Oklahoma may have been late to the game by joining the union as the 46th state, but it quickly growing catching up in the world of tourism. This is a worthy territory ready for discovery in the southern central region of the United States and is more than a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.
Getting there is half the battle and not an impossible drive from Chicago, being a 10-hour drive or a quick flight. There are 50 state parks and lots of opportunities to gamble along the way to Oklahoma City, the state's capital and largest city.
One place that is a sure bet to stay upon arrival is the Aloft Hotel on Walnut Avenue. Hip and fun, there's a rooftop deck, relaxing pool and lots to snack on. Directly in front there is low cost self park or the valet will take care of your vehicle for you. This hotel reeks of individuality and is mere steps from the fun part of town.
The Bricktown area is a historic entertainment and business district in downtown Oklahoma City. It is home to a baseball stadium, bars and shops. The Bricktown water taxi doesn't really provide a means of transportation but is more of chance to see the sights along the canal including restaurant, statues, and million dollar homes. Nearby Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar & Grill" was a hot spot for straight dudes to watch sports and have bromances together. The margarita was excellent, with a happy hour of $5.
Oklahoma City contains unique neighborhoods, including a gay one on 39th Street where one can park and roam finding wildlife, from bears to leather daddies. Craving cowboys? Explore the Habana Inn & Copa, where male dancers shake a tail feather on top of lighted boxes. This is the largest gay resort in the Southwest with 170 guest rooms. Called "the walk of shame" by locals, horny fellas leave their curtains open to advertise possible hook-ups along the sidewalks of this hotel complex. There's even a convenient gift shop inside for queer novelties or in case your record player needs cleaning.
The HiLo Club was a little slow for my taste, but Tramps stepped it up, thanks to friendly local flavor.
The Boom Dinner Theatre and Show Bar has a workable stage, a drag brunch, and now presents Forever Plaid that was a big success in our neck of the woods in the past.
The weather is usually mild but a little windy since it comes sweeping down the plain.
Kick off your day with a waffle champion breakfast. The tab can add up quickly but well worth it, so try the buttermilk fried chicken wrapped in a hand-crafted waffle sandwich.
While the sun shines, head over to Myriad Gardens. It was formed in the '80s in the middle of a public park and relaxes tourists who enjoy some quiet time with greenery and includes a waterfall.
Shopping districts include Western Avenue and Midtown with malls at Penn Square and Quail Springs.
RePUBlic Gastropub had the highest quality of food sampled for lunch. The shrimp salad with Brussels sprouts and squash really hit the spot. The house made pretzel with beer cheese fondue paired easily with their on tap beers. Since Oklahoma is the home of the onion burger, also try Tucker's Onion Burger, a regional delicacy.
The tragic Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, killed 168 peopleincluding 19 childrenand is now an important part in history. To remember this horrific day, a National Memorial & Museum has been constructed at the site where it happened. It includes a re-enactment and a reflecting pool. Visitors leave tokens of remembrance on the fence outside the venue.
For dinner, hit the Iron Star BBQ, with Mama's Deviled Eggs topped with pepper ceviche. Fill up on brown sugar-cured beef brisket or Oklahoma-raised pulled pork with two sides.
On Thursday nights, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art stays open late and shows films. At the entrance, take in the 55-foot Chihuly Tower, made of handblown pieces of glass.
A quick stop is [ArtSpace] at Untitled with the only printmaking shop in Oklahoma City and artist residencies upstairs throughout the year.
In the summertime the RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater rafting facility pumps out 500,000 gallons of water for enjoyment. Frontier City is another seasonal hot spot with a Western-style roller-coaster park that has fun rides like the suspended Steel Lasso ride.
The Museum of Osteology is fun if you are searching for a bone but is off the beaten path of the other museums.
One special stop was the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, taking me back to childhood; it has been open since 1965 and has had more than 11 million visitors. The well-crafted figures and displays around the place were realistic and enjoyable to view. New archivethanks to a $10-million updatehas really spruced up the place. The exhibits even continue outdoors and have a cute place for children to play.
Overall, Oklahoma has experienced tremendous growth with tourism and has lots to offer these days for the LGBT visitor, so as the Village People sing "Go West!"
For more information on these sights plus more check out www.visitokc.com .