I lived in Oklahoma City for two and a half years and I enjoyed every minute. Oklahoma City does not get the credit that I think it deserves. It has a great restaurant and bar scene, one of a kind boutiques, and plenty of events so there is always something to do. I have not lived there in almost five years, but I still go back a few times a year for a visit and to patron some of my favorite spots. Here’s my recommendation for a long weekend in OKC.
Just a block from Automobile Alley on 9th Street - more cute shops!
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Thursday
OKC is an easy, three-hour drive from Dallas. The drive up 35 takes you past the Red River, through the rolling hills of Southern Oklahoma, and past massive wind turbines. Whenever I book a “solo weekend” in OKC, I take Friday off and drive up Thursday evening. If I am lucky, I arrive in time for a yin yoga class at This Land Yoga or the Yoga Nidra class at Soul Yoga. Both are excellent ways to start off the weekend full of self-care.
After my yoga class, I’ll swing by Tana Thai before they close at 9 PM. They offer the best pad thai I’ve ever had (I haven’t traveled to Thailand yet, so until then, this is my number one pick). Pro tip: ask for extra lime slices – the lime juice adds a little something special to the pad thai. After a little movement and fuel, I turn in to my Airbnb.
OKC has a wide selection of nicely decorated, well-appointed, and comfortable Airbnbs. One of my favorite Airbnbs is a guesthouse called Cheers to the Day OKC. The guesthouse is thoughtfully decorated and conveniently located in central OKC. It also boasts a patio area overlooking a small pond, perfect for sipping coffee and watching the ducks. The host is super friendly and has lots of great recommendations for restaurants and things to do.
The amazing patio at Cheers to the Day OKC
Related Reading: Temecula Wine Country: the Hidden Gem of Southern California
Friday
On Friday mornings, my first stop is always Cuppies and Joe for a warm cinnamon roll and a vanilla latte. This OKC institution is in an old house, which makes me feel like I’m visiting a friend for breakfast. The Wi-Fi is strong and the light in the morning filters through the windows. It's the perfect place to set up your laptop, or read a book or visit with a friend.
Cuppies & Joe
This local-feel coffee shop is in an old house off of NW 23rd Street and you feel like family from the moment you walk in the door. Choose a table and set up with your computer (guess where I am right now!) or sink into a couch and read a book.
After fueling up with breakfast and a vanilla latte, it’s time for some shopping. I love strolling through the shops on Western Ave. My favorite shop is Mockingbird Manor for their selection of high-end antiques and one-of-a-kind home décor items.
I also love heading over to Calvert’s Interior Plants and peruse their huge selection of tropical house plants in the 10,000 square foot greenhouse.
Next, I stop into Kitchen 324 for a light lunch before hitting the spa. Parking is available on the street or at a surface lot in front of Red Steakhouse for $5 a day. From the surface lot, it’s an easy walk to Kitchen 324 where I always order the Potato Leek Soup and a glass of wine.
The perfect pre-spa lunch at Kitchen 324
After lunch, I head just across the street to Udånder (pronounced ooo-don-der), a Scandinavian inspired steam and sauna spa. Be sure to book your appointments ahead of time, as they book up quickly. I usually spoil myself with an hour of eucalyptus steam and dry sauna, followed by a massage, facial, and foot soak. It doesn’t take long to melt away all the worries of the world in this zen retreat. They do have gender-specific hours though, so pay attention to those on their website (this will make more sense when you see their layout).
Depending on the timing of my spa appointments, I’ll check out the shops in Automobile Alley either before or after lunch and spa time. The Automobile Alley shopping district is a great little shopping center where there are always great finds at Plenty Mercantile, Tin Lizzie’s, Urbane, and Shop Good.
Plenty Mercantile on Automobile Alley
Related Reading: 72 Hours in Fredericksburg, TX
On Friday nights, I head to The Sushi Bar. There are now three locations, but the original in Edmond at NW 178th and Western Ave is my favorite. I was a regular at The Sushi Bar when I lived in OKC, and I still crave The Naughty Girl roll and the Jim’s Crab roll.
Before turning in the for the night, I usually stop by Muse on 15th Street. They have beautiful home décor items – I have purchased everything from trinket dishes to cocktail books to candles here and they always seem to have something new.
Head over to Muse in Edmond for great gifts and unique home decor items
Saturday
On Saturday mornings, I like going by another favorite coffee shop, Elemental Coffee. They have a few vegan offerings besides the lattes and pour-over coffees on the menus. When I’m done with breakfast, I drive back up to Edmond to check out the Farmer’s Market and the shops on Main Street.
Downtown Edmond
My favorite shops are Broadway Antiques and Gathered Home. Gathered Home is sadly now closed, but you can check them out online.
After shopping, it’s time to enjoy a lovely afternoon sipping wine and enjoying more delicious food! My absolute favorite tapas restaurant - The Pritchard - in the Plaza District closed recently. I was so sad! Instead of directing you to The Pritchard, I’ll tell you to try one of the following:
The Mule - amazing grilled cheeses!
FRIDA - came highly recommended from my lovely Airbnb host
Paseo Grill - located in the artsy Paseo district, it’s the ultimate cozy & romantic date night designation. Make a reservation!
I haven’t tried all of these, but they have great reviews. Let me know if you try one of these and love it!
Sunday
On Sunday mornings, I like to grab a bagel sandwich from Old School Bagel. After breakfast, I sometimes wander over to Myriad Botanical Gardens to admire the green space or I head over to the OKC Museum of Art. During one visit to OKC, the museum was featuring a Degas, Van Gogh, and Monet Exhibit and the Dale Chihuly Exhibit. Walking through the exhibits and admiring the amazing creativity of others is a great way to finish off the weekend.
OKC Museum of Art
I hope you find time to explore and enjoy Oklahoma City as much as I do. I think the city has a lot to offer and does not get enough credit.
If you have a chance to visit Oklahoma City, let me know what you think. What are your favorite places?
There is nothing more comforting than a warm chicken dish with a side of rice and some veggies. Check out my absolute favorite chicken recipes for quick weeknight dinners and or to satisfy the craving for hearty comfort food.