Introduction
I work for the government and just took a new job back in July that required a class in Oklahoma City (OKC). Unfortunately the only time available for me to attend a training class for my new job's equipment was the middle of January for 12 days. I had been in OKC before about 10 years ago in February-March time frame and I am not sure what months the weather is the best in OKC? During my 12 day trip I had numerous days of freezing temperatures but only on Saturday did we have some freezing rain and sleet, so I guess I should be thankful. After returning home with what I thought was cold I couldn't kick I found out after a visit to urgent care I had come down with pneumonia...ouch!
Legwork + Kim = Happy JW in OKC
Trying to make my trip to OKC the best I could I called a couple months in advance and reserved a room at the Hampton Inn in Bricktown with the local government rate of $81 a night. For those of you that have not been to OKC Bricktown website is located in the heart of OKC and it houses numerous bars, restaurants, the convention center, and the arena that NBA team calls home. I thought to myself if I was going to be in OKC I would at least be close to the everything and fore go the easy commute to school for life outside of class. I emailed a good friend of mine Kim that lives and works in OKC that I had met in a previous class and she suggested some good places to check out during my trip and none of them were in Bricktown. Hmm...I had hung out with Kim before I took her suggestions very seriously, and I did a little research and found there was a Whole Foods close to a couple of the places she suggested in an area called Historic Brookhaven. I promptly changed my hotel to the Crowne Plaza off of NW Expressway which was close Historic Brookhaven and they also included a free rental car (for government employees) for the entire duration of my trip. Needless to say I only ended up in Bricktown twice during my trip and found myself much more at home in the area I was staying off of NW Expressway. The other area I would recommend outside of Bricktown and Historic Brookhaven is Midtown which is host to a few restaurants and bars but I am not sure about hotels, regardless as everyone in OKC says everything is only 15 minutes apart.
Note: I am not sure if you have a Whole Foods where you live or have ever been to one but they tend to be in good parts of town or are in up and coming areas. I made a mental note of this and if I am going to a city I have not been to before chances are I will search out a whole foods and search the area around to see what I can find.
Note: I am not sure if you have a Whole Foods where you live or have ever been to one but they tend to be in good parts of town or are in up and coming areas. I made a mental note of this and if I am going to a city I have not been to before chances are I will search out a whole foods and search the area around to see what I can find.
Natives
Oklahoma is known for its native Americans and the many tribes that once called this state home. However, if you have ever come across someone from Oklahoma they are a proud group of people. I am not sure if its the "culture," way of life, or just an attitude but anyway you look at it they are proud and I admire that so much. It seems like everyone that lives here either went to OU or OSU and their lives revolve around those universities. The sports teams that each school has carries a cult following and fan base all across the nation not just rooted at home on Oklahoma. Now that OKC has a professional basketball team The OKC Thunder these two groups (OU and OSU) once at odds now have a common agreement and are very passionate about their home team the Thunder! Everyone I came across that lives there is happy more or less and content with life. I think the weather is crazy and there are limited options of things to do but don't say that to someone that lives in OKC. I have heard a list of things to do and places to go and nobody every really goes into harsh detail about the weather other than "yea it's cold today" etc. As an outsider who are we to knock OKC or Oklahoma or what they do for fun? After all we are just guests visiting in their hometown so why not enjoy it instead of bitching about how bad the weather is or how little there is to do when visiting. Again after my last post if people would just enjoy life for what it brings and make the most out of wherever they are then chances are they would be a lot happier!
The Crew
Our class had 14 people and I did not expect such a good group overall from such a small class. The 6 or 7 of us that stuck together after class was an eclectic group made up of all guys and one of the coolest chic's (ex Air Force of course) I had met in a while. As we grow older and get into life's rhythm it's harder and harder to get out as a group and do anything, but while attending these classes and seminars you have two options either sit in your room alone or make friends (which i never seem to have a problem doing). With the exception on Kim whom as I mentioned I have known for a couple years and lives in OKC I spent most of my evening on this trip with a small group I met in class "The Crew." "The Crew" is full of 30 somethings with the exception of Mark. Mark is a young 50 year old married man with gray hair and glasses was from Indianapolis and happened to know a guy I work with in SoCal. They both worked together years before back in Indy and shared some great stories from the past so I hear. Mark was the jovial happy go lucky guy who poked his nose into the younger group of 30 somethings and never said no and always seemed to make sure we knew he was able to hang regardless of his age. Jaidy was from Detroit and I believe he was Puerto Rican, small in size but big in personality and forever a smile on his face. He has 4 kids and a wife back at home and the crazy thing is they ran out of regular rental cars and he gets stuck with a minivan. Really is that a curse, just bad luck, or gods way of saying he was meant to take care of the rest of us during our time in OKC? Scott a father of two had a buzz cut wore denim jeans originally from Montana and now lived in Denver and oddly enough loves Coors Light as well as country music dancing and hunting. Scott did a lot of the organizing and planning on our nightly events and would do just about anything for anyone. Karl only hung out with us a couple times and did not say much but always had a way of making people smile. He works in D.C. wears his hair in an afro and when he gets into the zone he puts a pick in his hair and enjoys the ride. Jennie's from Boston, tall blonde shoulder length hair mother of two twin boys and does her part to keep "us boys" in check. I was taken back when I first met her because she was quiet, nicely dressed with small square framed glasses kind of like a librarian but once she opens up, watch out! Actually after talking to her I found out she new someone I was in another class with and that eliminated any preconceived ideas about her. If she knew this chick then she was good in my book regardless. Last but not least there was Larry from Anchorage, Larry was a guy similar in age and size to myself, we were both half Mexican but Larry had a full beard and black framed glasses. Larry is the guy that never makes a big deal out of anything but everyone seems listen when he talks. He told me a story of helo-skiing and being buried in an avalanche for 13 minutes (he said it was like being stuck in concrete with his arms behind his back) and having to take oxygen and being airlifted to the ER. He was your typical Alaska guy was always looking for something outdoors and wanted to get away from everything sometimes...he's a quiet guy but one you know you can always trust and he has your back.
Larry reminds me so much of my roommate from the military Jeff I must have told him a 5 or 6 times.
Class Bonding meets Randy Couture
By the end of the day Wednesday The Crew decided to meet up for happy hour at a local dance club. For Dinner we decided to all meet up in midtown for $3 burgers at McNellie's website. I arrived a little early and saw the hour wait and did not feel like heading upstairs where it was open seating in the bar areas but there was also an option to smoke and that did NOT appeal to me. I had been living in CA for so long that I was taken back that it was still legal to smoke inside anywhere prior to arriving in OKC. note: Oklahoma was the last state to legalize tattoo parlors in the U.S. which just happened back in 2006. The "dance club" we went to for happy hour was not smoke free either and I was shocked to say the least. Needless to say McNellie's is located in midtown and there are numerous options for eateries and such plus the Thunder were playing a home game so everything was packed. The crew (minus Jennie) met Larry and I as we finished up dinner at a spot close to McNellie's in mid town and we decided to fight the rain and head to Bricktown for festivities during the game. It was a Wednesday and it was raining hard and it looked like a ghost town but we were trying to make the most of it. Most of the places were closed and we ended up catching the tail end of the Thunder on TV at Hooters. Before calling it a night the group decided for a night cap at Coyote Ugly which is a few doors down from Hooters. note: Bricktown is in the middle of downtown OKC and is full of restaurants and bars adjacent to one another separated by a man made canal like a very small version of San Antonio's Riverwalk. I am not sure if Coyote Ugly is a chain or what but the bar tries to live up to the movie with the same name and since Bricktown was dead when we walked in the girl walking atop the bar starts screaming at us, "hey you guys get over here sit down get a table get a drink...blah blah blah..." We were all freaked out because as we are walking down the steps and into the bar we see Randy Couture the UFC phenomenon in flesh and blood. Randy is chill drink in hand, wearing jeans a long sleeved tight white thermal undershirt on with a 1920's throwback style courier cap. There was no question if it was really him, people were taking pictures with him right and left and you could get close enough to see the cauliflower ear from all the UFC fights he had been in and had his ears mangled. Needless to say since we were the new group the bartender enticed our group into buying a special drink or a shot. I won't go into to many details but due to lack of group participation I ended up being the shot taker. I roamed the bar riding a stuffed horse wearing a black bicycle helmet peaking my head out to try and lure other patrons inside for a drink. My group tells me as I was making my way down the stairs and back into the bar Randy Couture is looking at me like I lost my mind...go figure?! As soon as we downed our drinks we headed out into the darkness and made our way home for a 530 wake up (really 330 with the 2 hour west coast time change) for another day of lecture...just a Wednesday night in OKC.
Kim takes me off the beaten path...
Kim had mentioned a couple places I should check out once in OKC and they were both right up my alley. The first place she told me about was Republic Gastropub website which is adjacent to the Whole Foods Market in a newer built up area 10 minutes North of downtown in Historic Brookhaven. Their menu is good (I stuck with the Ahi) the staff is friendly and the place is relatively new and they have TV's around the whole place so you can catch up on the game. I brought the crew in one night and they were blown away that we were still in OKC. It reminds me of some of the places we have out in SoCal and I think it's a crowd pleaser any day of the week especially if you like beer or mixed drinks. Republic was my go to place for a quick bite to eat or people watching depending on the day and it was only 5 minutes from my hotel. On Thursday night I met up with Kim and one of her friends Jennifer for dinner at a place called West Restaurant website. This is another place you have to check out if you come to OKC and want a great meal in a good atmosphere! There is a good chance Michael (the owner usually wearing blue framed glasses) will help seat you and always comes back to check and make sure you're ok. I recommend sitting in the bar area and getting a glass of wine and people watching. It seemed to be a socialite hangout and was great for the impromptu conversation with a lawyer on the way home from work. One of the coolest things they have on the menu for a "snack" is cotton candy! How fun is that? Be sure you dress appropriately because most of the people that come in are either fresh out of the office or on a date and the chance to wear nice clothes for a night on the town is something they relish. After dinner we headed just up the road to a nice wine bar called Bin 73 Yelp Review which has nice live music on a Thursday with a jazz band and small place for people to dance and cut loose to cap off the week. I had a great evening and forgot I was in OKC with the exception of an occasional twang in someones accent. Again Kim proves my point that it does not matter where you are or where you're from you can find your niche regardless of where you go. I could imagine any of those three places in SoCal or NYC and doing just fine. The food was great and the atmosphere was vibrant. The next time you think you're going to a place that doesn't offer anything you're interested in, stop do some leg work, and if you're lucky call a friend and see what they have any suggestions.
The Weekend
We had been in class all week getting up early and sometimes going to bed late but that did not stop us from seeing just how a weekend would go down in OKC. Each night could not have been more different and it proves the diversity of the city itself. The crew on Friday decided to head out to Cowboys website which was a huge dance hall with two floors and on one end they had a rodeo arena set up for indoor bull riding on the weekends. This was one of the places I had been to before on my last visit over 10 years ago and it had not changed a bit. The parking lot was full, they offered valet service and had security everywhere as well as a dress code! We all made our way inside and wedged ourselves between the dance floor and arena so we could see the live bull riding that takes places every hour or hour and half. If you have never seen something like this it's wild and the people watching is to die for but be sure to cover your drink with your hand because you will surely end up with dust in your drink and maybe a few other things! I know once the show started we were so close that Karl ended up with bullshit on his shirt that flew out of the arena as we were trying to see if the rider could stay on for 8 seconds. I just kept shaking my head thinking....wow this is something we don't get to see everyday in SoCal. I think most of the group thought the same thing reflecting back to their idea of a Friday night out and chances are it had nothing to do with live bull riding. They played mostly country music with some line dancing and a little pop now and again but wow the real reason to go is for the bull riding...or not! Saturday took a much different turn for us....Kim suggested we head to a place called Groovy's webpage which as you can imagine was an 80's bar with stiff drinks and a night of dancing with her and her friends. I told Mark, Jeannie and Scott and they met me there with Kim and her crew. Scott sent me a text after they arrived and said something like "wow this place is interesting" I could not even begin to imagine but when I walked in I saw exactly what he was talking about. I swear it was like going back to my high school prom. They had a sunken dance floor adjacent to the bar and a sitting area on a ledge a few feet higher overlooking everything. The crazy part was the decor and the people. They had roman style columns and a facade painted to make it seem like it was out of a prom or at least that's what it seemed like to me. When I walked in Mark was grinning ear to ear and said he thought he was back in a familiar place. I guess it was the gold chain around his neck or the neatly pressed shirt and jeans with dress shoes that made him fit in so well. The music was great the only issue was the owner was working behind the bar and also happened to be the DJ. It was funny when he would get busy and there would be a break between the music...the last time I checked the only thing you CAN'T do as the DJ is let the music stop. I guess it was his place and his rules and he even took requests so I had to ask for a little Michael Jackson which may have been played later but I never heard it during our time. Regardless, it was a great time with great music and great people. Yes the drinks are stiff and yes you will have a good time...the people watching alone is priceless...good call Kim! We ended the weekend at Iron Starr BBQ website which was ok but I have high standards growing up in TX. If you do end up at Iron Starr try the bloodymary which is made with Zing Zang and BBQ sauce which is an interested mix and something I had not tried before. Overall it was a good weekend with great people.
Looking Back
A few things caught my attention during my two week stay in OKC. I am not sure why but it seems more than 50% of the time when I would drive to school or anywhere for that matter I would see flashing lights on the road whether it was a cop or an ambulance. There were also a lot of junk yards full of fairly new cars that were not totaled but damaged and many people driving cars on the road that were damaged. I assume this was due to a lack of insurance but I can't confirm it. I'm in my mid 30's and grew up on rock music thanks to the influence of an older brother and there were a lot of radio stations playing music I loved so there was no need for my Iphone while driving. If going for a visit take face moisturizer it will come in handy with the constant wind and it's about the only thing you can't keep completely covered regardless of the time of year. As a group we looked for a mechanical bull and could not seem to find one but we did hear of a place that had some crazy stuff with a gator...not sure what that is all about? The hour and half wait on Friday night at Republic Gastropub proves people are willing to wait for good food, good people and a great atmosphere. I recommend advise from a trusted "connector" like Kim which is much more valuable than Yelp or Trip Advisor because they know the type of person you are and can point you in a specific direction depending on taste. If you don't know a "connector" go to an establishment you really like and make friends with the bartender and see which places they would go. Blake at Republic had great insight on places to go after talking to me and made some great suggestions. I never checked out Ludivine website in Midtown but he and many others swear by the farm to table food and atmosphere.
Many thanks!
Thank you again Kim for everything from the tips before my arrival to the amazing home cooked meal and visit with your family mid-way through my trip. OKC would not have been the same for me without her and as I say it's not about what you know rather who you know that makes it worth while. Small world would have it that her husband has been to my hometown and knows a few of the people I knew growing up?! I had a great time with my crew and who knows maybe I will bump into them in the future or people that they know until then regardless enjoy everyday for what it brings even if you're in OKC!
Kim takes me off the beaten path...
Kim had mentioned a couple places I should check out once in OKC and they were both right up my alley. The first place she told me about was Republic Gastropub website which is adjacent to the Whole Foods Market in a newer built up area 10 minutes North of downtown in Historic Brookhaven. Their menu is good (I stuck with the Ahi) the staff is friendly and the place is relatively new and they have TV's around the whole place so you can catch up on the game. I brought the crew in one night and they were blown away that we were still in OKC. It reminds me of some of the places we have out in SoCal and I think it's a crowd pleaser any day of the week especially if you like beer or mixed drinks. Republic was my go to place for a quick bite to eat or people watching depending on the day and it was only 5 minutes from my hotel. On Thursday night I met up with Kim and one of her friends Jennifer for dinner at a place called West Restaurant website. This is another place you have to check out if you come to OKC and want a great meal in a good atmosphere! There is a good chance Michael (the owner usually wearing blue framed glasses) will help seat you and always comes back to check and make sure you're ok. I recommend sitting in the bar area and getting a glass of wine and people watching. It seemed to be a socialite hangout and was great for the impromptu conversation with a lawyer on the way home from work. One of the coolest things they have on the menu for a "snack" is cotton candy! How fun is that? Be sure you dress appropriately because most of the people that come in are either fresh out of the office or on a date and the chance to wear nice clothes for a night on the town is something they relish. After dinner we headed just up the road to a nice wine bar called Bin 73 Yelp Review which has nice live music on a Thursday with a jazz band and small place for people to dance and cut loose to cap off the week. I had a great evening and forgot I was in OKC with the exception of an occasional twang in someones accent. Again Kim proves my point that it does not matter where you are or where you're from you can find your niche regardless of where you go. I could imagine any of those three places in SoCal or NYC and doing just fine. The food was great and the atmosphere was vibrant. The next time you think you're going to a place that doesn't offer anything you're interested in, stop do some leg work, and if you're lucky call a friend and see what they have any suggestions.
The Weekend
We had been in class all week getting up early and sometimes going to bed late but that did not stop us from seeing just how a weekend would go down in OKC. Each night could not have been more different and it proves the diversity of the city itself. The crew on Friday decided to head out to Cowboys website which was a huge dance hall with two floors and on one end they had a rodeo arena set up for indoor bull riding on the weekends. This was one of the places I had been to before on my last visit over 10 years ago and it had not changed a bit. The parking lot was full, they offered valet service and had security everywhere as well as a dress code! We all made our way inside and wedged ourselves between the dance floor and arena so we could see the live bull riding that takes places every hour or hour and half. If you have never seen something like this it's wild and the people watching is to die for but be sure to cover your drink with your hand because you will surely end up with dust in your drink and maybe a few other things! I know once the show started we were so close that Karl ended up with bullshit on his shirt that flew out of the arena as we were trying to see if the rider could stay on for 8 seconds. I just kept shaking my head thinking....wow this is something we don't get to see everyday in SoCal. I think most of the group thought the same thing reflecting back to their idea of a Friday night out and chances are it had nothing to do with live bull riding. They played mostly country music with some line dancing and a little pop now and again but wow the real reason to go is for the bull riding...or not! Saturday took a much different turn for us....Kim suggested we head to a place called Groovy's webpage which as you can imagine was an 80's bar with stiff drinks and a night of dancing with her and her friends. I told Mark, Jeannie and Scott and they met me there with Kim and her crew. Scott sent me a text after they arrived and said something like "wow this place is interesting" I could not even begin to imagine but when I walked in I saw exactly what he was talking about. I swear it was like going back to my high school prom. They had a sunken dance floor adjacent to the bar and a sitting area on a ledge a few feet higher overlooking everything. The crazy part was the decor and the people. They had roman style columns and a facade painted to make it seem like it was out of a prom or at least that's what it seemed like to me. When I walked in Mark was grinning ear to ear and said he thought he was back in a familiar place. I guess it was the gold chain around his neck or the neatly pressed shirt and jeans with dress shoes that made him fit in so well. The music was great the only issue was the owner was working behind the bar and also happened to be the DJ. It was funny when he would get busy and there would be a break between the music...the last time I checked the only thing you CAN'T do as the DJ is let the music stop. I guess it was his place and his rules and he even took requests so I had to ask for a little Michael Jackson which may have been played later but I never heard it during our time. Regardless, it was a great time with great music and great people. Yes the drinks are stiff and yes you will have a good time...the people watching alone is priceless...good call Kim! We ended the weekend at Iron Starr BBQ website which was ok but I have high standards growing up in TX. If you do end up at Iron Starr try the bloodymary which is made with Zing Zang and BBQ sauce which is an interested mix and something I had not tried before. Overall it was a good weekend with great people.
Looking Back
A few things caught my attention during my two week stay in OKC. I am not sure why but it seems more than 50% of the time when I would drive to school or anywhere for that matter I would see flashing lights on the road whether it was a cop or an ambulance. There were also a lot of junk yards full of fairly new cars that were not totaled but damaged and many people driving cars on the road that were damaged. I assume this was due to a lack of insurance but I can't confirm it. I'm in my mid 30's and grew up on rock music thanks to the influence of an older brother and there were a lot of radio stations playing music I loved so there was no need for my Iphone while driving. If going for a visit take face moisturizer it will come in handy with the constant wind and it's about the only thing you can't keep completely covered regardless of the time of year. As a group we looked for a mechanical bull and could not seem to find one but we did hear of a place that had some crazy stuff with a gator...not sure what that is all about? The hour and half wait on Friday night at Republic Gastropub proves people are willing to wait for good food, good people and a great atmosphere. I recommend advise from a trusted "connector" like Kim which is much more valuable than Yelp or Trip Advisor because they know the type of person you are and can point you in a specific direction depending on taste. If you don't know a "connector" go to an establishment you really like and make friends with the bartender and see which places they would go. Blake at Republic had great insight on places to go after talking to me and made some great suggestions. I never checked out Ludivine website in Midtown but he and many others swear by the farm to table food and atmosphere.
Many thanks!
Thank you again Kim for everything from the tips before my arrival to the amazing home cooked meal and visit with your family mid-way through my trip. OKC would not have been the same for me without her and as I say it's not about what you know rather who you know that makes it worth while. Small world would have it that her husband has been to my hometown and knows a few of the people I knew growing up?! I had a great time with my crew and who knows maybe I will bump into them in the future or people that they know until then regardless enjoy everyday for what it brings even if you're in OKC!
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