Weekend Getaway in Oklahoma

The state’s capital is a great place to check out eclectic street art, particularly in the edgy Plaza Walls alley in the Plaza District. Other must-sees include the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. For unique views of the capital's top attractions, ride the Bricktown Water Taxi.

To the southeast of Oklahoma, ensconced in pine forests and lakes, Broken Bow is best known for Beavers Bend State Park. Spot bald eagles and black bears, canoe, hike, or go scuba diving in the crystal waters of Oklahoma Lake. A zip-lining adventure awaits at nearby Hochatown.

The striper fishing capital of the world, Lake Texoma is perfect for guided fishing trips, hiking along state park trails, and romantic sunset dinner cruises along the lake. Hagerman and Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuges are birdwatching havens, so make sure to pack those binoculars.

This is Oklahoma's go-to if you fancy art, live music, and shopping. Catch the latest event at the BOK Center, Brady Theater, or Cain's Ballroom, and make time for the Gilcrease Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art, and Tulsa Art Deco Museum. Tulsa is top-rated Oktoberfest destination in America – plan well and revel in the German fare.

Meat eaters will have their hands full as they dig into typical Oklahoma barbecue preparations, chicken steak, and gigantic fried onion burgers. Mentionworthy are calf fries, a dish of sheep, pig, or bull testicles served alongside cocktail sauce. Another favorite is biscuits, sausage, and gravy. For dessert, fruit-filled Oklahoma fried pies won't disappoint.

Consider a visit to the sprawling Arbuckle Wilderness Park in Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where animals roam free in their natural habitat. Drive through the park and feed the camels, bisons, and horses en route. Don't forget to stop at the House of Reptiles Petting Zoo.

Tales of brave warriors, menacing outlaws, and lawmen come alive at this site’s courtroom, jails, trails, gallows, and other wonderfully restored exhibits. The heartbreaking Trail of Tears exhibit traces the forced relocation of Native American tribes (Muskogee, Cherokee, and Choctaw included) in 1838, where many of them succumbed to disease and fatigue.

Buy a GoPro and capture all those exciting moments for posterity. Bringing a power bank, chargers, memory cards, and extra batteries is a good idea.

The weather can change suddenly in the mountains, so carry a warm jacket and a poncho. Hiking boots with a grip and a day pack to hold your essentials are necessary.

If you plan to hang out in the capital or Tulsa, pack some smart casuals. A pair of jeans, a denim jacket, a summery dress, and a nice pair of shoes are all suitable. Walking shoes are recommended for day excursions and sightseeing.

A swimsuit, lightweight towel, leave-in conditioner, and flip-flops are a must if waterside pursuits appeal to you. And don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can beat down hard in the Sooner State.