Stratford, OK
Explore Stratford and leave with a full belly of fruit as this city is the self-proclaimed peach capital of Oklahoma and hosts the Peach Festival and rodeo every summer. The Peach Festival has been an annual tradition since 1976.
What to Do
Stratford is best known for its annual Stratford Peach Festival. This event is a big deal in this small town. As the Festival rolls around, Stratford transforms into a peach paradise, overflowing with peach-themed festivities for all ages. Not only does this Festival feature the most flavorful, freshly picked peaches you can imagine, but it is also a feast of phenomenal peach-infused delights like homemade peach ice cream, sweet peach tea and fried peach pies. From the crowning of the Peach Royalty Princess to talented singers going mic to mic in the Peach Idol Competition to local chefs slicing up in the Peach Cook-Off for the title of the best peach-flavored dish, this Festival has excitement ripening all around. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early that day to stack up on the free pancake breakfast before squeezing in a little pre-festival fitness at the 5K Bulldog Run and 1 Mile Fun.
If you find yourself in Stratford, whether for the Peach Festival or during another time of the year, get your feet wet and explore the lovely shops. Purple Swirl is a small gift shop with a delightful variety of goods, including perfumes, jewelry, clothes, purses and antiques. With a bright purple exterior and convenient location, Purple Swirl Gift Shop is a must-stop when passing through the area.
While in the area, take a day trip to Peach Tree Farms to pick your own juicy Peach!
Where to Eat
Named after the town's original name, McGee's Cafe is a spirited local diner known for its unique blend of sizzlin' southern cuisine, Okie-style Tex-Mex and ½ lb. burger creations. Serving barbecue at its finest for over twenty years, Janice's Bar-B-Q is a popular local joint boasting famous fall-off-the-bone ribs and the biggest and freshest fried fish in Oklahoma.
Where to Stay
Circle M Lodge can hold hunting groups of all sizes, as well as corporate retreats, family reunions and church camps for up to 100 people. With beautiful private rooms, full baths, comfortable beds and a huge living room with TV, couches, corn hole, basketball goal and ping-pong, everything you need is right on the property. The lodge includes 12 sleeping rooms with queen beds, plus two bunkrooms. Enjoy over 2,000 acres of prime Oklahoma hunting.
History
Located in Garvin County, Stratford was first established in 1891 and originally known as McGee. In 1906, after the institution of the Oklahoma Central Railroad two miles south of town, the community placed its buildings on wagons and trundled over to relocate near the tracks. The new town was first renamed Walling and then changed officially to Stratford in October 1906. As the self-proclaimed "Peach Capital of the World," you will be delighted to find over 900 acres of peach orchards in and around the town. According to the locals, the mixture of the area's sandy soil and naturally hot climate makes for the perfect Peach.
Now that you know all the picks, it's time to start planning that perfect peach getaway to Stratford. Whether the thought of spending a leisurely day exploring the local scene, touring peach farms or hitting up the annual Peach Festival hones your interest, Stratford has orchards of fresh fun. Come sink your teeth in and see for yourself!
