Take romance to a whole new level in Oklahoma and dare to break out of the dinner-and-a-movie doldrums. Whether adding enchantment to an established relationship or hoping to ignite the passion of a new courtship, everyone is guaranteed to come out a winner with the creative suggestions listed below. Simply find the personality type that best fits your guy and discover tailored ideas meant to wow your sweetheart with something new, fresh and exciting.
Outdoor Beau
If your man loves the serenity of fresh air as opposed to the flashing lights of the city, southeast Oklahoma has everything to tempt your tree-loving beau away from the urban rat race and into your arms. Perched on the forested banks of the Upper Mountain Fork River, the tranquil and luxurious accommodations at River’s Edge Cottages in Watson will speak to any couple looking for a remote escape. These gorgeous log-style cabins, with their sweeping views, wooden decks and private porches, evoke the feeling of being in the great outdoors without having to sacrifice the creature comforts necessary for a relaxing getaway with your one and only. Float the river or simply unwind in a bubbling Jacuzzi tub while taking in the wooded serenity that exists right outside your window. After working up an appetite outdoors, head to Abendigo’s Grill & Patio to treat yourselves to peppercorn-crusted filets, pan-seared salmon and live music. Plentiful hiking, fishing or canoeing can be found at nearby Beavers Bend State Park.
Mr. Good Times
If your man is the life of the party, always up for a challenge and constantly seeking something new to fuel his desire for excitement, then listen up ladies, because Oklahoma’s hottest attractions are waiting to create a date filled with heat and exhilarating action. Grab your man by the arm and lead him to the cockpit of one of the fastest racing karts in the nation at Oklahoma Motorsports Complex in Norman. Men love the chase, so challenge your partner to a rousing game of catch-me-if-you-can around the track and then hot-foot it over to an OKC Thunder NBA basketball game to tap into the intoxicating energy of a home crowd cheering for the win. Reward your man with a trip to Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse for delectable steaks and juicy chops, as well as upscale versions of all his favorite comfort foods like onion rings and mashed potatoes.
Look no further than the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Tulsa and the exclusive Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to show your fun-loving spouse a good time. A living shrine to the gods of rock-‘n-roll, the Hard Rock will make him feel like a rock star with over 2,300 slot machines and games guaranteed to thrill. Whether treating him to a relaxing game of 18-holes at the casino’s Cherokee Hills Golf Club or ordering his favorite cocktail while seated at the 80-ft. ice-topped bar, you’ll never be at a loss when faced with his “What’s next?” curiosity. Satisfy his rumbling stomach with an exquisitely-prepared steak at McGill’s On 19 against the backdrop of Tulsa’s nighttime skyline and then dance the night away to heart-thumping beats at one of six nightlife venues at the Hard Rock. At the end of the night, whisk your partner upstairs to a VIP suite modeled after Las Vegas glitz and let the real romance begin.
Mellow Fellow
If your man would choose a quiet night curled up next to you over donning a pair of dancing shoes and hitting the nightlife scene, the following getaway tips will speak to his laid-back, easy-going sensibilities while rewarding him with something special and showing him how much you care. Keep your destination a surprise, take your seat behind the steering wheel and lead him along a scenic, peaceful drive down Historic Route 66 to White Dog Hill Restaurant in Clinton. Enjoy fare that includes fine steaks and roasted game hens, or end your evening relaxing in brightly-colored Adirondack chairs while sipping raspberry wine ice cream floats on the restaurant’s terrace that features sweeping views of the surrounding Oklahoma prairie. Time your arrival to coincide with sunset and be rewarded with breathtaking skies painted with the setting sun’s pink and golden hues.
Embrace a thoughtful reinterpretation of the standard dinner-and-a-movie tradition by taking your man to see an independent, foreign or art-house flick at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s in-house theater and then browse the art galleries or plan your night around the museum’s Cocktails on the Skyline event, held seasonally on Thursdays, to enjoy live musical performances by local talent on the museum's rooftop terrace. Bring the evening to a close with a quiet walk hand-in-hand along the city’s Bricktown canal while taking in the city sights and then head over to the Skirvin Hotel for luxurious guestrooms, historical ambiance and soft, terry cloth robes for two.
Authentic Cowboy
If your man prefers boots over polished loafers and jeans to pressed slacks, he most likely craves a genuine experience that keeps him busy and his heart rate high versus stately sophistication and posh comforts. Stuffy frills just won’t do, so a balance must be struck between rugged romance and plenty of special touches. The Ranchers Club of Stillwater does just that. With an atmosphere reminiscent of an Oklahoma ranch, this prime steakhouse will undeniably spark feelings of romance with its roaring fireplace and elegant Western décor, yet won’t leave your man starving and pushing a lone lettuce leaf across the plate. Pair a succulent New York strip with a glass of red wine, and you will have the basic ingredients for a perfect, romantic evening.
Descend into the stark and serene surroundings of Hoot Owl Ranch, nestled within a breathtaking canyon in Oklahoma’s western panhandle, and immerse you and your partner in the history of the Old West. Reignite your love’s passion while relaxing in the blissful solitude of a rustic cabin and take full advantage of all the activities available at this working ranch, such as bird watching in the picturesque Cimarron River Valley. Hike to the top of nearby Black Mesa to enjoy views of the sprawling Oklahoma landscape while standing arm-in-arm at sunset, or simply unwind under a blanket of endless stars twinkling above the Oklahoma sagebrush.
