3. Gilcrease Museum
www.gilcrease.utulsa.eduWhen oilman and Creek Nation member Thomas Gilcrease donated his private museum of American West and Native American art and artifacts to Tulsa in 1955, one of the best museums of the American West in the nation was opened to the public. Bronzes and paintings by Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, James Audubon, Joseph Henry Sharp, Winslow Homer, Thomas Moran, Georgia O’Keeffe and other American masters grace exhibit space, which was built in the style of a Native American longhouse. Historic Native American artwork representing tribes and nations from across North and South America include leather and beadwork, pottery, and other works ranging from pre-Columbian to the early 1900s. The museum sits on 475 acres, 23 of which are manicured gardens.
www.gilcrease.utulsa.eduWhen oilman and Creek Nation member Thomas Gilcrease donated his private museum of American West and Native American art and artifacts to Tulsa in 1955, one of the best museums of the American West in the nation was opened to the public. Bronzes and paintings by Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell, James Audubon, Joseph Henry Sharp, Winslow Homer, Thomas Moran, Georgia O’Keeffe and other American masters grace exhibit space, which was built in the style of a Native American longhouse. Historic Native American artwork representing tribes and nations from across North and South America include leather and beadwork, pottery, and other works ranging from pre-Columbian to the early 1900s. The museum sits on 475 acres, 23 of which are manicured gardens.
4. Cherry Street
www.cherrystreet.comThis quirky and fun section of 15th Street between Utica and Peoria is beloved by Tulsans for its local boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. Kilkenny’s Irish Pub could have been plucked from Dublin and serves an expansive menu ranging from salads to seafood — and of course plenty of Guinness. Peace of Mind Books is one of the largest New Age bookstores west of the Mississippi and carries literature on every metaphysical topic imaginable. Upscale home décor shops such as The Nest and Fifteenth and Home speak to the gentrification of the area, and Pinot’s Palette is where you can sip a glass of your favorite wine while you paint your latest masterpiece.
www.cherrystreet.comThis quirky and fun section of 15th Street between Utica and Peoria is beloved by Tulsans for its local boutiques, art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. Kilkenny’s Irish Pub could have been plucked from Dublin and serves an expansive menu ranging from salads to seafood — and of course plenty of Guinness. Peace of Mind Books is one of the largest New Age bookstores west of the Mississippi and carries literature on every metaphysical topic imaginable. Upscale home décor shops such as The Nest and Fifteenth and Home speak to the gentrification of the area, and Pinot’s Palette is where you can sip a glass of your favorite wine while you paint your latest masterpiece.
5. Brookside District
www.brooksidetheplacetobe.comThis stretch of Peoria between 21st and 41st streets has long been Tulsa’s go-to district for shopping, nightlife and dining. The funky Ida Red Boutique offers all-things Okie, from Tulsa T-shirts to local music including The Tractors and Leon Russell. Cosmo Café and Bar is where to go if you can’t decide between a gourmet sandwich and a fully stocked bar. M.A. Doran Gallery brings contemporary art to Tulsa, and In the Raw sushi bar proves Tulsa is far more than beef country. However, if you’re hankering for a steak, Doc’s Wine & Food serves a great filet.
www.brooksidetheplacetobe.comThis stretch of Peoria between 21st and 41st streets has long been Tulsa’s go-to district for shopping, nightlife and dining. The funky Ida Red Boutique offers all-things Okie, from Tulsa T-shirts to local music including The Tractors and Leon Russell. Cosmo Café and Bar is where to go if you can’t decide between a gourmet sandwich and a fully stocked bar. M.A. Doran Gallery brings contemporary art to Tulsa, and In the Raw sushi bar proves Tulsa is far more than beef country. However, if you’re hankering for a steak, Doc’s Wine & Food serves a great filet.
6. River Parks
www.riverparks.orgRiver Parks is a trail system that parallels the banks of the Arkansas River and a favorite place for runners, bicyclists, families and anyone enjoying the outdoors. More than 26 miles of paved trails ribbon past green fields, disc golf courses, rugby fields, fountains, restaurants and playgrounds along the river. The Pedestrian Bridge at 29th and Riverside is a converted railroad bridge that spans the Arkansas, close to The Blue Rose Cafe with its deck overlooking the river and Elwood’s, which serves light fair and beers on its outdoor patio, where live music frequently plays. An approximately 80-acre expansion of River Parks called The Gathering Place for Tulsa, slated to open in late 2017, will see land bridges over the river with more parks and cafes.
www.riverparks.orgRiver Parks is a trail system that parallels the banks of the Arkansas River and a favorite place for runners, bicyclists, families and anyone enjoying the outdoors. More than 26 miles of paved trails ribbon past green fields, disc golf courses, rugby fields, fountains, restaurants and playgrounds along the river. The Pedestrian Bridge at 29th and Riverside is a converted railroad bridge that spans the Arkansas, close to The Blue Rose Cafe with its deck overlooking the river and Elwood’s, which serves light fair and beers on its outdoor patio, where live music frequently plays. An approximately 80-acre expansion of River Parks called The Gathering Place for Tulsa, slated to open in late 2017, will see land bridges over the river with more parks and cafes.
STEVE LARESE is a photographer, freelance writer and editor specializing in the cultures and history of the American Southwest.
