posted
My mom and I will be traveling to McAlester Oklahoma later this month for a high school graduation. I have some questions about Oklahoma for Boon and anyone else who lives there or is familiar with the state.
First, what's the weather like in may? Is it hot, hot & humid, or nice? I know hot is a relative term. It's already hit 100 here in the Phoenix area. What about rain?
The next question is about bugs. Should we bring insect repellent? the mosquitos have come out in force here and I was wondering if they're bad in McAleaster.
Sights to see. We'll be there for a few days so I was wondering if there's anything of interest in that part of Oklahoma like state parks or natural wonders.
Boon, just out of curiosity, are you anywhere near McAlester? I'm not familiar with the state.
By the time we get there, yu'll have your hands full with the new baby. We're leaving here on the 19th of this month. The graduation is the 21st
We'll be travelling with my cousin, his wife, and their 2 daughters in their mini van.
OK, last question. Is it tornado season? I know the odds of getting caught in a tornado during the 2 or 3 days we'll be there are slim. They are slim, aren't they? Posts: 4569 | Registered: Dec 2003
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I lived in Oklhahoma for 10 years, and the only Tornado I ever saw was in New Mexico, on the way to Oklahoma from Utah for Christmas.
Posts: 16551 | Registered: Feb 2003
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You don't have to "worry" about tornadoes. You just need to be aware that they can happen. It's pretty common sense. Pay attention to the weather, and know what qualifies as safe/sturdy shelter if a tornado occurs.
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Thus far I've only lurked on these boards, but I live in Oklahoma and thought I might help.
The weather is pretty mild in May. The temperature should be somewhere from the mid 70s to low 80s, though its possible that it will be cooler or warmer.
Tstorm was right about tornadoes, plus the local news stations have execellent weather services (I hadn't realized how good until I visited other states) and if the weather turns bad you can be sure that everyone will know. If you take the proper precautions during inclement weather you will be just fine.
As for stuff to do, a small town near McAlester called Krebs was a big mining town and had lots of Italian immigrants who worked in the mines. Now it has some of best Italian restaurants I've been too.
There's a really nice aquarium Jenks. There are quite a few state parks (This is a good place to find specifics and directions to different parks http://www.touroklahoma.com/.), lots of Native American places. Spiro Mounds is an indian burial mound from one of the most advanced native cultures (the ancestors of the Mayans, and Incans before they had reached Mexico and further south), and the capitols of the Muskogee Creek and Cherokee nations have nice museums.
There are two nice art museums in Tulsa, the Philbrook which has a Rodin exhibit right now and the Gilcrease which is mostly Western themed art. There's a Renaissance Faire going on in Muskogee right now.
There's a lot of stuff I haven't said. Did you have anything specific in mind?
Posts: 16 | Registered: May 2004
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Boon
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I don't have a lot to add. The weather will probably be warmer and humid. I'd expect highs near 85 and lows in the 60s.
Krebs is lovely. My high school senior dinner was held there in a restaurant called Isle of Capri .
I went to high school in Henryetta , which is the town directly north of McAlester, where I40 crosses Hwy 75. There are some nice parks there. My favorite Mexican restaurant is nearby...talk about some killer enchiladas.
Just north of Henryetta is Okmulgee , where the Creek Nation museum is and the council house. My parents also live nearby, which is where I was this evening. That's why it took me so long to respond. There's a lovely state park there, with a fantastic spillway. I spent many, many hours there as a teen.
I live less than 1/2 hour north of Okmulgee, just south of Tulsa. Just north of my exit is Glenpool , which was the major city in the area before Tulsa boomed.
North of Glenpool is Jenks, where the new aquarium is. Part of the admission now includes fishing in a pond. Apparently, they supply everything, including poles and bait courtesy of Zebco. I haven't been there yet, but plan to take the kids soon.
Jenks is the last town before Tulsa. I love both museums. There are LOTS of nice parks..I could recommend more destinations if I knew the ages of the children coming.
Mosquitoes usually aren't bad unless you're near a body of water. Or a small puddle or bucket or whatever that's been standing.
Yes, it's tornado season, but don't worry. I don't. Just watch the weather report on TV, and pay closer attention if it says there will be thunderstorms. It's not a big deal...especially southeast of I44.
My children's last day of school is the 19th, and I pray to have Thomas in my arms by then. I'd love to meet for a meal or some sightseeing.
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fleetwood, that's exactly the type of tourist information I wanted.
Boon, good luck with the baby and thanks for the advice. I'd ask if you were interested in driving down to McAlester for lunch, but I imagine by then you'll be pretty busy with the new baby. If you did feel up to it and wanted to bring the family down, Saturday the 22 would probably be best for me, though I could have lunch on Friday the 19th if it worked better for you.
Like I said, I know you'll have your hands full, so don't feel bad if you're not up to it.
Thanks to all who've replied. I'm really looking forward to this trip. Posts: 4569 | Registered: Dec 2003
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I remember gorgeous thunderstorms, huge hail, and playing in lots of dust devils (teeny tiny tornados). Don't drive in dust storms: pull off at the first freeway exit.
Posts: 8501 | Registered: Jul 2001
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I went to school in Morris. I am attending Oklahoma State right now.
Posts: 16 | Registered: May 2004
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Boon
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Heh, OSU/Okmulgee? I went there for a short period...twice! I took classes concurrently in high school, and then took some more after my first child was born.
PS: Don't eat at Julio's in Okmulgee. Ewww.
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Boon, the trip was cool. McCallester is a nice place, except for the bugs. The trip out there and back wasn't that great. We drove straight through, stoping pnly for meals and to answer the call of nature. Four adults and two kids in a mini van for 24 hours straight. We didn't see any rain in McCallester. All in all, Oklahoma's a nice place. It has some pretty cool people living in it, too. How's Thomas doing?
Posts: 4569 | Registered: Dec 2003
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