Experience various cultures without leaving Oklahoma

Have you ever wished you could travel the globe to experience different cultures and ideas? While today’s economy and your pocketbook may not be able to support a world-traveler’s habit, you can experience other cultures in Oklahoma, without a language barrier.

Whether you crave a smorgasbord of international food or a day spent exploring a quiet English garden, you’ll find affordable, creative ways to broaden your family’s horizons in every region of the state.

If you’re passionate about the artistry of Claude Monet and Edouard Manet, don’t miss the chance to view Louvre-worthy, 19th-century European paintings by these Frenchman and others. The "Turner to Cezanne: Masterpieces From the Davies Collection, National Museum Wales” exhibit will be on display until Sept. 20 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

Constructed from virtually uncultivated prairie, the Bivin Garden in Shidler is a breathtaking panorama of spacious lawns, flowering bushes and vines, ornamental ponds and fountains and Oklahoma-hardy trees and shrubs. What began as a landscaped flower garden of Ray and Mollie Bivin has become a luscious, six-acre attraction. It has the charm and sophistication of an English garden, along with rock gardens featuring decorative rocks from Africa and South America.

Fans of ancient legends take notice: Heavener boasts stone landmarks etched with 6-inch-high Norse runes, which possibly were left by Vikings in 900 A.D. Discover for yourself the details surrounding this Norse legend by visiting Heavener Runestone State Park.

Spicy, sweet, salty and savory, the following Oklahoma restaurants offer a sampling of various foreign cultures, no matter what your taste buds prefer.

Callahan’s Irish Pub in Enid serves the usual pub offerings along with unusual and tasty international cuisine. Don’t forget to order one of the bar’s 46 beers.

Krebs, also known as Little Italy, offers some of the most authentic Italian food in the state, including Pete’s Place, Isle of Capri, Roseanna’s Italian Foods and Lovera’s Grocery and Meat Market.

Words such as "escargot” and "brioche” make ordering fun at the French Hen in Tulsa. The French Hen serves French country cuisine, including seafood, veal and pasta.

The Asian district in Oklahoma City was deteriorating before the Vietnamese community began its revitalization. Now, the area boasts fine Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese and Thai food. Enter the Super Cao Nguyen Market, and you’ll discover fresh seafood, produce and various international food items.

Throughout late summer and early fall, culture-rich festivals abound in Oklahoma. Mark your calendar for these multicultural events at which you can explore your own or someone else’s heritage.

Scheduled Sept.9-12 in Choctaw, Oktoberfest features live German music, food, wine and beer. Is your mouth watering for authentic German wiener schnitzel, apple strudel and pilsner?

Stop by Choctaw’s authentic Old Germany Restaurant, owned by the Turek family that emigrated from Germany in 1974.

Be ye a MacGregor, Booth, McDonald or Wallace, the Oklahoma Scottish Festival celebrates Celtic history and heritage. This festival, Sept. 18-20 in Tulsa, offers food, crafts, music and sports of Scotland, including an opportunity to participate in Highland Games and Tug o’ War.

For anyone wanting to celebrate more than just the customs of Scotland and Germany, the International Festival in Lawton will be Sept. 25-27, and WorldFest in Oklahoma City is Oct. 2-4.

These events showcase vocal and dance performances, international food, handcrafted wares for sale and various learning activities for the entire family.

Stacy Patton is an intern for the Travel Promotion Division of the state Tourism and Recreation Department.

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