Road Trip: Escape To Tranquility

Unwind and rejuvenate with a trip into Oklahoma's heartland to visit the charming towns of Norman, Purcell and Ardmore for antique shopping, a cozy B&B, lakefront stays and plenty of sublimely unhurried relaxation.

Historic downtown Ardmore lights up for Christmas and welcomes visitors to shop in unique boutiques and friendly, family-owned shops.
Photo Credit: Iris Greenwell

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Romance at Redbud Ridge

Nestled in the cross-timbers east of Norman, Redbud Ridge Vineyard & Winery near Norman creates flavorful wines such as their Riesling, a dry wine with hints of pear and melon, or Big Red Steak wine, a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with dashes of raspberry and luscious chocolate. Don’t miss their Wine for Stoops, a sweet and light wine with hints of black cherry and strawberry, a perfect selection for OU game days and parties.

Main Street Soul

When you feel the need for a pleasant pause from life’s frantic pace, escape to Purcell located in the middle of Oklahoma. Drop in and spend a laid-back day exploring Purcell’s Main Street antique stores, full of elegant and eclectic collectibles – pretty things you remember from childhood or visits to your grandparents. Start off at Butler’s Antiques, tucked inside the historic Hotel Love building. This beautiful building with a large covered porch is the former home of a hotel built in 1895, which has now been meticulously restored. Be sure to peruse the treasures at Auntie Mae’s Antiques and Grapevine Antiques as well. When you’re ready for a break from shopping, take a hearty appetite to the Krystle Spur Steakhouse, where you'll find mouthwatering steaks served alongside hearty sides. Save room for a decadent homemade dessert at this unique steakhouse.

In the area:

Spend an afternoon sipping wine on the deck of Canadian River Vineyards & Winery, near Lexington. Canadian River Winery produces wine from grapes grown locally and throughout the southwest.

Renaissance Ardmore

Immerse yourself in the renaissance of downtown Ardmore with its intriguing array of boutique shops, restaurants and antique stores. If vintage and time-tested is your thing, check out Antiques, Etc. just down the street. And once you've worked up an appetite, head to Ten Star Pizza Kitchen, the product of two young Ardmorites who decided to move home from South Carolina and help with the rebirth of downtown Ardmore. Ten Star is a unique restaurant with an Old World feel and an inspired menu built around the pizza recipe of Pizza Getti in Dallas. The pizza kitchen’s dough and sauce are made fresh daily and their organic frozen yogurt is the perfect way to top off a meal with something sweet and healthy.

In the area:

For overnight accommodations try Lake Murray Floating Cabins, formerly known as Lake Murray Bed & Berth, where the cabins actually float on the water of one of Oklahoma's most pristine lakes. Lake Murray State Park & Lodge, Oklahoma’s oldest state park, offers 52 guest rooms and suites along with 52 cabins and plenty of activities.

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