Learn to Ride the Trails on Grand Lakes, Nancy & Val Saamer, Owners

Yes, this is what you think it is. Riding horses on happy trails at Grand Lake Oklahoma. You see, we have some special people on Monkey Island who moved here from Chicago a while back who love horses. It also turns out they may love the fruit of the vine as well, because they created a vinyard on the Royal Horse Ranch. Oklahoma’s climate makes the enjoyment of horseback riding possible year ’round. Come join your friends at Monkey Island Trail & Hay Rides as we follow trails through sunny pastures, shady woods and along beautiful Grand Lake.”We have gentle horses for gentle people…spirited horses for spirited people and…horses that don’t like to be ridden for people who don’t like to ride”.

Summer Horse Camp for Girls at Grand Lake on Monkey Island

There is also the Grand Lake Horse Camp  which offers an equestrian riding program for girls between the ages of 9 and 14. They can choose to ride English, Western or a combination of both. Horses are assigned to each girl based on her ability and the style she chooses to ride. Riding lessons are part of the daily routine. Grand Lake Horse Camp provides all tack. Safety is a key element of the cirriculum. The campers learn the responsibility of taking care of a horse, which includes feeding, grooming, saddling, daily riding, and the many other aspects of horsemanship. Our highly knowledgeable instructors give daily lessons to each camper in both group sessions and individual instruction.

Grand Lake Horse Camp is located at Royal Horse Ranch on Monkey Island, surrounded by beautiful Grand Lake O’The Cherokees in northeastern Oklahoma. Eighty acres, including indoor and outdoor riding arenas, beautiful pastures, a cross country jumping course, a large trail class and the scenic lakefront are part of the camp experience. Trail rides, cookouts and other horse related activities are included in the week long sessions.

Campers arrive on Sunday afternoon and stay in the “Bit & Bridle Bunkhouse” with a live-in counselor. Campers depart on Saturday morning with a featured demonstration for parents and guests.

Throughout the year, ROYAL HORSE RANCH and MONKEY ISLAND TRAIL & HAY RIDES
offer a multitude of exciting horse related activities, some of these are: ENGLISH & WESTERN RIDING LESSONS, HORSE TRAINING, HORSE BOARDING, HORSE SALES, PETTING ZOO, PONY RIDES, COVERED WAGON RENTAL, WESTERN DECOR RENTAL, BONFIRES & CAMPFIRES, WIENIE & MARSHMALLOW ROASTS,
COMPANY PARTIES, PICNICS & RETREATS, BIRTHDAY PARTIES, CHURCH RETREATS
SCHOOL GROUP OUTINGS, SUMMER CAMP FOR GIRLS, MOTHER/DAUGHTER WEEKEND CLINICS.

We’ll talk about the Vineyard more at a later time.

This has been about one of the  special things here at Grand Lake OK and Monkey Island. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community, visit Dave & Debbie’s web site www.SurfGrandLake.com or call 918-257-8381

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK.

Lakefront A-Frame on Monkey Island at Grand Lake

Waterfront Home For Sale

How would you like a lake home which feels like a lake home? Here is your chance to own a Waterfront A-Frame on Monkey Island at the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. This is Oklahoma’s favorite lake for fishing and fun. The home sets on a quiet, peaceful treed lot and has lots of space with over 2,700 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and two living areas, a patio and two decks. It has been tastefully remodeled. It comes with your own private dock which has a storage closet and a sitting area. What a wonderful family retreat this could be for you. The home is in a gated area called Port Duncan.

Other areas on Monkey Island are:  Brighton Bay , Newport Village, St.James Club, Beacon Hill, Mainstay, Heritage Point, Hi-Point, Shangri-la Chateaus, White Chapel, and others. 

For more information about Grand Lake OK Real Estate, please contact Dave and Debbie Wagenblatt at 918.257.8381 or email them directly at davewagenblatt@remax.net.

Monkey Island Oklahoma real estate has some of the best waterfront values in the country.

Brighton Bay waterfront home at Grand Lake on Monkey Island, OK

Actually all Grand Lake OK real estate fits into that category. This article touches on the Brighton Bay subdivision located on Monkey Island along the shores of East Bay at Grand Lake. Brighton Bay is a very nice gated community with about 50 homes. Most come with a boat slip. Here is something people from other parts of the country may not realize. These are all free standing homes, however, they are organized under condo by-laws. What this does is provide for the shared cost of keeping the grounds manicured, upkeep on the swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and community boat slips. Lots of people love this kind of set up because they can come to the lake and play. No worries about the other things which go along with home ownership. Brighton Bay homes have a very nice setting.

Eagle watch over Brighton Bay

Once you drive throught the gate there is a long tree lined black top road which winds to the homes, and it is not uncommon to see deer close by. There are wood carved statues of bears, a dolphin and eagle mixed in among the homes. There are currently 2 waterfront homes for sale at Brighton Bay. One has a Virtual Tour. Other Gated communities on Monkey Island OK include Newport Village, Silver Key, St. Andrews, White Chapel, Beacon Hill, Mainstay, Shangri-la Estates, Shangri-la Chateaus and more.

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

By Dave Wagenblatt

One of the most wonderful things about living at Grand Lake, OK is our backyard. Actually our backyard is Grand Lake, OK.  From our deck, we look east from Monkey Island across the main lake toward Patricia Island. One day a light came on in my head, and I realized and appreciated all the changing beauty Debbie and I get to witness… Nature at its best! The fiery red/orange morning sunrises and the evening full moon shimmering across the lake are so tranquil. This serene setting will certainly add happy years to our lives. The changing of the seasons adds to the experience. The term, “Spring has Sprung”, takes on a new meaning and dimension with the dogwoods and redbuds blooming. Activity is all around, as there will soon be new life.  We also enjoy the privilege of viewing the wildlife up close. Birds are everywhere, but beyond the usual robins, wrens, blackbirds, cardinals, bluebirds, gold finches, and hummingbirds, there is more. We also have seen egrets, blue herons, mallards, geese, sea gulls, pelicans and even American Bald Eagles which winter here. There’s even more.  We see chipmunks, gray squirrels, rabbits, skunks, raccoons and occasionally a wild turkey, red fox or deer.

Fire in the Morning ... a Grand Lake Sunrise ....... Photo by Dave Wagenblatt

Our backyard comes complete with other entertainment. Summer brings the peak of activity.  People from all over the United States come to the lake to escape, relax and have fun. People want to enjoy a brief get-a-way from their everyday duties and responsibilities. All the water sports can be seen in our back yard: swimming, skiing, fishing, sailing, and boating. We also watch the Cherokee Queen cruise by, giving tours or dinner parties along the Grand Lake shores. The Cherokee Queen is a Mississippi style paddle boat reminiscent of the Mark Twain era, which starts from Sail Boat Bridge traveling to the tip of Monkey Island and then back again.

Fall is our favorite time of year, if we had to choose one. (We actually love each season here.)  After Labor Day, activity starts to slow down. The air will soon be turning crisp bringing a new freshness.  The leaves will turn color, and the fall migration will begin. Fall festivals are coming, such as the Grand Lake Rally, a “Taste of Grand” fund raiser, the Fall Wine Festival, and the Pelican Festival. There is always something to look forward to at Grand Lake. And there is our back yard. It’s the same backyard, but it changes with each season. Each day is different with something new to discover. How lucky can you get? It’s like winning a lottery in life.

Monkey Island Sparkles on Grand Lake OK .... Photo by Dave Wagenblatt

The winters are still fantastic as we sit in front of our fireplace and look out through our picture window at our magnificent backyard….. Of course, I mean Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. It’s like living in the middle of a picture on a Hallmark card, 365 days per year. In wishing you the best, it means that we wish you could have a “backyard” like ours.  As we say on our websites… If you’re lucky enough to live at Grand Lake, you’re lucky enough!

Dave & Debbie Wagenblatt, The Get “Grand” Results Team©, are top producing Realtors® with REMAX Executives at Grand lake, OK. To learn more about the Grand Lake area and community visit their web site www.SurfGrandLake.com

Grand Lake Fishing Guide

Here we go off for a fun day of fishing!

 Meet Tony Coatney who Lives and fishes out of Monkey Island OK on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokee’s. He is one of several professional fishing guides who are able to help you have lots of fun. (He even has his own TV Show.)  Grand Lake OK is one of the finest fishing lakes in the country. There are about 45 Bass Tournaments annually and in 2006 and 2007 hosted the BassMasters Elite Tournament shown on ESPN. The pro’s started early from Grove OK and did what they do.. catch Bass! All the big names were here and the winning total was almost 60 lbs.

Earlier that year our owner/broker of REMAX Executives, David Momper, was fishing with his wife Teena who caught a huge large mouth bass. A tournament was going on at the time out of the Shangri-la marina on Monkey Island. Two competitors saw her land this lunker and had to weigh it. It hit the scales at 9.0 lbs. By the way, if she had been entered in the tournament she would have won a brand new Skeeter Bass Boat. The monster is still swimming around Grand Lake because she released it. She also caught an 8 pounder the year before over in the Ketchum Cove area. Wow! There is much more than bass fishing here. So if another species is your cup of tea then come on after the Crappie and  White Bass.

Every October about this time, a tradition of fine dining continues on Monkey Island, OK at the “Shebang” restaurant. This is the start of the “guest chef” night every Wednesday starting at 7:00 p.m., but people meet at six p.m. to partake of liquid refreshment to loosen lips for the fun evening of good food, conversation, and laughter. The brilliant idea was originated by the proprietor Joyce Duke who I have dubbed the “Mistress of Mischief”  ( she earned it) and affectionately has been called “PITA” by friends. That is an acronym. You figure it out. She has had many great ideas over time as you will see should you spend time at Monkey Island on Grand Lake, OK. You’ll hear more about these things in this blog and will be able to see some of it on the Monkey Island Picture Show. Lets see, some of the attendees were Doug Smith and his wife, Gretchen Zumwalt Smith, Mike & Carrie Wiiliams, Mike Long, Dwayne Richardson, Tammy Botts and of course myself (Dave) & Debbie Wagenblatt amongst others. The star of the evening was Mo, Joe & Julio, (also known as Kelly Whitehead), who prepared Cuban quisine.  Kelly received a standing ovation for her culinary skills. To be part of this experience reservations are required so the guest chef will know how much food to prepare.

Want more information about Grand Lake OK ?  These are ways to get it.

For more information about Grand Lake OK Real Estate?  Please contact Dave and Debbie Wagenblatt at 918.257.8381 or email them directly at davewagenblatt@remax.net.

Many people don’t realize that there are gated communities on Grand Lake,  OK which have free standing homes but are organized under condominium by-laws. Typically people think of a condo as a townhouse or an apartment type set up. So don’t let that term stop you from investigating that possibility while looking for a lakefront home on Grand Lake. In addition, there are things usually covered by the monthly or annual dues which you pay for anyway.  Things which many haven’t considered. Things like part of the insurance, water, sewer, trash, a boat slip and maintainance/upkeep on the grounds. Many have pool and tennis courts as well and some a clubhouse. By the time you add up the cost to have all this done it turns out it costs about the same anyway. Here is the thing that turns the tide. You don’t have to do it yourself, you get to come to the lake and have fun!!!. All the by-laws are a little different so be sure to check them and ask your Realtor for more information. These Gated communities such as Newport Village, Brighton Bay, St.James Club, White Chapel, Main Stay, Beacon Hill, Heritage Point, The Chateaus, Vintage, etc., are located all around the lake including Monkey Island,  Grove,  Ketchum, Duck Creek and other areas.  While some are actually condo bylaws, some are planned unit developments where only the grounds, streets, etc. are maintained for you.   Either way, a lot of folks are enjoying their amenities.

Check out our websites www.SurfGrandLake.com and www.GetGrandResults.com for the most extensive information on the Grand Lake, OK area, Things to Do and Real Estate.

SHANGRI LA CHATEAU  / GUARDED & GATED COMMUNITY
LOCATED ON LAKEFRONT PROPERTY & CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE
GRAND LAKE O’ THE CHEROKEES, MONKEY ISLAND, OKLAHOMA

Lakeside view of Shangri-la Chateau on Monkey Island

5,146 SQUARE FEET OF GORGEOUS, LIGHT FILLED NEW  REMODEL
+++++ MOVE-IN READY +++++
OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH VIEWS FROM ALL ROOMS
DESIGNER FINISHES, COLORS & WALL TEXTURE / 3 FIREPLACES
ALL NEW KARASTAN CARPET & TUMBLED TRAVERTINE FLOORS

HUGE NEW KITCHEN OF YOUR DREAMS
CUSTOM SLAB GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
CUSTOM ALDER CABINETS WITH SLOW CLOSERS
NEW STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES
2 ISLANDS / WALK-IN PANTRY / DESK
48” REFRIGERATOR / COMPACTOR
2 SINKS / 2 DW / 2 OVENS / MICRO

Shangri-la Championship Golf Course out your front door.

MAIN FLOOR & UPPER MASTER SUITES5 BEDROOM SUITES WITH 2 MAIN LEVEL & 3 UPPER LEVEL
7 CUSTOM BATHS & WALK-IN CLOSETS
ALL NEW SLAB GRANITE
LOTS OF LIGHT, VIEWS, & TONS OF STORAGE

THE ULTIMATE 600 SQUARE FOOT LAKEFRONT FAMILY ROOM
    HOME THEATER W/ 50” FLAT SCREEN
 SURROUND SOUND
       WET BAR WITH FRIG, ICEMAKER

View of Grand Lake from your Monkey Island Chateau

LOVELY MATURE LANDSCAPING
SPACIOUS PATIOS WITH BUILT-IN SEATING & GAZEBO
DOCK

For pictures or a showing Contact us at 918-257-8381 and look at our other web sites

www.SurfGrandLake.com and www.GetGrandResults.com

One of Grand Lake’s most popular festivals is happening Saturday 10/11/2008 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s the Grand Wine Country Fall Festival at Royal Bay Horse Ranch and Grand Lake Vinyards on Monkey Island. There is of course wine tasting, music, and lots of food. Get Ready for some Grand Lake, Monkey Island, OK fun!!! See you there!

You can find out more about the Grand Lake OK  and Monkey Island area festivals on our web sites www.SurfGrandLake.com and www.GetGrandResults.com.  If you’re looking for a lakefront home or other real estate here, you can find that too.

Events for October 9th – 12th

Date                       Description                    Contact

10/9 RC Car and Truck Fun Race @ 6:00PM to 9:00PM ~ Grove Community Center 918-256-5077

 10/11 Grand Wine Country 3rd Annual Wine Festival @ Royal Horse Ranch on Hwy 125 918-257-1166 Music ~ Wine Tasting ~ Artisians & Crafters  on Monkey Island from 11:00 to 5:00

10/11 Annual Harvest Moon Cruise Night in Grove, OK @at the Grove Community Center 918-786-9079

10/11 Green Country Square Dance Club @ 7:30PM till 10:00PM ~ Grove Civic Center 918-786-7637 Round Dancing ~ Public Welcome

10/11 – 10/12 Fall 4 X 4 Invasion @ D-Day Adventure Park 918-666-3411

10/11 Cherokee Queen Dinner Cruise from 6:00 to 8:00PM ~ RSVP 918-786-4272

10/11 & 11/12 Coleman Theatre presents Silent Movie: Harold Llyod in “Girl Shy” 918-540-2425

10/11 Grove, OK Second Saturday’s from 6:00 to 8:00PM 918-786-7262

10/13 – 10/18 Annual Grand Lake Cruise 918-336-3086

Upcoming Events

October 18 ~ 14th Annual Strutt Your Mutt Dog Walk (Benefit for the Humane Society)

October 20 ~ Santa’s Old Broads Halloween Sippin’ & Signin’

October 25 ~ Square Dancing with the Green Country Square Dance Club

October 30 ~ RC Car and Fun Run Race

October 31 ~ Cherokee Queen Costume Cruise Party from 8:00 to 12:00

November 8 ~ Grove, OK 9th Annual Christmas Open House

Novemeber   22  ~  Grove, OK  Lights  On   &  Evening  Celebration 

See more about this and Grand Lake at www.SurfGrandLake.com