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Oklahoma City: Come for the hoops, have a ball
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Chihuly Tower at OKC Museum of Art, courtesy of Oklahoma City CVB
You were hoping to leave Oklahoma City after watching your team go out in a blaze of glory, but guess what? No fire, just fizzle. So is there a consolation prize for loyal KU fans who made the long trek to Ford Center?
You bet.
When Bobby Troupe wrote “Oklahoma City looks mighty pretty” in the “Route 66” song back in 1946, he had no idea just how pretty OKC was going to get by 2009.
Here are just a few “don’t miss” attractions that you need to take in before you leave town:
Paseo Arts District
This vibrant area, located at 28th & North Walker to 30th & North Dewey, is home to 17 galleries and more than 60 artists. You can walk from studio to studio, drinking in the creative vibes. Interspersed with the galleries are fabulous restaurants, a coffee house, clothing boutique, gift shop, yoga studio, and graphic arts studio. A special treat is in store for you if you come on the first Friday of the month, when you’ll enjoy special art openings, wine tastings, and live music. (I toured this district on the hottest day of the summer last year, and still had a ball!)
Dale Chihuly: The Exhibition
Any museum that boasts the most comprehensive collection of Chihuly glass in the world is definitely a must-see in my book. I’ve already mentioned the fifty-five foot tower in the Museum’s atrium (which has got to rank right up there with the best man-made wonders of the world), but the rest of the exhibit is breathtaking, too. After marveling at all the beautiful glass confections, you can have cocktails at the new black granite bar in the Museum Café.
50 Penn Place
You won’t find this upscale mixed-use development/shopping galleria (directly across from Penn Square Mall) listed in many guidebooks; the truth is, it seems to be a real hidden gem. There aren’t that many retail tenants, but a few of the ones that are there are well worth a look. You can browse at a couple of art galleries, and Route 66 has some deliciously-scented, handmade soap (and the staff hand out free samples!) and other very cool, boutique-y items like candy wrapper purses, water calligraphy sets, and journals made from recycled album covers. It’s a very interesting place to poke around in, and the salesclerks are super-friendly, showering you with that wonderful Oklahoma City hospitality.
But I’ve saved the best for last. If you’re a booklover, then trust me when I say that you can’t leave Oklahoma City without paying a visit to Full Circle Bookstore. When I first walked into this shop, it was like coming home. It’s hard to believe that you’re in a retail establishment, when you experience the ambience of 13-foot oak bookcases with rolling ladders, real wood-burning fireplaces, and old theater seats. The staff actually read the books, and are very knowledgeable about making recommendations. The classical, jazz and folk music played throughout the store invites you to fall into one of the comfy chairs and “sit a spell.” The Garden Café is just as enchanting as the rest of the place, and serves a scrumptious selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and sweets. Truly, this establishment is a Booklovers’ Heaven, and your heartbeat will quicken just walking through their front door.
So, if you’ve come for the hoops and already left town, you need to make plans to come back to Oklahoma City. Hoops or not, the possibilities for having a ball are endless.
Author's Note: This is the fourth in a four-part series on Oklahoma City during March Madness. Be sure to read the previous three articles for more Oklahoma City Magic, Oklahoma City Hoopla, and Oklahoma City Love.
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