Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'! Time to head to the southern midwest, out to the 46th state annexed in the early 1900's. Wait, what?! That late?! It's a Scandal! It's a Outrage!
Welcome to Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain. Anyone who has looked at maps of what the United States was in the 1800's will notice a large chunk of either "Unorganized" or "Indian" territory around where Oklahoma is today. Indian Nations still adorn the east side of the state, and was originally going to become the state of "Sequoyah" before President Roosevelt made a compromise to combine it and the Oklahoma territory to the west. Throughout the former Indian Territory, there are the Cherokees in the north, the Choctaws in the south, and the Creeks, Seminoles, and Chickasaws a bit further to the center of the present day state. Some of this autonomy can still be seen to today, especially when looking at the license plates. Among those from the state of Oklahoma, there are also Nation plates. Not much of a Lonely Room in those parts.
Not all of Oklahoma is plains and tornadoes, as popular media may have you think. Head into the Choctaw Nation of southeastern Oklahoma, near the Kiamichi River. While there, take a drive along the Talimena Scenic Byway through the Ouachita National Forest. The breathtaking views are such a site to behold, you Cain't Say No to the opportunity, even if it's just along the other US or state highways that traverse the area. Once you hit Talihina, consider making a stop at the Bigfoot Museum and art gallery, a small yet free-to-enter collection which pays tribute to one of the more controversial species known to man, the sasquatch. They may not be able to explain why Pore Jud is Daid if he wandered out into the forest, but the curator has some interesting stories to tell.
Maybe you're just taking a drive from Kansas City and want to see the rolling plains. You could still take a nice drive down historic Route 66, the Mother Road. After heading through the eastern parts of the state, route 66 doubles with Interstate 35, giving the driver lovely views of the Oklahoma City skyline before heading through the northwest suburbs. Although much of the route seems like a decrepit byway when compared to interstate 40, dump your grey and black tanks in the city of El Reno before seeing the eastbound-pointed Giants display along one of the multitude of farms across the west side of the state. It may feel like a Lonely Room when you drive through it, but there's some nice scenery out there.
Many a New Day happens when Following your Internal Compass, and perhaps it will take you to Oklahoma. But we won't go on about it much longer here, otherwise People Will Say We're in Love.
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