Come Play In A Peachy Keen Oklahoma Town

Tripoto
4th Jun 2014
Photo of Come Play In A Peachy Keen Oklahoma Town 1/7 by Lindsey Davidson
Photo of Come Play In A Peachy Keen Oklahoma Town 2/7 by Lindsey Davidson
Photo of Come Play In A Peachy Keen Oklahoma Town 3/7 by Lindsey Davidson
JANICE'S BAR-B-Q
Photo of Come Play In A Peachy Keen Oklahoma Town 4/7 by Lindsey Davidson
McGEE'S CAFE
Photo of Come Play In A Peachy Keen Oklahoma Town 5/7 by Lindsey Davidson
COWKICKER'S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA
Photo of Come Play In A Peachy Keen Oklahoma Town 6/7 by Lindsey Davidson
UNIQUES
Photo of Come Play In A Peachy Keen Oklahoma Town 7/7 by Lindsey Davidson

July brings the jewels of summer to Chickasaw Country with peaches upon peaches of fun in towns like Stratford, Oklahoma. Did you know that Stratford just happens to be home to some of the sweetest peaches on the planet... or so we believe! Located in Garvin County, the town of Stratford was first established in 1891 and originally known as McGee. In 1906, after the institution of the Oklahoma Central Railroad two miles south of town, the community placed its buildings on wagons and trundled over to relocate near the tracks. The new town was first renamed Walling, and then changed officially to Stratford in October of 1906. As the self-proclaimed “Peach Capital of the World”, you will be delighted to find over 900 acres of peach orchards abloom in and around the town. According to the locals, the mixture of the area’s sandy soil and naturally hot climate makes for the perfect peach. 

Every year since 1976, the community has celebrated their fruitful fortune with a commemorative festival or what you may know as the famous Stratford Peach Festival. So, as the second Saturday of July rolls around, the town of Stratford transforms into a festive peach paradise, overflowing with peach-themed festivities for all ages to enjoy. Not only does this festival feature the most flavorful, freshly picked peaches you can imagine, it also a feast of phenomenal peach-infused delights like homemade peach ice cream, sweet peach tea and fried peach pies. From the crowning of the Peach Royalty Princess to talented singers going mic to mic in the Peach Idol Competition to local chefs slicing up in the Peach Cook-Off for the title of best peach-flavored dish, this festival has excitement ripening all around. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early that day to stack up on the free pancake breakfast before squeezing in a little pre-festival fitness at the 5K Bulldog Run and 1 Mile Fun.

There are also plenty of other activities for festival-goers to enjoy from helicopter rides, live entertainment and a rodeo to a park full of local arts, crafts and food booths to peruse. Old-fashioned fun is another festival highlight with classic contests held throughout the day like sack races, turtle races and three-legged races to an annual water balloon toss, hula hoop contest, hay toss, frisbee throw and a best-dressed animal and ugly dog contest. Before heading out, it is a custom for visitors to pick up a bushel of fresh peaches from one of the seven area orchards. 

If you find yourself in Stratford, whether it’s on the second Saturday of July for the Peach Festival or during another time of the year, be sure to get your feet wet and explore the lovely shops and local eateries during your stay. Check out these top picks that make the list for Stratford’s Cream of the Crop!

NOTE- 

Strarford Peach Festival

Sat Jul 19, 2014
Stratford City Park
Stratford, OK 74872

Event Times:
Saturday, July 19th (6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) 

Event Schedule:
Peach Royalty (9:15 a.m.)
Peach Auction (10:30 a.m.)
Car Parade (11:55 a.m.)
Peach Idol (2:00)

Established in 2011, Cowkicker's Restaurant & Pizzeria is a family-owned and operated restaurant in downtown Stratford, Oklahoma. This popular local joint welcomes diners for lunch and dinner every Wednesday through Saturday as well as for breakfast on weekend mornings. Served all day, the breakfast menu features everything from freshly made pancakes, omelets and oatmeal to platters full of eggs, bacon, sausage, ham, hashbrowns, toast and biscuits & gravy. The “Little Italy” side of the menu features a variety of specialty pastas, pizzas and cow-a-zones. The southern side of the menu offers an array of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, burgers, foot-long coneys, steak, fish and pressure fried chicken. If Italian is what you’re after, try one of customer favorites like the Bar-B-Q Cow-a-zone, Chicken Alfredo Pizza or Southwestern Philly Sub - featuring a medley of smoked brisket, grilled vegetables and Cowkicker’s Special Southwest Sauce. Or if your craving a little country-fried cookin’, go for a big-kicker like the Frog Leg, Calf Fry or Fried Catfish Dinner - served with signature southern sides like sweet potato fries, baked beans, fried okra, coleslaw and hushpuppies. Cowkicker’s also offers take-out, delivery and catering service. When in Stratford, be sure to stop in for some Cowkickin’ flavors like you’ve never experienced before! Must Try’s: Bar-B-Q Cow-a-zone, Southwestern Philly Sub, Frog Legs, Catfish and Calf Fries Bonus Feature: Cowkicker’s offers a special Sunday lunch buffet featuring a full salad bar and country comforts like smoked ribs, pressure fried chicken, chicken strips, fried catfish, hot wings and a variety of southern fixin's - all for less than an Alexander Hamilton. Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Friday (11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.) Saturday (8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.) Sunday (8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Photo of Cowkicker's Restaurant & Pizzeria, 141 West Main St. Stratford, OK 74872 by Lindsey Davidson
Mix it Up With McGoodness at McGee's! Head over to McGee's Cafe in downtown Stratford for some savory southern dining in a kicked-back, country atmosphere. Established in 2008, this spirited local cafe is open for breakfast and lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and breakfast, lunch and dinner on Mondays and Fridays. The breakfast menu offers traditional morning delights like egg and meat platters, omelets, pancakes, and more. The lunch and dinner menu features a variety of specialty appetizers, 1/2 lb. burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, wraps, steak, chicken, fried fish and Tex-Mex entrees. House favorites include gourmet burgers like the Fried Onion and Fire Cracker Burger as well as the Chili Cheese Burrito Supreme or Friday Catfish Dinner. McGee's also offers daily lunch specials, take-out service and delicious homemade desserts like deep fried peaches and homemade cream pies. Whether your appetite is sizzlin' for some tasty Tex-Mex or pining for southern comfort, McGee's has everything your cravings could dream of and more! Must Try’s: Fire Cracker Burger, Chili Cheese Burrito Supreme, Friday Catfish Special and Sweet Potato Fries Bonus Feature: McGee’s showcases a daily dessert menu board featuring divine dishes like deep fried peaches, chocolate cream pie and coconut cream pie. Hours of Operation: Monday (6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.) Tuesday - Thursday (6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.) Friday (6:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.) Saturday (6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
Photo of McGee's Cafe, 140 West Main Stratford, OK 74872 by Lindsey Davidson
Experience Every Shade of Trendy at Uniques! Uniques is a locally owned fashion boutique nestled in the heart of Sulphur, Oklahoma. Boasting a “big city feel with small town prices”, this place has everything from jewelry and purses to furniture, clothing and a plethora of unique gift items. Featuring a uniquely colorful theme throughout, perusing this store is like shopping on a retro rainbow. When plan your next shopping trip in Chickasaw Country, make sure Uniques is at the top of the list! About: With “big city feel and small town prices”, Unique’s tops the charts for showstopping shops in Oklahoma - trending with the coolest shades of boutique clothing, accessories, furniture, home décor, and specialty gift items. Must Shop’s: Line of ‘Okie’ spirit wear, custom-made kid’s clothing and chevron island Bonus Feature: Embellished with an ultra-vibrant theme and eclectic décor throughout, a stroll around this boutique is kind of like shopping on a retro rainbow that landed down in the middle of Peach Town, USA. Even Lady Gaga's creative fuse doesn't hold a match to this place! Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday (10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.) Sunday (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Photo of Uniques, 130 N Forrest St Stratford, OK 74872 by Lindsey Davidson
Experience the Best in Barbecue and Fried Fish at Janice's! Serving barbecue at its finest for over twenty years, Janice's is a popular barbecue joint located in Stratford, Oklahoma. This friendly, county-style joint boasts the biggest and freshest fish in Oklahoma as well as legendary fall-off-the-bone ribs. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features a delicous selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, chicken, steak, barbecue, fried catfish and more. Popular menu items include the Fish and Rib Special, Brisket Sandwich, Indian Tacos and side of Signature Coleslaw. Janice's also offers take-out service and daily lunch specials with FREE dessert! So, after filling up on some delicious meats and eats, dive into one of Janice's divine desserts like a slice of homemade creme pie, fruit-filled fried pie or chocolate fried pie. Or opt for a cool, creamy milkshake or flavorful soft serve ice cream cone! Must-Try’s: Fish and Rib Special, Brisket Sandwich, Indian Tacos and Signature Coleslaw Bonus Feature: Janice offers every customer who orders a daily lunch special a free serving of freshly baked dessert like homemade cream pie and chocolate or fruit-filled fried pie. Hours of Operation: Tuesday (11:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.) Wednesday - Thursday (11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.) Friday (11:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.) Saturday (12:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.)
Photo of Janice's Bar-B-Q, 630 E Smith St Stratford , OK 74872 by Lindsey Davidson