Traveling Around the State

Your oldest daughter is a budding conservationist, your son lives for water sports, and your baby, well, she’s happy so long as she doesn’t have to be in the car for more than two hours at a time. Once you’ve decided to explore more of Oklahoma’s great outdoors, finding the right spot can seem like a tall order. Here’s a list of diverse destinations all over the state.

Ahhh, camping. As the blanket of night approaches, a symphony of crickets chirp all around. Fireflies dance on a gentle summer breeze. Above, millions of shimmering stars illuminate the darkened sky as you and your kids roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire.

I don’t know much about planes. My knowledge of aviation history doesn’t extend beyond the fact that the Wright brothers made their first flight on December 17, 1903—a fact I remember only because December 17 happens to be my husband’s birthday. And the only aeronautics shows I have ever seen were performed by crop dusters making wide sweeps across the fields of our family farm. It doesn’t take an expert to see that the variety and quality of Oklahoma’s aviation offerings are special. ...

Autumn in Oklahoma is by far my favorite time of the year. It brings the electricity of football season and a welcome relief from our sizzling Sooner summers. Now's the time to get out and share the fun of Oklahoma's fall festivals with your family and enjoy the serenity of changing colors as nature prepares for winter. Here are some suggestions to celebrate the season.

The first months of the year are significant for the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King and the observance of Black History Month (February). It’s a good time to look for the stories of African Americans in the making and prospering of our state. Here’s a sample of Oklahoma’s rich history.

Head southwest of the Oklahoma City area toward green pastures and open skies. Here you can see forever and the view is clean, serene, and peaceful. This is Great Plains Country. It's calling you to explore Oklahoma's rich history and unspoiled natural treasures.

Four hundred miles in a car with children, and your final destination does not involve a single beach, rollercoaster, or cartoon character. In fact, your only goal is the end of the road.

I am sitting still. It is freezing cold, but I barely notice. My eyes, and binoculars, are glued to the sky as the largest bird I have ever seen circles overhead. When the bird lands, I have to quit watching because my husband is silently forcing me to give up the binoculars so he can get a closer view. I vow that next year I'll spend the $12.95 for my own set. I look over at the kids and point to a magnificent bald eagle that they are seeing in the wild for the first time. A caged bird doesn't do the species justice.

A summer vacation is a wonderful time to introduce your children to the great outdoors through backpacking, rock climbing, horseback riding, ATV adventuring, motocross or go-kart racing, and mountain biking.

As Oklahoma turns 100, we should celebrate all things Okie! I’ve compiled a list of activities to celebrate our proud Okie heritage. Many Centennial events are still in the early planning stages, so mark your calendars and check websites for details as plans are finalized.

When traveling and hungry, I like to try local diners instead of chain restaurants. I'm rarely disappointed with my choices. There are some really great Oklahoma landmark dining experiences to be had. If you are a native, you've at least heard of them, and shame on you if you haven't made the trip. If you're a transplant to the state, I highly recommend you get on the road and head to these unique Okie eateries.