Five fab finds.
By Hope S. Philbrick
Whether you find yourself in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for a business meeting or a vacation, here are five spots to include in your itinerary.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
There are more than 8,000 different types of barbed wire. This is just one of the fascinations revealed at this museum—and one that, months after our visit, still reels our minds. On display here you’ll find 1,300 examples of barbed wire—because there’s not space to display all 8,000—works of art and sculpture, a replica frontier town, an American rodeo gallery that depicts a 1950s-era arena, a Rodeo Hall of Fame, a Native American gallery highlighting the more than 500 distinct tribes who originally populated the continent, clothing displays, special exhibits, a store, restaurant and more. Come here to learn the true story of the American West.
Oklahoma City Museum of Art
Dale Chihuly is a prolific artist. This museum proves it, with its towering Chihuly sculpture in the entryway and a series of rooms filled with his work inside the galleries. Founded in 1945 and in its current location since 2002, OKCMOA houses a permanent collection of over 3,000 works of art that spans five centuries. The permanent collection boasts a growing collection of contemporary art plus a comprehensive collection of glass sculpture by Chihuly. Traveling exhibitions from around the country and world are also presented. Special programming includes films, lectures, hands-on activities, and study programs for all ages.
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Tragic events can bring a community, nation and world together, one message conveyed by this tasteful remembrance of those who were killed, survived and changed forever by the violent events on April 19, 1995.
The outdoor symbolic memorial is always open and free of charge. Memorial museum hours and entry fees are posted on the website.
Stockyards City
Whether you’re looking for authentic boots, 100-percent cotton denim jeans, a genuine saddle or even an Angus cow to wrangle, this district is a must. Stockyards City is home to shops that specialize in all things Western, the city’s oldest restaurant (the 100+ year old Cattlemen’s Steakhouse) , the Rodeo Opry with live music every Saturday night, and live cattle auctions every Monday and Tuesday at the Oklahoma National Stock Yards, which first opened in 1910 and remain the world’s largest stocker-feeder cattle market.
Water Taxi
Taking a water taxi cruise along the Bricktown Canal is Oklahoma’s new riding in a surrey with fringe on top. To experience authentic contemporary OK, head to the Bricktown Entertainment District for a 40-minute float that meanders from the eastern edge of downtown to the northern edge of the Oklahoma River. Tour guides share history and also point out restaurants, artwork and local treasures.
More Information…
Visit Oklahoma City
The state capital is the Sooner state’s largest city, home to more than 1.2 million people. Located equal distance from New York City and Los Angeles, and within 500 miles of 71 million people, Oklahoma City is where I-35, I-40 and I-44 converge.
- Stay at The Skirvin Hilton or Ambassador Hotel
- Read about the Boathouse District
- Read about Oklahoma River Cruises
- Read about OKC’s racetrack casino
- Read about Udånder Spa
– Photos © HSP Media LLC
Featured products, services and/or travel arrangements may have been complimentary in part or in full; this affords the research opportunity but does not sway opinion.
Hope S. Philbrick is founder and editor-in-chief of Getaways for Grownups. She became a freelance writer and editor because she believes that work and fun should not be mutually exclusive. Her work has appeared in dozens of publications nationwide. When not writing, she can usually be found on the road or savoring something tasty.
