Romantic Getaways in Oklahoma

Often thought of as flat and arid,  Oklahoma is a state with a long and varied history. Home to the country's largest population of Native Americans, romantic destinations in Oklahoma allow couples to enjoy the scenic views and rich history of this state while also enjoying each others' company.

Natural Falls State Park

If your idea of romance is to bond with each other in the midst of peaceful nature, Natural Falls State Park will appeal to you as a getaway destination. At this quiet oasis in northeastern Oklahoma, a 77-foot waterfall invites its vacationing couples to hike down the rugged trails to an enchanting basin pool. A railed observation platform allows hikers to overlook the falls and another observation deck with seating is located at the foot of the falls where you and your partner can enjoy one of the most scenic wonders in the state. Seventeen different fern varieties thrive in the moist surroundings of the cascades which is why scenes of the 1974 movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows" were filmed in the park. Once at the base of the falls, you can drink in the tranquility of the little valley and surround yourself with native flowering trees like the redbud and the luminous dogwood. Camping and hiking are the most popular forms of activity in the park but you can equally indulge in a romantic tete-a-tete at the base of the falls on a sunny, summer afternoon. Picnic tables and grills can be found throughout Natural Falls State Park. Campsites including 44 RV sites, including seven full hookup sites, and 17 tent sites are available along with a comfort station with showers.

Oklahoma City

OK City has longed attracted lovers with its varied attractions. Kickstart your romantic trip by visiting the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory - part of the recently renovated Myriad Botanical Gardens in the downtown area. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Oklahoma Spirit Trolley. You can even visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial at Robinson and Harvey Avenues with your partner.  Among the popular spot for visitors are the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum. The museums are located in an estate which is 32 acres large and have probably the largest collection of historic artifacts related to Native American life and rodeos of the olden days. Couples will love to visit an amusement and water park named the Frontier City where along with some thrilling rides, you can enjoy some live shows of music and entertainment.

If you are looking for exciting nighlife to chill out with your partner, Oklahoma City has its share of bars, pubs and clubs like any other big city. The fastest growing entertainment scene in downtown city is to be found in Bricktown which used to be a warehouse district once but is now filled with bars, pubs, restaurants and discotheques. For a more delectable experience, you could head for the Put a Cork In it. This innovatively-titled wine bar uses only the finest American grapes to create a variety of red, white, fruit and specialty wines with an original Oklahoma flavor besides also offering a custom wine label service for special occasions and to special guests. Yet another posh place is the Skky Bar, located in the heart of Bricktown.  Skky has something for everyone, including the choicest spirits, 20 types of fine cigars, hottest DJs from around the country and a spectacular 3,000 foot L-shaped balcony that offers a breathtaking aerial view of Bricktown. On the other hand if you and your partner want to hang out at sports bars, check out Coach’s or the Fox and Hound. For a more conventional romantic activity, take a ride on the water taxi for a narrated tour and get a feel of being in Venice. Other romantic places for couples worth visiting in the Oklahoma’s capitol city include the Remington Park Racetrack, the Oklahoma City Zoo, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma State Museum, or a Saturday night out at the Oklahoma Opry.

Quartz Mountain Resort

Nestled between the shores of Lake Altus-Lugert and the Wichita Mountains, Quartz Mountain Resort is the ideal setting for quiet reflection and solitude, essentials for a romantic retreat. The resort features more than 100 guest rooms, each displaying outstanding views of either the Wichita Mountains or Lake Altus-Lugert. Boating, horseback riding and biking are just some of the popular activities available at Quartz Mountain Resort. Recreation options range from water slides, miniature golf and paddle boats in the summer to eagle watching, bass and trout fishing in the winter. Here you and your beloved can also enjoy exploring area caves, swimming in the heated pool and golfing on the resort’s 18-hole course and lighted driving range. Other romantic attractions, including a vineyard and winery, within an hour driving distance of the resort. With the resort’s authentic lodge furnishings and delectable restaurant menu, couples can look forward to a memorable stay.

Tulsa

Couples visiting Oklahoma's second largest city, Tulsa, will be thrilled to find many things to see and do. The Tulsa Garden Center is a good choice for exploring some romantic nooks to be with your partner. Be sure to check out the extensive rose garden. Located in Woodward Park, the center covers a large area and includes a magnificent Italianate villa with twenty-one rooms. The Gilcrease Museum is a must if you are interested in Native American and Western artifacts and artwork. The extensive museum offers beautiful paths to walk and themed gardens to enjoy. Plan to spend some time walking along Tulsa's historic Cherry Street. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, this shopping district offers many unique shopping and dining experiences that should cater to most couples' tastes in food or shopping, especially if you plan to go searching for antiques. In the evening take in a performance at one of Tulsa's fine theaters, operas, ballets, or concerts at the Walter Arts Center and The Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Finally indulge your significant other with a romantic dinner at a nice place before you crash out at a cozy bed-and-breakfast or a luxury hotel.

Tahlequah

For a unique experience on your romantic vacation, head for the capital of the Cherokee Nation at Tahlequah. Tour the Ancient Village, located on the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center which also cultural and historical exhibits related to the ways of  lives of the ancient tribes. Here you can also watch demonstrations of ancient cultural practices and learn more about early Native American life. If you have time, you should check out the Tsa-La-Gi ancient village and view the pageant tracing the story of the Trail of Tears each night in the summer season. Nearby attractions include the scenic Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River where fishing is a popular activity among visitors. The surrounding Cookson Hills are lovely and rugged and may just tempt you and your partner to stay longer than you expected.

Robbers Cave State Park

Robbers Cave State Park is located in the scenic, hilly woodlands of the San Bois Mountains of southeast Oklahoma The park and adjoining wildlife management area offers acres of discovery and enjoyment to its couples including trout fishing in season, hunting, miles of hiking and equestrian trails, rugged cliffs for climbing and fall foliage viewing. Robbers Cave in fact enjoys delicious notoriety as a former hideout for outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr. Here you and your partner can take a horseback ride along scenic bluffs, enjoy excellent fishing opportunities or  hike to the famous outlaw cave hidden in the formation of sandstone hills and cliffs. A favorite getaway for lovers is the Belle Starr View Lodge which gives each guest a panoramic view of the lakes and forest that lay hundreds of feet below.