by Laura Tomah, Yearbook editor
With gas prices high, as well as earning cash at your summer job to pay for school or start putting money back for a spring break trip, time is limited as well as cash flow for a summer vacation.
If you are like me and will be spending your summer in the fabulous town of Durant, home of the World’s Largest Peanut, you are probably looking for affordable things to occupy your time without having to travel miles and miles.
One of my summer favorites has already become Lake Texoma, with its wildlife refuges, multistate parks and recreation facilities, U.S. Army Corps Engineer managed parks, marinas, resorts, campgrounds and golf courses. For more information on Lake Texoma, go to http://www.laketexomaonline.com.
The Choctaw Casino and Resort also offers several things to do during the summer. Aside from gaming, the casino has a variety of concerts, restaurants and a spa.
A benefit of signing up for the player’s card is $10 free play which can be redeemed at the player’s club. For more information on Choctaw Casino and Resort, go to http://www.choctawcasinos.com.
Durant Main Street offers a variety of stores to shop at as well as a museum and a variety of other things to see. The Three Valley Museum is open Monday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. The museum features exhibits about Durant and Bryan County since its start in 1873.
Another must-see if you are living in Durant is the World’s Largest Peanut that is located on Third and Evergreen. Durant Bowling Center also offers a fun night in Durant where the only needed ingredient is a few good friends.
The Bryan County Rodeo Club rodeo will also be taking place on June 17 and 18 at the Bryan County Rodeo Grounds. The rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeo and will feature professional cowboys and cowgirls.
Fort Washita Historic Site is another local must-see located on 348 State Rd. 199. The fort is open Monday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m., excluding state and federal holidays.
Rumors of ghosts on the property often intrigue many people to visit the fort.
For information, go to http://www.civilwaralbum.com/washita/index.htm.
As far as eating out this summer, for some great food try a George’s Burger. George’s is located at 1301 North First Ave. and is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Another great place to eat in Durant is Roma Italian Restaurant located at 121 West Main St.
They are open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Don’t forget Dandy Donuts this summer for a late night treat located at 111 North Eighth Ave.
This is an undisputed favorite among college students in Durant with friendly service and a place to run into all of your friends during the summer months.
Durant offers quite a few things to allow you some summer fun without having to travel out of town.
I hope this list helps you find some summer fun without breaking the bank and preventing the summer time blues.
