8 Most Charming cities in Oklahoma

Stuck at the crossroads of the American South and the Southwest, Oklahoma is an excellent mixture in terms of landscape and culture. Oklahoma is usually not very high on most people's vacation lists but that does not mean this state is not worth a visit. 

Oklahoma is home to some of the most charming and memorable cities in the region. Each location has its own unique feel and atmosphere that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the nation. Sometimes it is the simple things like community and blue-collar culture that make these places stand out from the typical tourist traps on the coasts. 

Tulsa

One of the more well-known cities in Oklahoma, Tulsa is a great midsized city perfect for getting a mix of both large-city living and small-town community. What usually surprises those visiting Tulsa is the rich and robust art scene in the city.

During the spring seasons, there are dozens of places you can go to appreciate the blooming of the flowers as well as take a look at some outstanding exhibits on display at nearby museums. The well-respected Philbrook Museum does both of these things at once. If you are ever nearby Tulsa around Christmas time make sure you take a look at one of the many light shows and festivals that can be found all around its bustling downtown core. 

Edmond

Located on the outskirts of Oklahoma City, the small suburb of Edmond is a foodie's paradise. Just about every weekend there seems to be a festival being held in Edmonds downtown. Each of these festivals is filled to the brim with outstanding food from some of the local restaurants. The BBQ especially is something you need to try. 

Aside from great food, the nearby Arcadia Lake is a great place to sit down and relax after a long day. The lake is so serene and peaceful that you will almost forget you are sitting right in the middle of the city. 

Norman

Norman is best known for being the host city of the University of Oklahoma. Much of the town has been built around supporting and sustaining the flourishing of the university. As a consequence, there are large parts of the town that have adopted the universities remarkable "New England" architecture.

Stone and brick buildings line many streets and the campus of the University of Oklahoma is a treat to walk through. The gardens and other vegetation around the school are incredibly well-kept and groomed. Making the school look more like something out of Europe than the heartland of the United States. 

Broken Arrow

A suburb of Tulsa, Broken Arrow is a slow-paced and laid-back city. Much of the surrounding area of the city is filled with rolling hills and lakes. A perfect place to go for a quick day trip during the weekend. 

If you are wanting to explore the city itself make sure to take a trip to the famous Rose District. This part of the city is filled with great shopping. You will find tons of specialty boutiques and shops that carry some very interesting items. After you are done at the shops you can sit down at some of the outstanding local dinners and restaurants. Andolini's Pizzeria and Bamboo Garden are some of the notable establishments. 

Lawton

Lawton can be found in the southwest of Oklahoma not too far from the Texas border. Lawton is somewhat isolated from any other large population centers but it is its relative remoteness that gives this city its identity. 

One of the more exceptional attractions in Lawton is the "Holy City." This so-called city is a makeshift castle that has been constructed out of desert stones and dirt. Its description might sound lackluster but it is in fact quite impressive in person. This castle is outfitted with all the bells and whistles that you would expect. Keeping with the trend of military installations, in the middle of town is Fort Sill. Here you will be able to observe tons of decommissioned military hardware like tanks, artillery pieces, and other vehicles. 

Moore

Another suburb of Oklahoma City, Moore is a growing and thriving part of the state. Since the 1960s various industries have set up shop here and began to change the landscape forever. Today Moore is home to great museums and public parks. The  Museum of Osteology can be found here. This is a private museum that houses more than 400 skeletons and bones of various animal species. Some of these animals are still with us today while others have been extinct for millions of years. 

If you are in Moore just make sure to keep an ear out for tornado sirens. Moore is considered to be right in the middle of what many call "tornado alley." The city has been at the center of dozens of devasting natural disasters over the years. One particularly bad tornado ripped through the city in 1999 causing more than a billion dollars in damages. 

Enid

Enid might be one of Oklahoma's best-kept secrets. This smaller-sized city has some of the most diverse and interesting activities and attractions in the area. Enid has a thriving art scene. This can be best observed all across the city in various street murals and other pieces. Some of the most striking examples of street art are on display at the city skate park. 

The opportunities to get in touch with the great outdoors are also present here at Enid. There are six state parks all within a 90-mile radius of the city. One of the more notable parks has to be Little Sahara State Park. As you might expect with a name like that. This park is filled with endless sand dunes. It is common for residents of Enid to bring their ATVs and dirt bikes and other toys out here to go for an adventure in the dunes. 

Stillwater

Another city based around a university, Stillwater is home to the well-respected Oklahoma State University. This school is the city's largest employer and much of the local economy is focused around it. 

Like many other college towns, the nightlife and food scene in Stillwater is head and shoulders above the rest. A night out in Stillwater is almost guaranteed to be a fun but also laid-back time with friends and family.  The city is also home to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum. Many of the wrestlers in the Hall of Fame once called Oklahoma State University home as well. This school has a storied history when it comes to collegiate wrestling and other sports. 

Summary 

Each state has its own unique charm but Oklahoma has something special. It is located in the middle ground between at least three distinct American subcultures and somehow manages to balance them all effortlessly and turn them all into something that is its own.

No matter what you are into there is a good chance there is a city in Oklahoma that is the perfect place for you to visit next time you are out on vacation.