Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive From Chickasha, OK to Lake City, CO
Are you planning a road trip from Chickasha, Oklahoma to Lake City, Colorado? Are you looking for some unexpected places to visit on your way? This article is for you. The route from Chickasha to Lake City takes around 12 hours and covers a distance of approximately 638 miles. The route will take you through some interesting towns and cities, and scenic routes along the way. Here are five unexpected places that you should consider stopping when you're embarking on your journey.
Halfway Stop: Texline, TX
Before you continue with the drive, why not stop at Texline in Texas? This peaceful town located on the border of Texas and New Mexico provides a perfect halfway break. You can indulge yourself in some historical stories and buildings that will keep you glued to the town. There is a beautiful park that offers a perfect picnic spot under the huge oak trees. You can also enjoy hiking and bird-watching at nearby parks like Lake Rita Blanca State Park.
Favorite Food: Try the cowboy-style brown gravy over some mashed potatoes at The Chuckwagon Cafe. It's a must-have for every visitor in town.
1. The Sandhills Curiosity Shop, Erick, OK
This quirky shop will make you feel like you just walked into a time capsule. The Sandhills Curiosity Shop is a unique store, run by Harley Russell and Annabelle, his wife. Russell is a self-taught musician and artist who curates the shop. The items available here are one-of-a-kind, including folk art, souvenirs, and weird and wonderful trinkets that will leave you intrigued. Why not take a photo with Harley himself? That would make for a great story to pass along to your friends.
Favorite Food: Russell and Annabelle's homemade reinvented sandwiches, prepared with fresh ingredients, will provide a taste-bud journey you will never forget. Don't leave without trying some peanut butter pie or apple dumplings.
2. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX
Located in the middle of a field on old Route 66, this unique art installation is an unexpected addition to the landscape of Amarillo. By providing ten Cadillacs upended in concrete, this art attracts visitors to spray paint colourful graffiti on them. The installation was created in 1974, making it over forty years old, and managed to survive regulatory threats to bring it down. Today, the cars are covered in various colours and paints, and the ranch has become an iconic stop.
Favorite Food: Head to The Big Texan Steak Bank for one of their forty-two-ounce steak challenges or the surprisingly sweet and savory deep-fried butter.
3. The UFO Watchtower, Hooper, CO
If you're one with an affinity for things that are out of the ordinary, you'll enjoy visiting the UFO watchtower, located in Hooper, CO. Opened in 2000 by Judy Messoline, the watchtower has become a spotting point for extraterrestrial life. The watchtower is located in an area known as "the San Luis Valley," which is known worldwide for its abundance of UFO sightings and other mysterious phenomena. It's a great spot to witness the wide open space of Colorado and get an up-close look at an alien-themed gift shop.
Favorite Food: Make your way to Garcia's Mexican Restaurant and have your fill of tasty home-style handmade tortillas.
4. The Music Meadows Ranch, Westcliffe, CO
Located in Westcliffe, CO, Music Meadows Ranch is an unexpected, yet welcoming, stop that's worth your time. The ranch houses the "Fiddlin' Doc" and Katy, husband and wife musicians, who play western-style melodies. You can either stop for a while or participate in music classes organized at the ranch. Or maybe just listen to the weekend concerts that are open to the public. If you're into nature, the view of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains will definitely take your breath away.
Favorite Food: Pat's BBQ in downtown Westcliffe is where you get to relish some juicy pulled pork sandwiches and creamy coleslaw.
5. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Canon City, CO
Nestled in the Colorado Rockies near Cañon City, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park is perhaps the most picturesque stop on this list. The bridge spans the Arkansas River and offers heart-racing attractions like the Skycoaster and the Royal Rush Skycoaster. If you prefer a more relaxed trip, you can avail yourself of the gondola ride, which offers a stunning view of the park. Apart from these, you can also educate yourself in one of the park's exhibits or enjoy hiking trails.
Favorite Food: The park offers many food options ranging from Mexican to American, but the fried chicken at the windows restaurant is a must-try.
Why You Should Take This Trip
Embarking on this fifteen-hour drive might seem daunting, but along the way, you will see and experience some truly unique things. From quirky shops to unexpected art installations, Colorado and Texas have it all. You might even spot a UFO. Consider taking the time to make this road trip. The memories, experiences, and the food will make it all worth it.