A Beverage Crawl Through McCurtain County
Adult-ing is better out here.
You don’t have to only drink lake beer (unless you want to).
McCurtain County is home to plenty of places to enjoy the privileges of being 21 and up. Drinking local is easy. But to get the full experience, might we suggest a booze crawl?
Get your people, and get here already. Because a pretty great way to make your way through McCurtain – and get a taste of the local flavor – is to hit up the local watering holes, spot by spot.
Because we can actually say craft beer. And we make it – right here. And wineries? We have those, too. Not to mention a distillery, for those wanting something a little stronger. And you can always round out the day with a saloon trip or local dive.
Spirits
What’s the saying – liquor before beer?
Hochatown Distilling Co. has you covered with hand-crafted artisan spirits like their popular straight bourbon whiskey and vodka. You can head over to The Tasting Room, located between their Gift Shop and the actual distillery.
Beer
Pale, stout, golden, amber. Whatever your hop style, you’ll find it here.
Even a jalapeno ale (lookin’ at you, Beavers Bend). McCurtain County is home to two breweries – Mountain Fork Brewery and Beavers Bend Brewery – and several other beer-slinging watering holes. Even a place called The Watering Hole at Hochatown.
Mountain Fork Brewery makes 16 creative brews – with names like Sneaky Snake (a Belgian golden ale that lives up to its name with a deceptively smooth 9% ABV) and Gentleman Jackalope (a just-citrusy-enough IPA) – and an entertaining karaoke night to boot.
Beavers Bend Brewery sits nestled up high over Hochatown, with a killer patio and places to enjoy cornhole with one of their staples like Big Foot Brown Ale or one of several seasonal rotations.
Can’t decide? Get a flight at either brewery and expand your McCurtain beer knowledge.
Wine
Sure, they say to sip and spit. We won’t tell if you don’t.
For a good wine time, head to Fish Tales, Girls Gone Wine, Knotted Rope or Vojai’s. Or just hit them all up – each offers a different vibe and atmosphere. And you’ll certainly leave with a story or two. Small pours optional.
Specializing in muscadine wines, Fish Tales Winery & Bistro offers a tasting room and patio (and you can stroll through the vineyards if you want). Girls Gone Wine has made their name on quirky – this is where you want to go for unconventional. And if you really want to go all out, they have a party bus.
Knotted Rope Winery is newer to the Hochatown scene, and offers a wide selection of reds and whites – from the sweeter end to the driest dry – to enjoy on their large patio. Vojai’s Winery in Broken Bow also offers a wide variety, in a large space that often features local live music and art.
Whether you consider it hopping or crawling – it’s worth doing – and an excellent way to get to know our county. Just drink plenty of water. And always make sure you have your trusty DD – or get yourself set up with one of our many party bus and shuttle transports!
