Stay:  Blue Doors on Tenkiller

I have been wanting to stay at the Blue Doors on Tenkiller for years now. Located in Gore, OK, it is a stone’s throw from Illinois River and only 20 minutes from Tenkiller Ferry Lake (Lake Tenkiller as us Oklahomans call it).  An old motor court hotel, Blue Doors has been slowly and lovingly renovated. It seems to me a place of quiet reflection but also a place for connection.  They have a community fire pit and outdoor kitchen and even host bands on the weekends. The outdoors, fire pits, and music. I mean, what could be better on a warm summer weekend?

“Blue Doors at Tenkiller is dedicated
to the exploration of achieving a sustainable life.”

Eat:  The Outdoor Kitchen and Pizza Oven

I mean, if you want to go eat in town, go for it. But seriously, this outdoor kitchen is to die for. They have what they call a “Smoker Kitchen” and a “Pizza Kitchen”. I would pick up one of those pre-made pizza’s from Whole Foods and call it done. Oh, and then s’mores by the fire pit of course!

PIZZA KITCHEN

WOOD FIRED PIZZA OVEN – WOOD/CHARCOAL GRILL – PROPANE GRILL
– PROPANE BURNERS – COLD WATER SINK – REFRIGERATOR – FIRE PIT

SMOKER KITCHEN

7FT VERTICAL SMOKER – PROPANE GRILL – COLD WATER SINK
– REFRIGERATOR – FIRE PIT

Do:  Kayaking

Paddle Tenkiller offers stand up paddle boards, single kayaks, and tandem kayaks on Lake Tenkiller. And for a seriously reasonable price. Blue Doors also offers kayaking trips on the Illinois River for a small fee. I went kayaking for the very first time last year and LOVED it. Unfortunately, that was the last time I was able to go last summer. And this summer it has been so rainy, all of the lakes and rivers have been closed. Hence, me living vicariously through this post. 

Do: Diving

Notice that blue water. Here in Oklahoma you don’t see that too much. Our glorious red dirt stains our lakes a rust color and ruins any pretty white swimsuit. But not Tenkiller Ferry Lake. It is known for its clear waters and for its Dive Park. Yep- you can learn to scuba dive here in Oklahoma! Gene’s Aqua Pro looks legit and would definitely be something different to do on a hot day in Oklahoma. 

My Itinerary:

Day 1: 

Drive up to Gore, OK after getting off of work. Stopping along the way for road trip snacks and sustenance. Check in at Blue Doors and call it a night. 

Day 2: 

Wake up early and eat some cold breakfast. Hop in the car and head straight for Lake Tenkiller. Rent our kayaks and spend our day on the water. We have packed food and we stop to eat a lunch and snacks when the mood strikes. As the day continues, we return our kayaks and head back to the cabin for a nap. That night we cook in the kitchen and talk to other guests and enjoy a night under the stars. 

Day 3:

Wake up early and eat some cold breakfast. Get with the people at Blue Doors about our half day kayak trip down the Illinois. Take said trip. Enjoy every minute of it. Eat sandwiches upon our return, and take a nap. Wake up, cook dinner outside with other guests and hang out and enjoy live music and community. Go to bed. 

Day 4:

Wake up when we wake up. Pack up our things. Check out and grab some breakfast on the way home. Share pictures of the trip on social media.