Romantic getaway ideas range from downtown Tulsa to the Ozarks
BY JASON ASHLEY WRIGHT World Scene Writer
Thursday, January 31, 2013
1/31/13 at 4:35 AM
Pillow talk is a little sweeter at Cedar Rock Inn.
That's thanks, in part, to some pretty awesome fudge.
"We try to do everything in house," said Tim Van Maren, property manager for Redberry Farm, which includes the Silo Event Center and next-door Cedar Rock Inn at 4501 W. 41st St.
During a recent tour of the bed-and-breakfast with owner Sandi Dittmann, Van Maren pointed out the inn's nuances and attention to detail, right down to the homemade fudge left for guests each night.
Not quite a 10-minute drive from downtown, Cedar Rock is tucked into the foothills of west Tulsa and lives up to its advertised bill of "rustic luxury."
And with Valentine's Day around the corner, it seemed the perfect spot for one of our romantic getaways either the weekend prior to Feb. 14 or the one after - as folks have already snagged all the rooms for Valentine's Day and the evening after.
It's also fitting for romance considering how the inn was a labor of love for Dittmann, who, along with her husband, spent seven years renovating the place.
"I look at it as a piece of art," Dittman said. "Every single contractor that worked over the years on the remodel absolutely loved it and put the best of their talent into it."
The original house was built in 1890 by Tecumseh Perryman, Van Maren explained, with some of the giant stones pulled from the hill or out of the river.
"It was next door to our home, and the couple we bought it from suggested that it would be a great B&B," Dittmann said. "So we fell for it."
Our tour of the inn started in the Perryman Living Room, a common area where guests can relax - and, like we did, admire the ottoman and matching chair made of woven Western leather belts.
It was hard not to stare at the floor, too, which is covered with copies of dollar bills in various denominations - totally legal, Van Maren said with a smile, adding that it garnered a visit (and an OK) from the U.S. Treasury Department.
Off from that room is the first of the B&B's five suites - the Cedar Suite, a cozy log-roofed room with cedar-lined walls and, our favorite part, a cedar sauna/steam room. Other amenities include a queen-sized bed, luxury bath with double shower and, as all rooms have, a flat-panel TV with DVD.
Back through the living room and past the gift area, which includes postcards of Dittmann's paintings, Van Maren showed us the dining area - and introduced us to chef Joe Hamilton. Some of his favorite foods are a berry-stuffed French toast and eggs Benedict, Dittmann said.
One of our favorite parts of the inn is the impressive sandstone stairway, which was originally part of the home's exterior. Now, it separates the downstairs dining and kitchen areas from the upstairs suites.
We also loved how each suite has its own personality, including the Terrace Suite. As the name suggests, it features its own terrace with views of the property. Additional details include a beautiful antique queen-sized bed and a jealousy-inducing claw-foot tub.
The Willow Suite consists of three rooms, with a vaulted ceiling and post oak-planked floors. The bathroom's blue glass-lined shower is made for two, and the sitting area has a second entry through French doors off the enclosed back porch.
Guests have the option of combining that suite with the Sage Suite, which has a stone fireplace - one of only two suites with a fireplace - and king-sized bed. It also has the only black jack-planked floor in the state, Dittmann said. Rounding out this suite's features are a log roof and whirlpool bath.
Our final stop was the Parkview Suite. "I saved the best for last," Van Maren said.
The largest suite, often used for honeymoons and wedding parties, the Parkview features a private terrace, which we spied through the room's bay window. It also has a king-sized bed, a beautiful antique armoire and vaulted oak-beamed ceiling.
Other amenities include an oak and marble wet bar, large whirlpool bath, marble floors and a two-person glass-and-marble shower.
Except for the Parkview, all suites are $149 per night Monday through Thursday and $195 Friday through Sunday. Parkview is $229 a night Monday through Thursday and $295 Friday through Sunday.
For more, call 918-447-4493 or visit tulsaworld.com/cedarrockinn
Check out nearby options
This past fall, we ran a list of "hot hotels" in the Tulsa area - a mix of new ones and old ones renowned for their services.
Here, we included those same hotels and their Valentine's Day specials.
Ambassador Hotel, 1324 S. Main St.
$229-$339
For more, call the Ambassador, 918-587-8200.
The Mayo Hotel
Fairfield Inn & Suites - Downtown Tulsa, 111 N. Main St.
$109-$139, subject to availability
For more, call Fairfield Inn & Suites, 918-879-1800.
Courtyard Tulsa Downtown, 415 S. Boston Ave.
Valentine's Day starts at $149, weekends start at $109
For more, call 918-508-7400.
The Campbell Hotel, 2636 E. 11th St.
The Romance package includes chocolate-covered strawberries, a small bouquet of roses and a bottle of champagne ($99), and the Deluxe Romance package includes chocolate-covered strawberries, a dozen roses and a bottle of champagne ($149).
For more, call 918-744-5500.
The Mayo, 115 W. Fifth St.
The Romantic Rendezvous package (available year-round) includes valet parking and champagne along with chocolate-covered strawberries delivered upon your arrival (from $219).
For more, call 918-582-6296.
The Wyndham Hotel Tulsa, 10918 E. 41st St.
Valentine's Day special (from weekend prior to weekend after Valentine's Day) includes a standard king-size guest room, chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast buffet for two in Beechwood's restaurant and champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling cider for $129.
For more, call 918-627-5000.
Get away for Valentine’s Day
For many Tulsans, romance is on the brain.
With just two weeks till Valentine's Day, some couples may be making plans for a little weekend getaway - or a grand one.
Whether you want more of a staycation at local lodgings, something swanky just down the turnpike or a retreat a few hours away in the mountains, we pulled several options together for your consideration.
A suite from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa. Courtesy
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa
777 W. Cherokee St., Catoosa
Hard Rock offers several hotel packages around Valentine's Day.
The Romantic Getaway package includes a one-night stay in a luxurious standard room, a romantic gift basket and bottle of champagne with two keepsake Hard Rock champagne glasses - except Sundays, in which case it's a six pack of Bud Light and two Hard Rock beer mugs. And, better still, it includes a late check-out of 1 p.m.
The Classic Valentine's package includes half a dozen long-stemmed roses and a box of chocolates; the Heart package features a sterling silver heart pendant necklace from Meigs Jewelry; the Infinity package, an infinity necklace from Meigs (in a king room); and the Jackpot package offers two nights, dinner for two at McGill's on 19 ($100 food voucher), breakfast for two at Wild Potato Buffet and golf for two at Cherokee Hills Golf Club - except Sunday and Monday, as McGill's is closed.
Package prices range from $209 to $374, depending on package and day of week.
For more, 918-266-4352.
The Skirvin Hilton is an upscale hotel in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City. Courtesy
The Skirvin Hilton
1 Park Ave., Oklahoma City
Tulsa has the Mayo - Oklahoma City has the Skirvin.
This upscale hotel in the heart of downtown OKC has a gorgeous lobby and boasts elegantly appointed rooms - either king or two double beds - with comfy little details like terry cloth robes.
Downstairs, you'll find the Red Piano Lounge and some of the best cocktails in the city. They have a lounge menu, with the escargot ($10) and sea salt-and-pepper house-cut fries ($6) our personal favorites. Or snag a seat - and a delectable steak - at the Park Avenue Grill. We recommend Sunday brunch here - particularly the Spinach and Crab Bene with at least one Kir Royale.
Rates range $169-$189 - except Feb. 8, which requires a two-night minimum stay ($299).
For more, call 405-272-3040.
Big Cedar Lodge was named to Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Awards and secured a coveted spot on Conde Nast Traveler's 2013 Gold List. Courtesy
Big Cedar Lodge
612 Devil's Pool Road, Ridgedale, Mo.
Nestled in the Ozarks, this gorgeous getaway has the honor of being named to Travel + Leisure's "World Best" Awards last fall and secured a coveted spot on Conde Nast Traveler's 2013 Gold List.
Among the must-experience amenities are a fabulous spa, a picturesque golf course, a fitness center with a variety of classes, campfire wagon tours, pony rides for kids and an arcade, plus more activities - and several dining options with delectable food.
Friday through March 2, the lodge will offer its Titanic Romance package, which includes a two-night stay in your choice of accommodations ranging from private log cabins to the Falls Lodge. Other perks include chocolate strawberries and champagne, a romantic carriage ride for two around the lodge, a tour for two of the Titanic Museum in nearby Branson, and a set of two Titanic wine glasses with a wine bottle opener/stopper and decorative wooden box.
The starting price for the package is $373.95 including tax and gratuity.
For more, call 1-800-BCLODGE (800-225-6343).
The Inn at Price Tower offers 19 guest rooms. Courtesy
Inn at Price Tower
510 S. Dewey Ave., Bartlesville
Architecturally speaking, few hotels in the region boast the pedigree the Inn at Price Tower does.
Housed in Frank Lloyd Wright's only skyscraper, the inn has 19 guest rooms designed by acclaimed New York architect Wendy Evans Joseph.
Room types include standards with one or two queen beds, or a king; a junior room with a queen bed; and two-story tower suites - one with two queen beds, the other with a king.
The two-story tower suites are most impressive, with more than 800 square feet with a loft bedroom and wrap-around view of the prairie.
Breakfast includes freshly prepared pastries and breads and occasional hot offerings.
Don't forget Copper, the bar on the tower's 15th and 16th floors.
Regular rates are $145 for standard rooms, $245 for two-story tower suites. With the inn's Love package, which includes roses, chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne, a standard room is $175 and two-story suite $275.
For more, call 918-336-1000.
The Canebrake resort in Wagoner offers one heck of a view. SHANE BROWN / Courtesy
The Canebrake
33241 E. 732nd Road, Wagoner
This charming resort includes eight retreat rooms in the two-story Deer View building, plus four queen and four king suites in cottages with private porches and gas-log fireplaces - very romantic.
Amenities include a complimentary light, healthy breakfast in room, free yoga classes and Aveda bath and shower products. Canebrake also offers bikes, a doggie agility course, five miles of hiking trails, volleyball, horseshoes, tether ball and an indoor walking track.
The Canebrake's Valentine's Day weekend special includes one night's stay (Feb. 14, 15 or 16) plus a one-hour couples massage with chocolate-scented oil, wine tasting for two with appetizers (two wine flights and a cheese plate), champagne brunch for two on Sunday, champagne and sweets in room, free access to all scheduled yoga classes, and two luxurious embroidered bathrobes for you to take home.
Prices (excluding tax and gratuity) are $550 for a retreat room, $625 for a queen suite and $675 for a king suite.
Otherwise, rates range $139-$159 per night for retreat rooms, $224-$244 for queen suites and $244-$294 for king suites.
For reservations, call 918-485-1810.
The 8,500-square-foot Kennedy Mansion was built in the 1920s by prominent doctor and oil boom profiteer Samuel Kennedy. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World file
Kennedy Mansion
506 W. Fairview St.
Just a minute or two from downtown, the Kennedy is within walking distance of Tulsa's main entertainment districts.
In addition to five spacious bedrooms, the mansion offers public rooms with fireplaces, beautiful antiques and artwork, high ceilings, and a stunning grand staircase.
The Valentine's Day package, which is good for the month of February, includes one night's stay with a full gourmet breakfast the next morning, bottle of champagne or sparkling cider or non-alcoholic beverage, a box of European chocolates, vase of fresh flowers, room decorated with Valentine's theme and late (1 p.m.) check-out.
Guests can choose from an extensive breakfast menu, and breakfast can be served between 8 and 10 a.m. in the formal dining room, in their bedroom or on their terrace. Edible options include savory crepes stuffed with vegetables, omelets, quiches and homemade granola.
The Osage Room and Gilcrease Room run $149-$189 each; the Country Club Suite and Presidential Suite are $189-$295 each.
For more, call 918-712-8065.
Original Print Headline: Plan For A Lovers' Escape
Jason Ashley Wright 918-581-8483
jason.wright@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
The Cedar Rock Inn is a romantic getaway that's only a 10-minute drive from downtown. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
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