2026 Best of Chickasaw Country now open for nominations
Chickasaw Country, Okla.—The 14th annual Best of Chickasaw Country awards are open for nominations. The public is invited to nominate their favorite businesses, attractions and events in south-central Oklahoma. Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 25, 2026.
Residents and visitors can nominate their favorite local businesses and events in 17 categories by completing the online nomination form on ChickasawCountry.com. Voters may select one business per category per day through midnight, Sunday, Jan. 25, in the following categories:
- Best Antique Store
- Best Attraction
- Best BBQ
- Best Boutique
- Best Casino
- Best Coffee Shop
- Best Family-Friendly Attraction
- Best Festival
- Best Golf Course
- Best Lake
- Best Live Performance Venue
- Best Lodging
- Best Museum
- Best Wedding Venue
- Best Overall Dining
- Best Run or Ride
- Best Winery or Brewery
“The Best of Chickasaw Country nominations and awards are an opportunity for locals and visitors to tell us their favorite things about Chickasaw Country,” said Paige Shepherd, Chickasaw Nation Director of Tourism. “We have so many incredible businesses and events across south-central Oklahoma and this is our chance to shine the light on them —not just throughout the nomination and voting process, but also throughout the entire year.”
Chickasaw Country encompasses all or part of 13 counties in south-central Oklahoma, including Johnston County. In the 2025 awards, winners in 10 of the 17 categories were located in Johnston County.
"For Johnston County, Best of Chickasaw Country has become an annual rallying point,” said Jesi Jackson, Executive Director of the Johnston County Chamber of Commerce. “The Best of Chickasaw Country shines a much-needed light on small-town gems throughout Chickasaw Country. It's kind of a big deal in Johnston County. We love it and can't wait to see who truly shines this year."
For Johnston County, Jackson said the Chamber’s campaign to encourage voting creates buzz, brings their chamber members together and ultimately helps drive more customers through the doors of the businesses that make her community special.
“We are excited to see which counties, businesses and events are recognized as the leading contenders this year!” said Shepherd.
The top five nominees in each category will progress to the voting stage. Participants will then be able to cast their vote online once the finalists are announced Monday, Feb. 2. Winners in each category will be announced March 23.
Visit ChickasawCountry.com to nominate your favorite business!
###
About Chickasaw Country
Nestled in the south-central region of Oklahoma, Chickasaw Country is a regional tourism organization representing 13 of Oklahoma's 77 counties. A division of the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw Country is a tourism resource for visitors and communities in the region, promoting local attractions, experiences and events. South-central Oklahoma is an easy, versatile, friendly and beautiful escape packed with First American and Western culture, outdoor recreation, local dining, breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind festivals. For adventure-seekers, cultural lovers and everything in between, Chickasaw Country is uniquely positioned as a go-to, spur-of-the-moment, easy-to-get-to, ever-changing vacation, for a day, a weekend, a week or longer.
Contact: Kelli West
Sr. Manager, Tourism Communications
(580) 272-5849
[email protected]