As airfare and gas prices soared this summer, a flight or roadtrip to your favorite vacation destination might have become impossible. Instead, to save money while still getting that much-needed break, you might consider a staycation closer to home.
A staycation is a vacation you take in your home town. Besides saving money, a staycation also encourages you to explore what’s in your own backyard and see attractions you might have driven past, but never made the time to visit. Choosing to take a staycation is also a choice to spend your money locally, supporting your neighbors and small businesses.
Fortunately, there’s still a few weeks left in summer to squeeze in a weekend trip, and Ponca City has great attractions, restaurants and activities for everyone. To get the most out of what’s left of the summer, here’s three weekend itineraries to consider if you’re ready to rediscover Ponca City!
The Urban Explorer:
Stay: If you’re an urban explorer, you’ll want to stay close to the Downtown Ponca City Historic District and all that it has to offer, including shopping, dining and entertainment. For this, you should turn to Airbnb, where you can choose a modern, industrial apartment in a historic downtown building, or consider one of several charming bungalows just a few walkable blocks from Grand Avenue.
Do: Downtown, you’ll find a variety of boutique shopping experiences, including curated fashions and home goods, local produce and artisanal food products, vinyl records and even a gaming store. There are also thrift and antique stores with unique treasures waiting to be found. The Poncan Theatre offers movies, concerts and live theatre, while the Ponca Playhouse features community theatre productions. Visit the Ponca City Library to see the Matzene Art Collection on display, or walk the Downtown Art Tour to view fox statues, murals and more all created by local artists.
Eat & Drink: Start your day with a coffee from PC Provisions. The rustic coffee shop serves up seasonal drink specials, warm cinnamon rolls and hot bagel sandwiches, as well as a cafe-style lunch menu. If hearty comfort food is what you’re after instead, visit the Grand Cafe for biscuits and sausage gravy for breakfast or a stacked turkey BLT for lunch. Wind down your night with a craft beer and boardgames at Vortex Alley Brewing while enjoying live music and food truck fare.
The Family Vacay:
Stay: For a family-friendly retreat, choose an Airbnb with entertaining amenities like a foosball or pool table, arcade games or firepit. Alternatively, opt for a hotel with double queen beds or a king bed and sofa bed so parents can still stretch out. The Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites provides a sizable outdoor pool and hot tub, as well as free breakfast. For a stay a little further away, consider the Tonkawa Hotel and Casino which offers an outdoor pool and convenient access to The Hub.
Do: Spend a beach day at Lake Ponca. Take a swim at Lake Ponca Beach, visit the public fishing dock, explore the nature trails and Nature Center, and play a family game of sand volleyball or disc golf. If you prefer indoor fun, take the short trip to Tonkawa to visit The Hub. The family entertainment center offers arcade games, bowling and movies, as well as a sports bar and food trucks.
Eat & Drink: For a sweet breakfast kids can’t resist, visit Turtle’s Donut Shoppe. The homemade donuts and cinnamon rolls are sure to be crowd pleasers. For a mix of hardy and sweet options, head to Frazier’s Restaurant to enjoy a country breakfast or cinnamon roll pancakes. For lunch or dinner, try Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters. Though the setting is casual and kid-friendly, the family-owned restaurant serves up national award-winning, slow-smoked meats.
The Romantic Getaway:
Stay: While a staycation is meant to save money, it’s still a vacation. Splurge on a hotel room with a big, comfortable king bed for you and your partner. Getting a room also helps remove you from the chores vying for your attention at home. The Osage Casino Hotel offers a resort-like experience with two on-site restaurants and a bar, as well as a pool and hot tub that are adults only from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Do: The best thing to do on a romantic getaway is whatever you and your partner enjoy doing together. Whether that’s exploring downtown, golfing at the Lew Wentz Golf Course, or fishing Lake Ponca, there are plenty of options for shared activities. You might also consider trying something new together, like renting a tandem kayak and seeing Lake Ponca from a whole new perspective. If you want to do something romantic straight from a romcom, plan a lunch picnic and enjoy a stroll at the Cann Memorial Gardens.
Eat & Drink: A romantic getaway has to include a memorable dining experience. With its side-alley entrance, locked door and rustic details, the Rusty Barrell Supper Club offers a unique atmosphere that combines a speakeasy with a vintage western bar. The restaurant serves locally sourced beef and a well-appointed salad bar. For those seeking a more modern vibe, the Cross J Cattle Prime Steakhouse offers up prime cuts and calf fries in rustic elegance situated just steps away from several marinas on Kaw Lake. After dinner, enjoy drinks and live music at the Hideaway Marina as you watch the sun set over the water.