Oklahoma City, USA

Since the cattle auctions have passed, Oklahoma City, the capital of the US State of Oklahoma, has been seeing better and most technologically days. In fact, most of its original industries have been replaced with internet startups working out of commercial complexes, manufacturing plants, small business ventures, and other corporations banking on tomorrow. A fact that is sure to delight tourists: most of the city's chief attractions can be found with a relatively short radius in and around the city centre. Whether critiquing museum collection is your forte, or you're on a mission to photograph its main architectural gems, Oklahoma City does not disappoint. Weather-wise, things could be better, but take the good with the bad and you're bound to come away with more praise than pessimism. Like any heavily populated location, Oklahoma City certain has its drawbacks: the prevalence of the cowboy hat might prove irritating; the lack of flowery bouquets at every street corner may cast the city with a 'plain' label; and romantic settings were certainly not on the agenda when the state's organization bodies set out on major redevelopment projects. Ever since 'new' became a resounding theme in the city, however, one cannot deny the allure of Oklahoma City as a destination has grown stronger. The city may not be the United States' flagship tourist trap, but quite enjoyable it is anyhow.

When to go

The southwestern US isn't so much a cool bed of rolling valleys and gust-filled canyons brought about by series of mountains. Bordering the state of Texas, Oklahoma is one of the flattest members of the union today. This is not to say that dry spells are dangerously too common or its climate conditions would be better suited for the deserts of Arizona and Nevada; you will not find the snow of Maine or the Mexican sun here, but sunblock is a wonderful item to carry whilst outdoors for extended periods in the summertime, and pack a coat if traveling anytime between December and February. Oklahoma's high season is not marked to precise days of the year, but summer brings an influx of travelers (domestic) from towns and cities from the land below escaping the latest record-breaking degrees.

Getting there and around

Oklahoma City's airport hosts a modern terminal that now provides service to dozens of carriers and over 200+ flights a day. International travel is astoundingly well off here, and you'll come to find direct connections to cities in Europe and Asia that would ordinarily seem unthinkable from such an origin, or for those departing from overseas locations, to such a destination. Walking from site to site within Oklahoma City is a completely feasible way of getting around, but on especially hot or rainy days you'll want to skip the sidewalk for the roadways and there it is best to opt for taxi service. Things can get crowded very fast within Oklahoma City's inner districts and its best to combine an experienced driver and a nimble vehicle for your travels.

Attractions

Most residents (and - after a visit - travelers) tend to refer to attractions by their corresponding districts. For example, Bricktown, a concoction of a few city blocks, is one of Oklahoma City's most youth oriented areas, and is currently the fastest growing entertainment 'center' the city has to offer. Music venues seem to outnumber restaurants, and the district boasts a small but beautiful canal that runs to one of the city's parks. Capitol Hill may sound like it's governmentally oriented, but many are surprised to find that it has more to offer in the way of Latin cultural attractions than state buildings. Its restaurants are some of the best in the city, and though the number of residential buildings does not amount to those of Oklahoma City's Asian or Bricktown districts, there is still a lot to see.