Build the ultimate Oklahoma summer road trip

If you happen to be getting your kicks on Route 66, 'round about Oklahoma way this summer, there's plenty to see on and off the beaten path made famous by songwriter and actor Bobby Troup.

The jazz standard only refers to the Sooner State once, noting that "Oklahoma City is mighty pretty." And it is. However, Oklahomans are proud of a diverse topography and plenty of fun things to do during the summer.

So, we wanted to help you plan the ultimate Oklahoma road trip!

In the Wagoner County town of Porter, just northwest of Muskogee, they're celebrating peaches -- 50 years of them! The Porter Peach Festival, an event that attracts more than 15,000 attendees with activities like a pageant, a 5K run, car shows, auctions and live music will be held July 14-16.

Photo by Celine Nadeau

We've put together a special page for the peach festival, complete with a list of Love's locations on the way there.

But depending on which direction you're coming from, you could make this weekend a two-fer as the Woody Guthrie Folk Festivalis happening in Okemah July 13-17. Dozens of Oklahoma-based and national musicians converge in Okfuskee County to play their original music live and keep the cultural legacy of Woody Guthrie alive.

The event gets off to a rousing start with a concert from legendary musician Graham Nash and culminates Saturday night with a performance from Okfuskee County native and Grammy nominee John Fullbright.

Photo by Kmzundel

Perhaps you're not into peaches and would prefer peace and quiet to the strum of a six-string.

Might we recommend Turner Falls Park along Interstate 35 in south-central Oklahoma? Snug in the Arbuckle Mountains, Turner Falls is the state's tallest waterfall at 77 feet. They have cabins and RV hookups, hiking trails and novelty shops. It's the state's oldest park, and perfect for a weekend getaway.

Photo by Matthew Rutledge

Deep in the heart of southwestern Oklahoma at the western end of the Wichita Mountains is the Quartz Mountain Nature Park. Whether you're interested in boating, fishing or mountain hiking, Quartz Mountain Nature Park is a popular destination for campers across Oklahoma.

Photo by Allison Meier

And if you've never seen the Wichita Mountains, then this part of your ultimate Oklahoma road trip just became a must-see. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is 59,000 acres chock-full of breathtaking scenery and photographic opportunities. Plus, there are options for hiking, fishing, rock climbing and rappelling.

Are you feeling adventurous yet? Maybe you thought Oklahoma was only flatlands and prairies.

Not true.

Beavers Bend State Park is in far southeastern Oklahoma and is both beautiful and mountainous. The McCurtain County park was established 79 years ago and is rife with opportunities to hike and fish or go horseback riding. If you're bringing your clubs along for the trip, the Cedar Creek Golf Course is nearby, too!

Photo by John McStravick

Let's bring it full circle now. We mentioned Route 66 at the beginning of this post not only because the famed route runs through Oklahoma but also because Oklahoma is home to its own Route 66 museum. Located just off Interstate 40 in Clinton, the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum features the images and sounds of the classic era.

Photo by KB35

If you happen to visit any of these worthwhile summer destinations, we'd love to see your photos. Email them to us at social@loves.com or tweet us at @LovesTravelStop! And be sure to check out our Location Search page and find a Love's on the way!

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