Situated Between Tulsa And Oklahoma City Is A Friendly Little City Full Of Restaurants, Parks, And Arts

If you're looking for a respite that keeps you close to the action of Oklahoma's hotspots, Chickasha isn't the only quaint and underrated Oklahoma city brimming with unique festivals, delicious food, and arts worth checking out. The city of Bristow in Creek County is about 35 miles from Tulsa and 76 miles northeast of Oklahoma City. It's a place where residents regularly run into familiar faces when going about their daily activities. Its Main Street may be considered one of the more underrated spots along Route 66, and you can see many of the street's brick buildings from the early 20th century are still standing and now host local businesses and diners.

For some recreation, you'll find it at the 23-acre Bristow City Park on the shores of Lake Massena. The park has paths, picnic areas, and plenty of space for your chillaxin' needs. The city's arts and culture are supported by a couple key venues. You can catch a show at the Freeland Center for the Performing Arts, a place that hosts concerts, theater shows, and events, or check out the Bristow Creative Arts Center, a space for artists and community art projects.

You'll find that getting to and around Bristow is best done by car (and air conditioning certainly helps during the summer). The city is easy to get to from Interstate 44, known as the Turner Turnpike, which runs along the city's northern side. Since public transportation, like direct bus or train services, to Tulsa or Oklahoma City is not available, getting your own car or rideshare is not only more convenient but also necessary for travel into Bristow. If you're flying in, the closest airport is Tulsa International Airport (TUL), which is about a 43-minute drive (42 ½ miles) away.

When you get hungry, you'll find that Bristow's dining scene is centered on classic American food and casual eateries. For breakfast or a burger, you can go to the Boomarang Diner on Main Street or Crossroads Diner, a local favorite where customers feel right at home. You could also try Anchor 66, a Route 66 staple since the 1950s, which is known for its "Sooner" burger representing Oklahoman pride and throwback curb service. If you're in the mood for Mexican food, try Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant, which serves traditional dishes in a friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, Misfit Pits BBQ is an excellent option for some of Oklahoma's tastiest barbecue coupled with fantastic service.

When you're looking for a place to stay, Bristow does not have any luxury or boutique hotels. A popular option is the Carolyn Inn, which is an independent motel near Interstate 44. If you prefer chain hotels, you can find them in towns like Stroud (Oklahoma's "Winery and Grape Capital") and Sapulpa, where there are Hampton Inn & Suites and Super 8 locations. Both of these towns are about a 20- to 25-minute drive from Bristow.

There are a plethora of activities and places to see in the city. You might want to start your day at the Bristow Historical Depot and Town Square, which is a museum inside a restored Frisco Train Depot that features exhibits on the town's railroad history. You'll learn the depot is where Gene Autry worked as a telegrapher before he became famous for being the "Singing Cowboy." For the adults in the group, you can visit the Creek Nation Casino, featuring more than 225 machines. Outdoorsy activities are available in and around the city at Bristow City Park, Klingensmith Park (which has an amphitheater), and Lincoln Park. When it's family time, head to the Pirate Plunge pool inside Bristow City Park, which also has a skate park and trails. The Bristow Golf & Country Club is a nine-hole course for the golfers in the crew. If you're looking for more outdoor options, you'll find Heyburn Lake is a short drive away (about 28 minutes) and has areas for camping, fishing, and hiking.

Your visit might line up with one of the annual events that happen in Bristow. You can go in May to experience the Tabouleh Fest, which celebrates the town's Lebanese history with food, craft vendors, and a 5K run. In the middle of August, check out a parade, rides, and an outdoor rodeo honoring the area's roots during the Western Heritage Days Festival. Bristow also hosts various smaller get-togethers the whole family will enjoy, like the Touch-A-Truck gathering, which lets children see and climb on different large vehicles like fire trucks and tractors. These local events bring the community together and draw people from the nearby towns.