On the Road — Part 2: Oklahoma Sightseeing 

After a great visit to Bentonville, Arkansas, we headed to Oklahoma. To experience some history, we rode down Route 66 whenever possible. First stop, an antique store in Vinta right on Route 66. The store had everything collectible you could imagine, or, as they told us, “everything and more.” Next, we stopped in Bartlesville to look at a Frank Lloyd Wright skyscraper, the Price Tower — the only skyscraper that he ever built! It’s still in its original condition, including the original elevators which you can ride (if you aren’t claustrophobic). The building currently functions as an office space and hotel and is open to the public. On the way out of the building, local residents told us they hoped that we enjoyed the Wright skyscraper and proudly shared more information about notable buildings and events in Bartlesville.

Our next stop was Pawhuska, home of Food Network star Ree Drummond, or the “Pioneer Woman.” She has stores, restaurants and a hotel in town. We popped into the large mercantile mart right downtown. We had hoped to eat lunch there but the wait was 1 1/2 to 2 hours. So we went to her pizza restaurant instead, where we enjoyed fantastic salads

On certain days, visitors can go to the lodge where Drummond’s television show is filmed. We were lucky to be there on one of those days and didn’t want to miss it after driving so far. We drove another 30 minutes outside Pawhuska to check it out, and it was worth the visit! We got to see a big, beautiful view of the ranch, as well as the two kitchens and multiple pantries and bedrooms. Tip: If you are visiting the area and want to see the lodge, be sure to plan ahead and check the website to see if the lodge is open for tours on those days.

Our last stop was Tulsa, where we got to appreciate the city’s historic architecture. Tulsa has over 60 great Art Deco buildings that are worth seeing. You can do this through a guided or self-guided tour.

We went on this trip without expectations and everything we saw was well worth a visit. Everyone we encountered was welcoming and happy to see tourists. We can’t wait for our next trip!

 

The Meadow Gold sign on Route 66.

 

Phillips 66 oil can, $19.50. The Phillips Oil Company was founded in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and had their headquarters there from 1917 to 2002.

 

Price Tower, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, completed in 1956, still in its original condition. This is the only Frank Lloyd Wright skyscraper. We rode in its original tiny elevator, and it was quite an experience!

View of Price Tower interior Art Deco wall decoration

 

The Lodge where The Pioneer Woman television show is filmed. It was used as a guest house.

 

The Mercantile, “Pioneer Woman” Ree Drummond’s retail store in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

 

Back room in the lodge showing some of the cooking supplies for the show.

 

Very old barbed wire, $27.50.

 

Feed sacks, $2.50 each.