Oklahoma's Route 66 still answers calls for open road
DISCOVER OKLAHOMA
BY DACI ABEL
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Published: October 18, 2009
If America has a romantic relationship with the open road, then consider Route 66 to be its greatest love affair.
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For more attractions on Route 66, go online to TravelOK.com or call (800) 652-6552 to speak with an Oklahoma Travel Counselor. Request a free copy of the brochure, Oklahoma Route 66: The Ultimate Road Trip.
Although the highway was officially decommissioned in 1984, the lore of the famed route still draws visitors from around the world who desire a taste of a nostalgic American experience.
And since
Oklahoma has more drivable miles of Route 66 than any other state in the union, it’s the perfect place to get your kicks.
For example, check out the neighboring towns of Stroud and Chandler, both located directly on The Mother Road.
And because it’s less than an hour from both
Oklahoma City and
Tulsa, this area makes for an easy weekend getaway.
Local wineries, a famous restaurant, an interactive museum and a western experience guest ranch are just a few of the locations you’ll discover.
Grab a glass of wine at Stableridge vineyards and winery in Stroud. Stableridge is known for its historic tasting room, an impressive gift shop and wines like
Jeremiah Red, which has won international awards.
Territory Cellars, another winery just minutes away, boasts a large patio where guests can sit and relax.
Don’t miss the gourmet meals Thursdays and Fridays, and check out their sweet, fruit-flavored wines for dessert.
No trip to Stroud is complete without a meal at the Rock Cafe in Stroud. Built in 1939 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this renowned landmark was recently reopened after a fire.
Not far from Stroud is the Route 66
Interpretive Center in Chandler, where visitors can explore the call of the road.
Interactive displays will drive you down memory lane to rediscover the important role Route 66 played in building the American Dream.
For an overnight visit, stay at the Tatanka Guest Ranch, a retreat for city dwellers who want a western experience without forsaking modern amenities.
The facilities are rustic chic, turning cowboy living into luxury. The cabins and lodge are elegant and comfortable.
The ranch was named one of the top places to stay by
National Geographic Traveler in 2008 for showcasing local culture and offering a special experience to travelers.
Ranch owner Sandy Sarette takes pride in making her guest feel at home on the ranch.
"If this isn’t what Oklahoma is about, I don’t know what is,” Sarette said. "Our mission is to highlight the Oklahoma experience. ...There is not another place that I’ve seen that has this kind of Oklahoma beauty.”
Guests of the ranch can enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, kayaking, ATV riding, horseback riding, arcade games and much more.
However, many guests just come to soak up the serene atmosphere and to unwind by the campfire.
Dacia Abel is publications coordinator of the Travel and Tourism Division of the state Tourism and Recreation Department.
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