Today we are moving to another hotel. This hotel, called The National, is located in a building in downtown that previously housed the First National Bank of Oklahoma City. Built in the 1930’s, it is a fantastic example of Art Deco throughout. Beautiful murals are on the walls. The rooms are very nice as well, modernized for the weary traveler.

A restaurant called Tellers is in the lobby area where the teller windows were originally located, and downstairs in the safe deposit area and money vault is a beautiful bar area. There are all kinds of old, bank standard items preserved around the building. This hotel is a definite place to check out if you are ever in OKC. So beautifully and thoughtfully appointed!

Our afternoon is spent visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. You can visit the Memorial site without going inside the museum. The museum tells the story of what happened and who was responsible. This terrorist act is unforgettable. We’ve visited this site in 2002 and they have enhanced the experience in the museum. All school age children here visit this site at one time during their education. A solemn, moving experience, and a reminder of the emergence of what has become known as The Oklahoma Standard – look it up.

Over 14 other buildings were damaged so bad they had to be torn down. Two churches near by, were built during the land run days. They survived with damage and were restored.

Leaving the memorial site, we walk around passing buildings Steve remembers when he worked his first job after college at Kerr-McGee.

Next stop, the American Banjo Museum, located in a popular entertainment area called Bricktown. It was an interesting visit as we knew very little about Banjo history or how elaborately decorated they could be. What was a surprise to me was that they gave Shakey’s Pizza credit for re-establishing interest in banjos. They even had a replica restaurant room!

Back to the hotel and then dinner at Vast. This restaurant is located on top of the Devon Energy Building on the 49th floor. Good food and amazing views of Oklahoma.

A bonus for us – Tropical Storm coming towards Sarasota so Delta changed our flight from Saturday to Sunday so we have another day to tour around OKC! Next stop, The Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Museum.