Made up of 12 established districts each with their own unique vibe, Oklahoma City is perhaps not what you’d expect.
A place once denied the opportunity to be the headquarters of a major corporation because members of the company simply could not imagine living there has seen city-wide renovations as a result. As the city comes into its own, it is bursting with a fervor that cannot be tamed.
Stay
Make The Skirvin Hilton your home base during your next trip to Oklahoma City. This fully restored historic hotel opened in 1911 as “the newest, finest hotel in the Southwest” and has seen visitors that include Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Bop Hope and more. Experience its charm and grandeur firsthand when you book a stay at The Skirvin Hilton. Located minutes from the State Capitol and in the heart of downtown, you’ll never be far from local attractions. To make a reservation, visit skirvinhilton.com.
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Do
At 9:01 a.m. on April 19, 1995, 168 people would lose their lives and 700 others would be injured as a result of the Oklahoma City Bombing. Today, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum pays tribute to those who were affected by the blast and tells the story of what happened there more than two decades ago. The memorial and museum sits on the site of the former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building which was destroyed as a result of the bombing. A visit to the museum is both informative and moving -- it is open seven days a week. For hours and ticketing information, visit oklahomanationalmemorial.org.
Ride the streetcar! The trolleys in Oklahoma City know no bounds -- for just $1 per ride or $3 per day, you can get to just about anywhere in the city. There are two lines and the streetcar stops include Bricktown, Ballpark, Myriad Gardens, Automobile Alley and the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum. For a route map or more information, visit okcstreetcar.com.
For more than 30 years, the Red Earth Festival has been taking place in Oklahoma City. The festival celebrates the native cultures that make Oklahoma unique. Eric Oesch, Co-Director, explains, “There are 39 Oklahoma tribes that are all very diverse and that work to keep their cultures alive.” During the festival, expect to see dancers from all over singing in their native language while dressed in regalia they often make themselves. To learn more, visit redearth.org.
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See one of the largest collections of Chihuly glass in the world when you visit the Oklahoma City Museum of Art which houses more than 30 years of Dale Chihuly’s finest work. Get up close and personal with some of the objects from his collection when you view them from all sides. To learn more or for ticketing information, visit okcmoa.com.
Eat
Kitchen 324 is the perfect place for breakfast and where you’ll find the Joenut, a lovely homemade donut named after its baker. This cafe, bakery and coffee curator offers handcrafted menu items made from ingredients they source locally, sustainably and organically when possible. To see the full menu, visit kitchen324.com.
Nonesuch, named America’s Best New Restaurant by Bon Appetit, is making big waves for their ambitious approach to cuisine. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, this is it. Visit nonesuchokc.com for more information.
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At Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill, expect live music and cold drinks! Beer starts at just $2.50 and margaritas start at $7. But you’ll have to beat the crowds if you hope to sit at Toby’s table upstairs so get there early! For more information, visit tobykeithsbar.com.
Cheever’s Cafe sits in the Cheever’s Building, formerly owned by one of the oldest families in Oklahoma City. What was once a flower shop is now a bustling cafe serving brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert! To see the full menu, visit cheeverscafe.com.
Cattleman’s Steakhouse is home to some of the best steaks you’ll sink your teeth into! Opened in 1910, they are the oldest continuously operated steakhouse in Oklahoma. Reservations are not accepted. For more information, visit cattlemansrestaurant.com.
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Shop
For the cutest gift shop in the city, try the Painted Door located right on the trolley system. The owner, a former stay-at-home mom, always had a passion for retail. When her youngest child entered highschool, she finally pursued her dream and opened her own shop! Visit painteddoor.com to learn more.
Ready to plan your trip to Oklahoma City and experience all that it has to offer for yourself? Go to visitokc.com for more information.
