[Drive Log] Oklahoma City - Day 2

October 21, 2012

Houston, TX - Oklahoma City, OK - Houston, TX

Miles logged: 1036.9

Oklahoma City has a unique vibe - somewhat of a small town pace in a big old-city setting. The city also feels very "western," especially with the US Team Roping Championships going on during our visit. The city is historically famous as a major stop on Route 66, as well as its major stockyards. Nowadays, their economy is mainly driven by big energy companies. 

We couldn't resist visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial in daytime, because of how amazing it looked at night.

Fall colors.

After spending a couple minutes on the memorial grounds, and driving around downtown for a bit, we headed out to the state capitol.

Retired oil well greets visitors to the capitol.

Walking around the front area of the capitol wore us down a bit, which meant it was time to look for a place to eat - lunch. Again, we wanted to go local. 

They advertise themselves as being the best rib place in OKC. So confident that they even call their place "Rib Palace."

And Rib Palace, they are!

Their barbecue is great (for lack of better words)! Moist and tender ribs, and their brisket is one of the best I've tried. The smoked chicken was delicious, but a bit on the dry side. This was our first time to try fried okras, and they are really good. Prices are reasonable and well worth the amount and quality of food they serve. Definitely a must-stop whenever you are in the area. 

So, having had filled our tummies with yummy food, we had to burn some of the calories - just to make us less guilty. Another visit to Bricktown was in order for that purpose, and also to get ourselves a touristy mug with something OKC on it. 

The afternoon was quickly going by, and we we had about 7 hours or so to drive back home. But then we were tempted to make a somewhat quick stop by Lake of the Arbuckles, so we were set back about an hour or two. Upon arrival on the area, we immediately forgot about the time. It was the perfect place to spend the sunset.

Beautiful view, check.

Happy wife, check.

Golden light and green grass, check.

Wish we had more time, and some meat to grill.

Irresistible late afternoon light. CX-5 basking in the sun.

As the sun hit the horizon, it meant that we had to start getting back on the road. Beautiful driving roads and a beautiful palette of colors on both sides. It would be nice if all roads were like this.

Entering Texas, it was already dark and about time to grab dinner. Although we were admittedly not that hungry, the thought of being a few minutes away from the nearest Californian burger joint was too tempting. So, the inevitable happened in Irving.

With our tummies filled yet again, it was time to finally be on the final stretch back home. Some interestingly embarrassing stuff happened between Dallas and Houston - something about getting stopped, and a number 2.