Comfortable Concerts Close to Home
- Tonya Nishio
- Nov 23, 2025
- 4 min read
As a mature traveler, I often prioritize comfort, quality dining, and accessible entertainment. Let's be honest, many casino resorts can be a bit overwhelming—loud, smoky, and geared toward a much younger crowd. But let me tell you, my recent trip to the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma, was an absolute revelation.
This isn't just a casino; it's a genuine destination resort that manages to blend high energy with high-end relaxation. If you're looking for an easy, and entertaining getaway without the Dallas or Houston traffic, you need to put this on your list.
Check in started a little rough because we pulled into the “wrong” resort tower. The drive and lack of signs make it super confusing so remember what tower you are staying in so you park at the correct garage. Once we did get checked in, the elevators were under maintenance so we had to wait for the single remaining working elevator. We were in the Grand tower which was super convenient to the music venue but the interior walk was not that bad from the Sky tower and we realized all the nicer amenities are there.
It was a breath of fresh air to see an entire casino that was dedicated smokefree. And it wasn’t just left over games, theyvhad the good ones. The casino area has excellent ventilation, making the gaming experience much more enjoyable.
This tower has a really cute lobby bar just outside an art walk and next to an elevator entrance for their Crown Jewel, 1832 Steakhouse. This is a refined, classic fine-dining experience. We didn’t have reservations or the attire to meet the posted “dress spectacular” requirements…this time, but we looked at the menu and it looked amazing!
My priority on any trip is a spectacular meal. The array of dining options means you can indulge in a high-end experience one night and enjoy casual comfort the next. We enjoyed the cafe for this short trip and expected cafe food. It was more like bistro quality. Scrumptious. We also ate at the Bamboo Noodle which didn’t disappoint. There were just a ton of food court options including Smashbrotjers, Velvet Taco, a barbecue place, Carvel Ice Cream, 2 chicken restaurants, a pizza place and so much more. There was also several other restaurants like Salt & Stone, a more relaxed yet still upscale seafood and steak restaurant; or Guy Fieri's American Kitchen + Bar.
Near the food court was a movie theater, a huge video arcade, 20-lane bowling alley, and, in my case, carolers! There were a few kids at the hotel check-in area. I imagine it was to take advantage of the amenities.
Just outside the Sky tower is the Aqua area which gave me Caribbean resort vibes.
Some of the amenities that are located in the Grand Tower that I will try next time include the Spa, and the 21+ pool with a swim up bar!
For me, the Choctaw Grand Theater is the biggest draw. This venue brings in acts that are perfect for a traveler seeking legendary artists. Forget driving to the big city; you can see world-class performers right here. We actually came to see Lynard Skynard on a Friday night but returned the next day to see Kansas. Looking at the schedule, I was thrilled to see acts like Scotty McCreery, Midland, and even classic legends like Dwight Yoakam and Clint Black performing. It's truly a stellar lineup of music and comedy.The concerts started earlier, didn’t have an opening act, and getting out was extremely quick and painless!
Being pumped up and back on the casino floor by 9:45, we decided to enjoy some boot-scooting and a cocktail at Gilley’s which features free live music on weekends.
Saturday morning, we needed something calm before we spent another night enjoying exciting music. We decided to take a journey through time at the Choctaw Cultural Center about a mile away. It is a state-of-the-art facility and vibrant testament to the resilience, history, and enduring spirit of the Chahta people.
The permanent exhibit, titled Chahta Nowvt Aya ("The Choctaw Journey"), is a beautifully curated, four-part story that guides visitors from their ancestral origins circa 1250 to the present day in Oklahoma told from their own perspective. There are compelling audio-visual displays discussing their origins at the Mother Mound, their traditional way of life before contact, and their challenging transition into life in Oklahoma after the forced removal known as the Trail of Tears. Some of the statements ring in my ears, “We are not victims”. I was amazed at how advanced the culture was before the removal and at how resilient and positive the people were after moving to Oklahoma. The agility and their faith has allowed them to be so successful in spite of such deviation.
Just outside the main building is a field where you can watch a thrilling demonstrations of stickball (or Ishtaboli)—a historic Choctaw sport used to resolve disputes. Depending on the day, you might participate in social dancing demonstrations or catch workshops on traditional arts like basket-making or weaponry construction.
Your visit wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the flavors of the Chahta people. Stop by the Champuli Cafe for a delicious meal featuring Choctaw-inspired dishes and modern favorites. The menu had several exciting offerings like a frybread taco! Joe tried the grape dumplings which were actually blackberries and resembled pie fixings. I had the Fry Bread Bites which were coated in sugar and cinnamon and came with dipping sauces. They were delicious but I couldn’t help but notice they were almost exactly like another cultural dessert we love, Malasadas. Oddly, I found several similarities between the Choctaw and Hawaiian cultures, even the language sounded similar to me.
The next time you're planning a trip, whether you're chasing a jackpot, a celebrity chef meal, or an unforgettable concert, Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant is the place where world-class entertainment, luxury lodging, and an incredible food scene come together for an unforgettable experience
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