Ketchum, Oklahoma, is a town on the move. Actually, it's a town that did move. Founded in 1898, the entire town was moved about 18 years later to make way for a lake. Today, this fun tourist town sits on the shores of that lake (Grand Lake of the Cherokees) which has become a popular tourist destination with people coming from all over Oklahoma, Texas and beyond for boating, fishing and swimming. The lake makes a beautiful backdrop for several local 18-hole public and municipal golf courses including the Peninsula Grand Lakes Blue and the Peninsula Grand Lakes gold in neighboring Afton as well as the Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove, Oklahoma.
Grand Lodge Motel
The Grand Lodge Motel in Ketchum is a simple accommodation with both motel and cabin lodging. Rooms are clean but offer little in the way of amenities. There is an outdoor swimming pool, but the lake is close by and much more of an adventure. RV parking is allowed and the motel has hookups available. The cabins are slightly larger than the regular room offering two sleeping areas, double-size beds, refrigerator and coffee maker. A local restaurant On the Hill BBQ Restaurant is adjacent serving affordable meals of steaks and seafood.
Grand Lodge Motel
Highway 85 East
Ketchum, OK 74349
(918) 782-3262
joebassteamtrail.com
Pine Lodge Resort
This small quaint resort in the woods near the lake offers an intimate and romantic getaway with cute rustically-furnished cabins each fully equipped including an outdoor hot tub on a private porch. All of the cabins are entirely modern and offer a wood-burning fireplace, a full kitchenette as well as an outdoor grill. Rates tend to change with seasons and off-peak accommodations can get you a good discount
Pine Lodge Resort
Highway 85 East
Ketchum, OK 74349
(918) 782-1400
pinelodgeresort.com
Mooney's Sunset Motel
Mooney's calls itself a motel, but by most standards it's a hotel with a lakeside location, spacious rooms on three levels, each room with a balcony overlooking the woods or the sunset view of the lake, making it much more than a typical motel. Boat slips are just outside the building with no fee during your stay. Evening fun is on hand as Mooney's Sunset Bar and Grill is next door. Free Wi-Fi can be found throughout the complex.
Mooney's Sunset Motel
Wall Street & Beach Drive
Disney, OK 74340
(918) 435-5200
onegrandlake.com
The Paradise Cove Marine Resort
The Paradise Cove Marine Resort, located on Lake of the Cherkoees, offers cottages and condos for a complete vacation package. All accommodations are on the lake and each unit offers all the amenities you might need for one night or a full week. With free Wi-Fi throughout the complex condos come with one to four bedrooms, fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs as well as patios and balconies. The large outdoor pool is popular with the kids. Bring your boat as the dock offers 24-hour refueling and covered boat slips. For those who are boatless, the Paradise Cove people will gladly rent you one.
Paradise Cove Marine Resort
30736 S. 4539 Road
Afton, OK 74330
(918) 782-3767
paradisecoveresort.com
About The Author
Tom Nari teaches screenwriting and journalism in Southern California. With a degree in creative writing from Loyola University, Nari has worked as a consultant to the motion picture industry as well as several non-profit organizations dedicated to the betterment of children through aquatics. Nari has written extensively for GolfLink, Trails and eHow.
