OKLAHOMA:
THE SOONER STATE
BY CLAY LARROY
Make
the most of your travel experiences. Taking a cruise is a great
way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities
and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to
explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. Travel is a great
opportunity to learn more things. Time spent abroad helps you understand and
appreciate diverse cultures. In addition, it encourages an acceptance and
tolerance of ways of life that differ from your own. When
you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Overview of Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a
state synonymous with cowboys and Native American culture. While it may lack
the rugged canyons and pastel skies of New Mexico or Arizona, Oklahoma's
identity is distinct and very much a legacy of the Old West. Today, Oklahoma
has the second largest Native American population in the United States and also
has a strong
African-American heritage. Both of these populations provide visitors with rich cultural history and experiences. Encounters such as powwows, craft festivals, and traditional storytelling all signify the great cultural history of Oklahoma.
Events also pay homage to the cowboys of history, with more than 100 rodeos taking place in Oklahoma each year in which modern cowboys compete in calf-roping, steer-wrestling, and bull-riding events. The flat, fertile land of the central region is only one part of Oklahoma's diverse terrain. In the east, the prairies give way to rugged mountains and dense forests. This region, today a favorite of rappelling enthusiasts, hikers, and equestrians, was once a favorite of outlaws as well.
Robbers Cave
State Park served as a hideout for such notorious fugitives as Jesse James and
Belle Starr. The Broken Bow area is also popular with lovers of the outdoors,
while fly-fishing and boating opportunities also make it a top holiday spot.
In the north, the grasslands shift again into one of Oklahoma's most intriguing natural wonders: the Great Salt Plains, a literal 8,690-acre sea of salt. In the west lie the Beaver Dunes, where adventurous visitors can rev up dune buggies or ARVs and race down sandy slopes.
Oklahoma as a whole is conservative and inspires nostalgia for a simpler life, precluding pretense or sophistication. The solemn nature, vision, and sensitivity of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum Visitors is testament to this, established in honor of those who died in the 1995 bombing. Those in search of travel kitsch will find landmarks in roadside architecture, including the Blue Whale and Totem Pole Park. There are also well-preserved architectural gems, remnants of the Oklahoma oil boom of the 1920s and 1930s.
Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has an incredibly rich history, with visitors likely encountering it throughout all the sites in the state. Today, the state capital stretches across more than 600 miles (965 square km) and is one of the country's major perpetrators of urban sprawl. But in recent years, the city has been working to reinvent itself and focusing on downtown revitalization with great success.
Most attractions of interest to tourists are located in the inner-city districts, beginning with Bricktown. Once a clump of old warehouses, Bricktown is now a vibrant collection of trendy condos, shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs situated along a picturesque canal. Visitors can satisfy their every craving for hardy American fare like steak and barbecue ribs. Built in the 1920s, the Paseo Arts District boasts a few upmarket cafes, cocktail lounges, and the main draws of galleries and studios. Other attractions include Stockyard City, the largest cattle market in the world. Here, visitors can buy authentic Western attire, watch live auctions, and sample delicious food.
Oklahoma City also has plenty of fun attractions for children and families too. Its parks system is one of the most extensive in the country, and its three nearby lakes are lovely spots for camping, fishing, and water sports. The city's equestrian events and museums make for enjoyable family outings. There are many memorable activities, including watching the weekend regattas at Lake Hefner in the summer and ice-skating in the winter beneath Christmas lights at Bricktown's outdoor rink.
Sightseeing in Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City divides into a number of different districts, each with its own attractions. The Adventure District is home to many popular tourist sites, including the City Zoo, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Science Museum Oklahoma, National Softball Hall of Fame and Stadium, and Remington Park Racing & Casino. The Bricktown Warehouse District has been converted into a restaurant and nightclub hotspot, perfect for exploring Oklahoma City's thriving nightlife.
The Arts District offers a number of cultural attractions, including the Museum of Art, Civic Center Music Hall, and Myriad Botanical Gardens. The Paseo Arts District and NW 39th Street Enclave offer many interesting art galleries, sidewalk cafes, and craft shops. The area also hosts 'First Friday' open houses with live music, and a family-friendly arts festival each Memorial Day weekend.
REFERENCE
SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
I tell people, 'Have you ever been to Oklahoma? There are a lot of nice people there that do wonderful things.'
Nadia Comaneci
Experience life by traveling with friends and family!
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