Trying to dream up the perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Since this month’s heart-filled holiday falls on a Saturday, a short trip for two may be the perfect way to say “I love you.” Guthrie, the Bed & Breakfast Capital of Oklahoma, is the perfect setting for Mom and Dad to get revitalized.

My husband grew up in Guthrie and we are very familiar with the local area. We find Guthrie to be a great destination when we don’t have time for a longer trip but still feel the need to escape.

Where to Stay
Begin your planning by making a reservation at any of the many bed and breakfast inns located throughout the
city. Most are within walking distance to the city’s activities and you are sure to find one that meets your fancy. If
only staying one night, I recommend Friday so you can enjoy a full day on Saturday (most museums are closed on
Sundays).

The Pollard Inn (124 W Harrison) is located in the heart of downtown Guthrie, with 20 rooms decorated with period antiques. The main building, which originally housed Guthrie Savings Bank, was built in 1902. The large room windows overlook downtown Guthrie’s many shops. For reservations and rates, call 405-282-1000, 1-800-375-1001 or visit PollardInn.biz.

Keepsake Kottage (310 E Oklahoma Ave) is a romantic bed and breakfast just a block from downtown. Built in 1904, this property offers you two choices: The Keepsake Kottage or the Honeymoon Kottage. Both are extremely private and offer full amenities including fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs. Upon arrival, homemade desserts will be awaiting you. In the morning, just pop the ready-made breakfast casserole into the oven. For reservations, call 405-
282-8085 or visit KeepsakeKottage.com.

For a little romance with some suspense, pay a visit to the Stone Lion Inn, The White Peacock, Red Brick and Roses, or The Cottage and take part in a murder mystery dinner. While not necessary for your stay, the murder mystery dinner can be an entertaining addition to your adult weekend. Guests at the Stone Lion Inn, a restored Victorianera mansion, have also been known to experience “ghostly” surprises. Reservations for all properties may be made by calling 405-282-0012. Visit StoneLionInn.com for rate package information and further details.

Dinner
Once my husband and I check in, we take a horse carriage tour and ask to be dropped off at one of the eating establishments. Guthrie offers several dinner date choices. Hastings Steakhouse (312 E Oklahoma) is located in an historic downtown building. Hastings offers linen-covered dining with a full-course meal. While they do not provide a bar, you are welcome to bring your own bottle of wine and your server will happily chill and serve it for you.

Granny-Had-One, Eatery Bar & Grill
(113 W Harrison) provides a more casual but cozy, old-fashioned atmosphere in an ornate circa 1891 building. Open Thursday through Saturday evenings until 8pm, Granny offers home-made menu items or salad and dinner buffets. Delicious homemade breads and desserts are also available. For menu and full operational hours, review their website AtGrannyHadOne.biz.

Evening at the Theatre
Since your stay is in celebration of Valentine’s Day, going to see Pollard Theatre’s live February production of Neil Simon’s romantic comedy, “Barefoot in the Park,” is a must. The Pollard Theatre (120 W Harrison) was an early silent movie and vaudeville house in the 1920s before becoming Oklahoma’s first full-sound motion picture house. Renovated in 1986, the Pollard Theatre is now home to a local performing arts company and puts on at least six productions per year. Be sure and buy your tickets early; call 405-282-2800 or visit ThePollard.org.

After the show, you may want a snack and night cap before turning in for the night. Stroll down to the Blue Belle Saloon (224 W Harrison), one of the oldest original saloons in Oklahoma Territory—with a few old bullet holes from the rough and tumble days to prove it. You may even get a chance to join in for some Karaoke.

Don’t-Miss Sites
Simply stroll Guthrie’s historic streets and you’ll run across enough antique shops, art galleries and museums to keep you busy. Several must-sees include:

• The State Capital Publishing Museum, 301 W Harrison, 405-282-4123, OKHistory.org/Outreach/Museums/
PublishingMuseum.html

• Oklahoma Territorial Museum, 406 E Oklahoma, 405-282-1889, OklahomaTerritorialMuseum.org

• Scottish Rite Masonic Temple (the original state capital building), 900 E Oklahoma, GuthrieScottishRite.org

• The Oklahoma Sports Museum, 315 W Oklahoma Ave, 405-282-1281, OklahomaSportsMuseum.org

• R & R Restaurant, 420 W Oklahoma Ave, 405-260-0700, TheOldSantaFeDepotofGuthrie.com

• The historic Santa Fe depot, once an important stop on the Interurban rail system, is now home to this unique
restaurant. You’ll take a trip back in time as the trains still rumble through about every 15 minutes. The menu offers everything from steaks and fish to deli sandwiches, chicken-friedchicken, pizza and salads. A delicious bakery offers mouth-watering desserts. After lunch, visit the international model train and car museum located in the building and ask the attendant to start any of the elaborate, detailed model train displays.

Renewed Energy
Once you and your other half have spent this relaxing trip back in time, you’ll feel revived and ready to get back to your daily routine. Of course, you may be ready to come back by next weekend! But this time, bring the kids!

For information on the many other overnight accommodations and attractions available in Guthrie, check the Guthrie Chamber of Commerce website at GuthrieOK.com or contact them at 405-282-1947.

Karen Mitchell, a life-long resident of the Oklahoma City metro area, has been married to Mark since 1983 and is the mother of two teenagers. With a degree in Journalism and a career in sales, Karen is enjoying her return to writing.