We had the good fortune of connecting with Tara Phillips and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tara Phillips, what do you attribute your success to?
At Book Broken Bow, the key to our success lies in our unwavering commitment to creating stress-free, unforgettable vacations for our guests. We believe that a vacation should be a time to relax, recharge, and make lasting memories, and that starts with providing well-maintained, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed spaces. Our cabins are more than just places to stay—they are an experience in themselves, carefully curated to provide the perfect blend of luxury, coziness, and nature.

Outstanding customer service is at the core of everything we do. We go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels valued, welcomed, and taken care of from the moment they book with us. This level of care has helped us build a strong base of loyal, repeat customers who trust us to deliver an exceptional getaway time and time again.

Our main focus is delivering 100% guest satisfaction. Whether it’s offering personalized recommendations, providing seamless check-in and check-out experiences, or responding promptly to any needs during their stay, we prioritize every detail to ensure our guests have an amazing, worry-free vacation. Their happiness is our success, and we take pride in creating spaces where they can truly unwind and make cherished memories with their loved ones.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Of course, building a successful business wasn’t easy. The short-term rental (STR) industry comes with its own set of challenges—from navigating ever-changing regulations to maintaining high standards across multiple properties. One of our biggest lessons was recognizing that we couldn’t do it alone. Building a strong team that shares our vision and can deliver the level of service we pride ourselves on was a top priority. We surrounded ourselves with dedicated professionals who bring the same passion and commitment to hospitality, and that has been a game-changer in our growth.

What we want the world to know about us is that we are more than just a vacation rental company—we are memory-makers. We are passionate about creating spaces that offer comfort, relaxation, and connection. Our mission is to ensure that every guest who stays with us leaves feeling refreshed, recharged, and already planning their next visit.

Taking that initial leap of faith was one of the best decisions we ever made. What started as a dream turned into a thriving business, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the journey. We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to create exceptional vacation experiences for years to come!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Broken Bow/Hochatown for a week, I’d make sure they had the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and amazing food. This area truly has something for everyone, so here’s how we’d make the most of our time:

Day 1 – Arrival & Relaxation
After settling into the cabin, we’d start with a laid-back evening—maybe grilling out on the deck. For the grill enthusiasts, Mountain Man Meat Market has an amazing selection of premium meats and sides, ready to throw on the grill. If we needed extra ingredients, a quick stop at The Market at Local 259 would have us covered. We’d then unwind in the hot tub under the stars, soaking in the peace and quiet of the mountains.

Day 2 – Exploring Beavers Bend State Park
The adventure starts with a trip to Beavers Bend State Park, where we’d spend the day hiking one of the scenic trails, surrounded by towering pines and breathtaking views. For lunch, we’d pack a picnic and enjoy it by the river before renting a boat for a relaxing afternoon on the lake. Afterward, we’d grab dinner at Abendigo’s, where we’d enjoy their flavorful menu and live music outdoors.

Day 3 – Adrenaline & Adventure
For thrill-seekers, the day would be packed with must-do activities:

Ziplining at Rugaru Adventures for an unforgettable ride through the treetops.
The Maze of Hochatown—a fun challenge that’s great for all ages.
ATV rentals for some off-road fun through the forest trails.
To cap off the day, we’d relax at a local winery like Girls Gone Wine or Fish Tales Winery & Vineyard for great drinks and even better company.

Day 4 – Animal Encounters & Scenic Drives
A more laid-back day would start with a drive through Beavers Bend Safari Park, where we’d get up close with exotic animals. Then, we’d head to the Hochatown Petting Zoo, a fun stop for both kids and adults alike. In the afternoon, we’d explore Hochatown’s shops, pick up unique souvenirs, and enjoy a casual meal at one of the local eateries.

Day 5 – Water Adventures & Distillery Tour
For a mix of relaxation and excitement, we’d spend the morning kayaking or canoeing on the river. If we were feeling adventurous, we could rent a pontoon boat for the day and cruise around the lake. Later, we’d stop by Hochatown Distilling Company for a tasting and learn about the craft behind their spirits.

Day 6 – Cabin Day & Spa Time
Sometimes the best way to enjoy Broken Bow is simply staying in and unwinding. We’d book an in-cabin massage, sip coffee on the porch, and take in the beautiful surroundings. Maybe even have one last cookout or roast marshmallows by the firepit for a perfect, relaxing day.

Day 7 – One Last Adventure & Departure
Before heading out, we’d squeeze in one last morning adventure—maybe a scenic hike or a peaceful paddle on the lake. Then, we’d grab a final meal at Brick and Bread, reminiscing about an incredible week spent in one of the most beautiful areas in Oklahoma.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, Broken Bow/Hochatown is the perfect getaway for all ages. It’s a place where memories are made, and we love helping our guests experience the best of it!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Success is never a solo journey, and at Book Broken Bow, we are incredibly grateful for the people who have helped us grow and thrive. First and foremost, we owe a great deal of gratitude to our loyal guests. Many of them have been staying with us for years, and their continued support, glowing reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations have been instrumental in our growth. Their trust in us motivates us to keep improving and finding new ways to elevate the vacation experience, ensuring every stay is even better than the last.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the amazing owners and investors we work with. They put their trust in us to manage their properties as if they were our own, and that partnership is the foundation of our success. Their commitment to providing beautiful, high-quality vacation homes allows us to create exceptional stays for our guests, and we are honored to be the bridge between them and unforgettable travel experiences.

Of course, none of this would be possible without our dedicated team. From housekeeping to maintenance, every team member plays a crucial role in making sure each guest enjoys a stress-free and memorable getaway. Their hard work, passion, and attention to detail are what set us apart, and we are beyond grateful for their efforts.

Website: https://bookbrokenbow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookbrokenbow

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookbrokenbow

Image Credits
Jason Ward Photography Matt Cameron

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