Tulsa, Oklahoma considers itself an “All-American City,” and I set out to discover just what that means during a last-minute getaway to Tulsa. The locals in Tulsa, or “Tulsans,” as they’re known, are very proud of their hometown, which is also known as the “Oil Capital of the Nation” and the “Buckle of the Bible Belt.” Since I didn’t have much time to explore Tulsa, I decided to make the most of my short stay and see the side of Tulsa that the locals love.
I had just over 24 hours to explore Tulsa, but first things first, I had to book a hotel room for the night. Fortunately, I was able to book a great last-minute hotel in Tulsa in just a few minutes, which left me free to hit the ground running. I often find myself making last-minute trips across the country, so I’m always grateful that HotelTonight makes it so easy for me to find hotels at a moment’s notice.
When I arrived in Tulsa, I met a few locals who suggested I explore Woodward Park, as it’s one of the locals’ favorite parts of their city. This expansive public park boasts beautiful flower gardens and interesting landscapes, and it’s a dreamy oasis in the middle of this Oklahoma town. Woodward Park is also home to the Tulsa Garden Center, which is considered one of the best horticultural libraries in the country. For lovers of natural beauty and horticulture, Woodward Park is a must-see during your time in Tulsa.
After spending the morning immersed in the breathtaking surroundings of Woodward Park, I made my way to one of Tulsa’s most beloved neighborhoods, the Riverview Historic District. The homes in this historic neighborhood date all the way back to the 1910s, and they have been carefully preserved over the decades. My stroll through this quaint neighborhood took me past old Bungalow and Craftsman homes, as well as Tudor Revival and Colonial Revival homes. This neighborhood is a dream for architecture lovers, but it’s also a favorite among locals due to its pristine streets and welcoming community.
The historic neighborhood of Brookside is considered one of the best districts in Tulsa for shopping and dining. There are more than 35 restaurants and bars in this compact neighborhood, which is why it’s such a popular place for locals to enjoy a night out. For my first night in Tulsa, I decided to venture to Brookside, where I walked up and down the streets for nearly an hour before I could choose between all of the great dining options. Whether you want to dine at a fast casual eatery or an upscale restaurant, you’re sure to find something you’ll love in Brookside.
After enjoying a leisurely dinner in Brookside, I headed back downtown. My hotel was located downtown, and this walkable district was the perfect place to stay, since it’s close to a number of bars and restaurants. While Tulsa is certainly not a large city, it is the second-biggest city in Oklahoma, so it offers the perfect combination of the welcoming atmosphere of a tight-knit community and the energy and excitement of an urban center. Before heading back to my hotel for the night, I decided to wander the streets of downtown Tulsa, and I ended up popping into a funky, hip bar down the street for my hotel. I could tell that downtown is a hot destination for locals looking to unwind, mingle, and party after a long week.
The Cherry Street District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tulsa, and it’s one of the unique neighborhoods that perfectly blends the old with the new. During my time in Cherry Street, I stumbled upon funky antique stores, art galleries and plenty of restaurants. The area, which is another one of Tulsa’s historic neighborhoods, is full of beautiful old homes and that are steeped in history and architectural charm. Touring the Cherry Street District was the perfect way to wrap up my quick stay in the surprisingly hip, charming city of Tulsa.
Tulsa, Oklahoma surprised me in more ways than one. Tulsans are incredibly proud of their hometown, and I discovered that they have many reasons to be so proud. Tulsa has a rich, storied history, but it also offers the fun and vibrant atmosphere of a modern city.
I wasn’t able to see everything that I wanted to see during my short Tulsa vacation, but I did get a great feel for this All-American Town. Without HotelTonight, I wouldn’t have been able to make my last-minute Oklahoma getaway possible, so I’m grateful that HotelTonight makes it easy to book great last-minute accommodations. Now that booking last-minute hotels is so quick and stress-free, I’ll definitely be taking advantage of any opportunity I have to go on an impromptu weekend getaway.
