Route 66; Parks, Cities, Trails & Tales

America As You Like It • 3 January 2024

Oklahoma City offers a blend of culture, cuisine, and attractions characteristic of a modern metropolis. Its rugged Western past, working stockyards, and title as the "Horse Show Capital of the World" add unique charm and heritage to the city's dynamic atmosphere.

Route 66 + the 2026 Centennial

Route 66 will be celebrating its Centenary in 2026, and what better way to commemorate this than by taking a trip and discovering the majesty and beauty of the road for yourself. Built in 1926, this is a popular route to see America in all its glory, and the Oklahoma City to Tulsa section of the Mother Road is one of Route 66's most memorable stretches of any State. The Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza is named for the Tulsa resident who is known as "The Father of Route 66". It is at the east entrance to the historic Route 66 bridge near downtown Tulsa. The amazing artwork depicts the Avery family riding west in a Motel T Ford, meeting an eastbound horse-drawn carriage. Gasoline Alley Classics, a longtime producer of game room, garage, and man cave automobilia décor, has opened its first retail shop in a former Model T assembly plant and dealership on Route 66 in Sapulpa. The Rock Cafe in Stroud, Oklahoma was established in 1939, assembled with rock unearthed during the paving of Route 66. It has been added to the National Register of Historic Places. There are also some quirky stays along the way to make the most of your adventure such as glamping with wide open plains and adrenaline rushes. Visit Get Your Kicks In Oklahoma 

Oklahoma's State Parks 

With more than thirty state parks to visit in Oklahoma you are spoilt for choice! Encompassing all twelve Oklahoma eco-systems and offering unique accommodation options and superb 'great outdoors' land and water-based activities, there certainly is plenty to discover. Choose from glamping, cabin, and modern lodge stays as well as RV & rustic camping accommodation within Oklahoma’s State Parks, such as Lake Murray State Park, Sequoya State Park, and Roman Nose State Park. With all its water features, Lake Murray is one of the best places in the state to spend a summer day. The lake temperature always feels exactly right. On-site vendors offer boat, kayak, and paddle board rentals so you can navigate the 5,728-acre lake to find the perfect coves for splashing around. While you are staying in the area go paddling boarding, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see lizards, hawks, and deer. Visit Oklahoma.

Unique trails in and around Oklahoma City 

Travel the unique, diverse, and accessible 'trail' in Oklahoma City which links the FAM First Americans Museum, highlighting Oklahoma’s Native American history in the area for you to explore. Next up on the day out is the Land Run Monument, commemorating the settler story in which the first land run opened the Unassigned Lands in the centre of Indian Territory. If you are looking for water activities, you are in luck! Get ready for the whitewater rapids in OKC’s Boathouse District. You can go on group rides or even canoe or kayak solo. After the adrenaline rush relax in Bricktown with a variety of food and music. For the horticulturalists there is the Myriad Botanical Gardens, and to finish the day off, visit Stockyards City making an unforgettable day out for visitors of all interests. Look into the Bert Cooper Trail, Bluff Creek Trail, Earlywine Trail, Hefner-Overholser Trail, Katy Trail and the Lake Stanley Draper Trail. For more information on walking / cycling trails visit Oklahoma City.

CREDIT: APPLE and Oklahoma Film + Music Office

On the set of 'Killers of The Flower Moon' 

Oklahoma is front and centre for the captivating performances in 'Killer of The Flower Moon' starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Lily Gladstone, alongside the cinematic directing icon Martin Scorsese. Based on true events and the book by the same name, it is a compelling and poignant story of the Osage Nation and the struggles they encountered when oil was discovered underneath their land at the turn of the 20th century. This important part of Oklahoma history has been sensitively and superbly recounted in Scorsese's acclaimed movie, which looks set to receive multiple Oscar nominations in 2024. You can visit the areas where the film was made such as Pawhuska, Fairfax, and Bartlesville - perhaps on a day trip from Tulsa. For more information visit Vintage Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
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