We arrived in Oklahoma City in the afternoon on Saturday, and it was hot. Like 100 degrees hot! Thankfully, our seats were not in the full sun, and we were surrounded by other Vol fans singing “Rocky Top.”

The Sooners have some fun traditions and put on a great halftime show with drones. UT will probably have something similar soon. It was that good. I am still fascinated with the Sooner Schooner Conestoga pulled by matching white ponies named Boomer and Sooner, but the rifles were too much. Wow! They shoot them a lot!

On Sunday, we visited the OKC National Memorial and Museum, and we all said how well done it is. The museum takes the visitor through every stage of that horrible day as well as how helpers from around the country rushed to assist in the days and months afterwards. If you remember April 19, 1995, your heart will be broken again and a renewed fear of homegrown terrorism will grow. Visit if you have the chance.

My husband always indulges my desire to visit bookstores, and our friends did on this trip, too. After some research, I found Full Circle Bookstore in northwest OKC. Full Circle was founded in 1970 and is the largest independent, locally-owned, general interest bookstore in the state. For an indie, they offer a surprisingly large stock of books, and feature an area dedicated to Oklahoma writers. Do not miss Pearl, a semi-life-size bison covered in white pearls, crafted by artists Mishi Susan, Jenny Woodruff and Claudia Wylie. She is gorgeous and welcomes visitors at the indoor entrance.

We started with coffee, hot tea and cinnamon rolls at The Garden Café . I do love a café in a bookstore. It makes sense to walk through a treasure trove of books with a warm beverage. The tall wooden bookcases with rolling ladders, three wood-burning fireplaces and softly playing music created the perfect atmosphere, and I never wanted to leave. We found multiple seating throughout the store, and a bookseller told my husband that Full Circle is a popular meeting place for dates. Of course it is! Who would not want to meet at a bookstore?

And the children’s section is magical! Children of all ages will discover new places and make new friends in two brightly lit rooms filled with white bookcases, red ladders and a train table. Once again, I was surprised by the number of books available. There is something for everyone.

Thank you, Oklahomans, for your hospitality! Y’all were so friendly and helpful. Welcome to the SEC!

Linda Sullivan is an avid reader and wants to make you one, too. For more recommendations or just to talk books, reach out to her at thebookwhisperertn@gmail.com. She can also be found @thebookwhisperertn on Instagram.