Orange adventures await visitors to Stillwater

In Stillwater, Okla., there is probably more orange around town than in any other place in the country. Cowboy Country, as it is often affectionately called, is home to the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, and a number of other attractions.

Boasting many appealing qualities any college town would provide music, food and venues Stillwater began the later half of the 1880s and according to one monument in Stillwater Boomers, lead by William Couch settled near the present day intersection of Perkins Road and Highway 51 on the Stillwater Creek. When ordered to leave they defied the U.S. Calvary. Lt. Mathias W. Day wired for reinforcements and added they call this place the town of Stillwater. This was the first recorded reference to a town in the Oklahoma Territory. The Boomers departed in 1885, but at noon on April 22, 1889 thousands made the Oklahoma Land Run and Stillwater was settled in the first hour.

After the 1889 Land Run, U.S. legislation provided funding for land grant universities, and OSU was born. Founded on Dec. 25, 1890 as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College. When the first students assembled in 1891 for classes, there were yet to be any buildings, books or a curriculum. Two and a half years later, 144 students moved into the first academic building 1896 with six male graduates.

Today OSU has four branches well as the Center for Health Sciences which includes the College of Osteopathic Medicine of OSU, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Enrollment is approximately 26,000 students across the four major campuses. For more information visit www.okstate.edu.

OSU's Student Union is one of the largest student unions in the world, and is also home to the Atherton Hotel. Centered around the union and the students, OSU's homecoming is a production in itself, and is one of the best in the nation. Held in October each year, the celebration has continued to grow and evolve since it began in 1921. Some 35,000 students, alumni and community members gather for the event.

OSU athletics is another opportunity visitors to Stillwater should take. Held nearly year-round, the student sports range from football, basketball and baseball to equestrian teams, tennis teams and wrestling. The newly renovated Gallegher-Iba Arena and Boone Pickens Stadium offer world-class seating and amenities for fans. And don't forget to watch for the Spirit Rider and Bullet during the football games, as well as Pistol Pete. Both mascots are long-time traditions. For schedules and tickets visit www.okstate.com.

In every college town there is place where students go to unwind, in Stillwater its 'The Strip' or Washington Street. The Strip is lined with bars, eateries, a fraternity house, a bank and a number of other businesses. Live music and drink specials entice the students and local residents out. Establishments like Willie's Saloon, the Copper Penny and many others are almost as unique as the patrons that frequent them.

Just a short distance from The Strip is the world-renowed Eskimo Joes. 'Stillwater's Jumpin' Little Juke Joint' opened for business July 21, 1975 on Elm Street. The famous Eskimo Joe and Buffy logo was penned by a freshman commercial art major, Bill Thompson full service restaurant has a number of unusually designed eating areas, a retractable dome and of course, a place to purchase the famous Eskimo Joe's T-shirts.

Another famous night life landmark in Stillwater is the Tumbleweed Dance Halls and Concert Arena. Owned by Hank Moore, the venue is home to a number of concerts throughout the year, including the annual Calf Fry. Set for April 29 to 30 this year, the event offers a home cooked meal, of what else, but calf fries. Set to appear in concert in 2005 are Cross Canadian Ragweed, Kevin Fowler, Brandon Jenkins, Stoney Larue, Darryl Worley, Jason Boland and the Stragglers, No Justice and the Red Dirt Rangers. Country music legend, Chris Ledoux, who passed away March 9, performed at the first Calf Fry and was scheduled to perform in 2005. Visit www.calffry.com for more information.

Another important stop in any college town is a 24-hour diner. Shortcakes Diner offers some of the cheapest food in town, and a healthy dose of OSU pride. Orange and black light fixtures and orange booths seemingly match the artwork on the walls and orange menus. Stop at the unassuming small diner on Main Street for a taste of home-cooking.

Finally, as important as music is to Stillwater, drive by and check out where Garth Brooks lived when he attended OSU. Located at 227 Duck Street, the unassuming yellow house simply proclaims 'Garth Brooks & Sandy lived here 1987-88.'

Wanna see a piece of history? Well then stop by any of the ten historic museums in Stillwater. Every museum has free admission and patrons can learn about country music history, Boomer Leader David L. Payne, writer Washington Irving and the history of wresting. For more information about Stillwater's museums visit www.come2stillwater.com.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame sits on the edge of the OSU campus near Gallegher-Iba Arena on the corner of Hall of Fame and Duck streets. Featuring the Museum of Wrestling History, the Wall of Champions and the Hall of Founders, the museum offers various sculptures, photographs, banners, plaques, medals, trophies, uniforms and other memorabilia. For more detailed information about the wrestling hall of fame visit www.wrestlinghalloffame.org.

So spend a few days in Stillwater, and just about anyone would start to bleed orange.

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