Observations From Towns You’ll Never Visit

Or maybe you will. Who am I to assume your travel? Partial lists

I drive a lot around the state of Oklahoma visiting clients. As a result I’ve seen way more of it than probably 99% of the residents. Here are some of my observations:

Warning: Generalizations follow. I have found these to be largely but not always true. Handle with care.

1. There is money everywhere. Far beyond the idea of the millionaire next door, I now somewhat know how to spot real wealth hiding in plain site.

2. Dovetailing with the point above: When it comes to a family-owned business, one should generally take a value investor’s point of view. Specifically, the fancier and more ostentatious a place is the less true net worth there is within it. Maybe an enterprise is throwing off so much cash that it can support luxury, but usually this is not the case. Most truly wealthy people live much better than they work.

3. The locals really do know where to eat. The local favorite(s) is usually appropriately rated if not underrated. And it is almost always unattractive. Here are a few of the spots worth mentioning in no particular order.

   • Jerry’s - Weatherford

   • Cafe Alley - Ardmore

   • Fillin Station - Sulfur

   • Giuseppe’s - Marlow

   • Eastland Grill & Tastees, - Duncan

   • Gonzalez Mexican Restaurant - Tishomingo (also locations in Wynnewood, Lindsay, and Coalgate)

   • Gringo's Taqueria - McAlester

   • Pete’s Place - Krebs

   • The Eat Out - Hochatown

   • Ali’s Place II (aka, Around The Corner Cafe) - Okemah

   • Lawson’s Local Market - Horntown

   • The Butcher BBQ Stand - Wellston

   • Destinations - Chandler

   • Tammy’s Round Up Cafe - Davenport

   • Hideaway Pizza - Stillwater (this is the original, but the new locations are great too)

   • Painted Horse Bar & Grille - Bartlesville

   • Clanton’s Cafe - Vinita

   • The Lakehouse & The Table - Grove

   • Vidalias - Tahlequah

   • Eischen’s Bar - Okarche

   • Hammett House - Claremore

4. Small-town residents get a lot more of their identity from their hometown history than is probably realized even though this is much recognized. This stays with them through life as a point of pride for those still reside in a small town (even if it isn’t their original town) and as a point of resentment for those who “escape” to a big city.

5. Small-town residents usually are as informed of worldly events as big-city folks. However, there does exist a tendency for mysterious allure by small-town people regarding what life is like in cosmopolitan and exotic places even if they have travelled to them.

6. Everyone really does know everyone’s business in a small town. What is under appreciated is how much small town folks root for and support their brethren. There may be lots of gossip, but it tends to come from a good place. Think of your mom and aunt talking about your life choices as opposed to being judged by your high school rivals.

7. Opposition to developments that are disruptive to local life are much more likely to be embraced and celebrated than disdained and opposed. These seem to be generally a validation rather than threat despite the conventional narrative. This would be things like a Walmart coming to town/expanding, new chain restaurants/fast food franchises, casinos with or without hotels, etc. To be sure there was a time when Walmart in particular was seen as a threat. However today Walmart and now Amazon, et al. are generally seen as a benefit allowing a more pleasant rural life. Contrast this with how Walmart among so much else is demonized and fought at least locally in big cities (I’m looking right at you Norman—Costco, Edmond—Walmart, etc.).

8. It is hard to see past the borders of what you see every day.

9. Similarly, the more I have driven around this state the closer the destinations have become.