Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Grandison Inn at Maney Park


In the heart of OK City, there is a beautiful old Painted Lady called the Grandison.

Beloved by the people who have owned her, she has skated the edge of destruction more than once and come away more beautiful and refined each time. Built by James W. Maney, one of Oklahoma City’s founding fathers, in 1904, she was a family residence for many years, and eventually moved by Maney and settled a few miles from the brick-built downtown.

The large Victorian fell into disrepair as her family grew up and moved away; age wore on her and a burgeoning city threatened to overgrow Maney’s pride and joy.


Fortunately, in 1979, a business man bought her with the intent of rescuing her from razing. For several years, she housed law offices and even the Oklahoma Gazette Newspaper, but the Maney Mansion longed for a higher purpose.

When the owner realized it was time to pass her on, he called someone who would know just what to do. Bob and Claudia Wright were seasoned Bed & Breakfast operators; although they already owned an inn, the area had become unsuitable and the couple had begun searching for a new home.

Having grown up in OKC, the couple was well familiar with the old Maney home and on her way to church, Claudia had long admired the old Victorian. Thrilled when the businessman finally accepted their offer, the Wrights set about transforming the old lady into a graceful, beautiful B&B.

Since then, The Grandison has provided life-changing moments to thousands of couples; spend a night in one of her romantic, uniquely-furnished rooms and you’ll understand the magic of the place.


Inside the inn, the air is infused with the smell of seasoned wood and flowers.

The charming turn-of-the-century Victorian—too beautiful to be done away with—is filled with elegant wood accents that display the glory of a time when fancy moldings and trim were the jewelry of a fine house. James Maney, a successful railroad builder at the turn of the century, spared no expense.


Elegance permeates the first and second floors with stately antiques, fine linens and lace, marble, oiled wood and leaded windows.

Furthermore, Claudia has created a set of rooms that are diverse and unique so that guests can choose a setting most comfortable to their tastes.  


Each room has a Jacuzzi tub, and some—like the romantic suite Divine Providence—have a fireplace to add ambience to a special night away.

Those seeking a more country-chic flavor will love the cozy rooms in the attic area; warm colors, cottagey, hand-painted wall murals and low beds add character and provide a more homey setting.


Children, and the young at heart, will love to stay in these fun, third-floor rooms with a playhouse, hide-away feel.


 
The Grandison is truly a gem, restored to all of its historic elegance and glory.
 
SPLURGE. The unique, beautiful rooms are fully furnished with enchanting antique décor and plush comforts to make your stay as romantic as possible.
 
Enjoy a bath in a deep tub with salts and fluffy bathrobes to enhance the spa-like experience.
 
Unwind with a movie and plenty of complimentary snacks in the comfort of your own room.
 
For added decadence, request chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne, candles and spa accessories or even a massage or special candlelit dinner with your loved one in the privacy of your suite.
 
A delight for those who crave a restful, romantic rendezvous, she is the perfect setting for a variety of functions and celebrations. The inn is filled with modern amenities to ensure a perfectly comfortable and relaxing stay or special event. 
 

 
You’re in good hands with Claudia and Bob; they have been in the restaurant and inn-keeping business for over 20 years.
 
The Grandison is a great place to host a wedding, reunion, shower, or anniversary celebration. For travelers, the inn, just 5 minutes from Bricktown, is the perfect location for those looking for a fun, up-close look at the heart of OKC.
 
A well-stocked Butler's Pantry is available to guests 24/7. No vending machines needed! Satisfy your midnight snack cravings with one of Claudia's fresh-daily desserts.
 
Rates from $109
#405-232-8778
*the inn does provide special Staycation packages, so check their site before purchasing tickets from OKC site son your own. 
 

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

 

FORT SMITH, AR

Nestled in the Arkansas River Valley, between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, Ft. Smith has a unique feel—a little “Old West” mixed with the gentle charm of the antebellum “Old South.”
www.fortsmith.org


Perhaps the most prominent stop is the Fort Smith National Historic Site, home to the original 1817 fort located on the Arkansas River. www.nps.gov/fosm

 



The two-story barracks housed the Federal Courthouse for the Western District of Arkansas in the 1870s. Inside are the restored courtroom, of the famed “Hangin’ Judge” Isaac C. Parker, and the dingy frontier jail appropriately dubbed “Hell on the Border.”


 Also on site is the Ft. Smith Museum of History which contains exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Ft. Smith’s colorful history starting with the first fort in 1817, through the westward expansion, the Civil War, and Fort Chaffee (where Elvis received his famous first G.I. haircut).
 
DOWNTOWN FT. SMITH
In the fabulous Ft. Smith downtown--which is experiencing a lively renaissance--you'll want to enjoy a few of the contemporary amenities housed in an historic setting. Although I like to highlight inns, I feel that location sometimes trumps a traditional B&B experience.
 
The Perfect Ft. Smith Itinerary:
 
 
Along the Riverfront, you'll find a fun park featuring an old-school Ferris wheel and diner in a train car.


 
  • Eat at BRICKTOWN BREWERY
    • famous for its wood-fired artisan pizzas (which you can watch being made by hand). Try the BBQ Chicken Pizza--with its savory local Head County BBQ Sauce.
    • you'll find a few good brews; try a local! Or my favorite--Blue Moon, which pairs well with the Bavarian Pretzel Sticks, for starters OR the Dipping Trio--which comes with the Brewery's famous house guacamole.
    • on the healthy side:  "Cluck, Oink & Apple Salad"--yum!!!
    • light-ish:  a bowl of Buck's Bourbon, Bacon & Beer Chili
    • Fill up on: Bricktown Brewery Truck Burger featuring Petit Jean Bacon--a local hickory-smoked specialty. It doesn't get much better than this!
    • Dessert? the Brownie Sundae. Where else can you try it topped with bacon peanut brittle?!! mmmmh--good!











Make sure you stop in at the Visitors' Center, which once house a more colorful venue.
 

TRADITIONAL FORT SMITH:


Where to Stay:  Michael’s Mansion 
Rates from $99
#479-883-8336

Where to Eat:  George’s Restaurant

Time it Right:  Arkansas-Oklahoma Rodeo, Ft. Smith (June)
 

One last note:  During the Frontier Movement, the Arkansas River Valley served as a route to the Far West. This fertile valley created a nice path from Little Rock to Ft. Smith, an important supply base for gold-seekers during the California gold rush of 1849. Today, you’re traveling that very path as you follow I-40, so:
 

Saddle up, partner! It’s time to head WEST!