I’ll be the first to admit that a casino-resort may not sound like the ideal mother-daughter getaway when you’ve got a 15-year-old.
But when I heard that one of our favorite artists, Jordan Davis, was going to be playing a show at Choctaw Casino and Resort’s 3,000-capacity Grand Theatre in August, I couldn’t resist a road trip.
Located just 4.5 hours from Austin, Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant, Oklahoma, offers a wide variety of fun for a weekend getaway and, as we would learn during our quick stay, is surprisingly kid friendly. Among the main draws is the intimate theater, which brings acts from around the country such as Hudson Westbrook, Wynonna Judd, Lenny Kravitz, and Cross Canadian Ragweed.
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My daughter Mirielle and I arrived mid-afternoon and were excited to see merch stands were already open in the foyer outside the theater as we picked up our tickets from will call. After purchasing two T-shirts, we freshened up in our room, grabbed a quick bite to eat and returned for the show, which started at 8 p.m.
It was well worth the trip to Oklahoma for the concert alone. Davis electrified the audience with a nearly two-hour set that included many of his hits including “Singles You Up,” “What My World Spins Around,” “Slow Dance in a Parking Lot,” and “Tucson Too Late.”
Jordan Davis performs at Choctaw Casino and Resort on Aug. 1. Kristin Finan photo
Although we only stayed one night, we were able to enjoy many of the attractions at the resort, which is home to 1,000 beautifully appointed guest rooms and more than 20 bars and restaurants. Mirielle and I loved our afternoon snack at Guy Fieri’s American Kitchen and Bar, aka Flavortown, where we noshed on a “crispy fry trio” that featured, yes, three types of French fries. The resort also offers free 24-hour soda and coffee stations that are available to all guests.
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And yes, you can definitely gamble at the resort, which features 7,400 slot machines, over 100 table games, and a state-of-the-art poker room. But if you’re traveling as a family or on a mother-daughter getaway as we were, you’ll also enjoy the dedicated area for kids and teenagers that includes a bowling alley and an arcade, where we lingered while playing some of our favorite games such as Skee-Ball, Willy Wonka Coin Pusher, and ICEE Slush Rush.
Mirielle Badgley-Finan and Kristin Finan at Choctaw Casino and Resort, which is surprisingly family friendly. Kristin Finan photo
We were also delighted to see that the resort has an on-site movie theater. After the concert ended around 10 p.m., we purchased 11 p.m. tickets to see the highly anticipated “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” which we both loved.
Finally, I have to mention the pools. Choctaw offers two Las Vegas-style pools — one that’s only for adults and one that’s perfect for families, complete with waterslides, splash pads, and lawn games.
Oh, and if you’re in the mood to appreciate some art, there’s an on-site self-guided art walk that features nearly 60 pieces by Choctaw artists.
Learn more at: https://www.choctawcasinos.com/durant/.
