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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (July 2, 1987)
wmmmm—*— Inside this osve you will see various rock formations that have evolved over thousands of years. Some of these formations are the stalagmites and stalactites everyone learns about in earth science classes. One word of warning. If you fear the flying creatures believed to be blood-suckers and going by the name “Bat”, you might want to send in a friend and get a tour report sometime in the well-lit future. Tens of thousands of bats fly in and out of the upper level, but honestly will not hurt anyone. as Horseback ridincj and hiking. If beautiful scenery is a must on vacation, Oklahoma’s plains, prairies, pine forests, mountains, and canyons will definitely fill the need. The state capitol, sir jutfiifftf tables sind stuud-ufo grills. The Ozark Folk Center, one of the more interesting state parks, is a preservation of the rich heritage of life in the Ozark Mountain Region. This mountain setting takes you back to a time > u ~ oc u: m ^ ° ^ 2 ,5 *2 U CO located in Oklahoma City, when everything was Like Texas, Oklahoma gets its name from the Indians. The Indian word “okla” means “people” and “humma” means “red.” Thus, “Oklahoma means “red people. ” So it’s only fitting that this state should be home to more Indians than any other state. Throughout Oklahoma, villages of Indians practice tribal celebrations and pow wows that tourists enjoy watching and taking part in. Indian art and craft shows also provide visitors with glimpses of centuries-old Indian culture. The 46th state of the union also offers thousands of miles of water where travelers can practice their favorite water sport. Seven state- operated resorts, and many state parks and recreation areas, provide an outlet for skiing, is the only one in the world that rests atop a producing oil well, and its rotunda sports several large historical murals. Tours are given hourly from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily and admission is free. Halls of Fame and museums help visitors bring to life the days of famous guns and infamous outlaws such as Jesse and Frank James, Belle Starr, Bob and Emmett Dalton, and many others. Science enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the wonders of science and space at Oklahoma City’s Omniplex. Special events such as cow chip-throwing and watermelon seed-spitting contests and Bluegrass festivals are sure to break done by hand. Here, artisans demonstrate various crafts utilizing the skills, tools and materials of a period from 1820 to 1920. Visitors can observe the weaving of baskets from strips of white oak, the printing of information on a hand-set printer, or any number of other such crafts. Other mountainous state parks provide swimming, camping, picnicing and fishing. Hiking and bridle trails run all through the mountains as well. Hot Springs is only about 120 miles from the Texas line and many entertaining things can be found in this southern city. If you can wait until next February, horse iVIoL-intewn Tower will lift you 216 feet above the mountain top for a fantastic view of Hot Springs. A must for all kids and all kids-at-heart is the Mid- America Museum. You should plan a lot of time for this wonder, because it is like few other museums. This fascinating place is a hands-on exhibit of light, energy, matter and the environment. Such things as a laser light show, an indoor aquarium, and a toronado-making machine are but a few of the attractions that make your visit truly astounding. My. ;1 mm the monotony in anyone’s racing will get into swing life. But if that’s not wild again at Oaklawn Park, enough for you, Lake Hamilton, on the parachute jumping and outskirts of town, is a hang gliding contests great place to go fishing, ought to at least wake you but if you’ re not fond of up. this sport, never fear. Tour boats will gently float you around the lake, allowing plenty of time for scenery absorption. The Belle of Hot Springs is a multi-deck riverboat able to accomodate up to 400 people for dinner, Moving right on over to the state of Louisiana, you should know by now that these extended trips are for those who like to sit for long periods of time. Louisiana isn’t as large as Texas, but what it’s missing in size it makes up for in attraction. Probably the best known city in all of Louisiana is New Orleans. This is perhaps because it is a city like no other. Often called the Cradle of Jazz, New Orleans is reknowned for its jazz music. On Bourbon If Oklahoma doesn’t create the image of a great the Arkansas Alligator road trip, maybe Arkansas Farm, and the Josephine sounds better. Tussaud Wax Museum Arkansas is another are excellent ways to state with parks all over spend a day — on solid the place. These 38 parks ground, are not your traditional For those not afraid of dancing and cruising the Street, in the French lake. Quarter clubs and hotels, If water is out of the you can still hear the question, a tour of Bath original jazz form played House Row, the I.Q. Zoo, by Pete Fountain, A1 Hirt and the Dukes of Dixieland. If your number one thing to do on vacation is eat, you’re in the right spot in New Orleans. Creole is the famous style. is a day-long affair. You wake in mid-morning and have a light breakfast just to hold you until time for a big breakfast at lunchtime. Mid-afternoon is set aside for a lunch usually consisting of the wonderful seafood that is commonplace there. Then for supper you must pick a famous restaurant and trust completely your waiter. (However, good instincts are helpful while trusting that waiter). Of course by midnight you’ll be ready for a snack of French doughnuts (without a hole) and coffee. Shopping in New Orleans is a great way to work off all those calories you’ll be putting on. Just about anything you can think of can be found in the city shops, from sexy lingerie to antique furniture and jewelry. Other city delights include having your portrait painted by one of the street artists in Jackson Square, touring art and historical museums, and riding streetcars. Throughout the state, sports such as hunting and fishing can be enjoyed. Thirty-seven Wildlife Management Areas allow hunters to hunt their favorite game. Right on the Texas- Louisiana border lies the massive freshwater fishing hole called Toledo Bend Reservoir, and licenses from both states are honored. Other good fishing spots lie within the borders of all state parks. If saltwater fishing is more your style, you can enjoy trying to catch all kinds of gamefish. Wherever you vacation, the idea to remember is that any road trip is designed to get you away from your troubles and provide you with great fun