Meeting planners need to have conferences in fun cities because business travelers want to have fun too!
In the last couple of years, in addition to traveling a ton as a family, I’ve started traveling quite often for business. Whether it’s speaking at conferences (hello, I spoke at 8 last year, woohoo!) or visiting the Travel Mindset home offices in Chicago, quick overnights have become a norm. Usually I have meetings or conference sessions during one day and then an extra morning or full day after they’ve ended to explore the city.
With Oklahoma City’s new convention center opening in 2020, and the central, easy to get to airport from most of the country, the city is primed to be the next big spot for conferences. If you happen to be traveling to the area on business, I highly suggest adding a day or two onto your trip so you can discover what makes this city so special.
Have longer to stay? Check out our full Oklahoma City travel guide, with enough activities, restaurants and hotel recommendations to span a long weekend.
Here’s my perfect day in Oklahoma City:
Wake up:
Hopefully you spent the night at the 21c, an AccorHotels property that combines modern design business travelers need and luxurious products to fully enhance your experience. From the shampoos to the pillows, this isn’t your average business trip hotel. Beyond the room, the 21c has a full art museum on the bottom level, so you can up your culture level while sipping your coffee. The hotel is within walking distance to several restaurants if you don’t want to go far for breakfast, but I’d hop in a Lyft and get breakfast out. *21c also offers a shuttle service for short trips from the hotel. You can inquire about the shuttle at the main desk.
Breakfast:
This is truly a tough decision of where I’d narrow down your breakfast options, and your perfect day might include a quick breakfast stop like donuts or a slower paced, full service option so you can relax. I’ll offer two options, because there really are so many that could have made the list. For your donut stop, Hurts Donuts is perfect, with a variety of colorful and tasty creations that you haven’t had at other donut places. If you’re vegan, Holey Rollers donuts was delicious (and this is coming from a non-vegan). For that slower pace morning I’d go to The Drake, where a starter of hushpuppies is a must.
Morning:
After a conference, that last thing I want to do is stay indoors one second longer, so I’ve filled the activities with ways to enjoy OKC’s beautiful weather and stretch your legs.
Myraid Botanical Gardens is a 15-acre oasis in the middle of downtown OKC. From gardens to a dog party, these gardens offer a peaceful escape, especially after the hustle of a busy conference. The crown and jewel of Myraid Gardens is the is the Crystal Bridge Observatory, filled with over 750-varieties of plants, a waterfall and a sky bridge.
Lunch: Tacos in the Paseo
The Paseo has a dozen or so very yummy restaurants, fun art galleries and cute shops to wander through. The tacos at Oso Paseo (plus the pretty décor) put this on the top of my list for lunch. From favorites like carne asada and carnitas to fun creations like their sweet potato or cauliflower, you’re sure to find a few that completely hit the spot. If the weather is nice, enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio.
Afternoon: Bike tour with RideOKC
From breweries to murals, your bike tour with RideOKC allows you to experience the city in a truly unique way. Learn about the history of Bricktown, the artists that have made OKC one of the most colorful cities in America, the makers who are bringing new brews and revitalizing parts of the city, and even stop by the Oklahoma City Memorial for a moment of silence. The ride is easy for any fitness level, and even kids can come if you brought the family along.
Sunset hike:
Even though you will have just ended your bike ride, getting out to Lake Hefner and snapping some photos of the 1700’s New England inspired lighthouse and walking around the lakeshore will reset your mind and body. There is easy parking and a quiet stroll before sunset is the perfect way to unwind from all the travel.
Dinner: Grey Sweater
Dining alone can sometimes be well, lonely, but not at Grey Sweater, where you can sit at the bar for a 7-course tasting menu. Between courses, you can chat up Chef Black about each course and learn why the wine or spirits tasting goes with each dish. This dining experience is truly one of a kind in OKC and you should get reservations before you arrive.
Adding an extra day to your business trip is a great way to explore a new city without spending tons of extra money on another plane ticket. I love this little taste of OKC, which I guarantee will make you want to plan a full long weekend getaway as soon as you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
