Tulsa Is The Next Big Thing

I'll admit that I didn't know much about Tulsa before I visited the city, but I left in love with it. It was quickly apparent that Tulsans really care about their city and each other and that compassion can be felt even by weekend visitors. People may come for the outstanding cuisine, the historic vistas of Route 66, the informative music and history museums, or a fun festival, but they'll stay to enjoy the friendliness of the people who call Tulsa home.

Luckily for those flying out of MSY, a brand new direct flight has just opened between Tulsa and New Orleans on Breeze Airlines on Mondays and Fridays. I extremely recommend hopping on that flight or enjoying a scenic road trip through the heart of our nation to get to know Tulsa better.

The Heart of the City

I drove right into the downtown area into the Arts District. Normally, going into the dense downtown area right away would be nerve-wracking, but there were plenty of parking spots available right outside my accommodations. I stayed in the haute chic 21 ½ Boutique Hotel, a 20 room building on the upper floors of cool businesses below. These are no ordinary hotel rooms; the spacious, luxurious suites feature a full kitchen with cookware and dinnerware, a big, comfy bed, and huge windows that allow you to look out over the bustling city streets below. You can people-watch the diners and bar patrons, or you can gaze out on the city lights before dozing off. This is a great space for couples enjoying a longer stay in the city, or bridal parties who need extra space to prepare for the big moment.

One of the best aspects of 21 ½ Boutique Hotel is that it sits adjacent to numerous bars, restaurants, cafes, attractions, and Guthrie Green. Named for beloved musician Woodie Guthrie, Guthrie Green is an urban park that allows citizens to relax on the manicured lawn, enjoy a visiting food truck, or join an exercise class. During the short time I was here, Guthrie Green hosted a movie night (Lost In Translation) and a jazz concert, both free of charge.

My first official meal happened at Wild Fork in Utica Square. The morning was bright and cool, and the patio at Wild Fork overlooking a green space was buzzing with patrons enjoying a wonderful meal. It was tough to choose between the breakfast and brunch items, but the Grain Bowl was my final choice. Paired with piping hot black coffee, the Grain Bowl was a wonderful melange of chewy roasted mushrooms, rich sauteed spinach, fresh tomato, a dollop of avocado, and well-seasoned quinoa. A ladle-full of whipped feta sat beside the grains so that you could add as much or as little as you wanted to your fork. A dusting of lemon zest added just a touch of tanginess to get your taste buds going.

I drove a short way to Gathering Place after breakfast, and I had no idea what I was really stepping into. Gathering Place is so much more than a park; it's a place to play, to relax, to explore, and to gather yourself however you want to do it. The privately-funded park sits along the Arkansas River and provides park-goers with pathways that wind around gorgeous foliage, man-made waterways, play areas, and so much more. There are art installations to take in from gigantic permanent structures that double as playgrounds to rotating exhibitions. Take one of the park's kayaks or paddle boards out onto Peggy's Pond at no cost to you. Play a game of pickleball on one of the new courts. You may prefer to sit in the world-class Williams Lodge to work remotely using the complimentary wifi. Gathering Place is an impressive place just to walk around, but it is even more impressive knowing that the project was fully funded by philanthropic groups and donors for the benefit of all Tulsans and visitors.

I was excited to check out the iconic road Route 66 for the very first time, and Tulsa is proud to promote their leg of the road. In fact, Route 66 will be celebrating 100 years in 2026, and there are sure to be events galore. Like many tourists, my first stop was Buck Atom's Cosmic Curios on 66. The new boutique just behind the shop Buck's Vintage holds classic and nostalgic treasures like old Coca Cola signs and lots of Elvis Presley memorabilia. Young people and people young at heart will love the Decopolis 66 Discovitorium and TulsaRama. The rambling store has shelves packed with curiosities, games, toys, and other things that will dazzle the eye. One section of the store holds a mini Art Deco Museum featuring items and information about art deco design that can be seen throughout the area.

Just down Route 66 from the Golden Meadow area on the corner of South Lewis Ave. is the brand new Visit Tulsa Visitor Center where travelers will find tons of information about what to do now that they're here. You won't, however, find racks upon racks of brochures; this center is designed for conversation. You are encouraged to talk to the staffer about your interests so that they can make personalized recommendations to you. I highly recommend checking it out to ensure that you don't miss out on anything while you're here.

I walked around the corner to the bustling Mother Road Market to pick up some lunch. The food hall teemed with hungry Tulsans who chose from all kinds of food vendors: sushi, tacos, burgers, pizza, and more. Part of the appeal of this food hall is that a huge patio is available for recreation out back including a mini golf course that can keep the kids entertained. I just can't resist trying out fried chicken in new cities, so a chicken tender meal from Chicken and The Wolf was my selection. I got the Hot Level of spice, and it was slightly too hot for me. Even the Lemon Dill Sauce couldn't take that heat down. Luckily, The Big Dipper Creamery a few stalls down helped me cool off my tongue with some Honeycomb Lavender ice cream.

This night, I had an amazing dinner at Lowood in the East End Village. Unfortunately, Lowood, Hodges Bend, and apartment units atop the two eateries succumbed to a devastating fire. While no one was injured, the restaurants will need to be rebuilt entirely. A GoFundMe has been created to aid the 75 employees who lost their income which you can visit here.

There are plenty of breweries to choose from in Tulsa, but being a live music fan, I headed to Marshall Brewing Company because Michael Campa and Clay Welch were providing original tunes in the biergarten. This brewery has an intriguing history. Previously, only low-point beers (3.2% ABW) were allowed to be sold directly to consumers from breweries. Adam and Eric Marshall established their brewery making full-strength beers in 2008, and those products were only allowed to be distributed and not consumed on the premises. They worked hard to get the laws changed with other like-minded beer-lovers. Finally in 2016, Bill SB424 decreed that breweries could sell full-strength beer to consumers to drink on the premises.

I was attracted to the USS Tulsa Oatmeal IPA as I tend to prefer stronger, more assertive tasting beers, but the Tarbert Booze Bill had an eye-catching tap handle that I couldn't ignore. A man's picture graced it, and I inquired about the person. The bartender explained that this beer was in conjunction with one of Marshall Brewing's most loyal patrons named Brad McAlister. And this patron just so happened to be at the brewery when I was there. It was so much fun speaking to Brad, his friends, and the brewery's staff about the friendly atmosphere that has been cultivated at this place. I absolutely felt like I was a part of the tight-knit and compassionate community that is Tulsa when I was here.

New Kid on the Block

Just down the street, I stepped into 1820 Spa for a much needed massage. The spa is located in the stately Elizabeth Manor, a former apartment building erected in 1925 that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. My massage therapist led me into a pretty room that retained some of the original brick of the gorgeous old building, and the space exuded serenity and calm. The therapist expertly worked out all the knots in my back that I give myself from road-tripping. Feeling looser and lighter, I walked right next door to visit a brand new business that is sure to be a welcome addition to Tulsa's hospitality scene.

The Brut Hotel is housed inside a 1953 brutalist building (hence the hotel's name) that is located a block from the Arkansas River and overlooks Dream Keepers Park. This location is ideal for those attending events at the park even if you're not an overnight guest of the hotel. Guests and day visitors alike will love looking out over Tulsa's skyline or the park from the rooftop restaurant and lounge Soma. The adventurous sort can hang out on the open-air patio, but those who don't like heights can appreciate the views from the glassed-in area.

You'll want to stay at Brut Hotel just to experience one of the incredible rooms here. Each light and airy room is a little bit different. While some rooms have bunk beds, one large bed, or even hammocks next to the bed, every room has many locally-sourced elements. Locally-sourced items were important to The Brut Hotel because this is a local business; it is not part of an impersonal hotel chain. Brut Hotel and Soma have plans to appeal to visitors as well as locals with excellent dining, unparalleled hospitality, and even some events.

From experiencing Tulsa's exciting present, I went to Greenwood Rising to learn more about a difficult part of the city's past. Greenwood Rising historical center thoroughly explains the history of Tulsa's historically black neighborhood Greenwood including the Tulsa Race Massacre event of 1921. In the very first room, wall-sized projections take you back through time beginning with grazing bison and nomadic Native Americans. Farmers began to settle into the area, then oil wells dotted the landscape. Brick buildings began to replace small wooden buildings, and you watched as citizens walked up and down the paved sidewalks. The next room is a recreation of a barbershop which would have been in the Greenwood neighborhood. You can take a seat in a barber chair and a virtual barber cuts your hair while you listen to the conversation being held between all the barbers.

The third room can be a difficult experience for some. The tall broken pieces of brick buildings are the backdrop for projections that show you what it was like being inside the Tulsa Race Massacre. An encounter between two working teens in an elevator of the Drexel Building ignited the powder keg of racial tension that had been sitting in Tulsa due to newfound statehood, Jim Crow laws, the rise of the KKK, veterans returning home after WWI, and other issues.

The projections begin with a serene night that quickly turns into a horror show of house fires, breaking glass, and bombs. Voices recount the terror of the night and ensuing days as murders happen in the street and a place flies low overhead dropping incendiary devices. What's still so wrong about the deadly event is that the true death toll is unknown. The toll in 1921 and the toll taken in 2001 differ by hundreds. The City of Tulsa started a search for potential mass graves in Oaklawn Cemetery in 2020. Despite everything, a small portion of Greenwood was rebuilt and thrived by the early 1940s being nicknamed Black Wall Street, but declined in the 70s.

Just outside of Greenwood Rising, you can visit the remaining strip of Greenwood with shops, restaurants, and other businesses. I got an icy cold popsicle at Frios Gourmet Pops to cool off while walking around the area. I enjoyed reading the placards placed in the sidewalk that stated what businesses used to be in that spot.

Dinner time was approaching, so I walked from my hotel to Mr. Kim's in order to appreciate the architecture of downtown Tulsa, look at cool street art, and window shop. Mr. Kim's is somewhat hard to discern when you approach it. The door is set inside an alcove with just a purple neon sign showing you the way. The interior of Mr. Kim's Asian-Inspired Steakhouse is just as mysterious and sexy. Black wood walls are broken up by exposed brick and black and white photographs. Twinkles of gold shine off of the gold chopsticks. Despite the ultra luxurious feel, Mr. Kim's is accessible and very well priced; even families with younger children were enjoying the restaurant in the early evening. The Lost Coz frozen cocktail was perfect for the hot afternoon. The ruby red drink was based with vodka and blended with Soon Hari Citron Soju, triple sec, cranberry, key lime, and sweet hibiscus syrup.

The potato chip lover in me could not resist trying the Sour Cream and Chive Udon. The steaming bowl of noodles lightly coated in creamy, tangy sauce was such a treat, and it could satisfy just by itself. This dish has an interesting feature; the Bonito flakes come alive when poured out on the noodles! The flakes dance and wriggle when they start soaking up the moisture. I assure you that they're not really alive, though. Not one to pass up a tiki drink, I needed to have the Siren Song as my second drink. The tropical delight was served in a blue tiki with a pretty purple edible flower. Gypsy Cat white rum was mixed with banana and pineapple liqueurs, lime, and orange flower water. Some white sesame orgeat added the heat and spice needed in a true tiki drink, and the cocktail was floated with Maggie's 50/50 Dark Rum.

Now came dinner and a show. Mr. Kim's has grills in the tables so that you can be your own chef. I will admit that I'm not the biggest meat eater, so I opted to order the Veggie Butcher Block where others may prefer to indulge in the seafood, pork, or beef options. I did also get the Miso-Marinated Black Cod to throw on the grill. My server explained how to cook it all like the experts do. Mr. Kim's provides a cube of wagyu beef fat to coat the grill to prevent sticking (and add excellent flavor). With a hot, lubricated grill ready to go, I dropped pieces of trumpet mushrooms, broccolini, eggplants, and more on the rack. While those sizzled, I took more care to cook the fresh pieces of cod so that they got a slight crust on the outside but remained soft within. I didn't get the first few pieces perfect, but the last few were much better. The grill items that I selected would have been more than enough food, but it came with flavorful accouterments and additions including pickles, kim chi, seaweed salad.

As my grillable items dwindled, I was dazzled by the display of the cotton candy dessert at other tables. The cloud of cotton candy glowed from within thanks to a little color-changing light on the confection's spindle. But the grill goodness comes with its own dessert that I was waiting for: a lovely scoop of sorbet that put a sweet cap on this culinary journey. This would be an awesome couple experience or a group adventure that won't soon be forgotten. Even grilling solo is fun because you don't have to worry about keeping yourself occupied.

Rock, Roll, and Pasta

I didn't have to go too far to get breakfast today. Several people suggested Chimera Cafe for coffee and a pastry, and I could quickly see (and taste) why. The sun-lit, quirky coffee shop had many regular customers grabbing a daily drink or sitting at their usual table. At night, the shop turns into a venue where bands play on a regular basis. I got my usual black coffee, but I couldn't decide between having a healthy or not-as healthy breakfast. So I got both a tall glass of beet juice and a cute vanilla vegan sprinkle donut. It was the perfect trifecta of breakfast foods to get me prepared for a day of museum-ing.

I couldn't pass up a visit to a music studio, and The Church Studio was such an interesting space to learn about some of Tulsa's history, prolific musician Leon Russell, and how recordings go down here now. The studio was once Grace Methodist Episcopal Church built in 1915. The church changed hands over the decades, but it remained a place of worship until musician Leon Russell purchased it in 1972. Today, The Church Studio is owned by Ivan Acosta and Teresa Knox who have added onto the original building and lovingly renovated it to include a museum and archive of its former owner and the studio itself as well as having a state-of-the-art recording studio with both digital and analog capabilities. Teresa toured me around The Church Studio to see the immense amount of work that has gone into the public areas and the working areas. The likes of Willie Nelson, Kansas, Tom Petty, and The Gap Band have roamed these halls when they were busy creating their recorded works.

One aspect of The Church Studio that stands out against most other recording studios is the impressive analog equipment that the owners invested in knowing that many bands love recording on such equipment but don't usually have access to. Not content with just The Church Studio, Teresa explained how she bought several buildings on the block and hopes to purchase more to transform this area into a music-centric destination. Across the street from The Church Studio, you can grab a bite or drink at ah-Sigh-e, Studio Row Coffee, or 918 Maples Tacos or pick up some albums at Studio Records.

The musical odyssey continued with visits to the Bob Dylan Center and adjacent Woodie Guthrie Center which were also conveniently located near to 21 ½ Boutique Hotel. Upon arriving at The Bob Dylan Center, you are given headphones and a digital device to have a more immersive and personalized experience. The first area to see is a theater with boxes upon boxes of paper spilling out and covering the ceiling. You learn about the life and times of Bob Dylan through video footage and an interview with the man himself. The rest of the center features archival items like handwritten song lyrics, records, and more. Using your device, you can scan codes to listen to his songs or listen to more interviews. There are some interactive spots that are fun for visitors of all ages. Enter the studio and try your hand at mixing Bob Dylan's tracks or learn about his influences in the Listening Booth. The Bob Dylan Center also explained how and why young Bob Dylan sought out his idol Woodie Guthrie when he got to New York.

I then walked next door to the Woodie Guthrie Center which also had an exhibit on the history of disco. This experience also began with a showing of a short documentary about the life of Woodie Guthrie and the world that shaped him. Woodie was a radical in some ways; I could easily see the center's mural from my hotel window showing Woodie playing a guitar with "This Machine Kills Fascists" emblazoned on it. Born in 1912 in Okemah, OK, a teenaged Woodie traveled to Texas for work, and he soon after went west with thousands of other "Okies" during the devastating Dust Bowl. Woodie was moved by the plight of the common man because he was one, and his songs about living in poverty, back-breaking work, and freedom resonated with many Americans.

One area of the center was an exhibit about The Dust Bowl which Woodie experienced in the mid 1930s. You can put on a virtual reality headset and endure the intense dust storm that occurred on what is called Black Sunday, watching the blue sky turn dark with fires and sparks bursting around you. It's scarier than you think. Other areas of the museum displayed the man's instruments, his journals, and even the paintings he made throughout his life; he often sold art on the streets for quick cash in addition to busking. The handwritten lyrics to his most famous song "This Land Is Your Land" were on display under serious security when I visited.

The "Love Saves the Day: The Subterranean History of American Disco" exhibit made me realize how much I don't know about disco. Starting with rent parties in the 1940s, the disco scene began as invite-only, somewhat secretive DJ-led events that rose in popularity in the 1970s. After achieving mainstream success, disco was torn down by bigots who seemed to resent the freedoms enjoyed by people of minority communities and the LGBTQ+ community. I feel like I fully got to experience this museum because of Front House Supervisor Sam Flowers. He engaged me and every other guest illustrating and further detailing what it is we were looking at and learning. He put the information presented here into great context and really made the experience personal and so friendly.

Just outside the door of the center in Guthrie Green, Jazz in The Park was just getting started. Tulsans gathered to hear the big band led by Michael Fields, Jr.. The show went well into the night. I would have loved watching more of the show, but I had a date with dinner. I walked down to il seme in the Deco District for an unforgettable Italian meal. The restaurant was already busy early Saturday evening; this is clearly a regular spot for loyal diners. Clearly, the patrons adore James Beard-nominated Chef Lisa Becklund's cuisine

Inspired by the contemporary, quietly opulent surroundings, I chose to have an unconventional cocktail for Italian food. I selected the Amarena Margarita which is tequila mixed with rich amaretto, sour, black cherry, and lime. It was at the same time sweet and smoky. I'm definitely one of those people who loves bread before the meal, so the Focaccia del Giorno seemed like a great choice. And it was. The block of focaccia was fluffy, warm, and bursting with herbal flavor. The olive oil and balsamic that it is served with is best poured onto a plate for dipping which you'll definitely want to do.

Pasta is one of my favorite foods because you really can't go wrong if you've got chewy noodles and a good sauce. I got the Fettuccine Marinara to see how il seme performs when it comes to old fashioned pasta. I'm happy to report that it was amazing. Fresh, perfectly chewy strands of fettuccine were wound with a rich and tasty sauce. It was certainly served in the true Italian style where there is less sauce and more pasta. When you've got a very noticeable sauce, you don't need too much of it. The mound of pasta is dusted with a generous portion of finely grated cheese and some full leaves of basil that give the dish a burst of fragrance and herbal flavor. I can't attest that this Fettuccine Marinara is as good as your grandmother's, but you may want to check it out and see.

For the final course, I saw a dessert that looked like a good companion for one of the signature cocktails. The cocktail was the Viola, a pretty in purple drink with gin, housemande orangecello, creme de violette, and lemon The refreshing drink was indeed an excellent pairing with the Pavlova dessert. A small scoop of blackberry sorbet sits innocently atop baked meringue. The bottom layer of meringue spectacularly crashes when broken with a fork, and it instantly dissolves into pure sweetness on the tongue. The orange and violet flavors of the cocktail enrich the blackberry sorbet to create a fruity flavor that lingers long after you leave il seme.

Every city I visit, I go to at least one tiki bar, if there are any in that city. Luckily, Tulsa has an excellent tiki bar with one of the best playlists I've experienced. Saturn Room is just a humble building on the outside, but the inside is a tropical oasis. Low, colorful lighting, beach vibes, and rocking surf music made for a magical nightcap. I had the delightful Doctor Dragonfly: a concoction made with rum, falernum, lime, passionfruit, coconut cream, and bitters. This tik joint gets extra points for having neon bendy straws that the bartenders bend into cool shapes.

Two House Museums

My final day in Tulsa was exciting because I was finally going to see one thing I was dreaming about for weeks. In a quaint neighborhood at the corner of Outsiders Way and Curtis Brothers Lane, you'll come across The Outsiders House Museum. Since the release of S.E. Hinton's book in 1967, many school children have been required to read The Outsiders, and then they may watch the 1983 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola featuring Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, and C. Thomas Howell. Most of those children turn into lifelong fans of The Outsiders. One of the fans visited the dilapidated house on his tour stops in Tulsa. Danny Boy O'Connor of House of Pain found out that the house was just about to be demolished, so he purchased it with just two weeks until the hammer fell in 2016. After extensive renovations and collecting memorabilia, The Outsiders House Museum is adding another element to the famous story.

The house has been recreated to look almost exactly like it did in the film with the addition of the actors' clothing, original scripts, and so much more. Much of the film was shot at this house and in the neighborhood, and many of the props were sold to locals right after filming ended. The museum operators didn't have to search too far to retrieve some of the props that had simply remained in the area since the 1980s. In one instance, you can see Coppola's director chair which had been stolen from the set. Policemen found the chair soon after, and one of them took it home where it stayed for thirty plus years. The stove that was in the Curtis Brothers' kitchen was right down the street the whole time. You don't have to be a fan of The Outsiders to enjoy this museum, but you may turn into one when you leave. The biggest fans will be happy to know that you can get a deeper experience by booking a stay at the Greaser Hideout AirBNB house just across the street.

It was such a pretty day in Tulsa; I couldn't have asked for a better day to visit Bar Serra in the luxury shopping center Utica Square. The small bistro was drenched in sunlight thanks to a glass ceiling covering much of the restaurant; it was kind of like dining in a greenhouse, but one that has air conditioning. The Rosemary Ginger G&T was the perfect herbal drink to go with all the greenery. It had an excellent scent due to a big slice of ginger and a sprig of rosemary. Keeping with the lighter theme, I wanted to try the Cedar Plank Salmon that came out incredibly juicy with a dark, heavily seasoned crust. The thick piece of salmon flaked easily, but that crisp crust held the forkful intact. The roasted vegetables alongside the salmon were whole carrots, radishes, and cauliflower also seasoned well and topped with, my favorite, fresh dill. A little spritz from the lemon slice made this dish even more exciting.

Driving through a jaw-droppingly gorgeous part of town with lavish homes and rolling hills, I came across the Philbrook Museum of Art. Indeed the massive museum was once an Italian Renaissance-inspired home built by oilman Waite Phillips and his wife Genevieve in 1927. By 1938, The couple gifted the home and surrounding 23 acres of land to the city of Tulsa to be an art center. The Philbrook Museum of Art was opened on October 25th, 1939. The rambling museum has a plethora of art from ancient times to modern times, and it hosts all kinds of events. I would have loved to have been in town for the Internet Cat Video Showcase screened on The Lawn.

Though the exhibits are changed regularly, my visit had a collection of American Revolution-era works, religious paintings including a striking painting of Mary Magdalene from the 1600s, and Native American works of art and pottery. I very much enjoyed the ancient Egyptian artifacts. The art inside was wonderful to peruse, but I had no clue what was waiting for me outside the back door. I exited the building to find the most stunning gardens I've ever seen in my life, and I agree that this is "The Most Beautiful Place in Oklahoma." The Philbrook Gardens elicit views like those in Tuscany as lush, manicured gardens and a babbling brook lead you down from the home to a picturesque pavilion. You may encounter some of the famous garden cats along the route or you may come across picnic-ers, painters, or yoga enthusiasts.

I couldn't leave Tulsa without one more great restaurant experience, but I wanted to keep it light and fun. TXMZ (Tacos x Mezcal) was a laid-back place for margaritas, authentic Mexican street food, and more. Like everywhere I went, this place has a cool origin story; it was founded by two father-son teams, the Guajardo's and the Hull's, who recruited Chef Sebastian Renner to create an amazing menu.

I can't say no to hibiscus anything, so the Hibiscus Mint Margarita was the one for me. Featuring a base of Cimmaron Tequila, fresh hibiscus juice, lime, and mint agave are added to round out the pretty ruby drink. While the tacos looked so appetizing (Glazed Salmon Tacos in particular), I just craved a cold dish. The Ceviche Verde called to me with its promise of top-notch flavor. The verdant plate was stacked with succulent Mahi-Mahi, slices of fresh cucumber and onion, roasted pumpkin seeds, and cilantro. The dish had a dual coating of cilantro pesto and tangy gazpacho verde. My craving for cold was fully satisfied with this naturally flavorful dinner.

I had been wanting to visit this fancy bar a few doors down from my room since I got into town, so this was my last chance to have a drink at Valkyrie. It's no wonder why there was always a small crowd outside of it. This dark, sophisticated lounge has some serious options for cocktails. There are six 25-foot long racks of bottles. You could probably have a drink every day for a year and not repeat a liquor. The jovial bartenders at Valkyrie are happy to make you a custom cocktail by asking for the Bartender's Choice. Of the 24 note options, I went with smoky, tropical, and spicy and was given The Weakness in return: mezcal, black pepper, sriracha, honey, and lime. For me, it was a perfect, unforgettable blend. For others, it could definitely be way too much. But that's what the custom note selection is made for.

Tulsa is an entertaining, historic, and beautiful city, but that's why it's impressive. It really is the people. They care about supporting local businesses which allows entrepreneurs to flourish and thrive. They care about allowing everyone to access clean, lovely spaces, public and privately-owned, to have quality of life. They care about their past, the good and the bad, and put their history on full display. As it was told to me, "You can still be somebody here," and I believe that. Those who live in Tulsa have opportunities to open a business doing what they love or get into any scene that they like. Those who are just passing through will feel like they're a part of this tight-knit, caring community.