Picture yourself cruising down the highway. A warm breeze blowing in the window as the miles of pavement roll by under your tires. Each new town and city brings another chance to explore the wonders of America. This is just the kind of experience you get when traveling along the path of the old Route 66. We have chosen to digest this 2448-mile path a little at a time, which allows more freedom for in-depth study. During our 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma, we found educational attractions, delectable dishes, and plenty of friendly locals.

First Taste of Weatherford, Oklahoma

Cruising the road can create quite a hunger. It’s easy to get distracted by all of the eye candy one finds along the Mother Road. By the time we rolled into Weatherford, we were famished from a morning of exploring. Our first stop was Lucille’s Roadhouse, which has existed since 1937. In 2006, they relocated from Hydro, Oklahoma to their current location. The creation of the interstate highway system marked a slow death for many roadside stops along the original Route 66. Fortunately, some, like Lucille’s, have found a way to survive. It certainly made us feel like we were stepping back in time to the golden age of road-tripping.

History in the Heartland

Speaking of the golden age, our visit to Heartlandthe of America Museum offered us a peek back in time to a variety of ages. While a lot of the artifacts were familiar to us, there were just as many that were completely foreign. We have to think way back to remember some, and others are just part of stories that we heard from earlier generations. These types of history collections are slowly losing their audience, so it’s important to help support them. Perhaps we will see a revival of the days when you would stop by the local drugstore for a sundae at their soda fountain.

Stafford Air & Space Museum

With only 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma, it meant that we had to make the most of our time. One of our main purposes for selecting this city, was a chance to see the Stafford Air & Space Museum. We weren’t sure what we would find, but seeing an aerospace museum in a city of 10,000 residents certainly intrigued us. From our research, we knew that they had some unique exhibits on-site. It’s not everyday that you have an opportunity to see some of the artifacts found in this space. Walking beside a Titan II missile helps put its size in perspective.

Studying the “Space Race”

Many of us can remember learning about the “Space Race” between Russia and the United States. At the Stafford Air 7 Space Museum, you can see a V-2 Rocket from World War II. This is the first long-range guided rockets, which reached into space in 1944. Once the military war ended, the “Cold War” began ratcheting up. Inside this Weatherford museum, we found a nice selection of exhibits about this new age of travel. What began with the launch of satellites, soon progressed to the goal of putting a human on the moon. You can learn all about this race in this museum.

Little Italy Comes to Town

As the day drew toward evening, it signaled the time for the attractions to close. We drove around the downtown area and checked out a few of the shops. Much like we find in many small to mid-size cities, the majority of the commercial outlets are found on Main Street. We popped into a couple of boutique shops and antique stores. Soon it was time for these to close, as well. We realized that dinner time had arrived and made our way to a local Italian cuisine destination. Luigi’s Italian Restaurant is popular with the locals, who happily welcomed us into their space. After so much exploring, we had worked up quite an appetite, but this place offered plenty to satisfy it.

A Comfortable Stay

Now that we had full bellies, we were ready to check into our lodging for the evening. Just off Main Street we located the Comfort Inn & Suites. They were currently changing from their ownership, but it didn’t really impact our stay. We chose this location because it offered a place near downtown and it has a pool. We both enjoy taking a dip but rarely get an opportunity during our blogging sessions. Forgoing any evening entertainment, we chose to stay in and check out this amenity. Once we finished our dip in the pool, we were ready to hit the sack for a good night’s rest.

Breakfast with the Locals

Our 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma were running low, but we still had time for a couple quick stops. We know that breakfast sets the tone for the day, so we try to have a hearty meal when traveling. With more roads to explore, we chose to keep in our Route 66 mode by visiting Jerry’s Restaurant. This chain grew to fame in the western states starting in 1964. Walking through the door, we knew it was a hangout for locals. After sizing us up, they warmed to our visit. It can be interesting to see how they react to a couple with a camera. Of course, being a Mother Road attraction means that they are used to being in pictures.

Fueling Our Morning

Our morning dining choice came with a slew of options. Benedicts, scrambles, omelets, French toast, pancakes, and even more choices were making it hard to select. Our server pointed out that everything is cooked to order, so the whole menu is delicious. With little guidance, we just pointed and picked our breakfasts. We discovered that she was right, as my Eggs Benedict was delectable. Once again we had replenished our body fuel and were preparing to head back out on the open road.

Our final stop in Weatherford was at The Cup. (pictured at the beginning of this article) We had spotted this cute boutique coffee shop during our exploration on the previous day. Since it was past coffee time in the evening, we chose to double back for a morning visit. We chose a couple of specialty lattes for the road and said our goodbyes to Weatherford.

24 Hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma

As you can see, there is plenty to fill 24 hours in Weatherford, Oklahoma. It’s in cities like this that we find some of the most unexpected surprises. With just under half of Route 66 under our belts, we are curious to see what the other half has to offer. The open road is fun to explore and really brings the feeling of Americana to life. If you are looking for some nostalgia, you will definitely find plenty along Mother Road. Make sure to plan plenty of extra time for unexpected excursions, as there is so much to see and do. Have you ever explored portions of Route 66? We’d love to hear some of your favorite stops along the way.

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We want to thank the Stafford Air & Space Museum for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Aviation History

We have all seen the old movie clips of the various flying contraptions that failed to launch. Many people worked singularly to solve the riddle of manned flight. It took collaboration to finally achieve the momentous victory at Kitty Hawk. The Wright Brothers were deliberate in their approach, learning important lessons from their unsuccessful predecessors. During a visit to Chanute, Kansas we learned that they even had assistance from a bridge designer. This led to their ultimate victory in achieving sustained flight. The Stafford Air Museum offers a variety of aircraft that walk guests through the timeline of development.

Rapid Advancements

While combustion engines allowed man to soar, it would be the invention of jet engines that got us moving. Without tremendous amounts of thrust, we would always be limited. As far back as Sir Isaac Newton’s day, there was a belief that you could propel forward by a rear-facing explosion. More unsuccessful attempts happened in this arena, mostly due to the lack of power supplied by coal. It took until 1942 for the first American jet engine to be developed. The addition of pressurized cabins allowed for loftier flights.

Hands-On Displays

High on our list of 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum are all of their interactive exhibits. When was the last time that you got to climb into the cockpit of a jet fighter? Crystal didn’t hesitate to take her turn at the joystick and pictured herself cruising through the atmosphere.

Rockets

While jets certainly changed the way humans travel, we were still limited to our planet. This was not enough for some who had dreams of traveling into space. We can imagine the delight found by earlier generations when they would watch fireworks shoot into the sky. This rapid explosion of power was developed by the Chinese, who harnessed the use of gunpowder. The idea of space exploration, utilizing rocket power, was proposed in 1898 by a Russian schoolteacher. While solid propellants were effective for shorter bursts, the use of liquid fuels would soon become recognized. During World War II, Germany’s V-2 Rocket stunned the scientific world. After the war, Allied countries would begin the “Space Race” to see who would be first to explore the outer regions.

Unbelievable Size

Exploring the museum offered us some exhibits that were unbelievable in size. To stumble upon a Titan II Rocket inside was certainly unexpected. We had seen a variety of rockets during a visit to the Strategic Air Command Museum, but they were all outdoors.  These launch vehicles are usually associated with intercontinental ballistic missiles but have served another purpose. The 1960s were the height of the “Space Race” and both Russia and the United States both saw advancements. By the middle of the decade, astronauts had already performed spacewalks. The race was on to see who would be the first to walk on the moon, which would occur before the decade ended. The Titan rockets helped pave the way for the creation of the Saturn series that would take Apollo 11 to the moon.

Space Capsules

Landing on the moon may have been the end game, but it took a series of steps to accomplish this feat. One of the 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum is the chance to see space capsules up close. While Russia dealt with its tests, the U.S. was advancing through a rapid change in designs. Each new generation of space capsules was designed to accomplish a specific set of goals. The Gemini models (pictured on left above) were used to make the first orbits of the earth. During the Gemini 6 flight, Thomas Stafford made his first journey into space.

Stafford would take part in the Apollo 10 mission that orbited the moon 31 times. This trip paved the way for the Apollo 11 mission two months later. During the Apollo 10 trip, the astronauts on board traveled farther away from earth than anyone had ever accomplished. During the trip, Stafford piloted the Lunar Module during orbit and successfully docked with the Command Module (pictured on right above). During the return trip, the capsule achieved a speed of nearly 24,800 mph, which is the record for human travel.

Space Artifacts

We can only imagine the nerves of steel required to experience reentry through the atmosphere. We can remember watching the television, as they showed the effect of friction during this dangerous portion of the journey. The fireball that was created brought with it temperatures of nearly 5000 degrees. Seeing the effects that this event had on the heat shield brought the danger home for us. While the astronauts were fitted with space suits, nothing would save them if this shield failed.

Kid Zone

All of these amazing exhibits had us wondering how we would have handled space travel. The museum offers visitors a chance to explore this idea. A variety of stations allow guests to challenge their motor skills. While some of the displays are designed specifically for the younger set, (Sorry Crystal, that spacesuit won’t fit.) other exhibits can be enjoyed by all ages. This is the perfect way to wrap up a visit to the museum and inspire the next generation to aim for the stars. Make plans to see if you can discover more than 6 reasons to visit the Stafford Air & Space Museum. We would love to hear what you would add to our list.

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Holder of the History

One thing we have learned during our years of traveling is that every visit is a little different. For each place that we find that is high-tech and up to date with technology, there is another that barely exists in the social media world. These are the ones that struggle to get recognized since they often have no one on staff to assist. When we run across one of these, it makes us a little more eager to get the word out about them. Especially when they have some interesting artifacts and exhibits.

Walk Down Memory Lane

The museum is broken into a series of rooms that each cover a segment of life. As we strolled from room to room, we spotted lots of items that we remembered from our youths. There were just as many that obviously predated our existence. Route 66 was officially designated in 1927. The timing ended up being useful for families heading west to escape the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. It would also serve as a major thoroughfare for Americans heading to Los Angeles for the 1932 Summer Olympics.

Honor in the Heartland

Although there are always a variety of items that are new to us, there are certain themes that play out in city after city. Exploring history in the Heartland of America Museum comes with a healthy dose of patriotism. Many of the museums, like this one in Weatherford, get their artifacts from locals. Proud military members and their families willingly donate pieces that have been collected by those who served. Fortunately, this means that there is plenty for all of us to see.

Heading Outdoors

After looking over the artifacts inside, it was time to move out into the Oklahoma sunshine. A collection of smaller buildings is found on the museum grounds. Each has significance to the people of the region. We could tell that Nedra was finding pleasure in sharing the collection of memorabilia that the staff had amassed on this site. A blacksmith shop and old schoolhouse were first for us to visit.

Historic Visit

Once the doors were opened, we found the interiors of each building to be filled with precious memories. Nedra told stories of her youth, which included experiences in places like these. While life was difficult in those days, it was simpler and just as fulfilling.

Route 66 Memories

There was one last exhibit that Nedra wanted to show us. She had saved the best for last. A small roadside diner sat on one end of the museum grounds. It didn’t look overly impressive and reminded us of many of the mom and pop shops that lined the route. We could almost envision the leather-tufted stools and smell the burgers cooking. The conversations of people discussing the best stops along The Mother Road filled our imaginations.

Cool Daddy was Here!

Once the door was opened, our visions became reality. The counter was just about what we had imagined. Sample plates of food lined the space and represented the stick-to-your-ribs meals that would be served up for hungry travelers. That is about the time that Nedra pointed out an interesting artifact sitting on the counter. A piece of ledger paper held the names of some of the travelers who had dined at this small eatery. Right in the middle was the signature of Elvis Presley. Not only had he stopped to eat here, but it was one of three visits that he made traveling back-and-forth on Route 66.

Local Love

All that talk about dining on the route had certainly built up our appetites. We thanked Nedra for her wonderful tour of the Heartland of America Museum and headed to dinner. Back on Main Street, we located Luigi’s Italian Restaurant. Stepping through the door, we knew we were the only two here that weren’t locals. That was okay with us because the growing crowd signified a good meal to come.

Getting Our Italian On

A quick round of salads took the edge off of our appetites without destroying them. This was just enough to hold us for the main courses. I rarely pass up an opportunity to enjoy some Tortellini Alla Panna, and that evening’s dish was delightfully cheesy. The blend of marinara and alfredo sauces added a nice layer of flavor.  Crystal chose the Luigi’s Special which features chicken, sausage, and ham. Then mix up some white wine cream sauce with a touch of marinara to add a pleasing edge to this interesting dish.

Heartland of America

Another successful day of exploring was in the books. We had once again been getting our kicks on Route 66, and discovering all of this history in the Heartland of America was fulfilling. Time to head to our hotel and do a little swimming before settling in for the night. We had another day of exploring ahead of us and the open road was calling our names. When was your last road trip?

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We want to thank Weatherford Tourism for hosting our lunch. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

A Road Well-Traveled

After wrapping up a visit to Amarillo, Texas, we found ourselves back on the Mother Road heading east. This section of Route 66 has some interesting sights, and many can be seen from the road. Of course, pulling off for a closer look makes the trip more interesting. About 20 miles outside of Amarillo, we happened upon the VW Slug Bug Ranch. This place stands as a parody of the Cadillac Ranch, which sits on the west side of Amarillo. Here we found another opportunity to leave our mark but chose to just memorialize our visit digitally. After a few minutes, we found the road calling all Route 66 lovers to keep exploring.

Hungry in the Heartland

We continued our journey east, as we crossed into Oklahoma territory. Our goal for this portion of the trip was Weatherford, which rests about an hour west of the state capital city. By the time we pulled into town, we were famished and ready for lunch. Fortunately, we had scheduled our first stop to be lunch at Lucille’s. As we pulled into the parking lot, the building reminded us of an iconic stop that would have been a common sight during trips in our childhoods. Making our way inside, we found the dining room to be filled with the familiar color scheme of the late 1950s. This was certainly putting us in a nostalgic mood.

The original Lucille’s sat along Route 66 near Hydro, Oklahoma. While the new version leaves behind the gas station portion, it fulfills the spirit of the Mother Road.  All around its spaces, we found reminders of the “olden days” of travel. When the interstates began popping up across the nation, popular roads soon withered away. Along with these were the livelihoods of many business owners who survived off of the travel traffic. Fortunately, recent years have seen a renewed interest in the “golden days” of cross-country trips.

Burgers – America’s Meal

Dining along the route is a good way to experience plenty of Americana. Once you get past the old-time gas pumps and polished chrome, at Lucille’s, you find a menu filled with a wide range of options. During our visit, we got to have lunch with Haley from the local tourism bureau. This gave us a chance to showcase three choices off of the menu, instead of the two we would usually order. After a morning of exploring, (and afternoon plans of even more) I was looking forward to a beefy burger. Lucille’s Roadhouse has a variety of topping combinations to choose from.

I decided to go with the Blue Cheese Bacon Aioli Burger. They begin with a 1/3 lb. patty cooked to your requested level of doneness. This is topped with bacon, blue cheese crumbles, and their aioli sauce. The whole thing is served on a toasted bun with the normal condiments that are included on the side. The combination of flavors made for a wonderful taste that kept me coming back for more bites. They include one side with this meal and I couldn’t see a better option than a heaping plate of crispy French Fries.

Yard Bird

Haley decided to head in a different direction and ordered the Grilled Chicken Breast. This can be doubled up for those with a bigger appetite, but her plate seemed to have plenty to offer. The grilled filet is served on a bed of rice pilaf and also comes with an extra side. She touted the baked potatoes and ordered one to show us just how hefty the spuds are at Lucille’s Roadhouse. She reported that the dish was cooked perfectly and she tried her best to finish it all up. This dish is calling all Route 66 lovers to come by and have a serving.

Getting Your Greens

Crystal was in a greener mood but knew she needed a burst of protein for our afternoon visits. When she spotted the Paradise Salad, her choice was sealed. A large serving of greens is the base of this freshly prepared dish, but it doesn’t stop there. Let’s count the toppings that they toss on. I saw apple chunks, dried cranberries, chopped pecan pieces, Mandarin orange slices, and pineapple bits. Oh wait, I left out the Blackened chicken breast, so that makes half a dozen toppings. They keep the fruity flavors going with the Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing. Crystal liked this combination of tastes.

Calling All Route 66 Lovers

While Lucille’s Roadhouse is a newer stop along the Route 66 trail, it still embodies the spirit of the open road. We know that many people from around the world will gather annually to explore this slice of Americana. Perhaps this will be on your list of roadside attractions that you visit. Before we left, we discovered that Lucille’s is actually two restaurants in one. The side where we dined is the casual eatery designed like a 1950s carhop stop. They also have a nice steakhouse available for those desiring an upscale meal. It was clear that Lucille’s Roadhouse was calling all Route 66 lovers to stop in and test out their hospitality. We did and couldn’t wait to tell all of you about it!

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During our previous visit to Oklahoma City, we saw the construction work being done for the soon-to-be transit system. After experiencing the convenience of our hometown system, we hoped to have a chance to sample the OKC Streetcar. When a Route 66 road trip took us through the region, we found our opportunity. Working with Visit OKC, we planned a 24 hour stop in the heart of downtown.

We want to thank Visit OKC and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Beginning in Bricktown

Once we arrived, our first stop was in Bricktown. This entertainment venue is home to the American Banjo Museum, which was a stop we missed on our previous visit. Growing up on shows like Hee Haw, we had seen and heard plenty of picking and grinning. This was a chance to learn about the history of this unique instrument. You can imagine our surprise to find that the museum holds hundreds of banjos. It also tells the background of some familiar musicians.

Pops of Color

It seems that since beginning our travel blog, we have become more aware of all of the colorful landscapes that can be found in North America. This is especially the case for me since I spend a good deal of my time looking through a camera lens. Downtown Oklahoma City is filled with a myriad of colorful buildings, many of which are associated with the growing art community. We discovered that this expanding tribe of artisans is coloring a new downtown, and the OKC Streetcar is helping connect the dots.

Factory Obscura

Oklahoma City was the first destination where we made a return visit, since starting our blog. During our first visit, we had the pleasure of meeting Tabbi Burwell, from Visit OKC. She was such a great resource, that we couldn’t wait to see her again. This visit would offer a chance to meet Meg Cathey, who is on Tabbi’s staff. Working with the two of them, we were able to hammer out an itinerary that would include a nice cross-section of experiences. Knowing our desire to stay close to the downtown sector, they suggested we visit a brand new attraction called Factory Obscura.

This art-based collective was just kicking off during our visit, but we could already see that it would be a huge hit. Mix-Tape is the moniker that they have applied to their 6,000 square-foot experience. With a rotation of art installations, it’s hard to say what you will find there. During our visit, the piece was named The King’s Mouth. After removing our shoes, we crawled into the mouth and enjoyed a relaxing and unique audio-visual experience. We will certainly need to visit again just to see what new fun we find.

Let’s Do Lunch

Right across the street from our art experience is S&B’s Burger Joint. We had arranged to meet Tabbi and Meg for lunch at this eclectic rock & roll eatery. With a menu filled with namesake burgers, as well as some delectable sides, we knew it would be an amazing meal. Sure enough, we all picked unique choices, and I tossed in one of their over-the-top shakes. It may have been a lot of calories, but I knew we had a lot of walking in our future. As we dined, we took in the quirky and colorful vibe of this place.

A Friendly Face

During our visit in 2018, we had stayed in the Automobile Alley section of OKC. This strip is filled with historic buildings that housed car dealerships, as well as businesses that supported them. As we explored the area, we saw workers heavily concentrated on preparing the street for the OKC Streetcar, which was to come. We saw a few shops that were hanging on during this construction period and decided to check them out. We are so glad we did because it gave us a chance to meet Traci Walton.

Traci is the owner of Plenty Mercantile, which is such a cute shop. Filled with quirky gifts and artistic pieces, we found ourselves finding so many pieces we just couldn’t live without. It’s a good thing we travel by car since it allows for plenty of purchases. While shopping, we were introduced to Traci, and we had a long discussion about the changing landscape of downtown. When we returned in 2019, we had to drop by to see how she was doing. We were shocked that she would readily remember us, but it goes to show just how welcoming people are in the Central U.S.

Coloring a New Downtown

After a short chat at Plenty Mercantile, it was time to make our way to a nearby OKC Streetcar stop. As we walked up the street, I saw this brightly colored bison in a window. Being quite unabashed, I stepped in to ask if I could grab a photo of it. The staff was quite accommodating, and we chatted as I worked. Back outside, I joined up with Crystal to complete our walk to catch the next streetcar.

Colorful Colcord

We rode the OKC Streetcar back to where we had parked our car. It was late enough in the afternoon for us to check into our hotel, which was just a couple of blocks away. The Colcord Hotel is a boutique-style lodging option located in close proximity to Bricktown. We knew a return visit would be coming later, but for now, we wanted to check out the hotel.

After finding our room, we explored what we would later find out is OKC’s first skyscraper. At twelve stories tall, it must have been quite a sight when it was built in 1910. It has had multiple upgrades, but still contains much of its luxurious charm. With all of this exploring going on, we had worked up our appetites. Time to enjoy an amazing dinner at Flint Restaurant, which is located inside of the Colcord. Wow! This is what luxury dining is all about. Now to head out for more exploring.

Bring on Bricktown

From our hotel, it was a short walk to the heart of Bricktown. We made our way down to the river level, where we watched the tour boats passing by. All around us people were dining or enjoying drinks and conversation on outdoor patios. Our attention was directed to a group of people stepping into a local winery. We decided to follow them and made our way to Put A Cork In It. Inside we found a few groups enjoying tastings, so we thought that sounded like a good idea, as well.

John, the owner, showed us to a table and brought us sampling menus and a couple of glasses. A short conversation focused on determining our wine preferences. Fortunately, we both agree, for the most part, so John started bringing out some varieties for us to sample. there were some really good flavors going into our glasses, and each variety he served was slightly sweeter than the previous. Crystal and I thought the use of animal crackers to cleanse the palette between samples was quite clever and fun.

Rolling Into the Evening

With a slight buzz going, we thought it would be a good idea to grab some fresh air. Back to the riverwalk for some more sightseeing. A crowd was waiting in line to play miniature golf, so we decided to forego that activity and instead check out Hey Day. This bowling and arcade heavy attraction looked like a fun place to spend some time. Neither of us was in the mood to bowl, but we loved the use of color and lights in this space.

Colorful Competition

We moved up to the second floor, where we discovered a small arcade. We both knew that things were about to get competitive. A couple of rounds of racing allowed us to show off some skills. We went looking for air hockey but came up empty. No problem, our second favorite game is SkeeBall. Once again we found the use of lights and colors to add to the entertainment factor. I can’t remember who won, but I know that we both had a great time.

Calm Reflection

We departed Bricktown on the OKC Streetcar and watched as the city lights passed by. Riding the loop, we saw many of the familiar landmarks of downtown OKC, except now they took on an ethereal tone. While the streetcar made all of the expected stops, we found that most people seemed to have the same idea as us. We all sat in silence and just took in the night scenes.

During our first visit, we toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. This memorial had left quite an impression on us. While the horrific event that occurred there will never be forgotten, neither will the survivor spirit of those that came to the rescue of their neighbors. When the OKC Streetcar stopped nearby this spot, we decided to step off for another view. As we made our way through this space the stillness of the night surrounded us. It definitely added a new level of solemness to this site.

Coloring a New Day

We strolled back to our hotel, which was only about four blocks away. Our busy day was catching up with us, and we were ready to catch a good night’s sleep. The next morning we had planned to have breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Having the OKC Streetcar right outside the hotel’s front door was certainly handy. Four short blocks away we arrived at Kitchen 324. This downtown dining experience was hopping with business. With a menu full of amazing eats and delectable treats, it was no surprise.

OKC Streetcar

After breakfast was our last opportunity to ride the OKC Streetcar. Back at our hotel, we packed up for our return to Kansas City. We still had a couple of stops in Oklahoma City, but these would take us out of the downtown region. As we waited for the valet to retrieve our car, we took another look around the area. A passing streetcar confirmed that this transportation option is coloring a new downtown in Oklahoma City. If you haven’t visited downtown OKC in a while, perhaps it’s time to plan your next getaway. There is so much to see and do, and they have the streetcars to help get around downtown.

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We want to thank Visit OKC and Bedlam Bar-B-Q for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

#7) Ordering Old School

Finding Bedlam Bar-B-Q wasn’t difficult, as it lies just off the main drag. Being located on the northern half of the city worked out perfectly, as this was our last stop before the drive back to Kansas City. Stepping through the door, we found ourselves in a galley style chamber, where patrons order their food. Using the “order here and we’ll bring it to you” style is synonymous with many of the well-established barbecue joints we have visited. It actually reminded us of one we have in KC, that got its start in Oklahoma.

While Oklahoma Joe’s has since changed its name to Joe’s KC, it still has its roots from the years it was connected with the Midwest smoker manufacturer. Fortunately for us, our late arrival had ensured we wouldn’t face the lines that can be found during lunch rushes. In fact, being a weekday, we were one of a handful in the house for a 2:00 mealtime. Maybe we need to rethink our dining times to avoid the rush more often.

#6) Choices

Since our visit had been pre-scheduled, we were planning on sampling a variety of the dishes available at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. We still took time to review the menu, so we could see if anything unusual popped out at us. They have a good selection of plated dinners to choose from. We found that owner Jeff Watt has chosen the brisket and hotlink sandwich as his favorite. The range of smoked meats was quite familiar, but we were surprised to see the addition of smoked bologna. Now that’s not something you see at most barbecue joints. They also offer up half of a smoked chicken, still on the bone. That sounded like the makings of a good dinner for two.

#5) The Decor

Now that we had seen a sampling of the dishes available, it was time to check out space. If you have ever visited Oklahoma and spent some time in the state, then you know it has quite a storied history. At Bedlam Bar-B-Q, they embrace this colorful past, and it shows through in the decor. The walls are covered with memories of days gone by when cowboys and Indians still roamed the lands. It is easy to get caught up in checking out the decor, and before you realize it, your food has arrived.

#4) Seating Choices

At most restaurants we visit, we find a couple of choices in seating. Usually, it will be tables or booths. Sure you can find both of those at Bedlam Bar-B-Q, but it doesn’t stop there. Looking for a real conversation starter? Why not belly up to the piano table, where you can dine with friends in real style. Since it was just the two of us, we didn’t sit there, but don’t think it wasn’t tempting. I did plop down on one of the stools, just to check it out. By the way, the photo of the laser cut stool at the top of the page is located at the piano table.

#3) Connect With Nature

Since we are on the subject of unusual seating choices, let’s not forget the outdoor patio at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. This wonderful setting is used for special events and most frequently in the evenings. We can imagine sitting in the shade of the willow tree, as the gentle Oklahoma breezes flow by. Nearby, the sounds of live music would play, by one of the local bands that frequent this place. Of course, there would also be the tempting aroma of the smoky dishes being prepared nearby. Man, we wish our visit would have allowed for a firsthand taste of that experience.

#2) Sides Galore

Okay, it’s time to talk about the food at Bedlam Bar-B-Q. While most places you will visit focus on the meats, the staff at Bedlam offer up some of the best sides we have sampled. When they delivered our food, they wanted us to have a good assortment to choose from. Clearly, they know how much we can eat. The flavors they pack into their dishes bring pleasure with each bite, even from some old standards. For instance, the creaminess of the Mac & Cheese makes it melt in your mouth. We found the same attention to detail with their Baked Beans and Cowboy Beans.

These sides, while exceptional, are commonplace at barbecue joints. When they delivered our dishes, there were a couple of sides that stood out from the field. Seeing Tabouli Salad served caught my attention immediately. This Mediterranean based dish is a mix of finely chopped vegetables and Bulgur wheat. With olive oil and a lemony base, it offered a refreshing lightness to our meat-heavy meal.

Sitting next to the Tabouli was a dish that clearly came from a casserole-style creation. Our server was quick to point out that this is their famous Green Rice. It is made with a recipe that has been handed down through Jeff’s family. Our first bite told us that it was a dish we were very familiar with since it is one that Crystal often makes at home. The mix of rice, broccoli, and cheese offer a delightfully creamy texture. The taste had us coming back for more bites, and this was the first dish to be emptied.

#1) The ‘Cue

While all of these sides offered plenty of reason to visit Bedlam Bar-B-Q, let’s not overlook the main attraction. The top reason we visit barbecue restaurants is to sample the smoky meats that they produce. Even before our first bite, we were already savoring the smoky scent found when we approached the parking lot. Once everything was laid out in front of us, it was hard to refrain from tasting it. I learned firsthand what Crystal goes through whenever I ask her to pose with the food. I feel like I earned an extra portion just for my patience.

Our plate was filled with pulled pork, smoked turkey and chicken, tender brisket, and some of their notable dry-rubbed ribs. With so much going on, they had to put the Polish and hotlink sausage on its own plate. Finally, it was time to dig into this smorgasbord of smoky goodness. With each bite, we could taste the care and time put into making the taste delicious without the need for sauce. To us, this is the sign of a confident barbecue chef, who has mastered the ability to replicate his dishes daily.

You can only imagine the smacking lips and satisfied taste buds that took place this day. The tasting passed far too quickly, and soon we were noticing dishes become empty. We each gravitated toward our favorites, but the delectable flavor still tempted us to mix in some of our less frequented cuts. Even though we gave it our best, there was just no way that we could complete all of this food. After thanking the staff for this unbelievable meal, we rolled ourselves out to the car, to begin our journey home. As the mile markers whizzed by, we chatted about our successful venture in Oklahoma City. When is your next trip scheduled for this amazing destination?

The post 7 Reasons To Chow Down At Bedlam Bar-B-Q appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit OKC and the Oklahoma History Center for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Pre-Explorer Age

Archaeology shows that people have inhabited Oklahoma territory for centuries. Arrowheads and projectile points have been discovered in dig sites. Some of these came from the Alibates Quarries located just south of the panhandle region. Many of these cultures were found by Hernando de Soto when he explored the New World in the early 1500s. By the time more European explorers arrived, prior to the Revolutionary War, there were two dominant tribes in the area. The Wichita people had established homes across much of the Great Plains. They were farmer/hunter people, who built a network of small villages. While the Wichita worked the lands, there were others who frequented the region.

Life on the Plains

The Apache people were known for their nomadic lifestyle. Being primarily hunters, they followed the herds of buffalo, as they migrated across the lands. From what historians can surmise, the Wichita and Apache coexisted in peace. The Apache was using dogs to help move their belongings. When Francisco Coronado visited the territory, he introduced the horse. This would dramatically change life on the plains for the native tribes. With this newfound assistance, the Apache could expand their territory north and south across the continent.

The native tribes did not believe in the ownership of the land but reserved themselves to be stewards of it. Far removed from what was occurring globally, the native people went forward with their daily lives. Around them, the ownership of the territory would change from France to Spain, and eventually the United States. While all of this swirled around them, life for the native people remained fairly stable. The informative displays at the Oklahoma History Center allowed us to see for ourselves the struggles faced by the native people. Touching the past included feeling the weight of one of the travois, their form of a wagon that would be drug from camp to camp.

Indian Relocation

With the ever-increasing number of immigrants to the east, the United States government was struggling with how to handle the indigenous people. Treaty after treaty was formed, which promised the native tribes new lands, in exchange for the current homes. As the numbers of new immigrant arrivals swelled, each of these treaties would be broken, to open up new land for settlers. In 1830, President Andrew Jackson would sign into law the Indian Removal Act. While it was meant to provide for a peaceful relocation, too often force was used to meet the desired outcome.

Part of what would become Oklahoma was designated for the five civilized tribes. Many in the government saw no value in these lands, so they felt this was the perfect region for the new reservations. Moving the Seminole, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Cherokee tribes were accomplished by the end of the 1830s. Many native Indians would perish on the forced marches that were overseen by the U.S. government.

The Nation Prepares for War

The landscape of America was changing. The Louisiana Purchase had put the center of the continent into United States control. This opened up new lands for settlers and speculators. Just south of the Oklahoma region, Texas was declaring its own independence from Mexico. From 1836 to 1845, the region would be a separate country but would be annexed by the U.S. This action helped lead to the Mexican-American War in 1846. After the war ended, Texas was added to the Union as a slavery state.

To stay within the boundaries being applied to new slave states, the northernmost border of Texas would be moved south, leaving the tract that would eventually become the Oklahoma Panhandle. As the map filled in all around the Midwest, the territorial borders for Oklahoma would be defined by what was leftover. Even with all of the areas around claiming statehood, it would take until 1907 for Oklahoma to have a star on the U.S. flag.

Engaging the Native Tribes

The tumultuous times that had fallen on our country would not leave the territory unscathed. By the beginning of the 1860s, the Oklahoma region was home to around 55,000 native Indians. All around them, new states were being established. With the issue of slavery becoming a flashpoint, the addition of Kansas and Nebraska added fuel to the fire. The Confederates were quick to form alliances with the major Indian tribes. The Civil War even raged within the borders, as Union and Confederate loyal tribes faced off with each other. This conflict continued throughout the war, and it would lead to the president suspending treaties with any tribe supporting the Confederate side. There were a few that held on for the duration of the Civil War. In fact, it was a native Indian general who was the last to surrender on June 23, 1865. This Cherokee chief would find his tribe left out of negotiations, after the war.

We were surprised to find so many informative exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center. While we knew that our region of the country had been a hotbed for conflict, it still amazes us when we learn new details about specific battles. It reminds us that in all of these smaller conflicts, within the Civil War, there were heroes as well as casualties.

Opening the Land

For years, Oklahoma territory was considered uninhabitable for anyone except the native Indians. The quickly changing weather, often running to extremes, made survival complicated. Much of the landscape appeared difficult to farm or ranch. As the end of the 1800s approached, the country was discovering improved methods of farming. These would help drive the demand for new land that settlers could claim. In March of 1899, President Benjamin Harrison announced that nearly 2 million acres of Indian territory would be made available to settlers.

At high noon, on April 22, the “land rush” would begin. Over 50,000 hopefuls swamped the land, in anticipation of the event. A few early starters slipped across the line, to get a head start on finding a claim. They would be labeled “Sooners”, and many a legal battle would erupt over their claims. During an earlier visit to Oklahoma City, we had a chance to visit the Land Rush statues at BrickTown. These life-size pieces bring the feel of the moment to life.

Tending the Herd

As we made our way through the exhibits at the Oklahoma History Center, we found opportunities for touching the past. Here and there, we discovered these stations that allow visitors to interact. This one gave us a glimpse of life as a cowboy. We could climb aboard a saddle, to imagine the open prairie all around us. Nearby, a chuck-wagon awaited a cook to prepare the evening meal for the hungry cowboys. Can you imagine the hardships that must have come with moving herds from Texas, up the Chisholm Trail?

Heading to Market

By the time that Oklahoma became a state, in 1907, the landscape was already dotted with growing cities. Oklahoma City had a population of around 50,000 and was preparing for its next phase of growth. With so many cattle ranches in the state, it made sense to develop some meatpacking plants. This would eliminate the need to move all of the herds out of state, for processing. In 1910, the Oklahoma National Stockyards Company opened as a public market. This development spurred the creation of multiple packing plants, to service the stockyards. Business boomed, and by 1966 it was the sixth-largest market in America. By 1973, it became the largest and still holds that distinction today.

Feeding a Nation

Having a major stockyard meant that packing plants would have a steady supply. This attracted companies like Armour and Wilson to open plants in Oklahoma City. The partnership blossomed, and soon Oklahoma City had cemented its place as a major meatpacking location. After World War II, Oklahoma City emerged as a growing leader in this industry. During the 1960s and ’70s, while many other cities saw a shuttering of meatpacking plants, Oklahoma City continued to flourish. With good transportation access from highways and railways, their central location allows for continued success.

Dust in the Wind

Oklahoma has seen plenty of struggles, as well as successes. During the 1930s, the country was battling with the Great Depression. While this impacted the entire nation, regionally there were even more issues arising. The high plains were well-known for receiving sparse amounts of precipitation. While these arid grasslands could support grazing animals, they were not considered prime farming lands. After the Civil War, waves of immigrants flooded west looking for land. Some would come to the Great American Desert with hopes of creating a new life.

After World War I, the need for wheat and other crops was felt worldwide. With the addition of motorized farming equipment, farmers saw the potential to work on this untapped ground. While this panned out during wet years, it could spell disaster during times of drought. After a run of favorable weather in the 1920s, the climate would change for the worse. Beginning in the summer of 1930, drought returned to the high plains. This dried out the thin layer of topsoil, which was picked up by the gusting winds that frequent the region. Before long, these “dust storms” would become an all too frequent sight. By the mid-1930s a mass migration would occur, which would see families fleeing to the west.

Taking to the Skies

One of the reasons we enjoy so many museums is the opportunity to learn about local history. It surprises us how often we find a connection with someone or something we recognize from the past. A good example was this exhibit on aeronautics. Stepping into the old barn we found ourselves touching the past of airplane travel in Oklahoma. Little did we know that Braniff Air Lines originally started in Oklahoma City. Inside of this interactive exhibit, we were able to strap in and enjoy a ride, as the video screen took us up for a look-see. To be honest, we actually sat through this display twice, since it was filled with some good information. Be sure to check it out for yourself, when you visit.

A Route Runs Through It

Crystal and I grew up in the era when Route 66 was one of the main arteries for travel across the western half of the nation. While this leisurely choice was eventually replaced by interstates, there are still sections that maintain its nostalgic touch. Oklahoma holds a variety of sights for those traveling the Mother Road. While some classic stops have passed away from neglect, a recent resurgence of interest is bringing a new generation of travelers to the region. When following the route, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for unique attractions. You just never know when one will pop up on the horizon.

Plan Your Own Road Trip

Oklahoma has such a storied history, that there is no way we could capture it all in this article. With so many places to explore, our hope is that we will spark your explorer side. Plan your own road trip, and you will find yourself touching the past at sites all across the land. If you want to learn about more Oklahoma destinations, be sure to check our Southwest category. You are sure to find some great vacation ideas that are family-friendly. After all, road trips make for memories that will last a lifetime. Travel safely!

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We want to thank Visit OKC and Kitchen 324 for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Urban Digs

On this visit to OKC, we found ourselves staying at the Colcord Hotel, which is right in the heart of the urban revitalization. (You can check out Colcord here.) As we scoped out the map of nearby options, Kitchen 324 offered a promising meal within easy walking distance. Since we were winding down a four-city trip, we decided to sleep in on our last day. No problem, since breakfast was so close. When we arrived, we found that the restaurant is housed in the old Braniff Airlines building, which was built in 1923. You don’t find that kind of history in the suburbs. From the brunch crowd, it was clear that we weren’t the only ones who appreciate this.

Intriguing Ingredients

Once we started diving into the menu, we found that Kitchen 324 is mixing it up with some interesting flavor combinations. Crystal liked the sound of the Breakfast Bowl, which has an eclectic collection of ingredients. This veggie-packed dish has Brussel sprouts, avocado, and sweet potato, all tossed with kale pesto. She found plenty of protein in the dish, as well. They have this delightful bacon mixed in and top the whole thing with a pair of eggs. Now, that’s what we call a hearty breakfast.

New Twists

I had been thinking about chicken & waffles since we were south of the Mason-Dixon line. When I spotted the Hot Chicken Biscuit, I forgot all about that other dish. I mean, this plate is a great example of how Kitchen 324 is bringing brunch to downtown Oklahoma City. The base for this delectable dish is their homemade biscuit. This place knocks baked goods out of the park. A crispy, and slightly spicy, chicken breast is topped with a fried egg. That’s all it takes to make this sandwich, but the flavor goes on for days. Of course, they toss on a side of their crispy potato wedges, and I ordered some of their McCabe’s Crispy Bacon to round out my meal.

Picturesque Presentation

After we had ordered, but before our meals arrived, we had an opportunity to explore the restaurant. A nearby pastry counter was decorated with tempting treasures, that we made a mental note of for later. Our server had mentioned these treats, during our conversation. The manager came by to welcome us, and we were able to have a short conversation. She explained that Kitchen 324 sources locally produced ingredients, whenever possible. This idea seems to be catching on throughout the country, and we like it. We have found that it brings flavor back to dishes without the need to over-season the food.

Tasty Treats

Once we had finished our meals, it was time to decide just how full we wanted to be. Since we had a morning of exploring in front of us, we figured we could walk away from the extra calories that would come from one of the sweet treats in the pastry case. With so many choices, we knew that this would be tough. After tough negotiations, we agreed on the Cro-Conut. This airy puff of sinful delight combines the tastes of coconut and rum into one dreamy dish. You can bet that this quickly disappeared, and it was worth every heavenly bite.

Bringing Brunch to Downtown Oklahoma City

The flavors we discovered at Kitchen 324 were amazing. As we were dining, a couple was seated at the table next to us. Being out-of-towners, they had happened upon this spot. When they asked how the food was, it sparked a conversation about downtown dining. They had also noticed the increase in flavorful options in more of the downtown areas of cities they have visited. It confirmed what we already knew as a growing trend. This makes us confident that we will discover even more, as we develop our travel itinerary for 2020. We hope to show more places pushing the envelope, much like Kitchen 324 is doing with bringing brunch to downtown Oklahoma City. What cities have some of your favorite downtowns to explore?

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We want to thank Visit OKC and the American Banjo Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own. 

Coming to America

The earliest known origins of the banjo started in Africa. The instrument is composed of four, five or six strings and a membrane-covered frame. It found its way to the Caribbean, in the 17th Century, with the introduction of enslaved people. Historical references can be found dating the use in North America to the 1700s. The banjo would often be heard on plantations, and by the mid-1800s would find its way into mainstream American culture. Prior to this, it had been primarily a handmade instrument. Gaining notoriety in minstrel shows had helped the banjo capture the interest of the public.

Picking and Grinning Americana

The Roaring Twenties was the golden age of the banjo. The instrument played a prominent role in American life. Jazz was all the rage, and banjos were a key instrument in the genre of music. The American Banjo Museum has a wonderful collection of banjos that showcase the artistic side of the designs featured in this era. It’s hard to imagine so much work going into the side of the banjo that rested against the body. It just shows how much people loved their instruments.

Rhubarb Red

As we explored the American Banjo Museum, there were plenty of familiar names and faces popping up. One of the greats in the guitar field is Les Paul. Little did we realize that he has his own connection with picking and grinning. In the 1920s, he performed in a duo, named Sunny Joe & Rhubarb Red, which featured hillbilly music. This genre was extremely popular at that time, and Les would often be found playing the banjo, among other instruments.

Ingrained in American History

Picking and grinning moved farther into American culture and was often associated with country music. After World War II ended, the banjo once again saw a rise in popularity. Many artists would utilize this instrument in their groups, as they performed at The Grand Ole Opry. Banjo players would be as integral to this genre of music, as guitar players were to the fast-rising Rock and Roll. In fact, there were many “Country Shredders” who would become easily recognizable.

A Familiar Name

Pete Seeger was a popular folk singer in the 1940s. As a social activist, he wrote many songs that have found their way into American history. You may remember “If I Had a Hammer” or “Turn! Turn! Turn!”, which were recorded by many artists. While visiting the Woody Guthrie Museum, in Tulsa, we found that they had a traveling exhibit on Pete Seeger. The iconic message on the skin of his banjo was easily recognizable as being from this important artist. (You can read about the Guthrie Museum here.)

King of the Banjos

When we hear the name Earl Scruggs, it immediately is associated with the banjo. Arguably the greatest banjo player of all time, he revolutionized picking and grinning. Many artists had utilized a one or two-finger picking method, but Scruggs introduced the three-finger style. For decades, the banjo had been a back-up instrument used to provide rhythm to a band. This new style of picking brought the banjo up front and center, as it allowed artists to do solos. The music of Scruggs can be found in movies and television shows, like The Beverly Hillbillies. Most of us can recognize “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” when it plays.

An Unlikely Entry

During our visit, we were lucky enough to catch the tail end of the Jim Henson special exhibit. In this rotating exhibit, there was a ton of information about this visionary. It brought back memories of watching The Muppets on television, during our youth. The exhibit told about his life from boyhood through his passing. The early days of puppeteer work, on Sesame Street, helped him develop the characters that would later come to life in his movie, The Dark Crystal. He was certainly a special kind of storyteller.

Picking and Grinning Alternatives

As we made our way onto the second floor of the museum, we found a few oddities in the banjo world. The huge bass banjo seemed like quite a weird idea, and it would be interesting to hear it played. I guess it wasn’t meant to be. Nearby, we found a series of display cases filled with ukuleles. Not being terribly familiar with this instrument, our minds drift to pictures of Hawaiian dancers playing this instrument on the beach. Little did we know, there is an entire series of professionally crafted ukes designed like miniature banjos.

Gallery of American Treasure

Upstairs we also found a large collection of banjos from the 1920s and 1930s. These gorgeously gilded instruments were so interesting to view. From a cursory glance they looked similar. Once we got closer, we could see how each has its own unique design. It amazes us that there can be so much variation in this one magically musical creation. Do you enjoy watching the picking and grinning of banjo players?

The post Picking And Grinning At The American Banjo Museum appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit OKC and S&B’s Burger Joint for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Long Play Favorite

S&B’s Burger Joint has built a following across Oklahoma. This chain of restaurants is owned by Shannon Roper and Bryan Neel, hence the name S&B’s. While we often shy away from showcasing chain restaurants, there are always those few that stand out from the pack. We like that S&B’s is more of a local chain and that they are dedicated to their community. This includes being generous with donations back into each community that they serve. We arrived a few minutes early, so we had time to scope out the interior. Since we were enjoying an early lunch, it meant that we had our choice of tables, in their open, garage-like seating area.

Gimme, Gimme

Most of you can probably remember the lyrics, “We built this city on rock and roll”. This chain has built rock and roll into their theme. From the colorful graphic images on nearly every surface to the rows of LP records, it’s all about the tunes. Reviewing their menu, we found that they carry this theme into this area, as well. We found categories of Greatest Hits Salads, Classic Rock Pizza and Burgers, as well as Other Classics. Our hosts talked up the specialty shakes, so we obviously needed to sample one. I picked out a Strawberry Poptart Shake, which is truly over-the-top experience. 

Rockin’ Patties

With four in our group, there was a whole lot of food being ordered, so let’s get started. Meg got it rolling with the Impossible Burger. This plant-based version of a burger is becoming all the rage. While we are okay with a good cow-based patty, it’s nice to see restaurants beginning to solve the ordering dilemma for our vegan friends. Tabbi pulled from the Indie Rock Burger section, with her order of The Frenchman. With mushrooms, Swiss cheese, fried onions, and French onion dip, it had me second-guessing my choice.

Smothered Goodness

You can’t have burgers without getting some fries, and Tabbi knew that S&B’s was rocking the classics with their Peanut Butter & Bacon Fry. While we truly enjoy a nice order of sweet potato fries, this place doesn’t stop there. Let’s get crazy and drizzle some creamy peanut butter all over your fries. Oh wait, why not toss on a heaping helping of bacon crumbles, as well. What kind of madness is this? Oh wait, it’s the delicious kind that kept us coming back for more.

Instant Classic

With all of these crazy options to choose from, it was actually our server who helped me decide on my burger. Old Town Road is one of their signature burgers and starts with one of their half-pound Angus beef patties. Then they go crazy. Toss on some melted cheddar, jalapeño-bacon, hand-breaded fried jalapeños & frizzled onions, and then coat it with BBQ aioli. While you are at it, why not top it with a whole fried jalapeño? Oh wait, they did just that, and it was delicious.

Rocking the Classics Again

It was looking like Crystal would have to bring some normalcy to our table. I thought it would happen with her order of the Black & Blue. Once again, S&B’s was rocking the classics with their spin on this burger house staple. Sure it’s a burger, and sure it has bacon, but the coating wasn’t blue cheese, it was a balsamic blue cheese vinaigrette. How can that be misconstrued as a Black & Blue Burger? Sure enough, they threw this dish for a loop, as well. Crystal quickly discovered that the blue cheese is stuffed inside the burger, so the flavor comes out in every bite. Pretty tricky!

Get in my Belly

As we dined and conversed, it was clear that S&B’s Burger Joint has found a way to spice up their menu. By rocking the classics with unusual twists, they have carved out a niche in the burger world. What made it even better was that the Angus beef patties were juicy and flavorful, so they would easily be able to stand out on their own. Of course, we aren’t upset to have so many unique topping combinations to choose from. It just makes it a little more difficult to pick just one. At least I had my strawberry shake to savor while I decided.

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We want to thank Visit OKC and Colcord Hotel for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Let’s Get This Visit Started

We made our first blog trip to OKC in 2018, but ran out of time, before seeing all the sites we wanted to feature. (You can see the 12 we tried last year in this article.) With only 24 hours to see what we missed, it was important to be close to local transit. No problem here, since the Colcord Hotel sits just a couple blocks from many key attractions. Bricktown is within easy walking distance, as well as the botanical gardens, and even the new streetcar. For those wanting a little extra pampering, the hotel offers complimentary luxury shuttle service to locations within two miles. Since the streetcar was still under construction during our last visit, we knew that was going to be key to our travels around downtown.

An OKC First

When we arrived at the Colcord Hotel, we noticed the towering structures that dwarfed our temporary home. Of course, it wasn’t always like that. Travel back to 1910, and you would find OKC’s first skyscraper weighing in at 12 stories tall. In those days, it was named the Colcord Building. The man behind the myth had come from California, and seen the devastation that earthquakes could cause. To make sure this same thing didn’t strike his new building, he created the first steel reinforced concrete building in OKC.

Bringing the Past to Life

When the Colcord Building was constructed, it was filled with all the luxuries of that time period. Marble columns and walls greet guests who pass through the double glass door entry. Decorative balusters line the staircases that lead to the floors filled with elegant lodging spaces. Art Deco light fixtures add an extra layer of nostalgic class. With such an elegant first impression, we were anxious to check out our room.

Boutique Styling

With all the amazing architectural elements, we were wondering what our room would look like. You can imagine our surprise when we entered our doorway to find this modern styling. The muted colors of the carpet and fixtures allowed the pop of color in the bedspread to jump out at us. Even though we would not spend a lot of time in our room, we knew that every minute would be enjoyable.

An Elevated Dinner

After a day filled with running, we needed to refuel for our upcoming evening. Fortunately, we didn’t have to go any farther than our hotel lobby. Flint Restaurant is located on the first floor of the Colcord Hotel. The mix of dark wood floors and oak tables adds an air of refinement to the space. Unfinished concrete pillars help keep the atmosphere from becoming stuffy. Diners have a mix of tables or booths to choose from, so there is something for every taste. Crystal prefers a booth, while I like chairs, and they even had a space to satisfy both of us.

Popular Gathering Spot

Visiting Flint was an OKC first for us, so I wanted to be sure to check out the entire space. Our visit was purposely planned for an early dinner, as we had so many more stops planned for our evening. While the dinner crowd had not yet arrived, the bar area was already seeing plenty of activity. This brightly colored space has an inviting feeling, and is watched over by the glass deer head.

Fresh Flavors

After seeing the delicious looking concoctions at the bar, I decided that one would look especially good on our table. Our server, George, was kind enough to make a suggestion for a delightful beverage that would compliment any dish we ordered. I agreed to let his choice ride, and soon he returned with a Violet Skies in hand. This light, yet flavorful drink is unlike any I had sampled. The drink is made with Capel Pico (a natural grape spirit from Chile), Bercherovka (a herbal liqueur from the Czech Republic), Creme de Violette (a violet flavored spirit), and some house made Lemon-Thyme syrup. The flavor is hard to describe, but it was gentle on the taste buds.

Familiar Yet Fresh

Now it was time to concentrate on our dinner selections. Flint offers an American cuisine dining experience with an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. Our window front table offered us views of the patio dining nearby. The menu is filled with familiar foods that are taken to the next level. I chose the Masa Batter Fried Mississippi Catfish. When my plate was delivered, I found the presentation to be intriguing. On one side of the dish was an abundant helping of their seasonal vegetable succotash. When I spun the plate around, I was pleasantly surprised to find a delectable tomatillo relish.

A Classic Plate

While the menu has plenty of land based meal options, Crystal also decided to go with a fish dish. The Herb Crusted Scottish Salmon comes with sides of asparagus and olive oil crushed red potatoes. The filet was light and flaky, and the crust was not overbearing. With our meals laid out in front of us, and pictures taken, we were ready to enjoy a casual meal. As we dined, we discussed our evening’s plans. There was so much we wanted to see on this visit, since many of the sights would be an OKC first for us.

Exploring the Big Friendly

The capital city of Oklahoma is brimming with sights that are appropriate for all ages. The city gained the nickname of “The Big Friendly” in 2007, and it is easy to understand why, once you interact with some locals. Everyone at Colcord Hotel was inviting and seemed genuinely happy to see us. The staff at Flint Restaurant treated us kindly, and we noticed the same approach being used with every other patron who entered the place. As we made our way around town, it seemed that the locals were more than happy to assist with directions or suggestions that made our visit easier. The true Midwestern hospitality certainly shines in Oklahoma City. Isn’t it about time you made a visit?

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and the local businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Rushing in to Bricktown

The Oklahoma Territory saw multiple land runs, which occurred when the lands were opened up to new settlers. Thousands lined up to take a chance at claiming a homestead on the frontier. A series of sculptures, in Bricktown, commemorate this historical action and offer amazing selfie and photo opportunities. Of course, while in this unique entertainment district, you will also want to do some exploring. Bricktown is home to delicious dining, unique shops, and entertaining attractions, like the riverboat tours. (You can read more about Bricktown here.)

Making a Splash

Just a short hop from Bricktown, we found Riversport OKC. When a visit to this attraction was suggested, it only took a moment of research to determine it was a “must do”. This place is an adrenaline junkies dream, but is designed with safety in mind. This makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of ages and activity levels. Where else would I get a chance to take a whitewater challenge in the heart of a city? (You can read more about Riversport here.)

Hanging South of the River

The Oklahoma River not only bisects the city, but also offers plenty of places to create unique attractions. Among these new developments, is the Wheeler District. Designed to get residents out of their homes and into the neighborhood is paramount to this area. The pinnacle attraction of this area is the Wheeler Ferris Wheel. The wheel used to sit on the Santa Monica Pier, but was purchased in 2008 and moved to its new home in the Midwest. We visited one evening and found the spot to be hopping with food trucks, pop-up shops, and some fun photo settings. You will definitely want to visit this local favorite during your Oklahoma City vacation.

Home on the Range

While Oklahoma City is continuing to expand, there are still lots of places in the state to get far away from people. These broad expanses are reminders of the long standing need for cowboys to maintain the herds that dot the land. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum offers us city folk a chance to learn more about the history of these brave, but lonely souls. The museum is a perfect fit for all ages, and those with smaller children will want to visit the Children’s Corral. Be sure to bring a camera to take full advantage of the museum’s numerous “selfie” spots. (You can read more about the Cowboy Museum here.)

Feeling Like Kids Again

More and more cities we visit are featuring amazing science centers. These hands-on, interactive attractions give kids of all ages a chance to play, while learning about various scientific principles. Science Museum Oklahoma is filled with tons of exhibits designed to engage visitors in all sorts of experiments. They even have a Segway training course where guests can learn how to ride one of these fun vehicles. (You can read more about the Science Museum here.)

Engaging at the OKC Zoo

After our visit to the science center, we moved right next door to the Oklahoma City Zoo. Even though the day was heating up, we were still able to see plenty of the animals out and about. Many of the exhibits offer shade opportunities, so they stay active longer. Our main purpose for visiting was a chance to get up close and personal with one of the zoo’s pachyderms. It seemed like all of the animals knew we were coming and were watching for us. (You can read more about the OKC Zoo here.)

Heroes Among Us

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum is not the average tourist stop. This space is dedicated to the brave men and women who lived and died through the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. An aura of peace and remembrance has replaced the site of destruction, and stands as a reminder to the world of the resiliency of the American spirit. (Read more about the OKC Memorial here.)

Checking Out the Local Life

When we visit a new destination, we try to check out some of the upcoming hot spots. During our visit, we ran into a little road construction associated with the expansion of the city’s light rail. Being from Kansas City, we understand the challenges, as well as the benefits of adding this fun transportation option. Just a stone’s throw from our hotel we found Automobile Alley. Originally home to the city’s automobile dealerships and parts suppliers, the buildings are finding new life. Boutique shops and interesting dining destinations are popping up all over the space.

Hearty Happy Hour

Speaking of dining, Oklahoma City is filled with interesting eateries that feature about every cuisine style we know. During our outing to Automobile Alley, we stopped in Iguana Mexican Grill for a Happy Hour celebration. The interesting decor and delicious eats paired well with a couple of cooling margaritas. It made for a nice break from our explorations, and refueled us for some boutique shopping. (Read more about Iguana here.)

Decades of Flavor

Traveling to new destinations means getting to sample regional dishes. A stop at Tucker’s Onion Burgers introduced us to this decades old menu item. Invented out of necessity, these flavorful patties are still enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. You will want to be sure to sample this uniquely Oklahoma meal during your visit. (Read more about Tucker’s here.)

Getting Our Kicks on Route 66

Oklahoma City has the distinction of being one of the major cities that lie on the original Route 66 path. This old school “Mother Road” was a major highway that connected Chicago  to the West Coast. These days, thousands of nostalgia buffs make a pilgrimage along the route in search of the interesting sights that captured the style of Americana. At Pop 66, in nearby Arcadia, drivers can fill their tanks and their bellies all in one stop. While there, you can pick up an assortment of craft sodas from their collection of over 700 types. (Read more about Pop’s 66 here.)

Start the Day Right

Spending the majority of our time near the downtown worked out well for us in the dining category. Returning to the Automobile Alley for breakfast, led us to Hatch Early Mood Food. This local favorite was packed with goodness and plenty of customers. We found a short wait was well worth it, as the food was amazing. Hatch offered some unique dishes like a Breakfast Cuban that puts a new spin on one of my favorites. (Read more about Hatch here.)

Breakfast of Champions

We find breakfast to be one of the most important meals of the day. After all, it fuels us for exploring and offers a chance to drink coffee. To be honest, we always hope for a good dining option close to our hotel, so we can get our coffee quickly. Oklahoma City did us right, as they had a great breakfast option next door to our hotel. Waffle Champion puts a fun spin on this classic dish by using waffles as the wrapper. A good selection of fillings make this a stop that can be tried on multiple occasions during your vacation. (Read more about Waffle Champion here.)

Luxury Lodging

Finding lodging that keeps us close to all of the action is paramount when we travel. In Oklahoma City, the Ambassador Hotel was a perfect fit, as it offered sophisticated style with convenience. From this stylish home base, we could easily access Bricktown, Downtown, and Automobile Alley. Boutique style rooms are classically comfortable and filled with amenities. (We enjoyed the complimentary bottled water on those toasty days.)  A trip to the rooftop bar offered stunning views of the city’s skyline. We dropped by late one evening and found that it is a very popular spot for drinks and conversation.

…and Plenty More!

Our three days in Oklahoma City gave us a fair sampling of the flavors that this capitol city has to offer. With tons of cultural, historical, and entertainment sites, OKC is a perfect vacation destination for families looking to engage all ages. Couples traveling to the area will find plenty of top-notch restaurants, lovely gardens, boutique shops, and romantic walks to fill their itinerary. Be sure to bring your cowboy boots for an evening of boot-scootin fun at one of the areas dance venues. Check out Visit OKC for more things to see and do. With all of these options, what places do you want to visit first?

The post 12 Top Experiences In Oklahoma City appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City National Memorial for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

A Place of Remembrance

It was hard for me to imagine how I could add anything notable to this myriad of information. The facts of the event have been well documented. On the fateful spring day, a truck filled with explosives was parked outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. At 9:02, the blast ripped through the 9 story structure with terrifying force. The entire north wall was ripped from the building, destroying about a third of the structure. Over 300 other buildings, in the area, were damaged or destroyed.

Cars were upended and burned beyond recognition. Many of the surrounding structures had the glass blown out from the blast. It was hard to fathom the amount of damage caused by this heinous act. We can remember watching the news reports, as they flooded across every station. The entire nation sat in silent prayer, waiting for updates. This event had ripped a hole in the shroud of innocence of America. We no longer were a country that heard reports of terrorist activities in far away places. This had hit us right in the heartland.

Swift Action

While the citizens of our country were still reeling, the authorities were hard at work. Within ninety minutes of the bombing, a man was stopped by Oklahoma Highway Patrol for driving without a license plate. He would be arrested for possession of illegal weapons. His name would later be identified as Timothy McVeigh. Working diligently, federal investigators were able to link McVeigh to the scene of the attack. Soon, forensic evidence would tie a second suspect, Terry Nichols, to the crime, as well.

In a short time, investigators concluded that it was McVeigh who detonated the bomb, while Nichols had assisted in the bomb’s preparation. The motivation behind this despicable action had been McVeigh’s disdain for the way the U.S. government had handled the Ruby Ridge incident, as well as the siege with the Branch Davidian group in Waco, Texas. The bombing had coincided with second anniversary of the fire at the Waco compound.

Justice Is Served

The trials would take place within a couple of years of the event. Nichols was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. McVeigh was found guilty and sentenced to death by lethal injection, which was carried out on June 11, 2001. That same year America would experience the attack on the World Trade Center. A third suspect, Michael Fortier, would be charged and found guilty of failing to inform the government. Fortier and his wife would testify against the other two defendants during their trials.

The True Impact

Those are the basic facts behind the catastrophic event of April 19, 1995, but it’s not the real story that the Oklahoma City National Memorial is focused on. The real message is about heroes. Any event, even one of this magnitude, will turn everyday people into heroes. As we made  our way through the museum, we were first presented with the facts of the events. You have to be able to understand the atmosphere of the moment to truly appreciate the fear and unknowing, that faced those in the vicinity. Walking through the galleries, we saw glimpses of the destructive power of the bomb. Even though the rooms were filled with visitors, hardly any words were spoken.

This was a time to take it all in and begin truly processing the information. As we progressed, the exhibits changed their focus to the men and women who became impromptu rescuers. Many of these people were just ordinary everyday office workers and citizens, like you and me. Pressed into an unexpected scene of destruction, their basic survival instincts broke through and drove them to do feats of unbelievable bravery. This is the true story to be gained from this type of horrific event. It is those who survive who will mourn their friends and coworkers who were lost. The strength that lies within all of us  is seen in moments like this. While watching reports and reading the recollections of those present, it is humbling to think of the strength it must have taken to focus on others in a time that they were unsure of their own safety.

We Will Always Remember

Only hours after the explosion, locals began making makeshift memorials to those they lost that day. While it would not be known until later, the final death count would end up being 168 Oklahomans. A chain link fence, erected to preserve the crime scene, would serve as a backdrop for the ongoing addition to the makeshift memorial. Poems, messages, and various memorabilia was hung on the fence. It was such a moving tribute that a portion was preserved as part of the permanent memorial. On April 19, 2000 the Outdoor Symbolic Memorial was dedicated. Five years after the terrible event, the city was still attempting to heal.

Less than a year later, the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Memorial would open. It is dedicated to those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever.  With 35 interactive exhibits and hundreds of hours of video, it is impossible to take it all in during one visit. We found that by the end of our visit the overwhelming message was one of overcoming. The people who overcame their fears and injuries to assist their fellow neighbors. The residents of Oklahoma City who overcame their trauma to be able to pay their respects to the friends, family, and community members they lost. Our nation would never return to its days of innocence prior to this act of internal terrorism, but we found out that the human spirit is stronger than some would expect. Do you remember where you were on that fateful day?

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and Tucker’s Onion Burgers for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Long History at Tucker’s Onion Burgers

To understand the history of onion burgers, you have to travel back to the 1920’s. The country was struggling economically and the Great Depression was forcing hard choices in most people’s lives. Looking to stretch the ground beef in their burgers, cooks began adding a pile of shredded onions. Not only was this an economic boost, it created a delicious accent to the burgers. Before long, diners and cafes all across the state of Oklahoma had embraced this practice. To this day, Oklahoma has claimed the title of “Onion Burger Capital of the World”.

Keeping It Close

Tucker’s prides themselves in using the finest ingredients in all of their dishes. They source their products from a 300 mile radius to insure freshness. Their restaurants are designed to be environmentally friendly. The disposable items are all recyclable or compostable, which is an environmentally responsible step we are beginning to find at more locations we visit. The clean, industrial design creates a casual vibe fit for a family visit. Our stop was after a hot day at the Oklahoma Zoo, and we never felt out of place. (You can read about our zoo visit here.)

Getting Our Eat On

After a day filled with exploring, we were more than ready for a hearty meal. The choices at Tucker’s are not limited to just beef burgers. They also offer turkey burgers and even a veggie burger version. We ordered one of the 100% Black Angus Single Onion Burgers with cheese. You can also pick a double or even the Mother Tucker, if you are REALLY hungry. Be prepared for more than a pound of patties to land in front of you. Our second choice was their Tucker’s Clucker. A chicken breast is breaded with their special seasoning, and we even had them toss on some bacon. Add in an order of their fresh cut fries and we were set to smash our hungers. To wash this all down we picked one of their fresh squeezed lemonades, as well as a seasonal shake. At that time it was peach flavor and packed with bits of real peach. By the time we finished our meal, we understood why onion burgers have been a wild success for almost 100 years. We are betting they will be around another century, as well. Have you ever tasted an onion burger? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below. Let’s see how many of you loved them like we did!

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and Riversport OKC for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Adventures Galore at Riversport OKC

We have had the opportunity to visit a few adventure parks, but none of them were on the scale of Riversport. This place is a mix of family friendly (all age) attractions, as well as some high adrenaline, action packed thrills. As we pulled into the parking lot, the most obvious structure was the Sandridge Sky Trail. This 80′ tall rope and balance course is the tallest of its kind in the world. Participants work their way up the trail by crossing balance beams, zig-zag obstacles, and rope bridges. All of this is done with safety in mind. Once you reach the top you have a few options on how to get down. You can power down the 72′ slide, drop down the 80′ free-fall Rumble Drop, zip-line the Sandridge Sky Zip across the Oklahoma River or just walk back down the stairs.

While we were in this area, we explored some of the other attractions available. There are multiple climbing walls at Riversport, so everyone feels welcome. Youths and adults can slip into the climbing harness and safely challenge their climbing abilities. There is also a littler wall suitable for smaller kids. Nearby, there is a fun mini-golf course, for when you want a break from the more strenuous activities. An indoor simulator allows guests the chance to challenge themselves at a variety of other sports. At the Extreme Air Jumper  you can jump up to 20′ in the air. For more high flying fun you can also check out Jump Shot, which combines trampolines and basketball.

Time For My Main Event

Riversport OKC was not on our schedule during our first draft of an itinerary. Even with all of my practice at creating itineraries, sometimes I can still overlook certain sites. While I had seen Riversport on the map, I hadn’t really taken the time to look at it in depth. Tabbi, our contact at the Oklahoma City CVB, made the suggestion for a visit during our communications. The way Tabbi described it made me go back for a second look. That is when we discovered just how much this attraction has to offer. We were hooked and it was added to our schedule. The part that really caught my attention was their white rafting opportunities. While I have done a little rafting in my youth, none of it was very challenging.

Riversport, in the Boathouse District, has invested over $45 million in their whitewater rafting and kayaking facility. We made our way over to this section of the park and watched a few of the rafts passing down their two courses. Crystal immediately decided to pass on this adventure, so it fell upon me to be the participant. After a short “trip talk”, which includes safety lessons, it was time for our groups to gear up for our turn on the water. With vests and helmets in place, we made our way to our craft to board. I’m not sure about the rest of our group, but my adrenaline was flowing pretty well by now.

Running The Rapids

We started out with a little paddling, as we made our way to the conveyor that carries the rafts to the staging area. Once up top, the real paddling started. The two paths offer completely different experiences. We began on the easier of the two and ran it all the way down without any issues. Our raft leader, Greg, guided us easily through the course giving voice instructions all along the way. Soon our group was working like a well-oiled machine, so it was time to challenge the second course. This one offers Class IV rapids, so needless to say we got pretty wet. During this pass the intensity was super high, but once again we passed through without incident.

The video above shows a little slice of how the participation plays out. The middle portion is from the easier (Class II) course, so you can imagine the intensity of the other course. Towards the end of our time, our raft leader asked us to switch places, so that the two younger participants would be up front. The guys moved to the back, which redistributed the weight distribution for the upcoming event. We paddled to the final drop and when we crashed down the front of the raft popped up high, which bounced the girls up to be weightless for a brief second. Everyone found this amusing, as we ended our time with this fun display.

Your Turn!

I have to be honest, after our turn on the water, my arms could certainly feel the effects. It’s funny that during our time on the water this never crossed my mind, but now that the adrenaline was subsiding, it became more apparent. We finished our time up at the park, and changed our clothes before heading out to our car. I’m guessing we had a little extra swagger in our walks (At least I did!) after such a wonderful group of experiences. This will certainly be one of those life moments that will stay with me. To be honest, I have a picture from my experience as my screensaver, and I still feel a bit of pride about my participation. We know that this may not be the kind of place that everyone would want to experience, but for those willing, you will find that they stress safety at Riversport OKC. When you visit you will want to take a change of clothes, and don’t forget to bring a camera to record your amazing journey. Would you be up for the challenge of whitewater rafting?

The post Facing The Challenges At Riversport Adventures OKC appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and Iguana Mexican Grill for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Colorful Digs At Iguana Mexican Grill

The restaurant is just off of the main drag, so easily within walking distance from the nearby shops. As we approached, we were greeted by the brightly colored outside decor, which included an over-sized “Day of the Dead” style skull. Once inside, we saw the bright colors continued through the decorations. It gives the place a casual, fun atmosphere perfect for a late afternoon get together. The Happy Hour crowd was just beginning to arrive, so we had our choice of seating sections. Since neither of us prefer high-tops, we were seated at a table that has benches on once side and chairs on the other.

Easing Into Happy Hour

Our server brought us some chips and salsa to munch on while we reviewed the menus. We picked a couple of the house margaritas to get started. When he returned, we discussed what are some of the favorites at Iguana. He pointed out that while the Happy Hour menu is small overall, it includes the houses most popular food item. While the chips and salsa were tasty, we decided that we wanted to expand our sampling a bit.

He suggested the Queso Fundido, which is their spin on queso dip. This version is made with Chihuahua cheese that has been heated in a skillet. To this base they add chorizo, caramelized onions, and jalapeno salsa. It is served with flour tortillas, but we also enjoyed it with the crispy house made tortilla chips. This appetizer was out of the norm for what we usually find when ordering queso. The combination of flavors were so good, that this dish was emptied in record time. By the way, it pairs really well with their margaritas.

More Tasty Treats

While we devoured the queso, the kitchen was busy preparing our main dishes. The Happy Hour menu at Iguana Mexican Grill features mini tacos as the food of choice. It ends up that this is the most popular dish and can be ordered with soft or hard shells. You also get choice of chicken or ground beef for the protein. Crystal decided to have the soft shells and fill them with the seasoned chicken. They come filled to the gill, and they have a nice plate presence. I went traditional with the ground beef filling the hard shells. Yes, I went with three tacos versus Crystal’s two, but I was famished after a morning of exploring. After all, I was lugging the camera around.

The Happy Hour choices were plenty to fill us, and at a good price point. By the time we finished, the end of workday crowds were starting to filter in. Time for us to return to Automobile Alley for some more shopping, err… exploring. Our meal at Iguana Mexican Grill offered us a delicious refueling stop in a fun atmosphere. This is exactly the kind of locally owned eateries that we love to experience. We just hope they are ready for the big increase in traffic that the new transportation system is sure to provide. I guess we will have to drop back by afterwards to see how the area has changed.

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Zoo for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Summer Heats Up

Being from the Midwest, we are no newbies to summer heat. We will usually try to schedule as many of our outdoor activities in the morning, but it doesn’t always work out that way when we are planning our action packed itineraries. We realize that most of you will not try to pack so much into one day, so we would highly suggest a summer zoo visit be made closer to opening time. This will allow for the best chance to see the animals being active. Of course, this doesn’t mean that an afternoon visit is completely out of the question. While some of the animals may be hiding from the heat, many others will be going about their everyday activities. Besides, it usually means smaller crowds to deal with.

Being Shady at Oklahoma City Zoo

While the walking paths may have been a little toasty, we found that the Oklahoma City Zoo has done a good job at incorporating shade spots in their exhibits. This allows visitors a chance to get out of the blazing sun and observe the animals in a more comfortable setting. As we passed through the zoo we found lots of creatures going about their business. It was the first time we remember seeing a flamingo chick, so we watched the mother feed it for a while.

Many of the animals seemed to be just as interested in us, as we were in them. This huge Galapagos Tortoise kept an eye on us and almost seemed to be smiling as we approached. It’s easy to see that this creature has seen the passing of many seasons and will probably outlive many of those that visit the zoo. This is certainly an animal we would probably never have the chance to see in the wild. One of the reasons we support zoos is the education that they impart on their visitors. It is a chance to see the beauty of the other creatures that inhabit our planet, and understand the importance of helping to preserve their habitats.

We’ve Got Bears!

For those who follow our escapades on Instagram, we are sure you know our infatuation with bears. (You can find our feed here.) We were pleased to find a pair of Grizzlies actively exploring their space. The design of their exhibit allows visitors excellent observations. A large glass wall let us follow them as they moved along their space. Once again, we were glad to have the shady perch from which to view.

Time To Get Hands-On

The highlight of our visit was getting to experience one of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Wild Encounters. These behind-the-scenes tours allow guests to see the animals in a whole new way. They offer up close and personal meetings with flamingos, sea lions, rhinos, grizzly bears, Galapagos turtles, and elephants. We  had reservations for an encounter with the Asian elephants. Our zoo tour guide picked us up and gave us a short overview of the elephant sanctuary that has been created at the zoo. Afterwards, we were guided inside the elephant barn and handed off to the trainers.

As we waited nearby, one of the trainers put an elephant through its paces. They explained to us that by doing this training it allows them a chance to inspect the animals for any potential health issue. We were amazed at how limber and nimble these creatures were for their size. It was also fun watching them pick up their treats.

Our Turn

After the inspections were completed, it was time for our chance to get a little one-on-one time with one of the elephants. The one they chose was only three years old, but already taller than us. When it is your turn they have you move to a predetermined spot. At that point you can feel the side of the elephant, but keep aware of the trunk. They can be a little sneaky, so they request you don’t have any loose objects that could be easily removed.

I was next up and I took my position. The experience is amazing and gives you the feeling of a closer connection with the elephant. Crystal and I both were surprised at the feeling we experienced. The amount of wiry hair on the side of an elephant is not what we expected. It felt a little like a stiff bristle brush. This was the closest we have ever been to elephants, and the experience will definitely stay with us. Once everyone had their turn it was time to follow our tour guide back to the cart. Before leaving the area she showed us the rest of the Asian elephants at the zoo and told us a little about the family dynamics and hierarchy.

Time For A Wrap

By the time we parted from our tour it was getting late in the day. We chose a path that allowed us to see a few more exhibits, as we made our way toward the exit. The long day seemed to be taking its toll on everyone and everything. Even with that, there were still quite a few animals out and about in their exhibits.

As we traveled, we spotted these animals who found a unique way to cool off. While it may have been a little muddy, the idea of a cooling dip seemed appealing. We were already deep into our second day in Oklahoma City and still hadn’t had a chance to enjoy the pool at our hotel. Maybe this evening would be the night.

We finished up our visit and made our way toward our car. As we headed off to our next stop, we both commented on the amazing experience we had that day. We feel blessed that we have the opportunity to get these opportunities, and hope that you will find some that will intrigue you, as well. As the habitats dwindle, and so many species become challenged, these types of activities are a chance to create a stronger bond with our planet. Perhaps we can inspire our kids and grandkids to be the generations that see the re-population of these important inhabitants. We hope you like this article and will share it with some of your friends. Thanks!

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and the National Cowboy Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Prosperity Junction

Once we arrived at the National Cowboy Museum, we began our exploring in Prosperity Junction. This over-sized space is a replica of an old cattle town. Visitors are transported back to the end of the 1800’s. We could imagine ourselves strolling the streets just after sundown. Each of the buildings represent a business that would be commonplace during that era.

The space that holds Prosperity Junction is huge. With 40 foot ceilings, they can even hold two-story structures. We passed through the railroad depot, checking out the artifacts. Across the street is the local hotel. Just down the way we found the local church. Inside, the space was arranged much as it would have been in one of the many small towns that sprung up around the railroad path.

Life In The West

The various buildings have displays that look just like what we imagined. The local General Store is filled with goods and merchandise that had been shipped across the prairie at great expense. While many people would have lived on farms and grown their own food, there were still plenty of residents in the towns who would be required to purchase all of their goods. Next door we found the Sheriff’s office, which looked like he had just stepped out of the room.

Behind the office we noticed the jail area. Here is where those who failed to follow the law ended up. I took the opportunity to see what this would have looked like. How did I do?

Hold On. It’s Going To Be A Bumpy Ride!

The National Cowboy Museum would be remiss, if it didn’t include the rodeo. This classic event is not only an exciting diversion, but usually a major community gathering. The dioramas are so life-like that it brings back memories of these events from our younger years. Displayed memorabilia includes trophies, saddles, and even some of the belt buckles that are synonymous with the rodeo stars.

Selfie Spots

A fun diversion at the National Cowboy Museum is taking selfies. The museum staff has made this easier by placing “Selfie Spots” throughout the building. These are located at prominent points, which have picture perfect backgrounds. The cowboy riding the bucking bronc was just such a spot. We are trying harder to remember to take selfies for our memories and these markers certainly helped. Be sure to take a few of your own selfies during your visit. It’s a great way to memorialize your experience.

Riding Into The Sunset

We all know the role that westerns have played in the movies. In the early years of cinema these were paramount to the success of many studios. The national Cowboy Museum has a large exhibit dedicated to this section of the entertainment industry. A small cinema sits in the middle of the gallery and runs a loop of entertaining clips.

Around the perimeter are displays of items from various stars of the silver screen, as well as television. Being a lover of westerns, I loved seeing all of the pieces, especially ones that I readily recognized. In one area, Crystal found a device that tested her knowledge of shows from the golden age of television. We were hit and miss on our ability to correctly answer the questions.

Heading Into The Frontier

We moved into the premier exhibit on the Frontier West. This includes displays that most of us associate with the Wild West. The collection includes pieces from the military, hunters, Native Americans, and other early frontier inhabitants. Encompassing about 6,500 square feet of space, this series of galleries kept us busy for a considerable amount of time.

The military area includes pieces associated with the frontier forts and the patrols that protected them. Lots of uniforms and accessories are displayed, and it’s amazing how well preserved many appear. There are also plenty of the weapons that would have been used during that period of history.

Native Pieces

The frontier exhibits also include a collection of Native American pieces. Oklahoma is home to a large group of Native American tribes. Most were relocated to the region from points farther east, as the US government moved to claim their original home lands. Many of the artifacts on display are great examples of the detailed beadwork commonly found in various tribes clothing and accessories. The colors and designs have held up so well that many pieces look nearly brand new.

The gallery of Native American artifacts is substantial. Crystal found the jewelry amazing and noted that many of the pieces must weigh a lot. We finished our exploration of the inside galleries. They have a wonderful art section that includes lots of paintings and sculptures. Since the majority of these are copyright protected, they do not allow photography.

Quiet Space

The National Cowboy Museum has a beautiful outdoor water garden area. A small waterfall provides background sights and sounds for a peaceful period of reflection. The shaded space has seating areas and some golden koi fish. Even on a hot summer day the area was a cool spot to spend a few moments.

Kids Are Covered At National Cowboy Museum

A separate building is positioned opposite the garden area. We stepped inside and found that it contained the Children’s Cowboy Corral. Designed as an interactive space, we found a place to strap on chaps and spurs and practice our saddle work. Informative signage helps teach facts about life as a cowboy.

Further into the building, we found a couple other spots for play. For a while we watched some of the families playing make believe in the makeshift cabin. It was a good area to build a fire and sit around the outdoor kitchen. Down the hall is a wagon with a diagram showing all of the parts and pieces that would be needed for traveling the trails across the prairie.

Show Us Your Selfie

With our time running out, we made our way back to the main building. Before leaving, we thanked the staff for their hospitality. Everyone is so welcoming and helpful at the National Cowboy Museum. Speaking with one staff member, we found out that there are tons of artifacts held in storage. The exhibits are periodically rotated with pieces, so we would find new things to see on our next visit. We really like the sound of this and hope to make it back this way to spend more time exploring this massive space. When you visit, be sure to take a few selfies to share with us. You can email your best shots to jeff@ourchanginglives.com and we will post some of our favorites on our social media accounts. Be sure to include your account names, so we can tag you in the posts!

The post Explore The Wild West: National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Pick Your Seat

The front of the restaurant faces East, and the morning sunshine was gleaming brightly. When we stepped inside to put our name in for a table, we were advised that there were a couple open on the patio. We happened to have walked past this seating area on our way in and knew it would be too bright for us.  As we were leaving, we noticed that they had dropped the shades, so we could have dined outside after all.

On the inside, the seating is primarily booths, but also has a few long community areas. The bar offers plenty of space, as well as a chance to strike up a conversation with neighbors. There are a couple other long counters like this, including the one at the front of the store. This is where we ended up.

The Future Looks Bright

Our server brought us some coffee and menus. The first thing we noticed was how many choices there are at Hatch Early Mood Food, for breakfast. Omelets, Benedicts, pancakes, sammies, and more. With so many choices it took us a while to decide.  Fortunately, our server was patient and handy with refills of our coffee cups.

Decisions, Decisions!

Finally we had to pick. Crystal has been on a pancake kick for a while, so I wasn’t surprised when she chose the Strawberry Dream. This sticky, sweet stack is made with a sweet batter and then topped with strawberry cream cheese compote and candied walnuts. No need for any syrup with this dish. I took a small bite and the strawberry flavor screams through for a delicious tone.

I didn’t have nearly as long of a decision period, once I noticed the Breakfast Cuban. Now I am always up for a Cuban sandwich, and have tried them at restaurants at many of the cities we have visited. Hatch Early Mood Food was the first place I had seen this dish on the breakfast menu. Fluffy egg is combined with beer-braised pork, bacon, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, peppers, and onions. This amazing combination of flavors is nestled inside of pressed Torta bread and wrapped in a nice presentation. I added a side of their Loaded Tumblers. These unusual version of hash browns are loaded with bacon and cheddar cheese. A serving of their house-made Smoked Cheddar Hollandaise makes an excellent dipping sauce. I never realized just how great breakfast could taste. By the end of our meal it was clear to us why there was a non-stop line at this restaurant. The small amount of the menu we tested was awesome and conversations with our neighbors suggested that they had the same experience with their dishes, as well.

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City and the Science Museum Oklahoma for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

First Impressions

We arrived at Science Museum Oklahoma around opening time, so that we would be able to beat the crowds to the exhibits. Once we had passed admissions, we found ourselves deposited in a huge gallery room. It was filled with eye candy displays that made us want to explore in more detail. Everything looks so inviting and unique. Where to start this massive mission? Fortunately, Crystal is in charge of the mapping duties, because I would just end up running from exhibit to exhibit.

The Gardens

Our visit occurred in the summer, and the temps for the day were expected to climb. Crystal guided us to the SMO Garden area to begin our tour, so we could beat the heat. This green space is designed to engage kids and adults with games and play, which also teaches at the same time. All around the perimeter were plenty of garden beds that produce colorful and useful flowers, vegetables, and fruits. We love that they are providing a space for pollinators, who need all of the help we humans can give. We tried our hands at a few of the lawn games they had set up, but skipped our chance on the sand movers.

The garden area is equipped with some nice seating options, as well. Crystal found a small sunken space to do a little reading about the science center, while I was busy taking pictures. Lots of shade makes the space even more inviting.

Segway! No Way!

Back inside, we headed for the main gallery room again. By now a few more patrons had arrived and the place was beginning to get busy. Smack dab in the middle of the room is a track that offers visitors a chance to test out a Segway. This is one of the coolest displays we have seen and obviously we were not alone in thinking this. All the time that we were in Science Museum Oklahoma there was a constant line for this particular exhibit. Of course, on the outside was a non-stop flow of parents videoing their kids voyages on the equipment. So much fun!

Being Light Minded

We watched the Segway traffic for a few minutes and then headed into the Light Minded exhibit room. In this space are a collection of displays designed to demonstrate the amazing abilities of various forms of light. A shadow stopper will capture your shadow on a large wall. Here we saw lots of people trying some interesting poses including being captured in mid-jump. Nearby we found a Tesla Coil, plasma tube, and strobe light demonstrations. The Colored Shadow Wall was another big hit with guests. Here you pose in a certain place and your shadow is separated into multiple colors.

Little KidSpace

Science Museum Oklahoma wants to be sure that everyone gets an opportunity to engage in the activities, no matter their age. The KidSpace area is designed for the much younger crowd, so they will have a safe and fun space to explore. They can climb a tractor, explore a fire station or play at the ever popular water table.

Exploring CurioCity

How would you like to explore a 20,000 square foot city? That is what we did in CurioCity. (pronounced curiosity) It is filled with eight distinct neighborhoods that are designed to be impressively interactive. A school group was passing through the exhibits at the same time as we were, so we were able to watch their interactions. It really highlighted just how much enjoyment can be found in this type of play.

As we made our way through the neighborhoods, we discovered so many interesting displays. All of them are designed to be fun, but leave the visitors with a better understanding of the science behind the activity. Balls float on a cushion of air that can be directed by guests. Another exhibit allows people to design and fly heir own versions of paper airplanes. Speaking of paper, a couple of staff members had a setup that allowed people to make their own recycled paper. 

We moved farther into CurioCity and discovered even more fun. It almost felt like a carnival atmosphere, as there were an assortment of games and activities that seemed to be more designed for fun than learning. Of course, each still had a basic scientific principle attached, but that only accentuated the fun. Crystal and I took a turn at competing with the ball shooting game called Action Reaction. Here we used stationary slingshots to shoot foam balls at colored targets. The goal was to hit your color of target. While we both did a decent job, it was clear that some of the kids had been practicing at this particular exhibit.

Playing Mind Games

We stumbled upon the Mind Games area, which we had almost to ourselves. This space is filled with optical illusions and exhibits designed to trick your eyes. A series of pictures on one wall had four faces that could be viewed two ways.

An over-sized table and chairs created a chance to pose for a forced perspective shot. No, we weren’t shrunk. As you can see, we were two of the biggest kids in the place. Although this pic makes us look a little less big!

Aviation Through The Years

The Aviation space is filled with some interesting pieces from aviation history. It’s not often we get a look at so many types of drones in one place. It amazes us that these pieces are actually able to maintain flight, as they look way too heavy for their wingspans.

The space also includes a collection of aircraft. Here we found everything from one person crafts to small planes. There is even a fighter jet on site. This exhibit is tucked away behind the Tiny Tracks railroad exhibit, so we found it to be overlooked, as well. Of course, when we passed through the train display we found where all of the kids were hanging out.

Rotating Exhibits

Science Museum Oklahoma has a massive 350,000 square feet of space, which allows them to offer tons of exhibits, as well as a room for temporary displays. During our visit, the traveling space was filled with Into The Fold: The Art and Science of Origami. Here they have displays of the works of 30 different artists.

We wandered through the gallery investigating all of the displays. It is amazing to see the intricate designs that can be created with such a simple medium. To us it wasn’t just the idea of folding the paper, but also the creation of the concept for each piece. They even have some folded paper clothing on display. So much thought that had to go into each piece. At the back of the exhibit is a video loop that details some of the experiences of the artists who work in this art style. This exhibit is fascinating, but only runs until the end of January 2019. We are sure the next exhibit will be just as amazing.

Time’s Up!

Being travel bloggers means that we must somewhat adhere to a schedule. This is done to allow us to showcase as many choices as possible about a destination city. Unfortunately, this also means that we don’t always get to see and do every activity at a location. Science Museum Oklahoma is massively large, and would easily require an entire day to explore. With our time running out, we knew it was time to prepare to move along. We hope to have another chance to visit this site, and perhaps it will be a day that allows leisurely discovery. The planetarium would certainly be on our return list, as well as some of their Science Live shows. We would definitely head back to CurioCity for some more interactive fun. Oh, and next time I’m riding a Segway! Which area of the science center looks like one you would like to explore?

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Do One Thing Better Than Others

There are lots of ways to gain success, but one of the best is to pick a niche and excel at it. Waffle Champion has done just that by designing their menu around this delightful doughy disc. When we entered the restaurant we were greeted by the aroma of freshly baked breakfast goodies. While the origin of the waffle is a little vague, it is obviously of European beginnings. There are around a dozen types of waffles, which vary in sweetness and texture. The ones served at Waffle Champion are Belgian waffles, that are a slight variation of the Brussels version. These are typically raised with baking soda, instead of the yeast raised Brussels version.

This morning we were meeting with Tabbi Burwell, the Communications Manager at the Oklahoma City CVB. She explained some of her menu favorites, but with everything sounding so good it was still hard to decide. By the time we reached the front of the line, we were forced to choose. With our coffee in hand, we returned to our table to await our meals.

The Reason It’s Called Waffle Champion

My choice was made from the Sammies section of the menu. The Bacon Egg Cheddar is fairly easy to distinguish, but by wrapping it in a warm waffle it adds a delicious twist. By drizzling it with some warm syrup, it adds a sweet accent to the dish. This was one of those breakfasts that you remember. The idea is so simple that we had to wonder why we hadn’t encountered it before this.

Twisting a Southern Classic

Tabbi ordered her favorite, which is the Chicken & Waffles. While most people have tried some variation of this southern dish, here they put their signature all over it. Crispy buttermilk battered tenders are nestled inside a waffle with some leeks and a spicy, yet sweet Tabasco honey. Let that sink in for a minute. You can almost imagine the flavor combination, if you try, but it will never match the real thing.

A Deeper Twist

Crystal decided to strike out even farther from the basics than we had. Her order of Avocado Toast made a fantastic plate presence. This dish includes a Liege waffle, which had a dense, sweeter, and slightly chewy texture, much more like brioche. Mashed avocado is accompanied by pickled red onion, greens, radish, bean sprouts, and a fried egg. This blend of flavors pops in the mouth and invites you back for more. As much as I liked my choice, I was a little jealous of Crystal’s plate. It just goes to show that just when you think you’ve seen and tried about everything, someone comes along and puts a new twist on an old favorite.

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

From Sweet to Savory

Almost forty dining establishments call the Bricktown home. This means that there is probably a cuisine that will appeal to everyone in your group. As we strolled the area, we saw burgers, barbecue, pizza, steaks, and tons of other dining options. If you aren’t hungry for dinner you can still find plenty of nibbles. We popped in the Bricktown Candy Company looking for a sweet treat. Later we noticed that we could have also chosen cupcakes or ice cream. Needless to say, you shouldn’t walk away hungry from this area.

Entertainment Options

Bricktown has plenty of entertainment venues to occupy a day or two. We didn’t stop in, but noticed that the American Banjo Museum is located here. As we walked around, we saw carloads of fans heading into the Chickasaw Ballpark to watch an Oklahoma City Dodgers ballgame. We will have to keep this in mind for our next visit. Maybe we can catch a game. On the southern edge of this district is Riversport Adventures, which we had plans to attend the following day. (You can read about Riversport here.) This evening we chose to stroll the walkway that follows the canal. The easy to traverse paved pathway is perfect for an evening walk, especially to burn off some delicious food we found in Oklahoma City.

Making a Run For It

One of our goals for the evening was to check out the Oklahoma Land Run sculptures. For those familiar with Oklahoma history, the sculptures commemorate the 1889 land rush. During this event, new settlers could claim up to 160 acres of land with the stipulation that they lived on it for a set amount of years. There were actually seven land runs total in Oklahoma territory.

The sculptures represent a series of boomers who were rushing from the start line to claim their homestead. As we walked around the installation, we were amazed at the detail in each piece. It seemed like every time we revisited a piece we would see something new. I would imagine it would take a years worth of visits to really get a good look at all of them. Some sculptures even run down to the waterside and across. It is easy to imagine the fervor that accompanied this fantastic historical event.

We made our way around the farthest southern point of the walk and noticed a single statue huddled in a treed area. Upon closer examination, this one represented the “Sooners” who snuck out to get a jump on their claim. They were also referred to as “moonshiners”, since many made their move under the cover of nightfall.

I’m On A Boat

With our walk completed, we decided to see the area from a different perspective. We had seen plenty of the Bricktown Water Taxis cruising the canal during our walk. Now it was our turn to experience one of these narrated tours. Our guide steered us along the canal relating stories of the area’s development. We found it to be a fun way to hear details about how the district came to be and the changes that have occurred over the past few decades. Everyone on the boat seemed to enjoy the cruise and shared personal tidbits about their experiences in the area. It was obvious that this attraction is popular with the locals.

After our cruise, we continued our stroll along the canal. The area is so peaceful that it’s easy to see why it is such an appealing draw for so many. As we walked, we passed diners enjoying drinks and dinner on outdoor patios. Unfortunately, we had already eaten or this would have been a delightful way to enjoy a relaxed meal. We will certainly remember this for our next visit, as well. We could easily spend a three-day weekend just in the Brickyard and still probably not visit every place. Of course, that is a challenge we would be willing to accept. Have you ever cruised the Bricktown canal?

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We want to thank the Visit Oklahoma City for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Arcadia Round Barn

Built in 1898, this unusually shaped structure is a bit of an architectural wonder. When William Odor began assembling it, many of his neighbors doubted that it would be possible. By the time he finished, they were suggesting that it be used for more than just a barn. He ended up bolstering up the upstairs flooring, which allowed the space to be used for dances and other get togethers. My first memories of the barn are passing it as a kid with my grandparents. My grandmother would always want to check out places as we traveled and my grandfather was nice enough to patiently wait for her to satisfy her curiosity.

Pit Stop

We had just completed a long drive from Kansas City and were ready for a pit stop. Just a short drive down Route 66 and we pulled into Pops 66 in Arcadia. Our research had turned up this interesting hybrid fuel stop. It was easy to find, due to the huge modern art soda bottle out in front of the building. We parked and headed into the storefront to check it out.

Unbelievable Display

The modern look continues inside their space with a bank of angled windows facing the parking lot. These are decorated with rows of glass shelves that have been filled with some of their 700 flavors of soda and sparkling waters. All of the colors were glowing from the sunlight, which made the display even more magical. I walked around to check out some of the brands on display. Many were familiar, but I did see some I had never heard of.

Lunch Time

Prior to our trip, we had reviewed the menus of the restaurants we planned to visit. Our plan was to test out some good old-fashioned burgers at this Route 66 stop. When the time came to order, Crystal changed up and picked the Chicken Melt. The roasted chicken breast is topped with grilled onions, pickles, Provolone cheese, and a spicy mayo. It also comes with lettuce and tomato, but Crystal chose to leave those off. She LOVED this sandwich and even asked for more of the spicy mayo to dip her fried okra. Put this one down in the win column.

Going Off Grid

Since Crystal had set the precedent of change, it was my turn to switch things up. I was originally committed to keeping a burger on our order, but a chance to test out some Oklahoma barbecue couldn’t be passed up. The idea of putting a Pulled Pork Sandwich over a beef patty wouldn’t usually have happened for me. What changed my mind was when I realized I could get it served on toasted jalapeno cornbread. It ended up being a good decision, as the unique bread choice worked well with the slightly sweet and smoky meat filling. A side of onion rings completed my meal.

A Sweet Treat

Since we had chosen water to wash down our meals, we were ready to add a sweet touch to the end. Our server had already been so helpful, but now went above and beyond. When we discussed choosing shakes, she had some input in our final decisions. The menu has tons of options, since you can pick one of the soda flavors they stock. We decided to pick a couple of her own concoctions. On the left was mine, which was her own version of an Orange Dream Shake. Made with orange juice, it had lots of flavor. Crystal received a chocolate fudge version, which supplied her with plenty of her favorite sweet delight. Both of these treats were a great ending to our meal.

Heading On Down Route 66

With our hungers and curiosities satisfied, we were ready to complete the final leg of our drive. A quick pose in front of the giant soda bottle before hopping in the car. We were both a little disappointed that we wouldn’t be in the area after dark. Crystal had noticed some pictures online that shows the soda bottle lit up at night. We will have to try to time a future trip to pass by it in time to see this nocturnal display. For now, we were satisfied with the delicious lunch. We waited for a group of Route 66 bikers from Germany to head out and then we followed them down the Mother Road. What’s one of your favorite Route 66 memories?

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A Tulsa Legend

One of the country’s greatest folk singer-songwriters came from the Tulsa region. A visit to the Woody Guthrie Center allowed us to better understand the social, political, and cultural issues that entwined the country during and after the tumultuous Dust Bowl period. Events from his childhood helped forge his beliefs, and soon he became known for his protest songs. A visit to the center helps guests better understand the man and his music. (Read more about the Center here >)

Getting Hand’s On

Tulsa is filled with lots of attraction options, and with only three days, we needed to make the most of our time. The Midwest offers tons of family-friendly destinations, and Tulsa is certainly among those. We visited two museums that feature interactive exhibits designed with kids in mind. At the Tulsa Children’s Museum, kids of all ages can discover lots of science based activities created to spark the imagination. (Read more about TCM here >)

The Gilcrease Museum is a world class art museum. Housing the largest collection of American West art, the museum also includes a couple of areas with younger visitors in mind. Here kids can learn about the skills used by Native Americans for generations. Another section allows kids of all ages (Yes, even my age.) to show off their artistic side. (Read more about Gilcrease here >)

Visiting the Wild Kingdoms

Whenever we visit a new destination, we always look for any opportunities to see wildlife. The Tulsa Zoo had recently unveiled their new exhibit, The Lost Kingdom. Filled with rare species, and amazing architecture, it felt like we were exploring a newly discovered ancient village. The zoo is in the process of planning their next development, and we hope to catch it once it is complete. (Read more about the Zoo here >)

The idea of visiting a sea life center in the middle of the country was certainly intriguing. The Oklahoma Aquarium surprised us with its interactive exhibits that just kept coming. We had the chance to feed turtles, view creatures from their own level, and touch a variety of marine life. To say we were shocked by the variety of exhibits would be a complete understatement. (Read more about the Aquarium here >)

Shopping Galore

Our visits in 2017 had us staying in many downtown districts. We noticed a pattern that many cities are seeing a revitalization of these areas. The suburban sprawl is being replaced with a return to the urban cores. This allows us to park our car, and do more exploration by foot. Tulsa has a distinct downtown district that include some vibrant and growing retail sections. Be sure to carve out time in your itinerary for a little retail therapy at some locally owned shops.

Downtown Design

Architectural design is certainly more unique in the downtown sections of cities. Tulsa went through two major growth spurts due to oil booms in the early 1900’s. During this period, the Art Deco design was achieving its apex, and Tulsa has blocks of buildings constructed during this period. Each day we had the pleasure of seeing these beautiful structures during our walks. To make it even more special, our lodging was in the Courtyard Tulsa Downtown, which occupies space in the historic Atlas Life building. We found ourselves walking through history, as we made our way through the period style lobby.

Iconic Eateries

Breakfast stops are some of the hardest to blog about, since many are so similar. We always look for at least one or two special stops to showcase a little of the local flavor. In Tulsa, we found a couple really cool places to savor. Dilly Diner is a downtown eatery that specializes in clean, retro design blended with new age dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. (Read more about Dilly here >)

Tally’s Good Food Cafe is everything we would expect in a Route 66 diner, delicious food in a nostalgic setting. Here they embrace their location on the Mother Road, and dish up 1950’s size servings in a retro atmosphere. (Read more abut Tally’s here >)

Varied Cuisines

Throughout our visit, we savored a variety of locally owned restaurants. The cuisines were as varied as the decor, and each offered unique flavors. Check out our “Tulsa” tag in the right hand sidebar to sort all of the articles specific to this destination. Each of these restaurants have their own article, which give additional details. (Find all of the Tulsa articles here >)

Sweet Treats

Those readers that have followed our journeys for a while know that we don’t skimp when it comes to searching out sweets. Downtown Tulsa gave us a few options, and we happily accepted the challenge to test them out. Glacier Confection is home to designer chocolates made with some of the finest ingredients available. Our visit was a chance to sample loads of interesting flavor combinations, and they even sent us away with some goodies for later. (Read more about Glacier here >)

Just down the street we located Antoinette Baking Company, which is a small bake shop known to the locals. Fortunately, we had spoken with some of those locals, and they keyed us in on this hidden treasure. The pastry cases are stuffed full of tantalizing treats, and choosing just one can be quite difficult. If only we had found it sooner, we could have sampled more. (Read more about Antoinette’s here >)

Tulsa is Larger Than Life

Our three days flew by too quickly, and we only had time to scratch the surface of this fantastic destination. What we found were lots of friendly people, tons of interesting attractions, and loads of great eats. We hope that our articles inspire you to make your own plans for a visit to Tulsa Town. We are betting that your visit will be filled with just as much fun. Which place would you visit first?

The post 15 Reasons to Visit Tulsa, Oklahoma appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Casual Atmosphere Abounds At Caz’s Chowhouse

The Brady Arts District is a wonderful mix of shopping, dining, and attractions. Being within a short walk of our hotel, we spent a lot of time in this area. The buildings are largely brick, and many could have started life as warehouses. The interiors are spacious with high ceilings, which add an airy feel to the visit. The industrial vibe was present, as has become a thing in many trendy restaurants. An upstairs balcony offers additional seating but wasn’t being used during our visit. I took a gander at the space, which offers nice views of the main dining space on the lower level.

Caz’s Chowhouse has open seating during the lunch period, and we had a choice between the bar area or the main dining space. We chose the main dining area with its comfortable booths and spacious tables. While the exact cuisine style is eclectic, the menu tends to lean toward more southern style dishes. The same can be said for the decor, which had small influences of a New Orleans fashion scattered around the space. The restaurant is dim, without being too dark for social interactions, and the pops of color lend an uplifting mood to the interior. It was really a relaxed mood going on during our visit. Our server was quick to greet us and helped explain a little about the menu. While they offer a specific lunch menu, we were also able to order off of the main entree list, which is what we chose to do.

Meals With A Southern Twist

Those who have followed us for a while will recognize Crystal’s go-to (default) choice. She ordered up the Chicken Tenders, which come with the choice of one side. The breading was crispier than what we have found at many other places, and it comes with a house made dipping sauce. Her choice of side was fried okra, which she enjoyed. Not being a fan of that particular dish, I let her savor all of the goodness for herself. The portion size of her meal was more than enough to offer a filling lunch, and she left part of it uneaten.

I can be a little more adventurous in my choices, and here I was struggling. Cuban sandwiches are probably one of my favorite meals, and they offer up a turkey version. While it sounded intriguing, I decided that I didn’t want to possibly find out that it would be better than the usual pork version. Instead, I chose to go with the Chowhouse Chicken Sandwich. It is made with a chicken breast that has been soaked in sweet tea, which completely intrigued me. The flavor came through a little, but the other components tended to drown it out. The addition of jalapeno bacon, Swiss cheese, and a cream cheese spread seemed to be the overriding flavors. It was a good mix, and I had no problem finishing my sandwich. My side was the spicy coleslaw, which did have a little kick, but nothing over the top. All in all, we found the place to be a nice break from a day of sightseeing, and the staff were quite friendly. We are certainly glad that we left this opening in our schedule so that we could visit a local favorite.

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Unassuming Exterior

During our visit to Glacier Confection (You can read more about this chocolatier here>), we got into a discussion about local restaurants. The topic of the conversation turned to Hole-in-the-Wall joints that offer surprising value and taste. A restaurant was mentioned that had not been on our radar, but certainly sounded intriguing. I made note of it, so that I could investigate later. It turned out that we would be somewhat in the neighborhood toward the end of our trip, so we decided to insert it in our plans. Tacos don Francisco is like so many of those places that people drive by and hardly notice. It sits on a busy road that is lined by an assortment of small businesses. Pulling up to the building, we were hopeful that the outside didn’t reflect the quality of the food.

This family-operated business is no-frills dining, and has just a handful of tables for seating. Most of the customers appear to grab their meals to go, but we opted for the full “dine-in” experience. The prices are quite affordable, so we ordered a nice assortment of items from the menu. We started with some Queso cheese dip, which while a little thin, still had a nice flavor. This would tide us over until our main dishes were ready.

Real Food

Before long, our plates arrived. It quickly became apparent that they do not skimp on the quantity of food they serve. The presentation reminded us of many of the Mexican food restaurants we visit in our hometown of Kansas City, Kansas. Our selection included a tamale, which was standard, but had a nice texture to the corn masa. The plate also included an enchilada, which comes topped with cheese and their red sauce. They included a small cup of hot sauce for drizzling, but it was a little too warm for our liking. (Okay, we aren’t the fiery heat lovers that some may be.)

Amazing Flavors

The other plate was their Don Francisco, which is the signature platter. This usually includes three “street” tacos, but they tossed on a fourth, so that we could sample the different meat options. These were all delicious, but the beef pastor, and the chorizo were simply amazing. The dish comes with sides of rice and refried beans, which were also just standard fare. They also threw in a Chili Rellino, which is stuffed with cheese and enchilada sauce. We had more than enough food for two, and ate all that we could, before throwing in the towel. Our visit to Tacos Don Francisco was a reminder that you can’t judge a restaurant by its exterior. What “Hole-in-the-Wall” places have you found to be hidden gems?

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We want to thank the Tulsa Children’s Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Timely Arrival

Visiting Oklahoma in August can bring on some hot days, and our timing was right in the heart of a heat wave. Being seasoned travelers, we plan accordingly, so outdoor activities are in the morning, and indoor during the afternoons. The day was warming up rapidly, and we were ready to seek shelter inside this unique attraction. We had scheduled to meet with Sarah Sadler, Marketing and Development Coordinator at Tulsa Children’s Museum. We arrived right on time, and Sarah was ready to give us a tour of the facility.

Learn and Burn Energy

After a short period of introductions, we headed off into the Main Hall, which is the largest room in the museum. The room is named Energy, and it showcases exhibits that show where energy comes from, as well as how it is used. The room is as large as a gymnasium, which allows plenty of room for the kids to burn off a little of their own energy. There are interactive displays lining the sides of the room, as well as a few down the middle. Having a variety of stations allows more people to be engaged at the same time.

One of the largest exhibits in the room is the Petroleum Pit. Tulsa is an oil boom town, and it is only fitting for there to be an exhibit dedicated to the principle of oil collection. Black balls are sent through pipes that represent various items that are powered by oil. The balls collect in a sorter that fills up, and finally will shoot the balls out of the oil derrick. This exhibit seemed quite popular with the kids. Nearby we watched a family trying their hand at a quiz display, which focuses questions about energy.

Exploring the Tape Tunnel

Another popular exhibit is the Tap Tunnel. This is actually constructed from packing tape. Staff members assemble the tunnel and slide sections with roll after roll of the clear tape to demonstrate the strength of layers. It is sort of the same principle as trying to break one stick versus a bundle of sticks. We enjoy exhibits that teach scientific principles, and are fun to boot. The Energy room also has a toddler area dedictaed to those visitors up to the age of three years old. After watching everyone interacting for a while, it was time to move on to the other rooms.

Problem Solving Skills

Where the Energy room is a place to run from exhibit to exhibit, in The Workshop and Featured Room there is a slower pace. Here we found a variety of stations that posed challenges needing to be resolved. A wind wall allows visitors to test the effect of various sail designs, and how they impact movement. We saw kids at easels working on designs, as well as practicing their problem solving skills. The level of concentration was high, so we tried not to interrupt the thought processes.

I noticed a couple of kids building models on an exhibit, so I went over to see what was going on. They explained that the table would vibrate, and that they were working on a design that would survive a simulated earthquake. It made me think back to the lack of places like this during my childhood. It is nice to see that this type of interactive museum is becoming much more commonplace these days. It became apparent that the kids had great skills at seeing a problem, and determining an appropriate solution.

The Only Constant is Change

Sarah had led us through the whole building, and it was obvious that the staff are passionate about the lessons being taught. Everyone was engaged in activities, and you could almost see the wheels turning. The Tulsa Children’s Museum understands the necessity of rotating the exhibits to keep things fresh. In 2018 the museum will feature an exhibit named Math and Music in the Main Hall. Visitors will not only listen to music, they will also create and perform it. The Featured Hall is currently hosting a dinosaur exhibit, and this will be followed by Marvels of Science, which will highlight the strange and remarkable world of science. All of these sound like great interactive exhibits that will certainly entertain the kids for hours. The Tulsa Children’s Museum is a must visit for families traveling to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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We want to thank the Dilly Diner for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Dilly Diner – A Local Favorite

For this meal we had arranged to meet up with Vanesa Masucci, the Vice President of the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau. We were looking forward to this meeting, as Vanesa had been extremely helpful in identifying many of the places we visited in Tulsa. After introductions, we made our way in to start our visit. The restaurant has a nice open design, which can make it a little noisy when crowded. A long counter doubles as a bar, but most of the diners were enjoying the booth seating. We were escorted to our seats, and set about reviewing the menu for our selections. The manager brought over one of their signature croissants with some homemade raspberry jam. Once our orders were placed, we spent some time visiting. Our discussions ranged from places we had visited, as well to ones that we would have to see on a future trip. Tulsa has way too much to see in three days, so keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.

Picture Perfect Presentation

It didn’t take long for our meals to arrive, and my camera came out of it’s case. I had warned Vanesa that I wanted to take pictures before starting our meal, but being a seasoned professional, she was already expecting that. She had ordered the Brioche French Toast, which is made with homemade brioche bread. Cooked to a wonderful crusty brown, it is topped with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries. This is one of my favorite breakfast dishes, but I had decided to try something different this morning, and I was wondering if I was missing out. Vanesa described just how delicious the dish was, and the warm maple syrup added a sweet smell to our table.

Crystal ordered her standard meal, which at Dilly Diner is named the Two Egg Breakfast. The makeup of the meal is pretty obvious, but it included some fresh fruit, which isn’t always offered by other restaurants. It should be noted that although she chose toast, she could have picked biscuits and gravy to accompany her plate.

Stepping Out Of My Box

I had a discussion with the manager about some of the most popular dishes. One that he mentioned was something I had never tried. I decided to order the Breakfast Tacos, which sounded intriguing. Two flour tortillas are topped with scrambled eggs, avocado, cilantro, Cotija cheese, and a squirt of chipotle aioli.  After corralling the ingredients into a manageable shape, I tested my first bite. The variety of flavors blended so well, that I wondered why I have never seen this combination on a menu. My fear that the chipotle sauce would be too spicy was unfounded. It gave just a little kick, but the avocado quickly quenched any heat and left a creamy coolness in its place. It was difficult for me to concentrate on the table conversation, as I was truly savoring the tacos. Too soon they disappeared, and I topped off my meal with the fresh fruit. With our meal completed, we spent a little more time conversing over our coffee. Before long, we all had to head off to our next destinations. Dilly Diner is certainly on our list for another visit in the future, and I’m going to test out that French toast.

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The Man Behind The Vision

Oklahoma is home to a variety of Native American tribes, who were moved to the area by federal forces. Thomas Gilcrease came from the Creek Nation area, which holds a large amount of land in and around Tulsa. When oil was discovered in 1905, which was two years prior to Oklahoma statehood, a portion of the oil fields were on his land. By the time Gilcrease was twenty years old, he was a multi-millionaire, and proved to be a good businessman. In 1922, he founded the Gilcrease Oil Company. He would move it’s office to Tulsa in 1949. That same year he unveiled the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art. Gilcrease lived out the rest of his life in a house adjacent to the museum.

Gilcrease began collecting art and artifacts in 1912.His first purchase was an oil painting he bought for $1500. This started him on his journey of collecting, but he didn’t kick into high gear until around 1939. At that point of his career his offices were based in San Antonio, Texas. He opened the first Gilcrease Museum there, but eventually returned to his Tulsa roots. During the period of time that Gilcrease was collecting, the market showed little interest in the pieces he pursued. This allowed him to purchase large quantities in a relatively short time. By the mid-1950’s, declining oil prices had a significant effect on his company’s financial standing. Fearing the idea of his collections being split up, he offered the entire lot up for sale. The residents of Tulsa voted to approve a bond to pay Gilcrease’s debts, and in 1955 he willed his collection to the city.  That action would keep the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, and make it property of the city.

Preserving the Past at the Gilcrease Museum

Thomas Gilcrease had a vision to tell the story of the American West, and especially the portion that involved the native people. As we explored the museum, we were in awe at the massive amount of art and artifacts that are held within the walls. Gallery after gallery of sculptures and paintings from some of the most well known American artists can be found here. Did you know that the museum owns 18 of the 22 bronze sculptures originally created by Frederic Remington?  Of course, with a collection of over 300,000 pieces not everything can be on display at the same time. They also store many items that are rarely brought to public view. In their archive are the only known handwritten copies of the Declaration of independence and Articles of Confederation.

As we passed through the galleries, we found each one to be just as amazing as the one we just viewed. The artifacts tell the stories of civilizations who populated the lands for many generations. The details and intricacies of the artwork were unbelievable. We were joined by Melani Hamilton, the Communications Manager for the Gilcrease Museum, who spoke with us about the history and purpose of the organization. She began with the original vision, and moved through to the future of the site. A recently approved plan will add two new galleries to the museum in the near future. This will allow for additional pieces to come out of storage, and be on display for the public. It will also include a new underground parking facility, as well as an elevated restaurant, which will allow guests views of some of the 23 acres of gardens on the grounds.

Family Friendly Experience

At the Gilcrease Museum it is important that the attraction be appealing to all ages. They have included a couple of areas dedicated to the younger crowd, as well as the young at heart. The Kid’s Site is a room filled with scenes that allow children to expand upon some of the art they have seen in the museum. This open space is a perfect place to burn off a little excess energy, while entertaining the others in your group. The museum hosts visits for school classes from around the Tulsa metro, and helps build a bond between the children and the history of the American West.

We located two distinct areas in the museum that are hands on exhibits. In the first we encountered, there are a variety of touch stations, where children can explore the tools and devices used in daily life of the Native Tribes of the region. There are also some stations set up to mimic the daily activities of the members of the communities. Farther into the museum, we came upon the Kid’s Site. This room includes a stage area where kids can entertain the adults in the group with an impromptu play or puppet show. A work table allows room for crafts to be completed, and children can create their own pictographs, much like the ones viewed in the galleries.

Channeling My Inner Youth

Another area offers one of the most unique “selfie” spots we have ever seen. I could not pass up an opportunity to grab a quick click in front a tranquil mountain scene. No, I did not get in the canoe, we just used a little forced perspective in the photograph. I think it came out pretty well. As I said, it’s a great place for kids of all ages.

Additional Resources

After visiting all of the ground floor galleries, we made our way downstairs to the Kravis Discovery Center. This area holds a vast amount of artifacts from indigenous people from North, Central, and South America. Drawer after drawer hold implements and tools used by people for all sorts of daily activities. It is a great research tool, and was quite popular during our visit. The Gilcrease Museum also hosts an amazing amount of pictures from the museum’s inventory online. By visiting the “Collections” tab on their website, you can search through an extensive collection of their items. This is a great resource for researchers, but doesn’t do justice to seeing the pieces in person. We certainly hope you will have an opportunity to visit the Gilcrease Museum, and see the wonderful collection for yourself.

The post The Largest Collection Of American West Art – Gilcrease Museum appeared first on Our Changing Life.

A Tight Fit at Bohemian Pizzeria

We had an early lunch, so an early dinner was not out of the question. The walk from our hotel was about a half mile, and gave us an opportunity to scope out after dinner places to visit. Tulsa is experiencing a revitalization of it’s downtown area. We have found this to be happening in many of the cities we visit. Shops, restaurants, and other businesses are returning to the urban core. Many times they are bringing an edgy, and eclectic vibe that is artistic and fun. We passed through the area, and soon found ourselves at Bohemian Pizzeria. The dining area is narrow and tight, but it gives an excuse to mingle with the occupants at the next table.

The evening was a little warm, so we decided to eat indoors. I popped out the side door to get a look at the outdoor seating section. A couple brave parties were enduring the heat, and had the patio all to themselves. The place looks like a great spot for a happy hour celebration during a more comfortable weather period. There is even a portion that has an overhang to allow protected dining during inclement weather. I headed back inside to help decide what to order, since the rush period was beginning.

Neapolitan Pizza in Bohemian Digs

Bohemian Pizzeria takes pride in using fresh ingredients sourced locally, when they can’t get them from Italy. Yeah, Italy. They import their double “oo” flour, and San Marzano tomatoes from Italian distributors. Of course, some items are too delicate to import, so they look at local sources for these ingredients. Their mozzarella comes from buffalo, which are quite plentiful in Oklahoma. Locally raised produce is used in their salads, and the flavors come through in their dishes. Our server was quite knowledgeable about the processes used in preparing the food, and helped us pick just the perfect dinner combination. We started with the Mama Kay’s Caesar, which is served with a scrumptious homemade garlic breadstick. Salads are not especially exciting for me, but this one was very fresh, and even I could taste it.

Feature Course

Our main course was not too far behind. Being meat lovers, we picked the Tre P, which features pancetta, pepperoni, and prosciutto. These three Italian meats are spread across a crust that has been coated with their signature San Marzano tomato sauce. The whole thing is topped with the buffalo mozzarella and some freshly grated Parmesan. We decided to toss on some Castelvetrano olives for a little color, and it certainly did just that. Now back to the whole we love pizza thing. The past few years we have actually become fans of the wood-fired pizzas that are quite often associated with the Neapolitan region of Italy. The flavor that the smoky wood imparts on the crust, as well as the improved texture makes a noticeable difference. Perhaps this is why so many pizzerias are using this cooking style. Bohemian Pizzeria has combined a unique cooking style with upscale ingredients to create a delicious product. Be sure that you add Bohemian Pizzeria to your restaurant list when you next visit Tulsa. We think you will be just as impressed as we were.

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We want to thank the Oklahoma Aquarium for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

A Landlocked Ocean

The Oklahoma Aquarium is located in Jenks, Oklahoma, which is a suburb of Tulsa. When we arrived, we were amazed at the sheer size of the attraction.  It holds nine main exhibit areas, which include freshwater and salt water displays. We met up with Teri Bowers, the Executive Director of the facility, for a guided tour. She told us that the aquarium is in it’s 14th year of operation, and continues to add new exhibits. Their newest display had just opened this Spring, but we would get to that later. Off we all went to check out the place.

Getting Hands On

The entrance feeds guests into the Great Hall, which features a cafe, and is connected to the aquarium’s event center.  As we strolled down the main corridor, which connects various exhibit areas, we watched families interact with some of the hands-on displays. A large open top area holds a collection of Red-ear Slider Turtles, which can be fed by guests. Kids of all ages would dangle pieces of food for the turtles to snap up. This was an extremely popular, and entertaining exhibit. We had as much fun watching the children’s delight, as we did watching the turtles eat.

In the Amazing Invertebrates area, visitors can experience more hands on displays. Here they can feel the shells of Horseshoe Crabs or let shrimp move across their hands. This was another popular area, and it was filled with the giggles of excitement from kids of all ages. There are also an assortment of smaller displays, with various ocean invertebrates, so it is as educational as it is fun.

Introductions, Please!

We continued our tour of the Oklahoma Aquarium, and Teri explained each exhibit we passed. The time for feeding the otters and beaver was about to start, and we were in for a treat. We arrived during the otter portion, and watched with delight, as the otters scurried about their area. While the handler told the crowd facts about the animals, she doled out their food. Everyone enjoyed their lively frolicking, and this continued until all of their food had been served. Next up was the beaver. The handler climbed into the exhibit, and sat a bowl of food in front of her. The beaver scooted out, as she began explaining things about this species. The beaver was obviously impatient, and dug into the food without any hesitation. These demonstrations were just as entertaining as they were educational.

Moving Into The Ecozone

Our next stop was in the Ecozone, which contains a variety of habitats. Here we found tanks filled with sea creatures from the coral reefs, marshes, and kelp forests. Lots of families assembled in these areas, as it was filled with tons of brightly colored species. It was entertaining to watch the wonder and amazement in the faces of the children. While our kids are grown, we can still remember the same type of excitement experienced by them, when we visited aquariums and zoos. We believe it is a great way to get the next generation to bond with the other species who inhabit our planet, and hopefully instill a desire to see the changes necessary to preserve their habitats.

As we moved around the displays, we observed seahorses dance, piranhas float by in schools, and clown fish dart in and out of anemones. All of this created a kaleidoscope of color and action that was pleasing to the eyes, and calming to watch. We passed around a partition, and found more hands-on exhibits. On each side of the wall was a tank. One side contained stingrays, which at certain times can be fed by visitors. Our timing wasn’t exact, so we moved to the other side of the wall. Here we found a pair of tanks filled with small sharks. Guests were allowed to touch them, as they swam by, also on a rotating time frame. Fortunately, we were right on time, and had the chance to feel the rough skin as they passed. It was certainly quite an experience.

A Local Favorite

Before we moved too far away, Teri wanted to introduce us to one of her favorite characters. The Giant Pacific Octopus is the largest growing, and longest living of its species. It is amazing to watch, with its fluid movements. As it passed to different sections, its color changes to mimic its environment. As it became more active, the crowd grew around us. Everyone discussed its unique abilities, and this quickly became a group learning experience.

Welcome to Sea Turtle Island

The newest exhibit at the Oklahoma Aquarium recreates an offshore area inhabited by tropical fish, reef sharks, and a pair of Loggerhead sea turtles. The huge 56,000 gallon tank is contained behind a large bank of glass walls. These allow visitors to watch the inhabitants swim by alone or in schools. The exhibit can be viewed by multiple areas, with each allowing its own unique experience. The bright colors in this area create a vibrant feel, which reminded us of a visit to the Caribbean Islands.

After watching from below, we moved up a ramp at the end, which brought us above the tank. Here we could watch the action below us, as well as have a birds-eye view of the crowd. There are seating areas up here, so that visitors can rest for a bit, while watching the fish pass by. Another viewing area involves a crawl through tube that leads to an underwater observation bubble. We certainly didn’t want to pass this opportunity up, and waited our turn to crawl in. It’s a little smaller than we would have desired, but not too small to visit. It was a little like snorkeling without getting wet.

Brothers Join The Family

Periodically one of the sea turtles would pass by, much to the delight of everyone around. These grand creatures are so fun to watch, and everyone anticipated this opportunity. The Oklahoma Aquarium has a set of brothers, but the day we visited only one was on display. There are areas built into the display that allow the turtle to be out of view at times. He seemed to be in an exploring mood, which meant that he only appeared periodically. This made his appearances even more special, and certainly helped increase the crowds during those times.

Denizens of the Deep

After our exploration of the bright reef area, our next adventure would plunge us into the dark world of the shark. The Oklahoma Aquarium is home to one of the largest collections of Bull Sharks. These can be viewed from two locations, but we mostly wanted to be in the underwater section. To get there you pass through a corridor that highlights some interesting facts about these mysterious creatures.

The end of the corridor deposited us in a large underwater viewing area. All around us Bull Sharks cruised slowly through the water. The exhibit is designed so that these creatures are sometimes shrouded in darkness. Suddenly they will appear and slowly pass overhead. We have had the pleasure of visiting quite a few aquariums, and this display really stands out. By limiting the area to only this species, it made them seem even more mysterious. This was certainly one of the best focused exhibits we can remember.

More To Come

Our tour had taken us to every active exhibit in the Oklahoma Aquarium, but Teri had one more surprise for us. We passed through a door, and found ourselves in an area that is under renovation. Teri explained that this will be home to the next big exhibit, the South Pacific Reef. Many of the static pieces are already designed, and construction has begun. They are hoping to open it in 2018, and we will certainly have to find a way to add another visit to our schedule in the future. Our time to move on had come, and we bid our farewells to the staff. Everyone had been so welcoming and friendly. It certainly added a special touch to a great visit. Be sure to add the Oklahoma Aquarium to your Tulsa itinerary.

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A Boutique Bakery

We timed our visit to fall after dinner at a nearby restaurant. We spent a little while perusing the Ida Red store, as we let our dinner digest. We had planned to wait quite a while, but having seen some of the pie slices as we passed by the store front, we decided to cut our shopping short. Antoinette Baking Co. is just across the street, so we were there in no time. We had seen a steady stream of customers filing through the door, and we were a little concerned that they may sell out, before we could get our choices.

Choices Galore

Fortunately, There was no need to worry about their stock. The shop is an open air format with the kitchen in back, and the sales counter to one side. A large set of windows lend an airy feeling to the place. Tables and booths are arranged in about a fourth of the place, but it was plenty during our visit. As we made our way past the register, we began to see all of the sweet options that they had produced for that day. An assortment of cookies, bars, whoopie pies, and other pastries decorated the counter. Everything looked delicious, but we were on a mission to sample the pies we had heard about earlier.

Eye Candy

At the end of the counter we came to a refrigerated case. Here were the rewards that we were searching out. There were so many good options, and each looked better than the one before. I have to admit that I was a little shocked when Crystal bypassed the Lime Meringue Tarts. After all, she is one of the biggest fans of Key Lime Pie that I know. The bottom rows of this case held slices of pie that were almost too large to believe. This was the point that I began wondering if we should have shopped longer, so as to make more room in our bellies. Well it was too late to fret it now, so the only thing to do was to pick the flavor that sounded most appealing.

Heavenly Pillows of Meringue

I chose the Lemon & Blackberry Meringue Pie (On the left), which had a crown at least four inches tall. The sweetness of the meringue blended so well with the slightly tart lemon. It was absolute heaven. Although I knew it was unwise, I finished the entire slice. Crystal chose a Lime & Raspberry Custard with an extra large dollop of whipped cream. While her slice was not as tall, it was more dense, so just as filling. We each tasted the others, but stuck with our original choices. We finished our treats, and thanked the staff for such a delicious experience. As we left the shop, we were glad that we had a nice long walk back to our hotel. In fact, we even took the long way to help burn off some of the dessert. Doesn’t this look like a place you want to visit?

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We want to thank Tally’s Good Food Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

An Iconic Look

When Tally purchased the building, it had only one dining area, and was in need of lots of work. Since those early days, he has added additional dining rooms to help serve the ever increasing crowds. Tally has embraced the Route 66 theme, and brought the feel of the old roadside diner back to life. Of course, for Tally it isn’t only about growing a successful business, he also believes in giving back. Beginning the first year he opened, each Thanksgiving he opens his doors to feed the homeless.

Tulsa’s Best Cinnamon Roll

We were seated in one of the red 1950’s style booths, and ordered some coffee. Of course, we ordered coffee, it was breakfast time after all. While we scanned the menus, (they have over 100 items to choose from) tally brought us one of his famous cinnamon rolls. We aren’t sure if the picture does it justice, but this was a huge roll. What made it the most amazing was how soft the bread was. This sweetly coated treat melts in your mouth, and we were tempted to devour the whole thing. Of course, we knew that we should leave room for more of the menu items.

Breakfast All Day

One of the main appeals of Tally’s Good Food Café is that they serve breakfast all day long. This is welcomed by workers from many professions that do shift work. It is also popular with travelers, who enjoy the option of a filling breakfast meal while taking a break from the road. We were here during regular breakfast hours, and were happy to test their extensive menu. Crystal chose the Fruity French Toast with Cinnamon Apples and Whipped Cream. These delicious slices of Texas Toast are topped with a sweet fruit compote, and come in an ample portion.

Going Southern

With such a massive menu, I was struggling with a choice, until I came upon the item labeled “Tally’s Favorite“. It was obvious that this man knew a few things about good food, and I decided to follow his lead. When our waitress brought my order, it required two plates. One for the chicken and eggs, and one for the waffle.  The Belgian style waffle was crisp and sweet, and came with a dusting of powdered sugar, as well as a dollop of whipped cream. It is served with twin chicken strips and two eggs any style. When my plates were placed in front of me, I knew there was no chance that I could finish it all. I did give it my best try, as I knew I would be walking a lot of it off at the Tulsa Zoo. (You can read more about the zoo here.>)

A Route 66 Landmark

With our appetites completely conquered, we knew it was time to head toward our next destination. A great meal at an iconic restaurant was the perfect start to a day filled with exploration. Before we left we just had to capture a picture of Tally, and he was happy to oblige. We were so glad we got to meet this wonderful man, and his great staff. It’s easy to see why this place has be given so many great accolades. It is also understandable why people stop by from all over the world, when they are traveling the Mother Road. Have you ever dined at Tally’s Good Food Cafe? What are your favorite menu items? We would love to hear what we should check out on our next visit.

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We want to thank the Tulsa Zoo for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Exploring the Lost Kingdom

Tulsa Zoo’s newest exhibit is the Lost Kingdom of Angkor-Wat. This ancient Asian city is filled with some of the rarest, and most elusive creatures in the world. As we wandered into the area, we felt like explorers entering a city that time had forgotten. The exhibits are well designed, and offer a wide range of viewing opportunities. Large glass panels give visitors ample viewing areas, and create an airy feeling to the displays. The designers of this newest attraction certainly hit a home-run with this exhibit area.

We arrived in time to watch one of the siamangs seeking shelter for a morning nap. While I was able to capture a few images of this mysterious creature, I just didn’t feel any did it justice. We will let you see it for yourself when you visit the zoo, and you can tell us what you think of it. Across from the siamang exhibit is the entrance to the Malaysian Tiger home. Stepping through the entrance, we were immediately transported to the ancient ruins of an abandoned forest city. Through the glass we spotted one of the tigers, as he surveyed his valley home. We were mesmerized, like the rest of the visitors, and watched in awe as he scoped out his abode. The exhibit includes a tiger bridge that allows the cats to travel between open areas. It also allows guests to watch them, as they prowl the “cat-walk” during their crossings.

Lessons Learned

After our time with the tigers was through, we made our way past the Komodo Dragon exhibit. One of these formidable creatures was sunning itself in the morning light, but only gave us a passing glance. We passed under the tiger bridge, and came to an area where some staff members were giving educational information to guests on the biology of the creatures in this area. Tables filled with furs, and skeletal pieces were very popular with the kids, as well as the adults. these displays helped showcase the differences between the species, and helps create a bond between the animals of the wild and humans. Our hope is that it sparks that we all need to strive to preserve all of the species that share this planet.

Rare Beauty

While Crystal examined some of the displays, my attention was drawn to a crowd that had assembled by a nearby window. Inside were a group of juvenile snow leopards, who were playfully engaged. These beautiful creatures are so rare in the wild, and enchanting to watch. Soon the staff let them loose into their yard, and the activity escalated. Running, wrestling, and exploring was the name of the game, which was everything the crowd could hope for. Staff members had placed food in strategic places, and soon the cats discovered it. The hierarchy game began, which included more wrestling.  Soon enough they all had settled in to devour their morning nourishment. We watched for a few more minutes, but then moved to allow room for more guests to view.

Welcome to the Jungle

Our next stop was at the rainforest exhibit. The entrance takes guests into a lush, almost overgrown display. Once again it felt as though we were explorers traveling into a hidden mountain pass. The landscaping at the Tulsa Zoo is filled with beautiful, and unique plantings. Each region has many plants specific to the area they represent, which adds another level of originality to the attractions. The dappled sunlight that filters through the vegetation actually makes it feel like you have stumbled upon a hidden path. We passed through a weathered arch, and into the building that houses the exhibits.

The Tulsa Zoo designed this exhibit to mimic an South American jungle. Throughout the building we stumbled upon murals, statues, and partial walls created to give the feel of ruins. Many of these are great places for a selfie, and we didn’t hesitate to get some of ourselves. A couple spots are so popular that we had to wait in line for our photo opportunity. It definitely shows that this zoo is very popular with the public.

What Big Teeth You Have

One of the first displays we came to included various aquatic creatures. A caiman was kind enough to pose for a picture that shows the dangers that can lie just below the surface. Across from this new found friend, we watched schools of piranha swimming in their tanks. Clearly this area was a good reminder to look before you leap. Fortunately, none of these creatures make their homes in our temperate waterways here in the Midwest. A little farther down the path we came to the poison dart frog exhibit, which we were surprised to find fairly open for viewing. These little guys may be brightly colored, but they can still hide when they don’t want to be seen. This particular display was another popular stop for viewing. Being big on people watching, we enjoyed seeing the children excitement when they spotted a new color pattern.

As we exited the building portion, we came upon the outdoor section, which holds the jaguars. Once again, we arrived at feeding time, so we got to witness the interaction between the two animals. One was clearly dominant, but there was enough food for both. These creatures are so beautiful to watch, and their coats are amazing to see in person. The exhibit offers a couple of different viewing areas, so guests can keep sight of the animals wherever they wander in their area. We watched these for a while, but time required us to eventually move along.

A Great Idea

During our earlier tour, Ellen Had explained a few of the unique features found at the Tulsa Zoo. One that struck a chord with us is the Family Den. This building is located near the back of the zoo, and offers a comfortable zone for families. Here mothers can nurse in comfort, and families with special needs children can find a quiet area for children who suffer from sensory overload. This is a feature we have not seen very often, and it showed an extra level of caring.

Zones of the World

The Tulsa Zoo has many more exhibits besides the ones we covered. In one area of the zoo there is a series of four buildings that highlight the animals that live in different zones. It also shows the hardships of these area, as well as how animals have adapted to them. The buildings are located in the Wildlife Trek area and include; Life in the Water, Life in the Cold, Life in the Desert, and Life in the Forest. It is easy to spend quite a bit of time in these buildings, as each offers a good educational background.

Coming Next

Tulsa Zoo is continuing with their updated master plan, and next up will be the African Plains exhibit. Much like the Lost Kingdom exhibit, this new area will feature open viewing areas that allow the animals more roaming room. We are sure that it will be just as popular as the latest exhibit expansion, and hope to have a chance to drop back by to see it when it is completed. Our time had ran out, as there was so much more of Tulsa too see. We made our way out the gate having enjoyed a wonderful morning at the Tulsa Zoo. So when are you planning to drop by for a visit?

The post Here’s Looking At Zoo! The Tulsa Zoo appeared first on Our Changing Life.

During our cruise in the Caribbean, we discovered that their cuisine celebrates life with plenty of flavor. (You can read about it here.>) Our arrival in Tulsa was celebrated with a visit to Sisserou’s Caribbean Restaurant.  We parked in the Brady Arts District, and made our way to lunch. This area of the city is filled with many dining choices, and we would find ourselves returning a couple more times. For now, we were concentrating on this location.

Sisserou’s Island Decor

As soon as you enter Sisserou’s it has a vibe that replicates some of the finer restaurants you find in the Caribbean Islands. The bright colored walls and lampshades are playful, without being too garish. The area closest to the entrance contains the bar, as well as seating that is primarily booths. We didn’t walk over to the bar area, but it looked like a nice place for a Happy Hour get together. According to their website, they offer live music at times each month. If you visit in the evening, it would be worth checking their event calendar.

We arrived right after they opened, so we were able to be seated immediately. The main dining area is comprised of tables on an elevated platform. Our server arrived, and went through the menu with us. The menu at Sisserou’s is filled with lots of dishes that would be commonly found in various islands. Many of the dishes are available for at or less than $10.00, which was a definite draw, when I was scoping out potential stops. The restaurant is owned by a couple, and I had a brief conversation with one of them. We discussed the overall theme, decor, and the cuisine choices. It was obvious that they are proud to be able to share their favorite dishes with Tulsa.

A Taste of Jamaica

The dishes our server had described certainly made our choices more difficult. So many sounded delicious, but we knew that we should take care not to get over stuffed. While we love food as much as anyone, when we are researching we know that we need to leave some room for possible treats we may uncover at places along the way. With this in mind, Crystal decided to test out one of the special menu items, and ordered the Jerk Chicken. It’s a marinated chicken breast, that is grilled to match the flavor of Nassau. Served on a wheat bun, it is topped with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a creamy avocado sauce. Her side choice was the sweet potato chips, which are tasty without being overly seasoned.

A Cuban From Miami

If you have followed our travels for long, you know that I have a thing for a good Cuban Sandwich. The history of this savory sandwich is a little hazy. These days it is widely believed that the sandwich was brought to America by those coming from Cuba, to work in the cigar factories in Tampa. Whoever was responsible, I am truly grateful. At Sisserou’s the shredded pork is marinated in a traditional citrus blend. It is topped with ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles (an unusual choice), Dijon mustard, and their homemade habanero mayonnaise. Usually the Cuban sandwiches I have tasted use a sour pickle, but with the addition of the spicy mayo the sweet pickles worked great. One of the top 10 I have ever tasted. With our first meal complete, we headed out to see what else Tulsa held in store for us.

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We want to thank Glacier Confection for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Convenient Location

Glacier Confection happens to be located just a short distance from the Woody Guthrie Center, which was the first museum on our schedule. Since we were in between lunch and dinner, we didn’t figure a few bites of chocolate would do too much harm to our appetites. An added bonus of visiting inner city locations is that many stops can be combined into one walking session. In our minds, the extra steps justify the calories we consume at places like this. The owner was unavailable the day of our visit, but had arranged to have us meet with Colton Rohr, the Director of Sales.

We arrived earlier than planned, and figured it would give some time to take plenty of photos. The two staff members on duty knew about our arrival, and made us feel very at home. While the store is known for their artisan chocolates, they also carry many standards that customers have come to expect at a chocolate shop. They have the chocolate en-robed nut clusters, which come with a variety of nut options. Toffees, truffles, and a wide range of other sweets also decorate the display cases that flank the entrance. Of course, these are beautiful to look at, and delicious to taste, but they are not the star of the show at Glacier Confection.

Glacier Confection Hospitality

After taking a bunch of photos (I never know which ones I will end up using.), the staff members asked if we would like to sample some of the chocolates. Obviously the answer was, Yes! They brought out a board that held two flavors of their decorated specialties. The first we sampled was the Margarita, which is from their Cocktail collection. OMG! We were both amazed at their ability to capture this flavor in a chocolate. The second sample was the Vanilla Bean from their Dark Chocolate collection. Once again the flavor was right on the mark. Colton arrived with Hannah Shriever, Director of Operations and Erin Groff, Production Manager. This was perfect timing, since other customers were in need of the staff’s attention.

Chocolate With Purpose

Our discussion focused on Glacier Confection’s interesting background, just like some of the other chocolate companies we have covered. Bill Copeland actually was running a carton packaging company, when he decided to move into the chocolate business. He immersed himself into his study of the art of chocolate making. Under his direction, Glacier has become recognized as one of the Top Ten confectioners in North America. That is quite an accomplishment for a box maker, and shows his dedication to the business. These days he has staff to help him with his creations, but the commitment to delivering the finest quality is still paramount. It certainly comes through in the flavor of the chocolates, which we continued to sample.

Parting Kindness

After more discussion, and tasting, our time for this visit was coming to an end. We had both decided on our favorites, which is no easy feat in a shop filled with so many options. Crystal loved the Chardonnay Sea Salt, which is truly one of the best chocolates we have ever tasted. That is saying something, since I have always been partial to dark chocolate. No fear, they had just the thing to satisfy my sweet tooth. The Fortunato Solid is by far the best dark I have ever sampled. This is the kind of chocolate that needs to be savored, as it melts in your mouth.

It was time to move to our next stop, but before we did, they wanted to give us a parting gift. Colton, Hannah, and Erin assembled a mixture of their favorites for us to try out later. (By the way, Thanks! Everything was great!) They told us that Glacier Confection is in the process of preparing a second location, which will feature a lounge style setting. This is certainly a look we will want to experience, so a return to Tulsa will have to be scheduled. In the meantime, why not make your own plans to visit Glacier Confections? We are betting that you will find lots of new favorites.

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We want to thank the Woody Guthrie Center for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Woody Guthrie Center

We arrived downtown, and found a decent parking spot in a nearby lot. We love exploring the downtown areas of cities, since it usually means we can connect a lot of places in one walking session. A quick stop at the Center of the Universe, (A “must experience” in Tulsa) and then we were off. The Woody Guthrie Center is in the Brady Arts District on the north side of the downtown area. There are lots of restaurants nearby, so it’s a great stop before or after lunch. The building is hard to miss, since it has a huge mural of Woody Guthrie on the side. This certainly makes for a great photo opportunity, as demonstrated by Crystal.

A Look Inside

To be honest, before our visit we knew very little about Woody Guthrie. We were aware that he authored “This Land is Your Land”, but had no real background knowledge of the man or his music. A visit to the Woody Guthrie Center was destined to fix this deficiency of knowledge. Visit Tulsa had arranged a tour for us, and we were met by Jerry Wofford, the Education and Public Programs Director. He was as excited to show off the center, as we were to see it. He gave us an overview of the museum’s layout, and then suggested we begin with the 14 minute video that details Woody’s beginnings. Our timing was perfect, and the video provided a solid base for exploring the museum’s exhibits.

Woody’s America

We love museums that feature interactive displays, and this one is certainly top notch in that area. After the video, we headed to the big screen exhibit titled “Woody’s America”. This touch screen display allows guests to dive deeper into Woody’s life story. Each touch brings up articles about his music. It also includes info about Tulsa, Oklahoma, and world history during Woody’s lifespan. I would rank this as one of the best designed displays I have seen in a museum setting. We would soon discover more unique audio-visual exhibits scattered throughout the center.

Disaster Strikes The Midwest

Across the hall from the interactive map, we found an alcove that highlighted the Dust Bowl period in the Central U.S. A video loop plays on one wall, and relates some of the story, as told in the Ken Burns documentary. Various displays show what was happening throughout the nation during this period. Alongside these displays is an audio exhibit where visitors can choose from a selection of songs Woody wrote and performed about the Dust Bowl. It is quite a sobering section, as you see the effects this man-made disaster had on families throughout the region.

Instruments Of Change

Moving toward the center of the museum, we found an assortment of Woody’s instruments on display. Among these was a fiddle that he carried with him during his stint in the U.S. Navy. The instrument even survived the sinking of the ship he was on. It was amusing to see the way that he decorated each of his musical instruments, and shows the lighthearted side of the man. There are other displays of his various stringed instruments, as well as some from other famous musicians that were affected by Woody’s music.

This Land

When most people think of Woody Guthrie, the song they remember is “This Land is My Land”. His music celebrates the beauty of the country from coast to coast. Woody wrote this song, because he was tired of “God Bless America” being overplayed on the radio. He wanted a more relevant theme, and adapted the words to the melody of an old gospel song. At the Woody Guthrie Center, you can listen to a recording of him singing this song. We were also able to see a copy of the original hand written lyrics. The original is kept on-site, but they only bring it out on special occasions. The rest of the time it is kept in an area that better preserves it from deterioration.

Additional Talents

Woody Guthrie was not just a musical artist. He also enjoyed painting and drawing. In the center of the building is where we found the “This Land” exhibit, and on the outside wall they have hung a collection of panels showcasing some of his drawings. He was known for being a political activist, and many ring with a cry for equality. The lyrics of many of his songs spoke out for the “little guy”, who was just trying to get by in life. This helped skyrocket his popularity with the working class, and soon he would use this stardom to help carry his message across the country, and beyond.

Special Guest Exhibits

The music of Woody Guthrie had a powerful effect on many of today’s popular artists. At the Woody Guthrie Center, we found that they have a section set aside for traveling exhibits on artists who collaborated with or found inspiration from Woody Guthrie. During our visit, the works of Pete Seger were being featured. Pete was a folk singer and activist from the same time period as Woody. Although we were not aware of his name, many of his tunes were also immediately recognizable. In a corner of the exhibit guests could do karaoke to a choice of Pete’s songs. While I didn’t belt out the lyrics, I did enjoy listening to his performance of “If I Had A Hammer”. I’m sure my refraining was appreciated by the other visitors that day. So now that you have had a peek at the Woody Guthrie Center, why not add it to your travel list? It’s just one of the many great stops we found in Tulsa Town.

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