Jimmy LaFave Itinerary
Explore Oklahoma along some of the same roads that world-renowned Red Dirt musician Jimmy LaFave loved traveling. From beloved family vacation destinations to his favorite local restaurant, this tour will take you across the state to attractions like the Woody Guthrie Festival and Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Davis
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Davis, OK
Stop 1: Turner Falls Park
Start your Jimmy LaFave trek at Turner Falls Park near Davis, one of his favorite Oklahoma outdoor destinations. Nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma, the park boasts one of the largest waterfalls in the state.
Start from: Hwy 77 S, Davis, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 2805 N McKinley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK
Oklahoma City
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Oklahoma City, OK
Stop 2: The Blue Door
OKC’s premier acoustic listening room, The Blue Door, was one of Jimmy LaFave's most beloved venues to play on trips through Oklahoma. Check out the weekly line-up at this magical music space for some quality music any time of year.
Start from: 2805 N McKinley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 424 S Washington St, Stillwater, OK
Stillwater
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Stillwater, OK
Stop 3: The Strip
While still attending Stillwater High School, Jimmy LaFave was already hard at work on perfecting his musical talents. On nights and weekends, he started playing at Shakey's in Stillwater and soon started playing the bars on The Strip.
Start from: 424 S Washington St, Stillwater, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 230 S Knoblock, Stillwater, OK
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Stillwater, OK
Stop 4: Hideaway Pizza
Hideaway Pizza, a 1957 Stillwater-born institution just around the corner from The Strip, was one of LaFave's favorite places to chow down and spend time playing the board game Pente with friends.
Start from: 230 S Knoblock, Stillwater, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: Multiple locations, Stillwater, OK
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Stillwater, OK
Stop 5: Bob Childers' Gypsy Cafe
Every year, Oklahoma songwriters converge in Stillwater for this one-day tribute festival. Jimmy LaFave accepted the inaugural Restless Spirit Award at this festival on April 26, 2017. A songwriting contest is now held in Jimmy’s name, and the winner earns a spot on the Gypsy Café lineup.
Start from: Multiple locations, Stillwater, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 102 E Brady St, Tulsa, OK
More to Do in Stillwater
Tulsa
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Tulsa, OK
Stop 6: Woody Guthrie Center
Sparked by admiration for ‘dust bowl prophet’ Woody Guthrie, LaFave became a champion of Woody and his ideas. This unique and interactive museum in Tulsa's Brady Arts District gives visitors the chance to learn about Woody’s philosophies, music, history and much more.
Start from: 102 E Brady St, Tulsa, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 15971 Hwy 10, Tahlequah, OK
Tahlequah
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Tahlequah, OK
Stop 7: Illinois River
Cool off and escape the summer heat by floating the picturesque Illinois River just north of Tahlequah, an activity Jimmy LaFave recalled with fond memories. There are a variety of ways to make your way down the Illinois River, but the three most popular options are via canoe, kayak or inflatable raft.
Start from: 15971 Hwy 10, Tahlequah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 401 S 3rd St, Muskogee, OK
Muskogee
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Muskogee, OK
Stop 8: Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Visit the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame & Museum for exhibits on Oklahoma's top musicians, including Jimmy LaFave who was inducted in 2017.
Start from: 401 S 3rd St, Muskogee, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: 1001 E John Fullbright Loop, Okemah, OK
Okemah
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Okemah, OK
Stop 9: Woody Guthrie Folk Festival
A faithful attendee of the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival or “Woody Fest” held in Okemah from its inception in 1998, LaFave often performed Guthrie’s songs interspersed with storytelling by Guthrie’s little sister, Mary Jo. "People don't understand what a genius he was," LaFave explained. He often likened the festival to a family reunion.
Start from: 1001 E John Fullbright Loop, Okemah, OK
Distance:
Arrive at: , , OK