Sometimes a break from routine is EXACTLY what we need, especially for us parents and couples! Bradley and I have never left Josephine before, which in itself is stressful. So, mommas I feel you! But we have made it a point to devote some time to focus on us this year as a couple. I was looking for a great staycation option that would allow us to be close to home, just in case Josephine needed us, or if I couldn’t handle being away from her for long. That’s when I found Choctaw Casinos & Resorts- Pocola. And Y’all this was a gem! 30 minutes from home and we felt like we were somewhere new! It was absolutely perfect!

When we checked in the staff was so kind and inviting, like we were being welcomed into their oasis with joy! Customer service is MAJOR for me, working in customer service through college I know that experience begins the moment you walk through the door. And Choctaw Casinos & Resorts- Pocola did not disappoint! We started our trip with a quick tour of the resort to see everything it had to offer, we have been to Gilley’s before for concerts but never knew everything the facility had to offer. There were endless machines and tables to play at, which we hit it lucky at a few times! Two restaurants, the Seven Ponies Buffet and Trophy’s Bar and Grill. Bradley and I ate at Seven Ponies for dinner and breakfast and it was wonderful! And Gilley’s, which is our absolute favorite part about Choctaw Casinos & Resorts- Pocola! This is a free concert venue tucked away in the resort which brings in some of our favorite bands from Whiskey Myers, Josh Abbott, Maddie & Tae, to Neal McCoy! Did I mention it’s free?! Which makes it a great date night option too! Bradley and I have been to lots of concerts here and always have the best time. After our tour we went up to the room to relax a little and enjoy getting ready for the evening. Y’all know I am a GERM freak and I am happy to report the room was spotless and comfortable.

 

We enjoyed having dinner at the Seven Ponies Buffet. It was Italian night, bring on all the carbs!!! They had every kind of pasta you could imagine, they even had a station where a chef would whip you up any custom creation you could think of. But y’all, the dessert area! It was SO GOOD! Like hello yummm! They even served a sugar free brownie over a chocolate mousse that was so delicious I had to have two.

Once our bellies were entirely stuffed to max capacity we went to play some of the machines before the concert started. There were so many options! To be honest, I am not an experienced gambler and have no idea about table games or the rules. So, all the machines were perfect for me! They have endless rows of so many options to play! I had a blast bouncing around and chatting with people as I found new games to play. Meanwhile, Bradley enjoyed playing Black Jack and Roulette.

We went back to Gilley’s before the concert started and met up with some of our friends. This is the best part about a staycation! Since it is close we were able to invite friends to join in on the fun! We had a great booth reserved for us and enjoyed drinks before Josh Abbott started playing. There are two bars set up in Gilley’s so you never have to worry about having an empty drink! And you can even order hors d’oeuvres, the chips and queso is really good! Once the music started, of course we were up dancing and singing along. Fun fact, Bradley and I LOVE to two-step. He actually taught me how to dance back in college and since then that has been our thing. Gilley’s is the perfect place to listen to great music and dance the night away with him. After the show we hung out with Josh Abbott for a little bit. He was so kind and we enjoyed talking with him. He has a precious little girl Josephine’s age and of course Bradley and him talked about being girl dads, which was entirely too sweet to watch them swap stories!

Before we decided to call it a night, Bradley went to play Roulette again. At this point it was around 1am. I was beginning to get hungry and a few guests told me about these amazing walking tacos that the Cafe had. Bradley continued to play with our friends and I went off on a mission for late night tacos! And y’all it was delicious! Mission accomplished. The sweetest woman and I mean the sweetest woman made mine. It was nearly 2am and I was blown away with how happy she was to be at work. You know the kind of people who just radiate kindness, she was one of them! And boy did she whip me up the best walking taco I have ever had! I finished it at the table, stuffing my mouth with food in between laughs because we were having such a great time! We finally made it back to the room at 4am! That is one of the greatest parts about Choctaw Casinos & Resorts- Pocola. You can stay up as late as you want, they run 24/7! And you are just a few steps and a elevator ride away from your sleeping accommodations. 

The next morning, we finished our trip with the Mimosa Brunch! They had $1 dollar Mimosas! So of course, I had to get a few! The food was delicious and they had everything you could ever think about having for breakfast! They even had a crepe making station. And of course, another dessert bar, which I helped myself to multiple times, I mean how can you say no to the all the sweets?!

We had the BEST time! It was such a wonderful getaway! Bradley and I have set a goal this year to truly invest into our marriage, making it a paramount priority for 2019. It is SO important to pour into your marriage amidst the hustle and bustle of being parents, and trust me I know it is hard to slip away from the kids. But staying at Choctaw Casinos & Resorts- Pocola was such a great way for us to enjoy a convenient vacation that is simply just down the road, no major planning or travel needed. We can’t wait for many more Saturday night date nights, staycations, and memory making moments in the future thanks to Choctaw Casinos & Resorts- Pocola! 

Xoxo

Christine