March 2026 Issue for Issuu

MADE

A New Class of Culinary Heavyweights

Exploring the state’s flourishing food scene

HOME & GARDEN

Creating spaces with intention

Good tools carry the marks of use and care. Over time, they become extensions of the hand - partners in the act of creating a garden.

OU HEALTH STEPHENSON CANCER CENTER IN TULSA

Hope Starts Here: Advanced Cancer Care Coming to Tulsa

OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center, is expanding to Tulsa. This stateof-the-art, 176,000-square-foot facility on the University of Oklahoma’s Schusterman campus will deliver advanced, research-driven cancer care closer to home. From medical and radiation oncology to infusion services and groundbreaking clinical trials, this cancer center will be a destination for hope and healing in Northeastern Oklahoma. Construction begins soon — because world-class cancer care should be where you need it most.

Opening in 2028:

• Dedicated clinical trials not available at any other Oklahoma cancer center

• 70 exam rooms

• 45 infusion spaces

• Full imaging: MRI, PET-CT & more

• Access to state-of-the-art technology and innovative treatments

We are currently seeing patients in Tulsa at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center at Hillcrest at 1245 S. Utica Avenue, offering compassionate care and clinical trials. To make an appointment, call (918) 579-3850. Together, we’re lifting the health of Oklahoma — turning breakthroughs into hope for generations.

Oklahoma Magazine

24 Living Better, Inside & Out

In Oklahoma, architects, builders and landscape designers are blending innovation with durability, sustainability and personal style, creating spaces that feel both modern and deeply livable.

30 The Real Estate Reality Check

From understanding mortgage options and setting the right asking price to navigating inspections, property values and seller must-dos, today’s real estate market rewards informed decisions.

33 Top Real Estate Agents Listing

From first showings to closing table deals, Oklahoma’s real estate pros make home buying and selling look easy.

35 A New Class of Culinary Heavyweights

New restaurants in Oklahoma are setting a higher standard than we’ve ever seen. Chefs are becoming more and more ambitious – cooking with precision and delivering experiences that demand attention.

At Latham Keele Lehman, our team of trusted attorneys brings the experience and insight to guide every case to the right resolution. We build our business by protecting yours, resolving disputes efficiently, minimizing risk, and managing challenges so our clients can focus on what matters most . Recognized by Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers, we represent clients from Fortune 100 corporations to locally owned businesses.

Letter from the Editor

Dearest gentle reader,

Just kidding. I’ve been watching a lot of Bridgerton lately. And you know what I’ve noticed? All these fancy folks' homes are always immaculate and impeccably on-trend (for the 1800s, anyway). Frankly, it made me glance around my own home with a touch of jealousy. If you’re also itching for a total home revamp – or even just a subtle facelift – our Home & Garden feature has you covered. (Pretty solid segue, if I do say so myself.) We tap seasoned pros to talk smart home integrations, easy sustainability upgrades, interior design trends and ways to turn your backyard into a true oasis (page 24).

If you’re ready to find a whole new address instead, flip to the Real Estate Reality Check (page 30). Experts who truly understand Oklahoma markets break down mortgage options, property values, pricing your home right and what to expect during inspections. You’ll also find our Top Real Estate Agents Listing to help you choose the right partner for the journey (page 33).

Taking a sharp left turn away from all things home, we dig into Oklahoma’s newest and most promising restaurants (page 35). Whether you’re craving Korean barbecue, classic Italian, savory sushi, or a nofrills burger and fries experience, the state’s culinary scene delivers.

Stick around for stories on Oklahoma’s evolving tea culture (page 9), Native artisans preserving their tribes’ traditions (page 10), and the state’s burgeoning cybersecurity industry (page 5).

For now, we bid you adieu, gentle reader.

Lady Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor

There are additional photos –and inspo – from our annual Home & Garden feature at okmag.com.

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The State

ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA

Securing Oklahoma’s Digital Future

As cybersecurity threats escalate, Oklahoma is investing in education, partnerships and workforce development to defend its critical infrastructure.

Cybersecurity has moved from a backoffice IT concern to a frontline issue affecting public safety, economic stability and national defense. As ransomware attacks disrupt hospitals, cybercriminals target utilities, and foreign adversaries probe government networks, Oklahoma is investing heavily in education and partnerships to prepare a workforce capable of defending critical systems.

The demand for cybersecurity professionals is growing because nearly every organization depends on interconnected digital infrastructure. Power, water, transportation, banking and healthcare systems all rely on networks that allow efficiency – but also expose vulnerabilities. At the same time, attacks are becoming more sophisticated and more costly, forcing organizations of all sizes to strengthen their defenses.

“Cybersecurity is really about protecting trust,” says Christopher Freeze, Ph.D., assistant professor of cybersecurity at the University of Oklahoma’s Polytechnic Institute. Freeze emphasizes that cyber-

security is no longer simply a technical issue, but a business and national security concern. Federal requirements tied to defense contracting and infrastructure protection have raised expectations for preparedness, driving demand for professionals who understand complex systems, people and risk management.

Oklahoma’s response is shaped by its strategic importance. The state is home to critical energy infrastructure, major transportation corridors, tribal governments and several military installations, including Tinker Air Force Base and Fort Sill. Those assets make Oklahoma both valuable and vulnerable. In response, collaboration among universities, government agencies, military partners and private industries has increased, creating pathways for talent development and information sharing.

Universities play a central role in that effort, too. Programs across the state emphasize applied learning through hands-on labs, simulated environments and real-world scenarios. Students train on virtual networks, analyze cyber incidents and practice decision-making under pressure. Cyber ranges allow them

to experience realistic attack scenarios while remaining in controlled settings.

“Students should graduate ready to contribute in the workplace from day one,” Freeze says.

Cybersecurity education also extends beyond technical skills. Programs incorporate communication, leadership and policy training to prepare students to brief executives, justify security decisions and manage organizational risk. Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, penetration-testing credentials and leadership-focused certifications are embedded into coursework to align academic learning with industry expectations.

At the University of Tulsa, cybersecurity education is paired with research and statewide outreach. Faculty conduct research focused on protecting critical infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector, while also training students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“Cybersecurity is all about protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information,” says Tyler Moore, Ph.D., Tandy Professor of Cyber Security and Information Assurance at TU. “Cybersecurity requires both technical skill – coding, system administration, network forensics – and organizational knowledge – economics, psychology and management.”

Partnerships with organizations such as Tinker Air Force Base, the FAA, Fort Sill and private technology firms further strengthen student preparation. Internships, research collaborations and workforce pipelines allow students to transition directly into roles supporting defense, aviation, energy and intelligence missions.

Graduates pursue careers as security analysts, risk managers, compliance specialists and leaders in government, industry and national security agencies. As cyber threats continue to evolve, Oklahoma’s growing cybersecurity ecosystem is positioning the state not only to respond, but to lead.

ROCCO GEPPI

At the University of Tulsa, cybersecurity students combine technical training and research focused on protecting critical infrastructure, including energy and defense systems. Photo courtesy the University of Tulsa

Students at the University of Oklahoma’s Polytechnic Institute train in hands-on cybersecurity labs, using simulated networks and cyber ranges to prepare for real-world threat scenarios.

Photo courtesy the OU Polytechnic Institute

The Crossroads of Nostalgia and Necessity

From booming outlet centers to shuttered halls and community-driven redevelopments, Oklahoma malls are charting very different futures.

Acornerstone of 1980s suburban life, the mall was once a place for teenagers to hang out, parents to browse and where culture took shape under fluorescent lights. But these sprawling retail hubs now sit at the crossroads of nostalgia and necessity, and are being reimagined not only as places to shop, but also as places to gather and connect.

Now largely a vacant space, the Crossroads Mall in Oklahoma City is partially occupied by the Santa Fe South Charter Schools, and was purchased by the nonprofit Crossroads Renewal Project, led by school superintendent Chris Brewster. With the help of Storyland Studios, a firm specializing in strategy, architecture and design, the vision for the space is a community-focused redevelopment with housing, retail and educational offerings.

“We’ve been helping them imagine what it could look like to kind of create an indoor main street and unpaved paradise, an area that really encourages human flourishing,” says project director Zach Miller.

While the finished project will welcome folks from around the city, Miller mentions that preserving the area’s culture is a priority.

“The team at Crossroads has been very diligent in advocating strongly to make sure that what we’re doing is taking the story that’s already being told in that area, the culture that’s there and the people who are there, and shining a light on the best version of that area,” he says.

tions, being deemed “unfit for human occupancy” by the City of Tulsa. It’s currently owned by Kohan Retail Investment Group, but its future remains uncertain as communication between the owner and the city has been limited.

One concept that’s stood the test of time? The outlet mall. As traditional enclosed malls began to lose their footing, outlet centers gained momentum by offering something shoppers still want: value, simplicity and a reason to make the trip.

A new build, Tulsa Premium Outlets in Jenks is thriving. With more than 75 retailers and casual eateries, plus a 20,000 square-foot children’s play area, green spaces for gathering, a fire pit and a fountain, people come from near and far for more than shopping.

“Today’s modern and thriving shopping centers are truly mixed-use destinations,” says Hannah Daab, director of marketing and business development for Tulsa Premium Outlets, “where all aspects work together – anchors, individual retail brands, restaurants, entertainment, lifestyle and more – which is what Tulsa Premium Outlets has brought to Jenks and beyond.”

And she says Premium Outlets will continue to boom, even in the digital age.

“Today’s consumer doesn’t want to only shop in-store or only shop online, they want both,” Daab says. “Studies show that shoppers still prefer to touch

Other fledgling mall spaces aren’t so lucky, like Promenade in Tulsa. Once a thriving shopping center, Promenade shut down in 2023 due to safety viola-

and try before they buy, so we will continually strive to provide the newest retail concepts and trend-driven experiences to our visitors.”

GRETCHEN EICHENBERG

Shoppers gather at Tulsa Premium Outlets in Jenks, one of the state’s thriving malls drawing visitors with retail, dining and outdoor gathering spaces. Photo courtesy Tulsa Premium Outlets

A rendering of the proposed Crossroads redevelopment in Oklahoma City shows the former mall reimagined as an indoor main street with housing, retail and educational spaces. Rendering courtesy Storyland Studios

Happenings | The State

Weather, Simplified

As

the nation’s only jointly operated state Mesonet, the OU–OSU collaboration has created a model of weather monitoring that serves agriculture, public safety, research – and everyday Oklahomans.

The Oklahoma Mesonet, designed and implemented by scientists at the University of Oklahoma (OU) and at Oklahoma State University (OSU), is a world-class network of environmental monitoring stations. The entity is unique because it is the only state Mesonet operated as a 50/50 partnership between two competing flagship universities.

The Oklahoma Mesonet was commissioned on January 1, 1994, and consists of 120 automated stations covering the state, with site locations in all 77 counties in Oklahoma.

“When the Oklahoma Mesonet was created more than 30 years ago, computers and IT infrastructure were vastly different from what we have today. However, our forward-thinking founders recognized the future potential of the internet and how it could be used to disseminate weather information to core users,” says Cindy Luttrell, director of the Oklahoma Mesonet.

Early on, the station computers could only store five days of observations, but as technology evolved, so did the Mesonet, which can now store several years of data locally. It is also now possible for the weather events to be collected, processed and disseminated every five minutes, 24 hours per day, year-round.

The Mesonet monitors weather events, such as thunderstorms, wind gusts, heat bursts and dry lines that range in size from one mile to about 150 miles. The commitments between the two universities have built long-standing, trusted relationships with professionals across

weather, climate, agriculture, energy, public safety and education to offer more than just simple weather monitoring.

“A core value of the Oklahoma Mesonet is providing research-quality weather observations that are useful across all industries. We maintain rigorous standards for site selection, station maintenance and data quality to ensure that observations shared with the public are accurate, representative and reliable,” says Luttrell. “Equally important, we place strong emphasis on making sure the final products are useful and actionable.”

Although there are other networks that are now referred to as ‘mesonets’ that existed prior to 1994, their scope was typically limited to agricultural applications; however, the Oklahoma Mesonet was groundbreaking because it was designed from the outset as a statewide, multipurpose weather monitoring network built to research-quality standards that served a broader purpose and use base.

The partnership between OU and OSU have allowed for the development of tools that place weather observations into context for specific needs, including crop disease advisories, irrigation planning tools, spray drift advisories and

agricultural fire management tools; prescribed burning and fire management tools for agriculture and fire professionals; weather training and visualization tools for public safety officials; and a wide range of accumulation, extremes and real-time observation products for weather and climate professionals.

These observations are delivered in multiple formats, including text products, APIs and static and interactive maps, to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and farmers in Oklahoma.

The Mesonet data is a highly trusted resource during extreme weather events due to high observational standards that are upheld by those who monitor the Oklahoma Mesonet.

Many U.S. states and international partners have sought the guidance of the Oklahoma Mesonet in developing or improving their own mesonets, which has helped foster a collaborative community of mesonet operators who regularly share ideas and solutions.

“While our commission to provide useful, real-time weather observations remains unchanged, we will continue to adapt to new technologies and the evolving needs of our users well into the future,” Luttrell says.

JENNIFER LEE

A statewide network of Oklahoma Mesonet stations collects and delivers research-quality weather data every five minutes, supporting industries, public safety and communities across all 77 counties.

Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Mesonet

Watching Over Oklahoma’s Waters

From invasive species to extreme weather, Oklahoma agencies monitor and manage thousands of lakes to ensure clean, reliable water for communities and ecosystems statewide.

Representing a fragile ecosystem, freshwater lakes in Oklahoma present a particular challenge from Oklahoma’s sometimesextreme weather.

With that in mind, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) – which oversees about 3,000 lakes and large ponds throughout the state – and the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) – which oversees water in eastern Oklahoma – keep a vigilant eye on water quality year-round.

Darla Whitley, administrator for the OWRB, notes that lakes, ponds and streams “touch the lives of every Oklahoman.” She says many Oklahoma lakes are formed by “jurisdictional dams” that, on average, are more than 60 years old.

“As these systems mature, careful monitoring of structural integrity, storage capacity, water quality and ecosystem health becomes increasingly important,” she says.

Shifting weather patterns don’t help. To assist, the OWRB has developed a

plan with a goal of ensuring that “communities, industries and ecosystems continue to have the water they need from our lakes,” says Whitley.

Maintaining that consistent water quality is also the goal of the GRDA, which manages three lakes in eastern Oklahoma, including Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, and in total, oversees some 70,000 surface lake waters.

Justin Alberty, GRDA spokesperson, says the lakes, which also include Lake Hudson and the R.W. Holway Reservoir, have fared well in Oklahoma’s fickle and sometimes harsh weather – even through extreme cold snaps such as the conditions experienced in February 2021, when temperatures plunged to near zero degrees.

“Managing the infrastructure during such cold extremes can be challenging,” Alberty says, “but the GRDA team handled it well. [We have] a very active and comprehensive water quality monitoring program.”

Monitors check for E. coli bacteria, algae and invasive species such as zebra mussels. The association also operates a

water quality laboratory at Langley and another at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah that mainly focuses on water quality of the recreationally popular Illinois River.

Alberty says that the GRDA has several programs that support conservation, reclamation, habitat enhancement and shoreline maintenance around the shores of its lakes.

One challenge, he mentions, presents itself mainly in spring, when Oklahoma has bouts of high water from excessive rainfall. Last year was one of the wettest years on record for Oklahoma, and Alberty says several floodgate operations were completed at the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Pensacola Dam that forms Grand Lake, and at the Robert S. Kerr dam that forms Lake Hudson.

When those situations occur, Alberty says, “the Corps orders release rates that are consistent with downstream conditions and projected river crests.”

Likewise, Whitley mentions, the OWRB routinely measures water levels along with chemical and biological indicators to catch emerging problems early. The OWRB’s hazard mitigation plan for 2025 strongly emphasized the importance of water resilience, calling for sustained investment, sound science and proactive management.

Whitley says the OWRB anticipates possible consideration of legislation supporting those goals from the state legislature.

“Updating infrastructure, strengthening monitoring programs and planning for drought, flooding and other risks will ensure Oklahoma lakes remain reliable for future generations,” she says.

HENRY

DOLIVE

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, one of three lakes managed by the Grand River Dam Authority, is monitored year-round for water quality, infrastructure performance and environmental health. Photo courtesy GRDA

Longing for Something Simple

A new generation of tea drinkers is reshaping Oklahoma’s burgeoning beverage culture.

Teatime is not just for British blokes or grannies wearing lacy white gloves. Oh, no. Gen Z and Millennials are swimming in the tea revolution as they prioritize wellness, cultural values, ceremony, comfort … and beautiful social media moments.

“TikTok/social media is a big driving force for the growth of tea culture at the moment,” says Jonathan Khalilian, who ditched a job in academia to open his Japanese tea house, Brushwood Tea, in Warr Acres.

Social media is brimming with influencers carrying beautiful cups of tea, especially Japan’s trendy green iteration, matcha. “Teatox” influencer Kim Kardashian and her sister Kourtney frequently tout the beauty and health aspects of matcha tea on social media.

“I don’t know how matcha went so crazy so fast besides social media,” says TaNesha Rushing, a singer/songwriter who founded Mi Tea Lounge, a Tulsa Philtower Building venue that showcases musicians, sea moss and teas. One such tea is her proprietary brand crafted to relieve a scratchy throat.

“It’s a ‘richy’ looking thing … walking around with the tea and feeling demure,” says Rushing. “It’s a thing.”

A Surprising Revolution

An eye-opening restaurant trend report reveals that people drink more tea than coffee in Oklahoma and 29 other states. From Tulsa’s Art Deco elegance to Luther’s gentle countryside, Oklahomans are swapping cups of joe for natural, wellness-centered ingredients.

“Everyone just kind of went on this whole thing of wanting to eat and drink better,” Rushing says.

Affection for tea – a beverage so coveted that Britain dispatched a botanist spy in the 1880s to steal China’s tea secrets – is grounded in today’s physical and mental health craze.

Drinking 1.5-3 cups of tea daily can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, while reducing risks of heart attack, stroke and dementia, though research shows tea drinkers’ healthy lifestyle may be a major factor. Coffee imparts similar benefits, sure, but tea provides a calmer, sustained focus without coffee’s caffeine crash, says Harvard Health

Simple Life

In Warr Acres, Brushwood Tea fills as Khalilian mixes potions. The door swings open for William Williams, sporting a reddish beard, wire-rimmed glasses and a tailored green coat. Whisking matcha

into a froth, Khalilian glances over his shoulder.

“Hi William,” he calls out.

Khalilian, a tea industry veteran and student at the Prague tea school Urasenke Chado School, appears composed as the crowd grows. At one table, a couple enjoys their tea and speaks in Japanese.

At a corner table, Jacob Markstone, his wife, Samantha, and son, Sam, are armed with massive tea bowls. They’re deftly swapping cards and sipping Sam’s favorite – maple bourbon vanilla matcha.

Their Saturday family tradition began after Markstone surprised Khalilian in February 2025 as he prepared to open.

“I’ve been in almost every day since then,” Markstone says. “And I’ve tried all of his teas.”

About 30 miles northeast, the owner of Wild Clover Farm contemplates the growing tea culture.

“Tea is simple and it’s kind,” says Lisa Shelden, who sells home-grown herbs online, and eggs from hens like Hazel and Violet. “Society is in chaos. I think that people are longing for something simple.”

SONYA COLBERG

Above: At Luther's Wild Clover Farm, herbs are grown and harvested. Owner Lisa Shelden sells them online at wildcloverfarm.com.

Photo courtesy Wild Clover Farm

Above Left: At Hi Tea, carefully prepared cups and an inviting atmosphere turn tea drinking into a modern ritual centered on wellness, style and community. Photo courtesy Hi Tea

The State | Makers

Art, Land and Legacy

Indigenous artists across Oklahoma create work rooted in heritage, sustainability and community.

Adream came true for Shelley Patrick when the Mvskoge Waters Gallery opened Dec. 13 at the Jenks Riverwalk.

“We have been wanting this our entire lives,” says Patrick, a printmaker and fashion designer who manages the gallery. “It’s the first and only tribally-owned art gallery in the greater Tulsa area.”

Patrick says Muscogee artists now have “a place to show our artwork and our understanding of our history and culture, and to promote our view of the world.”

The gallery features sculpture, traditional and modern dress, jewelry, textile art, accessories and paintings. The filmmaker Sterlin Harjo was invited to exhibit his storyboarding art. Some items will be for sale, says Patrick, but the primary purpose is to showcase Muscogee artists.

Summer Zah, manager of the FAM Store at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City, draws on her Navajo, Choctaw and Apache ancestry for her printmaking, installation art and largescale woven tapestries.

“A lot of Native people do take up some kind of creative endeavor,” Zah says.

And for many, it’s a family tradition. In her native New Mexico, Zah learned basketry and beadwork from her relatives, “or we took classes together,” she says. Her parents made their own regalia for powwows.

Ian Thompson, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Choctaw Nation, has practiced flintknapping since the age of seven, thanks to his uncle.

“We were at the Kansas City zoo, and he pulled some flint out of the ground and said ‘let’s go make something.’ That was a gateway into the culture for me,” Thompson says.

“Flintknapping is one of the oldest art forms and technologies in the world,” he continues. “There are certain types of rocks that break like glass in a predictable way, with a sharp edge. Flintknapping is applying force to the stone to make it into sharp-edged tools and weapons.”

Stones for flintknapping can be found in Oklahoma, including John’s Valley chert in the southeast, Peoria/Keokuk chert in the northeast and Alibates flint in the streams of western Oklahoma.

Thompson creates knife blades, arrow points, atlatl points and tools to process bison and deer, and he hunts deer with a traditional Choctaw longbow with stone-tipped arrows.

“It’s a connection with the land, if you do Indigenous arts,” Thompson says. “It’s a heritage that’s been passed down through hundreds of generations. It’s an opportunity to do things that are sustainable, in balance with the land.”

Patrick is a member of eastern Oklahoma’s Fife family, which parlayed sewing for the family into The Fife Collection, a business incorporated in 1978

by her mother and aunts.

‘It was a more formal version of Muscogee dress,” Patrick says. “They were in a lot of fashion shows.”

The eight children of James and Carmen Griffin Fife all took up some form of art, Patrick says, including leatherworking, quilting, flintknapping and bowmaking.

The Fife Collection is no longer officially incorporated, “but we still have a small collection,” Patrick says.

The Choctaw people are known for their pottery, says Thompson, who started teaching himself as a child.

“By high school, I made pieces that survived firing, then I found some really good teachers. For my dissertation, one of the things I studied was Choctaw ancestral pottery.”

Indigenous art is beautiful, Thompson acknowledges, but it’s more than that: it’s deep community heritage.

“Basketry is probably the traditional art that Choctaws are best known for,” Thompson mentions.

But those baskets, fashioned from river cane, weren’t just to sit on a shelf.

“Southeastern tribes created earth mounds, a form of monumental architecture, one basket load of dirt at a time,” Thompson says.

Handcrafted items for sale in the FAM Store include pottery, beadwork, jewelry and ribbon skirts. The Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant offers beadwork, basketry, jewelry and craft kits to make moccasins or do beadwork.

Other venues to view these pieces include the Chickasaw Nation’s Exhibit C at the OKANA Resort, Red Earth Art Center in Oklahoma City, Sharp’s Indian Store in Ponca City, McKee’s Indian Store in Anadarko and Southwest Trading Company in Tulsa.

KIMBERLY BURK

Ian Thompson began creating pottery as a child, but found teachers in high school who helped him hone his craft. Photo courtesy Ian Thompson

The Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant sells and displays handmade baskets, beadwork, jewelry and more. Photo courtesy the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

More Than the Buzz

Often dismissed as noisy summer pests, cicadas are harmless, seasonally visible insects that play an essential role in Oklahoma’s ecosystem.

To most Oklahomans, cicadas are just those loud, annoying bugs we deal with each summer, a true indicator that it’s more than likely very hot outside. But what are these bugs, really?

“Cicadas are members of the insect order Hemiptera, making them cousins of stink bugs, bed bugs, aphids and lanternflies,” says K. James Hung, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma and a heritage zoologist at the Oklahoma Biological Survey. “Although some people around here call them locusts, they are not closely related to true locusts, which are a kind of grasshopper.”

Their prominence in Oklahoma is due to a myriad of factors, but chiefly the forests and warm climate make it a suitable home.

“Baby cicadas, called nymphs, live underground and feed on the sap of plant roots, primarily from deep-rooted trees and shrubs. Oklahoma also has a warm climate, which is favorable to cicada development,” says Hung. Oklahoma also isn’t too wet, and since cicadas don’t thrive in cold places, the state winds up being a great mix.

Like most insects, cicadas also play a vital part in the growing ecosystem in Oklahoma.

“Cicadas help turn largely inaccessible biomass and energy – tree sap – into forms usable by animals – i.e. their bodies. Many bird species eat lots of cicadas,” says Hung.

Wyatt Hoback, Ph.D., a professor of entomology at Oklahoma State University, agrees that cicadas are much more than a nuisance.

“Cicadas are an important part of the ecosystem,” he shares. “They cause no harm to humans or pets, and even when millions emerge, the only damage is broken twig tips from where they lay eggs,” he says.

But why do they make those distracting noises we so closely associate with summer?

“They make the noise because that’s how they find mates,” explains Hung. “Only the males ‘sing,’ and the females find them to mate with them. Females don’t have the physical organs for sound production. In fact, [male cicadas] are the loudest of all insects, and some of the loudest invertebrates on Earth.”

As with most insects, their existence

is short.

“The adult lifespan is weeks to about a month,” says Hoback. “They mate, lay eggs and their offspring start the long journey to adulthood.”

Although we only hear and see them during summer months, cicadas are just in hiding during the winter.

“Cicadas exist year round, but are only aboveground as adults – those that fly – in the warmer months because that’s when they are able to move around and find mates,” says Hung.

It might seem as though Oklahoma would be overrun, but nature always has a way to balance things out.

“Their numbers are controlled by predators, including large wasps called cicada killers,” explains Hoback.

It doesn’t appear as though Oklahoma will be getting a mass influx of cicadas anytime soon.

“2026 seems not to be a big year for periodical cicadas that emerge in huge masses,” says Hung.

Hoback concludes: “Oklahoma is due for ‘the big one’ in 2032, so mark your calendars.”

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

An Organized Way Forward

With spring cleaning efforts underway, a design expert shares sustainable ways to create a closet that’s functional, stylish and easy to maintain.

Spring’s right around the corner, and that means it’s time for an annual closet cleanout. If it feels like your space is bursting at the seams, don’t fret.

Julie Onstat is a design consultant for California Closets – a premier designer and installer of custom, luxury storage solutions for residential homes. Working in the Oklahoma branch, Onstat shares her advice for making the primary closet stylish and functional.

“You’ll really appreciate your life and what you have when you know exactly where and what everything is [in your closet],” she says.

Declutter Your Wardrobe

Photos of professionally designed closets tend to have one thing in common: zero visual clutter.

“My No. 1 rule is just have less stuff. There’s no amount of organization, there’s no system I can design for you that will be easy to maintain if [the closet] is filled to the brim,” she says.

A good way to start decluttering is by getting rid of clothing that doesn’t fit.

Next, see if there are duplicates or similar pieces you can pare down. If there are a lot of items to sort through, focus on one area at a time and take breaks.

Create Zones

Once you’ve freed up space, think about dividing your closet into designated zones for certain items, like formal wear, shoes and everyday pieces. While creating these zones, consider your daily routine and which items you’ll need most.

“Focus on building a system that works with how you navigate the getting ready process,” Onstat says. “If you wear dresses twice a month and jeans every day, keep your jeans in a place that's easier to reach.”

Pick Practical Storage Solutions

Keeping your closet organized long-term comes down to creating a realistic system that you’ll be able to maintain.

“Design systems don’t work when you rely on motivation alone. We want to make sure everything that’s included in the design is manageable,” explains Onstat.

To decide which storage solutions will work best for you, identify your pain points. If your open shelving always looks messy, consider closed-storage, such as bins and baskets. If you want to spend less time hanging your clothes, see if you can replace some of your closet rods with a dresser.

Think Vertically

Vertical

storage

solutions can help you maximize limited closet space. Overthe-door racks and wall hooks are great options for hanging hats, neckties, jewelry and purses without taking up floor space. Thinking vertically can also help with optimizing existing cabinetry and shelving.

“A lot of times people have very tall shelf spaces that aren’t adjustable… Adding a riser and getting two rows of shoes onto a shelf as opposed to one is really helpful,” says Onstat.

Add the Finishing Touches

Remember that a closet isn’t just for storing your items; it’s a space for starting and ending your day. Displaying sentimental keepsakes, hanging up wall art, or applying a fresh coat of paint can make the space feel more personal and inviting. For a final touch, Onstat recommends investing in matching hangers.

She also encourages her clients to not be afraid to “do something a little bit differently,” in their own home.

“I love helping people work through the design process… and creating a foundation for someone to maintain their own system,” she says. “It’s a time where we can be creative and think outside the box.”

FAITH HARL

Heidi McMurray

“We may begin our journey in real estate, but my goal is to end as friends!”

With more than 35 years of experience, Realtor Heidi McMurray knows that a property sale is so much more than a transaction – it’s often the beginning of building legacy. As a solo agent with Keller Williams Preferred, Heidi has a reputable career built on expertise, strong relationships, and a genuine love for her clients. But what truly sets her apart? The longevity of her trusted client relationships. Heidi has guided thousands of sellers and buyers through successful residential and commercial transactions, often out-producing entire real estate teams. Being primarily a referral-based business speaks of her committed nature towards her clients, their goals and the entire sales process.

Being a top one percent Realtor extends far beyond the closing table. In 2024, Heidi was recruited by founder Craig Sewing of The American Dream (ADTV) to become a Realtor-Lifestyle Host of the three-time Emmy Award–winning series The American Dream (ADTV), With 23 million viewers nation-wide and growing, ADTV’s unique media platform offers an edge in the marketplace over typical MLS resources for Heidi’s clientele.

Producing a professional, made-for-TV segment leverages her media capabilities not only to showcase her clients’ unique properties, but also the community and local lifestyles surrounding the neighborhood. Heidi sees the value in investing with the growing ADTV network which scales her advertising and boosts the exposure of her listings to find the perfect buyer for her properties.

A few of her favorite highlight reels include Heidi’s interview with Oklahoma’s First Lady Sarah Stitt about the renovation of the Governor’s Mansion project. In a personal way, our First Lady shares about her passion for founding “Hope Rising Oklahoma” to bring “the science of hope” focusing on mental health and

fostering resilience to our local communities.

Heidi is the first to cover what was to be the last Stitt administration’s Governor’s Boots, Bandanas and BBQ fundraiser. Her goal is to inspire and appreciate the beauty of hard-working, grass-roots Oklahomans and honoring those who paved the way for Oklahoma to be one of the nation’s growing top 10 places to live the American Dream.

Making room for more opportunities to tell real stories, Heidi is honored to cover Tulsa’s 2026 Tim Tebow Foundation’s “Night to Shine” on an upcoming ADTV segment. This incredible prom-night experience begins with a fantastic red-carpet celebration graced with tiaras and crowns for attending guests, the Kings and Queens; celebrating life for individuals with special needs. The event is hosted by her local pastors and staff at The Assembly BA, and requires thousands of volunteers to present an unforgettable evening wrapped in pure joy for guests.

A graduate of Oral Roberts University School of Business, Heidi combines sharp insight into our local real estate metrics with a passion to engage her clients’ successes. Whether navigating a home or business sale, listing or purchasing a Metro property or selling acreage in beautiful Green County, her goal remains the same: a seamless experience and a five-star closing day.

Heidi projects the early 2026 spring market to be booming for sellers and buyers. Ready. Set. Spring market is already here!

Partners in the Spotlight

For nearly 50 years, Tulsa theater icons Vern and Lisa Robertson Stefanic have built intertwined careers, shaping the city’s cultural life through collaboration, excellence in their crafts and, of course, enduring love.

For some five decades now, the husband-andwife team of Vern and Lisa Robertson Stefanic have – both separately and together – been entertaining and enlightening Tulsa-area theatergoers in a dizzying variety of productions. And their fans, myself included, undoubtedly have favorite moments from the careers of actor-director Lisa and director-writer Vern.

I fondly remember, for instance, Lisa’s performance as a potential vampire bride in American Theater Company’s Halloween 1989 production of The Passion of Dracula. She was so powerful and engaging that, after reviewing the play for the Tulsa World, I felt compelled to go back and see it again on my own dime. That was the same year the Tulsa-lensed movie UHF was released, and people all over the world got a chance to glimpse Lisa’s talents as the bubbly contestant on the game show “Wheel of Fish.”

Meanwhile, thousands – again, myself

included – have enjoyed Vern’s adaptation (with music by collaborator Doug Smith) of the Christmas movie Miracle on 34th Street, which not only had a long Tulsa run, but continues to be performed on stages across the country. His extensive list of directorial credits also include the historical fantasy Thomas Conner and I wrote, Time Changes Everything, about two imaginary meetings between Oklahoma musical icons Bob Wills and Woody Guthrie. Starring Brad Piccolo and John Cooper of the Red Dirt Rangers, it had a nice little statewide run several years back, and I know Vern’s steady hand had a lot to do with its success.

Between them, the Stefanics have been involved with hundreds of stage productions over the years. And yet, when I float the idea the they’re basically our Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, they both just laugh.

I’m sticking with that evaluation, though. And what’s more, I think their historic collaboration may have been

foreshadowed when they were both very young, with Lisa already interested in theater and Vern virtually growing up backstage at the famed St. Louis Municipal Opera Theater, where his grandfather was lighting director.

“When I was in eighth grade,” recalls Lisa, “my family took a vacation to St. Louis. We saw Damn Yankees with Ray Walston and Gwen Verdon – and Vern was working that show!”

“I was there that night as an usher,” he says, “and helping out the crew afterwards. Of course, we figured that out later.”

As in the theater, the curtain falls, and time passes.

St. Louis resident Vern, attracted to the University of Tulsa by both its sports programs (he played a year of football at TU as a walk-on) and journalism department (“I liked that the professors were all newspaper professionals”), got his degree and began working for the Tulsa World. Tulsan Lisa, meanwhile, had become deeply involved in TU theater.

“That was back around ’74, and in those days, the World would review college productions. So Ron Butler, the entertainment editor of the World, asked me to review a TU show,” says Vern. “I said, ‘Oh, well. Okay,’ and I went, and I was really, really impressed. So the following semester, I returned to school to study playwriting.”

While he was on campus, signing up for classes, Vern saw that the TU theater was presenting a couple of one-act plays by Tennessee Williams. Photos of the cast were on display in the lobby, and one in particular caught his eye.

“I thought, ‘Wow. This woman really looks interesting. I hope I get to meet her.’”

Of course, it was Lisa Robertson, who by that time was beginning to make a name for herself on Tulsa stages. He did soon get to meet her.

“We were in a stagecraft class together,” explains Lisa. “And I noticed this guy who was always leaving class a little early. He’d have a tie in his jacket pocket and a notebook in his hip pocket, and I thought, ‘Who is this guy? What’s he doing? He’s kinda cute.’”

Vern and Lisa Robertson Stefanic have blended writing, directing and performance across hundreds of Tulsa-area productions. Photos courtesy the Stefanics

Of course, the tie and the notebook were accoutrements of Vern’s Tulsa World job, which he often had to rush out of class to attend to.

“We were doing a horrible show called Fashion, which was written by the first American playwright, Anna Cora Mowatt,” continues Lisa. “And he ended up working on the crew, backstage. We were playing cards in the green room, and I asked him if he’d ever played Smoke and Fire. He said no, and I said, ‘It’s real easy. I’m going to hold up a card. If it’s black, you say “smoke.” And if it’s red, you yell “fire.”

“So I start showing him the cards, and it’s smoke, smoke, smoke and then he yells, ‘fire!’ and I just go phhhhfftt! with the cards and throw them all in his lap.”

“Yes,” says Vern. “I was the butt of the joke, and apparently, because I didn’t fly off into a Donald Duck fury, I was acceptable in the theater.”

He was also acceptable to the young woman who’d tossed the cards at him. And the feeling was mutual. After they’d been dating for what Lisa laughingly remembers as “a full two months,” he proposed, and she accepted.

“It was the first of December or so. We’d gone out on a date, and we were talking, and I don’t remember exactly what he said, but I think it was something about sharing a toothbrush holder.

“I said, ‘Are you asking me to marry you?’ And he turned away, looked back at me, and he said, ‘Yeah.’”

Married in July, they never stopped working at their craft, with Lisa acting and Vern penning his first play, Last Chances, Lost Dreams.

“A real knee-slapper,” he says, laughing. “I was trying to be the next Eugene O’Neill, but all I was was a tremendous failure. I will say that without the TU theater department, I would never

have gotten the opportunity to write my first plays and figure out what I was doing.”

The first production they collaborated on was one Vern wrote called Stories from the Attic, starring Lisa. That would eventually become Third Street, Vern’s first musical. He directed both versions.

“Although Lisa had done other of my works before, this was the first time I was with her on a show,” he says. “We always hear our lines in our head, the way they should be said, but Lisa said one of mine a completely different way, and it was a million times better than I’d ever envisioned it. At that point, I pretty much trusted the actress I was living with.”

Over the years, they’ve done a number of other productions together, usually with Vern directing and Lisa acting. Lisa, however, has become an in-demand director herself, and their collaborations have moved mostly off-stage, becoming more personal as well as theatrical.

CHANGES.

The Professionals

What treatment would you recommend to improve my skin’s texture on my face? I would recommend an Opus treatment. Opus is a first-ofit’s-kind radiofrequency skin resurfacing technology that uses plasma energy to improve the skin’s tone and texture, delivering results similar to traditional deep resurfacing treatments without the downtime. This treatment uses plasma technology to slightly ablate the skin, which stimulates the surrounding tissue to repair itself, improving collagen production. It is a quick outpatient treatment that can be personalized to specific patient needs and treat all skin types. Opus is the perfect procedure to improve wrinkles, fine lines, crepey/saggy skin, acne scars, and even stretch marks. All areas of the face and body can be treated by Opus with noticeable results after just one treatment. Combined topical stem cell therapy or patients’ own PRP may also be added. To schedule an appointment and find out more information on Opus, call Fig Medical at 918-932-8810.

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How and why do emotional readiness and financial planning go hand in hand?

PROOF Please read your ad carefully!

“When we’re both working on separate projects, we’ll come home and talk about our rehearsals,” explains Lisa. “Whatever show I’m doing, I’ll kick it around with him. That’s a kind of fun collaboration, just bouncing stuff off each other.”

Dear Advertiser—this is your final opportunity to correct errors that may have occurred during the production of your errors may have occurred during the importing process. Corrections due to our errors are free of charge. Redesign or copy changes at this stage of production will result in additional charges of $35.00 per change. Please We need to hear from you within 24 hours of the date we sent. If we fax your ad on Friday, your response is due the If we do not hear from you within 24 hours, your ad will print as it appears in this transmission.

“We’ve always heard about how Robert Redford was an actor’s director, because he himself was an actor,” Vern adds. “Lisa approaches directing more like that. It’s a different perspective. As a director, she can help her cast do things.

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“I come at it from a writer’s perspective. I’ve been told what I can do is help people understand what the story is that we’re trying to sell. So she and I complement one another. It’s not a rivalry. It’s a complementary approach.”

For many, the transition into retirement brings unexpected emotional challenges. While financial preparation is critical, it’s just one part of the equation. Here are some points to consider. 1. Redefining identity and purpose. The absence of work-driven goals and routines can leave a void. That’s why it’s important to explore new avenues of purpose and passion. 2. Gaining financial confidence in retirement. Even clients with substantial savings can worry about whether their money will last. This concern can lead to overly cautious spending. A personalized retirement income strategy can help ease these concerns. 3. Adjusting to a new spending rhythm. Retirement often brings a shift in daily routines and with it, a change in spending patterns. Without the structure of a regular paycheck, retirees may find it challenging to gauge how much they are spending. 4. Navigating relationship changes. Couples may spend more time together than ever before, which can be both rewarding and challenging. Adult children may rely more heavily on retired parents for support. It can be wise to consider how these changes will impact your financial situation. 5. Embracing the emotional transition. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during retirement. Seeking support from professionals, peers, or community groups can help ease the transition. 6. Planning beyond the numbers. Retirement is more than a financial milestone – it’s a life transition. A trusted advisor can help you prepare not just your portfolio, but your mindset.

David

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Most recently, Lisa directed the justconcluded Love Letters for Theatre Tulsa. A cabaret show of hers is forthcoming. Meanwhile, Vern helms the Pembroke Players production of Shakespeare in Love, running March 6-15 at the PAC.

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JOHN WOOLEY

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DAVID KARIMIAN CFP®, CRPC®, APMA®

Medical director of aesthetics & Wellness

DR. CRISTIE HAWKINS

Life & Style

A MAP TO LIVING WELL

A Hidden Caribbean Haven

A serene escape in Virgin Gorda with quiet luxury, thoughtful service and breathtaking ocean views, Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a truly unforgettable retreat.

My husband and I recently traveled to Rosewood Little Dix Bay for our birthday celebrations. Prior to booking our trip, I had never heard of this secluded resort situated on the island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. It came recommended through a mutual friend after discussing our ideal birthday trip without kids.

There are a few routes to get to the resort, but since I'm not a fan of small planes, I opted for the journey that avoided that. We flew to St. Thomas, which was quite easy as St. Thomas is a U.S. territory and no passports were

required. Once we reached St. Thomas, we took a cab ride to the public ferry, which was about an hour. We then took another short ride to a luxury catamaran, organized by the resort, which took another 20 minutes or so to ultimately reach the property. There is also an option to fly into the Virgin Gorda Airport, which is a 5-minute drive to the resort. For further route options, reach out directly to the resort.

Since we arrived at night, it was too dark to see the property, but we were so impressed upon arrival to our room after being greeted by our butler (yes, you are assigned a personal butler). We stayed in an ocean view cottage room, which had a king bed and high ceilings, a spacious bathroom with a tub and shower, and a

large balcony with seating.

We were welcomed with two slices of delicious chocolate cake, balloons and Prosecco in celebration of our birthdays. Our butler explained that the resort had a no-key honor code policy, which set the tone for the warm, trusting and welcoming Caribbean atmosphere. (Of course, once you are in your room, you can lock your door).

On our first night, we decided to order room service for dinner, which we enjoyed on our balcony. It was a little breezy at night, but very comfortable – in the upper sixties. Daytime temperatures were in the low-to-mid eighties.

Each morning, we had breakfast at the Pavilion, which was complimentary as part of our daily package. The Pavilion breakfast was definitely my favorite meal each day at the resort. There were so many options, from the omelette bar to the fresh juices and baked good items. The best part? The view! The Pavilion has outdoor (but covered) seating; it was so peaceful and relaxing looking out on the water. We ordered lunch by the pool or the beach each day. The lunch was delicious, but full disclosure – it was not the

Guests arrive by luxury catamaran to the secluded shores of Rosewood Little Dix Bay.

most extensive menu. We dined on property for dinner at the restaurants Sugar Mill and Reef House. We did go off-site one night for dinner at CocoMaya Restaurant, which is a popular Asian-Latin fusion beachside restaurant a short cab ride from the resort.

Our daily activities mainly included lounging by the beach or the pool, playing tennis and snorkeling. We also treated ourselves to a couples massage at the Sense Spa on property. Since we were there for just a few days, we didn’t have an opportunity to do as many activities as we would have liked. For those who are interested, the property offers guided horticultural tours of the onsite farm to learn how they grow organic mangos, cauliflower, lemongrass and more.

For those who want to venture off the property, you can explore other beaches through a “Beach Drop” organized by the hotel boat. There are bikes throughout the property for those who prefer to travel the property by bike than foot. There are also golf carts that can help transport you, since the property is quite large.

The resort was very quiet when we were there; I think we only saw two or three children the whole time. However, there is a kids’ club for children ages 4-12 for those who are traveling with kids.

If you are looking for a serene Caribbean destination spot, be sure to check out the Rosewood Little Dix Bay for your next getaway!

NINA BRONSON

Crystal-clear turquoise waters lap the crescent-shaped beach at Rosewood Little Dix Bay.

Above: Snorkeling in the clear waters off Virgin Gorda reveals vibrant marine life just steps from shore. Below: Complimentary breakfast at The Pavilion features fresh juices, made-to-order omelets and waterfront views.

A dip in the Caribbean waters provides the perfect midday cool-down.

Understanding Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Though rare, this sudden-onset autoimmune neurological disorder can progress rapidly, making early recognition and treatment critical for recovery— especially in children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder affecting an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 Americans each year. For those afflicted, it can be a troubling and scary experience, as symptoms typically occur suddenly and unexpectedly.

Matthew Le, M.D., an OU Health pediatric physician and clinical assistant professor in pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, explains that GBS is a neurological condition where the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, such as a cold or stomach bug. The immune system attacks the body’s nerves and causes weakness and, sometimes, paralysis. Symptoms can progress within hours, days or over a few weeks, with the most severe stages of weakness typically oc-

curring within the first two weeks after symptoms appear.

“It is the most common cause of flaccid paralysis in healthy infants and children in the post-polio era,” says Le, adding that most patients present with an inability to walk. “The disease usually starts in the legs and moves upward through the body. There are other variants that can start in the face. The most serious stage of the disease is when the paralysis reaches the diaphragm, which causes patients to stop breathing on their own.”

Understanding the Cause

There is still no clear understanding of why some people will develop GBS and most others don’t.

“We believe that a prior infection may trigger the reaction,” says Le. “The most common infection is a bacterial infection called Campylobacter. However, other cases have been documented

following things such as colds and flu, Epstein-Barr virus – the virus that causes mono – and mycoplasma, a bacteria that typically causes pneumonia. Anyone can get Guillain-Barré, though it is rare in young children.”

While GBS can affect all age groups, risk increases with age and males are more affected than females.

When to Seek Help + Treatment Options

If you or a loved one experience sudden muscle weakness that continues to worsen over hours or days, seek medical attention immediately. Hospitalization is often necessary as GBS symptoms can cause respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmias and unstable blood pressure. At this time, there is no known cure for GBS, however there are two common treatments to help lessen the severity of the condition.

“Treatment for GBS usually involves intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG,” says Le. “This is a blood product made up of antibodies from thousands of donors. The thought is that the antibodies will interact with the antibodies attacking the nerves and neutralize them.”

If this treatment isn’t successful, patients may undergo a plasma exchange where the plasma in a patient’s blood is filtered out and replaced with new plasma.

Recovery from GBS can be a slow process. Le says the rate of recovery varies based on how extensive the disease was, how soon it was recognized and treated, and on individual patient factors.

“Depending on which nerves are affected, patients may need physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy,” he says. Patients may also need mobility aids such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs during recovery.

“In children, the prognosis is good. Most recover within six months and nearly all will recover by a year,” says Le.

For adults, while most people make a full recovery, the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy reports that about 20% of patients still have disability after more than a year, and others experience longterm nerve damage.

REBECCA FAST

Ready Before the Storm

With most tornadoes striking between March and June, experts urge Oklahomans to plan ahead and act immediately when warnings are issued.

Often most active during the month of May, 70% of U.S. tornadoes taking place from March to June. So, how should Oklahomans respond to tornado watches and warnings here in Tornado Alley?

“The National Weather Service issues tornado watches and warnings,” says Rick Smith, the warning coordinator meteorologist for the National Weather Service in the Norman Forecast Office. “A watch means conditions are coming together that could lead to severe storms with large hail and damaging winds, and potentially tornadoes. Pay attention to weather conditions. Know what you’ll do if you’re in a warning later.”

Using satellite images, area weather observations, radar data and computer model forecasts, meteorologists issue a watch when they see signs that severe storms and tornadoes could develop in the next few hours.

A tornado warning is the most urgent message issued, meaning a tornado is either about to happen or is already happening.

“If you’re in the warning, get to a safe place immediately,” says Smith. “You may only have seconds to protect yourself. On average, tornado warnings provide you with about 13 minutes before the tornado actually develops.”

Smith says tornado warnings are based on meteorologists analyzing radar data, which provides “three-dimensional pictures of what’s happening in a storm, including rotation and winds coming together above the ground and the weather environment the storm is in. We also rely heavily on reports from people who can tell us what’s actually happening under the storm.”

But tornadoes are more dangerous after dark, or when shrouded by clouds or heavy rain, making warnings more difficult to issue. You won’t be able to see the tornado, so watching for it puts you in danger.

In some cases, it’s impossible to issue a warning before a tornado develops.

“That’s why making sure you’re ready before the storms arrive is so important,” says Smith.

While tempting, it’s dangerous to go outside to personally verify a tornado,

because some tornadoes are often invisible and move so fast that you may not have time to shelter.

Another mistake is “relying too much on sirens,” says Smith. “Outdoor warning sirens are for those who are outdoors. They are not intended to be heard inside a house or vehicle, or to wake you up. Have multiple sources of warning information that are not sirens.”

Many people believe a river, hill, valley, mountain or downtown area protects them from tornadoes, but that isn’t the case.

“There is no place in Oklahoma that is more or less susceptible to a tornado,” says Smith, “and we all need to be prepared.”

CAROL MOWDY BOND

Tornado Safety

Wherever you live, tornado safety is pretty much the same: Protect yourself from flying and falling debris, which cause fatalities and injuries. Get in, down and covered up. An underground shelter, and above-ground safe rooms that withstand tornadoes, are your best options. In sturdy buildings, get as far inside as possible on the lowest floor possible.

“Put as many walls between you and the outside,” says Smith. “Stay away from outside walls, doors and windows. Mobile homes, vehicles and outside are the most dangerous places. If you live in an apartment or mobile home, know your safety plan long before the storms come, and be sure you can get to a safe shelter before the warning is issued.”

Blake loveless

Where Nature and Play Converge

Broken Bow offers ziplines, wildlife encounters, wineries and endless ways to explore the outdoors.

Oklahomans – and visitors from around the world – flock to the Broken Bow area for a day, weekend or longer stay, drawn by the stunning Broken Bow Lake, Beavers Bend State Park and a variety of nearby attractions. This region is a fantastic family destination, too, with plenty of options for cabin rentals, outdoor adventures, spas and shopping.

The Hochatown Petting Zoo lets visitors interact with animals under the guidance of licensed wildlife rehabilitation experts. Guests can enjoy time with familiar barnyard friends, birds, reptiles and even some exotic species.

For adults, Girls Gone Wine offers a winery, tasting room and gift shop. Dining highlights include Beavers Bend Brewery, Fish Tales Winery and Bistro, Mountain Fork Brewery and Hochatown Distilling Co., which specializes in whiskey. The Beavers Bend Wildlife Museum features interactive animal exhibits, local history and wildlife dioramas.

Karen Brooks, owner of Beavers Bend Mining Co. in Hochatown, describes her spot as more than just a business.

“According to Google, we’re a ‘small

amusement park,’ but to me, we’re a mom-and-pop stop with our mining activities and fun for families and singles,” she says. “When you do the mining, you choose a pre-seeded bag with fossils and gem stones, and we show you how to pan in the old way. You’ll walk away with something like a chunk of amethyst, an arrow, shark teeth – it’s all genuine. We’re adding mini golf, pirate scenes and an excavator ride to move some dirt. There’s a lot to pick and choose from, and a two-story gift shop.”

Darcee Shankles, owner of The Maze at Hochatown, runs a massive, multi-level, tower-filled attraction spanning 25,000 square feet.

“People from as far away as Australia and Ireland have tried it out,” Shankles says. “It’s big enough that large amounts of people can go at once so there’s never a wait. There’s always employees in the middle to give you hints or show you the emergency exits.”

Shankles also operates one of the area’s largest draws: Rugaru Adventures in Beavers Bend State Park, offering zipline outdoor adventures for participants weighing between 70 to 250 pounds.

Nestled in the mountainous southeast Oklahoma region along the shores of

Above: Beavers Bend Safari Park offers up-close encounters with exotic and native animals, giving visitors a drive-through wildlife experience.

courtesy Beavers Bend Safari Park

Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River, Beavers Bend State Park spans 3,482 acres of scenic pine and hardwood forests and breathtaking views. Visitors can hike, bike, boat, fish, water ski, join nature center programs, take river float trips, canoe and ride horseback. Trout streams are stocked year-round, with two catch-and-release trophy areas. Mountain Fork River flows from Broken Bow Lake through the park, offering boating, scuba and fishing.

The Broken Bow area boasts a plethora of cabins and cottages for rental and in the park itself, accommodations include 47 cabins, two yurts: “Happy Hearth” and “Bear Tracks” – right by the river, and more than 400 campsites (many with RV hookups) and tent sites.

The Beavers Bend Lodge overlooks Broken Bow Lake, with rooms featuring water views. Additional fun includes an 18-hole round at Cedar Creek Golf Course, exploring the 26-mile David Boren hiking trail, tennis, volleyball, mini-golf, picnic areas, an amphitheater, gift shop, grocery, restaurant, and the Forest Heritage Center.

Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping ziplines, peaceful nature trails or family-friendly mining and mazes, the Broken Bow and Beavers Bend area delivers unforgettable experiences amid Oklahoma’s natural beauty.

TRACY LEGRAND

Left: A towering, 25,000-square-foot attraction, the Maze at Hochatown challenges visitors of all ages to find their way through its multi-level paths. Photo courtesy the Maze at Hochatown

Photo

Hannah White, Alexander Mickelthwate; Mozart Rivals: Race to the Top concert, OKC Phil

Jan Saxon, Holli Harris, Georgia Hunter, Lisa Silvestri, Jaya Richardson; George Hunter Speaking Event, Tulsa Town Hall

Rachel Holt, Trisha Koelsch, Mark Funke; United Way of Central Oklahoma Gala, Calm Waters, OKC

Barbara Glass, Kathleen & Len Pataki, Christine & Clint McQueen; President’s Council Dinner Concert, Tulsa Opera

Dr. Nicole Farrar, Dr. Jason Beaman, Sherri Wise; A Toast, Osteopathic Founders Foundation, Tulsa

Erin Engelke, Sarah Stitt, Tricia Everest; ReMerge Graduate Center Grand Opening, ReMerge, OKC

D. Scott Petty, Amy Anne Ford, Gini Moore Campbell, Thomas C. Kupiec; Oklahoma Hall of Fame Board Meeting, OHOF, OKC

Choctaw Cultural Center recognized with the Excellence in Customer Service Award; 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference, Durant

Abbey Walker, Phillip Moran, AJ Griffin, Wes Haddox; Potts Family Legacy Society Event, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, OKC

Liz Eickman, Debby & Paul Dudman; Max Zorn Live Demonstration, Allied Arts, OKC

Mike Neal, Becky Dixon, J.C. Watts, Jr.; Board Meeting, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, OKC

Angela Cozby, James Pickel; Friends of Festival, Arts Council OKC

& Living Better, INSIDE OUT

By Kimberly Burk

From smart-home technology that fits in your pocket to backyards designed for gathering, today’s homes are evolving in intentional ways. Architects, builders and landscape designers are blending innovation with durability, sustainability and personal style, creating spaces that feel both modern and deeply livable. The result? A smarter, healthier and more beautiful way to call Oklahoma “home.”

Today’s backyards are designed as natural extensions of the home’s interior living space. Photo courtesy the Hoffman Group

Smart Homes, Smarter Living

IN THE HOME

To help him stay up to speed with the latest in home technology, Oklahoma City builder/designer Kent Hoffman of the Hoffman Group says he “spends a lot of time in meetings with architects, designers and subcontractors. A home can be very automated nowadays, and your phone can control a great deal of that. It’s pretty amazing.”

Security systems with cameras, indoor and outdoor lighting, the temperature of the home and the garage door opener can all be controlled by your cell phone, Hoffman says. Smart devices also include leak detection systems that will turn off the water at the meter to prevent the house from being flooded. Other innovations include motorized window shades, video doorbells with cameras, smart locks and smart irrigation controllers.

“You can retrofit, but it’s definitely easier with a new home to plan on this technology from the ground up,” he says.

New on the scene in Tulsa is Parcel Safe Systems, says Ed Conn, one of the founders and a managing partner.

“We have everything that Ring has, but we actually protect the package,” Conn says.

Combining the strength of metal safes with cutting-edge mobile technology, Parcel Safe is a secure package delivery system that allows the delivery person to drop large parcels inside the house, deterring porch theft. The company obtained a patent in the fall, and the units are assembled in Tulsa.

“We are the first ones to do it this way,” Conn says. “There are competitors, but they don’t have the mobile app and all the features that we have. You can open it from anywhere in the world from the mobile app.”

The safe can be installed in most existing homes, “but we are focusing mostly on the new home build,” Conn says.

Top: Thoughtfully designed water elements blend seamlessly with both natural and modern landscapes.

Directly above: Landscape lighting adds drama, safety and nighttime enjoyment to outdoor environments. Photos courtesy Caviness Landscape Design

Staying In Style

Tulsa architect Brian Freese says he generally advises against chasing the latest trends.

“The best solutions in architecture and design are the most lasting ones – durable materials, well-placed and carefully crafted; well-proportioned rooms and spaces; abundant natural light; and strong visual connections to the outdoors, even if it’s a courtyard,” Freese says.

He is, however, seeing some interior lighting trends that he favors.

“I believe there is a movement toward fewer interior lights in general and depending more on well-considered natural light, which is much healthier and more pleasing,” he says.

Hoffman says his clients are choosing a range of housing styles these days – “everything from Mediterranean to traditional to quasi-midcentury modern. We are building a large French home right now, and some rustic farmhouse homes.”

Hoffman enjoys remodeling projects as much as new-home builds. With ranch-style bricks, he says, “you can raise the ceilings, change the windows and paint some of the exterior brick. You can make them a lot more contemporary. You can doll them up. I love to put a new face on an old home that’s solid.”

Freese says that his father-in-law told him that “as long as human beings have emotions, there will be architecture. We respond to things through our senses.” For him, that means spaces that think about the people who will live there “and are not just mass-designed.”

Steps Toward Sustainability

A green approach to home building and remodeling can help save the planet, add to the health and comfort of the homeowner and cut utility bills. Additionally, an eco-conscious approach does not necessarily cost more.

Operable windows, for example, “is an old-fashioned technology,” says Freese. But windows that can be opened result in energy savings and contribute to a pleasant home environment. “The location of windows is pretty important,” he continues. “If correctly placed in a house, from southwest to northeast, you will get prevailing breezes on a nice day. Natural breezes will cleanse a house.”

Hoffman says certain green building materials also stand up to the state’s severe weather.

“We use a lot of synthetic roofs that are a combination of rubber and plastic, recycled materials,” Hoffman says. The roofs are hail-resistant to a certain point, he says, depending on the size of the hail. His company also uses a limestone from Kansas “that holds up to Oklahoma weather very well.”

Freese says natural materials can be used in place of products that contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) found in glues, plastics and manmade composites.

“So many building products have a high VOC content that the human body is not designed to deal with,” Freese says. “This is made worse by the fact that many homes are built to be super tight. Older homes were built to breathe a little bit.”

To better withstand the Oklahoma climate, Freese says, the traditional Portland concrete binder can be replaced with fly ash or slag. He also suggests Forest Stewardship Council-rated wood framing, “which is more expensive but a higher quality material and a better choice.”

For exterior masonry, eco-conscious customers can use products from quarries or manufacturing plants that are closer to the construction site, to lessen the trucking distance.

Homeowners should consider whether a material is beneficial “not only from an environmental point of view but also from the point of view of human health,” Freeze says. “With people with allergies, we take a lot of time in selecting materials,” he says.

Energy-efficient upgrades include increasing insulation in the attic space to reduce excessive heat loss in the winter, and switching to LED light bulbs.

IN THE GARDEN

Thriving Flora

In 1999, the Oklahoma State University Extension Service created Oklahoma Proven, a plant evaluation program designed to help Oklahoma consumers choose the best plants for their gardens. The goal is for gardeners to select plants that are tolerant of the environmental conditions found across the state.

“Using well-adapted plants should lead to greater gardening success and more environmentally friendly gardens,” according to OSU Extension.

The Oklahoma Proven guide, which can be downloaded from OSU Extension, suggests options for annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. Considerations include drought-resistance, low-water usage, whether plants are indigenous to the continental United States and whether the plants are good habitation for birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

“There are many plants suited for use in Oklahoma, and it is always imperative to match the environmental tolerance of the plant with the environmental conditions in a particular garden,” according to OSU Extension.

A trend noticed by Kathy Caviness of Caviness Landscape Design based out of Arcadia is chaos gardening, “which is the opposite of clean, nicely manicured borders. We like to think of it as organized chaos, utilizing mass plantings of grasses, ground covers and different layers of perennials and annuals.”

Outdoor Entertaining Done Right

Outdoor kitchens remain popular, but even a regular-sized backyard can also accommodate a dining area, secluded seating areas and a fire pit or fireplace area, says Caviness.

Below:

restorative escapes. Photo courtesy Caviness Landscape Design

“We still see outdoor living designs as designated rooms or areas that provide different uses,” Caviness says, with landscaping serving as natural dividers. “We love to incorporate natural materials like flagstone and natural boulders into the hardscape designs. Retaining walls can help separate the areas and help with drainage issues or a yard that isn’t flat.

For a weather-resistant outdoor kitchen, “stainless steel for countertops and cabinet faces is a pretty good way to go,” says Freese. “Good-quality stainless will not rust,” Freese says.

A Backyard Oasis

The backyard is no longer an afterthought but a vital extension of the home –one that draws people outdoors and gets them moving.

Freese says that his home design philosophy is “midwest modern that looks appropriate to this part of the world and has a really strong connection to the outdoors, hopefully coaxing people outdoors.”

The part about the outdoors is especially important to him.

“People need to get out and sweat more,” Freese says, and he is optimistic his backyard designs are making that happen.

As a student at Tulane University, his curiosity about the beautiful gardens of New Orleans sometimes drove him to knock on the doors of strangers.

“I was transfixed by those small, outdoor rooms,” he says. “There was usually ancient brick or stone, and almost always a fountain. It transformed the space.”

If you are starting from scratch, “mature landscape materials give that instant gratification, instead of waiting five to ten years for a tree to get to the desired height,” says Caviness. “Landscape lighting incorporated into the design gives a homeowner a dramatic view at night, not to mention addressing safety issues.”

Water’s Quiet Pull

Some people love having a backyard pool. Others don’t want to take care of one. But most everybody loves water, says Freese.

“We design outdoor spaces as well as indoor, and I will commonly design water features like fountains and reflecting pools,” he says. “We are instinctively drawn to the sound of babbling water.”

Nature-inspired or modern designs of water features that complement the home design and blend in with the surrounding landscape are optional choices for alternatives to pools, says Caviness.

“Designing a water feature near a gathering spot for family and guests can provide a visual and pleasing sound that will appeal to all,” she says.

“Also, wellness features are a really huge desire for residential designs. Spas, plunge pools that incorporate a cold plunge or a single jet that you can swim against, and saunas – both steam and dry – can also be incorporated into the landscape design.”

Right: Timeless architecture favors natural light, durable materials and thoughtful proportions over fleeting trends.

Photo courtesy Hoffman Group

Thoughtful landscape design transforms ordinary yards into immersive,

REAL ESTATE Reality Check

Buying or selling a home is part math, part instinct and a whole lot of preparation. From understanding mortgage options and setting the right price to navigating inspections, property values and seller must-dos, today’s real estate market rewards informed decisions. Here’s what Oklahoma homeowners and buyers need to know to move forward with confidence.

By Carol Mowdy Bond

Understanding Mortgages

Unless you’re flushed with cash, you’ll likely take out a mortgage to purchase your home. But what should you know before taking that financial plunge?

Most home loans are either conventional loans or government-backed loans, shares Kenneth Wohl, the Edmond Market President and mortgage loan officer at Regent Mortgage, a subsidiary of Regent Bank. He says conventional loans are the most common and “they typically offer the best pricing for borrowers with strong credit, stable income and reasonable debt levels. These loans tend to be very flexible for buyers purchasing primary residences, second homes or investment properties.”

Wohl says government-backed loans are designed to make homeownership more accessible for specific buyer groups.

“FHA loans are popular with first time buyers because they allow lower credit

scores and smaller down payments,” he shares. “VA loans are eligible for veterans and active-duty service members, and often require no down payment, with very competitive interest rates. USDA loans are designed for rural areas and smaller towns, and can also offer zero down payment options. These programs are excellent tools when used correctly, but they come with additional rules and property requirements that buyers should understand upfront.”

Mortgages can also be categorized by how interest rates work.

“A fixed rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate and payment for the life of the loan,” says Wohl. “This stability is why fixed loans remain the most popular homeowner options for those who plan to stay in their home long term.”

An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, starts with a lower fixed rate for a set period. After that initial period, the rate can adjust based on market conditions.

“These loans can make sense for buyers who know they will move or refinance before the adjustment period, but they require thoughtful planning and comfort with potential payment changes down the road,” says Wohl.

Your down payment impacts almost everything about your mortgage, including your monthly payment, interest rate and

mortgage insurance.

“The more money you put down, the less you have to borrow,” Wohl shares. “That directly lowers your monthly payment and reduces the total interest you pay overtime. If your down payment is less than 20% on a conventional loan, you typically pay private mortgage insurance, often called PMI. This is an added monthly cost that protects the lender. Once enough equity is built in the home, PMI can usually be removed.”

Smaller down payments allow more people to become homeowners sooner.

Home Inspections: What to Know

Whether you’re selling a home or buying one, a home inspection is an integral part of the process.

“A home inspector will do a complete home inspection. This is a limited visual home inspection and will only inspect what is visible,” share Becky Zarecki and Jayne Smith with Chinowth & Cohen Realtors. “They will not move furniture. They could, however, recommend further investigations by qualified experts if defects appear more substantial and an expert in that field is needed.”

The duo mentions that some of the most common issues found during inspections include roof issues or attic ventilation that is undersized. Foundation issues are fairly common, as well, because of Oklahoma’s expansive clay soil. Minor electrical issues, like GFCI receptacles needing to be replaced and windows with failed seals, also present challenges.

Buyers should expect to pay $350 to $450 for a standard home inspection. But added expenses can include inspections for termites, pests, mold, ducts, sprinklers, pool, lead based paint, radon, septic and sewer scope, plus others.

“Inspection companies offer a pre-listing home inspection, giving the sellers a list of repairs to complete and disclose, giving buyers some peace of mind before making an offer,” say Zarecki and Smith.

“But buyers should understand that lower down payments usually mean higher monthly payments and slightly higher interest costs over time,” Wohl says.

Wohl encourages buyers to keep in mind that “buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and it should not feel confusing or intimidating. Understand how loans work, and work with professionals who take the time to explain options clearly rather than rushing decisions. Strong credit habits, responsible buying, and long-term thinking always put buyers in a better position.”

He concludes: “A home is more than just a place to live. It is a source of stability, and often a foundation for building wealth.”

Determining Property Values

If you’re about to sell your home or are looking at buying, you may wonder how prices are set. It’s a complicated endeavor with several moving parts.

“The county sets the tax rate – millage – and yearly assesses the market value to determine the property tax due annually,” say Zarecki and Smith. “Homeowners can see tax reduction through Homestead Exemption, Senior Freeze and Disabled Veterans.”

Wohl continues: “Property values are influenced by a mix of local economy, neighborhood quality, housing supply and long-term community investment. Strong job growth, new businesses moving into an area, good schools and access to highways and amenities all tend to push property values higher. Neighbors with well-maintained homes, consistent city services and thoughtful development typically hold value better over time.”

Wohl says that infrastructure also matters.

“New roads, retail centers, hospitals and recreational spaces often increase demand for nearby housing. When people want to live in an area, prices naturally rise.”

But he says that on the flip side, property values can soften when areas experience declining population, aging infrastructure, poor property maintenance or limited employment opportunities.

“Excess housing supply can also pressure values downward if there are more homes for sale than buyers,” he says.

Interest rates play a role as well.

“When mortgage rates rise, affordability drops, which can slow buyer demand and flatten price growth,” says Wohl. “When rates fall, more buyers can afford homes, which can increase competition and push prices upward.”

Selling To Do’s

So you’re selling your home. Where should you start?

First, it’s important to depersonalize the space so buyers can visualize the home as theirs, not yours. Remove all personal items and clutter so buyers can envision themselves, and their personal items, in the home. Also, remove all excess furniture which will help further depersonalize the home and make the spaces look bigger.

“Anything that makes a property look bigger, and maintains the property better, will help in attracting buyers,” say Zarecki and Smith.

The National Association of Realtors website says an inspector will give you a good indication of trouble areas that potential buyers will see, and will give you time to make repairs before open houses begin.

“We recommend a pre-list inspection with a qualified inspector,” say Zarecki and Smith.

Fix minor issues like leaky faucets, broken doors or chipped paint, and address major problems that could scare buyers. Zarecki and Smith suggest tackling curb appeal through various means including freshening up mulch and flower beds, and keeping the lawn trimmed.

“Remove all clutter and keep all walkways clear,” they say. “Freshen up paint, and clean carpets and appliances. Your home needs to pass the eyes and nose test. It must look clean and tidy, and smell fresh.”

As well, the duo encourages sellers to invest in staging if the agent feels it is necessary.

“It is not always necessary to stage,” they say. “It can be

that the seller just needs a professional to better arrange the current furniture, art and so on.”

If there are big-ticket items that will need to be replaced or repaired soon, such as the roof or carpet, NAR Realtors suggests finding out the costs will allow potential buyers to determine if they can afford the home. Also, gather up your warranties, guarantees and user manuals for buyers and have those ready ahead of time.

“Always use professional photos for MLS – Multiple Listing Service – advertising and social media,” add Zarecki and Smith.

The Right Price

To find a selling price for your home, Zarecki and Smith say, “comparable property approach is number one. We pull comparable homes through MLS and use a tremendous product called HouseCanary Report.”

The NAR Realtors website says that a “comp” is what real estate professionals label home sales that can help determine the price of your home. But, your real estate professional helps you determine how to compare your home in areas such as square footage, lot size, upgrades, upkeep and amenities.

As well, the website says competition is key, such as considering how many homes in your area are for sale. Also, factor in whether you are competing against new homes or condos for sale.

NAR Realtors says a home’s sale price should be in line with a lender’s estimate of its value. Also, have all your repairs, deep cleaning and other changes in place at least two weeks prior to when showing begins.

“For a few hundred dollars, a qualified appraiser can give you an estimate of your home’s value,” NAR Realtors says. “Be sure to ask for a market-value appraisal, and find someone who understands the area and type of home you have.”

Be flexible about showings, and decide in advance the price range and terms that are acceptable. And don’t necessarily refuse to drop the price. Consider buyer demand, interest rates and how quickly homes are selling in your area.

TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS LISTING

From first showings to closing table deals, Oklahoma’s real estate agents make home buying and selling look easy. Oklahoma Magazine’s Top Real Estate Agents listing honors the professionals who rise above, giving firms of every size a platform to showcase their top producers and total 2025 volumes.

Accent Realtors –Tulsa Teams

Paul Wheeler Team

Aubrey Honea

539-900-4993

$4,040,000

Century 21 –Around the State Individuals

Suehzen Mosley Mosley Real Estate - Chickasha

405-222-8625

$18,324,380

Lauren Brown

First Choice Realty - Elgin

501-691-4071

$16,779,890

April Vaughn

First Choice Realty - Tulsa

918-696-1617

$13,552,740

Dana Cramer

First Choice Realty - Tulsa

405-882-2957

$11,429,300

Eric Sherwood

First Choice Realty - Tulsa

918-829-4747

$9,216,400

Monica Medley

First Choice Realty - Muskogee

918-704-5101

$8,231,375

Cindi Knippers

First Choice RealtyCoweta

918-694-8920

$7,845,265

Tresa Hunter

First Choice Realty - Tulsa

918-640-6375

$7,804,500

All sales volume numbers come directly from real estate agencies.

Tyler Messec

First Choice Realty - Moore

405-905-9014

$7,001,463

Traven Hilton

First Choice RealtyCoweta

918-352-1168

$6,399,400

Gina Russell First Choice Realty - Moore

405-205-6214

$6,000,000

Lacey Bradshaw

First Choice Realty - Elgin

580-678-9857

$5,787,400

Sharon Ford

First Choice Realty - Gore 928-300-4567

$5,784,100

Carla Weaver

First Choice Realty - Elgin 580-280-0715

$5,758,400

Ananda Scaggs

First Choice Realty - Fort Gibson 918-506-3920

$5,545,400

Jeff Holmes

First Choice RealtyCoweta 918-200-5362

$5,456,317

Patsy Clinkenbeard

First Choice Realty - Fort Gibson 918-869-7504

$5,109,900

Stormy Cotton

First Choice RealtyMuskoge

918-616-6330

$5,085,906

Sarah Williams

Mosley Real EstateChickasha

580-678-5297

$5,019,000

Huiyang (April) Gao

First Choice Realty - Moore

316-821-1788

$4,824,257

Chinowth and Cohen – Tulsa Individuals

Shawn Peters

918-808-2239

$38,000,000

Brad Borem

918-605-6086

$27,000,000

Cindy Morrison

918-760-5751

$17,500,000

Gayle Roberts-Pisklo

918-269-7035

$16,500,000

Taylor Bay

918-770-5721

$15,100,000

Kristi Reed

918-260-5200

$14,300,000

Tonya Ellison

918-277-3774

$13,700,000

Missy Hagin-Pittman

918-230-4306

$13,200,000

Melissa Mansfield

918-808-0075

$12,700,000

Amos Radlinger

918-766-2361

$12,400,000

Tiffany Webb

918-200-6138

$12,400,000

Jen Miller-Morrow

918-638-7653

$12,300,000

Kristi Russell

918-850-6863

$11,000,000

Martin Properties

Barbara Martin

918-520-4342

$5,500,000

The Tulsa Senior Lifestyle

Group

Michele Travis 918-810-1971

$5,400,000

Elias Home Team

Victoria Elias

918-770-6912

$5,400,000

Averill Home Team

Angela Averill

918-855-8833

$4,100,000

The Watts Team

Billy Joe Watts 918-521-7404

$4,000,000

The C & J Home Team

Jamie White

405-630-0153

$2,800,000

Butler Team

Tina Butler 918-740-1000

$2,600,000

Highline Realty

Barbara Munter

918-899-4042

$2,400,000

The Sizemore Team

Janice Sizemore 918-982-5780

$1,900,000

Chinowth and Cohen – OKC

Individuals

Allison Kamm

918-906-0699

$10,600,000

Megan Forehand

918-906-0885

$10,200,000

Carmen Plunk

918-231-7493

$10,100,000

Keli Smith

918-706-3593

$10,000,000

Alisha Cooper

918-869-1926

$9,800,000

Cindy Rodgers

918-645-1174

$9,600,000

Montse Torres

918-344-7870

$9,500,000

Chinowth and Cohen – Tulsa Teams

Tiffany Johnson Homes

Tiffany Johnson

918-671-4263

$14,800,000

Alli Hayes Real Estate Group

Alli Hayes

918-855-5868

$12,800,000

The Hand Team

Keeli Hand- Droege

918-697-8509

$9,200,000

Harwell Home Team

Susan Harwell

918-863-7000

$7,400,000

Main Event Properties

Mike Hughes

918-639-5858

$6,400,000

Homestead Group

Heather Johnson

918-720-2464

$5,800,000

Ann Cox

405-202-2822

$2,800,000

Emilykaye Mitchelson

405-659-5114

$2,700,000

Aubrey Noblitt

405-456-9966

$2,700,000

Chip Chipman

405-834-3482

$2,700,000

Chinowth and Cohen – OKC Teams

Karen Blevins Group

Karen Blevins 405-203-4663

$103,000,000

Chris George Homes

Chris George

405-627-0801

$26,800,000

Cathy Prichard & Judy Bachman

Judy Bachman

405-245-1250

$8,000,000

The Denner Group

Amy Denner

405-826-5717

$6,100,000

Craig McDonald Real Estate Group

Lindsay Craig 405-830-5602

$3,900,000

Swearingen Realty Team

Mandy Renee

405-514-9397

$26,500,000

Wenona Jones

405-816-2844

$16,200,000

Anna Connor 918-630-2662

$13,000,000

Jayne Smith

405-919-4820

$8,700,000

Keith Eidson 405-250-3040

$7,000,000

Monty Milburn 405-412-7335

$6,700,000

Carrie Nowlin 405-209-8864

$6,600,000

Jennifer Lacatus 405-250-6999

$5,600,000

Cathy McCown

405-833-8913

$5,400,000

Deb Otjen 918-500-7080

$5,100,000

Kelsey Webb

405-308-7302

$5,000,000

Bryan Newell 405-205-4233

$4,200,000

Susan Munkres

405-209-4540

$3,400,000

Brenda Craiger 405-919-9125

$3,300,000

Kanela Huff 405-826-0913

$3,100,000

Judith Uriarte

405-862-3169

$2,800,000

Brett Swearingen 918-230-8535

$2,900,000

J & M Team

Jena Hunter

580-484-1758

$2,800,000

Coldwell Banker

Select – Around the State Individuals

Jeanette Bagrosky

918-810-6034

$17,500,000

Paula McGuire

918-625-1750

$16,800,000

Sally Mulready

918-629-9897

$16,400,000

Kristin Winton 918-346-9213

$14,700,000

Khup Naulak

918-933-9479

$12,300,000

Caroline Gorinsky-Huesler 918-607-7315

$11,700,000

Jessica Hamilton

479-252-1991

$11,100,000

Alexis Oakes 918-859-9603

$10,900,000

Stephen Hester

580-716-7148

$10,700,000

Suzanne Mobley

918-808-5576

$10,100,000

Tammy Luczak

918-500-8850

$9,900,000

Janice Koss

918-694-9918

$9,900,000

ANew Class of CULINARY HEAVYWEIGHTS

A handful of recently opened restaurants are setting a higher culinary standard than we’ve seen before. Chefs are becoming more ambitious – cooking with precision and delivering experiences that demand attention. Together, they signal a dining scene that has stepped confidently into its prime.

TULSA

Cow & Cabbage

It’s worth a jaunt to Cow & Cabbage just to look inside. The dark wood and tile interior, only a few years old yet timeless, displays shelves of fresh produce, jams, baked goods, pasta salads, all for sale. But chef Lisa Becklund was a finalist for the James Beard Award for the best chef in the U.S., so the star here is the food. Using only ingredients from Oklahoma farms, she produced the kind of meals that might have been served on Grandma’s farm 80 years ago ... if Grandma was a genius chef. Don’t miss all-you-can-eat catfish Fridays.

Maestro

Food, decor, drinks. You’re lucky to find a restaurant that does one well. Aaron Post, who gave Tulsa its James Beard semi-finalist Valkyrie, decided to excel in all three. He roped in Gabe Lazarde (remember his tasting menus at Silo?) as executive chef, and a well-known New Orleans chef, Alfredo Nogueira of Cane and Table, as consultant to design the Latin inspired menu. Each dish is either bursting with unexpected flavors (the ceviche) or full of meaty goodness (their tasty homage to Miami’s Cuban-style burgers). The drinks, too, are Latin, mostly agave, with subtle, shimmering flavors. And the decor? Get ready to inspire FOMO on social media.

By Brian Schwartz

If you want the kind of comfort Chinese food most Americans grew up on, Hiya Chili’s got you. They offer fried rice, lo mein, sweet and sour spare ribs. But study their menu and you’ll find many hidden treasures, dishes exploding with the ineffable flavors of Sichuan and Beijing. P1 on the menu turns out to be Mao shi hong shao rou. The Mao is for Chairman Mao, because it’s widely reputed that he loved this dish. Hong shao rou is red cooking, the pork is slowly braised in rice wine, ginger, garlic, spices, star anise and sugar until it is soft and tender. S1 is water-boiled fish, a famous (and fiery) Sichuan preparation. And there’s lots more.

Maestro, photo by Jayro Esparza

Photo courtesy Cow & Cabbage

88 BaoBao

88 BaoBao’s menu has a wide range of offerings, some standard (chow mein, fried rice, ramen) and others surprising (lumpia, grilled squid). But the stars of the show are the dumplings, especially xiao long bao. Invented 150 years ago near Shanghai, these soup-filled pouches take much skill and training to make. They are made fresh from scratch for each order, so your food might take 20 minutes to arrive. It’s worth it. Be careful eating, the flavorful soup inside is boiling hot.

Ava June

If you long for glorious days on the French Riviera, with light and land tinged by the sparkle of the sea, you could do worse than walk inside Ava June. Inside there’s the same light, the same grace, and some of the same food, though chef Trevor Tack and the team that brought us Lowood have been more influenced by Alsace than Provence. You’ll sometimes find choucroute and chicken Riesling on the menu, and you’ll always find something creative and heart-warming like monkfish in a harissa bean stew or crispy chicken leg confit with pepper sauce.

Pure Kitchen

“I can take vegetables,” says Cynthia Beavers, “and do miraculous things.” And, in her beloved Brookside Pure Food, she did, inventing hearty, satisfying meals in a casual setting. But at Jenks’ new elegant Pure Kitchen, she takes her talent to proteins. Start with chicken satay, marinated for hours, cooked and served in a sauce made with almond butter and chili peppers. Salmon poke tacos, invented by her chef de cuisine, Robin Michaels, are equally creative, and tasty. There’s pasta, steak, halibut and of course vegan entrees, too. There’s even an Adult Happy Meal: a big beef burger and a martini.

Mr. Nobu’s

It’s something James Bond would admire. You walk through a Tex-Mex restaurant on 81st Street., press a concealed button on a wall and a panel slides away, revealing a bright and lovely room dominated by bold Japanese-style murals of carp and cherry blossoms. This is Mr. Nobu’s, created by the owner of Chimi’s to honor his favorite Tulsa sushi chef. The fish is as fresh as can be, much of it flown in from Tokyo’s famed Toyosu Market. The sushi is dazzling and creative. You might find snapper from Japan topped with shishito pepper confit; salmon from the Faroe Islands with bonito flakes, shaved onions and ponzu sauce; or a sweet raw scallop from Hokkaido, served with Lithuanian yuzu kosho and smoked trout roe.

Daigoro It’s a spectacular setting, a sleek wooden dining hall perched over the Arkansas River and an Instagram-worthy interior complete with a neon dragon overhead. The food, Phillip Phillips’ take on East Asian cuisine, is equally spectacular too, and full of surprises. A simple cucumber salad is a surprising mix of depth and flavors. There’s a big smoker out back, providing what Phillips calls a “hidden layer of umami” to entrees like Vietnamese “shaking beef,” chicken wings, corn and ribs.

Photo courtesy Ava June

Pure Kitchen; photo by Stephanie Phillips

Photo courtesy 88 BaoBao

Mr. Nobu’s; photo by Stephanie Phillips

Photo courtesy Daigoro

OKLAHOMA CITY

Elisabetta

It’s hard to imagine growing up in OKC without knowing of Rachel Cope’s many restaurants, especially Empire Pizza, where your slice is served with a side of joy and rock ‘n’ roll. Elisabetta, Cope’s newest, is different. It’s an elegant upscale restaurant in Nichols Hills. Dark lighting, velvet, marble along with creative Italian-inspired dishes. Cope’s favorites? Braised short ribs with confit peppercorns, lobster tortelloni in tarragon butter sauce, spicy cavatelli in butter sauce, and panko and herb crusted pork chop with sweet and sour onions.

MAHT

In most steakhouses, you’d be foolish not to order the steak. That’s what they do. But here, even though the steaks are so good that if you share one, you and your tablemates will be fighting over the last piece, other dishes are as good or even better. They’re certainly exciting. It’s hard to choose between gochujiang glazed lamb chops, soy-braised short rib or soy-marinated cod, bluefin tuna tataki with chili crunch avocado mousse, and scallop risotto with a Bearnaise sauce fortified with kimchi. Kevin Lee is a James Beard semi-finalist, and at MAHT, he’s at the top of his game.

Kanji

The dimly lit red walls make Kanji seem like a temple to sushi, and each plate of the 20 course omakase is prepared with reverence. The fish are flown in from Tokyo, the ingredients are the finest: A5 Japanese wagyu, bluefin tuna belly. But it’s the preparation that elevates these dishes far above simple fish and rice. An oyster is enlivened with orange, lime and yuzu. An egg custard explodes with the taste of salmon roe and tuna. And that A5 is served in a sukiyaki with eggs and mushrooms.

Lorena

“Every item on our menu tells a story,” says chef Cally Johnson. “It’s about connecting food and memories together.” But Lorena’s dishes are more than just a roster of traditional Southern favorites. They are elevated fine dining dishes with lots of surprises. Though the dishes have twists, it’s done with love and respect. After all, Lorena is also the name of the owner’s grandmother. Dishes are made from scratch with ingredients sourced throughout the South. Critics swear by the black pepper clam chowder and the bologna sandwich.

MAHT; photo by Danny Vo

Photo courtesy Kanji

Photo courtesy Lorena

Elisabetta; photo courtesy 84

Hospitality

“I grew up with a lot of spices.” The memories haven’t left him, and Dougla pays homage to his grandmother and to the food he grew up eating.

Kirú

One of the most vibrant, surprising cuisines out there is Nikkei, developed by Japanese immigrants to Peru. It features nigiri accented with the sharp citric flavors of Peruvian produce and Peruvian sauces served with precisely arranged Japanese-style seafood. Perhaps the most exciting restaurant serving this is Itamae in Miami, Florida. Its chef, Nando Chang, won a James Beard award. Now one of Nando’s relatives, Gustavo Chang Risi, who worked for years at Itamae, has opened a Nikkei restaurant here in OKC, serving dishes like ceviche with tuna, ponzu and nori. Need I say more?

Takaramono

An izakaya is a casual, convivial Japanese bar. You go in a group, you order rounds of drinks and lots of small food plates. You have a good time. Now Oklahoma has one: Takaramono. The chef is Ling Chi Wong, who worked for 10 years for three-Michelin star chef Masa Takayama, so, as well as excellent sushi and small plates, expect a full roster of satisfying entrees, such as miso cod; mushroom risotto; prime steak; and chicken thigh, fish cake and noodles in bonito broth. Why did Chef Ling leave a job with one of the best sushi chefs in the world to come here? Because, he says, he’s a big Thunder fan.

Dougla

Kitchen Long before he was a nationally famous chef, winner of a James Beard Award, long before he flew to Paris to begin his culinary career, Chef Andrew Black was a boy on an isolated farmstead in Jamaica. His grandmother was the head of the household. Her ancestors had come from India many years before. “So,” he says,

Crain Lounge

The Crain was intended to be a homey, welcoming spot for locals. It’s cozy and elegant all at once. But the food is so good it’s been attracting diners from all over. There are daily specials. You might find a big grilled ribeye topped by Cajun shrimp cream sauce or pan-seared fish topped with a spicy grilled pineapple and blackberry salsa. There’s always beef stroganoff, pork chops, chicken and more. Weekday afternoons feature all this plus $6 well drinks.

Photo courtesy Kiru

Photo courtesy Takaramono

Photo courtesy Crain Lounge

A Plated Family Legacy

From handmade tagliatelle to rich Bolognese, Sons of Amalfi brings decades of family tradition and fine-dining technique to a cozy Oklahoma space.

Johnny Abrishamkar just might be the most friendly, enthusiastic server you’ll ever meet. And why not? This is a family restaurant, and he’s family.

The place – Sons of Amalfi – has been in business for almost fifty years, most of them in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

(“And my only regret,” says Johnny, “is that we didn’t move to Sapulpa years before.”)

The food is so good that Johnny can boast about it to his heart’s content – and all his boasts are true.

The story begins sixty years ago when Johnny’s father, Moe Sr., immigrated from Iran and found work cooking at a wellknown Italian restaurant in Washington, D.C.. He met Teresa in 1970 – she’d come from Bolivia – fell in love, and the rest is history. (“Though it wasn’t a shotgun wedding,” Johnny happily points out. “Moe Jr. wasn’t born till 18 months after the wedding!”)

In 1977, they, together with a family

friend from Italy, Renata Vaccari, bought a restaurant in Rockville, Md. They spent every penny they had and so, rather than buying a new sign, they kept the old restaurant’s big outdoor sign, and thus, the name: Amalfi.

For the first 20 years, Moe Sr. and Renata did everything while Teresa raised the kids. It was a typical red-sauce Italian restaurant, offering lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs. That’s what the customers

wanted. Johnny and his brother Jeremy started waiting tables at the age of 18, but Moe Jr. was different.

“His destiny was always the kitchen,” Johnny explains.

Moe taught himself fine dining techniques from all over the world and used them to elevate the food.

“And we didn’t make him cook the traditional way,” Johnny adds. “All we wanted was for the food to be delicious.”

At some point, Renata retired and, starting about 15 years ago, Moe Jr. took over the kitchen.

“Big elevation!” Johnny recalls. “He re-did everything his way. He started sousviding the chicken, then flash-frying it so the skin crisped. We can’t do that here.

The Rockville kitchen was much bigger and we had five cooks. Here, we have only ten tables and Johnny cooks every dish himself. We decided to focus on one thing, and that thing is pasta.”

And those pastas are glorious.

“It’s all handmade, and it’s made from

Johnny Abrishamkar and his family welcome diners to Sons of Amalfi, where family recipes and handmade pasta take center stage. Photos courtesy Sons of Amalfi

scratch,” says Johnny. “We use Italian flour and top ingredients. We don’t go to Costco, we special order. When there’s pork, it’s Berkshire pork,” he adds, referring to a prized heritage breed of pig.

Try the Parmesan cream pasta. The pleasantly chewy tagliatelle noodles are caressed by a rich and sumptuous sauce made with cream from Red Ridge Dairy, plus nutmeg, pistachio and Parmigiano. The lamb bolo, a Bolognese a lot like it’s served in Bologna, features ground domestic lamb, piquillo peppers, fennel, ginger and tomato.

This food would do a fine dining restaurant proud. And yes, Sons of Amalfi is elegant, white tablecloths and all. But, Johnny stresses, “it’s never stuffy. We want you to feel like you’re eating at our home. You can come from farm work in overalls and you’ll be treated the same as a guy in a suit who has a million dollars.”

The family got tired of East Coast big metro area life and found a home in Oklahoma.

“Oklahoma people are the nicest people I’ve ever met,” says Johnny. Now, he and his family are trying to give back with great food and a heartfelt welcome.

BRIAN SCHWARTZ

Metropolis Cheesesteaks

If you’re looking for a taste of Philadelphia in T-Town, Metropolis Cheesesteaks within Mother Road Market is the place to be.

A concept from Andolini’s Pizzeria, Metropolis serves up real ribeye steak on authentic Amoroso rolls. In short, you’re getting the real deal.

Options are varied, ranging from the classic Philly with bell peppers, onions, ribeye and your choice of cheese, to the portabello with all the fixings, sans meat. Don’t miss the pastrami, vegan chicken and Chicago beef iterations, too.

If you’re operating with a hefty appetite, extras include crinkle cut and cheese fries, hot dogs with a bevy of toppings, garlic knots and zeppolis – traditional Italian pastry fritters. If that’s still not satiating your appetite, Metropolis also offers gelato from partner restaurant STG Gelataria, as well as whole and sliced pizza from Ando’s. For those on a budget, the “Recession Proof Special” is just the ticket – two hot dogs with your choice of toppings and a drink for just $9.95.

Le Parisien

An authentic French bistro in midtown OKC, Le Parisien offers an extensive wine list, delicious cuisine and craft cocktails you'll love. Begin with a baguette with Normandie butter, or branch out with escargot, steak tartare, shrimp cocktail or a charcuterie board. Entrees are sure to entice. Order the lobster thermidor with crimini mushrooms, cognac béchamel sauce and emmental; or the moules frites with pei mussels, garlic, herb, white wine, crème fraîche and whole grain Dijon. Other must-tries include the Gnocchi à la Parisienne with chablisienne sauce, oyster mushroom and Parmesan; the Crab Cake Meuniere with lump crab, shrimp mousse and brown butter; and the Cote de Porc Charcutier – a 10 oz. bone in pork ribeye with veal in a white wine reduction.

To finish things off, enjoy a bevy of classic French desserts including a chocolate mousse, a Mille Feuille (puff pastry) and the Riz Au Lait with creme anglaise, salted caramel and nougatine.

MARY WILLA ALLEN

Photo courtesy Le Parisien

Photo courtesy Metropolis

Goro Ramen

A stunning contemporary ramen house in OKC’s Paseo District, Goro has quickly become a city staple since it was founded a decade ago. The restaurant is helmed by Jeff Chanchaleune, a two-time James Beard Award finalist, meaning Goro’s emphasis is on both stunning flavors and wonderful hospitality.

Start with crispy gyoza – chicken dumplings with chili vinegar – or something more familiar like Brussels sprouts, Tokyo hot chicken and the Goro house salad. If you’re dining in a group, don’t miss the Nikumans (steam buns) with coconut shrimp, chicken, pork belly and tofu to choose from.

The star on Goro’s menu is, undoubtedly, the ramen. A new option is the Green Chili, with Tori Paitan broth, green chile miso tare, crispy pork belly, roasted tomato and blistered shishito peppers. Other highlights are the Battleship Curry with rich chicken broth, curry spice and chicken meatballs, as well as the Yasi with vegan broth, tofu, mushrooms and fried shallots. Visit Monday for the birria ramen option. Don’t forget desert, craft cocktails, plus wine and beer!

Seoul Pocha

Situated on NW 23rd Street in OKC, Seoul Pocha serves up traditional Korean cuisine in spades ... alongside some karaoke fun for the whole family.

Begin with treats like fried seaweed rolls, garlic corn cheese, fried calamari, dumplings or a steamed egg bomb (lightly seasoned, fluffy steamed eggs).

Ramen options are ample, from spicy chicken to Japchae with pork. Next up is the mouthwatering Korean style fried kitchen and katsu, as well as tteok-bokki – rice cakes simmered in a spicy, sweet and savory sauce. Warm up with spicy tofu, as well as seafood soup or clam mussel soup, then enter into the stirfried portion of the menu with bulgogi, stir fried spicy chicken with cheese, or the class chicken teriyaki. End with Korean pancakes, and wash it all down with traditional soft drinks plus unique cocktails.

Tikka Kabab

If you’re looking for delicious, traditional-with-a-twist and budget-friendly Mediterranean fare in Tulsa, look no further than Tikka Kabab.

Highlights at Tikka tend to combine beloved classics with American favorites. Take, for example, the tikka cheesesteak – grilled tikka in a Philly-style Hoagie with cheese, seasoned onions and bell peppers. There’s also the kebab burger – fromscratch kebabs topped with cheese, tomato, onion, pickle and lettuce. You can also grab classic gyros, burgers and Philly cheesesteaks, too.

Don’t forget the sides. Enjoy fried okra, onion rings, fries, grilled pita, samosas or falafel. And, of course, your meal wouldn’t be complete without some baklava to enjoy as dessert.

Courts & Commons

Opened in March 2025, Courts & Commons is a dynamic entertainment space with eight pickleball courts, an event venue and a food court boasting three restaurants: Backcourt Kitchen, Moonrise Sourdough Pizza and Coyote Guapo.

At Backcourt, you’ll find a condensed yet thoroughly tasty menu with American classics. Enjoy shareables like chicken and waffles, wings, loaded fries or tots, chicken tender baskets and ample dips. Chicken and turkey sandwiches, burgers, plus mac and cheese bowls will also tempt your taste buds.

At Moonrise, you can choose between classic pizza options, like pepperoni, cheese, Margherita and supreme, or try a Moonrise special. Options include the Too Much with pesto, candied bacon, dried dates and goat cheese, or the Godfather’s Betrayal with Alfredo, grilled chicken, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes.

At Coyote Guapo, enjoy birria tacos, varied burritos, nachos, tortas and chips and dip. Highlights include the Howler Rice Bowl with chicken, carnitas, black beans, shredded cheese, cilantro lime rice and pickled red onion, alongside the Cuban torta with carnitas, Swiss, pineapple, pickles and slaw.

Photo courtesy 84 Hospitality

Photo courtesy Seoul Pocha

Moonrise Sourdough Pizza; photo courtesy Courts & Commons

Photo courtesy Tikka Kabab

Crafted by Hand

Chris Becker’s pasta at Carletti’s reflects generations of Italian family tradition, elevated by technique and intuition.

When

Carletti’s opened its

doors in December, Oklahoma City was introduced to a thoughtfully crafted Italian restaurant steeped in history and heart. Set within the fully restored Kentucky Club – once an infamous Prohibition-era speakeasy – the concept is the latest collaboration from preservationists Gina Foxhoven, Chip Fudge and Larry Davis. Named for some of Foxhoven’s ancestors, Carletti’s traces the journey of two Italian families – from neighboring villages in Italy to a beloved grocery in Haileyville – woven together through generations of shared love, artifacts and recipes. Anchoring the culinary vision is consulting chef Chris Becker.

You may know Becker as the founder of Della Terra, Oklahoma’s acclaimed artisan pasta company. He has been crafting pasta in-state since 2011, using traditional Italian techniques and toptier ingredients that deliver unmatched

flavor and texture. Now, he brings that expert craftsmanship to Carletti’s.

“Pasta is an expressive form of cooking, and the subtle nuances within the flour, time of year and various seasonal ingredients make it both a meditative and intuitive experience,” Becker says. “For me, it’s a pursuit of making it a little better today than I did yesterday. It’s flour and water transformed into a whole textural personality: hearty and robust, subtle and delicate or perfectly balanced and soothing.”

Shaped by years of training in some of New York City’s most esteemed and demanding kitchens, Becker developed a deep passion for fine food and the art of handmade pasta.

“All the kitchens had the same goal: the pursuits of perfection, albeit in different ways,” Becker says. “The way I cook now is more focused on the season, the group I’m cooking for and to some extent, my mood in the moment. Almost rarely from written recipes, just a sense of the moment and what will bring joy through food. Telling stories using a pro-

gression of flavors and textures throughout a meal which naturally melded with Carletti’s story-driven inspiration.”

Becker is respectful of the Carletti’s archival recipes, while bringing his own voice and technique to the menu.

“Carletti’s is rooted in family tradition, the indescribable moment when you sit at a table with loved ones and enjoy a meal that has been passed down from one generation to the next. The sacred recipes are wholly preserved and unchanged, even as the rest of the menu may evolve and naturally progress to enhance the vision.”

Often asked about his favorite pasta, Becker says it depends on his mood and the season, “because pasta isn’t just pasta; it’s a whole feeling. At Carletti’s, the spicy rigatoni if I’m feeling the need for something rich and warming, or the carbonara if I want a hit of something sharper with the fattiness of pancetta with the intensity of pecorino. The overarching perspective I hold is that it is both the pasta and the sauce that create something special.”

The restored location is shaping Becker’s ideas about comfort, indulgence and hospitality.

“I’ve found that a space with history almost always influences the type of food that should be cooked there, and that influences how a space and food can connect with each other and guests,” he says.

But looking forward, he says, “at the core of what Italian food means to me is that it is more than a location, place or time, but rather the people you enjoy meals with. It’s cooking with high quality and intentionally sourced ingredients in a way that celebrates them.”

CAROL MOWDY BOND

Handmade pastas are the star of OKC's Carletti's, with options including lasagna, spicy rigatoni and bucatini.

Photos courtesy Konjo Concepts

Consulting chef Chris Becker brings his signature handmade pasta expertise and season-driven philosophy to Carletti’s.

S BE T OF THE BEST 2026

Where & When

GREAT THINGS TO DO IN OKLAHOMA

EVENTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.

IN TULSA Performances

Theatre North presents: Nat Turner in Jerusalem March

1 Tulsa PAC In August 1831, Nat Turner led a slave uprising that shook the conscience of the nation. Turner’s startling account of his prophecy and the insurrection was recorded and published by attorney Thomas R. Gray. Nathan Alan Davis writes a timely new play that imagines Turner’s final night in a jail cell in Jerusalem, Virginia, as he is revisited by Gray and they reckon with what has passed, and what the dawn will bring. tulsapac.com

TPAC Imagination Series presents: Wind in the Willows March 3 Tulsa PAC Journey into the Wild Wood on this multi-media adventure based on Kenneth Grahame’s beloved children’s novel. Wind in the Willows mixes classic storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the trials of Mole and Rat on an all-night race against time as they venture through the hidden wonders of the forest to find the young Otter before it’s too late. tulsapac.com

Brown Bag It: Dr. Milton Fernandez Pena March 4 Tulsa PAC Dominican pianist Dr. Milton Fernández Peña is acclaimed for his emotionally rich, technically precise and stylistically versatile performances, blending classical and Latin American repertoire with expressive depth. tulsapac.com

Jerry Seinfeld March 6 Tulsa PAC America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, comes to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center to perform his newest stand-up routine. Seinfeld has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. tulsapac. com

The Pembroke Players presents: Shakespeare in Love March 6-15 Tulsa PAC Set in the vibrant backdrop of Elizabethan England, this delightful tale follows the passionate journey of a young William Shakespeare as he grapples with the fervor of newfound love while facing the weight of societal expectations and personal decisions. pembrokeplayers.com

Signature Symphony presents: Route 66 to Hollywood March 7 TCC Van Trease PACE No playlist dedicated to Route 66 would be complete without a visit to Hollywood! Our soundtrack features music from Titanic, Far and Away, Mission:

PERFORMANCE

A Full Bloom of Performances

Spring will soon arrive, and with it, a multitude of performances to enjoy.

In Tulsa, swing by the Tulsa PAC for pianist Dr. Milton Fernández Peña on March 4 as part of TPAC’s Brown Bag It series. Stick around the venue for comedian Jerry Seinfeld on March 6; as well as the Pembroke Players’ rendition of Shakespeare in Love on March 6-15. Other can’t-miss events at the PAC include the Boarte Piano Trio courtesy Chamber Music Tulsa on March 8; Stravinsky’s The Firebird courtesy Tulsa Symphony on March 14; Celebrity Attraction’s A Man Named Cash on March 20; and Tulsa Ballet’s Casanova from March 26-29.

The schedule is jam-packed in OKC, too. The Civic Center hosts a bevy of events, starting with The Neil Diamond Musical – A Beautiful Noise, March 3-8 courtesy OKC Broadway, followed by OKC Phil’s Masters of Music – Italy on March 14 and Symphonicon – Music from Comics, Sci-Fi and Games, March 27-28. Canterbury Voices returns to the Civic on March 21 for Canterbury Voices on Broadway. Lastly, take a jaunt to Edmond’s Armstrong Auditorium for two shows: Jazz at Lincoln Center on March 5 and Time for Three on March 16.

Impossible, Casablanca, and much more. signaturesymphony.org

Tulsa Spotlight Theater presents: The Drunkard and the Olio March 7, 14, 21, 28 Tulsa Spotlight Theater It began on Nov. 14, 1953, and has never stopped! That's how The Drunkard became America's longest-running play. More than 3,000 Tulsans have participated on or offstage. tulsaspotlighttheater. com

Chamber Music Tulsa presents: The Boarte Piano Trio March 8 Tulsa PAC Enjoy works from Haydn, Debussy and Fitelberg at this one-day-only event. chambermusictulsa.org

Tulsa Symphony Orchestra presents: Stravinsky's The Firebird March 14 Tulsa PAC Enjoy Michelle Merrill as guest conductor with words from Beach, Ravel and Stravinsky. tulsasymphony.org

Celebrity Attractions presents: A Man Named Cash March 20 Tulsa PAC A Man Named Cash features vocalist Eric Hofmanis, who was personally appointed by John Carter Cash and the Cash estate as lead singer for their acclaimed Johnny Cash The Official Concert Experience 100+ city tour. celebrityattractions.com

Tulsa Ballet presents: Casanova March 26-29 Tulsa PAC Exiled from the priesthood and overwhelmed by his desires, a young violinist seeks solace in the arms of lovers, all the while

yearning to be recognized for the depth of his intellect. Casanova is a bold and captivating ballet that reimagines the life of the legendary Venetian libertine, Giacomo Casanova. tulsaballet.org

Concerts

Toto March 6 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Toto is an acclaimed American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1977, renowned for blending pop, rock, soul, funk and progressive rock. See them live this March. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

Bob Wills' Texas

Playboys March 7-8 Cain's Ballroom A classic Western swing band comes to town for two nights at the Cain's. cainsballroom.com

Patti Labelle March 7 River Spirit Casino Resort Through the years, the songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style and class. riverspirittulsa.com

Chicago March 12 River Spirit Casino Resort Enjoy a night with one of the world's most beloved rock bands. riverspirittulsa.com

Christopher Cross March 20 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Christopher Cross is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist famous for his hit singles "Sailing" and "Arthur's Theme." He visits the Hard Rock for one night only. hardrockcasinotulsa.com

The Rocky Mountain High Experience March 28 A Rocky Mountain High Experience delivers an authentic tribute to John Denver’s timeless music. tulsapac.com

Third Day March 29 BOK Center See the band on their 30th anniversary tour with special guest, Zach Williams. bokcenter.com

Art

Champagne & Chocolate

Member Showcase Through March 14 Living Arts of Tulsa The Champagne & Chocolate Member Showcase is Living Art’s annual showcase featuring works done by member artists. These works vary in media and exhibit the wide range of creation and artwork that makes Living Arts of Tulsa what it is. livingarts.org

Alicia Kelly: Roughly Right Through March 21 108 Contemporary Alicia is a printmaking and paper arts instructor at The Lawrence Arts Center and a Cultural Arts Commissioner for the City of Lawrence. She is an active member of The Paper Artist Collective and Guild of American Papercutters and works out of her home studio in Lawrence. 108contemporary.org

Growing Up Jewish Through May 15 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Artist Jacqueline Kott-Wolle paints in a fresh palette of color in this exhibition and traces the story of one North American Jewish family through five generations from 1925 to the present. jewishmuseumtulsa. org

Killing the Negative Through May 24 Philbrook Killing the Negative: A Conversation in Art & Verse combines the meticulous and sensitive drawings of artist

Joel Daniel Phillips with powerful poems by distinguished writers, including lead poet, Quraysh Ali Lansana. philbrook.org

Andy Warhol: Silver Clouds Through June 14 Philbrook Andy Warhol was never one to accept things as they were. A highly influential Pop artist and socialite, he was known for brightly colored works featuring celebrities, politicians and everyday products like Campbell’s soup cans or Brillo boxes. But Silver Clouds (1966) remains one of Warhol’s most distinctive pieces. philbrook.org

Marie Watt: Heart in the Sky Through June 14 Philbrook With Heart in the Sky, Oregon-based artist Marie Watt breaks down barriers of traditional art experiences. The exhibition includes the artist’s monumental silver cloud forms made from jingles (rolled tobacco tin lids). The jingles are normally used in regalia for a Jingle Dress Dance meant to heal the community, Watt uses them to densely adorn the hovering clouds. philbrook.org

Homeward to the Prairie I Come: Gordon Parks

Photographs From the Beach Museum of Art Through June 19 Philbrook One of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, Gordon Parks was also renowned as a poet, filmmaker, author, composer, and activist. He is best known for his photojournalism from the 1940s to the 1970s that documented American life and culture, particularly the experiences

of African Americans and the Civil Rights Movement. philbrook.org

Jordan Ann Craig: Do the Patterns Notice Me? Through Oct. 10 Philbrook In her paintings, Jordan Ann Craig shares an important belief: there is a pattern waiting to be noticed in even the smallest of moments if we are willing to look. philbrook.org

Slumgullion: The Venerate Outpost

Ongoing Philbrook Philbrook is proud to partner with award-winning artist Karl Unnasch to present Slumgullion, a full-scale log cabin built from the skeleton of a late1800s pioneer home. philbrook.org

Sports

Tulsa Oilers Hockey March 1, 25, 28 BOK Center The Oilers take the ice this month. bokcenter.com

OKRHA Ride & Slide March 2-8 Expo Square Enjoy professional, non-pro and youth riders performing precise patterns, including spins and sliding stops, attracting international competitors. exposquare.com

Big XII Wrestling Championship March 6-7 BOK Center The Big XII Wrestling Championship returns to BOK Center on March 6 and 7. bokcenter.com

Tulsa Dog Training Club AKC Agility Trials March 13-15 Expo Square The

Photo by Jessie Kenney

TULSA BALLET

Oklahoma Pinto Horse

Association Spring Color Classic March 20-22 Expo Square Get ready for an equine event that showcases pinto-colored horses, ponies and miniatures competing in Western, English, roping and speed events. exposquare.com

SEC 2026 Gymnastics

Championships March 21 BOK

Center The 2026 SEC Gymnastics Championships are coming to BOK Center on March 21! bokcenter.com

Green Country Arabian Horse

Association Spring Fling March

26-28 Expo Square The Green Country Arabian Horse Association Spring Fling is an annual, three-day, U.S. Equestrian Federation and Arabian Horse Association-recognized horse show. gcaha.com

Harlem Globetrotters March

27 BOK Center From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tickets, experience the team that redefined basketball! This is history you can feel and a celebration of 100 years of over-the-top fun. bokcenter.com

Community

Akdar Shrine Circus March

1 Enjoy the classic circus experience at Expo Square. exposquare.com

Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Tours March 1, 7, 19, 29 Downtown Tulsa Take a fun and educational walking tour through downtown Tulsa and other historical local sites during Saturday Architecture Tours, hosted by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. tulsaarchitecture.org

Tulsa Botanic Blooms March

1-April 30 Tulsa Botanic Garden As one of the largest spring flower festivals in the region, Tulsa Botanic Blooms offers loads of color, fragrance and fun in the Garden. Over 150,000 bulbs including daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and other spring blooming bulbs are planted each year in a different pattern and color palette. tulsabotanic.org

Greater Tulsa Home and Garden Show March 5-8 Expo Square Oklahoma's largest, longestrunning home improvement and gardening event, the GTHGS features over 400 exhibitors. tulsahba.com

First Friday Art Crawl March

6 Downtown On the first Friday of every month, guests will be able to see a new exhibit opening and enjoy live music, a cash bar and snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu

Tulsa Town Hall presents:

Peter Zeihan March 13 Tulsa

PAC Peter Zeihan has focused his career on becoming an expert on demography, economics, energy, politics, technology and security. In books such as The End of the World is Just Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization and The Accidental Superpower tulsatownhall.com

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks

Live: Glow-N-Fire March 1415 BOK Center Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire brings fans’ favorite Hot Wheels Monster Trucks to life. bokcenter.com

Dinosaur Adventure March 14-

15 Expo Square Dinosaur Adventure is an interactive, family-friendly event featuring life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs. exposquare.com

Charitable Events

Reconciliation in American National Symposium March

5 John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation The annual symposium creates new knowledge in areas of reconciliation to advance equality, racial justice and social harmony. jhfcenter.org

Lindsey House Legacy Luncheon March 6 Lindsey House Enjoy a luncheon to support Lindsey House, a nonprofit that provides a safe, stable place for families with children to live. lindseyhouse.org

The Opera Ball March 7 Mayo Hotel The Opera Ball has crowned Tulsa’s vibrant social calendar for 66 years. All high school seniors, throughout Tulsa and Green Country, are invited to become Debutantes and Squires. tgoto.org

Pink Stiletto Gala March 7 River Spirit Casino Resort Enjoy a night to remember, all to benefit Susan G. Komen and women battling cancer. komen.org

Sapphire Celebration: Adventure on the Mother Road March 7 Camp Loughridge It may be a long-held Riverfield Country Day School tradition, but this year's Sapphire Celebration will be chock-full of brand new adventures, excitement and ways to get involved. riverfield.org

Oysters and Ale March 26 The Historic Big 10 Ballroom Join Hospice of Green Country to celebrate the 13th Annual Oysters & Ale with freshly shucked oysters as far as the eye can see, beautifully paired with finely crafted beer or ale from local breweries. hospiceofgreencountry.

org

The Pinnacle Awards March 27 Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills This even, held by the YWCA, recognizes women who are role models and embody the nonprofit's mission of eliminating racism,

COMMUNITY

empowering women, standing up for social justice and helping families. ywcatulsa.org

Brainiac Ball March 28 Arvest Convention Center Join Family & Children’s Services for an evening inspired by the spirit of the 1960s, where flower power meets the power of mental health care. This year’s theme brings a soulful twist to an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing and theme-inspired team trivia. brainiacball.com

IN OKC

Performances

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents: Beehive – The 60s Musical Through March 1 Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma Featuring timeless classic tunes like “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Be My Baby,” “Son of a Preacher Man," and "Me and Bobby McGee," "Beehive" recalls the days of miniskirts, transistor radios and flower power. lyrictheatreokc.com

OKC Broadway presents: The Neil Diamond Musical – A Beautiful Noise March 3-8 Civic Center Music Hall Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. okcbroadway.com

Jazz at Lincoln Center March 5 Armstrong Auditorium, Edmond For over three decades, Jazz at Lincoln Center has been a leading advocate for jazz, culture and arts education globally. Its touring initiative has brought the art form of jazz from the heart of New York City to over 446 cities in more than 40 countries. armstrongauditorium.

org

Emery Entertainment

Nature Comes Alive

Tulsa is in for a treat this month – a treat that combines art, nature and everyone’s favorite childhood brick. Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks is coming to Tulsa Botanic Garden from March 1-May 4, transforming the gardens into an immersive, thought-provoking outdoor gallery.

presents: Churchill March 6-8 Civic Center Music

Hall Winston Churchill has just been awarded honorary U.S. citizenship by President John F. Kennedy. To mark this historic occasion, The American-Oxford Society invites the former Prime Minister to reflect on what this honor means to him. okcciviccenter.com

OKC Phil presents: Masters of Music – Italy March 14 Civic Center Music Hall Travel to Italy through sound! Join the OKC Philharmonic for Masters of Music: Italy, featuring Verdi, Albinoni, Casella and Respighi’s festive masterpiece. okcphil.org

Dinner Detective Comedy

Mystery Dinner Show March 14, 21, 28 Skirvin Hilton OKC Don't miss one of the biggest interactive comedy shows in America as the "Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Dinner Show" comes to Oklahoma City. thedinnerdetective.com

Time for Three March 16 Armstrong Auditorium, Edmond Defying convention and boundaries, Time For Three stands at the busy intersection of classical music, Americana, and singersongwriter. armstrongauditorium. org

Canterbury Voices presents: Canterbury Voices on Broadway March 21 Civic Center Music Hall Step into the spotlight with Canterbury Voices for a thrilling night on Broadway! The group is turning up the lights and bringing the house down with an unforgettable celebration of legendary Broadway choruses and classic melodies. canterburyokc. com

Blue Man Group March

24 OCCC Visual & Performing Arts Center The world-renowned bald and blue trio Blue Man Group

will perform in Oklahoma City in March. occc.net

OKC Phil presents: Symphonicon – Music from Comics, Sci-Fi and Games March 27-28 Civic Center Music Hall Get ready for an electrifying adventure as the OKC Philharmonic brings your favorite worlds to life through the power of music! Experience the thrilling sounds of comics, sci-fi and video games in a concert that celebrates the imagination, excitement, and epic storytelling that define pop culture’s most iconic universes okcphil.org

Concerts

Vitamin Sting Quartet March

1 Tower Theatre Enjoy an evening of string covers, including those from Billie Eilish and the hit TV show Bridgerton towertheatreokc.com

Descendents + Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls March

2 The Criterion The Descendents are a legendary punk rock band known for their energetic sound and relatable lyrics that explore themes of youth, love and the struggles of adulthood. Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls have carved out a unique place in the folk-punk genre, blending heartfelt storytelling with anthemic melodies. criterionokc. com

Winter Jam 2026 March

14 Paycom Center This year’s lineup features Chris Tomlin, Matthew West, Katy Nichole, Hulvey, Disciple, Emerson Day, Newsong and speaker Zane Black, with a Pre-Jam Party featuring Jeremy Rosado, Heath Brothers and Cliff Preston. paycomcenter.com

Bad Omens March 22 Paycom

Center Following the massive success of their breakthrough album The Death of Peace of Mind, the band continues to

push boundaries with their dark, cinematic sound and unforgettable live performances. paycomcenter. com

The Phil Collins Story March 25 The Criterion The Phil Collins Story is a captivating tribute act that brings the legendary music of Phil Collins to life, celebrating his remarkable career as both a solo artist and a member of Genesis. criterionokc.com

Art

Anthony McCall: Solid Light March 13-July 27 Oklahoma Contemporary Anthony McCall: Solid Light, presented in collaboration with Tate, explores the intersection of cinema, sculpture and drawing through large-scale, immersive installations. oklahomacontemporary.org

Paul Reed: A Retrospective Through April

12 OKCMOA This major retrospective, the first devoted to the artist, will present a survey of Paul Reed’s art and accomplishments from his early days as a graphic designer to his success as one of the founding artists of the Washington Color School in the 1960s. okcmoa.com

The Cowboy: An Immersive Journey Through May 3 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum A bold new 360-degree experience surrounds you with the landscapes, stories and spirit of the American West. Larger-than-life projections, sweeping soundscapes and historic imagery bring the story of the cowboy to life in a way you’ve never seen. nationalcowboymuseum. org

Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops Through May 4 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum The story of the American West is, at its heart, a story about movement. Folks moving across a

SEAN KENNEY’S NATURE CONNECTS MADE WITH LEGO BRICKS

Created by award-winning artist Sean Kenney, the exhibition features largerthan-life sculptures built entirely from LEGO bricks. From majestic animals to lush plants, each piece tells an important story about endangered species, fragile ecosystems and humanity’s role in protecting the natural world. The message is clear: just like LEGOs, everything in nature is beautifully interconnected. Whether you’re an art lover, a nature enthusiast or someone who still secretly (or not-so-secretly) loves LEGOs, this limited-time exhibition is just the ticket. The garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are on sale at tulsabotanic.org.

Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden

Where & When | Entertainment

wide, wild stretch of land—different people, cultures, and communities all heading west for their own reasons. The National Cowboy Museum tells that story in its new exhibition, Route 66: From Trails to Truck Stops. nationalcowboymuseum.org

Jakian Parks: The Black Land Through June 1 Oklahoma Contemporary The Black Land envisions a pyramiding structure, layering the historical phases from Black captivity to contemporary Black equestrianism. oklahomacontemporary.org

Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty Ongoing OKCMOA Redesigned in collaboration with Chihuly Studio, Chihuly Then and Now: The Collection at Twenty incorporates a unique design, featuring five decades of glass and painting and tells a comprehensive story of Chihuly’s groundbreaking career. okcmoa.com

Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn Ongoing Campbell Art Park/Oklahoma Contemporary Oklahoma Contemporary is honored to present Neufs for Oklahoma Autumn, a basketball court installation commissioned as a public art iteration of the Neuf painting series by renowned artist Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds. oklahomacontemporary.org

Cynthia Daignault: Oklahoma Ongoing OKCMOA

This exhibition features one painting, Oklahoma by Cynthia Daignault, as a tribute to the history of the Oklahoma City bombing from 1995. okcmoa.com

Sports

OKC Blue Basketball March 1, 4, 7, 24 Paycom Center Enjoy

games with the OKC Blue. paycomcenter.com

OKC Thunder Basketball March 7, 9, 12, 15, 29 Paycom Center Enjoy games with the NBA champs, the OKC Thunder. paycomcenter.com

NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championships March 19-21 The Big 12 Conference hosts the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship. paycomcenter. com

Certified Lions FC Soccer March 22, 28 OKC Fairgrounds See Oklahoma City's arena soccer team play at the OG&E Coliseum. certifiedlionsfc. com

Harlem Globetrotters March 28 Paycom Center From gravitydefying dunks to game-changing tickets, experience the team that redefined basketball! This is history you can feel and a celebration of 100 years of over-the-top fun. paycomcenter.com

CommunityArt

First Friday Gallery Walk March 6 Paseo Arts District Make your way to the First Friday Gallery Walk in Oklahoma City's Paseo Arts District to enjoy art gallery openings, wine tastings, live music and more. thepaseo.org

Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair March 7-8 State Fair Park The 2026 Gypsy Soul Holistic Fair is a traveling metaphysical event featuring vendors, psychics, and healers focusing on wellness and spirituality. gypsysoulfair.com

Bob Wills Day at the Capitol March 9 Oklahoma State Capitol Celebrate Oklahoma music icon and the "King of

SPORTS Saint Patrick’s Day Revelry

Don your brightest green garb and venture out to a bevy of exciting Saint Patrick’s Day events this month.

Western Swing" during "Bob Wills Day at the Capitol." travelok.com

People with Disabilities Awareness Day March 10 Oklahoma History Center Bring a friend and network with disability-centric exhibitors at this inclusive event in Oklahoma City. okhistory.org

2nd Friday Norman Art

Walk March 13 Norman Arts District The 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk, a monthly celebration of the arts in Norman, connects the downtown arts district with outlying galleries, performance halls and Campus Corner. 2ndfridaynorman.com

Jurrassic Quest March 13-15 State Fair Park Don't miss North America's largest traveling, interactive dinosaur experience designed for families. jurassicquest.com

Second OHOF Saturdays March 14 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Second Oklahoma Hall of Fame Saturdays invite families to learn about an Oklahoma Hall of Fame member with crafts and activities. oklahomahof.com

Farm-to-Table Festival March 21 Oklahoma History Center Head to the Oklahoma History Center for the Farm-to-Table Festival, which explores historic and modern farm life. okhistory.org

OKC Home and Outdoor Living Show March 27-29 State Fair Park Enjoy over 260 exhibitors showcasing the latest trends in home improvement, remodeling, landscaping, interior design and more. homeshowokc.com

Charitable Events

OKC Project Woman's Pickled Pink March 7 Chicken

n' Pickle OKC Enjoy a pickleball tournament to benefit uninsured, low-income Oklahomans. Funds will help in providing access to breast healthcare at no cost. oklahomaprojectwoman.org Fight for Air Climb March 8 Leadership Square Climb stairs to support those living with lung disease who are fighting for every breath. lung.org

OKC Beautiful Distinguished Service Awards

Luncheon March 26 Oklahoma City Convention Center The OKC Beautiful Distinguished Service Awards recognize businesses, organizations and individuals that have helped improve the beauty and environmental health of Oklahoma City. okcconventioncenter.com

THE STATE Performances

The Odd Couple March 6-28 Pollard Theatre, Guthrie Get ready for mismatched mayhem as "The Odd Couple" comes to the Pollard Theatre stage in Guthrie. thepollard.org

The Music Man March 10-11 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, Stillwater There’s trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. mcknightcenter.org

Bartlesville Community Center presents: The Music Man March 23 Bartlesville Community Center The story follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the townspeople into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to

SHAMROCK THE GARDENS

organize. bartlesvillecenter.com

The Philadelphia Orchestra March 27 McKnight Center for the Performing Arts Experience the magic of The Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Principal Guest Conductor Marin Alsop, a pioneering force in classical music who inspires with every gesture. mcknightcenter.org

CTAC presents: Alias Brass March 28 Simmons Center, Duncan The Chisholm Trail Arts Council presents a series of seasonal concerts hosted at the Simmons Center in Duncan. You won't want to miss this entertaining night of music as live musicians take the stage for all to hear. chisholmtrailarts.com

Bartlesville Community Center presents: Tina – The Tina Turner Musical March 31 Experience Tina Turner's singular journey in the hit musical that has received rave reviews and sold out shows in London. Featuring legendary hits like "What's Love Got to Do With It" and "Private Dancer," the play was written by Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall. bartlesvillecenter.com

Concerts

Diana Ross March 7 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville Diana Ross is unmistakably one of the most decorated disco singers and soul stars of all time. winstar.com

Christina Aguilera March 14 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Christina Aguilera is a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter renowned for her powerful voice and hit songs. winstar.com

In T-Town, the Tulsa Irish Festival is the place to be. Happening at Cabin Boys Brewery from March 13-15, the festival offers live Celtic music, Irish dancing, curated vendors and Irish food, alongside craft beer, a kids’ area and authentic Irish activities like sheep herding. If you’d like to get active before the revelry, visit ShamROCK the ‘Ville in Bartlesville on March 7. The festivities include a 5K race and one-mile fun run with prizes and plenty of great costumes. On March 14, make sure to venture to Cherry Street for the Kilkenny’s block party, replete with drinks, music, games and delectable fare.

In OKC, ShamROCK the Gardens returns to Myriad Botanical Gardens on March 17. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of food trucks, alongside Celtic performers and plenty of family-friendly activities. Other can’tmiss happenings include the Stockyards City St. Patrick’s Parade on March 14 in Historic Stockyards City, offering a unique, family-friendly event merging Irish heritage with Western culture. Lastly, Norman residents are gearing up for the O’Connell’s Irish Pub all-day party on March 17, with green beer, live music, karaoke, a massive beer garden and traditional Irish food.

Sports

Bullnaza Feb. 6-7 Lazy E Arena, Guthrie The event will feature some of the best cowboys and toughest bulls in the country. travelok.com

CommunityArt

History Alive! On the Cherokee Strip March 7, 21 Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid Step back in time and experience life on the Cherokee Strip during History Alive! at the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid. csrhc.org

Stargazers Gathering March 12 Claremore Museum of History Bundle up, grab a blanket and head to the Claremore Museum of History this March for the Stargazers Gathering. travelok.com

Okie Gras March 14 113 Main St., Broken Bow Dig into one of southeast Oklahoma’s most flavorful spring events at the Okie Gras Festival in Broken Bow. travelok.com

Eufaula Green Run

5K March 14 7020 Lakeshore Dr. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Eufaula Green Run 5K and Fun Run. travelok.com

Big Meat Run March 19-22 South Grand Lake Recreation Area, Disney Join thrill-seekers and off-roading enthusiasts for this popular Grand Lake event. groveok.org

Odd Oklahoma Expo of the Strange & Unusual March 21 Stride Bank Center, Enid Dive into the bizarre and extraordinary goods available at Enid's Odd Oklahoma Expo of the Strange & Unusual. stridebankcenter.com

Toyota Series Fishing Tournament March 26-28 Wolf Creek Park, Grove Fish with a chance to win prizes and advance to the championship at the Toyota Series Southwestern Division Fishing Tournament on Grand Lake. majorleaguefishing.com

Ada Gem, Mineral and Fossil Club Swap, Show and Sale March 27-28 The annual Ada Gem, Mineral & Fossil Club Swap, Show & Sale features numerous gem dealers displaying diverse collections of gems, minerals and fossils. adagemmineralfossilclub. org

Woodward Rodders Car Show March 27-28 Woodward County Fairgrounds Calling all car enthusiasts, don't miss the annual Woodward Rodders Spring Fling Car & Bike Show inside the Woodward County Event Center. travelok.com

Kids Fest March 28 Rose State College Student Union, Midwest City Kids will have a blast with bounce houses, games, petting zoos and hands-on activities while parents discover resources, businesses and organizations that help make family life easier and more fun. travelok.com

Photo courtesy Myriad Botanical Gardens

March Movies Worth the Trip

From sci-fi adventures to gothic horror, March delivers a slate of films that promise cinematic spectacle.

March has arrived, and with it, more movies. There are plenty of fun options this month, so it’s time to head out to the theaters and eat too much popcorn!

First off, a monster film that looks like no other: The Bride! Written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Lost Daughter), the story is a retelling of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus, also drawing inspiration from the 1935 film Bride of Frankenstein It stars Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) as the Bride and Christian Bale (Dark Knight) as Frankenstein’s Monster, along with Peter Sarsgaard (The Batman), Annette Bening (American Beauty), Jake Gyllenhaal (Prisoners) and Penelope Cruz (Blow). The aesthetic of 1930s Chicago is striking in the trailers, so hopefully the story can match the production value when it hits theaters on March 6.

For a big science fiction adventure, check out Project Hail Mary. Based on the 2021 novel of the same name by Andy Weir, the story follows Dr. Ryland Grace (Ryan Gosling) as he awakens on a spacecraft with no memory of his mission. Written by Drew Goddard, who

previously adapted another Weir book The Martian, the film has potential to be another certified hit with a stellar cast and interesting sci-fi concepts. The directors, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, have not helmed a film since 2014’s 22 Jump Street, so with any luck, they’ll be in top form when this releases on March 20.

If you want a violent sequel I really didn’t think would ever happen, don’t miss Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. Following the first installment from 2019, Grace MacCaullay (Samara Weaving, Borderline) is captured and set back up for another night of “games” with the wealthiest families in the world. This time, however, she has her younger sister Faith (Kathryn Newton, Lisa Frankenstein) there to help, whether she wants to or not. The original premise was a fun and bloody time, with this trailer indicating that the brutality is

still the primary focus. Elijah Wood also shows up as a lawyer and looks to be having the time of his life chewing every scene he’s in. It drops on March 27.

For a second helping of excessive violence, make sure to see They Will Kill You. When a woman answers a help-wanted ad to be a maid at an upscale building in Manhattan, she’s thrown into something much more sinister than she could imagine. Starring Zazie Beetz (Deadpool 2), Myha’la (Industry), Tom Felton (Harry Potter franchise), Heather Graham (Parenthood) and Patricia Arquette (Severence), the movie seems to go hard and fast with the murder, done in what appears to be a fun '70s throwback with all the excessive blood splatter. Maybe a double feature with Ready or Not 2 is in order when this hits theaters on March 27.

Lastly, a buddy action comedy with a bizarre premise and title: Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice. Starring Vince Vaughn, James Marsden (Enchanted), Eiza Gonzalez (Baby Driver) and Keith David (Hazbin Hotel), the story follows two gangsters and the woman they love trying to survive an incredibly dangerous night ... but also a time machine is involved? The cast and set-up have promise, so we’ll see if it’s worth the price of admission when it lands on March 27.

DREW JOSEPH ALLEN

Ryan Gosling stars as Ryland Grace in PROJECT HAIL MARY from Amazon MGM Studios; photo by Jonathan Olley, 2025 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Thomas Hill III

Thomas Hill III leads Kimray, an Oklahoma City-based manufacturer of oil and gas equipment that employs more than 600 people nationwide. The grandson of the company’s founder, Hill’s early pursuit of success ultimately led to a personal rock bottom, followed by a hard-won journey of recovery that transformed his life and leadership. Today, he is a passionate advocate for healthy workplace culture, mentoring emerging leaders through his book Recovering Leadership and his foundation, the Kimmell Foundation for Recovering Leadership. We caught up with Hill and got his thoughts on...

... his early understanding of ‘success,’

and how it’s changed.

Growing up as the grandson of Kimray’s founder meant I had success defined for me before I could even spell it. My family valued achievement, results and excellence. Everything got measured and compared. And somewhere along the way, I internalized the belief that my worth was tied directly to my performance.

That framework worked great until it didn’t. When I went through recovery, I discovered something uncomfortable:

I had no idea who I was separate from what I could accomplish. Today, my definition of success looks radically different. It’s less about what I do and more about who I’m becoming. It’s showing up honestly in relationships. It’s being present with my kids without constantly thinking about the next work task. It’s leading from vulnerability instead of projecting confidence I don’t actually feel. The irony is that when I stopped trying to prove my worth through achievement, I became a better leader.

... how his recovery has reshaped his leadership.

Recovery taught me that you can’t separate who you are at work from who you are everywhere else. For years, I thought I could compartmentalize and be one version of myself in the office and another version at home or with my friends. That was exhausting and ultimately impossible. When I started doing the hard work of getting honest about my own struggles, everything shifted.

At Kimray, that transformation showed up in how we think about psychological safety. I realized that as a leader, I hold enormous power over people’s lives. And if I’m leading from a place of my own unexamined insecurity or ego, I’m going to damage people without even realizing it. So, we started building a culture where it’s safe to tell the truth. We talk openly about mental health. We invest in counseling resources. We’ve learned that people perform better when they feel safe and when they’re treated like whole human beings instead of just production units.

... advice he would give to young leaders.

Do your own work. Get into therapy. Find a good counselor, spiritual advisor, mentor, or someone who will tell you the truth about yourself even when it’s uncomfortable. Too many young leaders think they can muscle through on talent and ambition alone. But sustainable leadership requires ongoing personal growth.

The other piece I’d add is to focus on being responsible to people, not for them. That distinction matters because when you try to be responsible for people, you end up micromanaging or rescuing or enabling. Real leadership empowers people to own their work and

their growth and then supports them in that process.

... a truly healthy workplace culture.

A healthy workplace starts with trust. Not trust as a vague concept, but trust as a daily practice. It means your people believe you’re going to tell them the truth, even when it’s hard. It means they know you care about them as individuals, not just as contributors to the bottom line. In practice, that looks like leaders who do their own work first. You can’t create a healthy environment for other people if you’re operating from your own unexamined baggage. Then it extends to how decisions get made. We push authority to the people closest to the work instead of hoarding it at the top of the organizational chart. It means clear expectations paired with genuine care. We call that healthy accountability. Healthy culture also requires rhythms of rest. Our people can’t operate at full capacity all the time without burning out. You can’t just tell people to work smarter or be more efficient. You have to actually structure the work so people can sustain it over the long haul.

... the Kimmell Foundation.

The Kimmell Foundation came out of a realization that what we’d built at Kimray shouldn’t stay inside our four walls. We have spent years figuring out – sometimes quite painfully – how to create a culture where people are valued, where mental health matters, and where trust drives everything. I kept meeting other leaders who wanted the same thing for their organizations but didn’t know where to start.

The inspiration really came from the recovery community. In 12-step programs, there’s this principle that you can’t keep what you have unless you give it away. I’d received so much help, so much grace, and so many second chances. The Foundation became a way to pass that forward. We wanted to create a space where leaders could be honest about their struggles, where they could find community, and where they could access practical tools for building healthier organizations.

Photo courtesy Kimray

Where

SARAH Sperry, OK

BRENT Broken Arrow, OK

STEPHANIE Collinsville, OK

DAMON Sallisaw, OK

MAURICE Bartlesville, OK