PECAN COTTAGE BED & BREAKFAST
The best Chick Trip lodging in Central OklahomaArchive for Corporate lodging
Arbuckle Wilderness
Before I begin, let us not forget that PECAN COTTAGE is the only place in central and south central Oklahoma – the Arbuckle Country – that specializes in Chick Trips; old-fashioned sleep-overs for girlfriends. And it is very near many wonderful things to see and do including what follows…
Susen’s story: After spending nearly 40 years on the beaches of California, in 2002 I relocated to Kansas, a part of our country where bathtubs and rubber ducks are considered water sports. By 2006 I was desperate to get personal with a lakeside retreat and a travel writer’s assignment created the opportunity.*
Three weeks later Stan and I were soaking in a hot tub on a deck overlooking our own private lake, not far from Turner Falls and the Arbuckle Wilderness.
The first day Stan took his beloved Harley on a world class motorcycle ride with
a new friend through the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and I got a tour of everything else that makes the Arbuckle Mountains a popular attraction including a backstage tour of Arbuckle Wilderness, a 400 acre drive-thru park home to thousands of wild animals from across the world. We came nose to nose with camels, zebras, rhinoceros, and lions, tigers and kangaroos? This park is one of the finest examples of wildlife conservation that our country offers and was recently awarded the distinction of Oklahoma’s Outstanding Tourist Attraction.
It is all about the animals at Arbuckle Wilderness, but there is so much more. Picnics, paddle boats and bumper boats, a great go-cart track, camel rides and an especially entertaining petting zoo with lemurs, reptiles, and colorful tropical birds. For information and hours of operation visit the website www.arbucklewilderness.com.
If you are enticed to bring the family, my friends Vic & Tammie Garrett offer a variety of lodging options nearby. For reservations contact http://www.arbucklelodging.com/.
*End of the story – six weeks after our lakeside vacation, Stan and I had bought and moved into a lovely house near Lake of the Arbuckles where we plan on growing old together with friends like the Garretts and many others who have helped make it home. That was almost 5 years ago and we love it.
Come see for yourself by bringing your girlfriends to Pecan Cottage. Email me at pecancottage@gmail.com.
Hoping to see you soon, Susen Foster 580/622-5408
Murphy’s Law
Do you know about MURPHYS LAW? Basically it means “if it can go wrong, it will.” This weekend I received a direct hit from this theory and it hurt.
You all know how hard I work to make my guest’s visits special and so far everyone has just raved. Well, I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later, but I feel so bad for the 4 awesome ladies that came all the way from Dallas, arriving late at my beautiful, cozy, food-filled Pecan Cottage – to find the central heat had quit working and the house was in the 50s instead of a cozy 70 something.
It was very late, so we agreed to believe it would fix itself overnight. 🙂
When I heard Cathie’s sweet voice the next morning, I was certain all was well. But heck no!! Not only was the heat still out, but the toilet was plugged. Mind you I worked there all day Friday and had the heater going and used the toilet many times with NO problems.
Stan and I got on the road to see what could be done. As we arrived, the gals were just leaving to go see the museum, the chocolate factory, Corner Market, thegallery and all of the cool things in Pauls Valley. I had already called the other B & B in Pauls Valley to make sure they were available if all else failed.
My friend Mike Wilson came over immediately and fixed the plumbing – a squirrel had climbed in through a vent and obviously couldn’t get back out. YUCK. Only took him a 1/2 hour to fix that problem. Thanks, Mike!!
But not a single H/A person called back, so we bought a heater for each bedroom, a couple extra soft, warm blankets; plus we brought a big space heater from home.
Given the option to move to the other B & B or make the most of this inconvenience (thank God it was NOT terribly cold) these brave and adventurous women chose to stay at Pecan Cottage and “rough” it.
What a bunch of sweethearts. I commend them for their sense of adventure and the incredible courtesy they extended during this awkward situation. God bless you, ladies. Please accept my sincere apology and my token of appreciation.
To our many, many friends and fans, Pecan Cottage is still a darling 1948 Arts & Crafts Style house that has had virtually everything made new again or been replaced – and that includes the 3 year old Central Heat & Air unit.
So…Murphys Law – STUFF IT!! You didn’t get us down this time either. In fact, I have already had several prospects since the battle of MLK weekend. So there!!
Bless you – Cathie and friends. Thank you for your understanding. I hope you had lots of fun inspite of having to blanket and bundle; and that you got home safe and sound. Your biggest fan, Susen Foster
Christmas Open House in Pauls Valley
SANTA & CHARLIE BROWN IN PAULS VALLEY
The forecast is 100% chance of Snowballs in Central Oklahoma on November 20 this year. Saturday, November 20 is time to “Celebrate the Magic” at the Christmas Open House in Pauls Valley and, as always, this annual heralding in of the holidays is a day full of family friendly events such as photos with Santa, the musical “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, huge money-saving sales and markdowns at downtown merchants, and a massive Snowball drop giving talented “catchers” a chance to win lots of prizes and gift certificates.
The fun begins at 10am when most of the stores open in historic Downtown Pauls Valley. From 11am to 2pm, and for only $5 each, family members can have their photos taken with Santa Claus who will be located near Corner Market at McClure and Chickasaw. As the big clock on City Hall strikes noon, hundreds of kids of all ages will chase twelve hundred ping pong balls as they bounce their way down the brick-paved streets. The energetic person who gathers the most unmarked “snowballs” wins a Free photo with Santa, while those who have Marked “snowballs” will receive the prize that matches their lucky number. Prizes include coupons from local merchants, huge discounts, and free stuff, too. Winners might take home a new toy, a Bed & Breakfast gift certificate, or BOGO coupons – it is always a surprise – and, unless otherwise noted, will be redeemable through December 6, the night of Pauls Valley’s Annual Parade of Lights.
To cap off this very special day, the curtain goes up on two performances of “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” at Pauls Valley High School auditorium; a 2pm matinee and 7pm evening show.
Celebrate the Magic in Pauls Valley, Saturday November 20, as Main Street Merchants ring in this year’s jolly season of family, friends, great times, and new memories. Mark your calendars for this and every Thursday during December when many downtown Pauls Valley businesses will stay open until 7pm.
For updates call 580/238-2555 or email mspv@sbcglobal.net.
Another article today!!
Here’s the online link to the article in High Plains Journal about Pecan Cottage B & B: http://www.hpj.com/archives/2010/sep10/Sep20/0910EverydayGetawayMRSEP202.cfm
You can read the article on our Media Page. You may notice that this is a monthly column that I have written for High Plains Journal for 4 years and this was an opportunity to tell about 300,000 readers – online & in print – about my new venture.
Wonderful guests
Now I know why innkeepers keep going. The people are so nice. Pecan Cottage Bed & Breakfast specializes in Chick Trips – girls only getaways in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. When I first thought of this idea, people said it wouldn’t work. But you know what? It brings plenty of guests, nice guests who treat my house like they would their own or better.
So far everyone has left the cottage in very nice condition and some have even washed a load of towels and done all the dishes. Isn’t that something?
My thanks to you, prior guests. I hope that many more ladies will soon explore the possibilities that Pecan Cottage Bed & Breakfast offers for those who want to do what they want, when they want, without the work or guilt.
Just sit down at the computer, pick a date, and email me for details. You will be well taken care of. That is a promise from me, Susen Foster.
PECAN COTTAGE BED & BREAKFAST 