A Getaway Guide to Carlton Landing

On the shores of Lake Eufala lies what arguably may be the sweetest vacation town in the state of Oklahoma. Master planned by the same town planners who designed Seaside and Rosemary Beach, Carlton Landing is a tucked-away retreat that beckons families to immerse themselves in a slower pace, a welcoming community and the soothing beauty of nature. And since it’s smack-dab in the middle of Dallas/Fort Worth and southwest Missouri, it was an ideal spot to host a 70th-birthday surprise for my parents. If you’re in need of a getaway within easy driving distance of North Texas, Tulsa, OKC or southwest Missouri, Carlton Landing is it! Here are my recommendations to make your stay as delightful as possible. 

| STAY |

CL has a robust variety of beautiful, custom-designed homes that can be rented through VRBO, AirBNB, LakeStay, Carlton Landing Vacation Rentals or Luxe Property Hosting. We booked through VRBO and stayed in Rhythm and Blue. This house was perfect for our large family, with four bedrooms plus a bunk room. For a slightly smaller option, The Lodge on Twinkle Lane is a darling cabin, and the owners are intentional about creating the perfect stay. Use code WINTER100 to save $100 if you stay before March 15, 2023.

| EAT |

There are only two restaurants within CL, so plan to bring groceries, but don’t miss out on a meal or two at The Meeting House or Mama Tigs. Mama Tigs had selective hours when we were there, but we made several stops to The Meeting House. Their drinks, coffee and sandwiches are great, and be sure to spend some time sitting on the patio by the fire pit! Also don’t miss a stop into The Pantry, a small, but charming shop with grocery essentials and mouth-watering pies! The Birddog Buttermilk pie was especially delightful. 

| PLAY |

Be sure to check the CL calendar of events. Unless you’re there in the off-season, there are activities aplenty going on around the community for adults and kids alike. January is slow, so we relished in the pace and enjoyed the hiking trails, bocce ball courts, basketball and tennis. We also took bikes, and the kids biked endlessly around the community. If you’re there during the busy season, take advantage of the two resort pools or rent a boat from Eufaula Cove Marina or Belle Starr Marina.

| PHOTOGRAPHY |

Since we were visiting for my parents’ 70th birthday, we decided to commemorate the event with a photo session. We booked with Moonflower Photography, and we were so happy with the results. I highly recommend booking a session while you’re there, since Carlton Landing offers so many vistas and vignettes that make for beautiful photo backdrops. 

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