The Perfect Two-State Saturday: A Guide to the Best Near Thackerville

Most people think a trip to Thackerville starts and ends at the WinStar gaming floor. But if you’re staying for the weekend, you’re perfectly positioned at the "Gateway to Oklahoma"—which means you have the best of two states right at your doorstep.

If you want to balance your casino time with some fresh air, local flavor, and scenic views, here is how to craft the ultimate Saturday itinerary before retreating to your home-away-from-home.

Saturday Morning: A Taste of Texas (20 Minutes South)

Just across the Red River, the Texas side of the border offers a slower, more artisanal pace.

• Lavender Ridge Farms: Start your day with a literal breath of fresh air. This working lavender farm in Gainesville is a hidden gem. You can stroll through fields of fragrant purple blooms, shop for handmade soaps, and visit their cafe for a slice of their famous lavender cheesecake or a glass of lavender lemonade.
• Winery Tasting at Hidden Hangar: If you prefer the fruit of the vine over flowers, head to Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery. Located on a historic airfield, this local favorite offers award-winning Texas wines. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed morning tasting before the Saturday crowds pick up.

Saturday Afternoon: Oklahoma’s Great Outdoors (30 Minutes North)

After a light lunch in Gainesville, head back across the border and keep going north to Lake Murray State Park. As Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park, it’s a stunning contrast to the neon lights of the casino.

• Get on the Water: Rent a pontoon or a paddleboat at the Lake Murray Marina. The water is famously clear and spring-fed, making it a favorite for boaters and swimmers alike.
• The Trails: If you’d rather stay on land, explore the Lake Murray Trail System. Whether you want a gentle walk to Tucker Tower (a historic castle-like structure overlooking the lake) or a more rugged hike through the blackjack oaks, there’s a trail for every energy level.

The Grand Finale: Your Private Retreat

After a day spent exploring two states, the last thing you want is a noisy hotel lobby or a cramped room. This is where your stay at our Thackerville properties—like Lucky Cowboy or Royal Flush Villa—becomes the real winner of the weekend.

Instead of fighting for a table at a crowded restaurant, you can:

• Fire up the grill in your private backyard.
• Kick back in the full kitchen with your finds from the winery.
• Spread out across 5 beds and 3 bedrooms, giving everyone plenty of space to recharge for a night at the casino.

Local Tip: Our homes are close enough to WinStar to be convenient, but far enough away that you can actually hear the crickets while you're sitting by the fire pit.

Planning a group trip? Why squeeze into separate hotel rooms when you can have the whole house?