On a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma my boyfriend mentioned,”Hey, do you want to stop at The Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile?” I answered, “YES!” Then, I wondered if he could read my thoughts. How did he know I already researched it and wanted to visit?

The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma is more than just a general store or a simple, country retail store. It’s an experience. Complete with a restaurant and an upstairs bakery, “The Merc” attracts visitors from all over.

Having done my homework, I knew there could be a line leading from the front door and down the sidewalk but to my surprise; there were fewer than six people in line when we arrived. Maybe it was because it was a Friday at 11:15 am. Maybe it was because it was raining. Maybe it was just my lucky day. Either way, I recommend visiting even if you see a line when you pass the building.

An employee greeted everyone waiting in line with a big smile and a welcoming “How are you guys doin’?” Within minutes we were ushered inside by our hostess and led into The Deli to an oversized, distressed wood table adorned with gingham cloth napkins and menus.

You’ll love the food options, from sandwiches stacked tall with flavorful meats and veggies to hearty, big-plate dinner entrees. The food is lovely, the waitstaff is incredibly friendly, and the dining experience was terrific. Ree Drummond has put considerable effort into every detail of your experience, from the menu options to the red gingham employee shirts.

After finishing our meal, we walked over to The Merc, and I was immediately overwhelmed with a delightful feeling that only comes from retail therapy. Another female shopper heard me say, “I’m not responsible for the amount of shopping I may or may not do in this store,” and then we giggled. My boyfriend rolled his eyes and laughed nervously as I located a shopping basket.

The retail store includes everything you can imagine, from whimsical, classic toys to leather handbags to colorful kitchenware. You’ll be hard-pressed to leave The Merc without at least buying a t-shirt or decorative plate.

Don’t forget to head upstairs to check out The Bakery. I recognized the space from an episode of The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network. Less crowded than the downstairs areas, you’ll appreciate taking the time to savor a homemade cookie or a few pieces of retro candy.You can make a day of your visit to Pawhuska. Many people make it a weekend, stay at one of the town’s bed and breakfasts, and then shop downtown. Next time, we’ll visit P-Town Pizza, another Drummond family restaurant.

Not wanting to give away too many details, this is about our time at The Merc – we had so much fun. We’ll return to The Merc (and any other businesses she decides to open) in the charming little town. I know you would enjoy the visit as well.

Have you traveled to Oklahoma? Are you a fan of The Pioneer Woman? Feel free to ask me travel questions in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.

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