I’m turning twenty four this month and, wow, that’s strange to write… Again, I’m thinking “Wait, How’d I Get Here??”
Anyway, my brother is coming all the way from Virginia to visit and celebrate with us, and I am PUMPED. I can’t wait to show him around this cool city I’ve been calling home for about nine months. Since he first called and said, “Hey I think I’m going to be able to make it,” I’ve been building a list in my head of all the places I want to take him.
Our favorite pizza place… The coolest park ever… The donut shop down from our house… There’s so much to do and so very little time!
When I started thinking about all these places I want to take my big bro, I thought maybe it’d be cool to share those thoughts on the blog.
Since we arrived in Tulsa last summer I’ve been writing a series called “Taken With Tulsa” for Preview 918 Magazine. The series is set-up through the eyes of a newcomer meaning no biased opinions based on loyalty and no nostalgia connecting me to certain businesses or places. I share only the places I think are top-notch and do my best to describe exactly what you’re getting so you can make a wise decision based on your own food/entertainment preferences.
This blog series will share the name “Taken With Tulsa” and act as somewhat of a little sibling to the magazine articles. The content here is not a replica of what’s been published with Preview, but rather further exploration of some of the same, and some new, topics.
So let’s dig in!
Here’s a few of our favorite areas to hang around in Tulsa. We highly recommend checking them all out because each offers its own vibe and charm.
Brookside
We’ve almost eaten at every restaurant in this part of midtown. We live just a couple blocks walk from this little strip of cafes, bars and shops. So we frequent are faves and try something new when we’re in the mood. Check out the full story on our staple territory: Brookside Bonus. In the summer be sure to swing by The Pop House for a one-of-a-kind popsicle.
Cherry Street
This strip is home to our favorite pizza: Andolini’s. And the original location of my dad’s favorite: Hideaway. If you’re having a hard time figuring out what to eat then just show up on Cherry Street and pick something because there’s really no way to go wrong. Hit up Kilkenny’s for traditional Irish food and amazing atmosphere, Roosevelt’s for an extensive beer selection and options to satisfy everyone, or Coffee House on Cherry Street for delectable desserts.
Downtown Tulsa
There’s so much happening in Downtown T-town! Be sure and visit Guthrie Green in the summer for outdoor free concerts on Sunday afternoons or enjoy the First Friday Art Crawl every first Friday of the month for special events and open studios in the Tulsa Arts District. If you’re in town for long go visit our friends at StudiOne for yoga then grab a coffee at Foolish Things Coffee Company located along historic Route 66.
Route 66
At one time almost forgotten, the stretch of road now boasts some of the cities best attractions and restaurants. Visit Tally’s for a classic diner setting and delicious food, the Fuel 66 Beer Garden for drinks with friends, or the new Mother Road Market that has something for everyone. For a nostalgic story about why you should drive down America’s Main Street while in Tulsa, check out the full article: Still Kickin’.
Utica Square
This is where we work, so we’re here on the daily, but even if we weren’t we’d make time to visit this shopping center frequently! And not because we’re big shoppers, because we aren’t. Utica is something of a legend here in Tulsa. In the summer this beautiful outdoor shopping space hosts Thursday night concerts in the parking lot. In the winter the trees are draped with lights that transform it into a magical winter wonderland.
Utica Square is famous for its local gems like Queenie’s Cafe and Bakery, The Snow Goose, and Dog Dish (Kona’s favorite place to shop in Tulsa).
