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Legends of LindsayBy Susen Foster Greater Success Advertising God blessed Oklahoma with so much, not the least of which are the people who inhabit its scenic land. Some of the friendliest are in Lindsay; a brave and economically sound little town of 3,000 that lies between Chickasha and Pauls Valley on Highway 19 in the Washita Valley at Highway 76, just 39 miles south of Oklahoma City. In 1849, Captain John C. Fremont surveyed the lands between the rivers of what is now central Oklahoma and wrote "...if there is a Garden of Eden in the Western Hemisphere, it is in the Washita Valley." This area is considered the third most fertile valley in the world. Lindsay's assets are obvious--from a new medical center to an intriguing playground structure, from dozens of pumping oil rigs to a challenging 9-hole golf course winding through lush scenery next to a fishing lake with shady picnic areas and sitting atop an oak laden hill overlooking the Washita Valley is Legends Winery & Vineyards (www.legendswinery.com) where plans for their September 29 Wine & Music Festival are well under way. Downtown neighbors include tea rooms and antique shops, women's clothing, gift shops, a boutique offering homemade bath and beauty supplies, many eateries, city hall, the town newspaper and the local radio station. Other notable businesses include B & D Farms candy factory and Hydra-Walk, the award winning oilfield invention that is changing industry efficiency. Besides Legends Winery, the area's most visited attraction is the Murray-Lindsay Mansion. This 1879 Greco-columned beauty is a well kept memorial to the legends of Lindsay and remains open to the public through the efforts of Historical Society members. I recently spent an unforgettable afternoon with Mayor Todd Hinckley and Chamber Director Paula Barker. These Lindsay loyalists never once spoke of their personal contributions, only of the selflessness of others. Hinckley proudly noted, "We now have the finest emergency equipment, unsurpassed schools and world class health care. In addition, a multi-use Skate Park, a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis water system plant, and a multi-million dollar airport renovation are all currently under construction and housing is still very reasonable." After a quick tour of their charming burg and a running commentary on how important the oil industry is to Lindsay, Todd and Paula insisted we lunch at The Ranch House. The buffet of fresh, delicious looking food was staggering. When we first arrived I was stunned by the stadium size parking lot and the number of pickup trucks, but what really blew me away was the number of muscled men jostling for space in the buffet line. Dozens of rugged, hungry men in one eatery in one small town in Oklahoma might be considered reason enough to visit Lindsay. Add historic charm, unequaled friendliness, scenic beauty, unique shopping and personalized wine tasting--a trip there quickly becomes a must see and do. Visit www.lindsayokchamberofcommerce.com. Editor's note: Susen Foster is the owner of Greater Success Advertising. She is the author of numerous travel books. Susen can be reached at www.greatersuccess.com or call 580-622-5408. 9/17/07
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