We're back from Oklahoma!

Yup. We are back from our week long trip to Oklahoma. Why did we go there? That is the first question everyone has asked us. Why would you go to Oklahoma? I guess that question comes quickly to mind as Oklahoma is not really thought of as a "place to go". We asked our friend COOP what we should see while there, as he grew up in that state. He replied "NOTHING. There is NOTHING there."

Well, we had already bought the plane tickets, and we were heading out there to visit some family, some possible business relations, and to go to a wedding. There was no turning back. So we set out to prove COOP wrong. Nothing you say? What about Hugo, OK. -- Circus city USA?!

Yup. We are back from our week long trip to Oklahoma. Why did we go there? That is the first question everyone has asked us. Why would you go to Oklahoma? I guess that question comes quickly to mind as Oklahoma is not really thought of as a "place to go". We asked our friend COOP what we should see while there, as he grew up in that state.

He replied "NOTHING. There is NOTHING there."

Well, we had already bought the plane tickets, and we were heading out there to visit some family, some possible business relations, and to go to a wedding. There was no turning back. So we set out to prove COOP wrong. Nothing you say? What about Hugo, OK. The Circus city USA?!

It appears that Hugo has been a circus wintering town for over a half-century, calling itself "Circus Town, USA." The graves are at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Showmen's Rest. And they are fantastic and dream like. Decorated with the deceased circus skill... from tight rope walking to snake handling. Many families and many ring leaders. This one is shaped like a big top!

From Hugo we headed up to Tulsa, and found the only WiFi and Espresso in all of Oklahoma, then went to see the Bruce Goff designed Boston Avenue Methodist Church. This building is a really cool display of deco design.

There is not a piece of the building that has not been stylized. From the lights on the pathway outside to the bathroom stalls to the exit signs! It's all been touched by the Bruce Goff deco style. It's obvious he was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright.

We were able to walk all around the inside, and it was really beautiful. Then we moved further north to Bartlesville to find the Price Building, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Easy to find in this tiny town, the Price building is now a center for the arts, and a destination for all in the area. The building is furnished with all Frank Lloyd Wright original pieces, like this desk and chair (that totally look like star trek!)

We took a tour of the building that was once offices, retail stores and apartments. Now it houses a gallery, restaurant and a few hotel rooms. The rest is a museum about itself. Again, this is a really cool building where every detail has been touched...... this time from the ceiling vents to the ashtrays outside.

With lots more ground to cover we headed in the direction of Oklahoma City, and along the way passed by this little gem in Nowata, OK.

It's the yard of a retired man and his wife who are now dedicated to making bowling ball art. This is the kind of stuff I live for. (And I absolutely love that their sign states that they will take not only any color of bowling ball, but any weight. I wouldn't have even thought to ask)

They have completely lined their fence with the bowling balls, made several religious - like - things in their yard, a giant kinetic desk toy.... and ....

The Alphabet! (well almost)

If you are ever in the area, go visit and see if they have gotten past "T"!! E021 Rd., Nowata, OK Directions: NE of Nowata, Country Road 21, one mile east of Highway 169. After this beautiful sight we needed to zoom to the wedding we were invited to in Davis, OK (which is close to the boarder of Texas). So we took the long way, driving on the old Route 66 for a majority of the way, and seeing many beautiful old signs to add to our collection.

The wedding was in a beautiful part of the woods where we stayed in cabins and had a little pond with canoes at our disposal. It was incredibly peaceful..... and filled with gigantic bugs!

And they lived happily ever after.

To see the full set of photos from Oklahoma go HERE