Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for oklahoma
Burger Day on Route 66
By Linda Tancs
The fried onion burger was invented in the Route 66 town of El Reno, half an hour west of Oklahoma City. And they celebrate that fact in a big way each May at Burger Day in Historic Downtown. That’s when scores of volunteers cook the “World’s Largest Fried Onion Burger.” Measuring over 8 feet in diameter and weighing more than 850 pounds, this record-setting burger is cooked fresh on a massive griddle and served to attendees. Come hungry, and enjoy the festivities including classic cars, live entertainment and local vendors. This year’s event takes place on May 2.
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Little Sahara of the Midwest
By Linda Tancs
Aptly named, Oklahoma’s Little Sahara State Park bears a striking resemblance to Africa’s Sahara desert. It boasts over 1,600 acres of sand dunes, ranging in height from 25 to 75 feet, formed over time from terrace deposits dating back to prehistoric times when the Cimarron River covered the entire area. There’s an observation deck on one of the highest dunes that offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the landscape. As you might imagine, the main attraction is dune buggy and ATV riding across the dunes. Visitors can either bring their own ATV or rent one off-site by a private vendor. This time of year the winds generally die down and, if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy a winter wonderland.
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The Wildlife of Wichita Mountains
By Linda Tancs
Best known for its roaming herds of bison, longhorn and Rocky Mountain elk, Oklahoma’s Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is the oldest managed wildlife facility in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service system. There are abundant opportunities for wildlife photography as well as fishing, bird watching, hiking, camping and kayaking. Take time to explore over 50,000 acres of mixed grass prairie, ancient granite mountains and fresh water lakes and streams. Located near Cache and Lawton, the refuge is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
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Sewing Through the Centuries
By Linda Tancs
Locals call it “M.” For the rest of us, it’s better known as the Vintage Sewing Center and Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The site boasts over 600 antique and vintage sewing machines as well as memorabilia and artifacts. You can even sit down at a machine and start sewing, or take lessons if you like. Both guided and self-guided tours are available.
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The Wright Skyscraper
By Linda Tancs
Preeminent designer Frank Lloyd Wright was best known for his domestic architecture. So it may come as a surprise to learn that he also designed a skyscraper. Located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Price Tower (a 19-story historic landmark) is Wright’s only skyscraper and one of two vertically-oriented buildings he designed. The other building, the SC Johnson Wax Headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin, is the only building designed by Wright that is still being actively used as corporate headquarters. Price Tower Arts Center offers tours of the structure, including a visit to the restored 19th-floor executive office of H.C. Price and the H.C. Price Company Corporate Apartment.
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Playing Games in Oklahoma
By Linda Tancs
It’s hard to imagine that a town with a population less than 500 could boast the world’s biggest anything, but that’s the case in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Thanks to WinStar World Casino and Resort, the quaint little town hosts the world’s biggest gaming floor. You’ll find the world’s largest collection of electronic games with over 8,500 of the best electronic games available, nearly 100 table games, a 55-table poker room and even a bingo hall. It’s about three times as large as the biggest casino in Las Vegas.
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Experiencing Bob Dylan
By Linda Tancs
Hailed as one of America’s most influential artists, the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is dedicated to the study and appreciation of renowned singer/songwriter Boy Dylan and his cultural significance. The archival collection boasts over 100,000 items spanning his career, including handwritten lyrics and documents, video, film, memorabilia, personal effects, artwork, photos and unreleased recordings. Many of these items anchor the public exhibits; other parts of the collection are viewable by professional researchers by appointment. Located in Tulsa’s Arts District, the facility’s aim is to educate as well as inspire creativity by experiencing Dylan’s works in an immersive, multimedia environment.
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Land of the Outlaws
By Linda Tancs
Oklahoma’s Robbers Cave State Park owes its name to a cave that served as a storied hideout for outlaws like Jesse James and Belle Starr. You’ll find the cave at the end of the road just past Group Camp 2. Today the 8,246-acre park is a favorite of rappellers, equestrians, hikers and outdoor lovers. The best way to enjoy the scenic, hilly woodlands there is to stay at a campsite or rent a cabin. The park runs north and south along Highway 2 near Wilburton, where you can stock up on supplies for your stay.
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The South’s Oldest Forest
By Linda Tancs
Rich in history, Ouachita National Forest is the South’s oldest national forest. Encompassing a staggering 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma, the land was originally known as the Arkansas National Forest when it was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1907. It’s framed by the Ouachita Mountains, once explored by the Spanish and French. In fact, “Ouachita” is the French spelling of the Indian word “Washita,” which means “good hunting grounds.” As you might imagine, the rugged mountain landscape (the only mountain range running east to west, rather than the north to south direction of the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains) makes trails a focal point. The premier trail is the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, spanning 192 miles across the forest’s entire length, with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,600 feet. Spur trails connect to various recreation areas and points of interest.
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All About Bones
By Linda Tancs
Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Orlando, Florida, the Museum of Osteology is a unique museum focusing on the form and function of the skeletal system. The exhibits feature hundreds of real animal skeletons (no dinosaurs!) designed to foster an appreciation for the diversity of the animal kingdom existing today. America’s only skeleton museum, it’s family-owned and open year round.
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