Penny's Passion: A Weekend in Pawhuska: Exploring the World of the Pioneer Woman

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

A Weekend in Pawhuska: Exploring the World of the Pioneer Woman

Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday. This is where I share a little of what’s been on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I’m thinking about a fun little getaway Eric and I took to Pawhuska, Oklahoma to soak in all things Pioneer Woman.


Visiting Ree Drummond’s Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma had been on my bucket list for years. The eight-room Boarding House books up quickly, and every time I looked, reservations were already gone. Then one fall day, while I was down a rabbit hole searching for Thanksgiving weekend getaways, I spotted an unexpected opening at the Boarding House. I grabbed it immediately, and just like that, the trip planning began. We were only able to book one night—Sunday—but I figured one night was better than none. We planned to stay elsewhere for a few nights before checking in, and it all came together perfectly.

Eric and I were up early the Friday after Thanksgiving and hit the road for our six-and-a-half-hour drive. I knew being away all weekend would put me a little behind on Christmas decorating, but it was a trade-off I was more than happy to make. Spending the entire weekend together—plus taking Monday off—and kicking off the holiday season in the charming town of Pawhuska sounded absolutely perfect.


We rolled into town late Friday afternoon and checked into our bed and bath just a short distance from downtown. We had snagged dinner reservations at P-Town Pizza and were excited to finally see in person a spot we’d only ever watched on TV. The pizza did not disappoint—it was amazing!



Saturday morning, we couldn’t wait to have breakfast at the Mercantile restaurant. Shortly after we ordered, fresh biscuits and jam were brought to the table ahead of our meals. Honestly, I could have stopped right there—the biscuits alone were absolutely delicious.  But when the food arrived, it was so delicious I continued to eat!

After we filled our bellies, we took a leisurely stroll through the Mercantile shop, soaking in all the fun wares on display. We also picked up our “ticket” to visit the ranch where The Pioneer Woman is filmed. The shop was absolutely adorable!


Visiting the ranch was something I was especially excited about! We made our way there using the directions we were given at the Mercantile, and once we arrived, we were free to wander and explore every nook and cranny. I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy standing in the very spot where Ree Drummond cooks her masterpieces.  If you visit Pawhuska, going to the ranch should be high on your list of things to do!








After wrapping up our time at the ranch, we headed back into town and popped in and out of several adorable shops along the streets. Since it was a bit chilly, we decided a return trip to the Mercantile—this time to the bakery for hot chocolate—was in order.




With some time to spare before dinner, we visited the National Osage Museum, located just a short distance from the main street area. It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in town.


For dinner, we found ourselves back at the Mercantile restaurant once again. Afterward, we headed back to our rental to relax and get ready for the next day, when we’d finally check in to The Boarding House.

On Sunday, we planned to visit a cousin of mine who lives in the area—someone I hadn’t seen in decades. I was so grateful for the chance to reconnect, and spending time with her and her husband was truly one of the highlights of the trip. She even made a homemade pecan pie that Eric and I are still dreaming about!


Later that afternoon, we checked into The Boarding House and settled into the Boudoir Room—and I have to say, it was absolutely fantastic. 


Since most of the restaurants in town are closed on Sundays, we had preordered room service for dinner. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave the room! The bed and pillows were heavenly, and for anyone who loves a bath, the soaking tub was perfect for hours of relaxation.




The amenities alone made the stay completely worth it. Shortly after we arrived, we attended a complimentary happy hour, and later, around 8:00 pm, fresh cookies were delivered to our room. When we checked in, we submitted our personalized morning coffee order, which was delivered at the requested time along with a muffin and scone—a perfect start to the next day!



On Monday morning, we woke up to falling snow—it looked absolutely magical with all the Christmas lights twinkling. By the time we headed home, the roads were clear for most of the drive, only getting tricky as we neared our town. But we made it safely, bringing home a weekend full of wonderful memories!


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