Cafe Olé
Tulsa

Any restaurant that celebrates its anniversary by throwing a street party with live bands has got to be festive, and Cafe Olé in Tulsa delivers by serving the "best margaritas, salsa, queso, and guacamole in town" for over 20 years. The waitresses at this "small and locally owned" restaurant "are some of the nicest people around" and will "make you feel right at home." All of the "Southwest-style fare" is "freshly made each day," and completely "authentic." When the weather's nice, head out to the "friendly outdoor patio" and knock back some margarita pitchers in a "casual setting." Read more.

Meers Store
Meers

Meers Store may look "old country" and "about to fall down," it's alive and kicking with "fine home cooking, barbecue, and steaks." The building's "wood plank construction" has withstood a long and rich history in this old gold-rush town. The store that once operated here stocked the town's government-issue food during the Great Depression. At other times, the building has functioned as a pharmacy, post office, newspaper office, and gas station. As a restaurant today, the "home-grown and ground longhorn beef" is hailed as a "don't miss when visiting Southwest Oklahoma." Read more.

The Original Pawnee Bill's Wild West Show
Pawnee

Mosey on west of town, and kick your spurs into the late 1800s, when the gun-slinging, rough 'em, tough 'em cowboys held sway. This "one-of-a-kind" show started touring in 1883 when "Pawnee Bill and Buffalo Bill rode together," and now has "become an annual event with a cast of hundreds reenacting the West at its best." Assemble downtown, where you'll find arts, crafts, entertainment, and rides, and then follow the cast as they parade to the ranch. We hear the "West comes alive" as you watch the cowboys compete with "shooting and riding tricks." Editor's note: This is the second time this show has won our Local Secrets, Big Finds award. Read more.

Red Cup Coffee House
Oklahoma City

Step off the beaten path in Oklahoma City and into this "well hidden" coffee shop for an atmosphere that's "really casual and a bit quirky." For example, out back of this "interesting building filled with art," you'll find a "pond and tin-roof theatre" where local musicians, artists, and poets" have been taking to the stage since 1995. All of this, along with a menu filled with vegetarian options, give the whole place an "Indy feel." While the "aromatic and delicious" fair-trade and locally roasted coffee percolates, other perks include free wi-fi and parking. Read more.

Wichita Mountains Wildlife Preserve
Lawton

Bring your binoculars to this nature preserve 25 miles from Lawton, because the "buffalo, longhorn cattle, and prairie dogs are fun to see." It's hard to find mixed-grass prairie in this condition these days, and the government chose to reintroduce many animal species here, including wild turkeys. Hike to see "the beautiful view from atop Scott Mountain," where the prairie stretches below. "All ages will have a wonderful time climbing on the rocks." And if you like to fish, you've got 13 lakes filled with bass and sunfish to choose from. Read more.