Thanksgiving Road Trip: Camping, Bricktown, and a Smooth Cruise up I-35
- Adventure Creek Ranch - Texas
- Lido Restaurant - OKC
- Renaissance Hotel - OKC
- Bricktown - OKC
- Bricktown Brewery - OKC
- Road Trip I-35
1. Adventure Creek Ranch @ Forestburg, TX
I kicked off Thanksgiving break with a much-needed escape into the outdoors near Forestburg, Texas, at Adventure Creek Ranch. They have some incredibly creative cabins—everything from Star Wars themes to Hobbit-style hideaways. I spent two nights in their Yellowstone-themed cabin, which turned out to be exactly what I needed to unplug. With barely any cell or internet service, I spent most of my time outside—driving around in a Kawasaki UTV, enjoying the quiet, and embracing the challenge of cooking over a campfire.
It took me about 90 minutes to get that first fire going. I made it intentionally difficult by using wet logs and limited tinder—just dry grass and strips of bark from mountain cedar trees—to test my survival skills. Armed only with a Bic lighter, I learned quickly how crucial airflow is. Blowing on the embers until they glowed white-hot eventually dried the logs enough for a successful burn. By the second night, with a bit of experience under my belt, the fire started much faster. Somehow, food always tastes better when cooked and eaten outdoors.
The UTV added extra fun to the trip. Loud, powerful, and incredibly maneuverable, it handled steep inclines without hesitation and made exploring the property an adventure in itself.
2. Lido Restaurant, Oklahoma City
Lunch in Oklahoma City was at Lido Restaurant, where I had some of the best spring rolls I've ever tasted in Texas. The sauce was especially memorable—savory with a slight tang, almost as if it had a touch of BBQ steak sauce. It was a refreshing twist from the peanut-based sauces I’m used to.
The pho, however, was much heavier and heartier than expected. I usually finish an entire bowl without a problem, but this one was so rich in beef broth and generous in meat that I could only make it halfway through. Delicious, yes—but I personally prefer pho that’s lighter on protein and heavier on vegetables. Still, it helped me understand why OKC’s pho scene consistently rivals Houston’s and definitely surpasses what’s available in DFW.
3. Renaissance Hotel @ Bricktown, Oklahoma City
After unplugging in the woods, I headed back to civilization in Oklahoma City. I stayed at the Renaissance Hotel in Bricktown, and it was easily one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever booked—especially at just $140 a night. Valet parking was $36 a day, which felt reasonable for the area.
The hotel itself was fantastic. I started my mornings with breakfast from the Starbucks in the lobby, and later enjoyed a smooth old fashioned at Culprits Bar, conveniently located right next door and connected to the hotel. It was a great way to unwind after a day of exploring.
4. Bricktown, OKC - River Walk
Bricktown’s river walk is charming but tiny. Compared to San Antonio’s expansive River Walk, with its 50–60 restaurants and bars, Bricktown’s handful of spots makes the area feel cozy and compact. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in cleanliness and a more relaxed atmosphere.
5. Bricktown Brewery - OKC
For dinner, I chose Bricktown Brewery—and it didn’t disappoint. I sampled all six of their happy hour beers, with the Wiley and Old Kings standing out as favorites.
The food was solid across the board: good burgers, excellent shrimp, and an impressive Cobb salad. And the beer? Even better at happy-hour prices. I ended up buying two cases to take home.
6. The Road Trip Experience
Both ways along the trip, I stopped in Gainesville, Texas, and discovered surprisingly good tacos at the gas stations. Texas really does have some of the best gas-station food in the country.
Driving between DFW and OKC couldn’t be easier—it’s essentially a straight shot along I-35. Turner Falls marks the halfway point and makes for a familiar landmark on the journey.
The weather, however, wasn’t ideal. Late November in Oklahoma meant cold mornings hovering around 33°F, and the chill kept most people indoors. I imagine the area would feel much more lively in a warmer month like September. By contrast, my previous Thanksgiving trips to San Antonio were far busier and more vibrant.
Final Thoughts
My 2016 Toyota Highlander handled the entire trip flawlessly, averaging 26.3 mpg. With the roughly 200-mile stretch between cities, I didn’t technically need to stop for gas, but I like taking breaks every two hours—making Gainesville the perfect midpoint.
Overall, it felt great to finally explore Oklahoma City while also enjoying some peaceful time in nature. Warmer weather would have made the trip livelier, but even in the cold, it was absolutely worth it.
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