This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Oklahoma
What is the friendliest place in Oklahoma? While Oklahoma City might come to mind as the capital, Guthrie holds a special place in the state’s history. It was the original capital, even before Oklahoma achieved statehood. Founded in the late 19th century and serving as the capital until 1910, Guthrie has retained its small-town atmosphere with a population of around 11,000. This close-knit community has embraced a slower pace, differentiating itself from the hurried rhythms of its larger neighbors. Cheerful, townwide Christmas celebrations, hole-in-the-wall music venues, and southern-style restaurants are just a few friendly elements of Guthrie’s community that make its welcoming spirit shine.
The Christmas Capital of Oklahoma
The holiday season may be over for this year, but it is never too early to start planning for the next! As the Christmas Capital of Oklahoma, Guthrie offers some of the state’s biggest and most vibrant holiday events, attracting countless visitors. At the end of November, the town kicks off the season with a massive parade in its historic district. A glittering parade of cars, trucks, and marchers make their way down Oklahoma Avenue, followed by a tree lighting at the Guthrie Post office to conclude the event.
About a week later, Guthrie celebrates its historic architecture during the Distinctive Homes Tour. Travelers can visit different houses around town, each beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The Victorian Walks are another highlight, held from December 6th to the 13th. Here, visitors can transport themselves back in time, enjoying horse-drawn carriage rides through the heritage area while sipping on a hot beverage. Eventgoers can also browse the Victorian shopping district for a Christmas gift or appreciate actors bringing the Victorian Industrial Block to life with costumes, music, and artisans.
Want to admire a light display? Make sure to visit the Cottonwood Flats Drive Thru, which hosts “A Very Merry Guthrie Christmas” each year. As travelers drive through the seven blocks, they can marvel at over 100,000 lights, 70 wrapped trees, and 40 frame displays. This event happens for nearly the entire month of December, making it easy for travelers to find time to attend!
Music & Theater
Guthrie’s community has a strong value for the arts and is home to several notable venues and theater companies. For fans of musicals and plays, the Pollard Theatre Company offers an excellent lineup with five mainstage productions each year. Upcoming performances include SpongeBob the Musical in March and April, followed by The Shark is Broken from June 13th to July 5th.
Regarding music, The Double Stop Music Hall hosts world-class bluegrass music, with owner Byron Berline having performed alongside legends like the Rolling Stones and Bill Monroe. Today, visitors can attend one of his regular concerts on the second floor, witnessing his remarkable musical talent firsthand. Magnolia Moon is an intimate venue that hosts monthly “Music at the Moon” concerts, where guests can savor dinner and enjoy an elegant live performance.
The town also hosts a couple of major music events each year. From May to September, visitors can enjoy Red Brick Nights, a lively block party in Guthrie's central downtown, featuring performances by some of the state’s best musicians. Guthrie also hosts Oklahoma's International Bluegrass Festival each October. This event has featured major headliners like Willie Nelson, Ricky Skaggs, and Vince Gill while also spotlighting up-and-coming regional and local bands.
Restaurants
Guthrie is perhaps best known for its southern-style restaurants, where visitors can savor delicious cuisine served with generous help from warm hospitality. Katie’s Diner is an excellent option for breakfast or lunch, offering country breakfasts, chili, cheeseburgers, and sirloins. For hearty barbecue or a classic chicken-fried steak, visit Stables Café. This restaurant also features a taproom offering a wide selection of craft beers and ciders. Need to fuel up before starting your day? Hoboken Coffee Roasters is a charming and locally-owned coffee shop downtown that roasts its coffee in-house.
Local Accommodations
Guthrie offers plenty of lodging options, but for a true feel of the town’s welcoming atmosphere, consider staying at one of its boutique hotels or inns, many of which hold important ties to the community’s history. The Dominion House Boutique Hotel is the perfect example. This hotel is housed in a building that dates back to 1923 and has 14 luxurious rooms for guests to choose from. Some of the rooms even include unique amenities like fireplaces and clawfoot tubs. Each morning, the hotel’s team of chefs will prepare guests a complimentary breakfast to top off the experience. The Judge’s Chamber is another lodging option, a luxury bed and breakfast in a neoclassical 1902 mansion. This inn also offers guests a gourmet breakfast every morning that they can enjoy in the inn’s historic dining room.
Why Guthrie is Oklahoma's Most Welcoming Town
As part of the southern United States, there are so many towns in Oklahoma that are friendly and beaming with southern hospitality. However, Guthrie’s intimate music venues, 20th-century bed and breakfasts, and hearty barbecue restaurants give it some of the friendliest traits in the state. Its annual events and music festivals make it even more attractive to visitors. Regardless of the time of year, you are sure to feel welcome in the small town of Guthrie, Oklahoma.
