Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center — Attraction in Vinita

This was an unexpected pleasure to visit. My husband and I decided to hop in the car and drive east, just to get out of the house and away from stress. We wound up on route 66 and went from Broken Arrow to Miami. On the way back we stopped for gas in Vinita and we saw the Cherokee Nation cultural center and decided to pull in and check it out. First, it had spotless restrooms, road maps and travel brochures. But honestly we spent our time in the gift shop. They had Cherokee Nation tshirts, mugs etc and many Pendleton items. It also had a surprisingly large collection of native jewelry, made by Cherokees. I found a pretty beaded necklace that exactly matches the ribbon skirt I'm making for my sister, along with many other pieces I loved. I really had to stop myself from spending all my money! I will definitely stop there any time I get on...

What a wonderful place to stop! The restroom was so clean and while I hesitate to call a bathroom beautiful, this one was! The sinks are hand- crafted by an amazingly talented artist, the decor is meaningful and elegant, and everyone who worked there was kind and enthusiastic. They have a very reasonably priced coffee shop, a gift shop with unique items, and a lovely outdoor area. Parking was easy and handicapped accessible. They open at 9, and I forgot to check when they closed, but if you're here when they're open, you won't regret...

I was there yesterday. What a treasure. The show of Anna Mitchell's work and her student Jane Osti was museum quality. I learned so much about the pottery tradition in the Cherokee nation that Anna Mitchell revived. The person I met there, when entering, who told me about Anna Mitchell and helped me learn about all of this was great - I am sorry I don't remember her name. This is a really special place - the art, the details - for instance sinks in the bathrooms that were made by potters -...