From Castles to Catsup: The Final Miles of Our Southwestern Adventure.

As we pulled out of Oklahoma City and made our way northeast into Missouri, we officially wrapped up our deep dive into the southwestern United States, a journey that began back in October 2025. With this being my 20^th entry and the blog nearing its conclusion after 19 posts spread across months of adventure, I want to thank those who’ve shared the ride with us. Now, as winter gives way to spring and our return to Massachusetts draws closer, our travel style is shifting. Gone are the leisurely, immersive stays; instead, we’re moving at a brisker pace, pausing only briefly at each spot as we cross familiar Midwestern territory. This is a transitional phase for the blog and for us—our stops are shorter, and the stories are evolving. Our whirlwind stop in Springfield, Missouri was followed by a touchdown in Edwardsville, Illinois, where we parked the camper and hit pause for three weeks—just long enough to jet back to Massachusetts for some spring skiing (so my brand-new knee didn't feel neglected again), and to celebrate Passover with family. After we returned to Edwardsville, our “to do” list was down to just one grand finale—because even the best adventures need a closing chapter, preferably with less baggage than our camper. So, let’s flash you through approximately three weeks in less than 900 words, shall we?

First Stop:        Springfield, Missouri

What would you say if I told your there’s a castle in the middle of Springfield, Missouri?!? That’s right, I said a castle! Built in 1913 by the Knights of Pythias, the Pythian Castle originally served as a grand orphanage and retirement home for members. During World War II, the U.S. Military took over the limestone structure, using it to house prisoners of war and rehabilitate injured soldiers. The site later functioned as an Army Reserve center until it was sold to private owners in 1993. Due to its long, diverse history, the castle is widely known as a popular spot for guided ghost tours and paranormal

Steven & Rock in Pythian Castle Basement

investigations.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

Drawn by our interest in Civil War history, we spent a day at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield in nearby Republic, Missouri, the site of the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi River on August 10, 1861. This bloody conflict saw 5,400 Union troops face 12,000 Confederates, resulting in more than 2,500 casualties and the death of Union General Nathaniel Lyon. We drove the 4.9-mile loop road, stopping to walk at each of the eight major battle sites—including “Bloody Hill.” While the Union lost the battle, they ultimately prevented Missouri from joining the Confederacy.

 

Second Stop:    Edwardsville, Illinois

Edwardsville, Illinois was meant to be a quiet pause before catching a flight back to Boston. But Judy, activities director “extraordinaire, changed everything as she managed to snag us front row seats at the Wildey Theatre for an afternoon of ELO hits featuring “Mr. Blue Sky”. My Blue Sky" is an acclaimed 10-piece Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) tribute band based in St. Louis, known for meticulous, note-for-note recreations of ELO's 70s and 80s hits. Founded by musician Jeff Faulkner the band features a full three-piece string section, complex harmonies, and a high-energy live show with multimedia visuals. It was a fantastic show, and was the perfect burst of excitement, lifting our spirits just in time for the next leg of our journey.

Third Stop:        Lincoln, NH

After fifteen months with my brand-new knee, I was practically bouncing to get back on the slopes. Two winters spent sulking on the sidelines had left me with a serious case of ski deprivation, so I carved out two weeks in March for a Lincoln, NH snow-fix. The weather gods obliged, dumping nearly eight inches of fresh powder—just enough to make me question if I should send them a thank-you note as well. I squeezed in nine days of full-throttle skiing, and my knee behaved like a champ: no aches, no swelling, and no embarrassing face-plants. I was so pleased, I emailed my orthopedic surgeon, thanking him for his work, and acknowledging that all the rehab had paid off in spectacular fashion.

Return to:     Edwardsville, Illinois

World's Largest Catsup Bottle. Collinsville, IL

Still in pursuit of the ultimate “kitschy” roadside spectacle, we struck gold—err, ketchup—just a stone’s throw from our RV campsite, in Collinsville, Illinois. There, towering over the town like a condiment superhero, stood the world’s largest Catsup Bottle. This 170-foot-tall marvel is not just a water tower in disguise; it’s an icon built in 1949 and lovingly rescued from demolition by a determined community, now proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

As we point the RV toward Louisville, Kentucky—an entirely new adventure in a state we’ve never explored—there’s a bittersweet sense of anticipation in the air. After nearly six months crisscrossing landscapes, collecting memories, and discovering the unexpected, it’s hard to believe our journey is almost at its end. While we’re excited to experience the charm of Kentucky and check off this final stop before heading home, there’s a gentle sadness that comes with wrapping up a chapter filled with so much laughter, wonder, and roadside oddities. Still, every road trip must have a last mile, and with grateful hearts, we’re ready to savor these closing moments before the southwestern adventure officially concludes. So, with one last state to discover and a story almost complete, we invite you to join us, as we tell… the Rest of the Story.

Cowboying Up In Oklahoma City.

It’s time to “Cowboy up,” folks, we’ve landed smack dab in Oklahoma City! For the uninitiated, that classic rodeo phrase means summoning your inner grit, straightening your hat, and tackling whatever life throws your way, preferably without whining (or getting bucked off). And where better to channel your inner cowboy (or cowgirl) than Oklahoma City, the undisputed epicenter of all things cattle, dust, and derring-do? This city proudly sits at the crossroads of the great historic cattle trails and lays claim to the world’s largest stocker and feeder cattle market—talk about beefy bragging rights. Our journey east along I-40 from Amarillo, TX carried us through the Southern Great Plains, where the grass rolls out like a green-red carpet, ranches stretch as far as your eyes can see, and the sky is so wide you almost need a panoramic view just to take it all in. We passed herds of cattle so sizable, even the cows seemed impressed. Oklahoma City itself is a lively “Modern Frontier”, a city where cowboy boots and craft cocktails coexist, where neighborhoods like Bricktown pulse with energy, and where you can walk, eat, and dance your way through vibrant Midtown. Our last stop in the southwest set the bar high, but OKC was ready to lasso our heart, with a tip of the hat and a wink to the wild, wonderful West.

Needing to stretch our legs and watching the weather forecast for rainy days ahead, we spent our first full day in OKC by heading southeast to Thunderbird State Park. This popular recreational area spans 1,874 acres and features a 6,000-acre lake with 86 miles of shoreline. Established in the 1960s for flood control and municipal water supply, it’s well-loved for its proximity to the metro area and offers numerous hiking trails, boating, and camping options.

On a rain-soaked Thursday, we embarked on a thoughtfully planned historic walking and streetcar tour of sprawling Oklahoma City, led by Holly—a fifth-generation Oklahoman 

Centennial Land Run Monument in Bricktown

whose passion for her hometown was evident at every turn. Holly expertly wove together tales of the Land Rush, the oil boom and bust, and the city’s remarkable renaissance as we navigated the wide sidewalks and lively parks of Bricktown and Downtown. Oklahoma City’s vastness is staggering; with 620 square miles, it ranks among America’s largest cities by land area, giving it a truly expansive feel thanks to decades of annexations. Our journey began at the awe-inspiring Centennial Land Run Monument in Bricktown, where artist Paul Moore’s monumental bronze sculptures capture the frenetic energy of the 1889 Land Rush—forty-five figures frozen in a dramatic race for new beginnings. Highlights included the soaring Devon Energy Center, Oklahoma City’s tallest building, and the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, home to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets and a crown jewel for baseball fans. We also stepped into The National, Autograph Collection, located in the First National Center This 1931 bank-turned-hotel features Tellers, a restaurant and bar located in the former bank lobby

Original Tellers Window @ The National, Autograph Collection  

where the original teller booths have been restored and kept as part of the décor. We zipped across the city on the spotlessly clean yet surprisingly quiet streetcar, culminating at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. Here, amid the haunting “Field of Empty Chairs” and the enduring “Survivor Tree,” we paused in reverence for all who were impacted, a powerful reminder of both tragedy and resilience. The thoughtful design of our tour allowed us to experience the soul of OKC, blending its storied past and vibrant present, and left us eager to return and explore even deeper.

If you’re searching for proof that Oklahoma City stands tall as the epicenter of cowboy culture, look no further than the colossal National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. This place isn’t just a museum—it’s practically a city block devoted to the legends, stories, and artistry that define the American West. With more than 28,000 Western and Native American artworks and artifacts, including iconic masterpieces by Remington and Russell, it’s clear why this institution is revered in cowboy folklore. You can stroll through a massive, immersive 13,000-square-foot replica of a turn-of-the-century Western town, soaking in the sights, sounds, and spirit of frontier life. Since its founding in 1955, the museum has cultivated an internationally respected collection, exploring every facet of cowboy heritage, rodeo culture, Native American history, and the adventures (and misadventures) of the frontier military. Judy and I were wowed by the interactive rodeo display, where we learned about Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Tie-down Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Barrel Racing, and Breakaway Roping. We discovered the legends behind these thrilling competitions, though I suspect we’d have trouble roping a stubborn suitcase, let alone a steer.

For any northern couple venturing here, like us, be prepared to marvel, laugh, and realize you’re more suited to fielding trivia about cowboy boots than actually wearing them in a rodeo ring!

Exploring the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum was very informative and entertaining, but one cannot visit Oklahoma City without visiting the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. It is an experience that leaves a profound mark on your heart. This sacred site stands as a powerful tribute to the 168 lives lost, the survivors, and the courageous rescuers affected by the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. The grounds themselves are deeply emotional—spanning three city blocks, every element is designed to evoke remembrance and resilience. Among the most moving features are the

Oklahoma City National Memorial 168 Bronze Chairs

Field of Empty Chairs: 168 engraved bronze chairs arranged in nine rows for each floor of the building, and nineteen smaller chairs representing the children whose lives were tragically cut short, mostly from the daycare center. Standing in front of these tiny chairs, you can't help but be overwhelmed by the enormity of the loss and the innocence forever stolen. The Survivor Wall lists those who endured the attack, while the Survivor Tree, an American elm that withstood the blast, symbolizes hope and renewal. Framing the memorial, the Gates of Time are inscribed with "9:01" and "9:03," marking the moments before and after the tragedy, with a reflecting pool signifying the actual explosion at 9:02 a.m. The Memorial & Museum is not just a reminder of history, but a place for reflection on what real domestic

terrorism looks like. Unlike recent rhetoric—where President Trump's administration labeled ICE protesters as “domestic terrorists”, this site marks the true horror and consequences of domestic terrorism. The Oklahoma City bombing was a devastating act, and the memorial ensures we never forget the difference between protest and genuine terror. The emotional weight of the grounds, especially the nineteen smaller chairs, makes clear the impact of that day and honors all those who suffered, reminding us of both the fragility and strength of our communities.

Jillian, Steven & Judy at Roxy's in the Plaza District 

We simply couldn’t leave Oklahoma City without immersing ourselves in the flavors and energy of the Plaza District. This lively, rejuvenated neighborhood, bursting with local art galleries, quirky shops, creative restaurants, and eye-catching murals, set the perfect stage for our late afternoon food tour, which felt more like a progressive dinner and entertainment extravaganza. Guided by Jill, a charismatic graduate student, we kicked off our culinary adventure at the Margarita Garden (Guatemalan), savoring Carne Asada Tacos packed with vibrant, authentic flavors. Next, we headed to New State Burgers & Spirits for what might just be the best burgers we’ve ever tasted. The tour was expertly organized, weaving us through several more delicious stops that could fill an entire blog post on their own. We capped off the evening with homemade ice cream at Roxy’s, followed by refreshingly fruity drinks at the Up Down Bar & Game Arcade. The Plaza District’s infectious energy and the seamless flow of the tour made for a memorable finale to our Oklahoma City stay, leaving us thoroughly satisfied and delightfully entertained. 

Reflecting on our whirlwind journey through Oklahoma City, it’s clear this “Modern Frontier” delivers a rich tapestry of experiences that defy expectations for a city so often underestimated by travelers. From the vast, sun-kissed plains and bustling cattle markets to the vibrant arts scene and mouthwatering food adventures, OKC surprised us at every turn. The profound visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial reminded us of the city’s resilience and the enduring spirit of its people—a sobering monument that left us humbled and grateful for life’s simple joys. Yet, as we navigated lively districts, sampled decadent burgers, and failed spectacularly at roping anything more stubborn than our own luggage, we found ourselves laughing, learning, and falling for OKC’s unique charm. No matter how many times you tip your hat or polish your boots, it’s the warmth and humor of this city that truly lasso your heart. And so, we close another chapter, lighter in spirit and richer in memory, as we tell… the Rest of the Story.