Warm up to Oklahoma City

Southern Living, Feb 1999 by Kunstel, Stacy

People have traditionally come to Oklahoma City in a "rush." Whether it was in the race for land or in driving cattle, this pioneer city has always joined the edge of the West with the heart of the South. Take a weekend to let the dust settle on your boots and enjoy warming up to this city on the Plains.

Don't Miss

* Seeing what's blooming inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory al Myriad Gardens.

* Paying homage to West ern greats at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

* A perfectly grilled steak at Cattlemen's in Stock yards City.

* Searching for art in the Paseo Arts District.

Shopping List

The Paseo Arts District holds some of the best priced art in the city. Most of the artists work inside the galleries, so you can visit with them while they create. At Paseo Pottery, Collin Rosebrook throws giant tea kettles and broad discs with designs pressed in them. Kay Orr paints vibrant themes in watercolors, oils, and pastels at her shop.

Don't expect the normal mall fare at 50 Penn Place. At Kern's you'll find steerhide throw pillows and deer antler chandeliers among framed artwork. Beyond Conception sells christening gowns, baby books, and stylish black diaper bags. Squeeze into Route 66 to browse clothing, imported gifts, handmade soaps, and road trip journals. Upstairs at Full Circle Books you can cozy up to one of the fireplaces with a travel book about the Bahamas or Bali. They also have an extensive Oklahoma section along with puzzles, games, and address books with cowboy boots on the front.

In Bricktown, the Great Plains Gallery of Oklahoma offers a fine selection of American Indian carvings and jewelry. Next door, Bricktown Mercantile and Antiques displays everything from candles and cards to old typewriters and Depression glass.

Dining Details

While most people think of Cattlemen's in Stockyards City as a steak dinner sort of place, there's nothing like a fillet and eggs for breakfast. Even on weekends the restaurant opens at 6 a.m. For fun and great Italian food, head to Flip's Wine Bar & Trattoria on Western Avenue. The Caesar salad comes with dried tomatoes and a healthy dousing of garlic ($5.75) while the pasta combo plate features creamy fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti and a meatball, and fresh basil pesto over rigatoni ($ 15.95). Just down the street from Flip's, Deep Fork Grill offers great seafood and steaks (ask for a table near the fireplace). Beer lovers will go for Bricktown Brewery. Try a flight of sample-size brews with the chicken-fried steak with cream gravy, and then cross the street for dessert and coffee at Uncommon Grounds.

Staying Power

Depending on what you want to be close to there are a number of great and affordable stays in Oklahoma City. At Wingate Inn (close to Stockyards City, 1-40) rates start at $80, and there's an indoor pool; call 1-800-2281000. Also in the same area, Courtyard by Marriott has a $59 weekend rate; (405) 946-6500. The Westin (downtown, close to Myriad Gardens and Bricktown) has a $69 introductory weekend rate if you stay two nights; 1-800-228-3000. If you stay there, be sure to dine at Aria, the hotel's restaurant.

With the Kids

Lush gardens may be the last place you expect to visit in February, but downtown inside the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory at Myriad Gardens you can wander under cascading waterfalls, catch the scent of plumeria, and ogle towering palm trees. Kids can squeeze a full day's entertainment out of the Omniplex with its seven museums under one roof. Start out in the hands-on science area, and then head to the air and space museum and the galleries upstairs. When you get tired of that, the Oklahoma City Zoo is a few feet away.

Just the Two of You

Spend the day antiques shopping alone May Avenue or in the upscale Nichols Hills area, and then visit The National Cowboy Hall of Fame. Spend the night nearby at The Waterford Marriott ($84 a night), and wake up to the Sunday jazz brunch ($19 per person). Eleven different kinds of layer cakes, pork tenderloin, pastries, fresh fruit, smoked salmon, and mesquite chicken topped off with a glass of champagne is a deliciously decadent way to start the day.

In the Paseo District, many artists have workshops inside their galleries.

Insider Tip

Paseo District artists keep artists' hours. Most shops don't open until after 10 a.m., and the days open vary. You might also want to call for directions as it can be hard to find.

For More Information

Oklahoma Convention & Visitors Bureau, 189 West Sheridan Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102;1-800-225-5652. Web site: www.okccvb.org.

Stacy Kunstel