Road Trip Series: Part 1

It’s the type of assignment I’ve dreamed about: The opportunity to travel and write about my experiences.

That being said, it should come as no surprise that I’ve looked forward to the Oklahoma road trip series my editor assigned me that will take me to various parts of Oklahoma.

The first trip was to places in Pauls Valley, Davis and Sulphur.

The entrance into The Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley.

Toy & Action Figure Museum

At first glance, the Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley came across as a nerd’s collection of toys on display.

While it is a collection of various toys and action figures, it takes you back to much simpler times when your biggest challenge was finding a way to not eat your vegetables.

The place was jam-packed with action figures. There were the usual superheroes with Star Wars and Disney characters thrown into the mix. The figures are set into sections and displays with similar toys.

One area is a child’s play room with costumes for children and adults to try on. I’ve never wanted to be Spiderman, Superman or Batman. Instead, I’ve had the dream most little girls can relate to: I want to be a princess. With the help of a dress at the museum, that’s exactly what I became.

Sure, it was silly. It was fun to step outside of the norm and indulge my inner child.

 

Bedré Fine Chocolates

An Oklahoma-shaped chocolate from Bedré Fine Chocolates in Pauls Valley.

After a little GPS mishap, I made it to Bedré Fine Chocolates in Pauls Valley. Long story short, my GPS and I have a love-hate relationship. I love the way it gives directions, but it enjoys taking me to the wrong places.

The unforgettable aroma of freshly made chocolate greeted me at the door.

The woman behind the counter asked if I wanted to try a sample. This is what I heard, “Would you like to sample of this Heaven-sent chocolate?” Absolutely.

From the moment the chocolate touched my lips, the delectable mix of chocolate and peanut butter threw my taste buds into bliss overload. The pure, rich taste had me hooked.

As my mind was on the amazing candy, I walked further into the building and watched workers making the delicious creations.

As I left the store, the woman said some of the items are online and can be shipped to my house. My family should prepare themselves because I know what they are getting for Christmas.

 

The Turner Falls in Davis.

Turner Falls

As I looked for postcards to send my family, I saw one with a beautiful waterfall. The postcards featuring Turner Falls are deceiving.

As my car approached the outlook for Turner Falls, I looked forward to a breathtaking site of nature. Though I didn’t expect a mini-Niagara Falls, I thought it might be similar to Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan.

I was sadly mistaken.

Don’t get me wrong, Turner Falls is beautiful, but I expected too much. I enjoyed the scenery and the view of the surrounding area.

Though I was slightly disappointed, watching the water relieved the every day stress and brought about a peace that can only be found in nature.

 

Chickasaw Cultural Center

A statue at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.

It’s the beat of the drum, dancing around a fire and chanting often associated with Native Americans. What people don’t always remember is the history of how they got to where they are today.

The various exhibits in the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, bring the history of the Chickasaw people to life.

The hallway resembling the Trail of Tears misted my eyes as motion-censored stories played. The stories talked about burying love ones during the journey.

As I walked out of the museum, I had a greater understanding of the Chickasaw people and their way of life.

 

 

Though there were some bumpy roads, my first trip went without any major problems. I look forward to my next trip.

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Comments

No love for Turner Falls!!! You have to go back in there and explore all the places that Jesse James hid from the law.

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