OKC really a C? (Oklahoma City, Tulsa: apartments, condos, costs)

[Synopsis]

Check,
Thanks for being sincere; your apology is certainly accepted. IMO, the OkC memorial is beautiful. Although I've only been once, it was quite an experience. I haven't done much research on the Internet, so I don't know what's out there regarding people's individual experience and the like. Although I was up in OkC last week on business (I live in Texas), I didn't get a chance to see the memorial again.

You might check out the Bricktown area while you are there as well. It's a growing area with alot to do. I stayed at the Bricktown Marriot and didn't need a car to get out and walk around/enjoy restaurants and such.

BTW, I sometimes say the wrong things as well, and I'm sure in this thread it was no different. I say let's let bygones be bygones and move on. Thanks again for the sincere remarks and I hope you have a wonderful time in OkC.

[Check123]

> This may seem like a silly question... is there a charge to see the memorial? I would imagine it would be free to everyone, but I just want to be sure.

> Also, are there any restaurants unique to OKC that I should try? I like a good steak, any good steak houses in OKC?

[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by Check123

> This may seem like a silly question... is there a charge to see the memorial? I would imagine it would be free to everyone, but I just want to be sure.

> Also, are there any restaurants unique to OKC that I should try? I like a good steak, any good steak houses in OKC?

It's not silly at all. There was no charge when I was there two years ago. Since it is a memorial to those who fell I think it would be taking advantage if they charged, but that's me.

Regarding restaurants, there are plenty and some very good ones in the Bricktown area, but I'm not the best source since I don't live there.

When I was there I ate at Abuellos (sp?) Mexican Restaurant and although it is a chain the environment was a great and so was the food. I also at ate at Bahama Joes (I think "Joes" was the last part); a really good seafood restaurant for lunch.

As for steak, you probably won't find many better cities in which to eat steak; Oklahoma is prime beef country and the steaks literally melt in your mouth. I've heard 501 Ranch is great for steaks.

You might try the following website for some local information.

http://www.okclive.com/

Cheers,

[Check123]

Thanks for the info.

Since we've touched on the subject of art on this thread, perhaps you could shed some light on the best museums in OKC. Preferably ones that are not too crowded.

[Synopsis]

I'm glad to help. I'm sorry, but as for Museums in OkC I'm not very knowledgeable in that area. There is the OkC museum of art; Shad would know about the museums much more so than I and would probably be more than happy to help. Shad, wattaya say?

[shad8974]

No problem check- Oklahomans are very forgiving...like synopsis said "let bygones be bygones and move on"-But again- OKC was a city 10 years ago- because of all the money poured in from federal and state/city tax for downtown revival-the city is now on the map and basically received a facelift(more facelifts to come- and soon).
The memorial is very well done because it is a national memorial. My undergrad profs(when it was being planned) were very critical about the possibilities of what might happen- Are they going to screw it up? Will the design be sophisticated?- When it was completed they were in awe and I was surprised. Because- Oklahoma City U is liberal and my former mentors were very hard to please. They still had a gripe- its over the crying Jesus statue. This was a local donation OUTSIDE the memorial grounds. Obviously- it was controversial across the boards(especially Oklahoma- unusual/the state being so conservative). The piece is small and faces away from the memorial and is across the street (It isnt considered apart of the grounds/unless you search for it-you wont see it)- if you are a christian then it wont bother you(if you can even find it). Other than that crit, the memorial is considered stunning and compared to any national memorial/even D.C.- Of course what will be erected in NYC for 911 well.........-The memorial itself is absolutely free- federal dollars. The national museum for terrorism is next to the memorial. You can get in for 6 bucks(student) its worth it. Funny- I recently visited(I have been to the grounds many times for beauty) and actually paid to get into the museum this time/housed in the former journalism building. This building north of the outside mem barely survived the blast(50 mil just to fix foundation/integrity of the building itself). They left the remains of the outside facade/building- how it was -for impact/you will see this as a theme for the entire grounds and museum(I would only see it in person, not from pics, so like i mentioned you can truly feel - IMPACT of the senses). I wouldnt call it a museum- its a more of a heart breaker. People come out freaked- I made an early departure- because I felt so bad for not exploring it earlier in my life(it was worth it/so many artifacts that are so well displayed and preserved). I have visited some great memorials/museums- Amsterdam/Anne Frank house to D.C.(you will find it on that level)- it is internationally recognised.
Many great restaurants abound- because of the revival-I just cant keep up- sometimes i feel like a tourist myself and kinda get tired of searching for new ones.
A district called The Stockyards(total western cow/farmers market thing) just SW of downtown is rather large and i have heard it is worth a visit. Its been forever since i have been around there- but like all the areas(it also is being revived). I tell you this because it has the oldest steakhouse in oklahoma 'Cattlemans' (100 years old) same as it was back then. The food goes back and forth like any old restaurants from what i have heard (when i was 18 i wasnt impressed with the steak)-but the atmosphere was so original and antiqued- (like i went back in time)-Its worth a visit/if you can leave outside of bricktown. Highly recommend-NYC crowd trips out over the western flair. It was a trip for me also(long ago)- like nothing was touched since settlement-they have old shops for boots etc. website-www.cattlemensrestaurant.com It always sickened me to smell the actual blood from the cattle slaughter that would drift into downtown(lol)-(being the largest in the nation). But it doesnt slaughter cows anymore-now its some kind of large cow market where the cows are shipped back and forth or something(keeping its history). Might sound weird- but i miss that smell now.
Bricktown- The Mantel which is fantastic..... Its next to Tapwerks (which im sure you will find yourself there)- Tapwerks has like 95 beers on tap- Dont be shy, stand and yell at the beer boys- because they are always busy!
Mickey Mantel steakhouse- pretty good also/piano- love the bar.
Nonnas- real okie down home strange sophisticated. Moved from the southside and invested tons of money- has triple balconies on three levels. Its worth a tour - expensive.
OKC museum of art- has a cafe(absolutely wonderful)- The museum kept an old theatre attached - still has the theatre- shows independent/foreign films on a regular schedule.
Look at the restored Skirvin hotel/masterpiece- just go in/you will see. It has great restaurants and bars- the piano lounge has a monster sized red piano- this was to give homage to the daughter of the skirvins-her favorite color....red.
Stay away from 'Tobys i love this bar and grill'- its silly to the locals along with the huge bass pro shop/ but somehow it all works considering the area- so you might like it. I was actually impressed with the bass pro shop and realized we needed a major attraction to bring in the dough.
Colcord hotel has a great place to eat- again, recently renovated and is impressive. This is next to myriad gardens/Crystal bridge botanical gardens. This park has a sunken lake that is under the crystal bridge- made by pei/designer. It is beautiful- but i noticed a bit of decline. It is also being shined up. Worth a visit/very close to bricktown....Gotta go teach- so many other places like the underground tunnels etc...try to post later. shad

[Check123]

Thanks shad for all the great info. I'm assuming that you teach art... Modern Art? History of Art?

Some of my favs....

[_redbird_]

If you have the inclination, go to the Catholic church across the street. It survived the blast.

The nun there has a few firsthand accounts that will amaze you. Like the child that didn't want his mother to leave. She was dropping one child off at the catholic church and taking the second to federal bldg to the day care with her. So she lingered in the catholic church and tried to console the child and was therefore delayed for a minute or two during which time the bomb detonted.

Also, someone took a pic of the blast area immediately afterward and above in the sky is what appears to be an angel. It is an amazing picture. You will be glad you visited the memorial. Its well worth it.

I apologize too, as I have been more than guilty of mudslinging in the past.

[mkfarnam]

Here`s a big City,(L.A.) just what I`m getting away from

[shad8974]

Check- I teach studio for undergrads/draw 1/2/- painting1/2- and art his. 1001. Mostly all studio. My art is science based.

Here are some museums in OKC-
OKC museum of art.- better than you think(contemporary) www.okcmoa.com
this is very close to bricktown(close walking distance)/ could have a look around @ museum/eat at the cafe(they serve drinks on balcony at night)-then see an independent film.

Cowboy Hall of Fame and western Heritage museum- this has a lot of western art/remington/artifacts. The facility is HUGE and very nice w/ grounds. has a room with 4 paintings that are like 60 feet by 20ft.

Oklahoma Historical society museum- just built recently next to the newly crowned capital/dome. This has a lot to see about oklahoma history. great building/design.

Omniplex/kirkpatrick museum of art- HUGE/but more for young adults/learning center/they say it is the smithsonian of the south? i dont know- but its really huge w/a omni-max theatre. Next to OKC Zoo-No disneyland billion dollar marvel. but has been in the top 10 zoos in the country for a long time/oldest in region. Also Remington Park 4 star horse racing track- real nice/also has a casino.
=-other ones/small

Norman/OKC- Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History- HUGE.
Fred Jones Museum of Art- large/weisterhoffer family wing- recent. beautiful design.- looks like a small ft. worth museum of art.
and others...later