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In our state history classes, we learned about the Five Civilized Tribes and how the Indian Territory was settled by pioneers during the Oklahoma land run. But I don’t remember learning about Oklahoma’s rich rock and roll history! Perhaps that’s because some of that history was in the making during my childhood (ouch, I feel old!). But, one of the current exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City fills that historical and sonic void.
Monday, May 3, 2010
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The Great Salt Plains in northwestern Oklahoma is the only place in the world to find unique hourglass-shaped selenite crystals. These crystals even attract rock enthusiasts from around the world. Closed for several years to clean the area of World War II training artifacts, the area is once again open for public digging (from April 1-October 15, dawn to dusk). The treasure: large, intact, selenite crystals with a sand/ clay hourglass embedded within the clear, gypsum crystal.
Friday, April 2, 2010
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Some of our earth’s most unique and interesting surprises reside within
the depths of our lakes and oceans. We may never get a chance to
appreciate these creatures if not for the passion and care that marine
biologists take to ensure their survival and our knowledge of them.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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Moms and dads, we have so many things to worry about, 
don’t
we? With jobs and children and activities and more, it seems like the last thing we have time for is a romantic getaway.
But there are a few businesses tucked away in Edmond that seek to
help put the romance back in your marriage. There's no better time to
explore romance than in February, when Valentine's Day naturally turns
our thoughts to love.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
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The winter chill may limit outdoor activities causing kids to get a little
squirmy.
Use
the opportunity to take kids on an indoor educational adventure
instead. The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History located at
the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman is a great sensory
experience for kids and parents.
Friday, January 1, 2010
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Take your family back in time, literally, during Guthrie’s annual month-long
Territorial Christmas Celebration.
And this year, you can take advantage of Amtrack’s Heartland Flyer Christmas Train December 10-12, when passengers arriving in Guthrie
will be greeted with a Christmas-themed party complete with music and
local residents dressed in Victorian-era attire.
Friday, December 4, 2009
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Norman’s Little River Zoo is a refuge for rescued animals that
can no longer live in the wild and an educational
healing place for people, especially children. I’d heard about Little
River Zoo for some time and always wanted to visit. Finally, on a
recent early fall day that was too pretty to stay inside, my husband
and I decided to make a date out of it. We were not disappointed.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
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With the arrival of fall comes a chill in the air, colorful foliage and
football—all favorites of my family. Attending any one of the many
local festivals scheduled this time of year is another. Besides the
unique food, these festivals are family-friendly outreach events that
educate and support the communities they serve. Following are a few
diverse options that our family always enjoy.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
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Fall is soon approaching. While
some will be sorry to see summer go, I am personally welcoming the
colorful and cool transition to fall. Fortunately, we have the Wichita
Mountains Wildlife Refuge near Lawton, an attraction that provides
unique and family-friendly tour options including bugling elk, fall
foliage and star gazing.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
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A recent weekend tennis tournament gave my family the opportunity to visit Duncan, about 80 miles southwest of the Metro. The downtime between our son’s matches gave me a chance to explore the area for day getaway activities. Established along the famous Chisholm Trail, Duncan has the bragging rights to an award-winning interactive museum celebrating this cattle drive and trader trail.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
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Was I pleasantly surprised by my recent visit to Ponca City. I’ve not
been to this city since a friend’s wedding many years ago, but had I
done my research earlier, this would have been on our family’s summer
activity “must see and do” list when our kids were young. Ideally, an
overnight stay is needed. But, only 90 miles from the Oklahoma City
Metro makes Ponca City an easy destination to come back to for multiple
visits.
Monday, July 6, 2009
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Move over Indiana Jones—there’s a new treasure hunter in town! Thanks
to the annual Spring Dig coordinated by the Oklahoma Anthropological
Society (OAS), it could be you. You and your family may uncover the
secret to Oklahoma’s past, not to mention a new passion. What an
exciting way for you and the other treasure hunters in your group to
explore Oklahoma—by digging into it!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
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Finding that you need a small loan to take your family to the movies
these days? Concession prices alone can cost more than the tickets.
During these current economic challenges, who wants to pay such high
prices? For a fun alternative, take your kids (or date) on a nostalgic
trip to the drive-in theater.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
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Trying to come up with a fun 16th birthday celebration or a way to keep teenagers entertained during spring break
can be pretty challenging. But, I found one—paintball. My husband and I
took ten boys to Adventure Zone, a paintball field in Guthrie,
Oklahoma, for our son’s 16th birthday and they had a blast. Now, you
may be wondering what paintball is and what it has to do with our
Exploring Oklahoma series. Read on.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
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Trying to dream up the perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine’s
Day? Since this month’s heart-filled holiday falls on a Saturday, a
short trip for two may be the perfect way to say “I love you.” Guthrie,
the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Oklahoma, is the perfect setting for
Mom and Dad to get revitalized.
Friday, February 13, 2009
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The Stillwater Children's Museum has hidden a letterbox for
MetroFamily readers, and they’ve put their own spin on the activity.
Enjoy this tour of Stillwater, leading to the hidden letterbox. Most of
all, have fun!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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Getting the winter cabin fever blues? Consider a Stillwater getaway.
Beyond Oklahoma State University-related events, most families are not
aware of the many attractions offered in the town, an easy drive north
on I-35 from the Oklahoma City Metro. Whether for a day trip or an
extended weekend, you will find educational and family-friendly fun
abounding here.
Monday, December 29, 2008
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When we talk about travel, we usually talk about destinations, but this month’s column is all about the journey!
Riding Oklahoma’s passenger train, the Heartland Flyer, is the tenth and final thing on my list of travel resolutions for the year. I am a bit of a train enthusiast, so this won’t be a first-time journey for me.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
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Four years ago, my husband bought me a tent for my birthday. We liked the idea of being “camping people”; we made big plans. The tent has never been out of its box. Year after year, camping remains on my list of Oklahoma travel resolutions, but like any good resolution-breaker, I have excuses, and I think you should hear me out before you judge.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
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Truly big events like the Olympics might only come around every four years, but hardly a weekend goes by when there isn’t a travel-worthy festival happening somewhere in Oklahoma. Whether it’s rattlesnakes, watermelons, pelicans, or cheese, communities like to celebrate whatever they do the best or have the most of, so this month’s travel resolution is to get out there and party with them! Here are a few of my top picks for families
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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I have to admit that of all the items on my list of Oklahoma Travel Resolutions, eating a Meersburger is the only one I consider mandatory. There could be a certain amount of bias at work here, as I grew up in southwest Oklahoma, not far from the infamous Meers Store.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
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These days, more and more people are interested in knowing where their food comes from and how it grows. Eating locally-raised meats and produce makes it easier to track your dinner back to the farmer who produced it. It also opens the door to several fun travel opportunities, which brings me to this month’s travel resolution: visit a place that makes or grows your food.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
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In honor of our 10th anniversary comes our next Top Ten list: the MetroFamily Top 10 Indoor & Outdoor Fun Activities.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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My original goal to increase my understanding of Oklahoma sports was to attend a major college football game or perhaps catch the Blazers for a taste of hockey, but ice rinks and shoulder pads don’t espouse spring. Since baseball is one sport I have already checked off my list, I decided to look further afield and find some athletic endeavors with which I was less familiar.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
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When I made my list of Oklahoma travel resolutions in January, there were some holes in my Oklahoma repertoire that seemed understandable, like the fact that I haven’t seen all 11 of Oklahoma’s eco regions. But what kind of travel-loving local has never explored Tulsa—one of the state’s two major metropolitan areas? As humbled as I am by this admission, I’m sure that I am not the only one who is Tulsa-deficient, so let’s plan our trip together. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
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