Hey Texas, you're cute ; )

Around 10 this morning, we crossed the border into Oklahoma. We decided last night that we owed it to Arkansas to actually stay one night there being we hadn’t done one single touristy thing while we were there. So we stayed the night in Van Buren, Arkansas where we met Jacob who told us that we had to go to Oklahoma City and eat at Toby Keith’s restaurant. Of course, my mother latched onto that idea almost immediately. 

“Oh! Let’s go see Toby Keith!”

“Mom, he’s not going to be there.”

“Oh! I want to get a picture and an autograph.”

“Mom, he’s not there!”

“Now, now, you never know.”

“Mom! Trust me, he won’t be there.” 

She glares at me, and we continue on through the shockingly gorgeous state of Oklahoma. 

When I think of Oklahoma, I think of cowboys and Indians. I definitely got the Indian part correct. There are signs for Indian trading posts everywhere. The rest areas have tepees erected over the picnic tables, and every town has  a crazy Native American name. Try Kickapoo, then there’s Lotawatah, and sure enough right after there is a lot of  water. Brown water to be exact. We make guesses as to why the water has such an intense reddish brown color, but who knows if any of us are correct. Traveling is not about being correct. Traveling is about experiencing the unknown. Something, I seem to be getting better and better at. 

In Oklahoma City, we do stop and have lunch at Toby Keith’s I Heart This Bar and Grill. And naturally, the very first thing mom does is ask the waiter where Toby Keith is. She is very disappointed to find out that he only comes here maybe three of four times a year. 

“What!” 

Sorry, Mom, but no Toby for you.  

Katelin orders the fried bologna sandwich and out comes the largest hunk of bologna I have ever scene. The slice smothered in cheese is almost the size of her head. She quarters it, and still its massive. The margarita-basted chicken sounds more like me, so I indulge in that and some of the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had. I’m going to need to up my gym membership after this trip.

The coolest thing to me about this restaurant is the seats in the lobby. They’re made out of the back of truck beds...too cool. Sitting on them and dangling my cowboy boot clad feet makes me feel like a little girl all over again.  

Outside the restaurant is a riverwalk. Now, I’ve been to the riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, so this one is just so so after that, but still I have to give Oklahoma City some credit. The river wounds through Bricktown and on into downtown and its line with gorgeous manicured lawns and neat little shops and restaurants. Props up to you, Oklahoma City. I’m growing to like you more and more. 

We feel that we cannot leave the city until we go by the Oklahoma National Memorial in honor of the victims of the bombing that took place here in 1995. The gateways are beautiful. On the lawn are marble chairs inscribed with the names of the victims who died that day. It is a sharp reminder of the tragedy of terrorism whether foreign or domestic, and how it affects everyday people in their normal everyday lives. 

Finally, it’s off to Texas. Amarillo to be exact. The home of the free 72oz steak! Well, only if you can actually eat it. Which many men have tried and few have actually succeeded. One person to succeed was an 11 year old boy. So men, don’t let an 11 year old out eat you! I challenge you to go to Amarillo and eat the steak! I, however, will not be joining you. I actually like my stomach, my figure, and my arteries. But, men, indulge yourselves! 

On the way, we pass dozens and dozens of windmills. I have never seen so many windmills. They are humongous and they’re gorgeous!! I cannot believe that I find windmills this enchanting, but they are. They are, they are! We also pass the largest cross on the highway. Or some kind if record like that. I don’t know because I whizzed past the sign a little too quickly. That’s the one thing about these roads, they are great for getting from point A to point B in a very quick time. I happen to be driving once again, so I make sure we get from point A to point B in an extraordinarily quick time.

The terrain begins to change after we cross the Texas border. It’s almost like the land knows that Texas is its own republic and therefore it must have its own special terrain. Texas might as well be its own country because the people in it act like it is. And honestly, I don’t blame them. If I were from Texas, I would claim that to the cows come home. I would be 100% certified Texan. I’m emulating that as best as I can with my boots, but there is only so much a North Carolina girl can fake.  

Texas is just vast. Look to the right, and the land just goes and goes and goes. Look to the left and the land just goes and goes and goes. I feel like dinosaurs should live here. I could just imagine them tromping through these grounds and grazing like it was no big deal because this land was made for them. Speaking of dinosaurs, it’s time for that 72oz steak! Well, we are going to watch another guy eat it. The Big Texan is Katelin’s favorite stop yet. It’s the ultimate cheesy tourist trap, but it’s quintessential Texas. If you are in Amarillo, you have to stop. It’s complete with a giant boot and a giant hallow cow. There’s also a gift shop, a shooting range, and an arcade. Everyone is decked out in full cowboy/cowgirl attire. This place just makes me smile. Katelin orders the mountain oysters, and if you don’t know what those are...well, google it, but let’s just say its not seafood. I opt for the Big Texan steak complete with sweet corn and a loaded bake potato. The steak is actually quite good considering that it is mass grilled on an open grill about 10 feet behind me. I have never seen so much meat laid out in front of me. If you let a dog loose in here, all heck would break loose!There’s a group of musicians moving from table to table singing for everyone. They take to mom and she, of course, gets her picture with them. My mom yells that Katelin and I need out picture taken with someone, so she hails one of the younger cowboys over. I tell him its ok that he doesn’t have to take a photo with two strange girl, but he informs us that its his pleasure. Southern hospitality, you see.

So the lights start flashing, and the three of us smile. 

Texas just keeps getting better...