Ada

Known as the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation and birthplace of country music star Blake Shelton, the city of Ada lies on the northeast edge of southern Oklahoma’s scenic Chickasaw Country. Browse Ada’s thriving Main Street for countless coffee shops and the McSwain Theatre, built in the 1920s and lovingly restored in 2009. Enjoy live music from regional stars before visiting Wintersmith Park, a local gem that includes serene lakeside views, nature trails and a public amphitheater.

Visit the tasting room of Ada’s Waddell Vineyards for Oklahoma-made wines, test your luck at the Ada Gaming Center and don’t leave without a sampling of Bedre chocolates — gourmet sweets produced locally by the Chickasaw Nation. When hunger hits, feast on Italian comfort food at Papa Gjorgjo, mouthwatering brisket and pulled pork at Pigskins BBQ or upscale pizzas, paninis and desserts at Vintage 22. Make sure to visit Ada in September, when the annual Ada Medieval Fair brings a 14th-century English market to town.