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 southcentral Oklahoma. Nominations will be accepted through January 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 muchneeded 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 on Monday, Febuary 2.
Winners in each category will be announced on March 23.
Visit https://www.chickasawcountry. com/best-chickasaw- countr y-2026 -nominations to nominate your favorite business!
