Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City is a steadily developing cosmopolitan area with many attractions and sources of entertainment for the prospective visitor. Areas such as Bricktown have become extremely fashionable, with many sources of amusement for those who prefer the metropolitan lifestyle. However, Oklahoma City also stays close to its roots. The state of Oklahoma is often referred to as ‘Native America’ because of its considerable Native American population. The city remains true to its cultural heritage and thus the inspiring historian, or avid Western fan, will enjoy learning more about the area’s fascinating past.

Attractions

Visitors desiring to learn about Oklahoma City’s past should stop by the [http://www.ok-history.mus.ok.us/ State Museum of History]. Here history never sits still; exhibitions are frequently changed in order to keep up with the changing nature of this exciting city. Wannabe cowboys or those particularly interested in the city’s Native American identity should visit the [http://www.nationalcowboymuseum.org/ National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum]. This vast collection features many impressive sculptures and paintings and the building itself is set in beautiful grounds which boast both natural and botanical gardens. For those who desire an activity more fast paced, [http://www.sixflags.com/parks/frontiercity/index.asp/ Frontier City Theme Park] provides visitors with the chance to step back in time and stroll around an 1880s western town as well as watch a thrilling live show and experience some of the fantastic roller coasters. Each June Oklahoma City is invaded by the [http://www.redearth.org/ Red Earth Festival], the largest event in the world dedicated to Native American arts. Cowboy enthusiasts should visit the [http://www.lazye.com/ Lazy E Arena]; the perfect location to watch authentic rodeo.

Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to [http://www.okczoo.com/ Oklahoma City Zoo]. This facility allows visitors to get closer to creatures such as lions and chimpanzees than they previously imagined possible; unique exhibitions such as the Cat Forest and the Great EscAPE make such dreams reality. The [http://www.okc.gov/query.html?parks/martin_park/index.html/ Martin Park Nature Center] is home to an extensive collection of striking birds as well as several beautiful hiking trails. Those looking to escape the city should venture to [http://wwwmyriadgardens.com/ Myriad Botanical Gardens]. This blissful sanctuary is home to rare and beautiful plants from all over the world, as well as an awe inspiring waterfall. Art enthusiasts should not miss [http://okcmoa.com/ Oklahoma City Museum of Art]. Here visitors can appreciate works from around the globe as well as an important permanent exhibition dedicated to the works of Dale Chihuly, whose beautiful glass works will impress all who see them. The [http://www.cityartscenter.org/ City Arts Center] showcases up and coming local artists and designers.Perhaps the most iconic feature of the city, the [http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/ Oklahoma City National Memorial and Memorial Museum] remembers those who died during the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995. The Memorial is a stunning, respectful tribute to those who perished and the Museum allows visitors to learn more about this fateful day. A humbling experience, a visit to this site is a chance to learn more about Oklahoma City’s history.

Shopping

The [http://www.okcfarmersmarket.com/ Public Farmers Market] specialises in delicious fresh, local produce such as fruit, roasted peanuts and ice cream. This site also boasts a fantastic collection of antiques shops where many treasures can be unearthed. The [http://www.thepaseo.com/ Paseo District] has been Oklahoma City’s bohemian arts area since its establishment in 1929. Resembling a Spanish village, this region allows visitors to browse galleries and studios; art lovers can watch paintings being created, as well as purchase the final result.Perhaps the most fashionable district of the city, [http://www.bricktownokc.org/ Bricktown] boasts many fashionable stores and trendy boutiques, as well as the entertainment complex the Ford Center and a vast assortment of restaurants. Particular favourites include Painted Door, the perfect place to purchase quaint, unique gifts. For fabulous souvenirs try the Visitor Center.For a more intensive shopping trip, [http://www.pennsquaremall.com/ Penn Square Mall] is ideal, with a mixed array of shops to suit every taste. Also worth visiting is Crossroad’s Mall, the largest shopping centre in the state.

Nightlife

America is renowned for the array of delicious food on offer and Oklahoma City is no exception. There are hundreds of different items to try; favourite dishes include juicy steaks, grilled hamburgers and spicy chicken wings. Home to many unique and beautiful restaurants, many of the city’s favourites can be found in Bricktown. [http://www.abuelos.com/ Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy] serves innovative dishes in a welcoming, homely environment.

[http://www.funfresh.com/crabtown.html/ Crabtown] boasts the best seafood in the city. A unique dining experience, patrons are encouraged to choose the Cajun Crab and Shrimp Boil where the food items are placed on paper on the table and eaten without the aid of utensils. Unpretentious and fun for all the family, Crabtown is unlike any other restaurant in the city. Those in the mood for a BBQ should head towards [http://www.bricktownbrewery.com/ Bricktown Brewery], which also boasts an extensive selection of homemade beer. Visitors with a large appetite should visit Fire Mountain, a buffet with nearly two hundred items to choose from.[http://www.lit-okc.com/ LiT] is a fantastic venue which is home to StarLiT Lounge, an open air bar with a fantastic view. A different event each night, LiT is enormously popular and boasts its own limousine, for those looking to travel in style. Visitors searching to dance the night away need go no further than [http://www.skkybar.com/ Skky Bar]. A modern and sophisticated scene greets those who enter and patrons are pampered with an extensive selection of cocktails.

Tourist Information

Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau189 W. SheridanOklahoma City, OK 73102

Tel: 405-297-8912Email: okccvb@okccvb.orgWebsite: [http://www.okccvb.org/index.html www.okccvb.org]

Airport

[http://www.flyokc.com Will Rogers World Airport] is the principal airport in the state of Oklahoma and is much busier than its counterpart, Wiley Post Airport. Extensive remodelling has transformed Will Rogers over the last few years; today, this modern, state of the art site handles flights from multiple destinations.