February is a month for lovers. For those of us with children, it may be one of the few times of the year that we spend some time thinking about our relationship with our spouse. Most of us dream of a romantic weekend away where we can enjoy quality time with our significant other-but where to go? A few weeks ago I found the perfect place to reconnect. The Inn at Price Tower offers a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere, a world class restaurant (that's actually affordable), and a chance to stay in an historic building.

About the Price Tower
The Price Tower, located in Bartlesville, was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and at 19 stories tall, is the architect's tallest creation. The Tower was built in 1956 for Harold C. Price. It served as Wright's interpretation of an integrated work and living space with residential, retail, and office space. A unique cement and copper structure, none of the rooms is square and all have exterior window walls, providing spectacular views. After it was built, Wright called the building "the tree that escaped the crowded forest." For anyone who appreciates architecture or is interested in Frank Lloyd Wright, this building is a must see.

I grew up with the Price Tower's triangle and hexagon rooms-my optometrist's office was on the sixth floor, so when I heard the structure was being renovated into an inn and art museum, I couldn't wait to see how they would adapt such a unique space. Architect Wendy Evans Joseph was given the job of recreating the building into an arts center, offices, a hotel, and a restaurant/bar while maintaining the integrity of Wright's design. She has done a beautiful job.

Sleeping in Style
The Inn at Price Tower's 21 hotel rooms occupy six floors and there are still no square spaces-even the showers are triangular. Without strictly replicating Wright's furniture designs, Joseph has created comfortable, modern spaces that respect Wright's unique style. The spacious rooms have all the modern amenities, including in-room refrigerators, hairdryers, safes, and data ports. The Inn functions like an upscale bed and breakfast, and the room rates ($145 for standard rooms; $245 for two-story suites) include a continental breakfast and free admission to all on-site galleries. My husband and I planned to spend only one night in the Inn at Price Tower but, seduced by the elegance and charm of the room, we stayed a second night.

February Specials at the Inn
The inn typically offers romantic packages to make Valentine's Day a special event for couples. For details, call ahead or check their web site closer to February. Make sure you figure this out early as the packages tend to sell out quickly. Call 918-336-1000 or toll free 877-424-2424 for information or to make reservations.

Dining at the Inn
Floors 16 and 17 were renovated to create a gourmet eatery, Copper Restaurant and Bar. With lunches ranging from $8 - $18 and dinners from $16 - $30, the restaurant offers such specialties as wasabi smoked salmon bruschette, tuna wraps and, my favorite, panino Cubano sandwiches. Dinner selections include grilled pesto-crusted salmon, pork medallions, and the house specialty, Taliesin chicken, a seared chicken breast on wilted spinach. Whatever you order, save room for the pecan pie with Kahlua fudge sauce. This not-to-be-missed dessert is made to be shared and makes a romantic ending to any meal.

The Galleries
The Price Tower Art Center is made up of three galleries, and you should see them all during your stay at the Inn. My favorite is the Tower Tour of the top three floors. The bottom two floors are a restored residence, and the top floor is Harold Price's restored office space, in which Wright's original murals remain intact. This space, and the living areas below, contains some original Wright-designed furniture.

Not to be missed is the Frank Lloyd Wright Gallery on the mezzanine level. This gallery displays furniture, ceramics, lighting fixtures, and textiles designed by the famous architect.

The first-floor gallery houses rotating exhibitions. On this floor is The Wright Place museum store which sells everything Wright, items that reflect Bartlesville's history, and unique Oklahoma-made crafts.

Other Museums
After touring the galleries in the Tower itself, walk across the street to see the Bartlesville Community and Performing Arts Center. Designed by Wright's son-in-law, William Wesley Peters, it contains the world's largest cloisonne mural-25 feet long-depicting four seasons in the Oklahoma landscape. Also in the Community Center is the Ted and Melody Lyon Art Gallery which houses a rotating display of art and photography.

If you want more architecture and some Bartlesville history, take a tour of the Frank Phillips Home. This 26-room mansion built in 1908 reflects what oil money could buy and is a few short blocks from the Inn. Most visitors are surprised by the barbershop chair in Mr. Phillip's bath, and the ballroom is amazing. The house is open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm. Call 918-336-2491 for more information.

Not to be missed is Woolaroc Museum located on SH 123 about 12 miles from the Inn. A wildlife preserve which holds one of the largest collections of Western art and native American artifacts, Woolaroc is a "truly Oklahoma" experience. Frank Phillips's log cabin hunting lodge served as a vacation spot for movie stars and other oil barons. Have lunch here on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Space is limited so call 918-336-0307 to make reservations. Visit their web site for information about exhibits, events, and a good map. Admission is $5 for adults.

Shopping
If you enjoy the Oklahoma-made soaps in the Inn, you can purchase them and other locally-made products at the Red Dirt Soap Company. Located off SH 60 just a few miles from the Price Tower, this shop contains soaps, shaving bars, lotions, and crafts. Visit their web site for a preview of the products or to shop online.

One of my favorite Oklahoma gifts is a Keepsake Candle. The Keepsake Candle Factory, located down the street from the Red Dirt Soap Company, offers handmade candles molded in Victorian glass containers. Ranging in price from $5-$35, these unique candles are beautiful and smell good. Shop online at their web site.

Other Places to Eat
Murphy's Original Steak House is located less than a mile from the Inn and is a favorite with locals who consider sitting at the counter a privilege. Arrive early and be prepared to wait for a booth-there isn't a hostess, and they don't take reservations-everyone just politely waits their turn in the small entry area. Murphy's is frequently featured as one of the best cafe experiences in Oklahoma. Try a hot hamburger-a patty on toast covered with French fries and spicy brown gravy. It's too good to pass up!

Pam is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.