The Best Staycation in Every State

Tulsa, Oklahoma

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ADDRESS
Tulsa, OK, USA

WEB :Visit website

From iconic steakhouses and American history to innovative public spaces and an even-keeled sense of life, Tulsa (once known as the Oil Capital of the World) has evolved into a destination worthy of a visit, no matter your interests.

 

The downtown Hotel Indigo is our choice for home-base; it’s perfectly situated to explore the city’s environs, plus its rooftop bar (Rooftop Sixty-Six) is the perfect place to unwind over craft cocktails and purple-hued sunsets while warming fireplaces blaze on the balcony. To get around, we recommend leaving your car behind and utilizing the Tulsa Bike Share for transportation—it’s a bit slower but all the better for taking in the essential scenery.

 

First on the itinerary: A visit to the former site of Black Wall Street, downtown in the Greenwood District, to understand its history and take in the historical markers and Black Lives Matter murals. After, visit the newly-launched, award-winning Gathering Place along the Arkansas River. It's a veritable playground for young and old—you could almost spend your entire visit there!

 

But if you did that, you miss out on all the attractions that the old Route 66 has to offer. The city has invested in maintaining some of its important sites and neon signs; you should invest time there. Chief among the attractions is Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios, replete with a towering Instagram-worthy statue and all the local souvenirs you’ll need.

 

For eats, the Lebanese steakhouse Jamil’s, where mezze meets buttery ribeye steaks, is not to be missed. We could say more, but we don’t want to spoil all that you can discover on your own. So, if you need a respite that’s a cross between the American South and the Old West, Tulsa is for you. —Todd Coleman

Bend, Oregon

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ADDRESS
Bend, OR, USA

WEB :Visit website

When planning a staycation in and around Bend, Oregon, the question isn’t what are you going to do, but rather what aren’t you going to do? After all, the mountain resort town is home to some of the state’s best outdoor recreation spots with plenty of breweries and restaurants.

 

Book your home away from home at Wall Street Suites, a dog-friendly hotel located right downtown with cozy suites and an on-site dog park. Other amenities include an outdoor fire pit, beverages, and snacks for purchase, as well as snowshoe rentals. Then take a stroll through Bend’s historic downtown, visit the local shops, or escape into nature at Shevlin Park by hiking the scenic 4.7-mile canyon loop.

 

Getting hungry? Pay a visit to Bevel Craft Brewing, where you’ll find beer on tap, four different food carts to choose from, and an outdoor patio with a roaring fire pit. —Michelle Harris