The Iron Tree

     One of the best places to visit when you go to a little town is their quaint, often very personally decorated, coffee shops. El Reno, Oklahoma, has one; it's called the Iron Tree, and it is so very wonderful. The building was probably one of the first built in the city, between 1889 and 1907, when Oklahoma became a state. It's not known exactly who all of the owners or tenants may have been. It is certainly worth visiting now! If you haven't done so, put El Reno, Oklahoma, on your list of places to visit when taking your next Route 66 exursion. The hot coffee and warm atmosphere of the Iron Tree will win you over!

    Inside the place, there's a little nook where people donate books for others to take home with them. You bring a book, you take a book. It's one of those places.  On several occasions now, I have taken it upon myself to donate 6-12 books at a time that I've personally written. I'll leave them there, and by the time I've walked around the city streets talking to my neighbors, checking out all the really cool values I can find, I can go back into the Iron Tree to get a coffee to go, and all of my books will have found new homes.

    Today, again, just for fun, I took 6 copies of "Of Kilted Pleasure" and one copy of "Amicus Curiae" into the Iron Tree to give away. When I pulled up outside the place, there were several professional-looking bikes lined up against the wall. Inside the place was a half dozen hobbiests who were enjoying a rest from their annual Christmas on 66 bike expedition. I don't think it's just people from Oklahoma City; I think it's pretty well organized. The folks inside today were from Oklahoma City, about 15 miles away. The Iron Tree was their stop off, and when they finished their drinks and had scarfed down some delicious pastries, they set off again to go home. Don't ask me to ride 30 miles a day on a bike! (I was so impressed!) 

    None of the riders could take a book, as they didn't have a place to put them while riding, but a lovely couple was coming into the store just as I was leaving. I coaxed them into looking at the books, and the woman (her name is Claire) was over the top thrilled to take "Amicus Curiae" with her; she's a big murder buff -- or you know, a fan of reading about murder...in books. I don't think Claire actually enjoys murder. Her partner was just as happy to take one of the copies of "Of Kilted Pleasure," and both of them were sweet enough to give me a good hug and a "Merry Christmas" as well. I love this place. 

    Having a place like the Iron Tree to hang out, give away books, talk to friends, and just chill is so amazing. I'll do it more soon. I think I may make it a weekly thing if I can. I don't mind getting the books out there - who knows, it may be the way to get people talking. If the people who come in aren't always from El Reno, the books could go anywhere and everywhere, and if I can get folks to review them -- well, you just never know. I would love, love, love to have readings and talks where we discuss the books, the characters, and the upcoming sequels. It would make me so very happy. 

    So you know, just in case you're thinking of coming to El Reno, and you find the Iron Tree on Woodson, keep in mind that if you drive down Bickford to get there, it's a one-way street. Don't be like me...yes, the very first day I lived in El Reno, I drove down the street the wrong way. It's a miracle I wasn't stopped by the cops. It's 2025, I'm more than sure there were cameras, and if there are, they had a good laugh! I did it again on 27th Street by Walmart. I pulled into the left side thinking it was 27th, but it wasn't the right lane to pull into -- I was a dork.

    The Iron Tree has great food. It has great coffee. They serve alcoholic drinks there, too! They have live music, and they don't charge anyone anything to come in and listen. You never know what to expect. Some crazy author can poke her head into the place and pass out books - Willie Nillie! You just don't know what to expect, but you can always expect great service, great drinks, and hot, hot coffee!! (Irish and otherwise) They aren't on Main Street, but they are right across the street from Mid First Bank, so you can find parking at the bank if all the parking spots on the street are taken. I don't know that I've ever seen all the spots taken, but I imagine it happens.

    Google the place.  Find them on Facebook!  They have a 4.8 rating on Yelp, and I'll see if I can go in and make it 4.9 with a review. I had an amazing chai latte today, only because a woman ordered it and then realized she'd left her wallet in her other purse. I offered to buy it, but she wouldn't let me. The barista had already made it - I bought it for myself. It was great. I'm not really a chai-latte kinda gal, but I may get it again soon. It was really good. My favorite is their peppermint mocha coffee; they beat Starbucks hands down. I think it was $4.75, I'm not sure. Worth it.

Photo Credit: Jude Rushing (another Jude!)