Okay! We’re on our Way to OK!
Oklahoma. Known for its Native American culture, four mountain ranges, Okies, prairies, the birthplace of parking meters (!), and forests. My Girlfriendships® believes that those are just the first few reasons (in a list of hundreds) for why OK is a great place for your next girls weekend. Let’s go to either Tulsa or Stillwater.
Fun fact
You know how much I love college football. Oklahoma State University (OSU) has a presence in Stillwater and Tulsa. Jimmy Johnson’s successful rebuilding of the inconsistent OSU Cowboys football program is a hallmark in the long history of OSU football. Of course, that was just before he was hired by the University of Miami which was a stepping stone to his position of head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.
Tulsa
Tucked up in the northeast corner, it’s the second largest city in the state. I read that people describe it as “impossibly cool”. Sounds like the place for girlfriends!
What to Do
- Tulsa Garden Center | My girls and I are suckers for garden-y type things, so this one stood out. It’s located in the historic Snedden Mansion (which is also a great site to see), and is interesting whether you are inside (wood carvings, gold leaf ceilings, marble floors) or outside (hello Zones 7a and 7b)! This activity will give you lots of opportunities for memories and of course, Insta-worthy pics!
- Ihloff Salon and Day Spa | If you haven’t figured it out yet, my besties and I also love pampering. If this sounds like you, then add Ihloff Salon and Day Spa to your list. It’s a welcoming and serene Aveda spa in Utica Square in downtown Tulsa. They offer a variety of services—massage, facials,nails, hair—and all packages come with a healthy spa lunch and a complimentary makeup application too! You’ll love it.
Where to Stay
- The Mayo Hotel | This elegant, historic hotel (built in 1925) is in downtown Tulsa. True, it closed its doors in 1981, but after $42 million in renovations, it re-opened in 2009 and it’s been thriving ever since. Celebrities, political figures (and now, you and your girlfriends) are why it has the reputation of “premier lodging”. Your girlfriends will love this glamorous stay!
- Gorgeous remodeled home | Airbnb more your style? Check out this one. Ideally located (only a mile from the University of Tulsa and Expo Square) is this bright, clean completely remodeled home with new furniture, new appliances, three bedrooms, five beds, electric fireplace, and an outdoor gas grill. Sounds like a great spot to kick back and enjoy your time together, right?!
Stillwater
Found in north-central OK and just about an hour’s drive from Tulsa, is Stillwater. (Funny—we have a Stillwater here in MN, too.)
Stillwater, OK is also home to Oklahoma State University (OSU) where they say, “We are all Cowboys.” You remember that I’m a football fan so whenever I visit a college town in the fall, it’s a good bet I will be planning a girlfriend gathering at the football stadium.
What to Do
- Outlaws | No girls weekend is complete without the chance to dance, right? That’s why I’m recommending Outlaws as the perfect place for you and your girlfriends! Two-step, line-dance, and everything in between. (They also have great cocktails!) Grab dinner, walk around town, and when you’re ready to dance, go to Outlaws! You’ll love it.
- Iron Monk Brewing Company | This is the first craft brewery in Stillwater, and is OK’s premier tap room. Check out the names of these specialties: Stilly Wheat, Velvet Antler, and The 9 IPA. Add food trucks,14 beers on tap, growlers, live music, and trivia events, you’re guaranteed fun no matter when you’re there.
Where to Stay
- Sparrow Beginnings | You must click the link and take a look at these two beautiful cottages, The Nest and The Roost. Sparrow Beginnings offers fishing poles and canoes for their stocked pond, and 30 acres of land for roaming. The cottages are gorgeous: full kitchens and an indoor fireplace. They also offer breakfast, snack, and spa packages, too!
- Cowboys’ History, Stillwater | This Airbnb is one of very few homes in Stillwater with a permit to host short-term rentals. The house is a single-story cottage built at the start of the century by William Frick, owner of Stillwater’s first feed store. A bright, curving porch extends the entire width of the house. It’s an amazing spot for morning coffee or evening wine! There is plenty of fun to be had in this victorian-style home in Stillwater.
Okay. Are you inspired to be on your way to OK?!
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