Autumn Colors and Oklahoma Festivals

Oklahoma is often referred to as the 'dust bowl,' and conjures up ideas of a barren, dusty, wasteland. Admittedly, there are many acres void of healthy green grass and trees, but lush mountains and farmland also thrives in Oklahoma.

The months of October and November, in Oklahoma, are filled with color as the leaves turn red, yellow and orange. The time just before the falling leaves become faded in contrast to the glow of Christmas decorations and lights.

Some of the best areas to view the best of what Oklahoma has to offer in the autumn are available by taking road trips that wind around those areas blazing with color.

Early November the plains, in western Oklahoma, compliment the reds and golds of prairie grasses and become a showy landscape.

The Wichita Mountains, in southwestern Oklahoma, offer an alluring autumn detour on the way to many fall festivals. In this part of the State there are festivals that celebrate cotton harvesting, ginning, spinning and weaving. There are several areas that sport amazing fall colors, such as Hackberry Flat Wildlife Refuge, and the nearby Great Plains State Park.

Mid-November the Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show celebrates arts and crafts from simpler times. Music from twanging banjos, fiddles, dulcimers and guitars echo throughout the hills and valleys. Kettle korn, funnel cakes, fresh apple cider and homemade root beer are available, among the crafters who demonstrate soap making, candle making, and wood turning skills.

Lake Murray, in south-central Oklahoma, provides scenic views of bright red and orange leaves of old Oak trees. Here, too, arts and craft shows can be found around the countryside. The lake is a favorite stomping-ground for many a fisherman, but the sparkling waterfalls and fall scenery is reason enough to go.

By the end of November, the bright autumn colors will fade to brown, and most leaves have fallen. But, this does not mean the landscape has gone drab and barren. Christmas light displays around the state are ablaze, welcoming the Christmas season.

Just because the Thanksgiving dinner passes, a drive to take in the beautiful decorated streets and parks of local towns can be an feed the senses and refresh the spirit.