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Arts & Culture

(Tulsa and Bartlesville)

Day 1

Arrive in Tulsa and take a short drive to Jenks, a southern suburb of Tulsa, known as the Antique and Craft Capital of Oklahoma. Wander the downtown district where antique shops and tea room line the streets. Visit the Oklahoma Aquarium, 300 Aquarium Dr, (918) 296-3474. One of the state's newest attractions, visitors will find eight major galleries featuring more than 4,000 creatures from our world's waters. Highlights include an antique fishing tackle exhibit, an Oceans Room with great photo opportunities, and an underwater viewing tunnel where the largest bull sharks in captivity swim beside and over you. Adults $12.95, Seniors/Military $10.95, Youth (3-12) $8.95. Open daily 10am-6pm (open until 9pm on Tue).

Check in at McBirney Mansion, 1414 S. Galveston, (918) 585-3234. Visitors will be introduced to the pleasure of living at this landmark Tulsa home. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood overlooking the Arkansas River, the mansion's six guest rooms and two suites offer luxurious furnishings, rich décor and fresh flowers, as well as cable television and direct-dial phones with voice mail. Afternoon refreshments and a full American breakfast are included. Guest rooms: $129-$225.

Dinner at Warren Duck Club, 6110 S. Yale, (918) 495-1000. Located in the Doubletree Hotel at Warren Place, this award-winning, four-diamond restaurant offers excellent service, a great view of the grounds, and an extensive wine list.

Day 2

Start the day with breakfast at the McBirney, then head out for 18 holes of golf at Forest Ridge Golf Club, 901 N. Forest Ridge Blvd., (918) 357-2282. Recognized for its excellent service and challenging play, Forest Ridge has been rated the #1 public course in Tulsa and #4 course in Oklahoma by Golf Digest, and offers amenities typically found at private clubs. Green fees: $30-$90.

Treat yourself to lunch, a massage and an afternoon of shopping at Utica Square, 21st and Utica, (918) 747-8671. One of Tulsa's most treasured attractions and historic shopping centers, it is home to such stores as Saks Fifth Avenue, Miss Jackson's, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, Ann Taylor, Coach and Crabtree & Evelyn. Built in a village-like design, the square is known for its quality stores and restaurants, beautiful landscaping and many unique clocks.

Dinner and show at Discoveryland's Oklahoma!, 19501 W. 41st St., (918) 245-6552. This classic musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein is presented in an outdoor amphitheater every summer. A cattleman's ranch dinner is also available (for an additional fee) prior to the show. 2004 dates: June 4-August 21, Mon-Sat; performances alternate between "Oklahoma!" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." Adults $16.95, Children 10 and under FREE. Military discount available.

Day 3

Check out of McBirney Mansion. Explore the historical and art-deco architecture of downtown Tulsa on a self-guided walking tour. Brochure available at the Tulsa Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2 W Second St, Suite 150, (800) 558-3311.

Check in at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 100 E. 2nd, (918) 582-9000. Ideally located in the heart of Tulsa's downtown business, entertainment and cultural district, this hotel offers a 24 hour fitness center, indoor/outdoor heated pool, in-room movies, PlayStation, lounge and restaurant. Call for room rates.

Dinner at Deco, 100 E. 2nd, (918) 582-9000. Enjoy mouth watering cuisine at this unique dining establishment, located within the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Take in a Celebrity Attractions Broadway show at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, located just across the street from the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Presenting the best of national touring Broadway productions, the 2004-05 season includes Chicago, 42nd Street, and Peter Pan. (800) 364-7111, Tickets: $18-$63

Day 4

Begin your day with a tour of the Philbrook Museum of Art, 2727 S. Rockford Road, (918) 749-7941. One of America's top sixty-five art museums & one of only five museums with the unique combination of historic home, art collections & gardens. Located in the heart of Tulsa and surrounded by 23 acres of lush, natural woods and sweeping lawns, the historic villa has been restored to preserve much of the grandeur of the 1920's home while presenting more than 8,500 works of art. A museum gift store and restaurant also on site. Adults $5.40, Seniors/Students $3.25, Children 12 and under FREE. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm, Open until 8pm on Thu.

Stop for lunch at la villa Restaurant, located on the premises of the Philbrook Museum of Art. Open for lunch Tue-Sun from 11am-2pm.

Visit the Gilcrease Museum, 1400 Gilcrease Museum Road, (918) 596-2700. This museum houses the world's largest, most comprehensive collection of art of the American West. In addition, Gilcrease offers an unparalleled collection of Native American art and artifacts, a hands-on, interactive exhibition highlighting the art, culture and history of Mexico, and a distinguished collection of historical manuscripts, documents, and maps. Museum store, restaurant and historical themed gardens also on site. FREE admission (donations suggested). Tue-Sun 10am-4pm.

Dinner at Bourbon Street Café, 1542 E. 15th, (918) 583-5555. Located in the Cherry Street district, you'll find a sumptuous menu of seafood, steaks and pasta with a cajun flair. Live music scheduled every Fri-Sat evening. Entrees: $7-$28.

Evening entertainment at Cain's Ballroom, 423 N. Main, (918) 584-2306. This Tulsa landmark was home to Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys for many years, and has a history more far-reaching than most concert venues will ever know. Since 1924, Cain's has hosted a variety of music groups over the years, including country, western swing, rock 'n roll, and alternative music. Some audiences saw concerts by Huey Lewis, Pat Benatar, the Police, and the Sex Pistols before they were famous! Even Van Halen reportedly played the Cain's for $500 before anyone knew who they were. It's spring-loaded dance floor has also made it a favorite venue for two-stepping. And at one time, mud wrestling, boxing and pig racing even entertained audiences in the ballroom. Call for upcoming concert dates and ticket info.

Day 5

Check out of Adam's Mark. Tour Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, 322 N. Greenwood Ave., (918) 596-1001. Located in the historic Greenwood area, once known as "Black Wall Street," this facility was created to showcase the significant contributions of Oklahoma's jazz musicians. During Greenwood's heydays, such performers as Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Cab Calloway would play at Tulsa's white clubs then jam afterwards with local musicans on Greenwood. A Juneteenth celebration is planned annually in June, featuring a mix of jazz, gospel and R&B from regional and national musicians. FREE admission. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

Lunch at Charleston's, 6839 S. Yale, (918) 495-3511. The best in casual dining, offering steaks and prime rib, fresh fish, ribs, burgers and sandwiches, chicken and salads. Entrees: $7-$20.

Check in at The Inn at Jarrett Farm, 38009 US Highway 75 North near Ramona, (877) 371-1200. Luxury suites, fine dining, and conference facilities are just a few of the trademarks that make this property a favorite. Located between Tulsa and Bartlesville, guests will find unparalleled comfort, relaxation and tranquility here. Private porches, double Jacuzzi tubs, fireplaces, separate living areas and a generous gourmet breakfast are standard amenities at Jarrett Farm. This property is also the only one in a three state area that has been consistently awarded the Mobil Travel Guide four-star rating for seven years in a row. Rates: $175-$275.

Bartlesville is home to two made-in-Oklahoma companies offering unique product lines. Keepsake Candle Factory, 2 miles W on US 60 from Hwy 123, (888) 636-0351, has been making "antiques in wax" since 1970 and features more than 500 styles of candles in a wide variety of colors, scents and themes. Home accessories and other candle products are available at their country store. Mon-Sat 9am-5:30pm, Sun 1-5pm. Not far from Keepsake, you'll find the Red Dirt Soap Company, 2001 Radar Hill Road, (866) 242-8732, one of the largest handmade herbal soap manufacturers in the central United States. (And no, they don't make their soaps with the red dirt found in Oklahoma.) Learn about bathing and soap making before browsing the gift shop filled with their full line of bath and skin care products, plus many other gift items. Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm, Sat 10am-5pm.

Dinner at Murphy's Steak House, 1625 SW Frank Phillips Blvd., (918) 336-4789, a local favorite known for their "hot hamburger", a plate full of burger and fries with gravy over all! Closed Mon.

Day 6

Tour the historic Frank Phillips Home, 1107 Cherokee, (918) 336-2491, the former residence of oil pioneer Frank Phillips, co-founder of Phillips Petroleum Company. The home is a National Register Historic Site and reflects an opulent yet comfortable lifestyle of an Oklahoma legend. The brick six-bay garage at the rear of the home contains a museum shop and an award-winning interpretive exhibit, "Frank and Jane Phillips, Oklahoma Oil Pioneers." Suggested donation: Adults $3, Children $1. Wed-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm.

An architectural masterpiece, the Price Tower Arts Center, 510 Dewey Ave., (918) 336-4949, is Frank Lloyd Wright's tallest skyscraper. The combination apartment-office building received the American Institute of Architects 25-year Award and is on the National Register of Historic Places. A variety of traveling art exhibits and permanent exhibits on Wright, Bruce Goff and the Price Company and Tower are on display. Tue-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12:30-5pm. Guided tours offered Tue-Sat at 11am and 2pm, and Sun at 2pm. Tour admission is $8 Adults, and $5 Children (16 and under), and includes admission to the exhibition galleries. Admission to galleries only is $4 Adults and $3 Seniors.

Lunch at Second Street Bakery, 118 SE 2nd St., (918) 336-2253. Homemade breads, soups, quiches, salads and desserts make this a great stopping place for breakfast or lunch. Entrees: $3-$5. Closed Sun-Mon.

Spend the afternoon at Woolaroc Ranch, Museum and Wildlife Preserve, 12 miles SW on Hwy 123 from US 60, (800) 966-5276. Established in 1925 as the country home of oilman Frank Phillips, and deriving its name from the woods, lakes and rocks of the beautiful Osage Hills, Woolaroc is a 3,700 acre ranch and wildlife preserve. The museum houses a world-class collection of western art, artifacts and special exhibits. The Native American Heritage Center features the "Arrows Skyward" audio-visual show. More than 30 varieties of native and exotic animals and birds roam freely in the natural surroundings, including buffalo, elk and longhorn cattle. From early spring to late fall, the North Road tour features a five mile drive through some of the most beautiful areas on the grounds. Wed-Sun 10am-5pm.