Oklahoma City may not compare favorably
with some cities when it comes to high culture or architectural
beauty, but its character and vibrant connection to its “old
west” roots more than make up for its short-comings.
The future and the past of this city co-exist comfortably and
proudly. The historic Stockyard City is home to the beloved Cowboy
Christmas Parade, and its Cattleman’s Steakhouse still has
the best steak money can buy. The National Cowboy & Western
Heritage Museum and Oklahoma Museum of History are must-see attractions
for the American History buffs. The Omniplex is an enormous complex
featuring a planetarium and air-and-space museum, but it is also
the home of the Red Earth Center, which focuses on the preservation
of Native American culture and history. Horse lovers should visit
in November for the World Championship Quarter Horse Show.
This isn’t to say the city is has nothing to offer but its
western past. The acclaimed Oklahoma City Art Museum offers both
permanent and traveling exhibits of world-class art. The Myriad
Botanical Gardens feature three distinct ecosystems housed in
the beautiful seven-story Crystal Bridge. Little Saigon may not
be the prettiest district, but the authentic Vietnamese food.
Jazz lovers won’t want to miss the first week of June when
the Charlie Christian Jazz Festival returns to the city.
The Will Rogers World Airport is southwest of downtown Oklahoma City.
Both Amtrak and Greyhound routes run in and out of the city. Fares for
the MetroTransit city bus lines are $1.
There are plenty of places to stay in Oklahoma
City, from beds and breakfast inns to budget motels, and in all price
ranges.
The Oklahoma City National Memorial dedicated
to the victims of the Oklahoma city bombing, which took place in 1995
when the Alfred P Murray Federal Building was destroyed by right-wing
militants, killing 168 people. There are two memorials: The Outdoor
Symbolic Memorial and The Memorial city Museum, both of which are located
on the block that was the site of the tragedy.
