Admit it, you sang the above iconic line in your
head as you read. And now the song, even if you don’t remember the words to the
entire thing, is stuck in your head. (Sorry, not sorry!)
This song from the musical, Oklahoma!, the fact that this region was once a place where Native
Americans were forcibly relocated, and Oklahoma Sooner’s Football, are usually
the only things most out-of-staters know about this land locked state in the
center of the United States. But there really is SO much more to enjoy here.
Interstates 40 and 35 cross in the state capitol,
Oklahoma City, and create a cross-road of sorts that means many people pass
through on their way from one coast to the other, or from Texas to the Canadian
border. If you find this is the case for you, I’d encourage you to stop and take
time to check out a few Oklahoma must-sees like:
Oklahoma City
National Memorial & Museum- Commemorating the
bombing of the Federal Building in 1995, this memorial is an awe-inspiring
tribute to “those who lost their lives, those who survived, and those whose
lives will be forever changed” by the events of that fateful day.
Chickasaw
Cultural Center- To visit Oklahoma and not experience
Native American Culture is to visit the coast and not experience the beach
life, it simply shouldn’t be done. And while the American Indian Cultural
Center & Museum in Oklahoma City is under construction until 2021, there
are other great places to experience Native American Culture. One of those, the
Chickasaw Cultural Center, is near Sulphur, Oklahoma. If you have time, I’d
definitely encourage you to check out their calendar of events and plan to
attend something happening during your visit.
Riversports OKC-
Oklahoma gets HOT in the summer, so if you find yourself there for an extra day
between flights, or passing through in your car, make time to enjoy some river
sport fun in the heart of OKC, like river rafting, kayaking, or waterslide fun!
Martin
Nature Park- In OKC for a convention or work, and
have a free evening? Why not escape the urban hustle at a nearby nature park.
You can enjoy an easy hike, the nature center, and learn about local flora and
fauna.
Turner Falls-
Drive south on I-35 from OKC about an hour and a half for a beautiful outdoor
experience at Turner Falls with hiking trails, a 77 ft. tall waterfall, caves
to explore, campgrounds, cabins, great food, and so much more in the heart of
the Arbuckle Mountains.
Vast-
Food is always a top priority when visiting another city, and OKC doesn’t disappoint.
For those wanting a nice dinner with excellent food while visiting downtown
OKC, visit Vast at the top of Devon Tower.
Pops 66-
For a unique, family-friendly, experience, head northeast of OKC to the Rt. 66
Arcadia area, where Pops has an All-American cuisine and 700 kinds of soda.
Don’t forget to snap a few pics in front of the giant soda sculpture out front.
Eichen’s
Bar-
Located just northeast of OKC in Okarche, Eichen’s is the oldest bar in Oklahoma
and was first opened before statehood or prohibition. It’s known for its simple
menu and famous fried chicken. It’s definitely a must see when you visit
Oklahoma. They don’t take credit card, but there is an ATM on the premises.
I could keep going, but that post would be too long
for a simple blog post. As you can see from what I have posted, Oklahoma is a
fascinating place and I hope you’ll stop a minute the next time you pass
through. You won’t be sorry.
Sabrina A. Fish is the
Award-Winning Author of the Fantasy Romance series, The Gate Keeper
Born
and raised, mostly, in Oklahoma(ask her sometime about the three years she
spent lost in a rabbit hole that looked a lot like Texas), she currently lives
in Oklahoma City with her husband, son, and two cats, where she owns a trophy
company and collects names for her novels from lists of award’s recipients. She
loves all things chocolate and her husband is sweet enough to never let the
candy dish near her computer become empty. When she isn't writing &
promoting her novels or running her company, she can be found reading,
scrapbooking, or spending quality time with her family.
To
find out more about Sabrina and her books, visit her website www.SabrinaAFish.com
Links:
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7935013.Sabrina_A_Fish
Sabrina’s fantasy romance novel, Diomere’s
Exile, is the
2017 National Readers’ Choice Award
WINNER
For the Paranormal category
Blurb:
Five
Gates. Five Sisters. Five Very Different Men.
Once
there were two worlds connected by five magical gates. Then the Gate Keepers
closed the gates and disappeared. The Gate Keepers have returned.
Nadia
de Quinones was exiled when her nephew, the crown-prince was abducted on her
watch. She’ll let nothing stand in the way of her redemption, not even
discovering her heartbonded and a connection to an ancient magical gate.
Lord
Gregor Cyrene is sworn to protect his country's royal heirs. After the youngest
prince’s life is threatened, Gregor sets out to discover who is responsible and
suspects the answer lies with Nadia. When fate forces their competing goals to
align, neither are prepared for the irresistible attraction between them.
Can
they see beyond their pasts and a millennia old hate between their people? Or
will they continue to distrust, allowing those plotting against them to win?
I’m
giving away a FREE e-book copy of my award-winning fantasy romance novel,
Diomere’s Exile, and a Diomere’s Exile Mystery Gift(US Only).
Follow
me on Amazon HERE, then come back and COMMENT below with
the name you used to follow me on Amazon and your favorite mythical creature.
(All info provided and released by author)
You're right Sabrina...I have an ear worm! Great post, I've never been to Oklahoma, but it looks intriguing. And thanks to Annette for letting authors give us a snapshot of their home state.
ReplyDeleteHehehehe! I had that song in my head the whole day after writing this post. Except I know the words, of course, so it ALL played over and over and over!
DeleteThanks for letting me represent Oklahoma on your blog, Annette!
ReplyDeleteSabrina, I haven't made it to Oklahoma yet, and I appreciate your virtual tour
ReplyDeleteI think it's a pretty great state! Thanks!!
DeleteI've never been to Oklahoma either, but this post is sure enticing especially the view outside the restaurant window at the top of Devon Tower. It looks like such a wonderful place to enjoy a good dinner. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI followed you as Myloe Yeager and my favorite mythical animal is the unicorn. There a few of those places I need to visit even though I live here!
ReplyDeleteI had been to Oklahoma once when I was 14, I think it was. I traveled with my family so my mother could see the sister she hadn't seen in decades. I remember it was hot. I remember their home in the middle of nowhere. I remember driving around looking at places and old homes where my mom's family had lived. I was too young then to know that Oklahoma is rich in Native American history. If I ever visit there again, I would definitely be looking into some of those sites right along with all the other site-seeing I had missed.
ReplyDelete