When in the south, one of the cuisines that comes to mind is Barbecue. Perhaps this place is a winner.
Welcome to Swadley's BBQ, a regional chain of barbecue offerings within greater Oklahoma City, along with a couple of locations to the north and south. Swadley's is a family-owned business that first began from the popularity of a Texas general store owner back in the 1930's and 40's. Since then, four generations of the family have been smoking meats and offering home cooking to the people of Oklahoma. In addition to the restaurants, Swadley's is also committed to their disaster relief efforts, as the wild weather of Oklahoma takes its toll on the area.
One visit has been had to Swadley's at the Midwest City location, on a weeknight near closing time with the trailer in tow. We were able to get our rig into their easy-off easy-on location, but would not recommend trying to do this during peak times, as the parking lot is moderately sized but maneuverable. Both the outside and the inside seemed like a cookie cutter of a popular southern-style steakhouse, but there is more to a restaurant than what the eye shows you.
Swadley's offers an array of different products that would make any barbecue lover know that they are at home. If you're not quite sure what you want to try from their menu, get a sampler of their several meats at a reasonable price for what they offer. As they do smoke their meats fresh daily, they will run out of product closer to the end of the day, but is a sign that they value quality over quantity. Professional critics have come to notice this as well, as barbecue awards and other accolades were won by Swadley's in 2020.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to or through Oklahoma City, make a stop at Swadley's, as they will positively satisfy any barbecue craving.
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.
Any road trip enthusiast who travels this country is drawn to a historic route. They want a route winding from Chicago to Santa Monica, even if only for a few of the 2000 miles.
United States Route 66, the Mother Road, is one of the most famous roadways in pop culture. Navigating through eight midwestern and western states, drivers and riders experience a nostalgic look at Main Street USA, small tourist attractions, and a reminder of a golden age of Americana. Route 66 has long since been decommissioned by the Federal government and replaced by the Interstate Highway system, most notably interstates 55, 44, and 40. However, many states have come to pick up the maintenance of this road, and recent signage allows the driver to know they are along what used to be this well known highway.
When driving between Oklahoma City and the northeastern border of the state, Route 66 remains a great way to avoid the tolls of the Will Rogers Turnpike. Most of the Mother Road in the state has been designated today as State Highway 66. Make a stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, situated along the highway just outside of Tulsa. First built by Hugh Davis and completed in 1972, the whale served as a small water park for travelers throughout his life. Although closed in the 90's after the owner died, this attraction has since been re-opened and is now maintained by the city of Catoosa. As you travel further northeast, there are many indications of the "Historic Route 66" breaking from the state highway. Some of these instances are for what is known as "sidewalk highways", barely wide enough for one lane and wouldn't conform to today's US highway standards. However, it may also be to bypass a populated city center, which might not want to be missed. As an example, consider taking the turn in Miami, passing under The Gateway on Main Street through the heart of the city.
Those who know the popular song about Route 66 may wonder why eight states was mentioned here, as opposed to the seven referenced either directly or by city name in the song. Many forget that the Mother Road passes through approximately ten miles in Kansas, especially since today's interstate highway alternative doesn't even touch this state. Today, the majority of this road has been reduced to a byway, but still has its classic route designation on the road itself, along with historic markers to help find the way. Hopping off Alternate US 69 allows the driver and riders to experience the Field of Dreams in Baxter Springs, and if traveling southwest, cross the Rainbow Bridge across the Brush Creek. This bridge has been reduced to one way travel with a two-lane alternative to the side, but remains on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a sight to see. Once back to the main highway, the state has designated highway 66 to take the traveler through Galena before reaching Missouri and the city of Joplin.
The next time your Internal Compass sends you west, get your kicks and follow it along the Mother Road of Route 66.
When many think about the midwest, they'll think of corn and wheat fields. Others will think about barbecue. There are a few, though, that will consider an up-and-coming mountainous area of this country.
Introducing the Ozark National Forest, otherwise known as the Interior Highlands of the United States. The Ozarks are mostly situated in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri, with a slight extension into Oklahoma and Kansas. Access to the Ozarks is limited in terms of interstate highways, but can be reached from United States routes 65 and 67 to the north and south, as well as through Missouri on U.S. Route 60, and through Arkansas along U.S. Route 62, famous for being the only east-west signed highway to connect, save for a couple blocks, the Mexican and Canadian borders.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, the Ozarks are certainly for you, as there are a vast amount of mountains and lakes to enjoy. Head to Northern Arkansas and visit the Buffalo National River. Designated as the first National River in the 1970s, this area is maintained by the National Park Service. If fishing is your cup of tea, perhaps head to the twin lakes of Norfork and Bull Shoals. Plenty of hunting grounds also exist across the national forest. RVers may also have heard rumors of the famed campgrounds built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, or CoE. This organization set aside dozens of grounds within the Ozarks for visitors to be able to enjoy these vast highlands, both for camping at an economical price, as well as day use.
Perhaps you're more of a city-goer. Never fear, within the Interior Highlands are a few places for you. The Springfield Plateau, one of the regions of the Ozarks, is named after the largest city in this area, Springfield MO. If you enjoy live theatre, you may want to head a little south to Branson MO, sometimes called the Broadway of the west. Head down into Arkansas to the famous city of Bentonville AR. It was here that the Walton family owned and operated a general store that soon expanded to become the internationally renowned retail establishment known as "Wal-Mart".
No matter how your internal compass is wired, the next time you're in the southern central United States, it may just lead you to a wonderful time in the Ozarks.
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