There are two types of travelers: those who hit the top tourist sites and call it a day, and those who experience the local flavors in every shape and form.
Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.– Jack Kerouac
Que Será, Será
This adventure is all about the latter, whether your style is to ask a passerby for advice or to simply gravitate toward the action. The best Oklahoma road trips, you’ll find, spur from a spontaneous spirit.
There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.– Jawajarlal Nehru
Go With the Flow
Take a weaving class from a local expert at the ARTesian Gallery & Studios.
Admire the latte art in one of Midtown’s most revered coffee shops.
Stroll along Historic Campus Corner and blend in with the bustling crowd.
Listen to the next generation of musicians and songwriters at the ACM@UCO Performance Lab.
Feel your eyes grow big at the sight of your Smokin’ Joe’s Rib Ranch lunch, wondering how you’re going to finish it all but determined to give it a try.
Off the Beaten Path
Do as the locals do and see what you might discover.
Where the Locals Go Destinations
Located in historic downtown Ardmore, the Ardmore Emporium is a favorite local source for quality antiques, collectables, art, home furnishings and more. The space plays hosts to dozens of dealers with an ever-changing inventory of items, making sure there's always something interesting to be found at the Emporium.
You don’t have to travel to the big city to receive a high-end luxury experience. Take an Adventure Road trip to Spa 211 in Tishomingo, and you’ll encounter a tranquil space to relax your body, revive your mind and replenish your spirit. At Spa 211, the mindset is that you shouldn’t have to drive hundreds of miles for the services you love and deserve.
There's no way you'll be leaving hungry after a trip to Smokin' Joe's Rib Ranch, where the massive lunch and dinner platters stocked with smoked meats and fresh sides are big enough for two or even more.
Check out the growing art community in Sulphur, Oklahoma, home to the ARTesian Gallery & Studios. Opened in November 2013, the gallery showcases original Chickasaw artwork, plus studio spaces where you can watch artists as they weave, throw pots, paint and more.
OU Sooners fans know Historic Campus Corner in Norman is the place to be, whether it's for game day or a night on the town. Kick back with a cold one at Blackbird Gastropub or O'Connell's Irish Pub & Grille; chow down at some of Norman's most popular eateries like Victoria's Pasta Shop and Pepe Delgado's Authentic Mexican; or go shopping at local boutiques like Antique Garden, Blush, and Savvy Fashion. Campus corner has been around since 1917 for a reason! Come see it for yourself on Adventure Road.
The ACM@UCO Performance Lab, located in downtown Oklahoma City in the thriving Bricktown District, is host to numerous ACM@UCO events and performances as well as touring acts and community events. Artists who have taken the Performance Lab stage include Steven Drozd of The Flaming Lips, Dr. Dog, Karla Bonoff, Ty Segall, Okkervil River, and Ben Taylor, to name a few.
Kitchen No. 324 draws you in with its shiny white interior and street level views, but it keeps you with its fresh food, homemade baked goods and gourmet roasted coffee. Situated in the historic Braniff building in downtown Oklahoma City, Kitchen No. 324 has become a favorite hot-spot for many local foodies.
Located just north of downtown Oklahoma City, Midtown is home to a diverse collection of restaurants, residences, businesses and more. It’s one of the coolest places in the city to live, work and play, with new offerings popping up often.
Through major revitalization efforts, Uptown 23rd has become one of Oklahoma City's premier business, arts and entertainment districts. Visitors to 23rd St. will be greeted by the historic Tower Theater's neon sign, beckoning them into an array of locally-owned restaurants, bars and eclectic boutiques that especially buzz with activity once the sun sets.
Styled after New Orleans jazz clubs, the UCO Jazz Lab is a world-class venue, playing host to everyone from local favorites like Horseshoe Road and Rachel Brashear to big-time acts like Karla Bonoff and the Glen Miller Orchestra. The space may be small, but the sound is anything but! Come out each week for amazing live jazz music and fresh, delicious food from neighbor Hideaway Pizza.
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