Future Frolics

My birthday was last week, so it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the adventures I plan to take on during my thirty-sixth year. After nearly fifteen years working for Oklahoma Today, it’s hard to believe I still have new challenges to face, but Oklahoma never seems to run out of fun stuff to do.

I’ve never even been to Lake Wister State Park, so I’m excited to stay there in December. My husband and I reserved a cabin overlooking the lake, and I plan to enjoy many cups of hot tea as I watch the sun rise and set over the water. 25679 U.S. Highway 270 in Wister, (918) 649-0525 or TravelOK.com/state-parks/lake-wister-state-park

Lake Wister State Park makes a great destination for some peace of mind. Photo by Kim Baker/Oklahoma Tourism

The Drunkard and The Olio is a unique program that’s been going strong since 1953 at Tulsa Spotlight Theater. I don’t totally understand what it is, but I’m looking forward to finding out. And throwing some “tomatoes” at the villain (without getting yelled at by the staff). 1381 Riverside Drive in Tulsa, (918) 587-5030 or tulsaspotlighttheater.com

A murder mystery party is a concept that’s always intrigued me, but a murder mystery party followed by an evening in one of the most haunted houses in Oklahoma sounds like an awesome evening—hopefully not an AHHHHsome one though. Guthrie’s Stone Lion Inn Bed and Breakfast may be the best place to spend a spectacularly spooky evening next October. 1016 West Warner Avenue in Guthrie, (405) 282-0012 or facebook.com/stonelioninnbnb

My dad was named after Mount Scott in the Wichita Mountains, so it would be a nice way to honor him by hiking to the top. (580) 429-3222 or fws.gov/refuge/wichita-mountains

Some of the best views in Comanche County can be found atop Mount Scott near Lawton. Photo courtesy Inge Johnson

I love cowboys and cowgirls, but somehow I’ve never been to an actual rodeo. This one is tricky though, because there are so many great events to choose from throughout the state and the year. If you have any recommendations for my first one, I’d love to hear them!

Every year, my long list of restaurants to try grows. There’s Natv (918/940-7296 or natvba.com) in Broken Arrow, Noche Woodfire Grill and Agave Bar (918/574-8407 or eatdrinknoche.com) in Tulsa, Banana Thai Kitchen (405/506-0661 or bananathaikitchen.com) in Oklahoma City, and so many others.

Walking through a beautiful garden is probably my favorite way to spend a lovely spring afternoon. I’d like to check out the Lester and Mary Cann Memorial Botanical Gardens in Ponca City on a nice day in April or May. 1500 Grand Avenue East in Ponca City, (580) 767-4030

I do a lot of traveling around Oklahoma mingling with the living. During this upcoming year, I’m planning to visit more graveyards. Who knows what I’ll discover!
I’m not a photographer, but I’ve always wanted to capture the different seasons at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur. That would also give me four reasons to stay at the Artesian Hotel. 901 West First Street in Sulphur, (580) 622-7234 or nps.gov/chic/index.htm

The springs of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area are a big draw in southern Oklahoma. Photo by Megan Rossman

Written By

Karlie Ybarra

Managing editor Karlie Ybarra loves to explore her home state—and meet many of its animal citizens—any chance she gets.