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Pre-dawn Gathering

Arches National Park was about 40 minutes away, but we also planned to begin our visit at the back of the park. This would hopefully let us avoid some of the crowds until later in the day. After grabbing some coffee and snacks, we made our way through the dark to the park entrance. Having purchased our America The Beautiful park pass during our visit to the Badlands, we were able to breeze through. Driving through the park in the dark left us less than impressed. We knew there were highlights just outside of our field of view. After parking at Delicate Arch, we used our flashlights to make our way to the viewpoint. The gathering light slowly expanded across the horizon, which we took in from our perch under the arch. We, along with the others gathered under the arch, stood in awe of the hues and shades of red that became visible as the sun rose.

Arches Come Into View

Now that we could see our surroundings, we knew that we could stay here for much more than one day. Before heading back up the road, we hiked to another cluster of arches. This park is home to more than 2000 of these intriguing natural structures. The sandstone is the perfect medium for wind and rain to work on. Coupled with eons of time, nature has created pinnacles, balancing rocks, and colossal fins all across the landscape.

Balancing Act

Whenever we changed locations, we would spot some wonders that made us stop in our tracks. Fortunately, they have plentiful pull-offs and parking lots. Many are used by day hikers to get them close to the trailheads. While scaling of arches or balancing rocks is prohibited, the park does allow guests to scurry around more stable and sturdy sites. Hiking is the thing to do here and we saw many heading off along some paths to out-of-the-way wonders.

Hiking in Wonderland

While we may not attempt to tackle the longer hikes, we were eager to set our sights on some easy and moderate lengths. We noticed in the brochure we received that there are even a couple of boardwalk-style trails that are accessible. Traversing along the trails, we found that there is very little on the level, as steps and ledges dot the landscape. The climbs are steady, but the rise is usually manageable. Unlike hiking in the Rockies, here we found that the steep grades were abrupt, so we could handle them with quick bursts of energy.

All Kinds of Arches

A number of our hikes were generally aimed at reaching one or more of the arches. There was a time, during trip planning, that I wondered if the sight of multiple arches would become redundant. You may think so, but the reality was completely different. Since we had a map telling us of an upcoming feature, it was easy to begin anticipating when we would likely spot it. Each time we turned a corner or climbed over a hill, and caught first sight, it was like the first. Each arch has its distinct shape, like the elongated fashion of Landscape Arch. With a span of 290 feet, it is the longest arch in Arches National Park.

Trip Along Park Avenue

We discovered that the majority of the arches are located toward the back of the park. By the time lunch rolled around, we decided to pause before heading too far toward the park entrance. After all, there was still plenty of visual amazement to be seen firsthand. Once we were refreshed, it was time to return to exploring. We had put way too much planning into this vacation to let this chance slide by. We cruised slowly along the main road, taking the opportunity to pull off every chance we got. Eventually, we found ourselves at the parking lot for Park Avenue. We knew that daylight was burning and our time was approaching an end. This would be our last hike of the day.

Explore Arches National Park

Without hesitation, we bounded off down the staircase and into the immense valley. Sheer cliffs rose around us, reminding us of a skyscraper-lined city boulevard. The hike to Courthouse Towers is one mile long, but the way out was spent with slow progress and constant gawking. Even as the landscape had seemingly changed, there were still visible reminders that we were in Arches National Park. Set high in the towering cliffs, we would spot a hole on its way to eroding into another arch. Nature seems to be constantly working. It isn’t often these words pass my lips, but I knew “We weren’t in Kansas anymore”!

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Picture yourself cruising down the highway. A warm breeze blowing in the window as the miles of pavement roll by under your tires. Each new town and city brings another chance to explore the wonders of America. This is just the kind of experience you get when traveling along the path of the old Route 66. We have chosen to digest this 2448-mile path a little at a time, which allows more freedom for in-depth study. During our 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma, we found educational attractions, delectable dishes, and plenty of friendly locals.

First Taste of Weatherford, Oklahoma

Cruising the road can create quite a hunger. It’s easy to get distracted by all of the eye candy one finds along the Mother Road. By the time we rolled into Weatherford, we were famished from a morning of exploring. Our first stop was Lucille’s Roadhouse, which has existed since 1937. In 2006, they relocated from Hydro, Oklahoma to their current location. The creation of the interstate highway system marked a slow death for many roadside stops along the original Route 66. Fortunately, some, like Lucille’s, have found a way to survive. It certainly made us feel like we were stepping back in time to the golden age of road-tripping.

History in the Heartland

Speaking of the golden age, our visit to Heartlandthe of America Museum offered us a peek back in time to a variety of ages. While a lot of the artifacts were familiar to us, there were just as many that were completely foreign. We have to think way back to remember some, and others are just part of stories that we heard from earlier generations. These types of history collections are slowly losing their audience, so it’s important to help support them. Perhaps we will see a revival of the days when you would stop by the local drugstore for a sundae at their soda fountain.

Stafford Air & Space Museum

With only 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma, it meant that we had to make the most of our time. One of our main purposes for selecting this city, was a chance to see the Stafford Air & Space Museum. We weren’t sure what we would find, but seeing an aerospace museum in a city of 10,000 residents certainly intrigued us. From our research, we knew that they had some unique exhibits on-site. It’s not everyday that you have an opportunity to see some of the artifacts found in this space. Walking beside a Titan II missile helps put its size in perspective.

Studying the “Space Race”

Many of us can remember learning about the “Space Race” between Russia and the United States. At the Stafford Air 7 Space Museum, you can see a V-2 Rocket from World War II. This is the first long-range guided rockets, which reached into space in 1944. Once the military war ended, the “Cold War” began ratcheting up. Inside this Weatherford museum, we found a nice selection of exhibits about this new age of travel. What began with the launch of satellites, soon progressed to the goal of putting a human on the moon. You can learn all about this race in this museum.

Little Italy Comes to Town

As the day drew toward evening, it signaled the time for the attractions to close. We drove around the downtown area and checked out a few of the shops. Much like we find in many small to mid-size cities, the majority of the commercial outlets are found on Main Street. We popped into a couple of boutique shops and antique stores. Soon it was time for these to close, as well. We realized that dinner time had arrived and made our way to a local Italian cuisine destination. Luigi’s Italian Restaurant is popular with the locals, who happily welcomed us into their space. After so much exploring, we had worked up quite an appetite, but this place offered plenty to satisfy it.

A Comfortable Stay

Now that we had full bellies, we were ready to check into our lodging for the evening. Just off Main Street we located the Comfort Inn & Suites. They were currently changing from their ownership, but it didn’t really impact our stay. We chose this location because it offered a place near downtown and it has a pool. We both enjoy taking a dip but rarely get an opportunity during our blogging sessions. Forgoing any evening entertainment, we chose to stay in and check out this amenity. Once we finished our dip in the pool, we were ready to hit the sack for a good night’s rest.

Breakfast with the Locals

Our 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma were running low, but we still had time for a couple quick stops. We know that breakfast sets the tone for the day, so we try to have a hearty meal when traveling. With more roads to explore, we chose to keep in our Route 66 mode by visiting Jerry’s Restaurant. This chain grew to fame in the western states starting in 1964. Walking through the door, we knew it was a hangout for locals. After sizing us up, they warmed to our visit. It can be interesting to see how they react to a couple with a camera. Of course, being a Mother Road attraction means that they are used to being in pictures.

Fueling Our Morning

Our morning dining choice came with a slew of options. Benedicts, scrambles, omelets, French toast, pancakes, and even more choices were making it hard to select. Our server pointed out that everything is cooked to order, so the whole menu is delicious. With little guidance, we just pointed and picked our breakfasts. We discovered that she was right, as my Eggs Benedict was delectable. Once again we had replenished our body fuel and were preparing to head back out on the open road.

Our final stop in Weatherford was at The Cup. (pictured at the beginning of this article) We had spotted this cute boutique coffee shop during our exploration on the previous day. Since it was past coffee time in the evening, we chose to double back for a morning visit. We chose a couple of specialty lattes for the road and said our goodbyes to Weatherford.

24 Hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma

As you can see, there is plenty to fill 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma. It’s in cities like this that we find some of the most unexpected surprises. With just under half of Route 66 under our belts, we are curious to see what the other half has to offer. The open road is fun to explore and really brings the feeling of Americana to life. If you are looking for some nostalgia, you will definitely find plenty along Mother Road. Make sure to plan plenty of extra time for unexpected excursions, as there is so much to see and do. Have you ever explored portions of Route 66? We’d love to hear some of your favorite stops along the way.

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We want to thank the Stafford Air & Space Museum for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Aviation History

We have all seen the old movie clips of the various flying contraptions that failed to launch. Many people worked singularly to solve the riddle of manned flight. It took collaboration to finally achieve the momentous victory at Kitty Hawk. The Wright Brothers were deliberate in their approach, learning important lessons from their unsuccessful predecessors. During a visit to Chanute, Kansas we learned that they even had assistance from a bridge designer. This led to their ultimate victory in achieving sustained flight. The Stafford Air Museum offers a variety of aircraft that walk guests through the timeline of development.

Rapid Advancements

While combustion engines allowed man to soar, it would be the invention of jet engines that got us moving. Without tremendous amounts of thrust, we would always be limited. As far back as Sir Isaac Newton’s day, there was a belief that you could propel forward by a rear-facing explosion. More unsuccessful attempts happened in this arena, mostly due to the lack of power supplied by coal. It took until 1942 for the first American jet engine to be developed. The addition of pressurized cabins allowed for loftier flights.

Hands-On Displays

High on our list of 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum are all of their interactive exhibits. When was the last time that you got to climb into the cockpit of a jet fighter? Crystal didn’t hesitate to take her turn at the joystick and pictured herself cruising through the atmosphere.

Rockets

While jets certainly changed the way humans travel, we were still limited to our planet. This was not enough for some who had dreams of traveling into space. We can imagine the delight found by earlier generations when they would watch fireworks shoot into the sky. This rapid explosion of power was developed by the Chinese, who harnessed the use of gunpowder. The idea of space exploration, utilizing rocket power, was proposed in 1898 by a Russian schoolteacher. While solid propellants were effective for shorter bursts, the use of liquid fuels would soon become recognized. During World War II, Germany’s V-2 Rocket stunned the scientific world. After the war, Allied countries would begin the “Space Race” to see who would be first to explore the outer regions.

Unbelievable Size

Exploring the museum offered us some exhibits that were unbelievable in size. To stumble upon a Titan II Rocket inside was certainly unexpected. We had seen a variety of rockets during a visit to the Strategic Air Command Museum, but they were all outdoors.  These launch vehicles are usually associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles but have served another purpose. The 1960s were the height of the “Space Race” and both Russia and the United States both saw advancements. By the middle of the decade, astronauts had already performed spacewalks. The race was on to see who would be the first to walk on the moon, which would occur before the decade ended. The Titan rockets helped pave the way for the creation of the Saturn series that would take Apollo 11 to the moon.

Space Capsules

Landing on the moon may have been the end game, but it took a series of steps to accomplish this feat. One of the 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum is the chance to see space capsules up close. While Russia dealt with its tests, the U.S. was advancing through a rapid change in designs. Each new generation of space capsules was designed to accomplish a specific set of goals. The Gemini models (pictured on left above) were used to make the first orbits of the earth. During the Gemini 6 flight, Thomas Stafford made his first journey into space.

Stafford would take part in the Apollo 10 mission that orbited the moon 31 times. This trip paved the way for the Apollo 11 mission two months later. During the Apollo 10 trip, the astronauts on board traveled farther away from earth than anyone had ever accomplished. During the trip, Stafford piloted the Lunar Module during orbit and successfully docked with the Command Module (pictured on right above). During the return trip, the capsule achieved a speed of nearly 24,800 mph, which is the record for human travel.

Space Artifacts

We can only imagine the nerves of steel required to experience reentry through the atmosphere. We can remember watching the television, as they showed the effect of friction during this dangerous portion of the journey. The fireball that was created brought with it temperatures of nearly 5000 degrees. Seeing the effects that this event had on the heat shield brought the danger home for us. While the astronauts were fitted with space suits, nothing would save them if this shield failed.

Kid Zone

All of these amazing exhibits had us wondering how we would have handled space travel. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore this idea. A variety of stations allow guests to challenge their motor skills. While some of the displays are designed specifically for the younger set, (Sorry Crystal, that spacesuit won’t fit.) other exhibits can be enjoyed by all ages. This is the perfect way to wrap up a visit to the museum and inspire the next generation to aim for the stars. Make plans to see if you can discover more than 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum. We would love to hear what you would add to our list.

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Holder of the History

One thing we have learned during our years of traveling is that every visit is a little different. For each place that we find that is high-tech and up to date with technology, there is another that barely exists in the social media world. These are the ones that struggle to get recognized since they often have no one on staff to assist. When we run across one of these, it makes us a little more eager to get the word out about them. Especially when they have some interesting artifacts and exhibits.

Walk Down Memory Lane

The museum is broken into a series of rooms that each cover a segment of life. As we strolled from room to room, we spotted lots of items that we remembered from our youths. There were just as many that obviously predated our existence. Route 66 was officially designated in 1927. The timing ended up being useful for families heading west to escape the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. It would also serve as a major thoroughfare for Americans heading to Los Angeles for the 1932 Summer Olympics.

Honor in the Heartland

Although there are always a variety of items that are new to us, there are certain themes that play out in city after city. Exploring history in the Heartland of America Museum comes with a healthy dose of patriotism. Many of the museums, like this one in Weatherford, get their artifacts from locals. Proud military members and their families willingly donate pieces that have been collected by those who served. Fortunately, this means that there is plenty for all of us to see.

Heading Outdoors

After looking over the artifacts inside, it was time to move out into the Oklahoma sunshine. A collection of smaller buildings is found on the museum grounds. Each has significance to the people of the region. We could tell that Nedra was finding pleasure in sharing the collection of memorabilia that the staff had amassed on this site. A blacksmith shop and old schoolhouse were first for us to visit.

Historic Visit

Once the doors were opened, we found the interiors of each building to be filled with precious memories. Nedra told stories of her youth, which included experiences in places like these. While life was difficult in those days, it was simpler and just as fulfilling.

Route 66 Memories

There was one last exhibit that Nedra wanted to show us. She had saved the best for last. A small roadside diner sat on one end of the museum grounds. It didn’t look overly impressive and reminded us of many of the mom and pop shops that lined the route. We could almost envision the leather-tufted stools and smell the burgers cooking. The conversations of people discussing the best stops along The Mother Road filled our imaginations.

Cool Daddy was Here!

Once the door was opened, our visions became reality. The counter was just about what we had imagined. Sample plates of food lined the space and represented the stick-to-your-ribs meals that would be served up for hungry travelers. That is about the time that Nedra pointed out an interesting artifact sitting on the counter. A piece of ledger paper held the names of some of the travelers who had dined at this small eatery. Right in the middle was the signature of Elvis Presley. Not only had he stopped to eat here, but it was one of three visits that he made traveling back-and-forth on Route 66.

Local Love

All that talk about dining on the route had certainly built up our appetites. We thanked Nedra for her wonderful tour of the Heartland of America Museum and headed to dinner. Back on Main Street, we located Luigi’s Italian Restaurant. Stepping through the door, we knew we were the only two here that weren’t locals. That was okay with us because the growing crowd signified a good meal to come.

Getting Our Italian On

A quick round of salads took the edge off of our appetites without destroying them. This was just enough to hold us for the main courses. I rarely pass up an opportunity to enjoy some Tortellini Alla Panna, and that evening’s dish was delightfully cheesy. The blend of marinara and alfredo sauces added a nice layer of flavor.  Crystal chose the Luigi’s Special which features chicken, sausage, and ham. Then mix up some white wine cream sauce with a touch of marinara to add a pleasing edge to this interesting dish.

Heartland of America

Another successful day of exploring was in the books. We had once again been getting our kicks on Route 66, and discovering all of this history in the Heartland of America was fulfilling. Time to head to our hotel and do a little swimming before settling in for the night. We had another day of exploring ahead of us and the open road was calling our names. When was your last road trip?

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We want to thank Weatherford Tourism for hosting our lunch. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

A Road Well-Traveled

After wrapping up a visit to Amarillo, Texas, we found ourselves back on the Mother Road heading east. This section of Route 66 has some interesting sights, and many can be seen from the road. Of course, pulling off for a closer look makes the trip more interesting. About 20 miles outside of Amarillo, we happened upon the VW Slug Bug Ranch. This place stands as a parody of the Cadillac Ranch, which sits on the west side of Amarillo. Here we found another opportunity to leave our mark but chose to just memorialize our visit digitally. After a few minutes, we found the road calling all Route 66 lovers to keep exploring.

Hungry in the Heartland

We continued our journey east, as we crossed into Oklahoma territory. Our goal for this portion of the trip was Weatherford, which rests about an hour west of the state capital city. By the time we pulled into town, we were famished and ready for lunch. Fortunately, we had scheduled our first stop to be lunch at Lucille’s. As we pulled into the parking lot, the building reminded us of an iconic stop that would have been a common sight during trips in our childhoods. Making our way inside, we found the dining room to be filled with the familiar color scheme of the late 1950s. This was certainly putting us in a nostalgic mood.

The original Lucille’s sat along Route 66 near Hydro, Oklahoma. While the new version leaves behind the gas station portion, it fulfills the spirit of the Mother Road.  All around its spaces, we found reminders of the “olden days” of travel. When the interstates began popping up across the nation, popular roads soon withered away. Along with these were the livelihoods of many business owners who survived off of the travel traffic. Fortunately, recent years have seen a renewed interest in the “golden days” of cross-country trips.

Burgers – America’s Meal

Dining along the route is a good way to experience plenty of Americana. Once you get past the old-time gas pumps and polished chrome, at Lucille’s, you find a menu filled with a wide range of options. During our visit, we got to have lunch with Haley from the local tourism bureau. This gave us a chance to showcase three choices off of the menu, instead of the two we would usually order. After a morning of exploring, (and afternoon plans of even more) I was looking forward to a beefy burger. Lucille’s Roadhouse has a variety of topping combinations to choose from.

I decided to go with the Blue Cheese Bacon Aioli Burger. They begin with a 1/3 lb. patty cooked to your requested level of doneness. This is topped with bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and their aioli sauce. The whole thing is served on a toasted bun with the normal condiments that are included on the side. The combination of flavors made for a wonderful taste that kept me coming back for more bites. They include one side with this meal and I couldn’t see a better option than a heaping plate of crispy French Fries.

Yard Bird

Haley decided to head in a different direction and ordered the Grilled Chicken Breast. This can be doubled up for those with a bigger appetite, but her plate seemed to have plenty to offer. The grilled filet is served on a bed of rice pilaf and also comes with an extra side. She touted the baked potatoes and ordered one to show us just how hefty the spuds are at Lucille’s Roadhouse. She reported that the dish was cooked perfectly and she tried her best to finish it all up. This dish is calling all Route 66 lovers to come by and have a serving.

Getting Your Greens

Crystal was in a greener mood but knew she needed a burst of protein for our afternoon visits. When she spotted the Paradise Salad, her choice was sealed. A large serving of greens is the base of this freshly prepared dish, but it doesn’t stop there. Let’s count the toppings that they toss on. I saw apple chunks, dried cranberries, chopped pecan pieces, Mandarin orange slices, and pineapple bits. Oh wait, I left out the Blackened chicken breast, so that makes half a dozen toppings. They keep the fruity flavors going with the Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing. Crystal liked this combination of tastes.

Calling All Route 66 Lovers

While Lucille’s Roadhouse is a newer stop along the Route 66 trail, it still embodies the spirit of the open road. We know that many people from around the world will gather annually to explore this slice of Americana. Perhaps this will be on your list of roadside attractions that you visit. Before we left, we discovered that Lucille’s is actually two restaurants in one. The side where we dined is the casual eatery designed like a 1950s carhop stop. They also have a nice steakhouse available for those desiring an upscale meal. It was clear that Lucille’s Roadhouse was calling all Route 66 lovers to stop in and test out their hospitality. We did and couldn’t wait to tell all of you about it!

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and all of the local businesses for hosting this amazing visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Girasol Cafe & Bakery

There’s no better place to start than with breakfast. An early morning stop at Girasol Cafe & Bakery had us going green. Their dedication to fresh ingredients and wholesome touches on their dishes made our morning meal special. It is worth noting that breakfast is not the only meal that they serve. Rumor has it that they bring out the “Wow” factor at lunchtime, as well. We have perused pictures of some of their midday meals and wish we had taken an opportunity to drop back by for a second meal. Oh well, we will just let you all tell us about it. Drop a note in the comments section below, if you’ve had lunch at Girasol Cafe.

Youngblood’s Cafe

While not every place that we visit will end up with its article, we still like to bring attention to them in these overviews. A case in point was Youngblood’s Cafe, which we visited the morning we were leaving Amarillo. The life stories we find in each city we visit never cease to amaze us. The owner of this eatery is an Amarillo native who has worked in the restaurant business for decades. Wanting to increase his knowledge and culinary skills, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America after 20 years in the industry. For us, that says a lot about his determination to always be his best.

Texas Eats

After working at some upscale establishments in New York City, he finally returned to his hometown to bring his knowledge to bear for his neighbors. The return to town gave him a chance to go back to creating delectable Texas-style dishes that fill up hungry guests. Dining on the Panhandle means enjoying down-home meals served by people who care. Their location in the stockyards means you may see people in cowboy hats and spurs at the next table. Welcome to Texas!

Calico County

It was clear that many of the restaurants we visited had a long history in their community. A morning meal at Calico County proved that even after 35 years, people still flock to a good breakfast stop. From the moment we approached the barn-red structure, we had an overwhelming sense of down-home country food. Once our meal was served, we were not disappointed. From the freshly baked cinnamon rolls to the mason jar-shaped waffles, it was all delightful. Just the kind of filling meal we needed to fuel a day full of exploring.

Bracero’s Mexican Grill

One of our reasons for starting our Texas travels in Amarillo is their history of residing on Route 66. The Mother Road has been part of our lives since our youngest days, so we just had to explore some of the most notable sights. On the inner-city stretch of America’s first Highway, we had a chance to stop for lunch at Braceros Mexican Grill & Cantina. What a delicious way to brighten our day. The use of color in their dishes made for a memorable meal. It was also a chance to sample a dish that we had never seen before.

Coyote Bluff Cafe

Dining on the Panhandle will offer plenty of opportunities to meet the locals. It was not unusual to be sitting next to a table filled with high plains cowboys. Coyote Bluff Cafe would be the kind of place that many would pass by without giving a second look. Unfortunately, they don’t know what they would be missing. Inside this tiny eatery, we found some massive burgers that come with a variety of toppings. The menu is designed to satisfy Texas-sized appetites, after the morning of riding the range.

Dining Outdoors

In Amarillo, we discovered that not every meal needs to be eaten indoors. During our day at Palo Duro Canyon, we had a chance to visit the Texas Outdoor Musical. Before the show, they offer up a chuckwagon-style meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetite. After passing through the serving line, we joined our new friends at the outdoor picnic tables for a meal under the Texas sky. If you have never tasted Texas-style barbecue then you are in for a real treat. They do it up right at this event and even throw in a serving of cobbler to top it all off.

The Big Texan

Maybe your idea of dining on the Panhandle would include challenging yourself to finish off the 72 oz. Steak Challenge at The Big Texan. If so, you would be in good company, if you can accomplish the task. Suffice to say, there was no way that either of us was going to attempt this gut-busting trial. Even though no one was up for the task during our visit, we still found the ambiance of the place to be amazing. If you enjoy having plenty to see, while you dine, then this place should be at the top of your list. Make sure you save some time to explore the common areas outside of the dining room, as well.

Public House

With all of those engaging dining opportunities making your minds rush, perhaps there will be a moment that you just want to unwind. Might we suggest taking in a meal at Public House? This upscale eatery has a relaxed atmosphere that’s the perfect fit for a break from the rush of exploring. With an eclectic assortment of menu items, it’s easy to find plenty that sounds scrumptious. We also found that they are quite adept at creating craft cocktails.

Dining On The Panhandle

While it may seem that we spent our entire visit eating, we realize that we missed lots of other dining options. Amarillo has lots of eateries across a broad spectrum of cuisines. Discriminating diners will find upscale chophouses and even a fun speakeasy. Families can find a variety of restaurants that have something to offer everyone in the group. While we hope that you test out some of the places we have shared in this article, we’d also love to hear about other eateries you uncover. Drop us a note in the comment section, so that we can begin creating our list for the next time we are dining on the Panhandle. Bon Apetit!

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and all of the businesses we visited for hosting us. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Alibates Flint Quarries

Visiting Amarillo in the summertime is a great opportunity to enjoy some outdoor activities. The landscape of this region is fun to explore and offers some beautiful views. We found that playing in the Panhandle can include some interesting lessons. On our way into the city, we made a stop at the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. Located north of Amarillo, it sits beside Lake Meredith. The visitors center has exhibits that walk visitors through the lives of early inhabitants in the area. After examining the displays, and watching a short video, it was time to explore the grounds. Hiking trails of various lengths are available for exploration and they even have ranger-guided tours.

Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Experiencing high plains means seeing a lot of native grasses and flowers. Of course, there is also plenty of cactus to be found. The growing conditions in this region can be difficult, but not impossible. When we visited the Amarillo Botanical Gardens we found plenty of species that were flourishing under the care of local volunteers. As we wandered the tranquil gardens, it gave us a few moments to take in their peaceful setting.

Sod Poodles Baseball

While the peaceful setting is beautiful to behold, it’s fun to balance it with a little excitement. Watching a baseball game can be quite a lot of fun, and finding out that it is the first season for a new team made it extra special. It didn’t seem like it could be topped, but a behind-the-scenes tour took it to a whole new level. While you may not get one of those, you can still enjoy watching the Amarillo Sod Poodles playing in the Panhandle. Bring the whole family and make an evening of it!

Wonderland Park

Speaking of family fun, how about a day at the amusement park? When we discovered that Wonderland Park was located in Amarillo, we knew a visit would be required. Their mixture of thrill, water, and kid rides means that there will be plenty to keep every family member occupied. Don’t forget to challenge each other to a round of mini-golf, before scoping out great views of the city on their sky-high overhead tram.

Panhandle-Plains Museum

A visit to the Panhandle is also a good chance to learn more about this unique portion of America. The history of the lands and the people who have settled it is filled with memorable stories. Many of these can be found by exploring the Panhandle-Plains Museum. In Texas’ largest history museum, you will find exhibits from the age of dinosaurs, through the western migration, and right up to the present. We couldn’t believe just how large this place is until we tried covering it all in half of a day. Big mistake! You will want to block off longer if you really want to explore.

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo has the distinction of sitting squarely on the old Route 66 path. This historic tie brings thousands of Mother Road travelers through town every year. For those familiar with the history of “America’s first highway”, you know that it was lined with unique stops and oddities. These days there are still plenty of fun spots to see and explore. The Cadillac Ranch has to be near the top of unusual places to leave your mark on the world. Be sure to bring a can of spray paint and some gloves. (Just make sure you haul your trash back out with you.)

Jack Sisemore RV Museum

With such a famous roadway in the area, travel is obviously an important subject. Would you believe there is even a place to see vintage camping vehicles? When we dropped by the Jack Sisemore RV Museum we weren’t sure what we would find. It was actually a very interesting place to wander through. It’s filled with classic campers and recreational vehicles that we remember from our youth. As we explored the space we could imagine how many kids spent their youths playing in the Panhandle during family vacations.

Palo Duro Canyon

If you are going camping in the Panhandle, there isn’t a better destination than Palo Duro Canyon. Just south of Amarillo, travelers will find the second-largest canyon in America. While the photos show beautiful countryside filled with remarkable landscapes, they still lack in showing the absolute wonder. Visitors will find an abundance of hiking trails that help them get back to nature. campsites are available inside the park, so you can really immerse yourself in the Panhandle-Plains.

Palo Duro Creek Ranch

While RV’s offer a comfortable lodging option, they won’t get you up and down some of the wild roads found in the backwoods portion of the canyon. For that, we visited Palo Duro Creek Ranch. This locally-owned company offers jeep tours through the heart of the landscape. With such a large canyon area, some of the property is privately owned. This means you can have an amazing adventure under the watchful eyes of an experienced guide. It is a memory that we will not soon forget.

Palo Duro Canyon Adventure Park

Speaking of memorable activities. Would you be willing to zip-line across part of the canyon? While Crystal chose to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground, I made the climb up the tower. Once I was all strapped in, it was time to whoosh across the great divide that laid out below me. The feeling of exhilaration is amazing, and almost matches the views from this angle. Now we have heard that they added a bigger and longer zip-line option. Looks like we need to return to take on that challenge.

Texas Outdoor Musical

Are you a live theater lover? Would you believe that Palo Duro Canyon even has this covered? The canyon is home to Texas Outdoor Musical, which is a long-running live performance. Imagine all of the grandeur that can be accomplished when you have the great outdoors as your stage. The staff at this unique attraction have embraced nature and use it to help tell the story of life on the Panhandle-Plains. Once the lone rider gallops across the bluff behind the stage, it’s time to settle in for an evening of entertainment. We are betting you will find yourself toe-tapping along with the rousing score that accompanies this fun event.

Playing in the Panhandle

As you can see, there are plenty of things to fill a family vacation. The options are limitless and include: sports, theater, history or just spending time in nature. Our late July visit found us playing in the Panhandle during the summer heat, but the lower humidity makes it much more manageable. With all of these choices, (and more that we didn’t have time to visit) you are sure to build an itinerary that will have the whole family engaged. Now that we have cracked the seal on Texas cities, look for additional destinations to be covered in the future.

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hen we plan out our trips, it seems that breakfast can be some of the most difficult stops to pick. While we enjoy a good down-home breakfast as much as the next person, those types of places don’t make for very interesting articles. Since we want to offer plenty of options, finding an eatery that allows us the ability to showcase some unique dishes is a bonus. When we stopped at Girasol Cafe & Bakery, in Amarillo, we found ourselves going green for breakfast. Their use of fresh vegetables, fruits, and seasonings added a pop of color and loads of flavor to our morning routine.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Girasol Cafe & Bakery for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Local Love

We enjoy rooting out the places that are frequented by locals. These are usually off the beaten path and can be found in strip malls, markets, or near residential neighborhoods. It’s not that we completely avoid chains, but do we really need to tell you what they have at a place found in every city across North America? Visiting places like Girasol Cafe opens up a world of options that you may not realize even exists. When we arrived at the bakery, it was obvious that most people were stopping in to get something on their way to work. Before long, we were joined by some groups who had the time to sit for a spell.

Daily Variety

What fascinates us about restaurants of this type is the ever-changing menu. While they will have a handful of dishes that become the base offerings, each day and week will bring new items. This allows the locals plenty of options, so it doesn’t become stale. Of course, with so many fresh ingredients, becoming stale isn’t an issue at Girasol Cafe. Just breathing in the delightful aromas that filled the bakery had us wanting to try everything. Obviously we weren’t going to be able to do that, but we did decide to try something new.

Protein Nibble

Our plans for the day included plenty of physical activity at Palo Duro Canyon. This meant that we could start with a little extra protein (and calories), and still be able to burn it off. When we spotted the Love Bar, we knew that it just had to be sampled. The texture reminded us of a blondie bar, and it was packed with the same type of sweet flavor. This version had a delicious assortment of nuts and berries for some added zest. We could have eaten these all day long.

New Take on Favorites

Obviously, we needed to add some variety to our meals, so I ordered up Brioche French Toast. These airy triangles were cooked perfectly. They also include two eggs prepared however you wish and a side of avocado. This was unexpected since I can’t remember ever having it served up like this. Their willingness to offer fresh produce had me going green for breakfast, which was not my usual approach. I have to admit it was a pleasant experience that I have continued to seek out since this visit. It must be true that you can teach old dogs new tricks.

Going Green for Breakfast

Crystal has always been a fan of avocado, so the menu at Girasol Cafe fit her perfectly. She selected the Vegetable Omelette and found that they served her avocado right on top. It certainly made for a pleasing plate presentation, which is important at Girasol Cafe. A side of their crispy potatoes added some starch that would stay with her while we hiked. Going green for breakfast was definitely agreeing with us.

Capturing the Moment

The morning sun was moving up in the sky, so we knew our time was precious. Late July in the Panhandle-Plains can bring some unpredictable weather. One thing was a sure bet and that was it would be toasty. Of course, we enjoy the warm weather much more than the cold, so this was the perfect time of year for our visit. Still, we wanted to get to the canyon before the sun was too far overhead. Our hope was to see a little wildlife before they all went into hiding from the sun. Time to dig in and devour these delectable bites laid out in front of us.

A Little for Later

With our bellies full and our coffee needs fulfilled, it was time to make our way to our attraction destination. Girasol Cafe & Bakery had been such a great choice that we hated to leave all of this deliciousness behind. Fortunately, they still had plenty of sweet bites to choose from that would work perfectly as a quick energy boost during a day of exploring. After all, who would blame us for wanting to extend their yummy flavors farther into our day? See anything you’d like to try?

 

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Amarillo Sod Poodles for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Mobile Mascot

We found a parking spot close to the stadium and made our way to the gate. The new park has been named Hodgetown in honor of Jerry Hodge, a local businessman who happened to be the city’s 26th mayor. The team had spotted us a seat in the section behind the home plate, so we had a bird’s eye view of the evening’s festivities. As the players warmed up on the field, the team’s mascot arrived in a four-wheeler. The name for the team was determined from a local contest. Other names, like Boot Scooters, Bronc Busters, and Long Haulers were passed up in favor of Sod Poodles. Soddies, as they are called, are a reference to prairie dogs, which are a common sight in the Panhandle-Plains.

Play Ball!

Now that the mascot had whipped us all into a frenzy, it was time to play ball. In days gone by, I was a huge fan of Major League baseball. Since we began our travel blogging adventure, it is hard to find enough time to follow any team. We still enjoy a day at the park, they are just too infrequent. The Amarillo Sod Poodles are a minor league team that belongs to the Texas League. The eight teams that make up two divisions are located in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. It is interesting to note that the Texas League has existed in some fashion since its founding in 1888. Amarillo became the newest city when it was awarded the franchise of a team relocating from San Antonio.

Audience Participation

Now before you think that a Sod Poodles game is exactly like an MLB version, let’s note some differences. The park is smaller, so it offers a more intimate setting to enjoy the game. Hodgetown seats about 6630 fans, but with an outfield terrace and other areas, it has seen numbers swell to over 7100. While the main attraction is the baseball game being played out for admiring fans, there are plenty of secondary events to keep the throng engaged between innings. The people in the stands watched one hilarious episode unfold, as a cluster of audience volunteers bounced each other to the ground.

Fun for All Ages

While many of the between-inning games are designed to be played by young adults, there are some that include the younger fans. We watched as a youngster pitched bean bags through a cut-out stand. Each game ends with someone winning a consolation prize, even if they didn’t quite get the results they were hoping for. This makes good entertainment for everyone and the crowd’s cheers make the contestant’s evening memorable.

Tour Time

With the game progressing well for the home team, it was time to take a little closer look at Hodgetown. We met up with Tess Bloom, the Director of Marketing, for a tour behind the scenes. After introducing us to the life-size bobblehead of the mascot, we made our way into the area that holds the suites. Here is where many of the local businesses will host company outings and special events. After all, who doesn’t enjoy an evening at the ballpark?

Behind the Scenes

Even though our visit was in late July, the weather was perfect for attending the new game in town. As we made our way through the facility, we were introduced to a wide range of staff members. Everyone was so friendly, but that is something we always find in Texas. It was apparent that these fans were excited to have a minor league baseball team in Amarillo. The team was showing its thanks by having a solid first season.

Fan Encounters

We came out of the upper level and followed Tess, as she led us through the park. As we said before, this park is designed to offer every fan an intimate experience. Seating options include the regular stadium seats, as well as a huge outfield lawn area. In this part of the park, we noticed lots of fans laid out on picnic blankets, soaking up the last rays of the day. We continued around the outfield and came to a patio area that had hightop style seats above the outfielders. This was a popular place for home run balls to be caught, and we saw a few kids hanging around with their gloves at the ready.

Up Close & Personal

Now that we had seen the views from above, it was time to get down to the field level. Tess led us down to an area near the home team’s dugout. We noticed the addition of an outside seating area that mimicked small suites. It was made up of clusters where groups of four to six fans could congregate around a table to watch the game. This was the first time we had seen this type of outdoor seating, and it seemed like a great idea. The game was really heating up into a nailbiter, so we decided to hang out in this area for a while.

The New Game in Town

Heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, the visiting team was carrying a 4 to 2 lead. The Sod Poodles tied the game and sent it into extra innings. The fans were certainly getting their money’s worth tonight. The tenth inning had both teams scoring another run, which led to the need for another inning. At the top of the eleventh, the visitors scored three runs, which sent some of the fans heading toward the gates. Those that stayed behind were treated to a four-run half, that had the Sod Poodles staging a come from behind victory.

Taking It All!

The fun and excitement of that evening would be played out over and over at Hodgetown. In their first season in Amarillo, the Sod Poodles would end up making it to the playoffs. As they say in sports, once you are in the playoffs, its anybody’s game to win. In true underdog fashion, the Sod Poodles would go on to capture the Texas league Championship and set themselves up for a 2020 season as defending champs. This is just some of the excitement that can happen when you are the new game in town.

Share with a Baseball Fan!

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When we are traveling, we try to incorporate plenty of dining options that are family-friendly. While it is almost always just the two of us, we realize that many of you may have a wide range of ages in your party. We also want to explore a variety of cuisine options, so that you have plenty of choices to pick from when planning your own itinerary. Tossing in an upscale spot can take a vacation from memorable to unforgettable.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Early Birds get Great Seating

Since we are early risers, our timetable runs earlier than many others. We can still hang into the night but like to get our eating done with time for our bodies to burn up the extra calories that come from restaurant foods. The added bonus with this type of schedule is that we usually beat the most crowded periods, and we catch a lot of happy hours. Upscale dining spots, like Public House, will run specials during the late afternoons, in an effort to draw in early diners.

During our visit, we noticed that most of the customers were taking advantage of this and were grouped in the bar area. This allowed us to have the dining room almost to ourselves. There was a family with children nearby, which allowed us to see how parents handle a visit to a spot like this.

Hey there, Romeo!

After a day of exploring, we were ready to unwind a bit. Of course, we had more stops planned for the evening, but for now, we were just taking in some peaceful moments. This seemed like a good time to sample a couple of the cocktails off of their menu. I chose to try one that was completely new to me, The Romeo. My spirit preference usually leans toward gin, and this drink uses that as the base. The addition of Aperol adds notes of mandarin orange, and a splash of St. Germaine brings a complementary flavor combination.

Crystal decided to go a different direction and ordered a Pimm’s Cup. Made with gin, a lemony soda, mint, and fruit flavors, this sweet drink just screams summertime. These smooth cocktails were the perfect partner for an appetizer plate.

Steak Egg Rolls

We decided to start our meal with a little appetizer, so an order of Steak Egg Rolls looked like a good option. A blend of Teriyaki steak and mixed veggies are stuffed inside of two egg rolls. These are cut on the bias, so the presentation really gets your appetite going. The addition of the Spicy Ranch dipping sauce kicks the flavor (and heat) up a notch. This dish certainly does a great job of representing comfortable elegance, much like you would find at any tapas restaurant.

Chicken Goat Cheese Salad

When it came time to order our main dishes, Crystal decided to sample one of their special salads. Our server walked her through the options and she finally landed on the Chicken Goat Cheese Salad. Her choice brought plenty of color to the table. This comes from the fresh strawberries and pickled red onion.  Plenty of grilled chicken chunks, candied walnuts, and goat cheese crumbles add flavor depth to the dish. Once she tossed on the raspberry vinaigrette, the dish was as delicious as it was beautiful. You know, I might just become a fan of salads, as long as they are as flavorful as this one was.

The Cubano

Let’s be real. When I saw that they serve The Cubano, there was no way that I was going to settle for salad. The thought of a hoagie roll piled high with pulled pork, smoked ham, pickles, and Swiss cheese was enough for me to stop perusing the menu. Their use of coriander grain mustard gave the Public Houses’ version a nutty aroma with a slightly citrus flavor. An accompaniment of curly Public House Fries paired perfectly for a hearty dinner. No way was I leaving this place hungry.

Comfortable Elegance At Public House

Our evening meal at Public House was the perfect diversion from our busy day. The comfortable elegance of this upscale eatery really helped us unwind. During our meal, we noticed an increase in customers. It was obvious that our timing had been perfect and allowed us some quiet time before the evening rush. Now that our appetites had been satisfied, it was time to get back to exploring Amarillo. An evening of thrill rides was awaiting us at Wonderland Park. With so much to see and do, we knew there was no way we would see it all, even with the boost of energy we got from our delectable meals.

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High in the Panhandle-Plains of Texas, people carve out a life from the rugged landscape. Driving across this flat terrain reminded us of traveling across the western half of our home state of Kansas. This perspective changed when we arrived at Palo Duro Canyon. Laid out before us we saw only glimpses of the 120-mile long canyon system. As the second-largest canyon in the United States, it has earned the nickname of “The Grand Canyon of Texas”.

Part of the Palo Duro Canyon is home to a state park. This area is popular with hikers, campers, and nature lovers from all around the world. Admission to Palo Duro State Park is $8.00 per adult, with children 12 & under get in for free. Traveling to the park is about a 25-minute drive from Amarillo. After exiting the interstate, the final 10 miles were filled with anticipation. Having scouted out the area on Google maps, we were spotting landmarks that showed our progress.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Palo Duro Adventure Park for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Dropping Elevation

The funny thing about canyons are they sneak up on you. Since they are basically holes in the ground, you don’t see them from miles away. The same applies to Palo Duro Canyon. With each new landmark, our anticipation grew. Passing the zip-lines and jeep tours were tell-tale signs that we had finally arrived. (More about those places in a minute.) With an average depth of around 800 feet, the floor of the canyon offers a different experience than the one found on the rim. As we stood on the lip looking out at the canyon, our minds struggled to imagine that so much wonder and beauty could be created by erosion.

Getting Oriented at Palo Duro Canyon

Our first stop, inside the park, was at the El Coronado Lodge Visitors Center. It’s a good place to get oriented, before heading out to explore. A small museum helps visitors paint a picture of the history of Palo Duro Canyon. As we explored the displays, we noticed mention of the people who were hunters/gatherers long before the land was settled. We had visited a site north of Amarillo that had introduced us to these early inhabitants. Of course, during those times the landscape would have been filled with herds of bison.

Get in Touch with Nature

Now that we had our bearings, it was time to get in touch with nature. Completing the drive to the floor of the canyon brought a new perspective. From here we could see the walls surrounding us. The colorful bands that signify eons of time are like rings that line the land. Rocky outcroppings are scattered across the landscape, as remnants from centuries of erosion. These hoodoos (also called fairy chimneys or earth pyramids) are formed by the erosion of soft soil around a hard stone. One of the most notable examples of this is Lighthouse Rock, which is the picture at the top of this page.

Photo Opps

Throughout Palo Duro Canyon you will find perfect backdrops for family photos. Many of these are short hikes from the road and are accessible by most travelers. After navigating the decline at the entrance, we found ourselves passing a large parking lot. We noticed a group of people had pulled in for a closer look. Following their lead, we pulled in. What we found was a serene setting where we could get our first taste of the landscape.

After the group finished their photos, we took the opportunity to pose for a few. This rocky outcropping sits in front of a 1/2 mile nature trail, which is a good way to warm up for some of the longer hikes that are found in Palo Duro Canyon. Ever since our visit to Yellowstone National Park, we know to keep our eyes peeled for gatherings of tourists. Not only does this usually mark a possible wildlife sighting, but also helps us find interesting sights.

Above the Ridge

Obviously, we don’t always rely on others for picturesque sightings. Our visit to the canyon included plenty of time where we were the only two around. Of course, there were plenty of others in the park at the same time, but with all of this open space, you feel like you are solitary explorers. As the heat of the July summer sun increased, we began to spot more raptors riding the upward spiraling thermals. Seeing this sight above one of the colorfully banded canyon walls left us staring in wonder.

Stopping for Sights

We continued our drive along the park loop. After passing a series of campgrounds, we came upon The Big Cave. Another formation that has been created by erosion are caves. While there are many smaller ones dotting the landscape, one is the most visited in Palo Duro Canyon. The cave is visible from the main road and can be reached by a short hike of about 600 feet. The climb up requires navigating a rocky slide area, which was stable but still requires paying attention. During our visit, we were joined by another group of hikers.

Bird’s Eye View of Palo Duro Canyon

Once we reached the cave entrance, we took a few minutes to look around. Unlike the massive cave formations found in the Midwest (like this one in Dubuque), these are fairly simple. Still, it offered a break from the sun and an interesting perspective of the canyon. After a few minutes, we all decided to head back down to the main road. Checking the time, we discovered it was time for us to head out of the park for a couple of excursions.

Back-road Rides

Palo Duro Canyon is huge! We learned that only a portion of the canyon is part of the state park. Other areas are privately owned and include opportunities for visitors to have exciting experiences. We doubled back out of the park to check out a couple of places close to the entrance. (Be sure to hang on to your entrance receipt for reentry.) Hiking can lead to overlooks, which have amazing views of the canyon below. We learned that there are other ways to get a firsthand look at nature.

At Palo Duro Creek Ranch, guests can take a jeep ride down into the canyon. This wild ride had us hanging onto the rails, as the landscape opened up before our eyes. With 1, 2, or 3-hour options, guests can pick the length of their visit. Once we arrived at the floor of the canyon, we were treated to some special moments exploring the formations. It was definitely an experience that Crystal and I will long remember.

Aerial Views Abound

With a trip up and down the canyon wall under our belt, I was in the mood for a little more adventure. Just across the street, we found our next destination. At Palo Duro Canyon Adventure Park they have unique ways to get a birds-eye view of the landscape. Having the opportunity to zip-line across one of the canyon gorges seemed like a fun way to get some air time. During the research portion of our trip, I had made contact with the owner, who invited us in for a ride. While I was all in on it, Crystal chose to stay grounded for this part of the trip. That put her behind the camera for a change.

Show No Fear

After strapping into the safety gear, we headed out to the tower. Here, we traversed the swinging bridges up to the platform where we would launch. There were two others in my group, so it gave me time to survey the surroundings. The view from up there gave me a better sense of the breadth of the canyon. Once my turn came, I hooked up to the line (including some redundant safety lines) and launched off the platform. While the 300-foot ride takes a while, time passes quickly. Once I arrived on the other side, it was time to unhook and across a 300-foot bridge to where we started our journey.

Since our visit, they have completed a new thrill ride that takes guests on an even longer ride. On this new version, riders zip 800 feet and then back to the starting point. I’m hoping we make it back to Amarillo so that I can give this ride a whirl. How many of you would be up for that challenge?

Evening Entertainment

With our adrenaline pumping activities complete, it was time to bring our heartbeats back to normal. We made our way back into the park and had time for another drive. The beauty of the landscape just kept impressing us. Our final activity, in Palo Duro Canyon, was a visit to the Texas Outdoor Musical. The evening entertainment included a chuckwagon dinner, a backstage tour, and a rousing outdoor performance that is as big as the whole outdoors. After the show, we even had time to meet some of the performers who gladly mingled with guests. What a perfect way to cap off an adventurous day in the wild.

Palo Duro Canyon Experiences

It is hard to really express just how amazing Palo Duro Canyon was to see in person. We wish we would have had time to take advantage of more of the hiking trails, but I suppose these will have to wait for a future visit. It should also be noted that there are places that offer horseback riding. While we did spot the occasional raptor circling overhead, the hot summer day most likely forced many of the other inhabitants into the shade. Of course, spotting lizards and roadrunners can be easy around this region. Whether you want to pitch a tent, bring an RV, or just drive in from one of the nearby cities, Palo Duro Canyon is a great place to explore.

 

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The beauty of Palo Duro Canyon makes the perfect backdrop for this show. Earlier in the day, a thrill ride up and down the canyon wall had given us a firsthand understanding of the height of the canyon walls. Exploring more of the canyon had included zip-lining and hiking, so we were looking forward to a relaxing evening of entertainment.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Texas Outdoor Musical for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Panhandle Performance

During the preparation for our Amarillo trip, we had made contact with Matt McComas. He is the new Marketing Director for Texas Outdoor Musical. We discovered that in the past, the theatrical performances had a strict policy about cameras. After some back-and-forth, we were granted permission to photograph the performance. This was an amazing honor for us, and we arrived at the theater with the intention of enjoying ourselves to the fullest. Being set in this beautiful park adds to the wonder of the experience, and we found ourselves admiring the landscape during quieter moments.

Chuck Wagon Dinner

Matt wanted to make sure that we had a complete experience, and had arranged all of our evening’s activities. We wanted to make sure anyone could enjoy the same things that we did. All of our activities are available to the general public (except for taking photos).  After parking our car at 6:00, we made our way through the gate and into the ticketing area. We popped into the gift shop to check out the available souvenirs and found they also sell refreshments during the show. On a hot Texas summer night, this is important to remember.

Texas Outdoor Musical offers a Chuck Wagon BBQ Dinner that can be added to your tickets. We found that many of the patrons were joining us for dinner that evening. Guests pass through a line where they serve up barbecue brisket, sausage and pulled pork. Toss in some Coleslaw, potato salad, and beans for the sides. In case you still have a little room left, dessert is the choice of a couple of flavors of cobbler. Now that we had full bellies, it was time to dive into some Texas-sized fun.

Quanah Parker

We had time to kill before the amphitheater seating opened, so we decided to walk around. Behind the gift shop, we found a pavilion where many of the guests were gathered. We also found that Benny Tahmahkera Jr. had set up a display that showcased Native Indian art and culture. At about that time, Matt showed up and introduced us to Benny, who plays the part of Quanah Parker in the show. An interesting fact is that Benny is actually the great-great-grandson of Parker and a member of the Comanche Nation.

Backstage Tour

Matt led us to where the backstage tours begin, and along the way, we ran into David Yirak, the Managing Artistic Director for Texas Outdoor Musical. His pride in the show became immediately apparent during our conversation. Here was a reinforcement that we really needed to deliver on our request to create an article about the show.

We had missed the tour, so Matt offered to give us one himself. Behind the scenes, we saw many of the props that would be used for the evening’s production. As we passed one of the rehearsal stages, we saw some of the cast practicing their steps. We stepped out onto the amphitheater floor and looked up at the seating. The sun had fallen behind the canyon walls, which signaled that the doors would soon be opening for people to find their seats.

Ready to Roll

Being deep in the heart of the Panhandle, in July, means that sundown comes late. With the stage being at the base of a 600-foot canyon wall, the shadows of dusk grow quickly. The crowd filtered into the theater and found their seats. Matt had reserved a section of seats that would afford us a direct line for photography. To our left, the band appeared out of one of the rotating stage doors that line the sides of the stage. Matt made a few announcements prior to the start of the show, as the crowd settled in for an evening of Texas-sized fun.

Kicking Into Action

At 8:30, a trumpet played a short tune while a lone rider appeared on the lip of the canyon. The audience’s attention is drawn to this solitary figure who gallops across the ridge with the Texas flag waving behind him. This signals the start of what has become the best-attended outdoor theater event in America. As the performers sing and dance to the well-choreographed script, we found ourselves toe-tapping along with the beat.

Well-Versed Cast

It is hard to imagine that for each season they must assemble the entourage in about one month. Fortunately, many of the performers are returning from previous seasons, which helps in the process. There are still a lot of moving pieces, and auditions are held as far away as Tennessee. It takes lots of commitment to be willing to sign up for the 65 performances, that will take place over a season. Needless to say, many life-long friendships will spring from this experience.

The Story of Panhandle

As the darkness slowly grew around us, the story unfolded across the stage. Stagehands quickly moved props to keep the storyline flowing. While the tale is very loosely based on historical events in the Panhandle, it replicates an atmosphere that was repeated all across the western frontier. After his parent’s death, Calvin Armstrong returns to his childhood homestead. He brought with him plans to move the Panhandle forward, by bringing the railroad to town.

My Land

Calvin’s ideas don’t sit well with Col. Charles Goodnight, a local rancher. Goodnight has spent far too long building his empire, to see it divided by railroad tracks. Tensions are increased by Col. Goodnight’s niece’s feelings for Calvin. While the main plotline rotates around ranchers versus homesteaders, various love interests swirl into the mix.

Lighthearted Accents

An assortment of supporting characters flush out the cast. Tucker Yelldell befriends Calvin Armstrong and even comes to his aid during a serious illness. Kate Lucas is the love interest of Tucker and adds some lighthearted accents to the script. As with any good story, there is a mix of angst, conflict, desperation, and eventually cooperation. By presenting it with a musical score and charming entertainers, it makes for a delightful evening of entertainment.

Diorama Based Sets

With a wide array of scenes to be played out, Texas Outdoor Musical has developed an inventive solution to scenery changes. Impromptu stages are set on the right and left of the main stage. These rotate to make the changing of scenery pieces occur seamlessly backstage. While the audience’s attention is drawn to one of these sub-stages, the crew can reorganize the main stage for the next act. Not only does this keep the action moving along, but it actually focuses the audience on the storyline.

Parker Returns

In the midst of the squabbling between rancher and farmer, Quanah Parker appears. Parker was considered by many to be the last chief of the Quahadi Comanche. His resistance to white settlers in the Panhandle is well documented. His tribe was the last to leave the Staked Plains and move to a reservation in Oklahoma. When he was finally forced onto a reservation, he quickly adapted. While he never truly assimilated into the white culture, he taught the younger generation of Comanche the importance of learning their ways.

Texas-sized Fun

As the story wrapped up, the performers moved into a patriotic piece. Behind them, a choreographed fountain creates a moving screen. This was added in 2011, due to an excessive period of drought. Fortunately for us, 2019 had brought plenty of rain, which was apparent in the greenery found throughout Palo Duro Canyon. As the music grew, fireworks appeared over the canyon ridge. What an amazing finish to a grand evening of entertainment.

Meet & Greet

As the last fireworks faded away, the performers took their final bows. The lights returned to the amphitheater and the crowd began filing out. While we waited for the crowd to thin, we had a short conversation with the staff nearby. The pride that everyone has in the performance is easily visible. They all have plenty to be proud of, as the show is a memorable event. After all, when was the last time you have had the opportunity to see so much in one sitting?

As we made our way back to the entrance, we found that the main characters had assembled for an impromptu meet-and-greet. For us, this was just frosting on a delicious cake. It was obvious that the performers truly enjoy what they do. After some short conversations, we decided it was time to head back to Amarillo. During our drive back, we enjoyed a star-filled sky away from the city lights.

An Evening Under The Stars

What began as an idea of having a relaxing evening of entertainment turned into something much greater. That evening we met people, heard stories, and saw Texas pride in a way that was new to us. We have traveled to Texas plenty of times in the past, but this was our first excursion into the Panhandle. Life in this region is unpredictable and forces the residents to become resourceful. Their ability to withstand untold issues has made them resilient, but it has not broken their spirits. Texas Outdoor Musical has bottled this spirit and uncorks it each night for an eager crowd. Isn’t it time for you to make plans to see this extravaganza firsthand?

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While Wonderland Park started with just three rides, over time the family has expanded the site to include plenty of entertaining options. The original owners have handed off the responsibility to their kids. Paul and Paula Borchardt, and their family, now operate the park and keep everything running. When the opportunity to add this attraction to our itinerary presented itself, we jumped on it. After all, who doesn’t like to explore a park that they have never visited? A day filled with indoor exploration had us eager to enjoy some outdoor activity.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Wonderland Amusement Park for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

High Flying Fun

What is three stories tall 500 feet long and one of only three in the country? We’re talking about the Cyclone. Each car holds one or two riders and takes them on a back and forth journey. We first spotted this ride as we traversed the park on the Sky Ride. As we passed by, we could see the laughing riders enjoying this unusual coaster. With a top speed of around 17 miles per hour, it wasn’t burning up the tracks. Still, a series of switchbacks and drops make this an entertaining ride.

Getting Trapped

Across from the Cyclone, we spotted Mouse Trap. This steel coaster was built in 1972, so it uses the chain lift to get the cars to the top of the first plunge. With four riders per car, they can propel 12 people at a time. This helps the line move fairly quickly. Mouse Trap is over five stories tall and more than three times as long as Cyclone. With a good series of turns and drops, it kicks up the thrill level. Be sure to take a spin after dark to get an added level of excitement.

Taking a Spin

For those who like to go in circles, they have some options at Wonderland Park. The owners wanted to make sure they were bringing fun to the Panhandle for all types of riders. The Rainbow reminded us of taking a ride on a platform. It rotates from side-to-side until it is spinning the platform (and it’s riders) around in full loops. It reminded us of rides we have seen at various carnivals, except this one remains on-site. Nearby we found the Wonder Wheel, which is their version of a Ferris wheel. With 16 cars, it can certainly keep up with a crowd. This is another ride to enjoy after dark, as it offers great views of the whole park.

Slowing the Pace

Trying to fit all of the fun possible in a limited space would normally limit a park’s ability to offer variety. This is not the case at Wonderland Park. They are bringing the fun to the Panhandle in the air, on land, and even on the water. For those in the know, Amarillo sits close to Palo Duro Canyon. Being such a huge attraction, the 2nd largest canyon in America, it only seems appropriate that there would be a ride fashioned after it. Sure enough, hop aboard the Rattlesnake River Raft Ride and you float through the changing landscape. Bonus that it offers a chance to cool off from the hot Texas sunshine.

Hydro Therapy

Now if you make it through your raft ride without getting soaked, perhaps you need to press your luck a little more. We have experienced a variety of log flume rides, but this one has a distinction that no other can claim. The Big Splash Log Flume was designed as the prototype for log-rides all over the world. It is a short ride, measuring less than 600 feet long. That won’t matter when you tell your friends about your experience on this first-of-its-kind ride in the heart of the Panhandle of Texas.

Nightfall

As the sun set to the west, we watched a car full of riders whoosh by on the Hornet. Like many other amusement parks, some of the rides at Wonderland had a previous life elsewhere. This one came from Houston, where it had been kept indoors. Now that it was freed from its cage, it was entertaining riders of all ages under the Texas sky. Being a more modern steel coaster, it gets riders moving quicker than some of the older rides.

Historic Rides

All of this excitement had worn us out a little, so we decided to investigate the southern end of the park. Here we found that they are bringing fun to the Panhandle in a different way. While many of the thrill rides have height limits, the kiddie section is filled with attractions for all ages. There are even a couple of rides that we were too big to ride. One that is perfect for everyone is the Merry-Go-Round. When we discovered that there are 10 special “Parker” horses onboard, well we just had to check it out. After all, we had the fortune of visiting the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Playing a Round

During our sky-high ride earlier in the day, we had spotted a miniature golf course. If you remember our mini-golf escapades in Gatlinburg, then you know that it’s hard for us to pass up a chance to compete.

To be honest, we don’t keep track of our scores, but we certainly recognize which one of us is on target during a round. We were impressed at the variety of obstacles that they had on their course in Amarillo. By the way, for those wanting to just play miniature golf, there is a separate entrance just for this attraction.

Color Our World

As dusk faded and the darkness grew, it was a good time to enjoy another trip on the Sky Ride. The peaceful pace allowed us to take in the whole park laid out at our feet. We could also see part of the surrounding city lights. All around us families were enjoying an evening of fun. The screams of excitement echoed through the night and soon we were anxious to return to exploring the other rides.

Don’t Rock the Boat

As we walked along the main path of the park, we spotted The Pirate Ship. These gondola style rides make for a good diversion from the nearby rollercoasters. Watching from a distance, the ride seems rather docile. Once you climb aboard, you gain a completely different perspective.  As the ride is propelled higher and higher, you find the butterflies in your stomach become more active. The screams of delight fill your ears and confident laughs are heard more as it slows down than when it was gaining momentum.

Closing Time

Our evening of fun was drawing to an end, but we still had time for one more ride. Fantastic Journey is the epitome of a one-of-a-kind ride. The founder of Wonderland Park built this ride himself. We wonder if it was just coincidence that Paul Roads hailed from the state of Kansas. Learning welding skills while working at Cessna, in Wichita, helped him in later life as he designed and built rides at his park. Amusement park owners are a small group and many form lasting friendships. They will share ideas and help each other out, when possible. These friends provided the spark to help get this funhouse-type ride operating.

As we slid into the car, we were anxious to see what was waiting for us inside. We found a variety of gags inside, but we’ll keep some of the suspense a secret. Do watch out for the run-away truck. As you pass through the rotating barrel, remember that this was designed and built by the original owner of Wonderland Park. Paul certainly knew a few things about bringing fun to the Panhandle of Texas.

Bringing Fun to the Panhandle

Our time at Wonderland Park had come to an end, and it was time to say our goodbyes. We had met some wonderful people and enjoyed an evening of entertainment. The Borchardt’s had been so welcoming to us that we felt like part of the family. They say things are bigger in Texas and that certainly applies to friendship. Keep Wonderland Park in mind for your next family vacation. After all, this place knows a thing or two about bringing fun to the Panhandle.

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While a picture paints a thousand words. it still leaves much to be discerned. To ensure that the places we choose offer a pleasing experience for an entire family of travelers, I may end up crossing dozens of potential stops off my list. The goal is to root out those locally-owned eateries that are destined to become a landmark. Of course, sometimes they just fall in our lap, like finding Coyote Bluff Cafe in Amarillo, Texas.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Coyote Bluff Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Soaking Up The Sun

Life in the Panhandle-Plains can be hard, and it’s easy to work up an appetite. After a morning of exploring, we were ready to chow down on some delicious Texas beef. We had arranged to have lunch with Braley Hand, who was our primary contact at Visit Amarillo. This would be our second meal with someone from the tourism bureau. We always feel honored when they are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to meet up. It’s a chance to learn more about the city that they call home.

We arrived a couple of minutes before Braley and took the momentary pause to soak up some Texas sunshine. Some people may think we are crazy to travel south in the summer, but we love it. We have found that preparation makes all the difference, and it begins with your mindset. We watched as groups of locals came and went, and it seemed like cowboy hats and baseball caps were the fashion statement of the day. Glad I had my Baylor University cap.

Hanging With the Locals

When Braley arrived, we made our way inside the diminutive dining establishment. Space is a premium inside, and we could immediately see that this place is a hit with the locals. That is exactly what we look for when exploring. The tables were filled with groups of diners engaging in conversation. Coyote Bluff Cafe is one of those places where there is a constant murmur of talking in the background. It makes the atmosphere feel so alive.

Our server found us a table and we sat down to scan the menu. This is easy to do, as the bulk of the dishes revolve around their half-pound burgers. Yeah, that’s right. A full half-pound of lean Texas beef. If you leave this place hungry, well you just didn’t try hard enough. It didn’t take long for us to decide, and we all found our favorites.

Prairie Patties

Before you think that Coyote Bluff Cafe is just a simple burger joint, let me point out that they have options. There are nine different topping combinations just on the burgers. Diners can choose from a smoky barbecue experience or kick it up a notch with some mild green chilies. For the adventurous, you can select the Burger From Hell that includes jalapenos, Tabasco, and their special Coyote Hell Sauce. Needless to say, no one at our table chose to burn out their taste buds on this occasion.

We did end up selecting three different flavor combinations without even meaning to. Braley suggested we split a Basket of Fries, which ended up being more than enough for three adults. Crystal’s choice surprised me, since I noticed a few chicken based choices on the menu. I guess she decided to adapt the Texas philosophy of ‘Go Big or Go Home‘.

Cowboy Up For Lunch

After placing our order, we spent a few minutes chatting with Braley. Having been a long-time Amarillo resident, she was able to provide plenty of background for our visit. Her passionate descriptions were building our anticipation to explore this Route 66 metropolis. Being our first visit to the Panhandle of Texas, we had no idea what the landscape would look like. During our drive from the Alibates Flint Quarries, we scanned the horizon checking out the Amarillo cityscape. We were surprised at the similarities to our home state of Kansas.

Sitting in a crowded restaurant, in the heart of Amarillo, we knew we were in cowboy territory. Looking around the dining room, we noted lots of people who were obviously on a lunch break. It was obvious that Coyote Bluff Cafe is a local haunt. We were feeling pretty confident with our dining choice by now. As our server laid out our bounty before us, I knew that we would all want to dig in, but first I needed to capture the moment.

Piling It On

By now, Crystal has become quite familiar with the routine. We arrive, find a seat, I take photos, and then we order. Then I take more photos, the food arrives, I take more photos, and finally we get to eat. Her patience is commendable, and sometimes I take it for granted. On the occasions that we dine with someone from a city’s tourism bureau, I have to remind myself that they may not be familiar with the routine. Fortunately, Braley was a well-seasoned professional who made sure that I had everything I needed for the article, before starting to eat. We love working with professionals.

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During our previous visit to Oklahoma City, we saw the construction work being done for the soon-to-be transit system. After experiencing the convenience of our hometown system, we hoped to have a chance to sample the OKC Streetcar. When a Route 66 road trip took us through the region, we found our opportunity. Working with Visit OKC, we planned a 24 hour stop in the heart of downtown.

We want to thank Visit OKC and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Beginning in Bricktown

Once we arrived, our first stop was in Bricktown. This entertainment venue is home to the American Banjo Museum, which was a stop we missed on our previous visit. Growing up on shows like Hee Haw, we had seen and heard plenty of picking and grinning. This was a chance to learn about the history of this unique instrument. You can imagine our surprise to find that the museum holds hundreds of banjos. It also tells the background of some familiar musicians.

Pops of Color

It seems that since beginning our travel blog, we have become more aware of all of the colorful landscapes that can be found in North America. This is especially the case for me since I spend a good deal of my time looking through a camera lens. Downtown Oklahoma City is filled with a myriad of colorful buildings, many of which are associated with the growing art community. We discovered that this expanding tribe of artisans is coloring a new downtown, and the OKC Streetcar is helping connect the dots.

Factory Obscura

Oklahoma City was the first destination where we made a return visit, since starting our blog. During our first visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Tabbi Burwell, from Visit OKC. She was such a great resource, that we couldn’t wait to see her again. This visit would offer a chance to meet Meg Cathey, who is on Tabbi’s staff. Working with the two of them, we were able to hammer out an itinerary that would include a nice cross-section of experiences. Knowing our desire to stay close to the downtown sector, they suggested we visit a brand new attraction called Factory Obscura.

This art-based collective was just kicking off during our visit, but we could already see that it would be a huge hit. Mix-Tape is the moniker that they have applied to their 6,000 square-foot experience. With a rotation of art installations, it’s hard to say what you will find there. During our visit, the piece was named The King’s Mouth. After removing our shoes, we crawled into the mouth and enjoyed a relaxing and unique audio-visual experience. We will certainly need to visit again just to see what new fun we find.

Let’s Do Lunch

Right across the street from our art experience is S&B’s Burger Joint. We had arranged to meet Tabbi and Meg for lunch at this eclectic rock & roll eatery. With a menu filled with namesake burgers, as well as some delectable sides, we knew it would be an amazing meal. Sure enough, we all picked unique choices, and I tossed in one of their over-the-top shakes. It may have been a lot of calories, but I knew we had a lot of walking in our future. As we dined, we took in the quirky and colorful vibe of this place.

A Friendly Face

During our visit in 2018, we had stayed in the Automobile Alley section of OKC. This strip is filled with historic buildings that housed car dealerships, as well as businesses that supported them. As we explored the area, we saw workers heavily concentrated on preparing the street for the OKC Streetcar, which was to come. We saw a few shops that were hanging on during this construction period and decided to check them out. We are so glad we did because it gave us a chance to meet Traci Walton.

Traci is the owner of Plenty Mercantile, which is such a cute shop. Filled with quirky gifts and artistic pieces, we found ourselves finding so many pieces we just couldn’t live without. It’s a good thing we travel by car since it allows for plenty of purchases. While shopping, we were introduced to Traci, and we had a long discussion about the changing landscape of downtown. When we returned in 2019, we had to drop by to see how she was doing. We were shocked that she would readily remember us, but it goes to show just how welcoming people are in the Central U.S.

Coloring a New Downtown

After a short chat at Plenty Mercantile, it was time to make our way to a nearby OKC Streetcar stop. As we walked up the street, I saw this brightly colored bison in a window. Being quite unabashed, I stepped in to ask if I could grab a photo of it. The staff was quite accommodating, and we chatted as I worked. Back outside, I joined up with Crystal to complete our walk to catch the next streetcar.

Colorful Colcord

We rode the OKC Streetcar back to where we had parked our car. It was late enough in the afternoon for us to check into our hotel, which was just a couple of blocks away. The Colcord Hotel is a boutique-style lodging option located in close proximity to Bricktown. We knew a return visit would be coming later, but for now, we wanted to check out the hotel.

After finding our room, we explored what we would later find out is OKC’s first skyscraper. At twelve stories tall, it must have been quite a sight when it was built in 1910. It has had multiple upgrades, but still contains much of its luxurious charm. With all of this exploring going on, we had worked up our appetites. Time to enjoy an amazing dinner at Flint Restaurant, which is located inside of the Colcord. Wow! This is what luxury dining is all about. Now to head out for more exploring.

Bring on Bricktown

From our hotel, it was a short walk to the heart of Bricktown. We made our way down to the river level, where we watched the tour boats passing by. All around us people were dining or enjoying drinks and conversation on outdoor patios. Our attention was directed to a group of people stepping into a local winery. We decided to follow them and made our way to Put A Cork In It. Inside we found a few groups enjoying tastings, so we thought that sounded like a good idea, as well.

John, the owner, showed us to a table and brought us sampling menus and a couple of glasses. A short conversation focused on determining our wine preferences. Fortunately, we both agree, for the most part, so John started bringing out some varieties for us to sample. there were some really good flavors going into our glasses, and each variety he served was slightly sweeter than the previous. Crystal and I thought the use of animal crackers to cleanse the palette between samples was quite clever and fun.

Rolling Into the Evening

With a slight buzz going, we thought it would be a good idea to grab some fresh air. Back to the riverwalk for some more sightseeing. A crowd was waiting in line to play miniature golf, so we decided to forego that activity and instead check out Hey Day. This bowling and arcade heavy attraction looked like a fun place to spend some time. Neither of us was in the mood to bowl, but we loved the use of color and lights in this space.

Colorful Competition

We moved up to the second floor, where we discovered a small arcade. We both knew that things were about to get competitive. A couple of rounds of racing allowed us to show off some skills. We went looking for air hockey but came up empty. No problem, our second favorite game is SkeeBall. Once again we found the use of lights and colors to add to the entertainment factor. I can’t remember who won, but I know that we both had a great time.

Calm Reflection

We departed Bricktown on the OKC Streetcar and watched as the city lights passed by. Riding the loop, we saw many of the familiar landmarks of downtown OKC, except now they took on an ethereal tone. While the streetcar made all of the expected stops, we found that most people seemed to have the same idea as us. We all sat in silence and just took in the night scenes.

During our first visit, we toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This memorial had left quite an impression on us. While the horrific event that occurred there will never be forgotten, neither will the survivor spirit of those that came to the rescue of their neighbors. When the OKC Streetcar stopped nearby this spot, we decided to step off for another view. As we made our way through this space the stillness of the night surrounded us. It definitely added a new level of solemness to this site.

Coloring a New Day

We strolled back to our hotel, which was only about four blocks away. Our busy day was catching up with us, and we were ready to catch a good night’s sleep. The next morning we had planned to have breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Having the OKC Streetcar right outside the hotel’s front door was certainly handy. Four short blocks away we arrived at Kitchen 324. This downtown dining experience was hopping with business. With a menu full of amazing eats and delectable treats, it was no surprise.

OKC Streetcar

After breakfast was our last opportunity to ride the OKC Streetcar. Back at our hotel, we packed up for our return to Kansas City. We still had a couple of stops in Oklahoma City, but these would take us out of the downtown region. As we waited for the valet to retrieve our car, we took another look around the area. A passing streetcar confirmed that this transportation option is coloring a new downtown in Oklahoma City. If you haven’t visited downtown OKC in a while, perhaps it’s time to plan your next getaway. There is so much to see and do, and they have the streetcars to help get around downtown.

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Since our trip was a continuation of our Route 66 explorations, visiting this attraction made a lot of sense. After all, the golden age of auto-touring also happened to be the prime period for recreational vehicles. We can remember the days of riding in the backseat and watching the various pull-behind campers glide by. Our young minds would imagine the wonderful destinations that the people would see during their travels. Little did we realize, but our visit to Traveland Museum would open a floodgate of nostalgic memories of back road camping.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Jack Sisemore Traveland for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Going Back in Time

The Siseland Traveland RV Museum was not visible when we first arrived. The museum is located behind an RV dealership but is easy to find. We stepped through the dealership door and asked the receptionist for directions. They actually have a painted line that leads straight to the attraction. Of course, as we approached the building, the huge painted sign on the side kind of gave away its location. Before we even crossed the threshold, we were already being whisked back to our youth.

One of the first displays we spotted was an El Camino loaded up for a day at the lake. It was parked in a replica of an old A&W restaurant drive-thru line. So many fun memories began flowing. We could remember the smell of the exhaust from dirt bikes, and the splash of the waves on the front of the boat. Another great memory was the frosty mugs of root beer that we would get at A&W. This was one of those special treats that seemed so extravagant to a child.

Early Days of Camping

We moved into the main exhibit of trailers and RVs to examine some of the ones from before our time. The Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is the proud owner of a 1935 Airstream, which was produced in the second year of the company’s history. The founder of Airstream, Wally Byam, had spent his youth traveling. Much of it included sleeping outdoors. The idea of making it a comfortable experience was close to his heart. We can imagine him spending nights in a sleeping bag but dreaming of being indoors.

His earliest trailer versions were constructed with plywood and masonite. The addition of amenities began piling up, and by 1934, he introduced the Airstream line. The idea of an enclosed kitchen and bedroom struck a chord with Americans. They were an expensive luxury, especially during the Depression. Still, the demand was so high, that they struggled to keep up with demand. Many Americans associated the riveted aluminum with the burgeoning airplane industry. Camping would never be the same.

Amazing Finds

Have you ever seen a display that really caught your attention? When we spotted this 1936 Alma trailer, we were shocked at how well it had been preserved. Of course, learning that it had spent the last 64 years in storage would certainly keep the aging process minimized. We had no recollection of the Alma Trailer lines, but evidently they were pretty big stuff in their time. They started in Alma, Michigan, and produced models from 1934 to 1957. During the 1940’s they were the largest trailer factory in the United States. This 25′ Silvermoon model was cutting edge in its day.

Tight Spots

While the Alma may have passed away in history, there are still some big names in the RV industry. The Sisemore Traveland RV Museum has a 1953 Fleetwood trailer on display. Fleetwood trailers got their modest start in 1950. Created by a company that made window blinds for travel trailers, they saw the possibilities of moving into the RV business. In 1953 Fleetwood Trailer Company began to release travel trailers designed for the growing American population. With personal income increasing after World War II, people were looking for recreational opportunities.

The country was primed for outdoor activities, and owning a recreational vehicle or travel trailer were signs of a successful career. Soon, families all across the country were packing up the station wagon and hitching up the trailer for family vacations. National parks saw a surge in attendance, as Americans scrambled to make the most of their time away from work.

Stay Aware

As we walked through the Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, we were amazed at how many artifacts they had assembled. There were so many recreational vehicles that they even had some suspended from the ceiling. Seeing the row of motorcycles took us back to the beginning of our relationship together. In my teenage years, I rode a motorcycle, and Crystal would join me at times for rides. Hitting the open road was an amazing experience. We loved having the wind in our faces and getting to be more connected with the world.

These days, we have chosen the path of riding in cars. I would say that a lot of this is for the comfort level. Much like the early trailers had minimal amenities, over time this has changed dramatically. The newer models we saw at Jack Sisemore’s have all of the bells and whistles. Of course, when we were kids it was an awesome experience just getting to sleep indoors when we were at a campsite.

Hollywood Camping

All of this nostalgia was starting to make us wonder if those days were really as amazing as we remembered. You know how the mind can be selective about memories. Is it possible that we were just seeing the good things, and overlooking some of the issues that went with RVing in the ’60s and ’70s. This is the kind of thing that goes along with a Hollywood movie script. A good idea goes south for a bit, but it all ends up well in the end.

During our tour, we found that even RVing has a footnote in Hollywood history. In 2006, the movie RV showed that a dysfunctional family can find new bonds, after a series of mishaps. Traveland RV Museum has a vehicle that was used in the filming of Robin William’s movie. You know that you are mainstream when Hollywood picks your industry to highlight in a movie. I just don’t remember any of those hilarious maladies happening during our family trips.

Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

It was quite apparent that the Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is designed to elicit feelings of nostalgia. This may be a little difficult for those too young to have experienced the use of these historic vehicles. To be honest, many of the items on display predated us, as well. At least we were well aware of most of them. Hitting the open road, with a travel trailer in tow was a memory that did not elude us. We could even remember the days of full-service filling stations, even though neither of us was driving.

We were now in full nostalgia mode, and I started to think back to many of the various styles of camping we had done. Some of my earliest memories were my parents towing a Starcraft pop-up camper behind the Galaxy 500. We would head off to a lake area, where us kids would spend time imagining life as pioneers. Of course, we never thought about all of the modern amenities that we had brought with us. To us, it was all about being out in nature.

Tight Living

As we grew, the versions of camping changed. During a short period, my parents owned a VW Microbus. Trips made with this unique vehicle were a little tighter but required less fuel. This was important during the gas shortages of the 1970s. For us kids, it was still a chance to get out of town and explore new areas. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned about the Hippie culture that embraced this interesting vehicle. We certainly never sat around a campfire singing Kum-ba-yah, but we did get back to nature.

Some summers, nature even got in contact with us. We dealt with unbearable heat waves, biting mosquitoes, tick checks, and those strange noises in the middle of the night. I’m guessing I wasn’t the only kid that imagined some wild beast making its way into our camp to check out the burrito shaped packages of children sleeping by the campfire. Of course, in all of those campouts, I was never nibbled on, even by a mildly ferocious beast. Probably because I positioned my sleeping bag so that one of my brothers would get eaten first.

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

As we ducked in and out of the recreational vehicles, at Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, so many of the items inside evoked fun memories. It was like taking a walk down memory lane, except it was focused on just RV’s. The colors and patterns of the fabrics are so memorable. Crystal remarked about how today’s styles are starting to incorporate some of these very designs. While we fondly remember this period of our lives, I’m not sure I am ready to return to the leisure suit era. I did leave with a renewed interest in RV’s. Maybe an overnight visit to Palo Duro Canyon. It certainly has some amazing sights to explore up close. Who’s up for a camping trip?

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We want to thank Visit OKC and Bedlam Bar-B-Q for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

#7) Ordering Old School

Finding Bedlam Bar-B-Q wasn’t difficult, as it lies just off the main drag. Being located on the northern half of the city worked out perfectly, as this was our last stop before the drive back to Kansas City. Stepping through the door, we found ourselves in a galley style chamber, where patrons order their food. Using the “order here and we’ll bring it to you” style is synonymous with many of the well-established barbecue joints we have visited. It actually reminded us of one we have in KC, that got its start in Oklahoma.

While Oklahoma Joe’s has since changed its name to Joe’s KC, it still has its roots from the years it was connected with the Midwest smoker manufacturer. Fortunately for us, our late arrival had ensured we wouldn’t face the lines that can be found during lunch rushes. In fact, being a weekday, we were one of a handful in the house for a 2:00 mealtime. Maybe we need to rethink our dining times to avoid the rush more often.

#6) Choices

Since our visit had been pre-scheduled, we were planning on sampling a variety of the dishes available at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. We still took time to review the menu, so we could see if anything unusual popped out at us. They have a good selection of plated dinners to choose from. We found that owner Jeff Watt has chosen the brisket and hotlink sandwich as his favorite. The range of smoked meats was quite familiar, but we were surprised to see the addition of smoked bologna. Now that’s not something you see at most barbecue joints. They also offer up half of a smoked chicken, still on the bone. That sounded like the makings of a good dinner for two.

#5) The Decor

Now that we had seen a sampling of the dishes available, it was time to check out space. If you have ever visited Oklahoma and spent some time in the state, then you know it has quite a storied history. At Bedlam Bar-B-Q, they embrace this colorful past, and it shows through in the decor. The walls are covered with memories of days gone by when cowboys and Indians still roamed the lands. It is easy to get caught up in checking out the decor, and before you realize it, your food has arrived.

#4) Seating Choices

At most restaurants we visit, we find a couple of choices in seating. Usually, it will be tables or booths. Sure you can find both of those at Bedlam Bar-B-Q, but it doesn’t stop there. Looking for a real conversation starter? Why not belly up to the piano table, where you can dine with friends in real style. Since it was just the two of us, we didn’t sit there, but don’t think it wasn’t tempting. I did plop down on one of the stools, just to check it out. By the way, the photo of the laser cut stool at the top of the page is located at the piano table.

#3) Connect With Nature

Since we are on the subject of unusual seating choices, let’s not forget the outdoor patio at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. This wonderful setting is used for special events and most frequently in the evenings. We can imagine sitting in the shade of the willow tree, as the gentle Oklahoma breezes flow by. Nearby, the sounds of live music would play, by one of the local bands that frequent this place. Of course, there would also be the tempting aroma of the smoky dishes being prepared nearby. Man, we wish our visit would have allowed for a firsthand taste of that experience.

#2) Sides Galore

Okay, it’s time to talk about the food at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. While most places you will visit focus on the meats, the staff at Bedlam offer up some of the best sides we have sampled. When they delivered our food, they wanted us to have a good assortment to choose from. Clearly, they know how much we can eat. The flavors they pack into their dishes bring pleasure with each bite, even from some old standards. For instance, the creaminess of the Mac & Cheese makes it melt in your mouth. We found the same attention to detail with their Baked Beans and Cowboy Beans.

These sides, while exceptional, are commonplace at barbecue joints. When they delivered our dishes, there were a couple of sides that stood out from the field. Seeing Tabouli Salad served caught my attention immediately. This Mediterranean based dish is a mix of finely chopped vegetables and Bulgur wheat. With olive oil and a lemony base, it offered a refreshing lightness to our meat-heavy meal.

Sitting next to the Tabouli was a dish that clearly came from a casserole-style creation. Our server was quick to point out that this is their famous Green Rice. It is made with a recipe that has been handed down through Jeff’s family. Our first bite told us that it was a dish we were very familiar with since it is one that Crystal often makes at home. The mix of rice, broccoli, and cheese offer a delightfully creamy texture. The taste had us coming back for more bites, and this was the first dish to be emptied.

#1) The ‘Cue

While all of these sides offered plenty of reason to visit Bedlam Bar-B-Q, let’s not overlook the main attraction. The top reason we visit barbecue restaurants is to sample the smoky meats that they produce. Even before our first bite, we were already savoring the smoky scent found when we approached the parking lot. Once everything was laid out in front of us, it was hard to refrain from tasting it. I learned firsthand what Crystal goes through whenever I ask her to pose with the food. I feel like I earned an extra portion just for my patience.

Our plate was filled with pulled pork, smoked turkey and chicken, tender brisket, and some of their notable dry-rubbed ribs. With so much going on, they had to put the Polish and hotlink sausage on its own plate. Finally, it was time to dig into this smorgasbord of smoky goodness. With each bite, we could taste the care and time put into making the taste delicious without the need for sauce. To us, this is the sign of a confident barbecue chef, who has mastered the ability to replicate his dishes daily.

You can only imagine the smacking lips and satisfied taste buds that took place this day. The tasting passed far too quickly, and soon we were noticing dishes become empty. We each gravitated toward our favorites, but the delectable flavor still tempted us to mix in some of our less frequented cuts. Even though we gave it our best, there was just no way that we could complete all of this food. After thanking the staff for this unbelievable meal, we rolled ourselves out to the car, to begin our journey home. As the mile markers whizzed by, we chatted about our successful venture in Oklahoma City. When is your next trip scheduled for this amazing destination?

The post 7 Reasons To Chow Down At Bedlam Bar-B-Q appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Palo Duro Creek Ranch for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

The Ranch

During our research for this visit, we had the opportunity to connect with a bunch of people from the region, through Facebook. When we surveyed them on places that were “must-sees”, Palo Duro Canyon was at the top of the list. To be honest, we had never heard of it. After Googling it, we were dumbfounded that such a natural wonder could stay so well hidden from public knowledge. We knew that we had to help get the word out about this fantastic destination. One day earlier, we had been in Canyon, Texas to tour the Panhandle-Plains Museum.

Being so close to the canyon, we expected to see it. Obviously, we were completely wrong. After all, the canyon is lower than the ground around you, so it doesn’t show on the horizon as mountains would. It was apparent we would have to wait. After a quick run down the interstate, we jumped on Highway 217, which leads to Palo Duro. It was still about 10 miles to our destination, so the anticipation was really building. While the elevation is greater on the high plains, the flatness reminded us of our home state of Kansas.

By the time we saw the dirt road turn-off for Palo Duro Jeep Tours, our anticipation had grown to peak levels. To think that we would have the chance to spend two hours seeing the canyon up close was so thrilling. Oh wait, now we had to traverse the dirt road to the ranch. Oh well, it just meant that it built the suspense even more. Soon enough, we turned a bend in the road, and the ranch came into view. It reminded us of something right out of the Old West, and we could hardly wait to meet the staff of Palo Duro Creek Ranch.

John Knows

Our arrival was quite timely, as our guide was all ready to get going. After brief introductions, we loaded into the dust-covered Hummer. John would be leading us out into the field, and we were assured that he really knew his stuff. Our group included another couple with their son in tow. With John in the driver’s seat, there was plenty of room for the five us in the open back. As the instructions were given, we made note of the various handles and bars that would become much-needed supports for our excursion.

The tour started easy enough, with a short run to the edge of the canyon. During our tour, John would take periodic stops to tell us some of the histories behind Palo Duro Canyon. He would also serve as the staff photographer for the group, as he was happy to take pictures for everyone. Let me tell you, he knew all the good places to pose us, as long as we were willing to stand near a canyon edge.

Palo Duro Canyon was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, as it flowed across the land. The erosion has left an assortment of canyons, bluffs, caves, and exposed the colorful layers to the naked eye. His descriptions of what we were going to see just made us that much more anxious for the experience.

Steep Descent

As we arrived at the lip of the first descent, all of us were taken back with the beauty that unfolded before us. It is hard to imagine how one stream could do so much work. We held on, as John edged the jeep down the steep ravine. In places, the tires must have been skirting the edge, but it quickly became apparent that John knew this path like the back of his hand. Of course, he didn’t mind peppering in a little humor at the perfect times. We were barely into the tour, and we were already warming up to our guide at Palo Duro Creek Ranch. Let’s just hope that he kept his cool under the hot Texas sun.

Natural Beauty

After this first round of drop-offs, we arrived at an area that was used by cattle for grazing. While the first inhabitants of the canyon had been native Indians, European explorers would not discover these lands until Coronado came through in 1541. His group would meet the Apache tribe, who would eventually be uprooted by others. Once horses became part of everyday life for the Indians, the Kiowa and Comanche were able to force the Apache out of the canyon.

In 1852, a military group was assigned the task of finding the source of the Red River. This would lead to the rediscovery of Palo Duro Canyon. By 1874, the military had begun an operation to remove the native Indians from the area and move them to the reservations in Oklahoma territory. We had learned quite a bit about the Indian relocation from a visit to the Oklahoma History Center. With the land cleared, it was prime time for new settlers to move in.

Charles Goodnight would be one of the first, when he established his JA Ranch, in 1876. It was hard to imagine the idea of cattle grazing on this hilly terrain, but it reminded us just how hardy the Texas longhorn can be. John informed us that we were coming to an area that would be prime for some photo opportunities. That was good news, as we were all just getting over our white knuckle experience of the first descent.

Pit Stop

John came to a stop along the trail and invited us to get out and stretch our legs. He continued our history lesson, as he told us about how the native Indians were brought to submission. In the late summer of 1874, members of four tribes had sought refuge in the canyon. With a stockpile of supplies, it looked like they were set to hold out through the winter. Twelve companies of cavalry were sent in to root them out. Splitting into three columns, the cavalry was able to force the Indians to abandon their supplies and retreat.

By capturing nearly 2000 of the Indian’s horses, it left them mostly on foot. This dealt a blow that they would not recover from. The Indians would eventually return to their Fort Sill reservation, as they no longer had the ability to survive the winter. After finishing his tale, John escorted us to the edge of the bluff, which overlooked the canyon floor. Of course, first, we posed for a few photos with the horsepower that brought us to this point.

Height Awareness

The edge of the bluff offered some unique viewing opportunities. What we discovered was that I was the only one who didn’t mind the height. Seeing this box canyon firsthand made it easy to understand why the native Indians had chosen this area to hole up. There are so many points that people could hide, and navigating them looked rather difficult. Since my co-participants wouldn’t hazard the approach, I decided to record some video for them to see the drop-off. Our visit to Palo Duro Creek ranch was turning out to be quite an experience.

Untold Beauty

When we reached the edge of the bluff, we found that the valley laid out before our eyes. All of the colors, found in the various layers of soil, were so amazing. Here and there we could make out small geological formations, which John promised we would be seeing up close later in the tour. Even in the hot July summer, the greens were popping all over the canyon floor. Time to get back to the jeep and continue our journey.

Who Do Hoodoo?

Once we made it to the canyon floor, the amazement just kept getting bigger. Here and there we would spot a skink or lizard sunning itself on a formation. While we had seen a few caves that were eroded in the hillside, now we were up close with some hoodoos. These fascinating formations are created when a hard rock sits atop a softer under-surface. Over time, erosion from the elements will wear away the surrounding soil. What is left is these chimney-like structures. Sometimes referred to as tent rocks, these are commonly found in canyon settings.

The layers of color we were seeing are created from the various ages where new material was deposited. From our visit to the Panhandle-Plains Museum, we knew that this region had been a swamp at one time. This is the section where the red coloring is found. It comes from the oxidation created in the tidal pools that would have been found long ago. Seeing the color bands from this angle made it easier to understand the passing of time.

Finding Shade

With our tour now passing the two-hour point, we knew our time was limited. John was happy to make some suggestions for more photo opportunities. Posing under one of the hoodoos allowed us a brief break in the rare shade found in Palo Duro Canyon. A few more minutes exploring this unique landscape, and it was time to load back into our all-terrain chariot. This was one of those experiences that began forming as an article in my mind, even as we were still in the canyon. We knew that we had to pass along this amazing destination to all of you so that you could see it for yourself.

Heading Back Up

As we made our way back up the bluffs, we found ourselves back in white knuckle situations. It seemed easier to accept driving along drop-offs when you are moving away from them. While Crystal focused on watching where we were headed, I took the opportunity to look back at where we had been. It still amazes me, when I watch this video, at just how steep the climb was that we had just made.

Happy Campers

Looking back at our experience at Palo Duro Creek Ranch, it ranks as one of those unforgettable memories. While the amount of our exertion was low, it had still offered a few heartbeat racing moments. In the end, we had made some new friends, including our amazing tour guide. John had made our journey memorable by making sure to take the time to show us all of the nooks and crannies that he has discovered over his time driving guests through the canyon. His capable driving skills, great backstories, and friendly humor had endeared all of us to him. You can bet we highly recommend him for a tour guide when you visit Palo Duro Creek Ranch. Now which of you would be brave enough to peek over the edge of the cliff?

Share with an Adventure Lover!

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We want to thank Visit OKC and the Oklahoma History Center for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Pre-Explorer Age

Archaeology shows that people have inhabited Oklahoma territory for centuries. Arrowheads and projectile points have been discovered in dig sites. Some of these came from the Alibates Quarries located just south of the panhandle region. Many of these cultures were found by Hernando de Soto when he explored the New World in the early 1500s. By the time more European explorers arrived, prior to the Revolutionary War, there were two dominant tribes in the area. The Wichita people had established homes across much of the Great Plains. They were farmer/hunter people, who built a network of small villages. While the Wichita worked the lands, there were others who frequented the region.

Life on the Plains

The Apache people were known for their nomadic lifestyle. Being primarily hunters, they followed the herds of buffalo, as they migrated across the lands. From what historians can surmise, the Wichita and Apache coexisted in peace. The Apache was using dogs to help move their belongings. When Francisco Coronado visited the territory, he introduced the horse. This would dramatically change life on the plains for the native tribes. With this newfound assistance, the Apache could expand their territory north and south across the continent.

The native tribes did not believe in the ownership of the land but reserved themselves to be stewards of it. Far removed from what was occurring globally, the native people went forward with their daily lives. Around them, the ownership of the territory would change from France to Spain, and eventually the United States. While all of this swirled around them, life for the native people remained fairly stable. The informative displays at the Oklahoma History Center allowed us to see for ourselves the struggles faced by the native people. Touching the past included feeling the weight of one of the travois, their form of a wagon that would be drug from camp to camp.

Indian Relocation

With the ever-increasing number of immigrants to the east, the United States government was struggling with how to handle the indigenous people. Treaty after treaty was formed, which promised the native tribes new lands, in exchange for the current homes. As the numbers of new immigrant arrivals swelled, each of these treaties would be broken, to open up new land for settlers. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson would sign into law the Indian Removal Act. While it was meant to provide for a peaceful relocation, too often force was used to meet the desired outcome.

Part of what would become Oklahoma was designated for the five civilized tribes. Many in the government saw no value in these lands, so they felt this was the perfect region for the new reservations. Moving the Seminole, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Cherokee tribes were accomplished by the end of the 1830s. Many native Indians would perish on the forced marches that were overseen by the U.S. government.

The Nation Prepares for War

The landscape of America was changing. The Louisiana Purchase had put the center of the continent into United States control. This opened up new lands for settlers and speculators. Just south of the Oklahoma region, Texas was declaring its own independence from Mexico. From 1836 to 1845, the region would be a separate country but would be annexed by the U.S. This action helped lead to the Mexican-American War in 1846. After the war ended, Texas was added to the Union as a slavery state.

To stay within the boundaries being applied to new slave states, the northernmost border of Texas would be moved south, leaving the tract that would eventually become the Oklahoma Panhandle. As the map filled in all around the Midwest, the territorial borders for Oklahoma would be defined by what was leftover. Even with all of the areas around claiming statehood, it would take until 1907 for Oklahoma to have a star on the U.S. flag.

Engaging the Native Tribes

The tumultuous times that had fallen on our country would not leave the territory unscathed. By the beginning of the 1860s, the Oklahoma region was home to around 55,000 native Indians. All around them, new states were being established. With the issue of slavery becoming a flashpoint, the addition of Kansas and Nebraska added fuel to the fire. The Confederates were quick to form alliances with the major Indian tribes. The Civil War even raged within the borders, as Union and Confederate loyal tribes faced off with each other. This conflict continued throughout the war, and it would lead to the president suspending treaties with any tribe supporting the Confederate side. There were a few that held on for the duration of the Civil War. In fact, it was a native Indian general who was the last to surrender on June 23, 1865. This Cherokee chief would find his tribe left out of negotiations, after the war.

We were surprised to find so many informative exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center. While we knew that our region of the country had been a hotbed for conflict, it still amazes us when we learn new details about specific battles. It reminds us that in all of these smaller conflicts, within the Civil War, there were heroes as well as casualties.

Opening the Land

For years, Oklahoma territory was considered uninhabitable for anyone except the native Indians. The quickly changing weather, often running to extremes, made survival complicated. Much of the landscape appeared difficult to farm or ranch. As the end of the 1800s approached, the country was discovering improved methods of farming. These would help drive the demand for new land that settlers could claim. In March of 1899, President Benjamin Harrison announced that nearly 2 million acres of Indian territory would be made available to settlers.

At high noon, on April 22, the “land rush” would begin. Over 50,000 hopefuls swamped the land, in anticipation of the event. A few early starters slipped across the line, to get a head start on finding a claim. They would be labeled “Sooners”, and many a legal battle would erupt over their claims. During an earlier visit to Oklahoma City, we had a chance to visit the Land Rush statues at BrickTown. These life-size pieces bring the feel of the moment to life.

Tending the Herd

As we made our way through the exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center, we found opportunities for touching the past. Here and there, we discovered these stations that allow visitors to interact. This one gave us a glimpse of life as a cowboy. We could climb aboard a saddle, to imagine the open prairie all around us. Nearby, a chuck-wagon awaited a cook to prepare the evening meal for the hungry cowboys. Can you imagine the hardships that must have come with moving herds from Texas, up the Chisholm Trail?

Heading to Market

By the time that Oklahoma became a state, in 1907, the landscape was already dotted with growing cities. Oklahoma City had a population of around 50,000 and was preparing for its next phase of growth. With so many cattle ranches in the state, it made sense to develop some meatpacking plants. This would eliminate the need to move all of the herds out of state, for processing. In 1910, the Oklahoma National Stockyards Company opened as a public market. This development spurred the creation of multiple packing plants, to service the stockyards. Business boomed, and by 1966 it was the sixth-largest market in America. By 1973, it became the largest and still holds that distinction today.

Feeding a Nation

Having a major stockyard meant that packing plants would have a steady supply. This attracted companies like Armour and Wilson to open plants in Oklahoma City. The partnership blossomed, and soon Oklahoma City had cemented its place as a major meatpacking location. After World War II, Oklahoma City emerged as a growing leader in this industry. During the 1960s and ’70s, while many other cities saw a shuttering of meatpacking plants, Oklahoma City continued to flourish. With good transportation access from highways and railways, their central location allows for continued success.

Dust in the Wind

Oklahoma has seen plenty of struggles, as well as successes. During the 1930s, the country was battling with the Great Depression. While this impacted the entire nation, regionally there were even more issues arising. The high plains were well-known for receiving sparse amounts of precipitation. While these arid grasslands could support grazing animals, they were not considered prime farming lands. After the Civil War, waves of immigrants flooded west looking for land. Some would come to the Great American Desert with hopes of creating a new life.

After World War I, the need for wheat and other crops was felt worldwide. With the addition of motorized farming equipment, farmers saw the potential to work on this untapped ground. While this panned out during wet years, it could spell disaster during times of drought. After a run of favorable weather in the 1920s, the climate would change for the worse. Beginning in the summer of 1930, drought returned to the high plains. This dried out the thin layer of topsoil, which was picked up by the gusting winds that frequent the region. Before long, these “dust storms” would become an all too frequent sight. By the mid-1930s a mass migration would occur, which would see families fleeing to the west.

Taking to the Skies

One of the reasons we enjoy so many museums is the opportunity to learn about local history. It surprises us how often we find a connection with someone or something we recognize from the past. A good example was this exhibit on aeronautics. Stepping into the old barn we found ourselves touching the past of airplane travel in Oklahoma. Little did we know that Braniff Air Lines originally started in Oklahoma City. Inside of this interactive exhibit, we were able to strap in and enjoy a ride, as the video screen took us up for a look-see. To be honest, we actually sat through this display twice, since it was filled with some good information. Be sure to check it out for yourself, when you visit.

A Route Runs Through It

Crystal and I grew up in the era when Route 66 was one of the main arteries for travel across the western half of the nation. While this leisurely choice was eventually replaced by interstates, there are still sections that maintain its nostalgic touch. Oklahoma holds a variety of sights for those traveling the Mother Road. While some classic stops have passed away from neglect, a recent resurgence of interest is bringing a new generation of travelers to the region. When following the route, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for unique attractions. You just never know when one will pop up on the horizon.

Plan Your Own Road Trip

Oklahoma has such a storied history, that there is no way we could capture it all in this article. With so many places to explore, our hope is that we will spark your explorer side. Plan your own road trip, and you will find yourself touching the past at sites all across the land. If you want to learn about more Oklahoma destinations, be sure to check our Southwest category. You are sure to find some great vacation ideas that are family-friendly. After all, road trips make for memories that will last a lifetime. Travel safely!

The post Touching The Past – Oklahoma History Center appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Longevity is one of the main goals in the restaurant business. Many struggle to make it through the first couple of years, as they fight to build a consistent following. If they make it to five years, then they face the next issue, which is to prevent their menu from becoming stale to their regular customers. Finding a dining destination with long term staying power is usually a sign of consistent dishes being served with exceptional service. This was certainly the case, when we discovered 35 years of Panhandle Pride at Calico County.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Calico County for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

It Takes All Kinds

Stopping at Calico County for breakfast on a weekday gave us a good idea of the local crowd who frequent the restaurant. It became quickly apparent that the food they serve is accepted by a wide range of clientele. Within the span of a few minutes, we were joined by business people who looked to be on their way to the office. Nearby, there sat others who could easily be factory workers. Servicemen, as well as another regular working “Joes”, dotted the landscape inside of the restaurant. It is reassuring to see that such a wide range of appetites find solace in the meals at one location.

The seating options are simple enough, with a choice between booths and tables. Of course, there is a place that Crystal and I differ. I have always been a fan of table dining since it offers chairs that move in and out of the space. Crystal is a booth person and tells me it is because she finds them to be more comfortable. At Calico County, you have your choice, but in this instance, I was able to win out and pick a table.  As we waited for our morning coffee service, we scanned the menus to see what yummy bites they offered.

Spiral Delight

When our server returned with our coffee, he brought with him a basket of freshly made cinnamon rolls. This was not something we expected, but it was certainly welcomed. These delicious little spirals of goodness gave us something to nibble on, while we perused the menu. We have to admit that this was not the first time we had been surprised by cinnamon rolls during a Route 66 trip. During a visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma, we had been served up an enormous pastry treat at Tally’s Good Food cafe. (You can read about Tally’s here.) While the rolls at Calico County were more of normal size, they were still a delicious treat.

Simple and Fresh

Our plan for the day would have us spending the first half exploring the Panhandle-Plains Museum. We know it is the largest history museum in Texas, so we wanted to be sure to pack on some protein to keep us going. Crystal had started the visit with the intention of getting an omelet, and Calico County has a nice variety to choose from. She decided to keep it simple and just go with the sausage version. The scrambles are made with sour cream and American cheese, which makes them silky smooth. The addition of the Whole Hog sausage added a delightful flavor punch to the dish.

A side order of their crispy bacon would help add an additional protein boost. Of course, she washed it all down with a few cups of their coffee. You know we had to start our day with a cup of Joe. She was kind enough to offer to share her bacon with me, so that allowed me to dive deeper into the menu for my main dish.

Syrup Pockets

I’m not really a heavy breakfast eater, in general. For me, lunch or dinner is my preferred meal, but I know the importance of fueling up for exploring. That being said, I don’t focus nearly as heavily on the protein side. Knowing that Crystal was sharing her bacon offered plenty for me, so it opened up my options. This morning, I was feeling a bit on the sweet side, so I thought about my traditional go-to of pancakes or French toast. After all, it’s hard to go wrong with either of those choices.

As I reviewed the menu, my eyes spotted the Chicken & Waffles. This southern dish is one that I have enjoyed many times, but it sounded too heavy for this particular morning. The server arrived back at our table, and I hadn’t yet decided. When I explained my indecision, he suggested I just go with a serving of the house waffles. Little did I realize that they came in the shape of the restaurant’s logo. That was a bonus I didn’t expect. It ended up being a perfect choice and had me wondering why I don’t choose waffles more often. After all, they have those perfect little syrup pockets that help keep each bite sweet and moist.

35 Years of Panhandle Pride

Our visit to Amarillo, Texas reminded us of a few important lessons that we have learned along the road.

#1) Longevity is usually a sign of consistency. If you want to serve delicious bites to customers, they need to know that each visit will yield similar results. Discovering that Calico County has over 35 years of Panhandle Pride, under their belts, was a sure sign of this.

#2) Be open to suggestions. When you find yourself waffling about what to order, ask your server what the restaurant is known for. When you put their pride on the line, it will almost always result in a fantastic meal. Besides, it can also lead to rediscovering a dish you forgot you enjoyed.

#3) Keep your eyes peeled. You never know exactly what you may find when exploring Route 66. These crazy legs are exactly the kind of oddity you will find when exploring America’s Mother Road. So, when is your next Route 66 road trip?

 

The post 35 Years of Panhandle Pride – Calico County appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit OKC and Kitchen 324 for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Urban Digs

On this visit to OKC, we found ourselves staying at the Colcord Hotel, which is right in the heart of the urban revitalization. (You can check out Colcord here.) As we scoped out the map of nearby options, Kitchen 324 offered a promising meal within easy walking distance. Since we were winding down a four-city trip, we decided to sleep in on our last day. No problem, since breakfast was so close. When we arrived, we found that the restaurant is housed in the old Braniff Airlines building, which was built in 1923. You don’t find that kind of history in the suburbs. From the brunch crowd, it was clear that we weren’t the only ones who appreciate this.

Intriguing Ingredients

Once we started diving into the menu, we found that Kitchen 324 is mixing it up with some interesting flavor combinations. Crystal liked the sound of the Breakfast Bowl, which has an eclectic collection of ingredients. This veggie-packed dish has Brussel sprouts, avocado, and sweet potato, all tossed with kale pesto. She found plenty of protein in the dish, as well. They have this delightful bacon mixed in and top the whole thing with a pair of eggs. Now, that’s what we call a hearty breakfast.

New Twists

I had been thinking about chicken & waffles since we were south of the Mason-Dixon line. When I spotted the Hot Chicken Biscuit, I forgot all about that other dish. I mean, this plate is a great example of how Kitchen 324 is bringing brunch to downtown Oklahoma City. The base for this delectable dish is their homemade biscuit. This place knocks baked goods out of the park. A crispy, and slightly spicy, chicken breast is topped with a fried egg. That’s all it takes to make this sandwich, but the flavor goes on for days. Of course, they toss on a side of their crispy potato wedges, and I ordered some of their McCabe’s Crispy Bacon to round out my meal.

Picturesque Presentation

After we had ordered, but before our meals arrived, we had an opportunity to explore the restaurant. A nearby pastry counter was decorated with tempting treasures, that we made a mental note of for later. Our server had mentioned these treats, during our conversation. The manager came by to welcome us, and we were able to have a short conversation. She explained that Kitchen 324 sources locally produced ingredients, whenever possible. This idea seems to be catching on throughout the country, and we like it. We have found that it brings flavor back to dishes without the need to over-season the food.

Tasty Treats

Once we had finished our meals, it was time to decide just how full we wanted to be. Since we had a morning of exploring in front of us, we figured we could walk away from the extra calories that would come from one of the sweet treats in the pastry case. With so many choices, we knew that this would be tough. After tough negotiations, we agreed on the Cro-Conut. This airy puff of sinful delight combines the tastes of coconut and rum into one dreamy dish. You can bet that this quickly disappeared, and it was worth every heavenly bite.

Bringing Brunch to Downtown Oklahoma City

The flavors we discovered at Kitchen 324 were amazing. As we were dining, a couple was seated at the table next to us. Being out-of-towners, they had happened upon this spot. When they asked how the food was, it sparked a conversation about downtown dining. They had also noticed the increase in flavorful options in more of the downtown areas of cities they have visited. It confirmed what we already knew as a growing trend. This makes us confident that we will discover even more, as we develop our travel itinerary for 2020. We hope to show more places pushing the envelope, much like Kitchen 324 is doing with bringing brunch to downtown Oklahoma City. What cities have some of your favorite downtowns to explore?

The post Bringing Brunch To Downtown Oklahoma City – Kitchen 324 appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.  

Early Life in the Staked Plains

Obviously, the lands were occupied long before humans arrived. Over the eras, life in the Staked Plains has had to adapt. During a portion of time, the region was actually part of a swampy rainforest. Fossils show that many types of dinosaurs once roamed the area. We love seeing the variety of creatures, and seeing the giant phytosaur (Similar to a crocodile), is just amazing. As we followed the displays through time, we came to the period where mammals became the dominant beings. One of the exhibits shows the visible changes to the American bison over time.

Mammals Come to the Forefront

As the sea levels continued to drop, the swamps receded. The rivers were still commonplace, so animal life in the Staked Plains flourished. Early ancestors of wild horses roamed what would eventually become the southern high plains. Over the centuries, the species changed, but their numbers still flourished. Millions of buffalo, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs would find life in the Staked Plains to be favorable. This would be the environment that the first humans discovered when they arrived in this region.

Finding Shelter

Strewn throughout the Panhandle are rock outcroppings. Many of these provide overhangs that create shelter. Not quite the scale of underground caves, they were still useful to get out of the harsh weather that would strike the region. For thousands of years, native Indians and nomads alike would utilize these spaces. Scientists are able to uncover artifacts that have been protected from the elements and shed light on these early inhabitants.

Supporting Life in the Staked Plains

With all of the wildlife, it was sure to draw a variety of hunting tribes of native Indians. During a visit to the Alibates Flint Quarries, we learned about the use of handcrafted tools by these early people. (You can read about Alibates here.) Some of these tribes decided to make the area their permanent home and faced the ever-changing weather. Archeological finds from the region tell the story of these dedicated people. A combination of hunting and farming helped support their semi-permanent villages.

Nomadic Visitors

While some tribes took up a more permanent residence, others preferred the nomadic life. Comanches followed the buffalo herds, that frequented the region. Life on the Staked Plains meant navigating the grasslands, as well as the canyons. This includes Palo Duro Canyon, which is the second-largest canyon system in the United States. The Comanche were a fierce people who defended their hunting grounds with vigor, which continued until after the Civil War. The slaughtering of the buffalo removed their main food source leading to the downfall of the Comanche.

Changing Life in the Staked Plains

With the buffalo mostly obliterated, the grasslands were opened up for domesticated herds. The first to come were sheep, followed shortly by cattle. As more and more ranchers arrived, the sheep herds gave way to the increasing cattle stock. Soon, barbed wire fences began cordoning off sections of the Llano Estacado.

Commerce Comes to Town

When enough cowboys and ranchers had populated the region, it was sure to draw others. Many of these were business owners who looked to profit from supplying the ranch hands and owners. The railroad’s arrival would bring additional speculators, and soon families would follow. Towns sprung up with the hope of attracting a railroad depot. Commerce had come to the Staked Plains.

Harnessing the Wind

Life in the Staked Plains meant dealing with lots of wind. Dust devils are whipped up by the fast-moving breezes. With a nearly constant supply of free power available, the use of windmills became integral in the Texas Panhandle. We can honestly say that this was the first museum we visited that had an entire gallery filled with windmill parts. We can just imagine a worker staked out on the plains, as they assembled a windmill.

Drilling for Gold

It is estimated that there is oil or gas under two-thirds of the state of Texas. Life in the Staked Plains these days includes plenty of fields, but it hasn’t always been that way. In the early 1900s, an expedition was organized to trace the Canadian River, which flows through the Panhandle. During the exploration, it was noted that the region was favorable for rich oil fields. The report was forgotten for over a decade until it was finally used to determine the location of the first test well.

Treasures of the Staked Plains

This initial well would end up discovering one of the greatest oil and gas fields in the world. A variety of petroleum products have been mined from the formations located under the Panhandle Plains. This is just one more of the treasures that make up life in the Staked Plains. With all of this rich history, it’s easy to understand why the people who inhabit this region are so eager to show off their corner of the world. This museum is amazingly large, so plan plenty of time for your visit. (We didn’t.) They will even allow you to leave for lunch and return for more, just let them know in the gift shop.

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We want to thank Visit OKC and the American Banjo Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Coming to America

The earliest known origins of the banjo started in Africa. The instrument is composed of four, five or six strings and a membrane-covered frame. It found its way to the Caribbean, in the 17th Century, with the introduction of enslaved people. Historical references can be found dating the use in North America to the 1700s. The banjo would often be heard on plantations, and by the mid-1800s would find its way into mainstream American culture. Prior to this, it had been primarily a handmade instrument. Gaining notoriety in minstrel shows had helped the banjo capture the interest of the public.

Picking and Grinning Americana

The Roaring Twenties was the golden age of the banjo. The instrument played a prominent role in American life. Jazz was all the rage, and banjos were a key instrument in the genre of music. The American Banjo Museum has a wonderful collection of banjos that showcase the artistic side of the designs featured in this era. It’s hard to imagine so much work going into the side of the banjo that rested against the body. It just shows how much people loved their instruments.

Rhubarb Red

As we explored the American Banjo Museum, there were plenty of familiar names and faces popping up. One of the greats in the guitar field is Les Paul. Little did we realize that he has his own connection with picking and grinning. In the 1920s, he performed in a duo, named Sunny Joe & Rhubarb Red, which featured hillbilly music. This genre was extremely popular at that time, and Les would often be found playing the banjo, among other instruments.

Ingrained in American History

Picking and grinning moved farther into American culture and was often associated with country music. After World War II ended, the banjo once again saw a rise in popularity. Many artists would utilize this instrument in their groups, as they performed at The Grand Ole Opry. Banjo players would be as integral to this genre of music, as guitar players were to the fast-rising Rock and Roll. In fact, there were many “Country Shredders” who would become easily recognizable.

A Familiar Name

Pete Seeger was a popular folk singer in the 1940s. As a social activist, he wrote many songs that have found their way into American history. You may remember “If I Had a Hammer” or “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, which were recorded by many artists. While visiting the Woody Guthrie Museum, in Tulsa, we found that they had a traveling exhibit on Pete Seeger. The iconic message on the skin of his banjo was easily recognizable as being from this important artist. (You can read about the Guthrie Museum here.)

King of the Banjos

When we hear the name Earl Scruggs, it immediately is associated with the banjo. Arguably the greatest banjo player of all time, he revolutionized picking and grinning. Many artists had utilized a one or two-finger picking method, but Scruggs introduced the three-finger style. For decades, the banjo had been a back-up instrument used to provide rhythm to a band. This new style of picking brought the banjo up front and center, as it allowed artists to do solos. The music of Scruggs can be found in movies and television shows, like The Beverly Hillbillies. Most of us can recognize “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” when it plays.

An Unlikely Entry

During our visit, we were lucky enough to catch the tail end of the Jim Henson special exhibit. In this rotating exhibit, there was a ton of information about this visionary. It brought back memories of watching The Muppets on television, during our youth. The exhibit told about his life from boyhood through his passing. The early days of puppeteer work, on Sesame Street, helped him develop the characters that would later come to life in his movie, The Dark Crystal. He was certainly a special kind of storyteller.

Picking and Grinning Alternatives

As we made our way onto the second floor of the museum, we found a few oddities in the banjo world. The huge bass banjo seemed like quite a weird idea, and it would be interesting to hear it played. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Nearby, we found a series of display cases filled with ukuleles. Not being terribly familiar with this instrument, our minds drift to pictures of Hawaiian dancers playing this instrument on the beach. Little did we know, there is an entire series of professionally crafted ukes designed like miniature banjos.

Gallery of American Treasure

Upstairs we also found a large collection of banjos from the 1920s and 1930s. These gorgeously gilded instruments were so interesting to view. From a cursory glance they looked similar. Once we got closer, we could see how each has its own unique design. It amazes us that there can be so much variation in this one magically musical creation. Do you enjoy watching the picking and grinning of banjo players?

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Braceros Mexican Grill for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Heading South of the Border

When we discovered that Braceros has been in business for over 15 years, we knew that they had to be solid. In the restaurant business, 10 years is a magical number that many never achieve. For this visit, we were excited to have lunch with Kashion Smith, who is Deputy Director at Visit Amarillo. After our greetings, I headed off to get photos of the restaurant, while Kashion and Crystal had a chat. It sure is handy being a traveling couple, since we can cover two tasks at once. Crystal was able to make note of some details that she learned from this life-long Amarillo resident.

Brightening Up the Table

I returned to the table to find them in deep conversation. We snacked on some chips and salsa, while we perused the menus. Soon, our server returned to see what we had decided. Kashion led off the ordering with a dish we had never seen. Her Veggie Plate was filled with an assortment of grilled vegetables. Toss in some grilled shrimp and you have a color wheel of deliciousness. The smell of the freshly grilled ingredients was intoxicating. Kashion assured us that it tasted as good as it looked. Obviously, she was no rookie when it came to getting her Tex-Mex fix on Route 66.

Going Old School

Braceros has some pretty good looking lunch specials, that had caught our attention. Crystal likes to stick to the tried-and-true dishes, that she can easily recognize. Of course, sharing bites has opened her eyes to some new tastes. Today she would choose to go mainstream with the Chicken Enchilada & Chicken Taco plate. The addition of refried beans (or Charro if you prefer) and Arroz Mexicano (Spanish rice) round out this lunch special. It definitely equates to a filling meal that had a nice assortment of flavors and allowed Crystal to get her Tex-Mex fix on Route 66.

Sizzling and Savory

The lunch special menu was calling out to me, as well. When I spotted the Soft Fajita Tacos plate, my mind was made up. With a choice of chicken or beef, I decided to sample their steak version. Once again, my plate was accompanied with a choice of beans and their delectable rice. The tacos were absolutely spot on. The steak had a nice flavor, which was accented by the perfectly caramelized onions and grilled peppers. Excellent lunch choice.

A Sneak Peek

Being travel bloggers does come with a few perks. Most visits we make will land us a chance to meet the owners of the restaurants we choose. On this particular visit, we were greeted by Jaime Santillán, who hails from Zacatecas, Mexico. After a short conversation, he asked if we would like to sample a dish that he was considering adding to the menu. When he delivered the plate of tacos, they made a striking presentation. The blue corn tortillas are stuffed with Huitlacoche (also called Mexican truffles), which is an edible corn mushroom. This delicacy is accented with a deliciously tangy cheese. Since Crystal doesn’t like mushrooms of any sort, it fell on me to enjoy, err… sample this dish for the team. I already wish that this was available at a restaurant in our hometown.

Get Your Tex-Mex Fix on Route 66

Braceros Mexican Grill is certainly a notable landmark on the old Route 66 path. What our visit showed us was that places like this have a menu so large, it would take weeks of visits to even make a dent. If you visit their website (Link in the first paragraph), you will find that their menu is layered with amazing culinary creations. Toss in one of their specialty drinks, from their in-house bar, and you can easily create your own fiesta. We now understand why they had a steady crowd in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday.

Spending Time with the Mother Road

Now that we had our Tex-Mex fix on Route 66, it was time to check out some of the other businesses along this section of the Mother Road. We bid our goodbyes to Jaime and Kashion, and headed back out into the bright Amarillo day. The food and conversation had been so enjoyable that we were a tad bit behind schedule. Never mind a few minutes, we were not going to miss this opportunity. We spent about an hour exploring the shops and conversing with locals. When the demands of our next stop became a reality, we bid our farewells, for now. It looks like further exploration will have to be done on a future visit.

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We want to thank Visit OKC and S&B’s Burger Joint for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Long Play Favorite

S&B’s Burger Joint has built a following across Oklahoma. This chain of restaurants is owned by Shannon Roper and Bryan Neel, hence the name S&B’s. While we often shy away from showcasing chain restaurants, there are always those few that stand out from the pack. We like that S&B’s is more of a local chain and that they are dedicated to their community. This includes being generous with donations back into each community that they serve. We arrived a few minutes early, so we had time to scope out the interior. Since we were enjoying an early lunch, it meant that we had our choice of tables, in their open, garage-like seating area.

Gimme, Gimme

Most of you can probably remember the lyrics, “We built this city on rock and roll”. This chain has built rock and roll into their theme. From the colorful graphic images on nearly every surface to the rows of LP records, it’s all about the tunes. Reviewing their menu, we found that they carry this theme into this area, as well. We found categories of Greatest Hits Salads, Classic Rock Pizza and Burgers, as well as Other Classics. Our hosts talked up the specialty shakes, so we obviously needed to sample one. I picked out a Strawberry Poptart Shake, which is truly over-the-top experience. 

Rockin’ Patties

With four in our group, there was a whole lot of food being ordered, so let’s get started. Meg got it rolling with the Impossible Burger. This plant-based version of a burger is becoming all the rage. While we are okay with a good cow-based patty, it’s nice to see restaurants beginning to solve the ordering dilemma for our vegan friends. Tabbi pulled from the Indie Rock Burger section, with her order of The Frenchman. With mushrooms, Swiss cheese, fried onions, and French onion dip, it had me second-guessing my choice.

Smothered Goodness

You can’t have burgers without getting some fries, and Tabbi knew that S&B’s was rocking the classics with their Peanut Butter & Bacon Fry. While we truly enjoy a nice order of sweet potato fries, this place doesn’t stop there. Let’s get crazy and drizzle some creamy peanut butter all over your fries. Oh wait, why not toss on a heaping helping of bacon crumbles, as well. What kind of madness is this? Oh wait, it’s the delicious kind that kept us coming back for more.

Instant Classic

With all of these crazy options to choose from, it was actually our server who helped me decide on my burger. Old Town Road is one of their signature burgers and starts with one of their half-pound Angus beef patties. Then they go crazy. Toss on some melted cheddar, jalapeño-bacon, hand-breaded fried jalapeños & frizzled onions, and then coat it with BBQ aioli. While you are at it, why not top it with a whole fried jalapeño? Oh wait, they did just that, and it was delicious.

Rocking the Classics Again

It was looking like Crystal would have to bring some normalcy to our table. I thought it would happen with her order of the Black & Blue. Once again, S&B’s was rocking the classics with their spin on this burger house staple. Sure it’s a burger, and sure it has bacon, but the coating wasn’t blue cheese, it was a balsamic blue cheese vinaigrette. How can that be misconstrued as a Black & Blue Burger? Sure enough, they threw this dish for a loop, as well. Crystal quickly discovered that the blue cheese is stuffed inside the burger, so the flavor comes out in every bite. Pretty tricky!

Get in my Belly

As we dined and conversed, it was clear that S&B’s Burger Joint has found a way to spice up their menu. By rocking the classics with unusual twists, they have carved out a niche in the burger world. What made it even better was that the Angus beef patties were juicy and flavorful, so they would easily be able to stand out on their own. Of course, we aren’t upset to have so many unique topping combinations to choose from. It just makes it a little more difficult to pick just one. At least I had my strawberry shake to savor while I decided.

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Color on the Panhandle

The Cadillac Ranch will certainly catch the eye of passing motorists. The backstory is just as impressive as the monument. A local Texas millionaire, named Stanley Marsh 3, invited an artist collective to create an intriguing installation on his ranch. Marsh’s goal was to have something so unique that it would baffle the minds of locals. The artists, known as the Ant Farm, hailed from San Francisco. With the permission and financial backing of Marsh, they came up with a plan for the Cadillac Ranch.

Our Path to Paint

In 1974, the plan went into effect. The idea behind the art installation was to show the evolution of the Cadillac’s tail fins, from 1949 to 1963. To accomplish this, they planted ten automobiles nose down in the Texas Panhandle. All of the Caddies are angled toward the west in a straight line. Since the piece was accessible by the public, it didn’t take long for change to occur. It began with visitors removing pieces from the cars. The glass was broken out, and much of the chrome was stripped off.

Ever-Changing Landscape

The next step, in the evolution of the ever-changing landscape, came in the form of spray paint. It began simply as tagging the cars with a name. Visitors looked for any unaltered spaces to claim for their own tag, and soon all of the cars were covered. With every inch plastered, it was only logical that old tags would soon become covered with fresh paint. Fast forward forty years, and what we found was a field of nearly unrecognizable autos.

Hands-On Approach

While the original finish is long since been covered, the tail fins still show through the layers of paint. Not to be left out, we came prepared with our own can, as well as some gloves. The biggest challenge was finding a spot where our short-lived markings would survive. It seemed like each of the ten cars had its own little group, and there was an almost unending line of new arrivals.

Fame is Fleeting

Soon we found our spot and prepared to make our mark in the ever-changing landscape. With the wind whipping all around, we were a little nervous about the spray. Fortunately, our spot was on the eastern side of the last Cadillac on the eastern edge of the art installation. Within minutes, our legacy was complete and left a permanent record of our visit. Of course, the layer upon layer of paint suggested that it would be covered up by the end of the day.

Time to Fly

We looked around at the scene around the Cadillac Ranch in amazement. It was obvious that visitors were not satisfied with just painting the cars. Nearby, the parched Texas soil was covered in brightly colored shapes and designs. The hot July sun was sliding across the horizon, so it signaled the time for our departure. With all of the running we had been doing, we were looking forward to a little relaxed time. (We found it here at the Botanical Gardens.) With our addiction to this Route 66 landmark complete, we made the walk back to our car. Along the way, we passed other travelers who made the pilgrimage to leave their mark on the ever-changing landscape. It made us realize that the one constant at this site is change.

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Amarillo Botanical Gardens for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Growing the High Plains

The first gardening club was organized in Amarillo, Texas in 1929. Some probably doubted the ability to cultivate delicate plants in the high plains region. After all, this area is known for some of the toughest conditions in the country. Drought, bright sunlight, and stiff winds can challenge even native vegetation. It took determination, and plenty of amended soil, to succeed. As the ladies of this group gained experience, they were able to implement various city beautification projects.

Bring it Together

Over the years, the city would grow to include 13 garden clubs, each doing diligent work in their respective areas. In 1954, they banded together to form the Garden Center, which would help add synergy to their efforts. After many years of fundraising, they moved into their new home in 1968. With plenty of space to fill, it took lots of cuttings to fill the gardens. Of course, many of the original plantings were offshoots of plants that the members brought from their own homes.

Tranquil Setting

Over the years, the gardens took shape, and the name would eventually change to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. As with most growing enterprises, expansion has taken place at the gardens. A tropical conservatory is a focal point the visitors see as the approach. The large indoor atrium is packed full of tropical examples, as well as a family of ducks. The lush vegetation and calming sound of a waterfall make this a relaxing space to explore.

At the Water’s Edge

As we made our way through the gardens, we saw other groups enjoying the spaces. A butterfly garden looked very entertaining to some children, who’s parents watched from a shady spot nearby. Following the path through the park-like setting, we came upon a Japanese Garden area. Water spilled over boulders that sat along the edge of a small pond. Lilies opened their beautiful blooms in the mid-day sunshine. We could feel our hurried pace subsiding.

Have a Seat

A nearby pavilion offered seating out of the warm sunshine. Relaxing for a bit, was bringing us peace in the panhandle. We just sat and listened to the rushing water and birds singing in the nearby trees. Even though our next stop would eventually be calling, for now we were wrapped up in these moments.

Fall in Love with the High Plains

After a few moments of rest, we resumed our exploration of the gardens. Just a few steps away from our resting stop, we moved into a new section of the park. Here we found more seating options, where we could view plants more suited for the challenging environment of the high plains. Everything seemed so lush and vibrant. It was clear that even in this formidable landscape, beauty can not only survive, but thrive.

Peace in the Panhandle

Our time to move along was quickly approaching, but we still needed a few more minutes to recharge. The tranquility of the gardens was washing away our need to rush. All of the surrounding beauty was allowing us to gain peace in the Panhandle. We knew from our visit to the Alibates Flint Quarries, that there were plenty of native flowers that exist in the high plains. (You can read about Alibates here.) As we rested in the shade, at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, it became clear that with a little love many non-native plants can also thrive. This gave us hope for our own yard, so many miles away. Perhaps some of these high plains natives would enjoy a home in lower elevations. Do you like to incorporate plants from other regions in your landscape?

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and The Big Texan for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Kansas City Connection

R.J. “Bob” Lee had his roots in the Midwest. After spending time at the Savoy Grill, a Kansas City landmark steakhouse, he knew what it takes to make a great steak. Like many of us, he grew up watching westerns and listening to stories of the cowboy spirit on the high plains. The urge to see the land firsthand forced him to move his wife and kids to Amarillo, Texas. Here in the Panhandle region, he would get a hankering for a first-class steakhouse. Since he couldn’t find one to please his expectations, he decided to create his own. It was important to him that it not only fed the body but offered a taste of the old west. His desire was to keep the spirit of the cowboy alive, and it certainly looks like he built a lasting shrine.

The Early Days

When Bob Lee opened The Big Texan it was a welcome sight to travelers along Route 66. Drivers would see the huge cowboy sign from a distance and knew they were about to arrive. It wouldn’t be long before Big Texan signs were erected all along the Mother Road. Much like the old Burma Shave signs, only these hinted of the FREE 72 oz. steak dinner. Of course, we all know nothing is truly free, so there was a price to be paid. Even without the huge steak offer, people would still flock to the restaurant to experience some true Texas hospitality.

Game On!

So why such a big steak? The story has it that Bob Lee held a contest to see which local cowboy could eat the most steak in one hour. While a few took him up on it, one stood out above the crowd. That cowboy devoured four and a half pounds of steak, a baked potato, one dinner roll, a salad, and a shrimp cocktail. To top it off, he accomplished this feat in one hour. (We’re guessing he didn’t go bronc busting immediately afterward.) Bob Lee decided then and there that anyone who can match that accomplishment gets their meal for free. As I stood there looking at the massive slab of beef, along with the sides, I knew that this was a challenge meant for someone besides me.

Going Fowl

As we nestled into our booth, we could feel the history around us. As we explored the menu, I wondered if Crystal would step up to the challenge. Lol, Of course, she wouldn’t! Her dinner choice was exactly what she imagined. Picking from the Big Sandwiches portion of the menu, she landed on the Char-Broiled Chicken Sandwich. An over-sized grilled chicken breast is served up with all the fixings. She offered me a taste, but this is a steak house, so I had to decline. I was saving my appetite for a juicy slab of beef.

The Big Texan Vegetarian Plate?

While I may not be stepping up to the 72 oz. steak, I was pretty pleased with my order of the Big Texan Center Cut 8 oz. Sirloin. Sure, it would take nine of these to match the slab I saw on display, but it was plenty for my appetite and would satisfy my cowboy spirit. Besides, it comes with a baked sweet potato and a side of Coleslaw. While we were dining, Bob Lee Jr. dropped by our table to welcome us to his restaurant. When he spotted my meal, he noted that he likes to call this dish the “vegetarian plate”. Okay, maybe an 8 oz. steak isn’t Texas-size after all. No matter, it was still delicious, and I ate every bite!

Welcome to Texas

While we dined, we watched strolling musicians playing for the crowd. Afterward, we found Bob Lee Jr. sitting out in the bar area, along with his craft brew-master. We joined them for a chat and listened to the stories of how The Big Texan has changed over the years. This family ran business is just that, a family business designed for families. By keeping to this basic principle, they have seen a consistent stream of satisfied customers. Every aspect of the business screams Texas and the old west cowboy spirit. This isn’t just a restaurant, it is an experience. Even without the 72 oz. steak challenge, this place would still be a landmark. But since they have it anyway, would you be willing to take the challenge?

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Alibates Flint Quarries for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Panhandle-Plains

Coming from a recent visit to Lindsborg, Kansas provided us with a chance to approach Amarillo from the north. (You can read about our Lindsborg visit here.) The Alibates Flint Quarries are open seven days a week, except holidays. As we explored the grounds around the visitor’s center, we made note of the vegetation. Some of the shrubs and flowers were familiar to us. Others were clearly native to this part of our world, and probably wouldn’t be happy in our neck of the woods. Everywhere we looked, the rocky hillsides dominated the landscape. Peeking out from below, we would catch glimpses of the familiar red soil of the Canadian River valley.

Early Explorers

When the staff noticed us meandering, they opened the doors and invited us inside. We started our visit by watching a short video about the native Indians who originally excavated this site. After this introduction, it was time to explore the on-site museum. It is estimated that the Clovis people were the first to excavate the flint that is common to this region. In many places, the flint outcroppings have been exposed, and pieces can be seen without digging. This would probably have been how the flint was originally discovered.

What’s So Special?

What drove us to stop at this particular site? When we read some background on the quarries, we were wondering what made this flint so special. It was apparent that a visit would be required to get answers to our questions about the people and uses of this special kind of rock. Flint is a hard form of quartz that is usually found with limestone. The appearance is most commonly gray, black or brown. Clearly, the color variations found at the Alibates Flint Quarries must have made for some prized pieces. This amazing mineral can be chipped to produce sharp-edged tools and weapons, in a process known as “knapping”.

Alibates Flint Quarries Products

As we explored the exhibits at the museum, we found that flint was used for a wide range of tools. Most of us would immediately think of arrowheads, which were an important aspect of hunting. Using the same design, except on a larger scale, would produce spearpoints. Flint also had an important role in other aspects of life for the native Indians. Spokeshaves could be formed, which were used to shape wooden rods and staffs. Most commonly these would be the shafts of arrows. This versatile mineral could also be shaped into awls and drills.

Trade Value

The value of the flint pulled from the Alibates Flint Quarries would spread across much of southern North America. While the first native Indians to discover it was probably nomadic, later tribes would settle in the area. Around 1000 years ago, there were villages of tradespeople who trafficked in this versatile material. Dotted across the Canadian River valley, are quarry pits that tell the tales of previous excavations. Pieces made from this area have been found as far north as Montana, to the south in Central Mexico, and to the east up to the Mississippi River. It is safe to assume that the tools crafted from the Alibates Flint Quarries were used for trade among various tribes.

Take a Hike at the Alibates Flint Quarries!

Our visit had given us a better understanding of the significance of this site. The timing of our visit didn’t allow for one of the FREE ranger-led hikes, but the staff told us about a nearby trail that we could fit into our visit. As we hiked through the high plains terrain, we imagined what the area meant to those first explorers. Along the path, we could spot shards and pieces of the local flint lying on the ground. The unique coloring of the stones is certainly entrancing. It made us think back to our childhood when we watched the ground for the chance to find an arrowhead. While we only found a handful over all of those years, we now have to wonder if any had come from one of these quarries. Did you collect arrowheads as a youth?

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We want to thank Visit OKC and Colcord Hotel for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Let’s Get This Visit Started

We made our first blog trip to OKC in 2018, but ran out of time, before seeing all the sites we wanted to feature. (You can see the 12 we tried last year in this article.) With only 24 hours to see what we missed, it was important to be close to local transit. No problem here, since the Colcord Hotel sits just a couple blocks from many key attractions. Bricktown is within easy walking distance, as well as the botanical gardens, and even the new streetcar. For those wanting a little extra pampering, the hotel offers complimentary luxury shuttle service to locations within two miles. Since the streetcar was still under construction during our last visit, we knew that was going to be key to our travels around downtown.

An OKC First

When we arrived at the Colcord Hotel, we noticed the towering structures that dwarfed our temporary home. Of course, it wasn’t always like that. Travel back to 1910, and you would find OKC’s first skyscraper weighing in at 12 stories tall. In those days, it was named the Colcord Building. The man behind the myth had come from California, and seen the devastation that earthquakes could cause. To make sure this same thing didn’t strike his new building, he created the first steel reinforced concrete building in OKC.

Bringing the Past to Life

When the Colcord Building was constructed, it was filled with all the luxuries of that time period. Marble columns and walls greet guests who pass through the double glass door entry. Decorative balusters line the staircases that lead to the floors filled with elegant lodging spaces. Art Deco light fixtures add an extra layer of nostalgic class. With such an elegant first impression, we were anxious to check out our room.

Boutique Styling

With all the amazing architectural elements, we were wondering what our room would look like. You can imagine our surprise when we entered our doorway to find this modern styling. The muted colors of the carpet and fixtures allowed the pop of color in the bedspread to jump out at us. Even though we would not spend a lot of time in our room, we knew that every minute would be enjoyable.

An Elevated Dinner

After a day filled with running, we needed to refuel for our upcoming evening. Fortunately, we didn’t have to go any farther than our hotel lobby. Flint Restaurant is located on the first floor of the Colcord Hotel. The mix of dark wood floors and oak tables adds an air of refinement to the space. Unfinished concrete pillars help keep the atmosphere from becoming stuffy. Diners have a mix of tables or booths to choose from, so there is something for every taste. Crystal prefers a booth, while I like chairs, and they even had a space to satisfy both of us.

Popular Gathering Spot

Visiting Flint was an OKC first for us, so I wanted to be sure to check out the entire space. Our visit was purposely planned for an early dinner, as we had so many more stops planned for our evening. While the dinner crowd had not yet arrived, the bar area was already seeing plenty of activity. This brightly colored space has an inviting feeling, and is watched over by the glass deer head.

Fresh Flavors

After seeing the delicious looking concoctions at the bar, I decided that one would look especially good on our table. Our server, George, was kind enough to make a suggestion for a delightful beverage that would compliment any dish we ordered. I agreed to let his choice ride, and soon he returned with a Violet Skies in hand. This light, yet flavorful drink is unlike any I had sampled. The drink is made with Capel Pico (a natural grape spirit from Chile), Bercherovka (a herbal liqueur from the Czech Republic), Creme de Violette (a violet flavored spirit), and some house made Lemon-Thyme syrup. The flavor is hard to describe, but it was gentle on the taste buds.

Familiar Yet Fresh

Now it was time to concentrate on our dinner selections. Flint offers an American cuisine dining experience with an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. Our window front table offered us views of the patio dining nearby. The menu is filled with familiar foods that are taken to the next level. I chose the Masa Batter Fried Mississippi Catfish. When my plate was delivered, I found the presentation to be intriguing. On one side of the dish was an abundant helping of their seasonal vegetable succotash. When I spun the plate around, I was pleasantly surprised to find a delectable tomatillo relish.

A Classic Plate

While the menu has plenty of land based meal options, Crystal also decided to go with a fish dish. The Herb Crusted Scottish Salmon comes with sides of asparagus and olive oil crushed red potatoes. The filet was light and flaky, and the crust was not overbearing. With our meals laid out in front of us, and pictures taken, we were ready to enjoy a casual meal. As we dined, we discussed our evening’s plans. There was so much we wanted to see on this visit, since many of the sights would be an OKC first for us.

Exploring the Big Friendly

The capital city of Oklahoma is brimming with sights that are appropriate for all ages. The city gained the nickname of “The Big Friendly” in 2007, and it is easy to understand why, once you interact with some locals. Everyone at Colcord Hotel was inviting and seemed genuinely happy to see us. The staff at Flint Restaurant treated us kindly, and we noticed the same approach being used with every other patron who entered the place. As we made our way around town, it seemed that the locals were more than happy to assist with directions or suggestions that made our visit easier. The true Midwestern hospitality certainly shines in Oklahoma City. Isn’t it about time you made a visit?

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A Tulsa Legend

One of the country’s greatest folk singer-songwriters came from the Tulsa region. A visit to the Woody Guthrie Center allowed us to better understand the social, political, and cultural issues that entwined the country during and after the tumultuous Dust Bowl period. Events from his childhood helped forge his beliefs, and soon he became known for his protest songs. A visit to the center helps guests better understand the man and his music. (Read more about the Center here >)

Getting Hand’s On

Tulsa is filled with lots of attraction options, and with only three days, we needed to make the most of our time. The Midwest offers tons of family-friendly destinations, and Tulsa is certainly among those. We visited two museums that feature interactive exhibits designed with kids in mind. At the Tulsa Children’s Museum, kids of all ages can discover lots of science based activities created to spark the imagination. (Read more about TCM here >)

The Gilcrease Museum is a world class art museum. Housing the largest collection of American West art, the museum also includes a couple of areas with younger visitors in mind. Here kids can learn about the skills used by Native Americans for generations. Another section allows kids of all ages (Yes, even my age.) to show off their artistic side. (Read more about Gilcrease here >)

Visiting the Wild Kingdoms

Whenever we visit a new destination, we always look for any opportunities to see wildlife. The Tulsa Zoo had recently unveiled their new exhibit, The Lost Kingdom. Filled with rare species, and amazing architecture, it felt like we were exploring a newly discovered ancient village. The zoo is in the process of planning their next development, and we hope to catch it once it is complete. (Read more about the Zoo here >)

The idea of visiting a sea life center in the middle of the country was certainly intriguing. The Oklahoma Aquarium surprised us with its interactive exhibits that just kept coming. We had the chance to feed turtles, view creatures from their own level, and touch a variety of marine life. To say we were shocked by the variety of exhibits would be a complete understatement. (Read more about the Aquarium here >)

Shopping Galore

Our visits in 2017 had us staying in many downtown districts. We noticed a pattern that many cities are seeing a revitalization of these areas. The suburban sprawl is being replaced with a return to the urban cores. This allows us to park our car, and do more exploration by foot. Tulsa has a distinct downtown district that include some vibrant and growing retail sections. Be sure to carve out time in your itinerary for a little retail therapy at some locally owned shops.

Downtown Design

Architectural design is certainly more unique in the downtown sections of cities. Tulsa went through two major growth spurts due to oil booms in the early 1900’s. During this period, the Art Deco design was achieving its apex, and Tulsa has blocks of buildings constructed during this period. Each day we had the pleasure of seeing these beautiful structures during our walks. To make it even more special, our lodging was in the Courtyard Tulsa Downtown, which occupies space in the historic Atlas Life building. We found ourselves walking through history, as we made our way through the period style lobby.

Iconic Eateries

Breakfast stops are some of the hardest to blog about, since many are so similar. We always look for at least one or two special stops to showcase a little of the local flavor. In Tulsa, we found a couple really cool places to savor. Dilly Diner is a downtown eatery that specializes in clean, retro design blended with new age dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. (Read more about Dilly here >)

Tally’s Good Food Cafe is everything we would expect in a Route 66 diner, delicious food in a nostalgic setting. Here they embrace their location on the Mother Road, and dish up 1950’s size servings in a retro atmosphere. (Read more abut Tally’s here >)

Varied Cuisines

Throughout our visit, we savored a variety of locally owned restaurants. The cuisines were as varied as the decor, and each offered unique flavors. Check out our “Tulsa” tag in the right hand sidebar to sort all of the articles specific to this destination. Each of these restaurants have their own article, which give additional details. (Find all of the Tulsa articles here >)

Sweet Treats

Those readers that have followed our journeys for a while know that we don’t skimp when it comes to searching out sweets. Downtown Tulsa gave us a few options, and we happily accepted the challenge to test them out. Glacier Confection is home to designer chocolates made with some of the finest ingredients available. Our visit was a chance to sample loads of interesting flavor combinations, and they even sent us away with some goodies for later. (Read more about Glacier here >)

Just down the street we located Antoinette Baking Company, which is a small bake shop known to the locals. Fortunately, we had spoken with some of those locals, and they keyed us in on this hidden treasure. The pastry cases are stuffed full of tantalizing treats, and choosing just one can be quite difficult. If only we had found it sooner, we could have sampled more. (Read more about Antoinette’s here >)

Tulsa is Larger Than Life

Our three days flew by too quickly, and we only had time to scratch the surface of this fantastic destination. What we found were lots of friendly people, tons of interesting attractions, and loads of great eats. We hope that our articles inspire you to make your own plans for a visit to Tulsa Town. We are betting that your visit will be filled with just as much fun. Which place would you visit first?

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Casual Atmosphere Abounds At Caz’s Chowhouse

The Brady Arts District is a wonderful mix of shopping, dining, and attractions. Being within a short walk of our hotel, we spent a lot of time in this area. The buildings are largely brick, and many could have started life as warehouses. The interiors are spacious with high ceilings, which add an airy feel to the visit. The industrial vibe was present, as has become a thing in many trendy restaurants. An upstairs balcony offers additional seating but wasn’t being used during our visit. I took a gander at the space, which offers nice views of the main dining space on the lower level.

Caz’s Chowhouse has open seating during the lunch period, and we had a choice between the bar area or the main dining space. We chose the main dining area with its comfortable booths and spacious tables. While the exact cuisine style is eclectic, the menu tends to lean toward more southern style dishes. The same can be said for the decor, which had small influences of a New Orleans fashion scattered around the space. The restaurant is dim, without being too dark for social interactions, and the pops of color lend an uplifting mood to the interior. It was really a relaxed mood going on during our visit. Our server was quick to greet us and helped explain a little about the menu. While they offer a specific lunch menu, we were also able to order off of the main entree list, which is what we chose to do.

Meals With A Southern Twist

Those who have followed us for a while will recognize Crystal’s go-to (default) choice. She ordered up the Chicken Tenders, which come with the choice of one side. The breading was crispier than what we have found at many other places, and it comes with a house made dipping sauce. Her choice of side was fried okra, which she enjoyed. Not being a fan of that particular dish, I let her savor all of the goodness for herself. The portion size of her meal was more than enough to offer a filling lunch, and she left part of it uneaten.

I can be a little more adventurous in my choices, and here I was struggling. Cuban sandwiches are probably one of my favorite meals, and they offer up a turkey version. While it sounded intriguing, I decided that I didn’t want to possibly find out that it would be better than the usual pork version. Instead, I chose to go with the Chowhouse Chicken Sandwich. It is made with a chicken breast that has been soaked in sweet tea, which completely intrigued me. The flavor came through a little, but the other components tended to drown it out. The addition of jalapeno bacon, Swiss cheese, and a cream cheese spread seemed to be the overriding flavors. It was a good mix, and I had no problem finishing my sandwich. My side was the spicy coleslaw, which did have a little kick, but nothing over the top. All in all, we found the place to be a nice break from a day of sightseeing, and the staff were quite friendly. We are certainly glad that we left this opening in our schedule so that we could visit a local favorite.

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Unassuming Exterior

During our visit to Glacier Confection (You can read more about this chocolatier here>), we got into a discussion about local restaurants. The topic of the conversation turned to Hole-in-the-Wall joints that offer surprising value and taste. A restaurant was mentioned that had not been on our radar, but certainly sounded intriguing. I made note of it, so that I could investigate later. It turned out that we would be somewhat in the neighborhood toward the end of our trip, so we decided to insert it in our plans. Tacos don Francisco is like so many of those places that people drive by and hardly notice. It sits on a busy road that is lined by an assortment of small businesses. Pulling up to the building, we were hopeful that the outside didn’t reflect the quality of the food.

This family-operated business is no-frills dining, and has just a handful of tables for seating. Most of the customers appear to grab their meals to go, but we opted for the full “dine-in” experience. The prices are quite affordable, so we ordered a nice assortment of items from the menu. We started with some Queso cheese dip, which while a little thin, still had a nice flavor. This would tide us over until our main dishes were ready.

Real Food

Before long, our plates arrived. It quickly became apparent that they do not skimp on the quantity of food they serve. The presentation reminded us of many of the Mexican food restaurants we visit in our hometown of Kansas City, Kansas. Our selection included a tamale, which was standard, but had a nice texture to the corn masa. The plate also included an enchilada, which comes topped with cheese and their red sauce. They included a small cup of hot sauce for drizzling, but it was a little too warm for our liking. (Okay, we aren’t the fiery heat lovers that some may be.)

Amazing Flavors

The other plate was their Don Francisco, which is the signature platter. This usually includes three “street” tacos, but they tossed on a fourth, so that we could sample the different meat options. These were all delicious, but the beef pastor, and the chorizo were simply amazing. The dish comes with sides of rice and refried beans, which were also just standard fare. They also threw in a Chili Rellino, which is stuffed with cheese and enchilada sauce. We had more than enough food for two, and ate all that we could, before throwing in the towel. Our visit to Tacos Don Francisco was a reminder that you can’t judge a restaurant by its exterior. What “Hole-in-the-Wall” places have you found to be hidden gems?

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We want to thank the Tulsa Children’s Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Timely Arrival

Visiting Oklahoma in August can bring on some hot days, and our timing was right in the heart of a heat wave. Being seasoned travelers, we plan accordingly, so outdoor activities are in the morning, and indoor during the afternoons. The day was warming up rapidly, and we were ready to seek shelter inside this unique attraction. We had scheduled to meet with Sarah Sadler, Marketing and Development Coordinator at Tulsa Children’s Museum. We arrived right on time, and Sarah was ready to give us a tour of the facility.

Learn and Burn Energy

After a short period of introductions, we headed off into the Main Hall, which is the largest room in the museum. The room is named Energy, and it showcases exhibits that show where energy comes from, as well as how it is used. The room is as large as a gymnasium, which allows plenty of room for the kids to burn off a little of their own energy. There are interactive displays lining the sides of the room, as well as a few down the middle. Having a variety of stations allows more people to be engaged at the same time.

One of the largest exhibits in the room is the Petroleum Pit. Tulsa is an oil boom town, and it is only fitting for there to be an exhibit dedicated to the principle of oil collection. Black balls are sent through pipes that represent various items that are powered by oil. The balls collect in a sorter that fills up, and finally will shoot the balls out of the oil derrick. This exhibit seemed quite popular with the kids. Nearby we watched a family trying their hand at a quiz display, which focuses questions about energy.

Exploring the Tape Tunnel

Another popular exhibit is the Tap Tunnel. This is actually constructed from packing tape. Staff members assemble the tunnel and slide sections with roll after roll of the clear tape to demonstrate the strength of layers. It is sort of the same principle as trying to break one stick versus a bundle of sticks. We enjoy exhibits that teach scientific principles, and are fun to boot. The Energy room also has a toddler area dedictaed to those visitors up to the age of three years old. After watching everyone interacting for a while, it was time to move on to the other rooms.

Problem Solving Skills

Where the Energy room is a place to run from exhibit to exhibit, in The Workshop and Featured Room there is a slower pace. Here we found a variety of stations that posed challenges needing to be resolved. A wind wall allows visitors to test the effect of various sail designs, and how they impact movement. We saw kids at easels working on designs, as well as practicing their problem solving skills. The level of concentration was high, so we tried not to interrupt the thought processes.

I noticed a couple of kids building models on an exhibit, so I went over to see what was going on. They explained that the table would vibrate, and that they were working on a design that would survive a simulated earthquake. It made me think back to the lack of places like this during my childhood. It is nice to see that this type of interactive museum is becoming much more commonplace these days. It became apparent that the kids had great skills at seeing a problem, and determining an appropriate solution.

The Only Constant is Change

Sarah had led us through the whole building, and it was obvious that the staff are passionate about the lessons being taught. Everyone was engaged in activities, and you could almost see the wheels turning. The Tulsa Children’s Museum understands the necessity of rotating the exhibits to keep things fresh. In 2018 the museum will feature an exhibit named Math and Music in the Main Hall. Visitors will not only listen to music, they will also create and perform it. The Featured Hall is currently hosting a dinosaur exhibit, and this will be followed by Marvels of Science, which will highlight the strange and remarkable world of science. All of these sound like great interactive exhibits that will certainly entertain the kids for hours. The Tulsa Children’s Museum is a must visit for families traveling to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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We want to thank the Dilly Diner for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Dilly Diner – A Local Favorite

For this meal we had arranged to meet up with Vanesa Masucci, the Vice President of the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau. We were looking forward to this meeting, as Vanesa had been extremely helpful in identifying many of the places we visited in Tulsa. After introductions, we made our way in to start our visit. The restaurant has a nice open design, which can make it a little noisy when crowded. A long counter doubles as a bar, but most of the diners were enjoying the booth seating. We were escorted to our seats, and set about reviewing the menu for our selections. The manager brought over one of their signature croissants with some homemade raspberry jam. Once our orders were placed, we spent some time visiting. Our discussions ranged from places we had visited, as well to ones that we would have to see on a future trip. Tulsa has way too much to see in three days, so keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.

Picture Perfect Presentation

It didn’t take long for our meals to arrive, and my camera came out of it’s case. I had warned Vanesa that I wanted to take pictures before starting our meal, but being a seasoned professional, she was already expecting that. She had ordered the Brioche French Toast, which is made with homemade brioche bread. Cooked to a wonderful crusty brown, it is topped with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. This is one of my favorite breakfast dishes, but I had decided to try something different this morning, and I was wondering if I was missing out. Vanesa described just how delicious the dish was, and the warm maple syrup added a sweet smell to our table.

Crystal ordered her standard meal, which at Dilly Diner is named the Two Egg Breakfast. The makeup of the meal is pretty obvious, but it included some fresh fruit, which isn’t always offered by other restaurants. It should be noted that although she chose toast, she could have picked biscuits and gravy to accompany her plate.

Stepping Out Of My Box

I had a discussion with the manager about some of the most popular dishes. One that he mentioned was something I had never tried. I decided to order the Breakfast Tacos, which sounded intriguing. Two flour tortillas are topped with scrambled eggs, avocado, cilantro, Cotija cheese, and a squirt of chipotle aioli.  After corralling the ingredients into a manageable shape, I tested my first bite. The variety of flavors blended so well, that I wondered why I have never seen this combination on a menu. My fear that the chipotle sauce would be too spicy was unfounded. It gave just a little kick, but the avocado quickly quenched any heat and left a creamy coolness in its place. It was difficult for me to concentrate on the table conversation, as I was truly savoring the tacos. Too soon they disappeared, and I topped off my meal with the fresh fruit. With our meal completed, we spent a little more time conversing over our coffee. Before long, we all had to head off to our next destinations. Dilly Diner is certainly on our list for another visit in the future, and I’m going to test out that French toast.

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The Man Behind The Vision

Oklahoma is home to a variety of Native American tribes, who were moved to the area by federal forces. Thomas Gilcrease came from the Creek Nation area, which holds a large amount of land in and around Tulsa. When oil was discovered in 1905, which was two years prior to Oklahoma statehood, a portion of the oil fields were on his land. By the time Gilcrease was twenty years old, he was a multi-millionaire, and proved to be a good businessman. In 1922, he founded the Gilcrease Oil Company. He would move it’s office to Tulsa in 1949. That same year he unveiled the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art. Gilcrease lived out the rest of his life in a house adjacent to the museum.

Gilcrease began collecting art and artifacts in 1912.His first purchase was an oil painting he bought for $1500. This started him on his journey of collecting, but he didn’t kick into high gear until around 1939. At that point of his career his offices were based in San Antonio, Texas. He opened the first Gilcrease Museum there, but eventually returned to his Tulsa roots. During the period of time that Gilcrease was collecting, the market showed little interest in the pieces he pursued. This allowed him to purchase large quantities in a relatively short time. By the mid-1950’s, declining oil prices had a significant effect on his company’s financial standing. Fearing the idea of his collections being split up, he offered the entire lot up for sale. The residents of Tulsa voted to approve a bond to pay Gilcrease’s debts, and in 1955 he willed his collection to the city.  That action would keep the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, and make it property of the city.

Preserving the Past at the Gilcrease Museum

Thomas Gilcrease had a vision to tell the story of the American West, and especially the portion that involved the native people. As we explored the museum, we were in awe at the massive amount of art and artifacts that are held within the walls. Gallery after gallery of sculptures and paintings from some of the most well known American artists can be found here. Did you know that the museum owns 18 of the 22 bronze sculptures originally created by Frederic Remington?  Of course, with a collection of over 300,000 pieces not everything can be on display at the same time. They also store many items that are rarely brought to public view. In their archive are the only known handwritten copies of the Declaration of independence and Articles of Confederation.

As we passed through the galleries, we found each one to be just as amazing as the one we just viewed. The artifacts tell the stories of civilizations who populated the lands for many generations. The details and intricacies of the artwork were unbelievable. We were joined by Melani Hamilton, the Communications Manager for the Gilcrease Museum, who spoke with us about the history and purpose of the organization. She began with the original vision, and moved through to the future of the site. A recently approved plan will add two new galleries to the museum in the near future. This will allow for additional pieces to come out of storage, and be on display for the public. It will also include a new underground parking facility, as well as an elevated restaurant, which will allow guests views of some of the 23 acres of gardens on the grounds.

Family Friendly Experience

At the Gilcrease Museum it is important that the attraction be appealing to all ages. They have included a couple of areas dedicated to the younger crowd, as well as the young at heart. The Kid’s Site is a room filled with scenes that allow children to expand upon some of the art they have seen in the museum. This open space is a perfect place to burn off a little excess energy, while entertaining the others in your group. The museum hosts visits for school classes from around the Tulsa metro, and helps build a bond between the children and the history of the American West.

We located two distinct areas in the museum that are hands on exhibits. In the first we encountered, there are a variety of touch stations, where children can explore the tools and devices used in daily life of the Native Tribes of the region. There are also some stations set up to mimic the daily activities of the members of the communities. Farther into the museum, we came upon the Kid’s Site. This room includes a stage area where kids can entertain the adults in the group with an impromptu play or puppet show. A work table allows room for crafts to be completed, and children can create their own pictographs, much like the ones viewed in the galleries.

Channeling My Inner Youth

Another area offers one of the most unique “selfie” spots we have ever seen. I could not pass up an opportunity to grab a quick click in front a tranquil mountain scene. No, I did not get in the canoe, we just used a little forced perspective in the photograph. I think it came out pretty well. As I said, it’s a great place for kids of all ages.

Additional Resources

After visiting all of the ground floor galleries, we made our way downstairs to the Kravis Discovery Center. This area holds a vast amount of artifacts from indigenous people from North, Central, and South America. Drawer after drawer hold implements and tools used by people for all sorts of daily activities. It is a great research tool, and was quite popular during our visit. The Gilcrease Museum also hosts an amazing amount of pictures from the museum’s inventory online. By visiting the “Collections” tab on their website, you can search through an extensive collection of their items. This is a great resource for researchers, but doesn’t do justice to seeing the pieces in person. We certainly hope you will have an opportunity to visit the Gilcrease Museum, and see the wonderful collection for yourself.

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A Tight Fit at Bohemian Pizzeria

We had an early lunch, so an early dinner was not out of the question. The walk from our hotel was about a half mile, and gave us an opportunity to scope out after dinner places to visit. Tulsa is experiencing a revitalization of it’s downtown area. We have found this to be happening in many of the cities we visit. Shops, restaurants, and other businesses are returning to the urban core. Many times they are bringing an edgy, and eclectic vibe that is artistic and fun. We passed through the area, and soon found ourselves at Bohemian Pizzeria. The dining area is narrow and tight, but it gives an excuse to mingle with the occupants at the next table.

The evening was a little warm, so we decided to eat indoors. I popped out the side door to get a look at the outdoor seating section. A couple brave parties were enduring the heat, and had the patio all to themselves. The place looks like a great spot for a happy hour celebration during a more comfortable weather period. There is even a portion that has an overhang to allow protected dining during inclement weather. I headed back inside to help decide what to order, since the rush period was beginning.

Neapolitan Pizza in Bohemian Digs

Bohemian Pizzeria takes pride in using fresh ingredients sourced locally, when they can’t get them from Italy. Yeah, Italy. They import their double “oo” flour, and San Marzano tomatoes from Italian distributors. Of course, some items are too delicate to import, so they look at local sources for these ingredients. Their mozzarella comes from buffalo, which are quite plentiful in Oklahoma. Locally raised produce is used in their salads, and the flavors come through in their dishes. Our server was quite knowledgeable about the processes used in preparing the food, and helped us pick just the perfect dinner combination. We started with the Mama Kay’s Caesar, which is served with a scrumptious homemade garlic breadstick. Salads are not especially exciting for me, but this one was very fresh, and even I could taste it.

Feature Course

Our main course was not too far behind. Being meat lovers, we picked the Tre P, which features pancetta, pepperoni, and prosciutto. These three Italian meats are spread across a crust that has been coated with their signature San Marzano tomato sauce. The whole thing is topped with the buffalo mozzarella and some freshly grated Parmesan. We decided to toss on some Castelvetrano olives for a little color, and it certainly did just that. Now back to the whole we love pizza thing. The past few years we have actually become fans of the wood-fired pizzas that are quite often associated with the Neapolitan region of Italy. The flavor that the smoky wood imparts on the crust, as well as the improved texture makes a noticeable difference. Perhaps this is why so many pizzerias are using this cooking style. Bohemian Pizzeria has combined a unique cooking style with upscale ingredients to create a delicious product. Be sure that you add Bohemian Pizzeria to your restaurant list when you next visit Tulsa. We think you will be just as impressed as we were.

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We want to thank the Oklahoma Aquarium for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

A Landlocked Ocean

The Oklahoma Aquarium is located in Jenks, Oklahoma, which is a suburb of Tulsa. When we arrived, we were amazed at the sheer size of the attraction.  It holds nine main exhibit areas, which include freshwater and salt water displays. We met up with Teri Bowers, the Executive Director of the facility, for a guided tour. She told us that the aquarium is in it’s 14th year of operation, and continues to add new exhibits. Their newest display had just opened this Spring, but we would get to that later. Off we all went to check out the place.

Getting Hands On

The entrance feeds guests into the Great Hall, which features a cafe, and is connected to the aquarium’s event center.  As we strolled down the main corridor, which connects various exhibit areas, we watched families interact with some of the hands-on displays. A large open top area holds a collection of Red-ear Slider Turtles, which can be fed by guests. Kids of all ages would dangle pieces of food for the turtles to snap up. This was an extremely popular, and entertaining exhibit. We had as much fun watching the children’s delight, as we did watching the turtles eat.

In the Amazing Invertebrates area, visitors can experience more hands on displays. Here they can feel the shells of Horseshoe Crabs or let shrimp move across their hands. This was another popular area, and it was filled with the giggles of excitement from kids of all ages. There are also an assortment of smaller displays, with various ocean invertebrates, so it is as educational as it is fun.

Introductions, Please!

We continued our tour of the Oklahoma Aquarium, and Teri explained each exhibit we passed. The time for feeding the otters and beaver was about to start, and we were in for a treat. We arrived during the otter portion, and watched with delight, as the otters scurried about their area. While the handler told the crowd facts about the animals, she doled out their food. Everyone enjoyed their lively frolicking, and this continued until all of their food had been served. Next up was the beaver. The handler climbed into the exhibit, and sat a bowl of food in front of her. The beaver scooted out, as she began explaining things about this species. The beaver was obviously impatient, and dug into the food without any hesitation. These demonstrations were just as entertaining as they were educational.

Moving Into The Ecozone

Our next stop was in the Ecozone, which contains a variety of habitats. Here we found tanks filled with sea creatures from the coral reefs, marshes, and kelp forests. Lots of families assembled in these areas, as it was filled with tons of brightly colored species. It was entertaining to watch the wonder and amazement in the faces of the children. While our kids are grown, we can still remember the same type of excitement experienced by them, when we visited aquariums and zoos. We believe it is a great way to get the next generation to bond with the other species who inhabit our planet, and hopefully instill a desire to see the changes necessary to preserve their habitats.

As we moved around the displays, we observed seahorses dance, piranhas float by in schools, and clown fish dart in and out of anemones. All of this created a kaleidoscope of color and action that was pleasing to the eyes, and calming to watch. We passed around a partition, and found more hands-on exhibits. On each side of the wall was a tank. One side contained stingrays, which at certain times can be fed by visitors. Our timing wasn’t exact, so we moved to the other side of the wall. Here we found a pair of tanks filled with small sharks. Guests were allowed to touch them, as they swam by, also on a rotating time frame. Fortunately, we were right on time, and had the chance to feel the rough skin as they passed. It was certainly quite an experience.

A Local Favorite

Before we moved too far away, Teri wanted to introduce us to one of her favorite characters. The Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest growing, and longest living of its species. It is amazing to watch, with its fluid movements. As it passed to different sections, its color changes to mimic its environment. As it became more active, the crowd grew around us. Everyone discussed its unique abilities, and this quickly became a group learning experience.

Welcome to Sea Turtle Island

The newest exhibit at the Oklahoma Aquarium recreates an offshore area inhabited by tropical fish, reef sharks, and a pair of Loggerhead sea turtles. The huge 56,000 gallon tank is contained behind a large bank of glass walls. These allow visitors to watch the inhabitants swim by alone or in schools. The exhibit can be viewed by multiple areas, with each allowing its own unique experience. The bright colors in this area create a vibrant feel, which reminded us of a visit to the Caribbean Islands.

After watching from below, we moved up a ramp at the end, which brought us above the tank. Here we could watch the action below us, as well as have a birds-eye view of the crowd. There are seating areas up here, so that visitors can rest for a bit, while watching the fish pass by. Another viewing area involves a crawl through tube that leads to an underwater observation bubble. We certainly didn’t want to pass this opportunity up, and waited our turn to crawl in. It’s a little smaller than we would have desired, but not too small to visit. It was a little like snorkeling without getting wet.

Brothers Join The Family

Periodically one of the sea turtles would pass by, much to the delight of everyone around. These grand creatures are so fun to watch, and everyone anticipated this opportunity. The Oklahoma Aquarium has a set of brothers, but the day we visited only one was on display. There are areas built into the display that allow the turtle to be out of view at times. He seemed to be in an exploring mood, which meant that he only appeared periodically. This made his appearances even more special, and certainly helped increase the crowds during those times.

Denizens of the Deep

After our exploration of the bright reef area, our next adventure would plunge us into the dark world of the shark. The Oklahoma Aquarium is home to one of the largest collections of Bull Sharks. These can be viewed from two locations, but we mostly wanted to be in the underwater section. To get there you pass through a corridor that highlights some interesting facts about these mysterious creatures.

The end of the corridor deposited us in a large underwater viewing area. All around us Bull Sharks cruised slowly through the water. The exhibit is designed so that these creatures are sometimes shrouded in darkness. Suddenly they will appear and slowly pass overhead. We have had the pleasure of visiting quite a few aquariums, and this display really stands out. By limiting the area to only this species, it made them seem even more mysterious. This was certainly one of the best focused exhibits we can remember.

More To Come

Our tour had taken us to every active exhibit in the Oklahoma Aquarium, but Teri had one more surprise for us. We passed through a door, and found ourselves in an area that is under renovation. Teri explained that this will be home to the next big exhibit, the South Pacific Reef. Many of the static pieces are already designed, and construction has begun. They are hoping to open it in 2018, and we will certainly have to find a way to add another visit to our schedule in the future. Our time to move on had come, and we bid our farewells to the staff. Everyone had been so welcoming and friendly. It certainly added a special touch to a great visit. Be sure to add the Oklahoma Aquarium to your Tulsa itinerary.

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A Boutique Bakery

We timed our visit to fall after dinner at a nearby restaurant. We spent a little while perusing the Ida Red store, as we let our dinner digest. We had planned to wait quite a while, but having seen some of the pie slices as we passed by the store front, we decided to cut our shopping short. Antoinette Baking Co. is just across the street, so we were there in no time. We had seen a steady stream of customers filing through the door, and we were a little concerned that they may sell out, before we could get our choices.

Choices Galore

Fortunately, There was no need to worry about their stock. The shop is an open air format with the kitchen in back, and the sales counter to one side. A large set of windows lend an airy feeling to the place. Tables and booths are arranged in about a fourth of the place, but it was plenty during our visit. As we made our way past the register, we began to see all of the sweet options that they had produced for that day. An assortment of cookies, bars, whoopie pies, and other pastries decorated the counter. Everything looked delicious, but we were on a mission to sample the pies we had heard about earlier.

Eye Candy

At the end of the counter we came to a refrigerated case. Here were the rewards that we were searching out. There were so many good options, and each looked better than the one before. I have to admit that I was a little shocked when Crystal bypassed the Lime Meringue Tarts. After all, she is one of the biggest fans of Key Lime Pie that I know. The bottom rows of this case held slices of pie that were almost too large to believe. This was the point that I began wondering if we should have shopped longer, so as to make more room in our bellies. Well it was too late to fret it now, so the only thing to do was to pick the flavor that sounded most appealing.

Heavenly Pillows of Meringue

I chose the Lemon & Blackberry Meringue Pie (On the left), which had a crown at least four inches tall. The sweetness of the meringue blended so well with the slightly tart lemon. It was absolute heaven. Although I knew it was unwise, I finished the entire slice. Crystal chose a Lime & Raspberry Custard with an extra large dollop of whipped cream. While her slice was not as tall, it was more dense, so just as filling. We each tasted the others, but stuck with our original choices. We finished our treats, and thanked the staff for such a delicious experience. As we left the shop, we were glad that we had a nice long walk back to our hotel. In fact, we even took the long way to help burn off some of the dessert. Doesn’t this look like a place you want to visit?

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We want to thank Tally’s Good Food Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

An Iconic Look

When Tally purchased the building, it had only one dining area, and was in need of lots of work. Since those early days, he has added additional dining rooms to help serve the ever increasing crowds. Tally has embraced the Route 66 theme, and brought the feel of the old roadside diner back to life. Of course, for Tally it isn’t only about growing a successful business, he also believes in giving back. Beginning the first year he opened, each Thanksgiving he opens his doors to feed the homeless.

Tulsa’s Best Cinnamon Roll

We were seated in one of the red 1950’s style booths, and ordered some coffee. Of course, we ordered coffee, it was breakfast time after all. While we scanned the menus, (they have over 100 items to choose from) tally brought us one of his famous cinnamon rolls. We aren’t sure if the picture does it justice, but this was a huge roll. What made it the most amazing was how soft the bread was. This sweetly coated treat melts in your mouth, and we were tempted to devour the whole thing. Of course, we knew that we should leave room for more of the menu items.

Breakfast All Day

One of the main appeals of Tally’s Good Food Café is that they serve breakfast all day long. This is welcomed by workers from many professions that do shift work. It is also popular with travelers, who enjoy the option of a filling breakfast meal while taking a break from the road. We were here during regular breakfast hours, and were happy to test their extensive menu. Crystal chose the Fruity French Toast with Cinnamon Apples and Whipped Cream. These delicious slices of Texas Toast are topped with a sweet fruit compote, and come in an ample portion.

Going Southern

With such a massive menu, I was struggling with a choice, until I came upon the item labeled “Tally’s Favorite“. It was obvious that this man knew a few things about good food, and I decided to follow his lead. When our waitress brought my order, it required two plates. One for the chicken and eggs, and one for the waffle.  The Belgian style waffle was crisp and sweet, and came with a dusting of powdered sugar, as well as a dollop of whipped cream. It is served with twin chicken strips and two eggs any style. When my plates were placed in front of me, I knew there was no chance that I could finish it all. I did give it my best try, as I knew I would be walking a lot of it off at the Tulsa Zoo. (You can read more about the zoo here.>)

A Route 66 Landmark

With our appetites completely conquered, we knew it was time to head toward our next destination. A great meal at an iconic restaurant was the perfect start to a day filled with exploration. Before we left we just had to capture a picture of Tally, and he was happy to oblige. We were so glad we got to meet this wonderful man, and his great staff. It’s easy to see why this place has be given so many great accolades. It is also understandable why people stop by from all over the world, when they are traveling the Mother Road. Have you ever dined at Tally’s Good Food Cafe? What are your favorite menu items? We would love to hear what we should check out on our next visit.

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We want to thank the Tulsa Zoo for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Exploring the Lost Kingdom

Tulsa Zoo’s newest exhibit is the Lost Kingdom of Angkor-Wat. This ancient Asian city is filled with some of the rarest, and most elusive creatures in the world. As we wandered into the area, we felt like explorers entering a city that time had forgotten. The exhibits are well designed, and offer a wide range of viewing opportunities. Large glass panels give visitors ample viewing areas, and create an airy feeling to the displays. The designers of this newest attraction certainly hit a home-run with this exhibit area.

We arrived in time to watch one of the siamangs seeking shelter for a morning nap. While I was able to capture a few images of this mysterious creature, I just didn’t feel any did it justice. We will let you see it for yourself when you visit the zoo, and you can tell us what you think of it. Across from the siamang exhibit is the entrance to the Malaysian Tiger home. Stepping through the entrance, we were immediately transported to the ancient ruins of an abandoned forest city. Through the glass we spotted one of the tigers, as he surveyed his valley home. We were mesmerized, like the rest of the visitors, and watched in awe as he scoped out his abode. The exhibit includes a tiger bridge that allows the cats to travel between open areas. It also allows guests to watch them, as they prowl the “cat-walk” during their crossings.

Lessons Learned

After our time with the tigers was through, we made our way past the Komodo Dragon exhibit. One of these formidable creatures was sunning itself in the morning light, but only gave us a passing glance. We passed under the tiger bridge, and came to an area where some staff members were giving educational information to guests on the biology of the creatures in this area. Tables filled with furs, and skeletal pieces were very popular with the kids, as well as the adults. these displays helped showcase the differences between the species, and helps create a bond between the animals of the wild and humans. Our hope is that it sparks that we all need to strive to preserve all of the species that share this planet.

Rare Beauty

While Crystal examined some of the displays, my attention was drawn to a crowd that had assembled by a nearby window. Inside were a group of juvenile snow leopards, who were playfully engaged. These beautiful creatures are so rare in the wild, and enchanting to watch. Soon the staff let them loose into their yard, and the activity escalated. Running, wrestling, and exploring was the name of the game, which was everything the crowd could hope for. Staff members had placed food in strategic places, and soon the cats discovered it. The hierarchy game began, which included more wrestling.  Soon enough they all had settled in to devour their morning nourishment. We watched for a few more minutes, but then moved to allow room for more guests to view.

Welcome to the Jungle

Our next stop was at the rainforest exhibit. The entrance takes guests into a lush, almost overgrown display. Once again it felt as though we were explorers traveling into a hidden mountain pass. The landscaping at the Tulsa Zoo is filled with beautiful, and unique plantings. Each region has many plants specific to the area they represent, which adds another level of originality to the attractions. The dappled sunlight that filters through the vegetation actually makes it feel like you have stumbled upon a hidden path. We passed through a weathered arch, and into the building that houses the exhibits.

The Tulsa Zoo designed this exhibit to mimic an South American jungle. Throughout the building we stumbled upon murals, statues, and partial walls created to give the feel of ruins. Many of these are great places for a selfie, and we didn’t hesitate to get some of ourselves. A couple spots are so popular that we had to wait in line for our photo opportunity. It definitely shows that this zoo is very popular with the public.

What Big Teeth You Have

One of the first displays we came to included various aquatic creatures. A caiman was kind enough to pose for a picture that shows the dangers that can lie just below the surface. Across from this new found friend, we watched schools of piranha swimming in their tanks. Clearly this area was a good reminder to look before you leap. Fortunately, none of these creatures make their homes in our temperate waterways here in the Midwest. A little farther down the path we came to the poison dart frog exhibit, which we were surprised to find fairly open for viewing. These little guys may be brightly colored, but they can still hide when they don’t want to be seen. This particular display was another popular stop for viewing. Being big on people watching, we enjoyed seeing the children excitement when they spotted a new color pattern.

As we exited the building portion, we came upon the outdoor section, which holds the jaguars. Once again, we arrived at feeding time, so we got to witness the interaction between the two animals. One was clearly dominant, but there was enough food for both. These creatures are so beautiful to watch, and their coats are amazing to see in person. The exhibit offers a couple of different viewing areas, so guests can keep sight of the animals wherever they wander in their area. We watched these for a while, but time required us to eventually move along.

A Great Idea

During our earlier tour, Ellen Had explained a few of the unique features found at the Tulsa Zoo. One that struck a chord with us is the Family Den. This building is located near the back of the zoo, and offers a comfortable zone for families. Here mothers can nurse in comfort, and families with special needs children can find a quiet area for children who suffer from sensory overload. This is a feature we have not seen very often, and it showed an extra level of caring.

Zones of the World

The Tulsa Zoo has many more exhibits besides the ones we covered. In one area of the zoo there is a series of four buildings that highlight the animals that live in different zones. It also shows the hardships of these area, as well as how animals have adapted to them. The buildings are located in the Wildlife Trek area and include; Life in the Water, Life in the Cold, Life in the Desert, and Life in the Forest. It is easy to spend quite a bit of time in these buildings, as each offers a good educational background.

Coming Next

Tulsa Zoo is continuing with their updated master plan, and next up will be the African Plains exhibit. Much like the Lost Kingdom exhibit, this new area will feature open viewing areas that allow the animals more roaming room. We are sure that it will be just as popular as the latest exhibit expansion, and hope to have a chance to drop back by to see it when it is completed. Our time had ran out, as there was so much more of Tulsa too see. We made our way out the gate having enjoyed a wonderful morning at the Tulsa Zoo. So when are you planning to drop by for a visit?

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During our cruise in the Caribbean, we discovered that their cuisine celebrates life with plenty of flavor. (You can read about it here.>) Our arrival in Tulsa was celebrated with a visit to Sisserou’s Caribbean Restaurant.  We parked in the Brady Arts District, and made our way to lunch. This area of the city is filled with many dining choices, and we would find ourselves returning a couple more times. For now, we were concentrating on this location.

Sisserou’s Island Decor

As soon as you enter Sisserou’s it has a vibe that replicates some of the finer restaurants you find in the Caribbean Islands. The bright colored walls and lampshades are playful, without being too garish. The area closest to the entrance contains the bar, as well as seating that is primarily booths. We didn’t walk over to the bar area, but it looked like a nice place for a Happy Hour get together. According to their website, they offer live music at times each month. If you visit in the evening, it would be worth checking their event calendar.

We arrived right after they opened, so we were able to be seated immediately. The main dining area is comprised of tables on an elevated platform. Our server arrived, and went through the menu with us. The menu at Sisserou’s is filled with lots of dishes that would be commonly found in various islands. Many of the dishes are available for at or less than $10.00, which was a definite draw, when I was scoping out potential stops. The restaurant is owned by a couple, and I had a brief conversation with one of them. We discussed the overall theme, decor, and the cuisine choices. It was obvious that they are proud to be able to share their favorite dishes with Tulsa.

A Taste of Jamaica

The dishes our server had described certainly made our choices more difficult. So many sounded delicious, but we knew that we should take care not to get over stuffed. While we love food as much as anyone, when we are researching we know that we need to leave some room for possible treats we may uncover at places along the way. With this in mind, Crystal decided to test out one of the special menu items, and ordered the Jerk Chicken. It’s a marinated chicken breast, that is grilled to match the flavor of Nassau. Served on a wheat bun, it is topped with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a creamy avocado sauce. Her side choice was the sweet potato chips, which are tasty without being overly seasoned.

A Cuban From Miami

If you have followed our travels for long, you know that I have a thing for a good Cuban Sandwich. The history of this savory sandwich is a little hazy. These days it is widely believed that the sandwich was brought to America by those coming from Cuba, to work in the cigar factories in Tampa. Whoever was responsible, I am truly grateful. At Sisserou’s the shredded pork is marinated in a traditional citrus blend. It is topped with ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles (an unusual choice), Dijon mustard, and their homemade habanero mayonnaise. Usually the Cuban sandwiches I have tasted use a sour pickle, but with the addition of the spicy mayo the sweet pickles worked great. One of the top 10 I have ever tasted. With our first meal complete, we headed out to see what else Tulsa held in store for us.

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We want to thank Glacier Confection for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Convenient Location

Glacier Confection happens to be located just a short distance from the Woody Guthrie Center, which was the first museum on our schedule. Since we were in between lunch and dinner, we didn’t figure a few bites of chocolate would do too much harm to our appetites. An added bonus of visiting inner city locations is that many stops can be combined into one walking session. In our minds, the extra steps justify the calories we consume at places like this. The owner was unavailable the day of our visit, but had arranged to have us meet with Colton Rohr, the Director of Sales.

We arrived earlier than planned, and figured it would give some time to take plenty of photos. The two staff members on duty knew about our arrival, and made us feel very at home. While the store is known for their artisan chocolates, they also carry many standards that customers have come to expect at a chocolate shop. They have the chocolate en-robed nut clusters, which come with a variety of nut options. Toffees, truffles, and a wide range of other sweets also decorate the display cases that flank the entrance. Of course, these are beautiful to look at, and delicious to taste, but they are not the star of the show at Glacier Confection.

Glacier Confection Hospitality

After taking a bunch of photos (I never know which ones I will end up using.), the staff members asked if we would like to sample some of the chocolates. Obviously the answer was, Yes! They brought out a board that held two flavors of their decorated specialties. The first we sampled was the Margarita, which is from their Cocktail collection. OMG! We were both amazed at their ability to capture this flavor in a chocolate. The second sample was the Vanilla Bean from their Dark Chocolate collection. Once again the flavor was right on the mark. Colton arrived with Hannah Shriever, Director of Operations and Erin Groff, Production Manager. This was perfect timing, since other customers were in need of the staff’s attention.

Chocolate With Purpose

Our discussion focused on Glacier Confection’s interesting background, just like some of the other chocolate companies we have covered. Bill Copeland actually was running a carton packaging company, when he decided to move into the chocolate business. He immersed himself into his study of the art of chocolate making. Under his direction, Glacier has become recognized as one of the Top Ten confectioners in North America. That is quite an accomplishment for a box maker, and shows his dedication to the business. These days he has staff to help him with his creations, but the commitment to delivering the finest quality is still paramount. It certainly comes through in the flavor of the chocolates, which we continued to sample.

Parting Kindness

After more discussion, and tasting, our time for this visit was coming to an end. We had both decided on our favorites, which is no easy feat in a shop filled with so many options. Crystal loved the Chardonnay Sea Salt, which is truly one of the best chocolates we have ever tasted. That is saying something, since I have always been partial to dark chocolate. No fear, they had just the thing to satisfy my sweet tooth. The Fortunato Solid is by far the best dark I have ever sampled. This is the kind of chocolate that needs to be savored, as it melts in your mouth.

It was time to move to our next stop, but before we did, they wanted to give us a parting gift. Colton, Hannah, and Erin assembled a mixture of their favorites for us to try out later. (By the way, Thanks! Everything was great!) They told us that Glacier Confection is in the process of preparing a second location, which will feature a lounge style setting. This is certainly a look we will want to experience, so a return to Tulsa will have to be scheduled. In the meantime, why not make your own plans to visit Glacier Confections? We are betting that you will find lots of new favorites.

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We want to thank the Woody Guthrie Center for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Woody Guthrie Center

We arrived downtown, and found a decent parking spot in a nearby lot. We love exploring the downtown areas of cities, since it usually means we can connect a lot of places in one walking session. A quick stop at the Center of the Universe, (A “must experience” in Tulsa) and then we were off. The Woody Guthrie Center is in the Brady Arts District on the north side of the downtown area. There are lots of restaurants nearby, so it’s a great stop before or after lunch. The building is hard to miss, since it has a huge mural of Woody Guthrie on the side. This certainly makes for a great photo opportunity, as demonstrated by Crystal.

A Look Inside

To be honest, before our visit we knew very little about Woody Guthrie. We were aware that he authored “This Land is Your Land”, but had no real background knowledge of the man or his music. A visit to the Woody Guthrie Center was destined to fix this deficiency of knowledge. Visit Tulsa had arranged a tour for us, and we were met by Jerry Wofford, the Education and Public Programs Director. He was as excited to show off the center, as we were to see it. He gave us an overview of the museum’s layout, and then suggested we begin with the 14 minute video that details Woody’s beginnings. Our timing was perfect, and the video provided a solid base for exploring the museum’s exhibits.

Woody’s America

We love museums that feature interactive displays, and this one is certainly top notch in that area. After the video, we headed to the big screen exhibit titled “Woody’s America”. This touch screen display allows guests to dive deeper into Woody’s life story. Each touch brings up articles about his music. It also includes info about Tulsa, Oklahoma, and world history during Woody’s lifespan. I would rank this as one of the best designed displays I have seen in a museum setting. We would soon discover more unique audio-visual exhibits scattered throughout the center.

Disaster Strikes The Midwest

Across the hall from the interactive map, we found an alcove that highlighted the Dust Bowl period in the Central U.S. A video loop plays on one wall, and relates some of the story, as told in the Ken Burns documentary. Various displays show what was happening throughout the nation during this period. Alongside these displays is an audio exhibit where visitors can choose from a selection of songs Woody wrote and performed about the Dust Bowl. It is quite a sobering section, as you see the effects this man-made disaster had on families throughout the region.

Instruments Of Change

Moving toward the center of the museum, we found an assortment of Woody’s instruments on display. Among these was a fiddle that he carried with him during his stint in the U.S. Navy. The instrument even survived the sinking of the ship he was on. It was amusing to see the way that he decorated each of his musical instruments, and shows the lighthearted side of the man. There are other displays of his various stringed instruments, as well as some from other famous musicians that were affected by Woody’s music.

This Land

When most people think of Woody Guthrie, the song they remember is “This Land is My Land”. His music celebrates the beauty of the country from coast to coast. Woody wrote this song, because he was tired of “God Bless America” being overplayed on the radio. He wanted a more relevant theme, and adapted the words to the melody of an old gospel song. At the Woody Guthrie Center, you can listen to a recording of him singing this song. We were also able to see a copy of the original hand written lyrics. The original is kept on-site, but they only bring it out on special occasions. The rest of the time it is kept in an area that better preserves it from deterioration.

Additional Talents

Woody Guthrie was not just a musical artist. He also enjoyed painting and drawing. In the center of the building is where we found the “This Land” exhibit, and on the outside wall they have hung a collection of panels showcasing some of his drawings. He was known for being a political activist, and many ring with a cry for equality. The lyrics of many of his songs spoke out for the “little guy”, who was just trying to get by in life. This helped skyrocket his popularity with the working class, and soon he would use this stardom to help carry his message across the country, and beyond.

Special Guest Exhibits

The music of Woody Guthrie had a powerful effect on many of today’s popular artists. At the Woody Guthrie Center, we found that they have a section set aside for traveling exhibits on artists who collaborated with or found inspiration from Woody Guthrie. During our visit, the works of Pete Seger were being featured. Pete was a folk singer and activist from the same time period as Woody. Although we were not aware of his name, many of his tunes were also immediately recognizable. In a corner of the exhibit guests could do karaoke to a choice of Pete’s songs. While I didn’t belt out the lyrics, I did enjoy listening to his performance of “If I Had A Hammer”. I’m sure my refraining was appreciated by the other visitors that day. So now that you have had a peek at the Woody Guthrie Center, why not add it to your travel list? It’s just one of the many great stops we found in Tulsa Town.

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