Extended Weekend Getaways
Elaine Warner
Freelance Travel Writer
Anytime’s a fine time to visit. The weather is variable. As favorite son Will Rogers said, “If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute, it’ll change.” The record temperature change was in 1911, a 66-degree drop from the afternoon to midnight. Unusual, yes, but check forecasts and pack accordingly. The beautiful thing about Oklahoma City is the variety of activities available – plenty of museums when it’s cold, great outdoor opportunities when it’s not.
Oklahoma’s Capitol Building, more than just a place where legislative sausage is made, is a wonderful art gallery with more than 100 paintings and sculptures throughout the property. A gallery on the first floor features rotating exhibits from Oklahoma artists. A small museum tells the history of the building and the gift shop is a great place to pick up Oklahoma souvenirs.
All things western are on display at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum atop Persimmon Hill. With superb art and sculpture and special galleries featuring cowboys, Native Americans, rodeo and western performers, there’s truly something for everyone. Indoor visitors can walk the street of an early western town. Outside an immersive play and learn area includes Native American structures – the most impressive being an ancient Anasazi cliff dwelling.
The First Americans Museum is another do-not-miss. With collaboration from all 39 of Oklahoma’s recognized tribes, this state-of-the-art museum offers an in-depth look at the past and present seen through Native eyes. The Family Discovery Center is a delight for children who can explore a pop-up storybook nature setting with lots of physical activities and quiet learning opportunities. The restaurant, 39, is a real treat with entrees that include a number of ingredients familiar to Native American cultures.
The Oklahoma City Museum of Art showcases visiting exhibitions and its permanent collection. A fan favorite is a gallery of works by Dale Chihuly including a large Persian Ceiling.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum spotlights a dark moment in city history – the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building. The museum tells the story of the event and the effects on individuals and the city, concluding with a message of hope. The outdoor memorial with it reflecting pool and lighted empty chairs is particularly moving at night.
Other interesting museums include Oklahoma Contemporary Art Center, the American Banjo Museum and the American Pigeon Museum with live birds and exhibits on racing pigeons and wartime exploits. The Museum of Osteology displays skeletons of many species while the Porcelain Art Museum features fine China painting in many forms.
The perfect indoor-outdoor segue is found at Myriad Botanical Gardens. While open year-round, the Crystal Bridge Conservatory is a tropical paradise, a super winter escape. Outside there are paths to walk through plantings and a children’s playground.
While there are parks and walking paths in many parts of the city, the premier outdoors sports spot has got to be Riversport in the Boat House District on the Oklahoma River. A number of watery opportunities from stand-up paddle-boarding to whitewater rafting are offered here. There are even surf – and snow ski — experiences.
Acrophobes will want to skip the 80-foot Sky Trail and its added thrills – a high-speed slide, free-fall experience and a zip-line across the river. A playground with a mini-sky trail is just right for youngsters.
For a tamer time, take a cruise on the Oklahoma River (check the web site for availability). Or take a water taxi on the Bricktown Canal.
Bricktown is another of Oklahoma City’s fun districts. A prime entertainment area, it’s home to lots of restaurants and wine bars, shops and the OKC Comets, a AAA-affiliate of the L.A. Dodgers. Earl’s a local barbecue chain, is a great stop here.
An influx of immigrants from Viet Nam in the ‘70s helped create the Asian District. Among a number of fine Asian restaurants, a favorite is Lido – a serene and quiet atmosphere sets the table for Vietnamese, Chinese and French specialties. Several restaurants offer Dim Sum. For a grocery store experience, peruse the aisles in Super Cao Nguyn.
Oklahoma City has plenty of places to stay. Here are a couple of the more unusual hostelries. The National, a Marriott property, is housed in a magnificent, old bank building. Rooms are up-to-date and delightful, the public spaces beautifully restored. Stock and Bond is an up-scale steakhouse; The Gilded Acorn is good for quick bites and treats and Tellers is a fine-dining restaurant in the Great Hall. Save room for the Caramel Peanut Sundae – ask for extra spoons and share.
For families, head for Okana Resort and Indoor Waterpark. In an entertainment district all its own, the hotel, with both indoor and outdoor waterparks, arcade, spa and restaurants is handy to the First Americans Museum, Exhibit C art gallery, and restaurants including one with sports simulators.
This year is the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Take a tip from the tune – “get your kicks on Route 66.” And there’s no better place to kick up your heels than Oklahoma City.
