Oklahoma City Skyline

Oklahoma City, smack dab in the middle of the state of Oklahoma, is alive with summer happenings. Not just the center of government and the state economy, Oklahoma City is the cultural and urban core of Oklahoma and the surrounding region. Famous for its beginnings with the land run of 1889, Oklahoma City grew to a population over 10,000 in the first 24 hours of its founding. Livestock along with oil and gas industries are important sectors in Oklahoma City’s economy and culture. Tinker Air Force Base and the US Federal Government are also among the largest employers in the city.

Oklahoma City is proud of its western heritage, and will host the American Quarter Horse Association Championship Show July 30th through August 7th. The 2010 show features jumping, western riding, roping and working cow horse competitions among the events. This is an exciting show for riders and horse enthusiasts to see the best trained quarter horses of the breed. Most events will take place at Oklahoma City’s Jim Norick Arena at the state fair grounds. The Best Western Saddleback Inn and Conference Center is conveniently located just a mile from the arena. With room options including oversized business plus rooms and two room suites, the Best Western has ideal accommodations for large or small groups.

The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City is a showcase for the best of the American west displayed in art, historic and cultural exhibitions. The 2010 Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale is hosted by the museum through September 6th. The 37th annual show brings together more than 350 works of art by the top Western artists in the country. Join Western art lovers and collectors at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum to enjoy the show.

The Oklahoma State Fair is the perfect summer event. The 2010 fair runs September 16th through the 26th at the Oklahoma State Fair Park, just west of downtown. Bring family and friends out to enjoy the traditional fun of the midway and carnival games, browse exhibits of the best in state agriculture and livestock and take in the excitement of Xtreme bull riding. The 2010 concert headliners include the Marshall Tucker Band and Grand Funk Railroad among others. Concerts are held daily at the Chesapeake Energy Stage and are free – can’t beat that, to top off a full day of fun at the fair.

Best Western Hotels are conveniently located in and around Oklahoma City. From the Best Western Inn and Suites – Yukon west of downtown to the Best Western Broadway Inn & Suites downtown, Best Western has travelers covered. Enjoy Oklahoma City’s attractions and events, and relax overnight at one of the many Best Western Hotels.

Route 66
Americana, Oklahoma

Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma is known as Green Country, and the region includes heavily wooded areas, rolling hills and mountains. Visitors may be surprised by the unique and diverse geography. Tulsa, once called the oil capital of the world, has diversified its economy since the oil boom. The city is a cultural and arts center for Oklahoma, home to Tulsa ballet, symphony and opera companies. Tulsa claims, along with other cities, to be the birthplace of US Route 66. With so much to see and do, Tulsa is a great travel destination. Special events and festivals celebrate Tulsa's heritage, culture and geography. Plan to visit for one of your favorites this summer.

Like cycling? The Tulsa Tough Ride and Race 2010 is a three day festival for bicycling enthusiasts and fans who gather June 4th through 6th in downtown Tulsa. The Tough events include professional races that pay out $150,000 in cash prizes. Recreational ride events are geared for all ages and abilities, tour rides from 50K to 100 miles are scheduled as well as the Tulsa Townie ride for families. A giant street festival rounds out the cycling events where visitors can enjoy local vendors, arts and crafts, food and live music. The Tulsa Tough is a fun family event to start off summer healthy.

Later in June the 1st Annual Tulsa Route 66 Classic and Vintage Bicycle Show will be held at Tulsa's Rose Bowl Event Center. Bicycle fans, come support this three day event, make it a success and a part of Tulsa's annual calendar. In addition to the bike show and competition, a charity ride is planned where participants can support their favorite charities. Tulsa has three Best Western Hotels for travelers. All conveniently located, and with affordable rates you can stay and see all Tulsa's sites.

Enjoy the spirit of the old west at the 64th International Roundup Clubs Cavalcade near Bartlesville in Pawhuska. The Cavalcade is the largest amateur rodeo in the world, attracting riding and rodeo clubs from across the US to compete. Held July 12th – 18th, 2010, the events include Jr and Sr competitions, wild cow milking, and a wild horse race on top of traditional rodeo events and competitions. If you want to see a rodeo, this is the one to see. A fun event showcasing talented local and regional cowboys and cowgirls, out to have a great time and show off their skills.

Eufaula Oklahoma sits on the shores of Oklahoma's largest lake, Lake Eufaula. Eufaula's downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – a wonderful town to spend a few days enjoying the outdoors, lake and quaint town center. Eufaula celebrates its 26th Annual Whole Hawg Days, July 29th – 31st, 2010. The community goes all out for the festivities which include a rodeo, parade, carnival and various kid's activities. A poker run at Lake Eufaula highlights the events with participants racing water craft to gather cards. Of course food includes 'hawg' cooking and judging. Bring the family out and enjoy some fun in town and at the sandy beaches of Lake Eufaula.

Windmills, Oklahoma Panhandle

Oklahoma, rooted in the land runs of the 1800s, is nicknamed the sooner state – derived from settlers who crossed over territorial borders sooner than allowed to grab land. Western Oklahoma, dominated by great plains, is rich in Native American history. Towns like Altus, Lawton, Elk City, Enid and Blackwell sprung from pioneer trails and today proudly celebrate Oklahoma culture and heritage. Guymon at the center of the Oklahoma panhandle, which was once “no man's land”, is the panhandle's largest town. Ranching was always core in Guymon's economy and continues to be today. Gems of Americana, western Oklahoma's cities and towns are welcoming, and love for travelers to share the joy and fun of their activities and events.

Durant, the magnolia capital of Oklahoma, hosts the Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma. Honoring its heritage, the 2010 festival is held June 4th and 5th. Planned to make a great family weekend, events include a pageant, parade, arts and crafts and a quilt exposition. Children love the carnival rides and have a free event just to themselves. Live entertainment includes the amazing Anoli Dancers and a variety showcase. The Best Western Markita Inn in Durant is a convenient place to stay and, with affordable rates, you can book additional nights to enjoy other local sites.

For bicycling enthusiasts, Ardmore hosts the Red River Roadkill Bicycle Rally. (Roadkill referring to the bicycle riders in this case.) The race is held June 5, 2010, and the course around Lake Murray is scenic and rural. Geared for cyclists of all abilities, course options include 20, 30 and 40 miles. This race is well planned, rest stops are stocked and the finish includes pizza, pasta, and beer. This is a fun, friendly rally – join the excitement this year.

A visit to Oklahoma is not complete without seeing a Rodeo and going to a county fair. The Great Plains Stampede Rodeo in Altus is one of the best. Held August 26th through the 28th, this is a top rated rodeo on the prairie circuit. A full schedule of events, including steer dogging, barrel racing and bareback and saddle bronc riding, make the rodeo a complete Western experience. The Best Western Altus offers convenient quality accommodations for travelers. The rodeo ties in with Western Heritage Week in Altus, adding to the fun events and activities to enjoy. This is a great getaway for the family just before school starts.

The largest county fair in Oklahoma is said to be the Kay County Free Fair in Blackwell. Held in September for the 93rd year, the fair is a fun family event. With over 100 vendors, livestock and agriculture exhibits across seven buildings and live entertainment, this fair has it all. The Best Western Blackwell Inn is located right off the freeway for easy and convenient accommodations.

Southern Oklahoma

Southern Oklahoma, from Poteau and the Ouachita National Forest in the east, to Altus and Quartz Mountain Nature Park nearby, has a lot to discover and enjoy. Southwestern Oklahoma, filled with Native American history and the golden grass of the Great Plains, is also home to Altus Air Force Base location of the 97th Air Mobility Wing. Ardmore in south-central Oklahoma is surrounded by great destinations – Lake Murray to the south and  the Chickasaw National Recreation Area north. Southeastern Oklahoma captivated travelers with magnificent outdoor recreation areas, offering visitors beautiful pristine lakes and rivers among nearly 12 million acres of Wilderness.

Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss the Outdoor Sportsman's Festival in Poteau. Held downtown, the festival celebrates just about everything you'd like to do outdoors. The festival begins with a Golf Tournament and also includes contests for turkey calling, bass fishing and archery. The two day festival held in September, is lots of fun for Kiamichi county residents and visitors. Entertainment includes live music and wildlife exhibits along with games for the kids. Retail exhibitors show off the latest equipment from hunting supplies to RVs. Have some fun and get caught up on the latest gear, this festival is the largest in southeastern Oklahoma.

The Best Western Traders Inn in Poteau is ideal for visitors or travelers in the area. Centrally located and with affordable rates, you may be able to stay for the weekend and put some of those new outdoor essentials to good use. You can relax by the pool or splurge on a room with a jacuzzi tub.

Durant in south-central Oklahoma is a charming small town. In spring it blooms, and becomes the magnolia capital of Oklahoma. In June Durant hosts the popular Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma. The 2010 festival is held June 4th and 5th. The Choctaw Nation, makes Durant home for its headquarters. The Choctaw tribe is the third largest Indian Tribe in the United States and owns the Choctaw Casino in Durant.

In May the Native American tribe honors their history with a Trail of Tear Walk where everyone is welcome to participate. The Labor Day Festival in Tushka Homma (between Eufaula and Poteau) celebrates Choctaw culture and arts. With over 100 arts and crafts booths, rides, eats and treat booths, this is a fun destination for Labor Day. Bring the family and celebrate Oklahoma's Native American heritage.

The Best Western Eufaula Inn and the Best Western Inn of McAlester both are convenient for travelers coming to the festival. Arrowhead State Park and Lake Eufaula are close as well, a great opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors of southern Oklahoma for a few days.

Before kids are back in school, consider Lawton and Fort Sill in southwestern Oklahoma for a fun getaway. August 7th, 2010, the two cities celebrate their 109th Birthday. A terrific family fun event with food, entertainment and activities to keep the kids busy. Stick around for a few days and catch the Lawton Rangers PRCA Rodeo beginning on August 11th. Not just a rodeo, there is a parade, watermelon festival and dance. Come to southwestern Oklahoma and enjoy some summer fun – there is nothing better than a great hometown festival or rodeo to highlight your summer.