Two days of non-stop adventure.
You don’t have to travel far for fulfilling experiences. Beautiful natural scenery, fine art, good food and thrilling fun is right here on Adventure Road. Whether you like a fast-paced schedule or prefer to take it easy, this 48-hour road trip has something for you. Starting in the OKC metro, we’ll be making our way to Lake Murray in Ardmore, but this is more than getting from Point A to Point B. What would be a typical two-hour drive can be turned into two days full of exploration.
Start with fuel for the brain
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It’s now a ritual to hit the drive-through for coffee at the start of a road trip. You’ll be met with a friendly face as you receive your fresh-brewed coffee or tea. Frappé lovers should try the mint chocolate chip, London Fog and passion blackberry frappés. If you need a quick bite, you can choose from a variety of baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, wraps and more. Located on Main Street in Norman, Stella Nova leads us into a full day of adventure.
Tour OU’s Historic Campus Corner
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Since 1917, Campus Corner has been at the center of all activities for the OU community. You can feel over a century of Sooner history walking the streets adjacent to the university campus. You might even get some shopping done at places like Blueberi Lane Boutique, Tulips and the Sooner Shop on Boyd.
Visit the on-campus fine art museum
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As your walkaround leads you to the northwestern corner of the OU campus, you’ll find Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, home to one of the finest university art museums in the country. The exhibits range from French Impressionism, traditional and contemporary Native American and Southwestern art to 16th century Asian art and much more. Its most recent temporary exhibition celebrates the renowned art historian Dr. Creighton Eddy Gilbert, a scholar of Italian Renaissance art and one of the foremost authorities on Michelangelo.
See the latest treasures at STASH
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Stocked with ethically and well-made housewares, gifts and accessories, STASH brings a pop of color to downtown Norman. Many items, like jewelry, candles, art and beauty products, are handcrafted locally. There’s new and vintage treasures to find at this boutique, and you’re sure to have a fresh selection each time you visit. Be sure to snap a photo in the colorful adjoining courtyard.
Browse through The Vault
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After putting some miles between you and Norman, it’s time for a pit stop in downtown Pauls Valley. Located 45 minutes south of Norman, The Vault Art Space and Gathering Place hosts artist exhibitions that rotate monthly. Now through December 31, you can see the “Majestic” photography exhibition, featuring work by Jake Faucett, Nick Staples and Martha Burger.
Lunch at Bob’s Pig Shop
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If you’ve worked up an appetite, Bob’s Pig Shop is the place to go for delicious smoked BBQ. It’s been slinging traditional favorites like sliced brisket, pork sandwiches and all the sides since 1933. You’ll also find Tex-Mex staples like burritos, tacos and tamales. Bob’s Pig Shop has mastered the BBQ recipe, and you’ll love every bite of this southern comfort food. The perfect place to fill up before more exploring.
Make the sweetest pit stop
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Why not make a pit stop for something sweet? Conveniently located off I-35 and Highway 7, Bedré Fine Chocolate offers visitors an up-close view of the factory floor and a glimpse into the chocolate-making process. You’ll even get a free sample to try Bedré’s winning gourmet chocolate.
Check in to a room with a view
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Sweet treats in hand, travel 35 miles south to arrive in time to check into your room at Lake Murray Lodge. Lakeside guest rooms feature private balconies, or you can take your pick from 56 park cabins. An on-site restaurant serves southern-style favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Surrounded by natural beauty and comfortable amenities, you’ll find Lake Murray Lodge to be the perfect spot for a countryside escape.
Find the Tucker Tower and Lake Murray Nature Center
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Once you’ve settled in at the Lodge, make your way to Tucker Tower, on a cliff overlooking Lake Murray. Built during the 1930s, it’s now a geological museum and offers the best view of Lake Murray. The main floor features exhibits and displays detailing the history of the tower and state park. This level also has a patio 60 feet above the lake’s surface. Take the stairs 65 feet higher to the top, where you can see for miles in every direction. To get to Tucker Tower, you’ll first pass through the Lake Murray Nature Center, which covers everything from local wildlife to the lake’s history. Tucker Tower is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wind down with a good meal
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Fireside Dining is nestled among the beautiful natural scenery of Lake Murray. In its 40 years of fine dining, Fireside has garnered a reputation of serving the best prime rib and hickory-grilled steaks. Don’t forget the impressive wine list and specialty cocktails. Located just minutes from Lake Murray Lodge, you won’t have to go far for a memorable meal.
Catch sunset at the marina
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After a full day of travel and adventure, take in the day watching the sun go down and hearing Lake Murray’s gentle waves lapping at the marina. Oklahoma sunsets never disappoint, but there’s something extra special about being at the lake.
Win big at Gold Mountain Casino
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Night owls may be interested in testing their luck at Gold Mountain Casino. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the casino floor features more than 300 electronic gaming machines. Who knows? You may just round out a successful day of adventure with a thrilling win on your favorite machine!
Start the day exploring Lake Murray State Park
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It’s day two of your 48-hour road trip, and after breakfast at the Foggy Bottom, you have the whole park to explore at your leisure. Hike the many trails to find the perfect picnic spot. Take to the 1,000 acres of trails on an ATV or dirt bike. Cast a line on the open water. You can even play a round of golf. The best part of a weekend getaway is making it exactly what you want. Stay and explore as long as you want, but day two is just getting started.
Hunt for antiques at Ardmore Emporium
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A local favorite in historic downtown Ardmore, the Ardmore Emporium houses a unique collection of quality antiques, collectibles, art, home furnishings and more. Known for friendly hospitality and complimentary coffee and snacks, the Ardmore Emporium is a fun, casual experience – and exciting when you find the perfect treasure.
Jump into fun at Urban Air Trampoline Park
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Little ones will be thrilled with the attractions inside Urban Air Adventure Park. It’s filled with climbing walls, a warrior course, Battle Beam, trampolines, dodgeball and much more. There’s fun for adventurers of all levels in this ultimate indoor adventure park.
Savor fresh Mexican food for lunch
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Another local favorite in Ardmore is family owned and operated Casa Romo Cocina Mexicana. It has all your favorites, including street tacos, fajitas, tamales, enchiladas and margaritas the size of your head! Start off with a melty cheese pull from an order of queso fundido and don’t forget a slice of dulce de leche cheesecake.
Stop for the best view of the Arbuckle Mountains
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Leaving Ardmore, we’re heading 20 miles north to Davis, where an incredible view of the Arbuckle Mountains awaits. The vantage point from 777 Zip offers the best view of picturesque Turner Falls. If you’re up for it, take a ride on the zipline that sends you soaring through the air, 777 feet in reverse.
Re-up on road trip snacks
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We want to make sure your taste buds are just as happy on this 48-hour road trip, so we can’t leave out Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies! Flavors range from sweet, like cherry, apple and cream pies, to savory, like pepperoni pizza, spicy Tex-Mex and bacon egg and cheese. Each one is handmade fresh each day and served piping hot. We don’t blame you for stocking up; the road trip’s not over yet.
Forgotten Wheels Museum
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If you love antiques, especially antique motorcycles, cars and trucks, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the Forgotten Wheels Museum in Davis. The museum features 29 Harley Hummers from 1948 to 1966 and authentic Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Refuel at CTS Davis West
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Whenever that gas light comes on, you can count on Chickasaw Travel Stops, with locations throughout southern Oklahoma. The Davis West location is conveniently situated off I-35 and Highway 7 between Treasure Valley Casino & Hotel and Bedré Fine Chocolate. You’ll find friendly service and clean restrooms along with premium fuel, hot food to go and other travel necessities.
What do you think of this 48-hour road trip? Are you up for the adventure?
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Where would you go for a 48-hour getaway?