Visiting Guthrie, Oklahoma: Part of the Largest Historic District in the United States

It has become a tradition in my family to visit the small town of Guthrie, Oklahoma at least once a year, usually during the holidays. It is only about forty-five minutes from my home in Edmond, and about an hour and a half from central Oklahoma City. Nestled snuggly between Cedar Valley and Crescent, Guthrie is one of the smallest towns in Oklahoma, but also one of the prettiest.

Driving in on I-35, tall buildings and busy strip centers turn quickly into cobblestone streets and tiny row houses. Shops of various parentage and decor sit on every corner, and luminescent street lights guide the way. Horse drawn carriages are usually waiting in front of restaurants to carry couples and families on romantic tours of the city, even though most houses and stores are within walking distance of one another.

Cars are parked on the curbs, but there are few vehicles, as Guthrie is a quiet town. Its surrounding areas combine to make the largest Historic District in the United States, but it is far from a money-generating tourist attraction. Few know of its quaint grandeur, and unless your family resides within its city limits, you are unlikely to visit.

Most people who live in Guthrie "adopt" one of the historic homes, which date back to the early 1800's. There are a few apartment complexes downtown, though most of them have been rennovated to appear exactly as they did many years ago, and some choose to buy ranches on the outskirts of town in which to raise a family. Those coming from large cities might find it rather boring, though I think it is one of the most attractive cities in the world. It is home to three parks, three tennis courts, one swimming pool facility, and four golf courses. Antiquing is one of its major economical attractions, and small, family-owned restaurants take the place of large chains. There are four real estate companies serving Guthrie at this time, though there will probably be more in years to come.

Originally Indian Territory (as was most of Oklahoma), there are several museums dedicated to the History of Native Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Territorial Museum is located on East Oklahoma, and tells the story of Guthrie History through photographs, artifacts, and paintings. The Oklahom Frontier Drug Store Museum sits on West Oklahoma, and takes you back through time into the world of our forefathers in a fully restored turn-of-the-century pharmacy.

If you plan to stay the night, do not expect to stay at the Holiday Inn. Guthrie is known for its beautifully restored Bed & Breakfasts, ancient hotels, and small cottage inns. There are two chain hotels on the Interstate before you enter Guthrie - a Traveler's Inn and a Best Western - but it is almost impossible to get into the spirit of Guthrie unless you stay in one of the rennovated family-owned inns.

There is also an RV park between two of the golf courses.

Guthrie is one of the most beautiful, peaceful places in the world, and I recommend a visit whenever you get the chance. Where else can you experience the luxuries of old?