Nestled amid dense woodlands in the east of Oklahoma, the small town of Carlton Landing was built as a walkable, sustainable community on the tranquil shore of Eufaula Lake in 2013. This cluster of homes and small businesses boasts a wealth of parks, a community garden, and scenic protected shoreline. Each micro-neighborhood here has its own identity, blending Arts and Crafts architecture and farmhouse-style houses.

On sunny days, you can head down the beach for a cooling dip in the lake or take it easy around one of the community pools. The hot tub at Boardwalk Pool is available for late-night relaxation from spring through the end of October. Make the most of the town’s lakeside location by hiring a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard down by the marina. The Town Green House food trucks offer barbecue specialties and shaved ice, while weekly pop-up shops on the boardwalk showcase handmade furniture and jewelry. And once the sun sets, head to Firefly Park or Cottage Court to gather around communal fire pits and Adirondack chairs for stargazing.

Carlton Landing’s location in southeastern Oklahoma means that it boasts a balance of year-round warmth and a cooling breeze from nearby Lake Eufaula. The spring is a relatively quiet season, at least until March, when the town hosts Porchfest, a unique music festival where residents’ porches become stages for musicians and the city streets are lined with stalls for food vendors and local artists. Summer is the most popular time for a visit, when the lake is filled with boats and people enjoying all kinds of watersports. As fall and winter roll around, the town slows down and hosts community events like Hallow Balloo, a traditional Halloween celebration with a chili cookoff. Although it does get a bit cooler in the winter, temperatures here rarely dip below freezing.

Carlton Landing Nature Center

Carlton Landing was designed to be a green, environmentally-conscious community. The Carlton Landing Nature Center offers an opportunity for people of all ages to engage with and learn about the natural world. Miles of scenic walking trails along the calm waters of the lake provide peace and tranquillity, and the on-site exhibits and outdoor learning environments underline the town’s sustainable values.

Sunrise at Overlook Park

Just outside of the town proper is the area’s most popular lookout. Heading out early to watch as the sun climbs over Lake Eufaula is worth the early alarm, watching light spread over the emerald woodlands and placid waters below. You can even start the day there with a community fitness class that boasts the best view in town.

Pavilion Park

Located just north of the Nature Center off the main boulevard, this park’s tree-framed pavilion is a major hub for the town’s activities all year round. Neighborhood barbecues, weddings, and open-air concerts are frequent sights in the summer months, while the stone fire pit is just as inviting on a chilly evening.