Doug’s Peach Orchard
Chisholm Trail
Local ranch brands are burned into the counter, vintage western paintings, handmade spurs and bits adorn the walls of this small diner just south of Terral, Oklahoma. Catfish, chicken strips, calf fries and steak finger sandwiches are a few of the short menu items. Dessert is pies. Beer is ice cold! Tartar sauce like nobody’s business. Doug’s T-shirts are a popular item with travelers. Opened since 1948, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
In 1912, the Depot became the hub of the community. Brick pavers surround the north side, between the building and the railroad. The city now owns the building and a public library is open during the week. Inside there is a room dedicated to its railroad history, serving as a museum, and numerous historical photographs of the region are displayed throughout the library. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. It also serves as a public town hall meeting place for legislators and as events center for everything from art shows to wedding receptions.
Welcome to Oklahoma’s Chisholm Trail Centennial Corridor sign was established in 2007 for the state Centennial celebration. The highlight was a month long cattle drive, from the Red River north into Kansas.
Store proprietor Allen Wooten has been collecting instruments and country music memorabilia for over 10 years. Much of his instrument collection is for sale. Every Thursday evening, he hosts an acoustic session in his Cowboy Opry venue, along with something to eat if you’re hungry. It’s kind of like the Bluebird Café of Southern Oklahoma. There’s plenty of stories, music and things to see and share at this little store which sits at the intersection of US Highway 81 and Oak Main in Comanche. He also offers music lessons for those who want to learn a lil’ pickin’.
Ryan Drugstore was established in 1924 and continues to serve residents of this small farming community, population 816 in the 2010 census. In the back of the drugstore, there is an old fashioned Coca-Cola display that is an attraction. Outside, a window display features old pharmacy bottles from the days of the Indian Territory. To get there, go south on US 81 from Waurika, 11 miles. At the intersection of the town, you will see the welcome sign, proclaiming Gateway to the Chisholm Trail. Turn right, or go west and the drugstore is in the middle of the block.
