Oklahoma Roksliders - A Travel Question

[AKBorn]

In March I am leaving California (temporarily exiled here while we get my girlfriend's home ready to sell) and driving to Tennessee. I am planning to overnight in Shawnee on my 2nd night, hopefully there is less crime/vandalism in Shawnee than might be found in OK City.

Any places to stay that you recommend in Shawnee, and any places you would avoid? Any thoughts on Shawnee in general?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Michael

 

[Mighty Mouse]

I've only been to Shawnee a few times, so I can't really offer much advice on that immediate area. I'm assuming you'll be traveling on I-40. If you want to stay somewhere closer to OKC for more hotel/dining options, Yukon or downtown/Bricktown would be good/safe options along I-40. I don't think OKC is particularly prone to crime/vandalism. I've lived in the north side suburbs and worked downtown for 7 years and never really felt unsafe anywhere, but like any city, it has better and worse areas. Yukon is a nice working class suburb on the west side of the city. Downtown OKC (aka, "Bricktown") has been revitalized into a nice area with upscale hotels and restaurants.

 

[mlgc20]

The Grand Casino/Hotel in Shawnee isn't bad. But, I agree with Mighty Mouse. I would stop in OKC and stay in the Bricktown area. There is a Residence Inn that basically shares a parking lot with Bass Pro. Lots of restaurants just a short walk away.

 

[AKBorn]

What's the COVID situation like in OK - are you guys under any closures or mask orders? Here in CA we almost need to wear a mask to go to the mailbox. SMH

 

[Mturney]

I was in OKC this last weekend visiting family and every store had a mask sign up but it was very hit or miss with people wearing them and there was no enforcement. I grew up 25 miles east of Shawnee and it has always been a nice place. It has exploded in the last 10 years and is basically OKC east.

 

[nrh6.7]

My wife went to OBU in Shawnee and loves that town. Only been there a couple times but remember it being a pretty quiet and safe town.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

What's the COVID situation like in OK - are you guys under any closures or mask orders? Here in CA we almost need to wear a mask to go to the mailbox. SMH

Mask requirements for private businesses are handled at the municipal level; there's no statewide mandate that I'm aware of. OKC does have a mask requirement for public indoor places but compliance is variable. Pretty much all businesses have a "mask required" sign on the front door, but in my experience, few will say anything if you're not wearing one.

 

[TBHasler]

Don’t overthink it. No offense, but pretty much any plan you put together for OK is going to be way less crazy/risky/PITA than CA right now. Safe travels and enjoy the trip

 

[TBHasler]

Don’t overthink it. No offense, but pretty much any plan you put together for OK is going to be way less crazy/risky/PITA than CA right now. Safe travels and enjoy the trip

Clarification - unless your girlfriend is 85. The lax mask enforcement in OK would be riskier for a lady of that age.

 

[AKBorn]

Don’t overthink it. No offense, but pretty much any plan you put together for OK is going to be way less crazy/risky/PITA than CA right now. Safe travels and enjoy the trip

Thanks. I would worry less if I hadn't read on here about a guy having all of his gear stolen from his truck in a hotel parking lot on his way to hunt. Add that to reading about a guy who had his moose antlers stolen from his truck in a hotel parking lot in Alaska, and I am probably being more paranoid than reality would dictate lol.

I stayed in Edmond when I drove out to CA from Maryland last summer, nice quiet town and nice people. Could tell right away I was in middle America.

 

[Mighty Mouse]

Another travel tip: if you can, avoid trying to drive across OKC on weekdays 7:30-9:00am and 4:30-6:00pm. The I-40/I-44 junction (among others) tends to get clogged up with commuters every weekday morning/evening.

 

[Dexter Grayson]

Are you traveling with a trailer? Someone suggested the casino in Shawnee and I would second that suggestion. The video surveillance at the casino will be much greater than anywhere else, even in the parking lot. Find a light pole with a camera on it and park near it.

 

[hflier]

Make sure that trailer can’t be unhooked or unloaded. OK does not require trailers to be registered so trailer theft is rampant. They can steal your trailer and use it with zero repercussions.


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[AKBorn]

Are you traveling with a trailer? Someone suggested the casino in Shawnee and I would second that suggestion. The video surveillance at the casino will be much greater than anywhere else, even in the parking lot. Find a light pole with a camera on it and park near it.

Thankfully no, just driving my vehicle across to TN.

 

[LostArra]

Take out BBQ in Shawnee at Vans Pig Stand

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