
Miami, Oklahoma, noted as the very first charted town In Indian territory and home of the Peoria Indian Tribe is alive and well with the sound of money! (Mostly mine . . . exiting my hand and entering the slots!) But Buffalo Run is a casino lover’s paradise.
This dusty little spot of northeast Oklahoma holds more secrets of fun, excitement and entertainment than Bonnie and Clyde have stick ups. From the thrilling world of casino lights to the expansive history of the famous Coleman Theatre, you'll be sure to find the most "wanted” for both "in-laws" and "out-laws.
This fabulously rustic area features the Peoria Ridge championship golf course and there is world class fishing and tournaments on Oklahoma’s large "Grand Lake". With over eight casinos to choose from in the surrounding area you're sure to find your luck somewhere! (Just remember to eat your "Lucky Charms" which are more than likely served in the morning at the neighboring hotels continental breakfast.)
Recently my fiancé Tom and I found our thrills with an overnight stay at Miami's very own "Buffalo Run Hotel and Casino".
The hotel celebrated its first anniversary on August 2nd, 2009. It has been providing comfort to many of the rich and famous ever since, such as Miranda Lambert, & Keith Anderson, both of whom performed live concerts on these very grounds.
The hotel's namesake.
As I gazed at the fantastic structure from the parking lot, I quickly snapped some pictures, a ritual in which I apply at the beginning of every resort stay. The hotel reminded me of a hunting lodge or wilderness retreat. We eagerly prepared ourselves for our exciting up-scale wilderness stay as we were welcomed warmly at the front desk.
If you've never been welcomed by an “Oklahoman” you just may want to check into this! Their smiles are huge and their greetings sincere.
The hotel’s General Manager, Henry Burrow and his staff on hand were in my opinion, considered world-class innkeeper. The ambiance is Western comfort, but with down-home charm, but enhanced with modern technologies for the busy needs of a vacation getaway.
Comfort Okie style.
The Buffalo Run has 100 rooms and suites that include continental breakfast; also partake of the indoor pool and 24 hour fitness center, high speed wireless Internet, PPV movies, laundry facility, in-room coffee maker, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, 32 in flat screen TV, fridge, microwave, complimentary parking and shuttle service to the casino.
Although the hotel is equipped with an elevator, we opted to walk up the massive stairway that so vividly reminded me of the one in which Scarlett O'Hara stood on in "Gone with the Wind". I was immediately impressed by the grand entry area of our suite; with lofty ceilings and spacious appearances. An enormous rock fireplace was situated dramatically in the center of the room. Above the exquisitely carved mantle towered an impressive work of art of an enormous copper buffalo, appearing to be over ten feet tall. We admired its grandeur and majestic stance as it watched over its native Oklahoma hotel and all who entered within its domain.
The suite was neatly situated and arranged for easy accessibility and ultimate comfort. It was divided into sections; kitchenette, living area with desk, and queen bedroom with full private bath and separate sink and vanity. Crisp clean linens and soft fluffy pillows made the nights rest most “rewarding”.
Country star Aaron Watson.
At last it was concert time, and after donning our boots and blue jeans we headed down to the hotel's Peoria Show Palace which was featuring the amazing gospel and country star, Aaron Watson, who had drawn a large crowd, that included us.
Onstage, Watson’s guitar flashed beneath the lights. The band members presented grandiose smiles. Many songs were from his first album “Angels and Outlaws”; my favorite was “Barbed Wire Halo” which Watson confided that he had written for his grandfather. His love for God, family, fans, and band were undeniably present, through every thought, look, and gesture. Later, not one autograph was turned away, and not one hand left un-shook.
I had arranged with the band manager for a quick interview with Watson and the band; plus an "after" concert dance party, and then we topped it off with gambling excitement in the Bufallo Run Casino, which was bright and airy, with an elegant flare and tasteful decoration. It is a 24 hour casino entertainment complex, with over 70,000 square feet of gaming slots and tables.
Try your luck iin the Casino.
The high ceilings and the spacious layout almost seemed to have no end to its marvel. Crystal Chandeliers hung gracefully from the ceiling and the classy entrance to the Coleman Restaurant beckoned all to come in and dine in its palate pleasing coziness.
There was an expansive slot machine area we positioned ourselves in. Money in, money out; the ching ching ching of machines rang around us. Laughter, hoots and hollers surrounded us as winners collected their rewards, and began yet again, the well studied search for the next lucky slot machine.
Exhausted and delightfully happy, exited the gaming hall for a quick after hour swim arranged by the management before retiring to the comforts of our suite, where we were sure to experience the R&R and friendly environment we all tend to seek, but "okie style".
Start the day with a continental breakfast.
The next morning and after a good night’s rest we quickly showered and headed downstairs to the large dining area where a fresh continental breakfast was served. One last quick look around the Buffalo Run Hotel and a trip to the room to retrieve our luggage, we sadly departed our comfortable stay and evening of fun. I found myself almost reluctant to check out after the pleasant stay in the hotel and the fun we endured the evening before.
Tom and I walked hand in hand to the parking lot with smiles on our faces. We will always be especially grateful for the time we shared at Buffalo Run Hotel and the fun memories that we made.
Buffalo Run Casino
1000 Buffalo Run Blvd.
Miami, OK 74354
Mailing Address:
Buffalo Run Casino
P.O. Box 231
Miami, OK 74355-0231
Phone: 918-542-7140
Fax: 918-542-7160
Showplace Box Office -
918-542-7140 Ext. 2200
Player's Club -
918-542-7140 Ext. 2312
Tour Groups - 918-542-7140
The Coleman House Restaurant -
918-542-7140 Ext. 2230
Other points of interest:
Coleman Theatre — The majestic Coleman Theatre was built in 1929 as a vaudeville theatre and movie palace by George L. Coleman, Sr. Entertainment for all tastes and ages are held in this renovated one of a kind architectural jewel. The theatre is located at 109 N Main — Miami, OK. Free tours: Tuesday — Friday — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.colemantheatre.org Call: 918/540-2425.
Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum & Super Store - Located on Route 66, this museum and store is a hot spot for motorcycle enthusiasts. The museum houses twenty-five vintage motorcycles, and Steve McQueen memorabilia. Admission is free. Hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 10am to 6pm (Spring through Fall). The museum is located at 128 S Main, Miami, OK www.route66vintageiron.com Call: 918.542.6170.