Exploring Oklahoma//My Staycation

TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE. (Photo by Zoe Johnson)

TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE. (Photo by Zoe Johnson)

A lot of you know me well but a lot of my readers are new so I want to share a bit about myself here and my current home state of Oklahoma. 

 I have been in love with fashion ever since I was old enough to dress myself. I am also obsessed with traveling and seeing the world. I love the Midwest but I also have the biggest crush on the West Coast. On the resume list you can count running my own e-commerce site full of my favorite finds and I just launched my lifestyle blog in February. It features entertaining tips, recipes, stylist how -to's, travel guides and stories of my everyday life.

Travel Essentials: Journal, Camera, Simon & Ruby pieces.

Travel Essentials: Journal, Camera, Simon & Ruby pieces.

I love channeling my inner gypsy and I believe every girl, no matter where they are in the world , has a bit of wanderlust spirit in them . You can currently find me in Tulsa, Oklahoma hanging with my silver fox & two puppies, road tripping with my daughter, or sipping lattes  and champagne with friends. I am also relocating to Barcelona in January so I was so happy to have a Summer Staycation exploring my Oklahoma. 

East, West,, North, or South?? All jewelry by Simon & Ruby. (Photo by Zoe Johnson)

East, West,, North, or South?? All jewelry by Simon & Ruby. (Photo by Zoe Johnson)

With so much on my plate this summer I decided to look in my own backyard and explore all that Oklahoma has to offer. Day trips exploring local attractions really inspire me. Spectacular prairies, lush green country, crazy thunderstorms, and the prettiest sunsets that will take your breath away . Also home to the longest stretch of Route 66 in the country. Oklahoma is stunningly gorgeous and with so many day trips at our disposal, we are seriously so fortunate. Some of these fantastic places require little to no money too making this perfect for the gypset traveler on a budget. So excited to share a little bit of my home state with you all! 48 hours in Oklahoma?! I have got you covered.

All jewelry by Simon & Ruby . (Photo by Sharon Braun Hutton)

All jewelry by Simon & Ruby . (Photo by Sharon Braun Hutton)

First things first: Spend some time with my lovely photographer, graphic artist friend Sharon. She's so incredibly talented and inspires me daily. I wanted to get some lovely shots of my Simon & Ruby pieces. This amazing boho chic company is out of Nashville and I am obsessed. They align perfectly with my luxe-bohemian wardrobe and my unshakable desire for travel and adventure. Thanks for spending the day with me shooting Sharon!

48 hours in TUL?! Morning coffee at Hodges Bend is a favorite. Find a cozy corner and just relax with a latte. Hemingway would absolutely approve. Enjoy a long leisurely brunch at The Bramble in the Blue Dome District. The white cheddar short stack is what dreams are made of . And their mimosas are divine. Get something new to you at my favorite vintage shop Vintage Vault Tulsa. I always find the best oversized sunnies and some amazing 70's statement necklaces and I am a sucker for a good Western clutch and cowboy boots.  I can't ever escape my hometown Texas charm. Head over to The Tulsa Garden Center’s conservatory. It was constructed in 1924 and features plants from all over the world. The garden is also a butterfly haven and I can get lost here. Such a sweet space to collect your thoughts and get some inspiration.

Take a day-trip! On my staycation my sweet Lin and I headed northwest to The Tallgrass Prairie located in the fascinating Osage Hills. It is protected as the largest tract of remaining tall grass prairie in the world. The preserve contains 39,000 acres owned by The Conservatory and another 6,000 acres leased in what was the original Tallgrass region of the Great Plains that stretched from Texas to Manitoba. You can see wild horses and Bison grazing the plains. There is just something about being out here in this open space under that big blue sky . Make time for the additional miles to Bartlesville Oklahoma and enjoy some bubbly in The Price Tower Bar. Check out the very grand architecture of the brilliant Frank Lloyd Wright. Grab a delicious dinner at Frank & Lola’s.

Explore the Mother Road also known as Route 66. Start in TUL and grab a gypsy tonic from Lola's Gypsy Caravan. Pop into Jenkins & Co. This store is incredibly beautiful. Then head out and take Route 66 to Oklahoma City. There is so much to see and explore so take your time. Highly recommend stopping at Wilson's fruit stand for some summer okra and the best watermelons in Oklahoma. Stop at John's OK County 66. He will give you a tour of his property and it's not be to be missed. In Arcadia the big red barn is dreamy and do go get a cream soda from Pop’s. I love back road exploring.

I hope you loved getting to know Oklahoma. There is so much to do and see. Follow me on my journeys as I make my BIG trek across the pond!

And I am taking over Simon & Ruby's instagram today and tomorrow so give them a follow and grab something special for yourself on their website! Save 10% on your purchase using promo code "SAMANTHA10" at check out!! You will fall head over heels in love. 

Let me know about your favorite day trips in the comments! I want to add them to my bucket list. 

XO
SAM