With a fantastic food scene, wide-open spaces and a bustling entertainment district, Oklahoma City is well worth an extra 24 hours. Mingle with the locals and find out why it's called the "Big Friendly."
Urban Oasis
A 70-acre recreational space between downtown Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma River, Scissortail Park (pictured above) is where visitors enjoy nature without leaving the city. The park’s pleasures include bike paths, a roller rink, a dog park, a café, boat rentals and a seasonal farmers market. The lower portion, which features a soccer field, and basketball and pickleball courts, opened up in September. You also can relax on the lawn, catch a concert or take out a pedal boat.
OKC BBQ
Oklahoma City’s Bedlam Bar-B-Q serves up some of the best in the country. Cooks use family recipes to prepare the meats, curing and applying dry-rubs for the best flavor. Menu items include smoked ribs, sliced brisket and pulled pork, accompanied by traditional sides.
How the West Was Wild
The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum houses both classic and contemporary Western art, plus interactive galleries focused on the American cowboy, rodeos, Native American culture, Victorian firearms, frontier military and Western performers. An exhibit on the art of the Northwest coast is on display through April.
Cowboy Couture
Get outfitted at the shops in Stockyards City. At Langston’s Western Wear, pick from boots, hats and belt buckles. Custom hats are found at Shorty’s Caboy Hattery.
Saddle Up
Grab a nightcap in the Bricktown entertainment district at Cowboy Ranch, the largest country dance and music hall in the state. Enjoy a drink, munch on some bar snacks and join in the line dancing. Several pool tables also are available and, of course, a mechanical bull.