River Parks Trail System

Oklahoma consistently ranks in the top 10 for obesity.  That's ridiculous!  It's time to change that and there is no better place to start than River Parks.  The River Parks Trail System is truly Tulsa's crown jewel.  It got its start in 1974 as part of a civic project designed to celebrate Tulsa's 75th birthday.  With 2 million in urban renewal funds, the first steps were the installation of the asphalt-surfaced trails and the conversion of the railroad bridge into the pedestrian bridge located at 29th street.

In recent years, thanks to a combination of private and public funding, most notably a generous grant of 12.4 million from the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the trail system has grown and expanded.  The heart of the trail runs from 11th to 101st street on the east side of the river.  From 11th street you can travel a little further north and find yourself on the "Katy" trail, taking you into Sand Springs, or head west from 11th and you will cross the river and find yourself on the west bank, which runs from 11th to 71st street and connects to Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness.

From the 29th street bridge, head east and find yourself on the Midland Valley Trail (an old railway path that has recently undergone a much needed update) taking you into the heart of downtown.  At the south end of the trail, you can turn at 96th street and connect to the Creek Turnpike Trail, taking you to the NSU campus at BA.

With 26 miles of paved trails, you can easily bike or walk from Sand Springs to Broken Arrow and never leave the trail system.  Now that's impressive.

Some highlights of the trail -

Tulsa Townies - launched in 2007 by Saint Francis Health System (hence the pink color) to promote an active lifestyle, this project is one of a kind in northeastern Oklahoma.  Research has shown that cycling helps burn calories and improve cardiovascular fitness.  And although it's not a proven scientific fact, I truly believe that nothing comes as close to making you feel like you're 9 years old again like riding a bike.  The old-fashioned "townie" bikes can be checked out from one of four kiosks along the trail.  Although there is no fee to check out a townie, you will need a credit card for identification purposes and to prevent theft.  Check out http://www.tulsa-townies.com/ for more information.

41st Street Plaza - the 2.8 million plaza was privately-funded, with QT being the lead donor in celebration of the company's 50th anniversary.  The most popular feature by far is the splash pad/playground and it has become THE place to be on those hot summer days.  You will also find a covered pavilion perfect for that summer picnic, restroom facilities, a townie kiosk, and more people watching that you can handle.

  

Bronze Artwork - the trail is home to the city's largest collection of bronze wildlife sculptures, gifts to the citizens of Tulsa from NatureWorks, Inc.  The centerpiece of the collection can be found at the BOK Plaza (71st & Riverside) - Bruins Riverpark Picnic - and depicts a family of bears playing in a fountain.  NatureWorks is completely 'Tulsa'.  The non-profit organization originated and resides exclusively in Tulsa with no national or other organized affiliation.  There are no paid employees and is completely a labor of love.

  

Zinc Dam/29th Street Pedestrian Bridge - at 29th street it's hard not to notice the old trestle bridge.  Once part of the Midland Valley Railroad, the bridge now allows trail users to cross to the west side of the river.  The Zinc Dam, created in 1983 and located adjacent to the bridge, creates Zinc Lake.  It's not uncommon to find men fishing off the pedestrian bridge but honestly, I'm not sure I would want to eat their catch of the day....

East Meets West Sculpture - at the Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza (11th street & SW Boulevard) you can't help but notice the larger than life art work recently installed.  It depicts Cyrus Avery (apparently he's the Father of the Mother Road) and his family in their Model T as they encounter an unsuspecting oil field worker and his team of horses.  Created by artist Robert Summers, and nearly 10 years in the making - it's quite something.  The sculpture weighs nearly 20,000 pounds, stretches more than 60 feet, and rises 15 feet in the air.  If you're out and about - cruise by and check it out!!

The park also offers an 18-hole disc golf course (I don't get this "sport", but whatever...), a skate park (23rd street on the west bank), an outdoor gym (53rd street), a rugby field (38th street) and two places to quench your thirst or grab a bite to eat - The Blue Rose Cafe and Elwood's, both near 19th street.  Elwood's is a very casual cafe serving cool drinks and sandwiches.  You can grab an outdoor table or dine picnic style on the lawn.  And most weekends you can also enjoy the live music being offered.  The Blue Rose is more formal (well, compared to Elwood's) in that there is indoor seating, a large patio overlooking the river, and a greater menu selection.  Blue Rose also features live music most weekends but between you and me, it's a little loud and overwhelming at times.

I think the citizens of Tulsa are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful natural resource at our disposal and generous benefactors who see the potential in what can be achieved.  So get the family together, leash up the dogs, and go for a walk.  It's free, it's good for your health, and it's a great way to spend some quality time with your family.

dedicated to CJM

Oktoberfest - It's Wunderbar!

The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing and that can only mean one thing - it's Oktoberfest time!  Oktoberfest, for those of you living in a cave, is the annual celebration of all things German - bratwurst, beer, chicken dancing, and wiener dogs.

Tulsa Oktoberfest began in 1978 as a small festival to help raise a little money for River Parks.  34 years and close to a million dollars later, the festival is thriving and is now recognized as one of the top 10 Oktoberfests in the US and, according to NBC Today, the best one outside of Munich.  Not too shabby, Tulsa!

And here's a little tidbit of information I bet you didn't know - the Chicken Dance (originally called the Duck Dance) was introduced to the United States in 1981 during the 3rd annual Tulsa Oktoberfest!  Rumor has it that a German band wanted to demonstrate the dance in costume but no duck costumes were available.  The only thing the organizers were able to scrounge up was a chicken costume.  And the rest, as they say - is history!

The festival officially kicked off on Thursday, October 15th at 5:30pm (Wednesday evening is Corporate Night) with a keg tapping ceremony.  Other events this year included the Lederhosen Run, the Cornhole Competition, the McNellies Bier Barrel Race, the Strong Stein competition and last, but in no way least, the 5th Annual Running of the Wieners.  I was lucky enough to witness the Running of the Wieners and I can sum it up in one word - pandemonium!  I have never seen anything so ridiculously funny in my entire life.  Along with all the adult attractions and activities, Oktoberfest also offers a kids tent and carnival rides.  So it really is an event the whole family can participate in.  The children's tent featured face painting, balloons, games, and all kinds of kid-friendly things to do.

I didn't make it to Oktoberfest until Sunday afternoon but word on the street is that Saturday night's attendance set a new record!  The Sunday afternoon crowd was still plentiful if not quite as rowdy as the Saturday night group and there were a ton of families out and about.  I actually spent Sunday volunteering in the souvenir booth with Jenn P., selling chicken hats and beads.  Yes, it's a dirty job but someone has to make the public look like idiots.

I say this all the time and I will continue to spread the word - Tulsa has an amazing array of events, activities, and attractions.  Don't sit at home every night watching TV.  Get out and enjoy what Tulsa has to offer.  So when "Oktober" rolls around next year - remember, one of the best festivals in the US is at your door step.

Check back next week for the latest in KeepingTulsaLocal.

Wine Tasting

I'm not exactly sure how it came to be, but I recently had an amazing opportunity to attend a wine tasting event at the home of Randa Warren, Oklahoma's only Master Sommelier.  To put in perspective why this was such a big deal - there are only 197 Master Sommeliers world wide.  So - you know - it's kind of a big deal to achieve this ranking because they aren't handing out this honor to just any Joe off the street.



But back to the story.  I am not what you would call a wine aficionado.  As a matter of fact, I pretty much choose my bottle of wine based on how cool the label looks.  Twist cap, cork, box, or bottle - I don't care.  I do know I prefer the Pinots over Chardonnay and I know you should pair whites with seafood and chicken.  Yep - right there pretty much sums up my complete knowledge of wine.  So I really wasn't sure what to expect or how bad I might embarrass myself.  But nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The theme of the evening was "Wines That Are Easily Confused".  We started the evening with three glasses of whites - a Riesling, an Albarino, and a Gruner Veltliner.  Randa was very informative and kind.  She explained how to properly smell a glass of wine, how to taste it on your tongue, and what you should look for from each sample.  Was the wine new world or old world, what type of "finish" did each glass have, and she discussed the different acid levels.  Our next flight of wine involved the reds and we were presented with a Chianti, a Grenache, and a Rojas.  Again, we learned what to look for as far as smells, color, and acidity.  But here's the kicker - she didn't tell you which glass was what.  Based on her overview of each wine, you had to determine which one was the Chianti, which was the Grenache, and so on.  Out of six wines, I got one right!!  Yay me!!

Even if wine isn't your thing, if you ever get a chance to take part in something like this - do it!  You may really surprise yourself and come away with a whole new respect for wine.  But between you and me, I'm just glad I didn't embarrass myself.

And mucho gracias to Jennifer, Henry, and Bruce for including me in this amazing event.  I promise not to bring Two Buck Chuck to any more events.

Wine, Eats, & Easels

Every once in a blue moon, I like to venture outside my comfort zone, especially when it's for a great cause.  This past week I packed a bottle of water and my passport and traveled out to the Broken Arrow Farmers Market for the annual Wine, Eats, & Easels benefit.  Wine, Arts, & Easels benefits Broken Arrow Neighbors (BAN), a local agency helping those in need by "nourishing the body with food and the spirit with dignity and respect".  This annual event began several years ago as a way for Sonny Kinion to honor his mother, Ruby.  BAN was her favorite charity and he felt this would be an appropriate way to carry on her memory.

This event has become one of the most attended and applauded social events of the year and this year was no exception, even with the chilly weather.  The crowd was large and festive and it was a such a delight to mingle with people who enjoy coming together for a great cause.  Patrons sampled wine and cocktails from local businesses and there was a Wine & Pearl Pull for the first 100 patrons.  For a small donation, guests could select a concealed bottle of wine and also receive a string of pearls, courtesy of J. David Jewelry. 

The "eats" offered this year were delectable.  Participating vendors included Main Street Tavern, Oklahoma Joes' BBQ, Ted's Cafe Escondido, The Ridge Grill, and Bone Fish Grill, just to name a few.  By the way, the bang-bang shrimp being offered by Bone Fish Grill was so delectable, I went back for seconds.  As patrons sampled wine and eats, they had the opportunity to stroll through the exhibits featuring local artists and listen to the musical stylings of Grady Nichols.  And let me say - there are some amazingly talented people in this state.

The "Living Statues" were a big draw and some considered to be a personal challenge.  Two men were painted up to look like bronze statues and they were more than believable.  They never blinked (that I saw) and they could hold a pose for hours!

      Another big draw was the world famous Original Butt Sketch artist.  If you haven't seen this in person, you are missing out.  A professional butt-sketch artist draws you from the backside, each sketch taking approximately 2 minutes.  It's unbelievable and so life-like.  I know it sounds weird but it's amazing and fun and so entertaining.  Again, if you have the opportunity to participate in this - don't miss out.  Get up there and strike a pose!!

All in all, the whole evening was wonderful - from the food to the drink to the entertainment to the people.  I can't wait for next years benefit and many, many thanks to Sonny for being such a gracious host.

Tulsa State Fair

First and foremost - I FREAKIN' LOVE THE FAIR!!!!  I love the smell of all that greasy food, the sounds of the midway, the weirdos, the cheap giveaway crap the vendors offer you!  Growing up, the fair was treated as a national holiday.  You talked about it, you made a game plan, you organized, you attacked!  And that has not changed!

My ultra-fabulous Granny, my mom, and I ventured out on a recent evening.  And it's always the same - the first thing, and I mean the VERY first thing we do, is hit the Oklahoma Pork Chop exhibit for a pork chop sandwich.  I don't know what it is, but that piece of pork loin on a plain bun with a little BBQ sauce is so amazingly good.

Our next stop on our culinary journey found us having some corn on the cob at the east end of the IPE building (now known as the QuikTrip Event Center).  In my humble opinion, this is the MUST eat item at the fair.  These amazing people roast the corn over an open fire, peel back the husk, did it in a vat of butter, and serve it up hot and juicy.  What's not to love??  We follow that with a serving of fried green tomatoes.  They slice the tomatoes thin, fry them up and serve them piping hot with a side of ranch dressing.  It was also that this point that I realized, with utter clarity - I am my mother's daughter.

Another must for us is to walk through all of the exhibits.  And we don't just stroll through casually but we look at every piece of crap, every offer, every exhibit and sample everything.  If you are giving away something, we will take it - magnets, pens, yard sticks, cups, bumper sticker - you name it.  It's part of the beauty of the fair.

And the people watching?  It's like winning the lottery.  Sweet goodness, there were some "looks" out there.  This is what I learned and I'd like to pass these tips on to you:

• Just because you can fit into skinny jeans doesn't mean you should
• Pink hot pants and cowboy boots do not work well on women with "ample" legs
• If you are shaped like an M&M, maybe you should reconsider wearing that M&M jacket
• Regardless of what you may think, the bare midriff is not making a comeback

So get out there and experience what the Tulsa State Fair has to offer.

And check back next week to learn about Wine, Arts, & Easels.....