Oklahoma is a special place to me for 3 reasons:
(1) Because I have been going there since I was in college
(2) Because it's one of the only states that I've been to and my dad hasn't!
(3) Because it's home to Carrie Underwood and Toby Keith
Back in July, I spent an evening eating sushi with a friend in downtown Tulsa, OK. This time Bryan and I found ourselves working in Norman at OU the weekend after the big upset to Texas Tech. OU is such a beautiful campus in their quaint college town, just 20 minutes south of Oklahoma City.
We were only in town for 1 day, so after work we cleaned ourselves up and headed to Bricktown - the entertainment District in downtown Oklahoma City.
A lil history:
Due to the Oklahoma River flowing through the outskirts of the city, back in the late 1800's and early 1900's four railroad companies had operations in Oklahoma City. Years later this is where the NAACP originated. Then the Great Depression hit and wiped out the whole area, leaving every warehouse vacant.
To revitalize the city, construction began on the Bricktown baseball stadium, the canal and shopping district in the early 1990's. This is my favorite part of Oklahoma City!
From the sidewalk to the steps to the building itself, everything is brick.
He loves ducks... Ducks love him!
A wall of art depicting OK City's growth and changes over the last century
Minor League Baseball Stadium
Mickey Mantle is an OK native
See this place? The roof top Skky Bar. Oh man did Renee and I have a crazy night there back in the day. It started out so fun, and then we put ourselves in the worst possible position I've ever put myself in. Crazy memories of that night....
After Bricktown, Bryan and I ventured over to the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial. This was my 4th time there and our 2nd time going together. It's sad, moving and an absolute must when in the area.
Reflection Pool and Chairs (there is a chair for each person who lost their life that day)
A piece of the original building
Chairs
Two of the chairs here are smaller than the others... because they represent a child who's life was stolen.
This tree is the only thing that lived/was saved after the explosion. It was around before that day and still stands as a beacon of hope.
This grass was the on site daycare's playground
I'm already looking forward to the next time I'm in town...
I went to visit the memorial when I was there last as well. Sombering. But a beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteso sad. i forgot about the OKC bombing. i'm sad i forgot about and i'm sad now remembering it.
ReplyDeletethat looks like a fun little place though. when i saw your pic on FB i though you back in San Antonio.
I want to go there now... I love the pictures!
ReplyDeleteI went to the OKC for the Lilth Affair back in 1997 but that's it. I've heard that memorial is really moving. It is sad that a lot of people have forgotten about that.
ReplyDeleteIt was a huge day in our history and thank goodness Tim McVeigh is no longer on this Earth.
We have family in OK- both in Tulsa & OKC...my hubby actually grew up in Mannford- prob never heard of it...tiny lil town.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Bricktown...we stay at Colcord Hotel every time we go to visit. Such a fun place!!!
Hope you guys had a great time!!!
Those 2 smaller chairs ... they make me feel queasy ... so sad. I'd love to see that one day.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels to the world travelers! Charlotte misses ya!
I got a little choked up looking at that memorial!
ReplyDeletethat looks like a great place to visit :)
ReplyDeletexo
samantha
betterblondesam.blogspot.com
I'm so glad you like OKC!!! I know this comment is a little behind but I've been out all week and am getting caught up on my blogs. I'm from OKC and I love this place! The bombing was an awful time for all of us but the memorial captures the beautiful spirit of the city even if it is heartbreaking to look at. Thanks for posting something positive about OKC...it is very rare that I ready anything positive. Everyone thinks we're so boring but I love this place and I'm proud to be an Okie. Great post!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you like OKC!!! I know this comment is a little behind but I've been out all week and am getting caught up on my blogs. I'm from OKC and I love this place! The bombing was an awful time for all of us but the memorial captures the beautiful spirit of the city even if it is heartbreaking to look at. Thanks for posting something positive about OKC...it is very rare that I ready anything positive. Everyone thinks we're so boring but I love this place and I'm proud to be an Okie. Great post!!! :)
ReplyDelete