Cruise the Talimena Scenic Drive and Check out the Surrounding Attractions – East OK to West AK

Talimena-fallA fun, scenic drive with lots of potential attractions along the way is what you get with the Talimena Scenic Drive which spans from the top of the Ouachita Mountains in Eastern OK to Western AK. This is a 54 miles winding drive that is especially beautiful in the fall with the color of the fall leaves.  We went last year and had a great time. I insisted we stop at many of the pull outs to check out the beautiful fall foliage. It was great fun.

This could be a simple drive or it could mean so much more due to the surrounding attractions that could turn this into a weekend if you wished. Go to www.talimenascenicdrive.com  to plan your adventure for just you and your sweetie or for you and your family. This trip could be planned for either a couple or family trip. I would suggest that you look in the Upcoming Events tab on their website. Looks like lots going on here in the fall. I am sure this could be a very pretty drive in the spring also.

Some of the attractions along the way are as follows. Their website, as mentioned above, has a detailed section for each of the categories listed below.

Birds and Wildlife

Lakes and Rivers

Historic Sites

Sight Seeing

Cave Exploring

Whitewater Canoeing

Fly Fishing

Equestrian Fun

Note: It is noted that the Peak Fall Foliage for Talimena Scenic Drive is from October 19 – November 4. 

This could be a fun full weekend or a day trip. Best wishes in planning your own adventure along the Talimena National Scenic Byway! A wonderful way to connect and “be with” your loved ones.

Pumpkin Festival at Sheperd’s Cross, Claremore, OK

Pumpkin_Festival-21-464x304The Pumpkin Festival at Shepard’s Cross near Claremore, OK runs from October 1- October 30 (2013) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. This is a festival that I just found out about that looks promising if you want to spend a bit of time out in the country. It looks like it would make for a great family time.  Or I think it might be a fun couple outing also.

The Festival is free, but a $3. per person donation is suggested. Many of the activities are free and then there are some activities that a fee is attached. For example if you want to make a Scarecrow, it is $3. per scarecrow. You are asked to bring clothes for your scarecrow. The Hayride is $5. per person, with children under one being free. And of course, you have to pay for pumpkins you may want to take home. There is also a store in with OK made products are sold. Amish candles and jams are sold, along with pecans, gourds , straw bales, etc.

Free Activities include:

A Pumpkin Patch

Farm Animal Petting Zoo

Hay Maze

Hands on Learning Stations

Picnic Areas (but suggested you bring a blanket due to limited space)

Bible Garden

And more . . .

I have not gone out to experience their Festival, but plan to before the end of the month. It should be noted that this is a Christian based Festival.  It is also advertised as child friendly without being scary. I also noticed on their website that groups could schedule tours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays.

Please go to their website to find out more details and directions as to how to get out to this farm that is close to Claremore.   www.sheperdcross.com

shepards cross pumpkin festival with wagon and pumpkins