTA -

This month's Chickasaw Country Featured Town happens to be the county seat of Love County - Marietta, Oklahoma! Situated smack dab between Oklahoma City and Dallas at the intersection of State Highway 32 and Interstate 35, this historically rich and romantic Oklahoma town offers travelers a close and convenient one day getaway or weekend trip. Carved from the Louisiana Purchase, the county lines were set in 1887 and named after the Loves, a prominent Chickasaw family. The first settlers influenced the area with commerce, ferry crossings and some of the first trading posts in the Indian Territory. Cotton became the major crop in the late 1800s to mid-1900s, harvesting the greatest inland cotton market in the world. The town's courthouse, famous for the first county courthouse after Oklahoma statehood, is a popular wedding venue for couples looking to tie the knot in America's one and only County of Love. Another useful bit of information is that Marietta is located only 14 miles from Winstar World Casino & Resort and only 9 miles from Lake Murray State Park. This offers up Marietta as a short and sweet side-trip if you are already in the area for some other world-class attractions and captivating outdoor escapades.

Now that we got some general town information out in the open, let’s focus on shopping!

Norton's Jewelry, a family owned and operated jewelry store offering high-end jewelry at very reasonable prices. The shop features an array of jewelry items such as rings, necklaces and bracelets in a variety of cuts and stones. Located inside the jewelry store is also Norton's Indian Territory Museum, which showcases a private collection of old soda pop bottles, arrowheads, antiques, historical area documents and more. Make a special trip to Norton's and pick out a sparkling piece of jewelry as you peruse the fascinating walls of the Indian Territory Museum.

Last but certainly not least on this shopping list is Levine's Antiques. This is a lovely antique store located in downtown Marietta. This one-of-a-kind shop features a wide range of local antique items, classic collectibles and old-fashioned furniture. Levine's also carries an assortment of kitchen items including tableware, glassware, cooking utensils and more. When in or around Marietta, be sure to stop by for a lovely antique shop-a-thon in the country-vintage setting of Levine's!

I don’t know about you, but after all that shopping I would be pretty hungry. Time to talk food!

Robertson’s Ham Stand has been attracting hungry travelers along I-35 and mail-order fans worldwide for more than sixty years. With locations scattered all across Texas and Oklahoma, the home branch is located in Marietta, Oklahoma. This family owned and operated Ham Stand is known for having the finest cured and smoked meats in the world! Customers can choose from an array of smoked ham, bacon, turkey, pork sausage, pork loin and cheese. Robertson’s also carries a variety of barbecue sauces, beef jerkies, cooked sausage and other locally made food items. When traveling through the Marietta area, be sure to stop by Robertson’s for the best ham sandwich you’ve ever tasted – hand-rubbed with sugar cure and smoked with genuine green hickory!

This next restaurant has hours almost as quirky as the name, but don’t let that deter you from making the trip to taste this wonderful food. McGehee's is the grandpapa of all catfish restaurants around! Located on the outskirts of Marietta by the old airstrip, McGehee's offers customers a catfish dinner like they've never experienced before topped with a panoramic setting of the beautiful rolling hills and colorful Oklahoma country. When dining here, customers must try the famous 'All-You-Can-Eat-Catfish' plate, served breaded and fried under a mountain of French fries with a side of homemade hushpuppies. Other menu favorites include the homemade coleslaw, green tomato relish and fried pies. Bring the whole family to Mcgehee's for an off-the-charts catfish chow down and Red River Valley dining experience like no other!

After all the shopping and dining, if you desire to extend your visit in Marietta, I recommend booking an overnight stay at a lovely countryside lodge like those at Addison Ranch.

A whitetail wonderland & hunter's paradise, Addison Ranch is a family-owned and operated business located west of Marietta and offers some of the finest whitetail hunting in the state. Guests that choose to stay overnight in the breathtaking onsite lodge will be in for a treat. The lodge features four bedrooms, three baths and accommodates up to 6 individuals. Located near the Red River in a wildlife rich area, guests that want to hunt can choose from a variety of hunts including trophy whitetail hunts, management whitetail hunts, bow hunts, hog hunts, turkey hunts, duck hunts and combination hunts. Guests will be provided with full-time hunting guides during their trip as well.

I hope you found some inspiration in the small but intriguing town of Marietta. If you do plan to come through Chickasaw Country, I hope you take the time to stop and enjoy what this unique place has to offer.