Southwest Oklahoma

Ahhh, camping. As the blanket of night approaches, a symphony of crickets chirp all around. Fireflies dance on a gentle summer breeze. Above, millions of shimmering stars illuminate the darkened sky as you and your kids roast marshmallows over a crackling campfire. If you’ve already been bitten by the camping bug or are ready to give it a try, you don’t have to travel far for outdoor adventure and family fun. Here are what I consider to be the top ten Oklahoma family camping sites. Each offers a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages. ...

Here are links to other websites about Southwest Oklahoma.

When traveling and hungry, I like to try local diners instead of chain restaurants. I'm rarely disappointed with my choices. There are some really great Oklahoma landmark dining experiences to be had. If you are a native, you've at least heard of them, and shame on you if you haven't made the trip. If you're a transplant to the state, I highly recommend you get on the road and head to these unique Okie eateries. The following list runs roughly north to south--don't even ask me to pick a favorite!

Only two-and-a-half-hours southwest of the Metro, Quartz Mountain State Park offers a great family escape with 4,284 acres of rugged natural beauty and loads of outdoor summer fun. Here's a quick look at what you can do in this beautiful area.

Oklahoma can be proud of its large state parks and resorts. The parks, which offer horseback riding, miniature golf, marinas, fishing, and restaurants, shine like diamonds in Oklahoma's recreation crown. These diamonds shine so brightly that our other jewels are frequently overlooked. But families looking for peace and quite rather than action and adventure should look at some of the smaller state parks spread across Oklahoma.

Head southwest of the Oklahoma City area toward green pastures and open skies. Here you can see forever and the view is clean, serene, and peaceful. This is Great Plains Country. It's calling you to explore Oklahoma's rich history and unspoiled natural treasures.

Autumn in Oklahoma is by far my favorite time of the year. It brings the electricity of football season and a welcome relief from our sizzling Sooner summers. Now's the time to get out and share the fun of Oklahoma's fall festivals with your family and enjoy the serenity of changing colors as nature prepares for winter. Here are some suggestions to celebrate the season.

A short forty-five minute drive southwest of the Metro, Lawton has been known for the wildlife refuge, Mt. Scott, and for Fort Sill. But it also is home to some great restaurants and two world-class museums. Don't wait too long to visit because one of those museums will soon leave the state.

I am thrilled when I see an article about the wonderful little Wichita Mountains town of Medicine Park. Such articles often talk about Medicine Park’s slow and easy life—a pace that is making a resurgence. I have fond childhood memories of Independence Day celebrations in Medicine Park, named “Medicine” because the Native Americans who lived nearby (Kiowas, Comanches, Ft. Sill Apaches) felt the waters in its various lakes and springs had healing powers.