Every few years, our family chooses to celebrate Thanksgiving at The Springs restaurant located in The Artesian hotel in Sulphur, Oklahoma. If you haven't yet discovered The Artesian or the charming town of Sulphur, you're missing out!

Sulphur is home to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which features beautiful campgrounds and refreshing cold springs perfect for swimming. Tip: Plan your visit in the Spring or Fall to enjoy a quieter experience, as the area tends to get crowded during the Summer months.

The Artesian hotel is conveniently situated just across the road from the park. This lovely hotel boasts a variety of amenities, including The Springs restaurant, a bar, a small casino, shops, and, most notably, an inviting indoor/outdoor pool and spa.

A bit of Oklahoma history: The current hotel is not the original! The first Artesian hotel was established in 1906 at the same location. It welcomed notable guests like President William Howard Taft and John Wayne until it tragically burned down in 1962. The hotel was beautifully rebuilt and reopened in 2010, capturing the charm of the original design.

The Springs restaurant is always a fantastic dining option when visiting Sulphur, especially during Thanksgiving when they offer a delightful buffet featuring traditional holiday fare.

This year, some of us indulged in the buffet, which included turkey, ham, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. The dessert selection was equally impressive, featuring mini pumpkin pies, cherry cobbler, and generous slices of cheesecake! Priced at $35, the buffet may not fit every budget, but for those with hearty appetites, it’s a wonderful choice.

For those of us looking for a more budget-friendly option, we ordered from the standard menu. Our selections included a bone-in pork chop and shrimp scampi linguini, but one of the main reasons we return to The Springs is for their Monte Cristo sandwich.

If you’re a fan of the Monte Cristo and were disappointed when the last Bennigan's closed in OKC (where it was a beloved menu item), The Springs is definitely worth the drive. If you’ve never tried a Monte Cristo, it’s a must! This deep-fried ham and turkey sandwich, layered with Swiss and American cheeses and served with raspberry or blackberry sauce, sounds like something you might find at the Oklahoma State Fair, but classed-up a bit.

Sulphur offers a wealth of dining and sightseeing opportunities, making it perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay at The Artesian hotel or camping in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

For a quick bite, don’t miss the Bedré Cafe, a charming 50s-style diner and malt shop located on the hotel’s ground floor. Additionally, the nearby Chickasaw Cultural Center provides a fantastic museum experience, complete with a full-scale outdoor traditional village.

Find out more about The Artesian hotel and more to do in Sulphur here...
ARTESIAN HOTEL • SULPHUR ATTRACTIONS

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