Wednesday, March 19, 2014

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK


Start your love affair with the Wild West in OKC!


I-40 stretches out through miles of farmlands, forests and foothills. Distant mountains lend a sense of majesty to the landscape that has been inhabited by cowboys and by Indians even longer. It follows the well-worn track laid out by the pioneers through the prairie and desert, leading to an endless view of the Pacific. It traverses some of this nation’s most spectacular scenic wonders. And, while early settlers have gone before us to build comfort and civilization from the wilderness and desolation that was
THE WEST,

the romantic wilderness that the “Old West” evokes in our minds is still present every inch of the way.

(Adapted from a tribute to the Mother Road written by Irvin S. Cobb

 in the Amarillo Globe News,  7/20/1938)

 

Entering Oklahoma City from the East,

it’s hard not to notice the striking array of brick buildings that gleam in the afternoon sun. I-40 casually skirts the downtown which has been embraced and brought back to its original glory as “Bricktown,” OKC’s vibrant and unique entertainment district.
www.visitokc.com



 
 
Murals portraying the history and culture of Oklahoma line the mortared walls at the edge of this beautifully restored city center.

Above:  this particular mosaic mural sits at the west end of the Bricktown canal. It was created by students at a local college for the Oklahoma Centennial in 2007 and colorfully portrays significant state symbols.
Left:  the Bricktown Santa Fe Railway wall  mural.



The creation of Bricktown--a cool, young restoration of the downtown—has helped revive the area and provide a plethora of restaurants and activities for the traveler to enjoy.
 


 

Most noteworthy are the   Bricktown Canal

 


and the Bricktown Ballpark—home of the Oklahoma City RedHawks.

 
For an enjoyable and relaxing tour of the area, take a ride on the Water Taxi. Friendly guides will narrate points of interest as you cruise the canals.
 
 
 
 

 
««««««««««
“Oklahoma City has it all—from the
historic Old West in Stockyards City
to the vibrant energy of Bricktown,
the city’s lively entertainment district. …
Choices abound for an experience you’ll cherish!”
 
Be sure to check out this great visitor’s guide site for detailed trip-planning, coupons, specials and events.
««««««««««
 
THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THE WEST.
Travelers seeking the rich culture of the American West
 will want to spend some time exploring:
·         The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum:  This is America’s premier institution of Western history, art and culture. Its exhibits masterfully present the enduring legacy of our American West, “a region and history that permeates our national culture.”
·         The Oklahoma History Center: The Smithsonian-quality exhibits and artifacts will enable you to experience OK’s inspiring and adventurous past. “Located on 18 acres across from the Capital building, the History Center is a beautifully designed, self-guided exploration of Oklahoma—past to present.” Road-trippers will want to stretch their legs on the Red River Journey—a walking tour of the valley featuring historical locations and machinery used in OK oil explorations.   www.okhistorycenter.org
 
·         Stockyards City:   Visit this fascinating town which began in 1910 as the location of the Oklahoma National Stockyards Company. Shopping, great food and lively entertainment await you in a town “deeply rooted in Oklahoma’s pioneer heritage.” If you’re heading west, it’s time to gear up! Shop Main Street for hats, boots, jewelry and even saddles!
o   Cattlemen’s Steakhouse:  A lucky roll of the dice landed this restaurant on the map for visitors from all over the world to enjoy. A steakhouse with a fun story and fantastic Old West ambiance has fed cowboys, ranchers and more than a few celebrities over the years; stop by for one of their famous perfectly-aged steaks and you’ll soon know why!
o   Rodeo Opry:         A community center of sorts, this unique concert hall is committed to providing a platform for young, talented artists and musicians while offering exciting entertainment to the public. Check their website in advance for upcoming shows.
(Ntl Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum)
 
 
For Fun:
*      Frontier City:        OKC’s fun-filled theme park with great shows and western-themed rides (“Silver Bullet,” “Hangman,” and the “Rodeo Round-up”) provide hours of lively entertainment and thrills!  www.frontiercity.com
Rawhide:     This family business, rich with firsthand experience in ranch life, will delight you with their love for all things western. Whether you’re buying or just browsing the clothing, furnishings and fun accessories, you’re sure to enjoy your experience. Located just a few blocks from the Grandison Inn.  www.shoprawhide.com
          POPS:      Need a “Route 66” fix?  POPS, located along historic Route 66 just north of Oklahoma City in Arcadia, OK, is the coolest place to sample sodas and enjoy classic shakes and burgers. A blast from the past with a fresh twist, POPS is a gas station that hearkens to the glory days as a modern Route 66 must-see landmark.   www.pops66.com
For Food:
*      1492: Only a short walk or drive from The Grandison Inn at Maney Park, this restaurant serves up “New World Latin” cuisine, a classy twist on Texmex. Must try: the special 1492 Queso Appetizer; it will knock your socks off!  www.1492okc.com
*      Cheever’s:     Serving “contemporary comfort food,” this local favorite specializes in American cuisine with a Southwest influence and is also a hit with Grandison Inn guests.   www.cheeverscafe.com
*      Toby Keith’s ILTBG:     Located in Bricktown, this is the “best honky-tonk in town.” A fun atmosphere and live music will liven up your meal.  www.tobykeithsbar.com/restaurant-locations/oklahoma-city-bricktown

 

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