Things to do in Oklahoma
Route 66 is alive in Oklahoma. We have traveled up and down Route 66 and its side roads as we explore the Northeastern part of Oklahoma. This area is like stepping into a time capsule of the American West.
The Rock Cafe Stroud, OK
The Rock Café epitomizes the enduring spirit of the Route 66. In 1936 Roy Rieves built the café from the sandstone that remained after the constructions of U.S. Route 66. That is why the café is called the Rock Café. Over the years, the Rock Café has endured many hardship such as the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, an F3 tornado and a fire. Through all that the Rock Café remained and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. To further confirm the impact of the Rock Café and Route 66, Disney Pixar’s film Cars based the character Sally Carrera on the current owner Dawn Welch.The Rock Café
The Rock Café is a must do for anyone traveling on Route 66. The menu takes standard dinner fare and puts a unique spin on it. The atmosphere is rustic and the staff warm and friendly. We even got asked to sign the visitors book while we waited for our meal. http://rockcafert66.com/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Caf%C3%A9
Wine in Oklahoma
The first documented winery in the Oklahoma Territory was opened in 1898 by Charles Fairchild. By 1907 the state enacted a prohibition on alcohol. After the repeal of the national prohibition in 1933 the state of Oklahoma continued to imposed prohibition through 1959. It wasn’t until the mid-1990’s along the Route 66 corridor did Oklahoma see an increase in the vineyards and wine production. I am happy to say that we have visited two such vineyards and feel we have tasted the future of wine in Oklahoma.
The Stable Ridge Vineyards
Stable Ridge Vineyards is located on Route 66 in Stroud, OK. The tasting room is housed in an 1898 Catholic Church that was dedicated to those who died in the Civil War. As you taste the wine made from locally grown grapes you are treated to the simple architecture that made up the buildings of the time. Stable Ridge Vineyards makes 11 wines including: Bedlam Chardonnay, Riesling, Peachy P, White Zinfandel, Beau Blanc, Montage, Centennial Red, Ridge Port Select, Cabernet Sauvignon, Wild Thang, and Jeremiah’s Red. http://www.stableridgevineyards.com/
The Tidewater Winery
Tidewater Winery is located in Drumright, OK. The tasting room is the 8,000-square foot Federal Style Tidal School built by John D. Rockefeller company and later owned by J. Paul Getty. The school was to provide a first-rate education to the children of the oilfield worker. Tidewater winery makes ten different wines including: Moscato, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Way White, Cimarron Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Rush, White Zinfandel, and Sweet Jimmy Jane. All the labels on the bottles are of the mural depicting the history of Drumright. http://www.tidewaterwinery.com/
The owners of both these wineries have not only contributed to the regrowth of wine making in Oklahoma, they have also preserved the history and architecture of the area. If you are traveling Route 66 and love wine be sure to support these trail blazing wine makers.
Drumright Historical Society Museum
The Drumright Historical Society Museum was founded by Emma E. Akin in 1965 and is housed in the 1915 Santa Fe Railway Depot, which is on the National Register of Historic places. Mrs. Akin was passionate about education and the museum certainly carries on her vision of preserving the history of life in Oklahoma during the oil boom to current times.
The first thing you see when entering the museum is an eight-foot mural that tells the history of Drumright and Oklahoma from the arrival of the Spanish and French, the trappers and traders, the Trail of Tears and the discovery of oil.
On March 17, 1912 oil was discovered in Drumright. By 1917 Drumright and the neighboring towns of Shamrock and Oilton became the largest oilfields at that time. With the oil boom came an influx of people ready to capitalize on the wealth that came with finding oil. The setting as well as the artifacts paint a picture of a time when fortunes were made and lost on the backs of hard working men and women. There is still oil being drilled but the boom is over and all that remains is the small-town America and its rich history.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
“The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum preserves and interprets the evolving history and cultures of the American West for the education and enrichment of its diverse audiences of adults and children.”
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is located on the top of Persimmon Hill overlooking Oklahoma City. The museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens that only enhance the setting. The portico at the entrance looks like a line of tents that would have been seen back when the west was wild. Once you enter the museum your eye is drawn to the magnificent 18-foot sculpture “The End of the Trail” by James Earle Fraser. This sculpture sets the stage for the amazing collection of fine art, and culture of the American west. The galleries take you from life on the frontier to modern day rodeos. Each gallery expertly presents a glimpse into what life was like for the Native American, frontier military, and cowboy of the west.
I found this museum to be truly amazing. The roll of the horse for me was the most interesting part of the museum. Even though we have modernized the making of saddles and horse tack, the basic form and function has remained the same. Now when I get into my saddle I will feel even more connected to my American heritage. For more information click this link https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/about-the-museum/
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
On April 19, 1995 at 9:01 AM a bomb exploded on the street in front of the Oklahoma City’s Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. This act of terrorism shocked not only Oklahoma City but the entire nation. On that day 168 people lost their lives and countless others were affected by such a horrific event. Many lessons were learned as a result of the bombing and a community came together to rise above the hatred that inspired this act of violence.
Today, on the site of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building is the sacred Oklahoma City National Memorial. Every aspect of the memorial is designed to honor all the people effected by the bombing and to inspire hope for the future. The Mission Statement sets the stage for what you will find when entering the Memorial. Every aspect of the Memorial is designed to remind us of the great loss and the coming together of a community.
“The Mission Statement
We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity.” https://oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/about/mission-statement/
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Gilcrease Museum
The Gilcrease Museum houses a vast collection of fine art, anthropology and archival items that bring the American West to life. When you visit, you will view the history of the American West through the art of Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, Charles Schreyvogel and Frank Tenney Johnson. You’ll find landscape paintings of Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt, and works by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, James McNeill Whistler and William Merritt Chase.
What I found most interesting was the Plains Indian Art. The Plains Indians lived a hard life and yet they saw the beauty in what was around them and incorporated it into everyday life. I was also inspired by their ability to change and adapt to survive. Through their art, you are able to get a glimpse in the Native American values and culture. For more information about the Gilcrease Museum visit https://gilcrease.org/
The Page Memorial Library Sand Springs, OK
Charles Page lost his father at the age of 11, and was forced to go to work to help support his mother and siblings. This experience inspired Charles to create a planned community where widows and orphans could live and become more productive members of society. To achieve his vision Charles purchased land and encouraged businesses to come the Sand Springs to provide jobs and income that sustained the orphanage and homes.
The Page Memorial Library was donated to the city of Sand Springs in 1930 by Lucile Page in memory of her husband Charles Page. Today the building is a museum depicting the history of Sand Springs and the progressive thinking of Charles Page. The building is in the art deco style which is evident on the exterior facade and in the interior with its cork flooring and chandeliers. We were fortunate to have a guided tour of the building while hearing the history of Sand Springs from a gentleman that has called it home for most of his live. http://www.sandspringsok.org/index.aspx?NID=480
I hope you get a chance to travel Route 66 and experience this iconic highway.
Hi Margaret & Margaret !
I’m jealous ……you are on Route 66 ! And enjoying the history of that iconic road.
Maybe I’ll get a chance to drive the 66 to the West Coast in my Vette.
Looks like you are having a great ride….travel safe,
Glenn