Clearly Oklahoma City

Every now and then I find myself going somewhere to eat that I am sure I will not like.  However, since I do not like to be the squeaky wheel or prevent people from going somewhere just because I do not think I will like it, I go along.  Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised though, and this was the case the other day when I went into a new restaurant based on salads, CoolGreens.   Read more... (434 words, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)

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Just west of Oklahoma City is the city of El Reno.  I grew up near El Reno, so I know many of its ins and outs.  I’ve also been to many of its different events, including Tombstone Tales, an event held at historic Fort Reno.

While it’s not in Oklahoma City, I can safely say that Tombstone Tales is worth the short drive. 

There are really two parts to the event.  First, you can wander around Fort Reno and check out all the different historic buildings.  These buildings have been carefully preserved so that they look exactly like they did when they were built.  One, the Fort Reno Chapel, is actually still used for weddings today!  Read more... (370 words, estimated 1:29 mins reading time)

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September means a lot of things to many different people, but to Oklahomans, it means it’s time for the state fair!  The Great State Fair of Oklahoma, as it is officially called, opens September 16^th and runs through the 26^th.  The fair always promises a fun time for everyone.  I know I always enjoy the atmosphere, seeing all the different exhibits, and (my absolute favorite part) eating all that amazing fair food!  Read more... (519 words, estimated 2:05 mins reading time)

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August is here, and that means it’s time for all those students to get ready to go back to school.  But classes won’t start for a few weeks (well, most of them—I did see where one school starts August 2^nd!), and that means there’s still time to find a few things to do with the kids.  Here are some activities to enjoy in Oklahoma City before hitting the books again.

Go to a sprayground.  These small water parks have replaced some playgrounds in OKC.  They offer pools, sprayers, and other fun toys that can help keep kids cool during the hot August month.  Read more... (312 words, estimated 1:15 mins reading time)

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If you live in Northwestern Oklahoma City, especially if you’re a student at Oklahoma City University, you’ve probably heard of Kamp’s Market & Deli.  This little store is located at NW 25^th street and Classen.  The outside of Kamp’s doesn’t look like much—it looks like it could use a good coat of paint, actually…but don’t judge this book by its cover.

The inside of Kamp’s looks nothing like the outside.  It’s very comfortable, and the atmosphere is very relaxing.  You may see a few students scattered around the place studying, and there may even be some live musical entertainment if you come at the right time.   Read more... (384 words, estimated 1:32 mins reading time)

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When I was growing up, there was a back to school tradition: we’d all pile into the van and drive down to Texas to take advantage of their August sales tax holiday.  This special weekend was the only time when there was no sales tax on clothing, shoes, and all those other school supplies.  However, while I have fond memories of making this trip every year, kids in Oklahoma may not—since 2007, Oklahoma has had its own sales tax holiday.  Read more... (199 words, estimated 48 secs reading time)

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I love books.  I’ve got shelves overflowing with books, and yet I keep buying more and more of them.  While I don’t mind lending my books to family and friends, it’s no secret that I’m very protective of my collection.  I don’t want any of my books damaged.  Because of this, I found the idea of the Altered Books exhibit a bit unsettling…they were taking books and using them as raw material in art!  Read more... (230 words, estimated 55 secs reading time)

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Oklahoma is known for producing some amazing stars.  We’re home to country music stars like Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks, comedian and actress Megan Mullally, and, of course, Will Rogers.  But few people know that Oklahoma is also home to a number of famous comic artists and writers.

I’m a pretty big comic book fan, but I had no clue that our state was home to people like Sterling Gates.  Mr. Gates has written many titles for DC Comics, including Superman: Secret Files, Green Lantern Corps, and Supergirl.  Then there’s Chester Gould, the man who created Dick Tracey.  He’s from Pawnee, Oklahoma.  Another famous Oklahoma comic writer is Archie Goodwin, a Tulsa native who has written for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and did the comic adaptations of the Star Wars movies.  Read more... (323 words, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)

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The Fourth of July is obviously a big deal this month, but there are many other activities going on in Oklahoma City that don’t involve fireworks. 

07/01 – 07/04 – OKC Summer Classic Dog Show at the Cox Center

07/01 – Noon Tunes: Okie Dokey Banjo Band at the Downtown Library

07/02 & 07/03 – Soundtrack to a Revolution at the OKC Museum of Art

07/02 – 07/17 – Reefer Madness the Musical at the Carpenter Square Theatre

07/02 – 07/17 – The Taming of the Shrew by OK Shakespeare in the Park  Read more... (544 words, estimated 2:11 mins reading time)

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One of the most popular events in June in Oklahoma City is the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival.  It’s been held for more than 20 years, and it features many amazing cultural events like dancing, arts, a parade, and more.  More than 100 Native American tribes, nations, and bands participate, making it an amazing event.  This year, the Red Earth Festival takes place on June 18 through 20, starting at 10:00 a.m. on Friday.  Read more... (352 words, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

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