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Tyler Auschwitz, MD
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Oklahoma Magazine
S BE T
Features
41 The Best of the Best
In the 26th annual The Best of the Best Awards, the heartland’s finest take center stage. We’re commemorating the people and places that make Oklahoma more than just a stop on the map – but the destination itself.
114 Oklahoma’s Most Influential
People
Across Oklahoma, changemakers and leaders are shaping the future by using their influence to uplift communities and spark innovation. From board rooms to class rooms, tribal councils to film festivals, these individuals are proof that power, when guided by purpose, can do a world of good.
Where & When
124 Entertainment Summer fun is heating up in Oklahoma.
127 Film & Cinema
128 Closing Thoughts
July 2025
State
6
Off While high-speed railways aren’t yet a possibility in Oklahoma, progress is being made around the country.
Life & Style
30 Interiors
In the heart of midtown Tulsa, a Midwest modern style home, constructed with Oklahoma-sourced limestone, a natural colored stucco, wood timber and plate steel, stands out. And, by design, it also fits in.
34 Destinations 36 Health
FYI 38 Outside the Metro 39 Scene
Taste
120 First Bite
Boasting a pan-Asian menu combining the flavors of Japan, China, Vietnam and beyond, Daigoro is a dazzling and dynamic addition to the Tulsa dining scene.
121 Local Flavors
122 Chef Chat
123 Tasty Tidbits
Letter
While many of you are probably maxin’ and relaxin’ this summer, we at Oklahoma Magazine have been toiling away to present you with our biggest and most exciting issue of the year. That’s right folks –The Best of the Best is celebrating its 26th anniversary. As in years (and decades) past, we highlight the best Oklahoma has to offer in categories including Home, Services, Health and Wellness, Shopping, Entertainment, and Dining. This honor is more than just a certificate hanging on the wall; it’s a badge of pride for those who go the extra mile to earn the praise, loyalty and votes of hardworking Oklahomans. See your winners starting on page 41.
Additionally, we offer a brand new feature in two installments starting this month: Oklahoma’s Most Influential People. From board rooms to class rooms, tribal councils to film festivals, these individuals are proof that power, when guided by purpose, can do a world of good. See the first batch of hand-picked, impactful leaders on page 114.
Other highlights to peruse this month include a stunning tour of a midtown Tulsa home (page 30); a discussion on the possibility of high-speed rail developments in the Midwest (page 6); a look at Riverside’s newest Japanese smokehouse making major waves in Tulsa (page 120); and an exploration of Oklahoma’s burgeoning rowing and watersport industries (page 18).
Happy summer, Oklahoma! We hope you enjoy the fruits of our (The Best of the Best) labor.
Mary Willa Allen Managing Editor
Faces of Oklahoma
What’s HOT at OKMAG.COM
The beauty of our Interiors piece doesn’t end of the page. Head to okmag.com to see additional photos.
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The State
ALL THINGS OKLAHOMA
A High-Speed Future
While high-speed rail may not be coming to Oklahoma anytime soon, exciting progress is being made by our neighbors to the West.
Rick Harnish is in tune with what’s happening across the United States when it comes to high-speed rail development, and right now, that list is short. But as executive director of the High Speed Rail Alliance (HSRA), he has hope. He carries around in his head a map of cities he would love to see connected.
“If I were in charge, the federal government would be very focused on Chicago to New York, and Boston to Miami, and Chicago to Kansas City and then to Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio and onto Monterey,” Harnish says.
He defines high-speed rail travel as “half the time it would take to drive from station to station.”
Oklahoma, Harnish says, “should be working with Kansas, Texas and Missouri to link DFW with Kansas City.”
Given the current methods and levels of funding, high-speed rail in Oklahoma is not feasible, according to a statement from the Oklahoma Department of
Transportation (ODOT) Rail Programs Division.
“Due to the cost of the California and Texas [high-speed] projects being in the multiple billions of dollars, Oklahoma is focused on extending current passenger rail in the state, the Heartland Flyer, north to Newton, Kan., to connect Oklahoma to both the Texas Eagle and the Southwest Chief, if funding from Texas allows continuation of the Heartland Flyer,” ODOT says.
ODOT began a high-speed intercity passenger rail study through a federal grant during the Obama administration, but the cost estimates were so high, the study was stopped.
“A high-speed rail alignment is required to be straight and flat, and would require new alignments,” ODOT says. “Right-of-way acquisition is only one of the challenges that stand in the way of high-speed rail in Oklahoma.”
Even if funds were available, ODOT says, “there would be several phases required, like a service development plan, National Environmental Policy Act,
preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition and construction. Each of these phases would likely take years.”
Right now, the only high-speed project well out of the starting gate is a line that will connect Sacramento and San Francisco to Los Angeles and San Diego, with another stretching from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Construction is underway on the California route, Harnish says, and preliminary work is happening on the Brightline West Las Vegas project. The goal is to open the Las Vegas line in time for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“This will be the first to travel faster than 160 miles per hour,” Harnish says.
Development of the line between LA and Vegas, Harnish says, “was driven by a casino owner who knew this was important to his business. In some cases, the trains can run on tracks alongside the interstate, and this is a case where you could.”
The 218-mile Brightline West route will feature fully-electric trains traveling up to 200 mph alongside Interstate 15.
Fed up with congested highways and
Construction is currently underway for the Brightline West highspeed rail project running through California and Nevada. Photos and renderings courtesy Brightline West
air travel price hikes and delays, a record number of people chose passenger rail last year. But the nation has never had a dedicated high-speed rail line.
“Right around World War II, we decided that the most important measurement of transportation performance was how fast you could drive from one place to another,” Harnish says. “Everything in governmental policy is around how fast can you drive, and 'Can I park when I get there?'”
The federal government, and the states, need to start building high-speed lines in key places, Harnish says.
“And we need to work with the privately owned railroads to expand their infrastructure, so we can run a lot more passenger trains,” he continues.
Challenges include the fact that “private owners of existing railroads don’t want the liability of having high speed trains nearby,” Harnish says.
Oklahoma is part of a South Central region anchored by the fast-growing metropolitan areas of Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, according to the HSRA.
The region “also boasts globally renowned cities like New Orleans; natural wonders like the Ozark Mountains and the Texas Hill Country; and vibrant midsized cities like Little Rock, Oklahoma City and Tulsa,” the HSRA website says. “Momentum for connecting it with fast, frequent trains is building in several ways.”
A proposed Texas Central line would carry passengers the 240 miles between Dallas and Houston in less than 90 minutes. The private firm has received Federal Railroad Administration approval for an adapted version of trains used on the Tokaido Shinkansen line in Japan, which has had zero passenger fatalities or injuries since it began operation in 1964.
The electrified trains would operate on dedicated high-speed rails at maximum speeds of 205 mph for 18 hours per day, according to Texas Central, greatly reducing traffic on Interstate 45, one of the nation’s most deadly highways.
Rail is the most efficient form of longdistance transportation.
“It’s roughly a third more energy-efficient than driving, overall, and electrified trains are dramatically more energyefficient than diesel trains or airplanes,” the HSRA says.
KIMBERLY BURK
Renderings showcase the proposed Las Vegas Brightline West station (top and below) and a train interior (directly above). This high-speed rail project is aiming to finish before the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Thank you Oklahoma.
for voting Regent among the “Best of the Best” financial
At Regent Bank, we believe that every local business deserves a banking partner who genuinely invests in their success.
Our relationship-driven approach means we don’t just open accounts—we build connections that help businesses thrive.
Whether you’re expanding, relocating, or just starting out, our team is ready to provide the financial support and personalized service you deserve. From innovative solutions to straightforward advice, we’re here to make banking easier and empower your growth.
An Unplugged, Beautiful Escape
The Chinese game of Mahjong is making major waves in Oklahoma – thanks in part to some passionate, women-led businesses.
Mahjong, a captivating tile-based game, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. Its origins can be traced back to ancient China, where it was first played as a simple game of chance.
“The game is deeply rooted in tradition, yet continues to set the scene for cherished, uninterrupted social interactions at game tables across the globe,” says Sydney Rainey, founder and lead instructor of OK Let’s Mahjong, an OKC-based company that leads Mahjong lessons, hosts games and even sells its own tiles. “Requiring skill, strategy and luck, Mahjong is played with four players and intricately designed tiles that immediately capture your attention.”
The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols, although many regional variations may omit some tiles or add unique ones. A group of players may introduce their own house rules which can notably change the feel of play.
“There are many types of Mahjong, including Chinese, Japanese, American, Singapore and Hong Kong styles,” say Kate LaGere and Annie O’Grady, co-founders of The Mahjong Line. The female-led company based in Dallas focuses on unique design and luxury quality Mahjong tiles, and also sells cards, tablescapes and accessories.
According to Rainey, more and more online resources are becoming available to help beginners learn how to play, but you simply cannot beat the in-person experience.
“The most popular way – and most effective, in our opinion – is learning from an experienced Mahjong instructor in a private lesson or public class setting,” says Rainey. “Navigating the complexities of all the rules, etiquette and unique game scenarios is difficult to handle on your own, which is why instructors are so dedicated to bringing a fun and digestible approach to learning the game.”
LaGere and O’Grady agree.
“The best way to learn to play is to contact an instructor in your area to teach you in a group,” they say.
Gaining confidence as a player takes time and practice, but with the right foundation and learning experience, it immediately hooks new players and keeps them coming back for more.
In recent years, the game of Mahjong has undergone what some people call an ‘image shift.’ A game that was once dubbed solely for retirees has gained a real foothold with younger generations. But how? Rainey attributes the resurgence to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It forced people to look for new activities to do at home, but also reasons to gather again after the pandemic in a time when we all craved social settings and face-to-face interactions,” she says. “Additionally, the creation of modern, colorful, and eye-catching Mahjong tiles drew new players to the game by the thousands. We believe that in today’s world dominated by technology, busy schedules and limited downtime, Mahjong is an unplugged activity that requires focus and provides a beautiful escape from our stressful environment.”
SHARON MCBRIDE
The Mahjong Line, a Dallas-based company, focuses on the design and production of luxury Mahjong tiles, alongside cards, tablescapes and accessories. Photo courtesy The Mahjong Line
Brandi True
Chris George Homes
Brad Borem Carrie Deweese
Kay Sullivan Alli Hayes Group Gayle Roberts-Pisklo
Tiffany Johson Homes Missy Hagin-Pittman
Kristee Barlow
Melissa Mansfield Kristi Reed Jen Miller-Morrow Tonya Ellison Anna Brown Natalie Richardson
Suzy Genet Jennifer Robertson The Denner Group
Alisha Cooper Craig McDonald Real Estate
Carrie Nowlin
Allison Kamm Kristi Russell
Casey McFarlane Monica Castillo
Monty Milburn
Christina Gnose The Ford Group
Lindsay Gibson Jill Taylor
Deb Wilmoth Homested Group Montse Torres
Blake Montgomery Austin Kirkpatrick
Dariela Gonzalez Lori Moody Tanner Phillips
Philip Churchill Paula Templeton Jennifer McCowan Liz Capps
Donna Posey
Karen Blevins Amy Prosser
Keli Smith Tiffany Webb
The Hand Team
Amanda Bivens
Taylor Bay
Carmen Plunk
SC Clifford
Barbara Hopper
Cindy Rodgers
AJ Nowak
Megan Forehand
Amos Radlinger
Amanda Gutierrez
Mandy Renee
The Watts Team
Jennifer Wykoff
Cindy Morrison
Brandi True Shawn Peters Chris George Homes
Brad Borem Carrie Deweese
Kay Sullivan Alli Hayes Group Gayle Roberts-Pisklo
Tiffany Johson Homes Missy Hagin-Pittman Kristee Barlow Val Gaudet
Melissa Mansfield Kristi Reed Jen Miller-Morrow Tonya Ellison Anna Brown Natalie Richardson
Suzy Genet Jennifer Robertson The Denner Group
Alisha Cooper Craig McDonald Real Estate
Carrie Nowlin
Allison Kamm Kristi Russell
Casey McFarlane Jack Wallace Monica Castillo
Monty Milburn
Christina Gnose The Ford Group
Lindsay Gibson Jill Taylor
Deb Wilmoth Homested Group Montse Torres
Blake Montgomery Austin Kirkpatrick
Dariela Gonzalez Lori Moody Tanner Phillips
Philip Churchill Paula Templeton Jennifer McCowan Liz Capps Donna Posey
Karen Blevins Amy Prosser
Keli Smith
Tiffany Webb
The Hand Team
Amanda Bivens
Taylor Bay
Carmen Plunk
SC Clifford
Barbara Hopper
Cindy Rodgers
AJ Nowak
Megan Forehand
Amos Radlinger
Amanda Gutierrez
Mandy Renee
The Watts Team
Jennifer Wykoff
Cindy Morrison
Team Kelley Ward Jayne Smith
Stacey South Highline Realty Lee Hurst
Marilyn Morenz
Vicky Watkins Cathy Prichard Judy Bachman
J & M Team Khurram Pervaiz
DC Roberts Donna Andrews Cathy McCown Jessica O’Connell Lee Vantreese
Main Event Properties
Katie Mackey
Gina Poindexter
Peggy Whitworth
Frances Ibanez Janet Holt
Hannah Melchiori Cherie French
Ronda Bender Linda Nunn Kristen Simon
Pennie Keener
Sharlene Welch
Judy Stocker Renee Hulsey
Cindy Folk Kim Taylor
Amanda Foyil Jackie Knox Kristi Gatton
Sarah Hutcherson Susan Munkres Beth Williamson Barbara Mefford
Cindy Roberts
Sumer Gordon
Bridget Labadie
Susan Haslett
Melody Buffington Jacob Capps
Barbara Staten
Lauren Ashley
Khari Mcvey
Kelsey Webb Sam Taylor Susan Young
Jennifer Lacatus Suzy Stewart Amy Spess Renee Weight
Pat & Samantha O’Connor
Bill Lee
Ann Salyer Cox
Jerry Johnson
Sarah Ellis
Dianne Fox Butler Team Kelley Ward Jayne Smith
Stacey South Highline Realty Lee Hurst Marilyn Morenz
Vicky Watkins Cathy Prichard Judy Bachman
J & M Team Khurram Pervaiz
DC Roberts Donna Andrews Cathy McCown Jessica O’Connell Lee Vantreese
Main Event Properties
Katie Mackey
Gina Poindexter Peggy Whitworth
Frances Ibanez Janet Holt Hannah Melchiori Cherie French
Ronda Bender Linda Nunn Kristen Simon
Pennie Keener Sharlene Welch
Judy Stocker Renee Hulsey
Cindy Folk Kim Taylor
Amanda Foyil Jackie Knox Kristi Gatton
Sarah Hutcherson Susan Munkres Beth Williamson Barbara Mefford
Cindy Roberts
Sumer Gordon
Bridget Labadie
Susan Haslett
Melody Buffington
Jacob Capps
Barbara Staten
Lauren Ashley
Khari Mcvey
Kelsey Webb Sam Taylor Susan Young
Jennifer Lacatus Suzy Stewart Amy Spess Renee Weight
& Samantha O’Connor
Bill Lee
Ann Salyer Cox
Jerry Johnson
Sarah Ellis
Dianne Fox
Janice Winchester Chip Chipman
An Earth-Shattering Education
Students interested in the science behind earthquakes can major in seismology and geosciences at Oklahoma universities.
Oklahoma has historically been one of the more earthquakeprone areas east of the Rocky Mountains. Our strongest earthquake, a magnitude 5.8, occurred in September 2016 near Pawnee – and a 5.1 magnitude hit Prague in February 2024.
The U.S. Geological Survey currently reports earthquake magnitudes using the Moment Magnitude scale. A magnitude 5.3 is a moderate earthquake, with a 6.3 on the strong end, and Chile’s 1960 Valdivia Earthquake as the strongest on record at a magnitude 9.5. Seismologists are those who keep track of these (literal) earth-shattering situations.
The University of Oklahoma offers its School of Geosciences to those who want to study earthquakes – also known as seismology – for a living. Assistant professor of geophysics Junle Jiang says that “seismology is a discipline that studies the sudden failure – i.e. earthquakes –and vibrational motion – seismic waves – of Earth. It falls in the broader field of geophysics, or more broadly, geosciences.”
Jiang believes Oklahoma’s active earthquake situation is linked to underground wastewater disposal since the early 2010s.
“The overall seismic activities have subdued since 2016, but earthquake risk
lingers,” he says.
But James Knapp, Ph.D., Oklahoma State University Boone Pickens Distinguished Chair of Geoscience, says that “earthquakes have existed a long time in Oklahoma. We had a magnitude 7 earthquake about 1,200 years ago,” he says. “Specialists studied an Oklahoma fault to find this information. This was long before we were messing around with oil and gas drilling.”
Oklahoma’s universities are training new seismologists, and Knapp says seismology is part of the OSU geophysics program, where students may choose to specialize in seismology. He says OSU has steadily seen an increase in student numbers in the geophysics program –which began in 2021.
Jiang says OU has also seen an uptick in geophysics students, largely due to increasing job opportunities in resource exploration and hazard mitigation.
“While geoscience knowledge is crucial, basic science and engineering are the foundation for geosciences,” says Jiang. “Many students from various STEM backgrounds can transition to a career in seismology or geophysics. A degree in seismology, or more broadly in geophysics, emphasizes hybrid skills of data collection and analytical modeling applied to real-world problems about Earth, hazards and resources.”
Knapp continues: “Seismology is an
active, dynamic field. We want answers now, especially on when an earthquake will happen. But Earth does not operate on the human timetable.”
CAROL MOWDY BOND
Geophysics 101
Geophysics is a discovery science of the Earth and other planets using state-of-the-art technology that integrates geology, mathematics, physics and computer modeling. Geophysicists explore the Earth’s natural resources.
Both OU and OSU offer a bachelor of science degree in geophysics, while OU also offers graduate degrees in the subject – both a masters and Ph.D degree, as well as a minor starting in fall 2026.
Knapp says the geophysics program requires a “certain level of math and physics.” For those leaning toward seismology, Jiang says students should be proficient in data analysis and computer programming, be familiar with knowledge in earth science and engineering, and develop skills in collaboration and communication.
Jiang mentions that seismologists acquire seismic data by collecting from a permanent monitoring network or setting up temporary monitoring instruments in the field.
“They will also use computer programs to analyze large datasets to extract information and insights about earthquakes and subsurface structure. They may spend their regular day conducting field campaigns to collect data in teamwork, use computers for data processing, analysis, and visualization, or communicate their work in conferences, classrooms, or outreach events.”
OU offers bachelor’s, masters and Ph.D degrees in geophysics, which lend themselves to a career as a seismologist. Photo courtesy OU
A Craft of Boundless Horizons
Costume design degrees open doors to multiple creative occupations.
Imagine a costume designer hunched over a sewing machine, stitching a gown destined to shimmer under stage lights, or sculpting a foam headpiece for a fantastical character.
In Oklahoma, this isn’t a mere pastime; it’s a vibrant career path shaped by institutions like the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), the University of Oklahoma (OU) and Oklahoma City University (OKCU). Through programs such as UCO’s Theatre Design and Technology, OU’s Drama BFA with an Emphasis on Costume Design, and OKCU’s Theatre Design and Production, Oklahomans are honing skills that secure them jobs at high schools, colleges and cultural hubs like Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. Some even catapult their talents nationwide – from Broadway stages to cruise ships, or a UCO grad now painting scenery at Universal Orlando Resort.
These programs extend far beyond costume making, offering a rich array of specialties: lighting design, sound engineering and production management. At UCO, the Theatre Arts Department, housed within the College of Fine Arts and Design, aligns its mission with the university’s broader vision. Becky McGuigan, associate professor of costume design and technical program head, says the program emphasizes educating students holistically through transforma-
tive experiences, a process enriched by participation in live theater production.
Faculty mentors shepherd students through costume, scenic, lighting, media and sound design, collaborating on productions spanning creative mediums like theater, opera, musical theater and dance. This interdisciplinary grind equips students with practical expertise and connections to diverse performers and directors.
OKCU mirrors this hands-on ethos.
Alyssa Couturier-Herndon, professor of costume design and technology, explains that their BFA in costuming hones in on design and production, distinct from broader theater degrees. Students master collaboration, drawing, painting, sewing, pattern-making and administrative skills, then are put to work assisting designers, crafting costumes or designing shows for OKCU’s operas, musicals and plays.
Partnerships with Oklahoma Children’s Theatre and OKC Ballet further expand their scope.
Couturier-Herndon dismantles a persistent stereotype: “I think there is a misconception that the only thing you can do with a degree in costuming is to become a designer.”
She points
out that for every designer role, ten technical positions exist alongside – like costume shop manager, draper, wardrobe crew or craft artisan. These craftspeople might mold accessories from thermoplastics or forge bespoke jewelry, showcasing the field’s breadth. McGuigan reinforces this, noting UCO grads land regional, national and international gigs in live theater, theme parks, cruise lines and film, often joining the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.
OU’s impact shines just as bright.
Lloyd Cracknell, associate professor of costume design at the Helmerich School of Drama, shares that recent grads have served as costume designers for live performance, including Broadway, film and TV, including the television series The Gilded Age and New Amsterdam, adding, “there are many other backstage jobs, including wig design and maintenance, dressers and many summer stock jobs all over the country. Then we have had many students go on to M.F.A programs and form their own companies or give back by going into teaching.”
Oklahoma’s theater programs aren’t just degrees, they’re springboards. Whether through UCO’s transformative collaboration, OKCU’s practical precision, or OU’s far-reaching influence, these institutions forge professionals ready to illuminate stages or weave magic backstage.
Costume design, it turns out, is a craft of boundless horizons.
TRACY LEGRAND
Students at Oklahoma City University can often be found working in the costume lab. Photo by Meredith England courtesy Oklahoma City University
The University of Central Oklahoma’s College of Fine Arts and Design offers programs that emphasize educating students holistically through transformative experiences. Photo courtesy UCO
Rowing Right Along
With world-class facilities and collegiate programs, rowing is gaining major momentum.
In a state where football, basketball and softball dominate the sports scene, a water sport is making a big splash – and for evidence, one need look no farther than the north bank of the Oklahoma River.
Over the past two decades, the river – officially the North Canadian except for the seven-mile segment that runs past downtown – has been transformed into one of the world’s premier rowing venues, with four boathouses devoted to collegiate and international rowing competition. It has also given rise to a bevy of other competitive water sports and recreation opportunities, leading up to Oklahoma City’s selection as host site for the canoe slalom competition in the 2028 Olympics.
Mike Knopp, president of Riversport OKC and an avowed rowing enthusiast, was the first rowing coach at Oklahoma City University (OKCU), establishing rowing as a club program in 2001 before
the program attained varsity status in 2004. Before coming to OKC, Knopp also established a club rowing program at Oklahoma State University. The club program at OSU is still going strong, and so are the varsity men’s and women’s programs at OKCU, now coached by Bryan Volpenhein.
Knopp recalls the Oklahoma River’s early days when someone described the river as little more than a trickle, so dry in places that a person could walk across it.
“What people didn’t know was that we were sitting on something that could be world-class,” he says.
At the same time, OKC civic leadership was putting together the first MAPS program, and Knopp says they included improvements to the river. The resulting Oklahoma River includes a 2,200-meter, 450-feet-wide straight section.
“We don’t want a real wide waterway, and we want it protected,” Knopp says. “When you look at it from top down it
looks like an Olympic venue.”
Volpenhein – who coaches both the men’s and women’s rowing teams at OKCU – says he has 14 men and six women in this year’s program. He hopes to add four to six more rowers for the upcoming fall and spring seasons, and eventually grow the program to 30.
“We’re such a small school, we don’t have enough guys for an eight-man team right now,” says Volpenhein, a decorated Olympic rower who was part of the gold medal, eight-main team at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Volpenhein says the fall season is devoted more to training, with racing competition primarily in the spring. He says he looks for athletes with “height and strength,” to form a team that can produce leverage and eventually add power.
“We’re mentally looking for people willing to work, and who enjoy the process,” he says. “You’re practicing year -round but only racing four or five times. We’re looking for kids who understand that and are willing to put in all the practice time for the payoff.”
It’s more common now for rowers to reach college age with at least some rowing experience, says Volpenhein. He, on the other hand, says he didn’t begin rowing until he reached college at Ohio State.
Collegiate rowers compete either in sweeps, where each rower has one oar, or skulling, where rowers have two oars each. Crews have either four or eight members.
Volpenhein says some training is done indoors at OKCU using rowing machines when the weather makes outdoor training impossible.
Sarah Gehrke manages the under-17 juniors rowing program for OKC’s Riversport. She says the program currently has 60 to 70 high school athletes, with another 50 to 60 middle schoolers participating. Some athletes join the program as seniors.
From last year’s senior class, about a dozen were recruited to college programs.
“The great thing about rowing is you can join at any point,” she said. “The earlier you can join, the better.”
HENRY DOLIVE
Oklahoma City University has a men’s and women’s rowing team, both helmed by coach Bryan Volpenhein, an Olympic gold medalist. Photo courtesy OKCU
Lighting Up the Sky
There are plenty of festive ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in Oklahoma.
Almost 250 years ago, the Founding Fathers ratified the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of the United States. Communities across Oklahoma will celebrate this historic event yet again with dazzling fireworks, good food and live entertainment.
Folds of Honor FreedomFest
Known as Tulsa's largest fireworks show, FreedomFest is the culmination of months of careful planning.
On the day of the festival, Ryan Howell – the event coordinator at River Parks Authority – begins setting up at 2 a.m.
“It’s an incredibly large event,” he says. “All of the puzzle pieces have to come together.”
FreedomFest will shoot off 4,000 shells
during the 25-minute fireworks show that begins at 9:30 p.m. Family-friendly activities like live music and face-painting will take place in Dream Keepers Park and River West Festival Park.
Founded in 1976, FreedomFest is funded through private donations and is one of the most attended public events in the city.
“This is an event that really brings all of Tulsa together. It’s always great to see families come out and enjoy an incredible experience," says Howell.
LibertyFest
Established in 1972, LibertyFest has become a fixture of the Edmond community. Originally founded by a group of local businessmen, the festival has turned into a long-standing tradition backed by a robust volunteer base.
LibertyFest celebrates the Fourth of
July all week long with a rodeo, jazz acts, trivia nights and a car show.
On July 4, LibertyFest will ring in the holiday with a street parade in Downtown Edmond beginning at 9 a.m. The fireworks show commences at 9:30 p.m. in E.C. Hafer Park.
Duck Creek Fireworks
Patriotism has always been the heart of Duck Creek Fireworks. U.S. Marine veteran W. W. Bill Bailey was responsible for upholding the tradition since its start in 1946.
When Joe Harwood, owner of the Arrowhead Yacht Club and Marina, took over the reins from Bailey in the 1980s, he solidified it as an annual Fourth of July celebration.
“It’s grown immensely,” says Harwood. “It’s now the biggest fireworks show in the state of Oklahoma."
During the day, spectators can see an F-16 flyover and an airshow featuring World War II War Birds. To honor the sacrifices of veterans and first responders, 10% of the funds generated from the event go to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Harwood emphasizes that the event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community.
“It’s a great and wonderful tradition that we are so proud to be a part of,” he says.
Yukon Freedom Fest
Spanning July 3-4, Yukon Freedom Fest is an outdoor festival that will transform Chisholm Trail Park and City Park into a hub of family-oriented activities. The twoday event has been around for 29 years.
One of the event’s most popular traditions is its car show, hosted by the Oklahoma Mustang Club. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 4, classic cars, trucks and motorcycles will be on display. Proceeds raised from the car show will go toward local charities benefitting senior citizens in Yukon.
The festival also includes a children’s parade, a veteran’s tribute, live concerts, and a triathlon. Both days of activities wrap up with a spectacular firework display starting at 10 p.m.
Fireworks displays are just one perk of the Yukon FreedomFest on July 3-4. Photo courtesy Yukon FreedomFest
Oklahoma harbors nearly 1,500 landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places.
Many people have heard of the National Register of Historic Places, but may not fully understand what, exactly, it is. Most also do not realize that anyone can make suggestions and help get sites added to this prestigious list.
“We love working with the public and always welcome any input, suggestions or general questions about historically significant resources in our state,” says Michael Mayes, National Register coordinator with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), a division of the Oklahoma Historical Society.
According to the National Park Service, which administers the list, the National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. This effort to preserve U.S. history began with the Congressional Antiquities Act in 1906 and became what it is today through the 1966 National Historic Preservation Act.
“The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 acknowledged the importance of protecting our national heritage from federal development,” says Mayes.
Mayes describes how the loss of Penn Station in New York City was a catalyst for the passage of the Act. Despite public support to save the early 20th-century
masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts architectural style, the station was demolished in 1962 due to the lack of federally regulated guidelines for its protection.
As of the end of 2024, there are 99,000 properties on the national list, with 1,430 districts, buildings, sites, structures and objects in Oklahoma. Inclusion on the list provides some limited protection and potential eligibility for funding options, but perhaps the most important benefit is the recognition of the site’s historical significance.
“Anyone can submit a nomination for any property to the State Historic Preservation Office,” says Mayes. However, SHPO recommends contacting their office initially to conduct a preliminary determination of eligibility before beginning the nomination process.
To be eligible, a site must meet the National Register’s criteria for evaluation, which is initially discussed by either the property’s certified local government or, for sites on tribal lands or reservations, the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and the Oklahoma Historic Preservation Review Committee. This committee, appointed by the governor, consists of experts in the subjects of historic archeology, prehistoric archeology, history, architectural history or architecture. Once the SHPO has signed the nomination, it goes to the National Parks Service for consideration.
When a site is officially added to the national register, the SHPO updates the state list on its website and sends out information. For anyone interested in the latest about historic preservation in our state, check out the Oklahoma Historical Society website and its publications.
BONNIE RUCKER
A Handful of Oklahoma National Register Landmarks:
• Spiro Mound Group – LeFlore County
• Guthrie Historic District –Logan County
• Honey Springs Battlefield Site
– Muskogee County
• Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa County
• Eva Wood Frame Grain
Elevator – Texas County
• Bacone College Historic District – Muskogee County
• Prairie House – Cleveland County
• Chisholm Springs Springhouse
– Pottawatomie County
Left: Spiro Mounds visitors pass Craig Mound, a burial spot for prehistoric Native Americans. Right: Pictured is Guthrie during the restoration of the city's Historic Downtown District. Photos courtesy the Oklahoma Historical Society
Sightings and Science
Programs and campaigns emphasize the importance of residents sharing observations of wildlife and natural resources with state-led agencies.
Exploring the outdoors, peering at plants and watching wildlife not only offer a mood boost, but also can bolster conservation efforts in Oklahoma. From logging nature sightings to sharing data about birds on an app, there are different avenues residents can use to share their observations which, in turn, can help inform biologists and naturalists about a species or natural resources at large.
Those observations can ultimately contribute to the “long-term value in being aware of our natural environment and trying to maintain that natural environment,” says Jena Donnell, the communications specialist with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
What may seem like simple acts, such as watching birds in your backyard or planting flowers that benefit pollinators, can have long-term benefits by raising more awareness or benefiting wildlife.
“It certainly makes an impact,” Donnell says.
Take, for example, reporting a sighting
on the Department of Wildlife Conservation’s website – wildlifedepartment.com. Residents can share info, details and photos of fish, wildlife and plants they’ve seen in their backyard, during their commute, or on a hike, hunting or fishing trip. That information can contribute to ongoing Wildlife Department projects or help biologists plan for future conservation efforts, according to Donnell.
Donnell says other opportunities to note sightings are through free nature apps like iNaturalist or eBird. The iNaturalist app collects observation details for all organisms, while eBird focuses on bird sightings.
Another program in the state is helping students learn the value of data collection and exploration of the outdoors. The Backyard Explorers program with Southeast Oklahoma Library System is a program for elementary-age children and their families to learn more about science and nature through play and exploration, says Heath Stanfield, manager of the McAlester Public Library.
The program features different themes that also involve a data collection element and activities that relate to the
theme, such as a scavenger hunt. Topics have included weather, insects, leaves, water cycles and themes about soil, rocks and trees. Participants also are encouraged to find out more about those themes using library resources, Stanfield says. The topics introduced in the program also relate to local resources and wildlife.
“It’s all relevant to our area and our community,” says Stanfield.
In addition, Stanfield mentions that the program can serve as an introduction for kids about the value of citizen science and the practice of data collection. It also can help foster an appreciation for the outdoors.
“It gives families a task to do outside,” whether that’s in their backyard or a local park," he says. “It emphasizes that nature is all around them.”
SHARLA BARDIN
Citizen Science Opportunities
Citizen science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge. Through citizen science, people share and contribute to data monitoring and collection programs.
Here are some citizen science programs in Oklahoma:
Blue Thumb is a statewide program that trains volunteers to monitor creeks and streams and share their knowledge of water quality with others.
OK Invasives encourages citizens throughout Oklahoma to find and report invasive plant species in the places they live and work. The data collected from observations will be used by land managers to plan and eradicate infestations before they take over the landscape.
Apps and community programming help Oklahoma citizens get more involved with wildlife conservation and research. Photo courtesy the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
A Screaming Success
One of the most famous sound effects in the history of cinema was created by an Oklahoman.
Over the years, I’ve been asked many times if I’m any relation to Sheb Wooley, the Erick native who left an enduring mark in music, movies and television. It seems logical that I would be, since our last names are spelled exactly the same (there are a lot of variations) and we’re both from Oklahoma. However, I was born in Minnesota, and my research has led me to believe that I come from a different line of Wooleys.
But, while I’m likely no relative, I’ve been a fan of Shelby Frederick Wooley for some time. As I imagine is the case with most baby boomers, I first became aware of him in the summer of 1958, when a wacky rockabilly-style number, featuring a dash of the sped-up vocal technique that would soon be used by musician David Seville to create the
voices of the Chipmunks, was launched like a Sputnik out of radio speakers all across the country. Written and performed by Wooley, playing off the thencurrent national fascination with outer space, science-fiction, and flying saucers, “Purple People Eater” stayed at the very top of the Billboard magazine pop charts for an impressive six weeks, with more than a million copies sold.
And, while “Purple People Eater” was by far his most famous song, Wooley hardly stopped there. Over the next 30-plus years, he’d launch no fewer than 18 singles onto the national pop and/or country-music charts – including his No. 1 country hit, 1962’s “That’s My Pa,” and a run of successful parody singles released under the name “Ben Colder.” In addition, Sheb Wooley was a working actor, part of the ensemble cast (along with a young Clint Eastwood) of the successful TV series Rawhide, as well as a support-
ing player in a number of other television shows and movies big and small, the former including classics like 1952’s High Noon, 1956’s Giant, and 1986’s Hoosiers His final movie appearance before his 2003 death was in 1988’s Purple People Eater, starring Neil Patrick Harris and Ned Beatty and based on the hit Wooley tune from four decades earlier.
Other Wooley achievements of note include giving a young Roger Miller his first guitar and teaching him chords –Miller grew up in Erick; his cousin was Wooley’s first wife – and combining his musical and acting talents as one of the stars of the 1963 MGM musical Hootenanny Hoot, filmed to cash in on what many now refer to as The Great Folk Music Scare of the early 1960s.
For all of that, however, Sheb Wooley’s most lasting vocal and big-screen achievement may be one that never got him any official credit. And while it’s
Sheb Wooley, longtime actor and performer, also created a prolific sound effect for a small role in the Western Distant Drums. Photo courtesy the John Wooley Collection
possible you may never have heard of it, if you’ve watched movies on any sort of a regular basis over the past, oh, seventy years or so, chances are very good that you’ve heard it.
It’s called the Wilhelm Scream.
Easily accessible on YouTube, it’s “arguably the most famous sound effect in the history of cinema.” That’s what Domagoj Valjak believes, anyway. On April 23, 2018, the Vintage News website (vintagenews.com) published a piece by the writer that supported his thesis.
“As of the beginning of this year,” Valjak wrote, “the scream appeared in as many as 372 films and numerous television series. Some of the popular classics of late 20th and early 21st cinema, including the Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and The Lord of the Rings franchises, [Quentin] Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs, Tim Burton’s Planet of the Apes, and even Disney’s Toy Story feature this classic sound effect.”
There are plenty more, too. In fact, not only does the original Wilhelm Scream show up in the hundreds of movies and television shows Valjak cites; imitations of the effect also appear in dozens, probably hundreds, more. Writing for the spring 2025 issue of The Phantom of the Movies’ VideoScope magazine, voice actor Bill Timony told about how, some time ago, he and others who work in the profession “started sneaking our own Wilhelm Scream impressions into our work.” He went on to cite such features as Bowfinger, Salt, and The Patriot as recipients of his personal homages to the classic effect.
For a half-century, Sheb Wooley didn’t get credit for the Wilhelm Scream. He’d first done it for a 1951 Gary Cooper western called Distant Drums, released by Warner Brothers. In the picture, Wooley had a small, uncredited role as Private Jessup, a soldier who gets pulled to his death by an alligator in the Florida swamps. The accompanying yell, done in postproduction, was what would become known as the Wilhelm Scream.
According to VideoScope’s Timoney, Wooley also recorded three other “similar-sounding screams of various lengths” in his post work for the film. These were all filed in the Warner Bros. audio library for potential reuse.
A couple of years later, Warner Bros. pulled one of them out and used it in a 3-D western called The Charge at Feather River, when a Private Wilhelm (played by another character actor, Ralph Brooke) got shot in the leg with an arrow. And that was only the beginning. Throughout
the ’50s and ’60s, Warners recycled the scream through tons of their movies, including the giant-ant picture Them! (1953), PT 109 (1963) and The Wild Bunch (1969).
Then, in the mid-’70s, a sound designer named Ben Burtt ran across the scream while working on the original Star Wars (1977). Tracking it back to Private Wilhelm’s cry of agony in The Charge at Feather River (which goes a long way toward explaining why it’s not known as the Jessup Scream), Burtt used it in Star Wars and then began slipping it into as many other pictures as he could. Others followed suit. Its use became a kind of in-joke among movie-sound editors and soon, top-name directors like Tarantino and Peter Jackson were getting in on the fun, appropriating the Wilhelm Scream for their own films.
By most accounts, Burtt not only gets credit for naming the effect, but also for finding out it was Sheb Wooley who performed it. Burtt apparently ran onto a memorandum in the Warner Bros. archives that listed the names of the people who’d recorded vocal sound effects for Distant Drums. One of them was Wooley, and Burtt became convinced he was the man behind the scream. He couldn’t be 100% sure, though, because by the time he discovered the memo, Wooley had already passed.
How do I deal with market volatility?
For those decades from retirement: 1. Revisit your views on risk. The level of comfort (or discomfort) you feel when the market moves up or down substantially is a good starting point on whether your portfolio fits your risk profile. 2. Remember that time is on your side. In theory, the longer you have to let your money work for you, the less concerned you should be about short-term market moves. 3. Put volatility to work for you. Market volatility can work to your benefit by tapping into the power of a strategy called dollar-cost averaging. For those nearing retirement: 1. Ensure your investments are diversified. Various parts of the market react to headlines and economic drivers differently. 2. Balance your need for protection with growth. Protecting your portfolio from current or future market downturns becomes more important as you approach the day when you start living off your savings. For those in retirement: 1. Review your withdrawal strategy. Depending on how much money you have invested in stocks, your portfolio may lose value when the market dips. 2. Don’t take unnecessary chances in your stock exposure. For the long-term investor – which includes you as a retiree – volatility in equities can work in your favor. Regardless of where you are in your financial journey, market movement provides an opportunity to compare your investment strategy to your goals. For additional help talk to a financial advisor who is willing to discuss your personal circumstances and provide guidance on how to manage your money for today’s market.
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It took the famed British newspaper the Times of London to all but lock down Sheb Wooley as the Wilhelm Scream’s creator. In a May 21, 2005 story headlined “Hollywood’s loudest secret unlocked,” staff member Jack Malvern wrote, “The name [of the Wilhelm’s Scream’s originator] was finally confirmed this week when The Times contacted Linda Dotson, Wooley’s widow.
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“‘He always used to joke about how he was so great about screaming and dying in films,’ she said. ‘I did know that his scream had been in some films, the older westerns, but I did not know about Star Wars and all. He would have got such a kick out of this. He would say, “I may be old but I’m still in the movies.’”
Sheb Wooley might also get a kick out of the fact that a long-lived punk band out of New Bedford, Mass. is named A Wilhelm Scream. And his alter-ego of Ben Colder, created by Wooley as a rum-dum country entertainer, would most certainly appreciate knowing that, for a time, Vermont’s Magic Hat Brewing Company offered a seasonal brew called Wilhelm Scream Pumpkin Ale.
JOHN WOOLEY
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Everything’s Abuzz
If you find yourself with a bee colony in your backyard, the experts can help.
The summer heat is hitting its stride in Oklahoma, and with that comes an influx of insect activity. One of the state’s most prominent bugs? Bees. While these winged creatures can be a nuisance at times, they deserve to be treated with respect.
So, if you walk into your backyard and see a giant colony has made a new home on your deck, grill or house, what can you do?
“Don’t panic. They are likely not aggressive if you don’t mess with them,” says James Deming, owner and beekeeper at Shadow Mountain Honey Company based in Tulsa. “Give them some space and call a beekeeper right away. We partner with the Northeast Oklahoma Beekeepers Association, so we have access to dozens of available beekeepers to assist.”
A major ‘don’t’ when it comes to dealing with bees is spraying them with
water or pesticide.
“Water will only agitate them and increase your chances of getting stung,” says Deming. “Pesticides will kill the bees, but if they have an actual hive inside of something like your wall, the bees will begin to rot and smell – just like a dead wild animal.”
He continues: “In addition, if there is honey inside the wall and it’s not being maintained by the bees, it will begin to absorb moisture from the air, liquefy, ferment and soak into sheetrock and lumber, causing thousands in damage.”
The hives need to be cut out of structures to avoid damage, so make sure to call a beekeeper instead of trying to tackle the problem yourself.
If you’ve noticed bees congregating in a certain spot, you may wonder if there’s something attracting the insect to that specific area.
“The queen lands to rest and allow the worker bees to scout a new location to move to,” says Deming. “It’s pretty ran-
dom what they land on, but usually the hive they came from is nearby.”
The ecosystem of Oklahoma is highly dependent on bees – which is another reason why they should be protected and removed instead of sprayed and killed.
“Bees are one of the most important pollinators on the planet,” says Deming. “In fact, they have been declared the most important animal on the planet. Seventy percent of our food is pollinated by bees, and many native bee species are threatened or endangered.”
Steve Easom, beekeeper/owner of Easom Farms in Slaughterville, agrees that a bee’s importance can't be overstated.
“Honeybees are a super pollinator,” he says. “It’s not that one honeybee is better than one butterfly, but we have 40,000-60,000 bees in a colony here in Oklahoma, in one spot.”
Thus, keeping the bees safe and protected is priority No. 1.
“It’s important to not only leave bees alone and protect them, but it’s equally important to provide forage for them to eat,” says Deming.
DREW JOSEPH ALLEN
A Bee-Centric Glossary
• Brood – Immature bees that are still inside their cells.
• Drone - The male honey bee.
• Queen - A female bee with a fully developed reproductive system.
• Colony – A complete group of bees consisting of a queen, worker bees and a drone.
• Hive – The home of the bees, where they raise brood and store pollen and honey.
• Swarm – The reproductive cycle where approximately half the bees leave the hive with the queen to establish a new colony.
If a bee colony makes a home on your back deck, grill or house, you can call professional beekeepers to ensure they're removed safely and humanely. Photo courtesy Shadow Mountain Honey Company
Life & Style
A MAP TO LIVING WELL
A MODERN MASTERPIECE
By Gretchen Eichenberg
In the heart of midtown Tulsa, a Midwest modern style home, constructed with Oklahoma-sourced limestone, a natural colored stucco, wood timber and plate steel, stands out. And, by design, it also fits in.
“My vision of modern architecture is that it is clearly of this era, and fitting and responsive to this climate, culture, geology and building practices,” says architect Brian Freese, who owns Tulsa-based Freese Architecture.
The best architecture, he says, looks natural to its location.
“There is a sense of rightness about it,” he says. “My goal with this home was that it be clearly modern and look like it belongs in Oklahoma.”
The 3,750-square-foot, four bedroom, four bathroom home took 18 months to complete, says builder Austin Edgar, owner of the Austin Lee Company.
Photography by Nathan Harmon, provided by Austin Lee Company
“As with every home I’ve built, there’s so much complexity in creating the crisp and clean finishes,” Edgar says. “From the smooth transition of the stairs to the wall of cabinets using pattern matched walnut, to the installation of a 12-foot backlit mirror on the bathroom, every inch of this house was carefully designed and near perfectly executed.”
He added that his vision from the construction side was for a warm, modern home that was striking –yet could be a family home.
Inside, hardwood floors, natural wood cabinets and a simple, light color palette reflect the natural light flooding the interiors through large glass windows. Many of the cabinets were created by Tulsa-based Elite Cabinets, including in the upstairs bathroom, the hallways, the laundry room and portions of the kitchen.
“We were brought in for our unique ability to manufacture high quality, super matte and high gloss acrylic European panels using our laser edgebanding technology,” says Brandon Massey, president
Left: Hardwood floors, natural wood cabinets and a clean, simple color palette define this modern
Above: The house is meticulously crafted and a fully-integrated smart home.
Below: One unique design element is that the stair wall and kitchen cabinet woods match.
Facing page: This home’s entry courtyard, with its custom-made water feature is, in many ways, the heart of the home.
space.
of Elite Cabinets. “This special banding doesn’t use glue like most edgebanders use – instead, it fuses the ‘functional layer’ of the banding to the panel with extreme heat for near seamless edges. This, along with our expertise in modern cabinet design and manufacturing, fit perfectly with the vision of the house.”
The entry courtyard with the central water feature is, in some ways, the core of the home.
“It is a wonderful, semi-private, cloistered outdoor space that sets the theme for the home and gives delightful views from the living/dining area and study,” Freese says.
This courtyard water feature, Edgar notes, was one of the most challenging aspects of the project.
“We designed and custom fabricated it from scratch,” he says. “Welding steel to be perfectly level all the way around so the water flowed over evenly everywhere was so difficult, but we pulled it off.”
The house is a fully integrated smart home, has full tile walled bathrooms, integrated back lighting and accent lighting, Edgar says, including floating shelves that set it apart from a traditional home.
While the design and construction were both meticulously and laboriously crafted, Edgar says he couldn’t help but be awed by the end result.
“I really enjoyed the design of the walnut stair wall with the stairs, and just the way the pattern match flowed so well, along with the kitchen cabinets,” Edgar says. “Everyone who walked the house commented on how stunning the kitchen was. That and the master bath and closet.”
Edgar custom fabricated a closet island with a seat where they steam bent the patterned walnut around the curved seat back.
“That, along with the integrated lighting, made for my most talked about closet to date,” he says. “It was a work of art.”
Because of its design and unique features, the home is also a great house for parties and gatherings, according to Freese.
“The homeowner took full advantage of that,” he says. “He gives lots of great parties.”
From top to bottom: The primary closet island includes a steam bent custom seat.
Integrated lighting, clean lines and wood accents create a stunning visual harmony in the primary bath.
The 3,750-square-foot home offers four beds and four baths and took 18 months to complete.
Sultry
and Somber Savannah
Savannah, Georgia, encourages guests to slow down and feel the unique rhythm of the city.
Savannah is a city (literally) draped in the feathery wisps of Spanish Moss trees. It’s also symbolically draped in history – with a heritage as strong as the towering, whispering pines and as steady as the rolling tides of the marsh.
Aloe vera plants and palm trees soften the landscape, while florals decorate town squares, encircling the austere historic statues of brave citizens. The stately architecture endures and represents centuries of Americana lifestyle. Horse carriages trot by, echoing the past as trolleys and pedi-taverns transport people through a more modern mode. Quirkiest of all are the hearse limos for ghost tours. Yes, ghosts and gravestones, genteel and bards, are the voices of Savannah’s past.
Egrets bask in the lushness and stand guard at the marshes. Hedges of palm trees border the streets, but the true showstoppers are the majestic Spanish Moss trees. Mysterious and moody like the spirits you learn about on the ghost tours of Savannah, the mosses cloak the city in that somber vibe.
There’s levity, too, with shops like the Olfactory Company with its oddities, souvenirs and sage sticks or the enlivened taverns perpetuating the party vibe with their “to-go” cocktails. This entices the tourists to keep the jubilance going as the pedestrian friendly city offers charm galore. What’s better than a mimosa with your meal? A mimosa while you stroll!
The clickety-clack of horse hooves is the rhythmic sound of the streets of an otherwise quiet city. Savannah caters to tourists with all it has to offer. Archi-
tecturally, there’s nonstop visuals. Old restored mansions boast the artistry of Americana. Galleries show the city pride with art depicting the city’s southern roots. In the 22 squares connected downtown, statues and plaques recalling history attract the pedestrians and tourists to honor heritage. Flowering bushes near park benches provide a restful feeling within each square.
James Oglethorpe founded the state of Georgia and had hopes of creating a Utopian society. Although that didn’t succeed due to the pushback of the people, a peaceful landscape remained.
Nearby islands and landings are idyllic places where residents can have the best of both worlds. They can retreat to their clubs and neighborhoods with no traffic lights and choose to drive into Savannah for an urban feel. In the marshes near Savannah, blue herons pose at lagoons. The
Savannah, Georgia, combines a unique history with plenty of entertainment options to appeal to a variety of visitors.
neighborhoods have lagoons and ponds so plentiful they seem to play leapfrog over golf courses. The refuge is revelatory through: the hush of the whispering pines; the cadence of the boats bobbing on the marina; the poise of the egret on the lagoon; the blanket of soft leaves, unmulched; the patient anticipation of the young fishermen waiting for fish to bite; the wonder of the elderly man on an
adult tricycle; the finesse of the fit pickleballers; and the glee of the retired golfer.
This is life on Skidaway Island. Flora and fauna marry well in Savannah. Patios are for luxuriating into the mesmerizing vista. You read this nature book with your senses – not just your eyes!
“Slow down,” whisper the pines. The tourist who succeeded at Savannah sightseeing will tell you what was
learned: Savor the shores. Sail the seas. Hear the history. Dine at the river’s sunset. Believe the ghost tour storyteller. Smell the sage smudge stick from the oddities shop. Ogle the architecture. Study the art in the galleries.
Maybe James Oglethorpe succeeded after all since the landing residents have curated the auspicious lifestyle he may have wished for everyone.
GINA MICHALOPULOS KINGSLEY
Forsyth Park
Southeastern Georgia marshland
City Hall
Downtown Savannah's skyline
Talmadge Bridge
Ticking Off The Boxes
While ticks are prevalent in Oklahoma, the threat of Lyme disease is not.
Summer draws people outdoors. Hiking, camping and other activities spent in nature means potential exposure to ticks – those creepy parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans.
There are eight different types of ticks that live in the United States and some species can transmit bacteria, viruses and pathogens that can cause diseases in humans. Before hitting the trail, it’s good to know how to protect yourself from ticks and what to do if you have a tick bite.
“If somebody has an embedded tick, they should remove it carefully using thin tweezers, and make sure that the head of the tick is removed,” says Douglas Drevets, M.D., chief of infectious diseases at OU Health in Oklahoma City. He adds that after removing a tick, a topical antibiotic can be used on the bite area. Many people are fearful of tick bites and most often worry about contracting Lyme disease. However, Drevets says there is very little Lyme disease in Oklahoma and that it’s more common in other parts of the country – the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and upper Midwest
areas. For Oklahomans, other infections tend to be more prevalent, such as ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and rickettsial infections, all caused by various bacteria. It’s also worth noting that not all ticks carry disease, and ticks must remain attached and feed for several days before transmitting pathogens. That’s why if you find a tick on your body, try and recall when and where you might have picked it up to determine how long it’s been attached.
If bitten by a tick, there are services available to have the tick tested for disease. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that, in general, it’s not recommended due to lower quality control of laboratories, potential for false positive and false negative results, and often symptoms may develop before the results of a tick test are available.
The most common species of ticks in Oklahoma include the Lone Star tick, the American Dog tick, Brown Dog tick, Black-Legged tick and Gulf Coast tick. Along with Lyme disease, tick bites are associated with Rocky Mountain spotted fever and for triggering alpha-gal syndrome – a potentially life-threatening allergic condition also known as the red meat allergy.
While most tick bites are harmless, seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms in the weeks following a tick bite: muscle and/ or joint aches, a stiff neck, headache, weakness, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other flu-like symptoms, as well as a red spot or rash around the site of the bite. More severe symptoms can include difficulty breathing, heart palpitations and/or paralysis.
“The important thing to remember is to dress appropriately when you are outside and use insect repellent to avoid tick bites,” says Drevets.
To help prevent tick bites, be aware of where you’re most exposed. Avoid grassy, brushy and/or dense, wooded areas. When hiking, try to stay in the center of trails. Wear protective clothing and choose an insect repellant that works well against ticks. Also, frequently inspect yourself and others for the presence of ticks every few hours to be proactive in tick removal.
For a complete list of ticks in the United States and the diseases they may potentially transmit, visit cdc.gov/ticks/ about/where-ticks-live.html.
REBECCA FAST
Avoiding the Wilt
Oklahoma summers can be brutal – but that doesn’t mean your garden has to suffer.
Oklahoma home and business owners are known for their pride in landscaping. But how does one go about protecting plants and shrubs during the heat of an Okie summer?
Diane Cambria of OSU’s Tulsa Master Gardeners says that a little extra effort and some continued education is all you need.
“During Oklahoma’s hot, dry months, it is important to pay special attention to your turf, your bedding plants and potted plants,” she says. “This is essential to maintaining a good outcome.”
As might be expected, proper watering can be a lifesaver – but timing of said watering is also important.
“Water turf, bedding plants and potted plants early in the mornings,” says Cambria. “This allows the water to evaporate before nighttime. When you have wet plantings, mold and fungus have a wonderful opportunity to develop. You can save heartache if you water early.”
According to the OSU Extension, plants in Oklahoma typically require approximately one inch of water per week. However, during the summer’s hottest months, those same plants could need double their weekly water supply.
OSU Extension also says that drip irrigation is a great method for keeping moisture in the soil consistent and avoiding runoff and puddles. Wetting
the plant’s leaves should be avoided in late afternoon or evening to discourage disease.
Even novice landscapers know mulch can be useful around plants, shrubs and trees – but not everyone knows why. In short, mulch can help thwart numerous potential problems, including reducing moisture evaporation, decreasing soil erosion and runoff, regulating the temperature of the soil and increasing water absorption around the plants. When a two- to four-inch layer of mulch is properly placed, gardeners can expect a reduction in soil temperature of eight to 10 degrees. While organic mulch is highly preferred, most mulches will make a significant difference.
One factor many people do not take into consideration when planting is possible “microclimates.” These are highly localized spots that are different from the average climate and result in areas that alter the norm for your growing environment. Among the most common microclimates are a tree that reduces the area’s temperature by several degrees, a brick wall, which can radiate extreme amounts of heat, or the changes in wind or sun from the area being at the top of a hill or located in a valley. These areas can become the perfect planting areas for a specific plant or shrub that won’t thrive as well in the major part of the planting space.
“Just as important is to plant land-
scaping beds that are adaptable to our tough summers,” says Cambria. “A full listing, for over 20 years of selections, called Oklahoma Proven, is available online at Oklahoma State University Fact Sheet #E-1052. These selected plants, which include trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals are evaluated in our harsh conditions. These lists should give any homeowner a wonderful start to selecting appropriate planting materials.”
DEBI TURLEY
Flora That Thrives in Oklahoma Heat
Looking to create a heat-resistant garden? Try the following:
• Madagascar Periwinkle
• Blanket Flowers
• Coleus
• Dakota Gold Sneezeweed
• Fan Flowers
• Firebush
• Mexican Zinnias
• Purple Fountain Grass
• Summer Snapdragons
• Yellow Bells
Bustling in Bartlesville
Bartlesville blends its oil-rich past with a vibrant present, offering visitors a rare fusion of historical depth, architectural innovation and cultural richness.
Nestled in the rolling Osage Hills of northeastern Oklahoma, Bartlesville is a city rich in history, culture and artistic heritage. Often referred to as a gem of the American Midwest, Bartlesville owes much of its early growth and prosperity to the discovery of “black gold” – oil – in 1905. That year marked the drilling of Oklahoma’s first commercial oil well, the Nellie Johnstone No. 1, a pivotal moment that ignited an oil boom and transformed Bartlesville into a bustling energy hub.
This oil legacy is inextricably linked with Frank Phillips, founder of the Phillips Petroleum Company. His influence is still visible today in the Frank Phillips Home, a stately, 26-room, neo-classical mansion built in 1909. Now a museum, the home offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of one of Oklahoma’s oil barons and the early days of oil exploration in the region. The beautifully preserved estate hosts tours and events, giving insight into Phillips’ personal life and the broader economic history of Bartlesville.
Visitors can participate in a behind the scenes tour of the home that “takes people beyond the ropes into the rooms, so they get to see closets, bathrooms and a closer look at the rooms,” says the home’s director, Michelle Swaney. “The tour also includes the basement. On this tour, you get to hear more stories about the Phillips’ family and the home.”
Complementing this narrative is the Bartlesville Area History Museum, located in the historic City Hall building downtown. Through photographs, artifacts and interactive exhibits, the museum captures the evolution of Bartlesville from a pioneer settlement to a modern city.
“The Nellie Johnstone No. 1 was a highly successful oil well in Bartlesville,” says Casey O’Sullivan, collections manager at the museum. “In its 50-year career, more than 100,000 barrels of oil were produced from it. One way we present the excellent history of this historic structure is by showing the short video, ‘This is the City Oil Build,’ at the museum.”
The museum is also proudly dedicated to its living history program that allows
local school children to reenact life in a replica, one-room schoolhouse.
“Students learn about how classes were taught, rules that teachers adhered to, and workings of a schoolroom, all from the perspective of the early 1900s,” O’Sullivan says.
Bartlesville’s rich artistic and cultural scene adds another dimension to its identity. Nowhere is this more vividly expressed than at Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve, located just south of town. Founded by Phillips in the 1920s as a retreat and ranch, Woolaroc (a name derived from woods, lakes and rocks) is now a sprawling 3,700-acre preserve home to bison, elk and longhorn cattle.
The museum itself features one of the finest collections of Western art and artifacts in the country. A special highlight is Camp Woolaroc, a summer camp for youth that takes place annually in July and emphasizes outdoor education, art and character development — continuing Phillips’ legacy of community enrichment.
ROCCO GEPPI
Bartlesville’s Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve combines nature with education for ideal summer programming. Photo courtesy Woolaroc
Shay & Hannah Mlakar, Kristine Stover, Mick Walsh, Debra Sanders Bowlby; BBBSOK Noshville, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma, Tulsa
Marie Oyler, Mike Neal; Hall of Fame board meeting, Oklahoma Hall of Fame, OKC
Lynn Peacher, Gentra Sorem, Carol Klenda, Elaine Dodson Ryan; 90th Anniversary planning, Tulsa Town Hall
Drs. Dale Bratzler, Jay Johnson, Daniel Wildes, Steven Buck, Damon Baker; Staab Legacy Award Luncheon, Osteopathic Founders Foundation, Tulsa
Mike Kearns, DJ Hejtmanek, Mj. Carlyle Gargis, Brian Bobek, Mj. Charlotte Gargis, Dennis Henderson, Mitch Adwon; Center of Hope Tour, Salvation Army, Tulsa
BE STOF THE BEST 2025
In the 26th annual The Best of the Best Awards, the heartland’s finest take center stage.
If you can think of a category to celebrate, we’ve probably got you covered within our six expansive sections – Home, Services, Health and Wellness, Shopping, Entertainment, and Dining. We toast to Oklahoma’s best bars, salute our hardworking lawyers, sing the praises of local construction companies and give a standing O to our most mouthwatering burger joints.
And remember – this honor is more than just a certificate hanging on the wall; it’s a badge of pride for those who go the extra mile to earn the praise, loyalty and votes of hardworking Oklahomans.
In short, within the following pages, we’re commemorating the people and places that make Oklahoma more than just a stop on the map – but the destination itself. Flyover country? Not on our watch.
Welcome to The Best of the Best 2025.
HOME
Architect, Residential
Residential architectural firms bring client visions to life.
In Tulsa, voters support Jack Arnold of Jack Arnold Companies for his sophisticated style and expertise in European design; Brian Freese of Freese Architecture, who focuses on beautiful, lasting and livable designs; John Duvall of Duvall Atelier, who can handle complete homes, restaurants, bars and single room makeovers; and Richard Winn Architects DBA TWO Architecture, which provides thoughtful, design-focused architectural services.
In Oklahoma City, voters choose the expertise of Hans E. Butzer of Butzer Architects and Urbanism, with recent projects including the Johnson Space Center Lunar Research Lab; Bruce Bockus of Bockus Payne Architecture, who views architecture as a responsive art form requiring collaboration; and Fitzsimmons Architects, which helps clients from initial design to final completion in an array of industries.
In Tulsa, winners include KKT Architects, which serves the healthcare, education, non-profit and hospitality sectors, among others; JCJ Architecture, P.C., operating with a mission to provide design solutions that enhance the built environment; TriArch, a Native-owned firm which creates purpose-driven buildings; and 1Architecture, staffed with hands-on, engaged experts ready to create functional spaces.
In OKC, voters choose Rand Elliott of Rand Elliott Architects, who has won nearly 400 awards for architectural excellence; Renaissance Architecture, which staffs architects, planners and interior designers; and Prime Architects, which is veteran-owned with a focus on commercial and government architecture services.
Bathroom Fixtures
Finding the right fixtures can transform a bathroom.
In Tulsa, DIY designers and pros alike choose the wide array of inventory found at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting; Home Hardware for its competitive pricing; Tulsa Winnelson, which combines selection of a large supplier with customer service of a local store; Heatwave Supply, which sells faucets, sinks, shower heads and toilets; and Pierpont’s Bath & Kitchen, which has been providing quality bathroom hardware since 1988.
In OKC, voters also trust Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting; alongside Architectural Hardware Designs, locally owned with dozens of brands; and Reece Bath and Kitchen, which sells the latest trends as well as the classics.
Cabinetry
When you’re looking to upgrade a room, the right cabinets make all the difference.
Tulsans vote up Sullivan’s Custom Cabinetry for its knowledgeable employees and competitive pricing; Mill Creek Lumber for its trusted reputation and top-of-the-line offerings; and Elite Cabinets, which provides innovative products for any room.
In OKC, voters trust OKC Cabinets for its expert carpentry and top-notch service; Classic Kitchens, which has provided timely and personalized services for over 25 years; and Suburban Cabinet Shop, dedicated to excellent service and quality since 1959.
JCJ Architecture, P.C., TUL; photo by Chipper Hatter
Designer Home Furnishings
If you’re in the midst of a home renovation, designer home furnishing stores can help.
Tulsans head to SR Hughes for its array of inventory, from antiques to housewares and art; Duvall Atelier for its diverse portfolio and curated, luxurious offerings; Lance Cheney Richard Neel Home, which provides everything from bookcases and consoles to side tables and interior design consults; Matters of Design, a luxury dealer showroom with great customer service; and TA Lorton, a full service interior design studio and purveyor of artisan home goods.
In OKC, Scissortail Marketplace earns votes for its antiques and wares; as does Mister Robert Fine Furniture and Design, which boasts nearly 70 years in the business.
Electrical Service
When disaster strikes, electrical service companies are ready to save the day.
Tulsans trust Gilley Electric and its 24/7 residential and commercial electrical services; Aspen Electric, which handles commercial, residential and emergency services; Firefly Electricians, which boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau; Houchin Electric Co., which offers technical expertise and excellent customer service; and Harp Services, which has served the Tulsa area for nearly 40 years.
In OKC, voters trust Osborne Electric Co. to keep the lights on with its dedicated employees; Delco Electric, an OKC electric mainstay since 1979; and Ritchie Electric, which can help with residential or commercial construction, remodels, upgrades and repairs.
Flooring Company, Carpet
Carpet companies can help transform your spaces.
In Tulsa, voters enjoy Grigsby’s Carpet, Tile and Hardwood for its free estimates and array of promotions; C & C Tile and Carpet Co. for its vast and top-quality inventory; and Bert Henry Carpet & Tile which offers a team of dedicated experts.
In OKC, voters support Mill Creek Carpet and Tile for its premium products; Smith Carpet and Tile for its excellent customer service; and Star Flooring, which provides the highest quality in both products and services.
Flooring Company, Hardwood
Hardwood flooring companies focus on providing top-notch offerings.
Renaissance Hardwood Floors earns Tulsa votes for its award-winning hardwood floors, ceilings and tables; Grigsby’s Carpet, Tile and Hardwood receives kudos for its array of offerings and resources; and Empire Hardwood Floors is a top contender for its classic offerings and tempting specials.
In OKC, Don’s Floor Gallery earns high praise for its various wood options; Floor & Decor for its competitive pricing and top-quality products; and Bryan’s Flooring, which is one of OKC’s premier floor covering showplaces.
Flooring Company, Tile and Stone
Those hoping to change their spaces with tile and stone are covered in Oklahoma.
Tulsans trust C & C Tile and Carpet Co., which carries flooring options to suit any taste; TileStone Distributors, a premium supplier of worldwide unique stone and tile; Stonecraft International, which offers natural, quarried granite without the price tag; and Pacific Shore Stones, which sells natural stones like granite, quartz and travertine.
stone; Miller’s Floor Store for its impeccable customer service and inventory; and Midwest Tile Marble and Granite, Inc., which has a a mission to provide the best possible products at the lowest costs.
Furniture Store
From major purchases like couches to smaller buys like side tables, furniture stores have it all.
Tulsans trust Mathis Home for its inventory and top-of-the-line customer service; North Carolina Furniture Mart for its competitive pricing, expert customer service and convenient payment plans; and Ashley Furniture, which offers items for every room of the home.
In OKC, voters support repeat winner Mathis Home; as well as the stunning selection at Galleria Furniture; and the luxurious options at West Elm
Heating and Air
With temperatures hitting the extremes, it’s a must to have a great heating/air provider.
OKC voters turn to Classic Tile Stone and Marble for its curated selection of porcelain, ceramic, cement and
Across the state, voters trust Air Comfort Solutions, which boasts a reliable reputation for high-quality HVAC, plumbing and electrical services; Tulsans vote up Air Assurance, which has kept Oklahoma comfortable for 40 years; and Tulsans support Hendrick Heat, Air and Plumbing, whose mission is to make its customers’ lives better through world-class service.
Home Builder/Remodeler
Making your house into a home starts with home builders and remodelers.
Tulsans look to Powers Design and Build, which boasts over 1,500 com-
Brian Freese – Freese Architecture, TUL; photo by Charles Davis Smith
Hoffman Group, OKC
choctaw
choctaw casino sky tower
pleted projects and an emphasis on client collaboration; Brian D. Wiggs Homes, which creates custom homes with services including remodels and full designs; Austin Edgar of Austin Lee Construction, who is well known for achieving customer satisfaction with a keen eye for details; Executive Homes, Oklahoma’s largest premium homebuilder; and Trebilcock Construction, which creates premium homes on time and within budget.
In Oklahoma, voters trust Hoffman Group, which boasts 50 years of exceptional work as a family-owned and operated company; Paul Little Construction, which earns praise for its quality craftsmanship; and Remodeling Concepts, which offers services from room additions to bathroom remodels.
Home Security
Helping clients feel safe is a key priority for home security companies.
Tulsans enjoy the vast options and customer service at Alert 360, which boasts over 20,000 positive reviews; Advance
Alarms, which provides peace of mind with its free Advance security analysis; and Guardian Protection, which offers an array of home/business security systems.
In OKC, voters also trust Alert 360; along with Cox Communications, which offers home security and home automation options; and ADT Security Services, a trusted source for home security since 1874.
In-Home Video/Audio
If you’re ready to add some technical upgrades to your home, in-home audio/ video companies can help.
Tulsans support Video Revolution for its 70+ years of combined experience, alongside its large inventory of televisions and home theater goodies; Kazar Security for its high-quality product lines and team of experts; and Phōs, which helps customers create remarkable experiences.
In OKC, voters support Audio Midwest, which can help with custom car systems as well as home theaters; and Vox Audio Visual, a full-service audio/visual company that excels at complex AV installations and audio engineering.
Interior Designer
Interior designers can revitalize homes and offices.
Tulsans vote up Jill Croka Designs for her ease in every genre of design, alongside her exacting scale and unexpected silhouettes; Jimmy Steinmeyer of Easton-Steinmeyer & Associates, who keeps his finger
on the pulse of design trends while creating timeless spaces; Duvall Atelier, which offers a full-service experience for architecture, interior design and home goods; and Lance Cheney Richard Neel Home, whose team works closely with clients to achieve their design dreams.
In OKC, voters support Carson Sees of Sees Design, who began his firm over 40 years ago and works to bring client visions to life; Amber McCullough Design, which focuses on thoughtfully curated and functional spaces; and Molly Cooke Interiors, which is a full-service residential/commercial interior design firm.
Kitchen Designer
The right kitchen is crucial in creating one’s dream home.
In Tulsa, Kitchens by Powers Design and Build believes the kitchen is the heart of the home and the team transforms dated spaces into those tailored to your specific needs; Kitchen Ideas offers a knowledgeable staff that can tackle a comprehensive remodeling process; and Imperial Kitchens and Baths earns kudos for helping Tulsans create their dream kitchens with top-quality products.
OKC voters lean on the expertise found at Classic Kitchens; the quality craftsmanship and customer service at Edmond Kitchen, Bath, Home; and the emphasis on collaboration and high-quality offerings at Urban Kitchens.
Landscape Designer
Your front yard can make a great first impression, and your backyard can be a true haven of relaxation with the right landscape designer.
In Tulsa, Elm Creek Landscape and De-
Sullivan’s Custom Cabinetry, TUL
Caviness Landscape Design, OKC
Renaissance Hardwood Floors, TUL
sign offers services including landscape design, outdoor lighting installation, sprinkler relocation and lawn maintenance; Kingdom Landscape can design, plant and construct a variety of outdoor installations; and Oklahoma Landscape aims to transform ordinary landscapes into distinctive works of art.
In OKC, Caviness Landscape Design earns kudos for its landscape design, swimming pool installations, water features and stone work; TLC Garden Centers offers everything from custom potting to full-service pick and plants; and Schindler Design Co. creates luxurious outdoor spaces, with pool installs, landscaping and consultations.
Lawn, Garden and Indoor Plant Store/Plant Nursery
Whether you need gardening tools or seeds, plant stores and nurseries have you covered.
In Tulsa, voters trust Sanders Nursery for its competitive pricing, extensive selection and knowledgeable staff; Southwood for its tempting sales and vast array of mulch and garden essentials; Hardscape Materials for its friendly team and big inventory; and Cohlmia’s for its premier interior plants.
In OKC, TLC Garden Centers earns praise for its 15,000 square feet of greenhouses and 10 acres of plants; Calvert’s Plant Interiors for its bevy of live plants, outdoor wares and patioscapes; and Marcum’s Nursery for its ample resources to nail any gardening project.
Lighting Store/Indoor and Outdoor Lighting
The right lighting piece can take a room from good to great.
In Tulsa, lighting pros visit Garbe’s
Lighting for its vast selection of pendants, sconces and lamps; Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting for its approachable team and top-quality lighting; and Oklahoma Lighting Distributors, which can help Tulsans with any and all lighting needs.
In OKC, Hunzicker Lighting Gallery earns kudos for its emphasis on integrity and quality craftsmanship; and voters also support repeat winner Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting
Paint Store
Whether it’s a major project or a small activity, paint stores can help.
Voters around Oklahoma choose Spectrum Paint for its quality and selection; Tulsa voters enjoy the local touch and customer service at Elder Paint and Wallpaper; and all voters trust the pristine colors and ample selections at Sherwin-Williams.
Plumbing Service
Skilled plumbing companies are here to save the day.
Tulsans enjoy the full-service, 24/7 offerings at Mullin Plumbing; the variety of inventory at Allied Plumbing Supply; the expertise in installation, repair, and cleaning at Williams Plumbing; and the reliable, speedy service at Roto-Rooter
Oklahoma City voters trust the honesty and integrity at Cherokee Plumbing; as well as the services and friendly staff at Plumb Genius.
Pool Designer
Pools are a major investment, so it’s crucial to partner with the top designers.
In Tulsa, voters choose Baker Pools, which blends creativity and expertise to create breathtaking spaces; Vista Pools and Outdoor Living, which constructs both gunite and fiberglass pools; and Dolphin Pools & Spas, which earns praise for its family-owned status and variety of aquatic options.
In OKC, Caviness Landscape Design melds passion, integrity and craftsmanship to create outdoor spaces you’ll never want to leave; Blue Haven Pools and Spas offers pools to fit your lifestyle and budget; and Prestige Pools & Spas specializes in pool renovations, maintenance and installation.
Real Estate Company
Whether buying or selling, real estate companies and agents are your partners in the process.
Tulsa voters choose Chinowth & Cohen Realtors, which has multiple offices across the state and knowledgeable agents ready to help; Walter & Associates, which provides its clients with detailed knowledge of a variety of Tulsa neighborhoods; Keller Williams Realty, which has over 200,000 associates plus expertise in all facets of real estate; McGraw Realtors, which has been in business since 1938 and can help you find your dream home; and Coldwell Banker, which boasts $243 billion in sales since its founding in 1906.
In OKC, voters also trust repeat winners Chinowth & Cohen Realtors; as well as Keller Williams Realty; alongside Engel & Völkers, a citywide leader in luxury real estate.
Roofer
Finding the right roofer can save time, money and stress.
Tulsans vote up A-Best Roofing, which touts a team of professional roofers and quality customer service; RainTech Roofing, which has spent the last 20 years helping Tulsans protect their properties; T-Town Roofing, which offers cost-effective and time-sensitive solutions; Elliott Roofing, a go-to roofing expert for both residential and commercial options; and Conrad’s Roofing, which emphasizes reputation, reliability and results in all projects.
OKC voters also trust repeat winner Elliott Roofing; alongside the affordable and quality craftsmanship at Champion Roofing; and the financing options and quality care found at Basey’s Roofing
Chinowth & Cohen Realtors, TUL & OKC
KKT Architects, TUL
S I E C R E V S
Accounting Firm
When it comes to handling your financials, you should turn to the experts.
Voters across Oklahoma choose HoganTaylor for their ability to answer even the most complex financial questions; as well as Eide Bailly, which assists its clients in optimizing financial performance to achieve full independence.
Airline
Whether you’re flying for work or pleasure, the right airline can make all the difference.
Voters around Oklahoma choose American Airlines for its customer service and extensive route coverage; Delta Airlines for its robust loyalty program and in-flight amenities; and United Airlines for its commitment to safety and sustainability.
Assisted Living Center
When it’s time to move on to the next chapter of life, certain assisted living centers are a cut above.
Tulsans trust Covenant Living at Inverness for its highly trained staff, myriad amenities and community-style living; Montereau for its ample dining options, activities and campus; Senior Star for its compassionate team and transformative experiences; Zarrow Pointe for its emphasis on helping residents live life on their own terms; and Town Village, which offers a variety of activities, plus a coffee shop and community events.
Brian Freese Architecture, TUL
In Oklahoma City, voters turn to Bellevue Health and Rehabilitation Center for its compassionate workers and delicious dining; Village on the Park for its independent and assisted living alongside memory care; and Legend at Jefferson’s Garden, which offers the right amount of personalized support to enhance independence.
Attorney
During a stressful time in life, nothing can help more than a great attorney.
In Tulsa, voters choose Anthony Gorospe of Gorospe Law Group, who specializes in personal injury and is known for always putting the client first; Michael Barkett and Rusty Smith of Smith Barkett
Law Group, who have nearly 50 years of combined experience as trial lawyers specializing in serious injury and wrongful death cases; Clark Brewster of Brewster & De Angelis, who focuses on criminal defense, personal injury and medical malpractice, reaching successful verdicts in a bevy of cases; and Donald Smolen of Smolen Law, who focuses his work on catastrophic tort, worker’s compensation and insurance bad faith.
In OKC, voters turn to Mark E. Hammons of Hammons, Hurst and Associates, who is the former president of the Oklahoma Employment Lawyers Association and specializes in employment law; Jim Buxton of Buxton Law Group, who tackles auto and truck accidents and insurance bad faith cases; and David A. Walls PLLC, who handles everything from oil and gas law to conflict resolution and estate planning.
Auto/Tire Shop
Finding the right auto shop can take a car situation from stressful to a breeze.
Across the state, voters choose Robertson Tire for its vast inventory and knowl-
Toni's Flowers and Gifts, TUL
edgeable staff; Hibdon Tires Plus for its speedy and efficient service; and Discount Tire for its top-notch deals.
Auto Collision Repair Shop
From small dings to total rebuilds, auto repair shops have Oklahoma drivers covered.
In Tulsa, voters turn to Joe Hudson’s Collision Center for headlight restoration and paintless dent repairs; Gerber Collision & Glass, which provides free repair estimates and deductible financing; and Karoll Martin Paint & Body, an independent auto shop that prides itself on honest pricing.
In OKC, voters head to Bob Moore Collision Repair for its highly trained staff and tow trucks available 24/7; Oklahoma Body Works, which has been in business for over thirty years; and Hammer and Dolly, which offers glass replacements, dent repairs and lifetime warranties.
Bank
Where you choose to keep your money can directly impact your financial success.
Tulsans vote up Bank of Oklahoma, which establishes relationships between team members and clients, and financial decisions are based solely on your finance objectives; Regent Bank, which has a mission to become a cornerstone of the communities it serves by empowering businesses and individuals; Arvest Bank, which focuses on the customer and their needs above all else; BancFirst, which is Oklahoma’s largest state chartered bank with more than $11.4 billion in assets; Vast
Bank, which blends high-tech innovation with high-touch service; and Mabrey Bank, which provides clients with tailored personal and business banking with numerous branches and ATMs.
Savvy OKC voters turn to First Fidelity Bank, which handles personal, commercial and small business banking and wealth management; MidFirst Bank, the largest privately owned bank in the nation with nearly $40 billion in assets; alongside repeat winners Bank of Oklahoma; and BancFirst.
Caterer
Holiday party? Wedding? Business conference? Caterers in Oklahoma can help.
Tulsans support Justin Thompson Catering, an award-winning company that offers a bevy of hors d’oeuvres, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert and platter options; Aila’s Catering Events, which offers superior ingredients and stunning displays; ExpoSERVE, which dishes up first-class customer service and tasty options; and Andolini’s Catering, whose delicious menu items can transform any event.
In Oklahoma City, Abbey Road Catering earns kudos for its excellent service and delicious menu options; Ned’s Catering for its value and competitive pricing; and Harris Custom Catering, which provides exquisite meals, flawless service and personalized tablescapes.
CEO
Company CEOs set the tone for their businesses, lead by example and provide wise guidance.
Tulsans vote up Paula Marshall of Bama Companies, who has helped to expand her food products supplier busi-
ness while remaining involved in a variety of community impact/philanthropic efforts; Bob Funk – co-founder and executive chairman of the board for Express Employment Professionals – who believes that human resources is a staffing ministry, and aims to help all job-seekers reach their potentials; and Gary Fields of AAON, who guides the company’s strategic opportunities to improve its position in the marketplace with 40+ years of experience.
In OKC, voters appreciate the leadership style and innovative nature of Bill Cameron at Cameron Enterprises; the expertise and dedication to the business of Chad Richison at Paycom; and Lee Symcox, who leads First Fidelity Bank with passion, enthusiasm and commitment to creating a healthy work environment for all.
Company to Work For
Oklahoma is home to a variety of effective, innovative companies that take care of their employees and their clients.
In Tulsa, Saint Francis Health System earns top marks for its passionate leaders, healthy work culture and competitive pay; ONEOK is praised for its emphasis on work-life balance and ample advancement opportunities; and Williams Companies joins the elite ranks for its remarkable benefits and collaborative culture.
In OKC, Paycom wins over OKC employees for its higher-than-industry standard pay, competitive benefits and its leadership team; OU Health is a front-runner for its cooperative environment, job security and competitive benefits; and First Fidelity Bank earns praise for its employee-centered work culture and supportive leadership.
Bama Companies, TUL
Rusty Smith
Michael L. Barkett
Construction Company
Construction companies are changing the Oklahoma skyline.
Tulsan voters choose Manhattan Construction Group, a privately-held firm that offers everything from general building to civil works and pipeline services; Crossland Construction Company for its community focus and expertise in preconstruction, construction management and contracting; Ross Group, which helps clients on every step of the journey – from development to engineering and construction; Flintco, which boasts eight offices nationwide and an unrelenting focus on quality, safety, cost and schedule; Thompson Construction, which is a minorityowned, award-winning company that operates with its clients’ best interests at heart; and Nabholz Construction Corp., which tackles everything from construction to machinery moving, special projects and millwork.
OKC voters also support repeat winners Crossland Construction Company; Flintco; and Nabholz Construction Corp.
Credit Union
For a hometown feel and personalized service, Oklahomans turn to credit unions.
Tulsans vote up Tinker Federal Credit Union for its services from home loans and investment guidance to insurance and general banking; TTCU Federal Credit Union for its competitive loan rates and top-notch service; WeStreet Credit Union for its client focus, helpful resources and supportive atmosphere; and Communication Federal Credit Union for its financial education offerings and commitment to providing the
best possible value.
OKC voters also trust repeat winners Tinker Federal Credit Union; and Communication Federal Credit Union; alongside WEOKIE Federal Credit Union, which aims to be your total financial partner for any and every goal.
Dry Cleaners/Laundry
No matter the issue, dry cleaners in Oklahoma are ready to help.
Tulsans vote up the efficiency of Phoenix Cleaners; the competitive pricing at Yale Cleaners; and the expert service at Fox Cleaners
OKC voters love the array of offerings at Nichols Hills Cleaners; the ample locations of American Cleaners; and the local touch of Legacy Cleaners
Energy Company
Energy companies pioneer a bright future.
In Tulsa, Williams Companies handles one third of all the natural gas in the U.S., with a focus on providing reliable, low-cost carbon energy to Oklahoma and beyond; Public Service Company of Oklahoma strives to be its clients’ partner in energy, committed to putting the customer first with unmatched service; and ONE Gas provides natural gas distribution services to more than 2.3 million customers in the region.
In OKC, OG&E Energy Corp. offers innovative energy solutions to residents and businesses with a focus on environmental stewardship; Expand Energy works diligently to fuel a more affordable, reliable and lower carbon future; and Continental Resources is a proudly independent
energy company that plays a critical role in the world’s energy successes.
Engineering Company
Engineers ensure safe, functional and beautiful infrastructure for Oklahomans.
In Tulsa, Wallace Design Collective is dedicated to the art of possibility, assembling an expert team of architects, engineers, technicians and support personnel; Garver is employee-owned and focuses on everything from aviation and transportation to wastewater services; Ross Group tackles everything from gas processing and liquid handling to petrochemical refining; and CEC is a multi-service engineering firm that thrives through its employee-client relationships and collaboration.
OKC voters also turn to repeat winner Garver; alongside Parkhill, established with a mission to build community through inventive built environments; CEC, a repeat winner; and FSB Architects + Engineers, which has been named Firm of the Year by AIA Central Oklahoma five times.
Event or Party Planner
Whether it’s a work function, wedding or fundraiser, Oklahoma party planners tackle it all.
In Tulsa, TPC Studios puts creativity to work and has planned some of Tulsa’s biggest events, including Mental Health Association’s Carnivale; Farthing Events curates timeless, beautiful events with creative flair and elegance; and Nicole
Cherokee Nation, Catoosa
Covenant Living at Inverness, TUL
Heidi McMurray
“We may begin our journey in real estate, but my goal is to end as friends!”
Wi th Heidi as your partner in real estate, ALL roads lead to home. Offering over three decades of experience and successes, Heidi has accumulated over $60 million in recent production as a solo agent – often out-producing entire realty teams. She continues to be a top-tier expert in both commercial & residential markets, meeting the needs of her clients, buyers and sellers alike.
Recently, Heidi became the host of The American Dream TV – a Telly and Emmy award winning broadcast. She showcases selling Oklahoma, interviewing local businesses, entrepreneurs and families who are making our state a coveted place to live their American Dream.
Heidi’s expertise is vast, ranging from new construction and resale to renovations and interior design. Working with a wide variety of clientele, she consistently achieves Top Agent awards for production volume in properties sold.
A trusted guide, Heidi harbors a keen understanding of microeconomic factors impacting the Oklahoma markets including shifting realty values, mortgage rate and finance options, hot selling metro locations and consumer motivations.
“It is difficult for locals to imagine how much our market is changing, but Tulsa is becoming a rockstar choice amongst families across the U.S. We are experiencing historical growth – a reverse migration back to the Heartland,” she says.
Continuously offering her time and energy, Heidi boasts an extensive professional network streamlining the sales process from the early stages of preparing
to list, with proven results at the closing table. She is dedicated to a seamless experience, lifting the many stressors which accompany making a big local or outof-state move.
Heidi strives for a five-star day at the closing table, which she achieves through her sharp ability to negotiate and her passion for exceeding expectations.
“I love people and to serve families; there is nothing more rewarding than to watch dreams unfold and people’s lives change for the better – there’s NO place like HOME!” she explains
Whether that dream is to live in South Tulsa or Midtown, or enjoy sprawling acreage where “the wind comes sweeping down the plains,” Heidi’s desire is to make her client’s dream come true.
Heidi received her bachelor’s degree in business from Oral Roberts University and after graduating, got her Oklahoma license in 1991.
Allen Events earns kudos for its seamless consulting, planning and coordination.
In OKC, Aisle Be With You can assist with everything from engagement parties to baby showers; Factor 110 is a clientfocused, community-driven firm that has won numerous awards; and PartyBox presents clients with corporate entertainment, audio-visual production and DJ services.
Florist
From romantic bouquets to birthday surprises, florists curate beautiful creations.
Toni’s Flowers and Gifts is a reliable and dynamic Tulsa florist with a vast inventory as well as homegoods; Mary Murray’s Flowers can create a bouquet to fit every taste and budget; and Mrs. DeHaven’s will dazzle with its myriad flower combinations.
In OKC, Cheever’s Flowers has been creating top-quality bouquets since 1927; Tony Foss Flowers offers flowers for any occasion and provides delivery; and Kane Floral Design handles everything from floral installations to flower subscriptions.
Funeral Service
In trying times, funeral services work to ease pain and handle logistics.
In Tulsa, Moore Funeral Homes & Crematory creates meaningful experiences and guides families through tough times; Stanleys Funeral and Cremation Service has offered its farewells done well since 1909; Ninde Funeral & Cremation provides burial, cremation, eulogy, obituary and funeral services; and Floral Haven
Funeral Home works to illuminate paths to peace with personalized ceremonies.
In OKC, Hahn-Cook Street & Draper Funeral Directors is a full-service provider, including video production, outdoor funeral planning and flower arrangements; Smith & Kernke Funeral Home & Crematory is a family-owned business that prides itself on a strong community reputation; and Mercer-Adams Funeral Service has served the OKC community since 1997 and offers grief resources and flower deliveries.
Hair Salon
Getting a great haircut, color or style can truly amplify your confidence.
In Tulsa, Michael Brothers Hair can handle everything from simple cuts to complex colorings; Blo Blow Dry Bar offers stunning blow outs, hair extensions and color treatments; and Cypress Avenue Salon boasts trained, professional stylists to handle any hair-related request.
In OKC, Eden Salon & Spa’s offerings range from haircuts to color enhancement and repairs; Velvet Monkey is a womanowned salon that provides waxings, massages and nail services; and Urban Mode Salon can tackle virtually any hair service you could want.
Higher Education
Oklahoma offers a bevy of excellent higher education opportunities.
The University of Oklahoma, alongside offering 170 academic programs and producing over $416 million in research expenditures, was recently ranked as having the top media program in the country for its Gaylord College of Journalism by the Broadcast Education Association; Oklahoma State University, which ranked No. 1 in value and academics in Oklahoma by Niche in 2024, offers 300+ majors and minors and block rate tuition, making it easier for students to graduate debt-free; and the University of Central Oklahoma offers a career development center, free peer tutoring and a variety of academic specialties to ensure students are prepared for life after college.
Home/Auto/Life Insurance
Insurance grants people peace of mind when disaster strikes.
American Fidelity Assurance Co. of-
fers an array of insurance plans alongside benefits education resources; State Farm provides insurance for virtually every facet of life at competitive rates; and Allstate ensures you’re “in good hands” with excellent customer service and a variety of insurance-related resources.
Investment Firm
Investment takes patience, courage and the right firm to help.
Merrill offers straightforward insights and the ability to invest online or with an advisor in-person; Fidelity Investments provides a tailored plan to suit the goals and resources of each client; Charles Schwab offers a modern approach to investing; Prime Wealth Management Ameriprise excels in one-to-one financial advice, personalized recommendations and anytime access; and Morgan Stanley earns praise for its varied services to individuals, institutions and government entities.
Law Firm
Oklahoma teems with established law firms ready to help their clients.
In Tulsa, Barrow & Grimm is a fullservice firm, with expertise in employment and labor law, commercial law, civil litigation and more, and several of its attorneys have been nationally recognized for their work; Latham Keele Lehman boasts lawyers who have tackled 300+ jury trials, consistently reaching successful verdicts, settlements and appeals; Conner & Winters has been providing top-notch legal services to Oklahomans for 90 years, serving the aviation, construction and real estate
Thompson Construction, TUL
Wallace Design Collective, TUL
industries; Jones Gotcher Attorneys & Counselors places emphasis on practicing law with integrity, handling cases in family law, insurance defense and estate planning; and Norman Wohlgemuth Attorneys at Law excels through its dynamic, aggressive and client-focused services in high-conflict divorce, high-profile criminal proceedings and more.
In OKC, The Handley Law Center focuses on personal injury and criminal law, combining courthouse experience and a client-first mentality; White & Weddle, P.C. is committed to personal attention for each client and handles cases involving insurance bad faith, education and wrongful death; McIntyre Law has won over half of a billion dollars for its myriad clients in cases ranging from car and motorcycle accidents to class action law suits; Chubbuck, Duncan & Robey, P.C. is the comprehensive defense counsel option for Oklahomans, handling cases in insurance defense/coverage, personal injury and auto accident litigation; and Cunningham & Mears tackles a variety of personal injury cases with a skilled and passionate team.
Manufacturing/Industrial/ Distribution Company
Manufacturing and distribution companies are the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy.
In Tulsa, AAON is a premier HVAC manufacturer that is dedicated to advancing the industry with efficient, cutting-edge technology for a more sustainable future; Ditch Witch manufactures and sells underground construction equipment with ample resources for its client base; and
Fabricut is one of the largest distributors of decorative fabrics and wholesale fabrics in the world.
In OKC, Airgas supplies industrial, medical and specialty gases alongside safety products, tools and hardware; Kimray, Inc. is an oil and gas control equipment manufacturer with an emphasis on efficient, zero-emission control solutions; and Delco Electric is OKC’s premier electrical contractor, in business since 1979.
Moving Service
Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, finding the right moving service matters.
Around the state, Two Men and a Truck earns high praise for its efficient and friendly movers and competitive rates; Murphy Jones Moving in Tulsa is a winner for its organization, friendliness and speedy service; and OKC’s 2 Fellas Moving Company offers fast, affordable and flexible moving solutions, as well as dumpster rentals and junk haul-offs.
Realtor
Real estate agents can transform the home buying/selling experience.
In Tulsa, Peter Walter of Walter & Associates is an expert in Tulsa neighborhoods, with over two decades of experience; Blake Loveless of Walter & Associates has worked at the firm since 1997 and can handle a variety of real estate transactions; Heidi McMurray of Keller Williams Realty works diligently to ensure all clients are able to find their dream homes or sell at or
above asking price; and Marlene O’Malley of Walter & Associates excels through her hard work, accessibility and commitment to client success.
In OKC, Joy Baresel of Engel & Völkers specializes in historic and luxury properties; Leesa Williams of Keller Williams Realty combines tenacity, responsiveness and kindness to help her clients succeed; and Mandy Renee of Chinowth & Cohen Realtors is excited to assist all clients through various stages of life.
Retirement Community
Oklahoma’s retirement communities welcome new residents with open arms.
In Tulsa, Covenant Living at Inverness offers 190 scenic acres on their beautiful campus, alongside ample living options including apartments, cottages and garden homes; Senior Star acts as a beacon of luxury and compassion, elevating senior living; and Montereau provides vibrant and purposeful living for life’s third act with a variety of activities and amenities including a wellness center.
In OKC, The Mansions at Waterford Assisted Living operates with a mission to provide care, personalized service and rewarding experiences tailored to each resident’s individual needs; Epworth Villa believes that community and friendship can be life-changing; and Spanish Cove Retirement Village boasts everything from housekeeping and linen services to scheduled transportation and social clubs.
Staffing Agency
Whether you’re looking for a job or a reliable employee, staffing agencies can help.
Across the state, Express Employment Professionals earns high praise for its ability to match qualified job seekers with top-
quality employment; Key Personnel has been an employment mainstay since 1978 and can help out in a variety of industries, from industrial and medical staffing to clerical work; and Robert Half offers jobseekers and employers alike the solutions they need to do their best work yet.
Transportation Company
Transportation companies provide crucial goods and services to consumers nationwide.
Melton Truck Lines is a premier flatbed trucking company known for treating its drivers like family and providing customized solutions; Private Jets, Inc. provides chartered jet flights to private and business travelers with an emphasis on quality and safety; and Miller Truck Lines is a familyowned and operated company whose mission is to provide world-class service to customers and drivers.
Tribal Enterprise
Oklahoma would not be the powerhouse it is today without the impact and contributions of our Native nations and their business enterprises.
The Cherokee Nation boasts Cherokee Nation Businesses, which aims to promote the economic wellbeing of the Nation by delivering unmatched value to the customers, clients, communities and markets it serves; Muscogee Nation offers ample business dealings that positively impact the Nation and the state at large, helping advance economic and technical development; and Osage Nation’s tribal enterprises cover a wide range of industries with the goal to deliver prosperity to its people, its partners and the state.
Chickasaw Nation’s multiple business enterprises strengthen the2 fabric of the state, with the
recent addition of the OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark in OKC; the Choctaw Nation offers business subsidiaries in industries ranging from hospitality to gaming, real estate and business development; Citizen Potawatomi Nation works diligently to preserve its history and culture through ample business enterprises that boost Oklahoma’s economy; and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma uses its myriad businesses to unite its people, increase Oklahoma’s bottom line, and help build a strong legacy.
Veterinarian/ Animal Hospital
When a medical emergency strikes, turn to the best veterinarians in Oklahoma.
In Tulsa, Woodland West Animal Hospital earns praise for its knowledgeable medical professionals and efficient service; VCA Woodland Central Animal Hospital receives kudos for its wellness plans and competitive pricing; and Jenks Veterinary Hospital offers a compassionate staff, accessibility and medical expertise.
In OKC, Quail Creek Veterinary wins votes for its AAHA-accredited, full-service hospital offerings; Nichols Hills Pet Clinic’s staff is as dedicated to your pet’s health as you are; and Midwest Veterinary Hospital wins over pet owners with its high quality care.
Crossland Construction Company, TUL & OKC
H E T E LLNESS H A & W L
Aesthetician
A great aesthetician helps inner and outer beauty shine.
In Tulsa, Cassie Zanovich of Midtown Dermatology excels in everything from chemical peels to laser hair removal; Leigh DeLucca of Utica Square Skin Care handles dermaplaning, facials and more; and Gabriel Horn of Uplifting Skincare aims to repair, revive and rejuvenate with a variety of services.
In OKC, Josie O’Bleness is Radiance Medical Aesthetics’ lead medical aesthetician and can handle all aesthetic treatments; Vanessa Smith of LOU LOU Med Spa boasts a decade of experience and takes continuing education courses to stay sharp; and Suzanne Kelley of Bella Strada Salon offers waxing and various skin care services.
Allergist/Allergy Clinic
Whether you can’t stop sneezing or need assistance with asthma, allergists can help.
Allergy Clinic of Tulsa helps patients with a variety of health issues, including food allergies and asthma; Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose and Throat offers compassionate ENT care for patients of all ages; and Allergy Asthma & Immunology Center provides expert relief for everything from immune conditions to asthma.
In OKC, Oklahoma Allergy & Asthma Clinic is dedicated to the treatment of food allergies, pollen allergies and more; and Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Research Center has been offering its allergy, asthma and clinical research studies since 1987.
Cancer Center
Cancer is a scary diagnosis, but centers around Oklahoma are dedicated to treating the disease.
Around the state, voters choose OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, which is one of only 32 centers that have achieved Lead Academic Participating Sites (LAPS) status in NCI’s National Clinical Trials Network; Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, which is the largest physician-owned oncology network in Oklahoma; and Oklahoma Proton Center, which offers less radiation and uses the latest technologies to increase precision and limit side effects.
Chiropractor
From chronic pain to quick adjustments, chiropractors have you covered.
In Tulsa, Reactivate Chiropractic & Rehab offers services including massage therapy, joint injections and orthotics; Fike Chiropractic & Acupuncture earns kudos for its client-centric approach and passion for helping people reach their goals; and 918 Chiropractic aims to get their clients well-adjusted for life, health and the future.
In OKC, Doyle Chiropractic has offered unparalleled chiropractic care to the community since 2009; The Joint Chiropractic offers services including spinal exams and adjustments; and Hill Chiropractic Clinic can assist with corrective exercises, adjustments, physical therapy and back pain.
Cosmetic/Family Dentist
Dental health is integral to overall health, and Oklahoma harbors a bevy of skilled dentists.
In Tulsa, Dr. Matthew Walker and Dr. Brian Gosnell of Utica Dental offer services ranging from veneers and cosmetic dentistry to periodontal therapy and Invisalign; Dr. Dean Todd can tackle TMJ dysfunction, restorative dentistry and general dentistry; Dental Depot earns kudos for its wide array of offerings including emergency dental care, maxillofacial surgery and professional teeth whitening; and Dr. Mark Davis of Perfect Smile prioritizes people over numbers, meaning client care is tailored to suit individual dental needs.
In OKC, Classen Family Dentistry specializes in implants, dentures and general dentistry; OKC Dental Arts provides personalized cosmetic and restorative dentistry; and repeat winner Dental Depot also earns kudos from OKC voters.
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon
For major and minor cosmetic procedures, one should trust only the best plastic surgeons.
In Tulsa, Dr. Bryan Whitlock of Whitlock Cosmetic Center specializes in body, face and breast enhancement while also offering medical spa services; and Dr. Stephen M. Paulsen of Plastic Surgery Associates of Tulsa offers both invasive and non-invasive options including the Mommy Makeover and liposuction.
In OKC, Dr. Ivan Wayne of W Aesthetics is a premier facial aesthetic surgeon who performs everything from rhinoplasties to lip lifts, neck lifts and non-surgical procedures; Dr. Justin Jones of Jones Plastic Surgery can tackle procedures including CoolSculpting, breast lifts and cellulite treatment; and Dr. Derek Shadid of Shadid Plastic Surgery helps patients unveil their true beauty with aesthetic offerings and surgeries of the face, breast and body.
Dermatologist
Taking care of one’s skin not only helps in the aging process, but decreases the risk of many types of cancers. Dermatologists can be your partner in that effort.
In Tulsa, Tulsa Dermatology Clinic is staffed with board-certified dermatologists with over 125 years of combined experience; Midtown Dermatology offers both medical and surgical dermatology services for varying patient ages; and Southside Dermatology and Skin Cancer Surgery is the largest dermatologist office in northeastern Oklahoma with a full range of services for a variety of needs.
In OKC, Dr. Julie Lowe of Lowe Dermatology is a general dermatologist that treats eczema, psoriasis and acne; Dr. Kimberly Jerdan of Jerdan Dermatology & Laser Institute aims to set the standard for dermatological care with state-of-theart offerings; and Dr. Shelbi Hayes of SSM Health serves patients of varying ages and earns praise for her expertise and educational approach.
Gastroenterologist
When digestive issues arise, gastroenterologists can help relieve pain and find the core of the issue.
Voters across the state trust Dr. William Tierney of OU Health for his expertise in pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatic cysts; Gastroenterology Specialists Inc., earns kudos for its high-quality treatment by compassionate, knowledgeable physicians; and Dr. Neil Crittenden of Digestive Disease Specialists is another winner who is board certified in both gastroenterology and internal medicine and has training in colonoscopies and endoscopic mucosal resection of colon polyps.
Health Club/Gym
Oklahoma harbors top-notch health clubs and gyms to help you reach your fitness goals.
In Tulsa, YMCA of Greater Tulsa offers a bevy of classes, programs and camps for active exercisers of all ages; Health Zone at Saint Francis offers 70,000 square feet of top-of-line equipment with on-site childcare; Ascension St. John Siegfried Health Club delivers personalized wellness and fitness experiences including personal training and massage therapy; and Mid-
City Fitness fosters a welcoming environment for all fitness levels with both group and personal training.
In OKC, Four Star Fitness earns kudos for its 24/7 access to all eight locations; YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City aims to build better communities with its ample programming options; and Colaw Fitness presents personal training and top-of-theline equipment for people with a variety of fitness goals.
Health Insurance
Finding insurance can be complicated and intimidating, but with the right partner, you’ll lock in the coverage you need.
Across the state, BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma connects its clients with a vast network of physicians for optimum healthcare opportunities; CommunityCare provides competitive rates and expert customer service to tackle any claim; and United HealthCare earns praise for a vast array of plans and coverage tailored to individual needs.
Hearing Aid Provider
When hearing problems strike, Oklahomans need quality hearing aids.
In Tulsa, Audiology of Tulsa has been providing comprehensive hearing healthcare services since 1983; Clear-tone presents its clients with hearing tests, hearing aids and comprehensive consultations; and Gilbert’s Audiology makes your hearing health its top priority.
In OKC, Hearts for Hearing has services for children and adults alike, melding compassionate care and groundbreaking research; Audio Recovery has served Oklahomans for over 40 years and can assist with hearing loss, hearing aids, tinnitus and more; and Miracle-Ear offers free hearing evaluations and advanced hearing aid technology.
Home Health Service
Home health services offer peace of mind to patients and their families.
In OKC, Interim HealthCare is a pioneer in personalized home healthcare, meeting the needs of each unique client with compassion and precision; Oxford HealthCare in Tulsa aims to set standards of excellent in home healthcare with services ranging from medication management to personal care respite; and Visiting Angels across
Advanced Orthopedics, TUL
STEVEN R. SARKISIAN, JR., MD is the Founder and CEO of Oklahoma Eye Surgeons, PLLC and specializes in premium laser cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, or MIGS. Dr. Sarkisian is passionate about helping people get rid of their glasses by performing premium cataract surgery. He was the first surgeon in the state to perform the PanOptix trifocal lens, the iStent, iStent Inject, iStent Infinite, the XEN Gel Stent, and canaloplasty. He was the first in the USA to use the OMNI device and the first in the world to use the TRAB360 and VISCO 360 surgical systems, the predicate devices to the OMNI. He was also among the first in the world to perform the iDose sustained-release implant after FDA approval. In 2024, Dr. Sarkisian acquired the first Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT) device in Oklahoma,one of the first in the country.
Dr. Sarkisian is the former director of the glaucoma fellowship, and former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.
He obtained his undergraduate degree from Wheaton College, outside Chicago, IL, received a Certificate in Christian Studies from Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and completed a residency in Ophthalmology at the State University of New York (SUNY Downstate) in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a fellowship in glaucoma surgery at UT Memphis.
Due to his involvement in the development of new glaucoma technology, he has been active in presenting and publishing his work both in America and internationally. He co-authored the book “Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, a Practical Guide”.
Dr. Sarkisian currently serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (JCRS), and on the Editorial Board of Glaucoma Today, Glaucoma Physician, and Ophthalmology Management. Dr. Sarkisian is listed in Woodward/White’s Best Doctors in America and Castle and Connolly Top Doctors.
He and his wife Anne have four children and reside in Edmond, Oklahoma.
the state can help with tasks including errands, transportation, fall prevention and walking assistance.
Hospital
Whether it’s a medical emergency of a wellness checkup, Oklahoma’s hospitals are a step above.
In Tulsa, Saint Francis Hospital offers 1,112 beds and is widely known for its exemplary medical care, top-of-the-line technology and commitment to the communities it serves; Ascension St. John Medical Center has operated with the mission to serve northeastern Oklahoma with impeccable care for almost 100 years, with advanced specialty offerings in everything from cardiology to orthopedics; Tulsa ER and Hospital redefines emergency care with clinical services, pediatric care, imaging and lab work with drastically reduced wait times; and OSU Medical Center provides expert care in everything from cardiovascular medicine to rehabilitation, surgery, maternal child health and diagnostic imaging.
In OKC, INTEGRIS Health has won numerous national awards for its healthcare offerings and operates with a mission to partner with people to live healthier lives; OU Health aims to advance healthcare, medical education and research through its work, and is Oklahoma’s only Level 1 Trauma Center; and SSM Health St. Anthony provides top-of-the-line, compassionate and personalized care with health services ranging from A (addiction services) to X (x-rays).
Medical Spa
If you want a quick touch-up or a makeover, medical spas can help on your wellness journey.
Tulsa’s Fig Medical Spa presents its clients with everything from injectables to hair restoration, laser therapy and weight loss assistance, alongside monthly and holiday specials and competitive pricing; Utica Square Skin Care can assist with a wide range of medical spa treatments and has been creating skincare solutions for 30 years; and BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Center helps its clients to regain their confidence with services that focus on lasting results and tailored care.
OKC’s Radiance Medical Aesthetics of Oklahoma boasts 300+ 5 star reviews, combining top-of-the-line technology with
compassionate healthcare providers; LOU LOU Med Spa is dedicated to empowering its community through education on aesthetic treatments; and Advanced Aesthetics has served over 21,000 clients and performed over 250,000 procedures since its founding in 1997.
Nursing Home
When you’re in life’s third act, compassionate care and medical expertise at nursing homes can help ease the transition.
In Tulsa, Saint Simeon’s earns praise for its transparent pricing, four levels of healthcare and specialized Parkinson’s care; Forest Hills Assisted Living for its mission to provide a great place to call home with exceptional services for a broad range of needs; and University Village for its restorative nursing, physical therapy and pain management services.
OKC’s Bradford Village Healthcare Center provides therapy, nursing, dietary and physician services in a welcoming, compassionate environment; Bellevue Health and Rehabilitation Center offers both short- and long-term care with resort-style living; and Baptist Village of Oklahoma City has been proudly supporting seniors throughout Oklahoma since 1958.
OB/GYN
Women’s health professionals in the OB/ GYN specialty work diligently to ensure their patients are seen, heard, and advocated for.
In Tulsa, Dr. Grant Cox of OB-GYN Specialists of Tulsa boasts over 20 years of experience in the field with special interests in gynecologic surgery and infertility; Dr. Jay Williamson meets the health needs of women of all ages with preventative healthcare and hormone replacement therapy; and Dr. J. Martin Beal of Tulsa OB-GYN Associates has been peer-voted as a Top Doctor for nearly two decades running and has published ample research covering hormone levels and DNA regulation.
In OKC, voters choose Lakeside Women’s Hospital, which offers compassionate care and specialized women’s health services; Dr. Kim Fletcher of INTEGRIS Health, who enjoys bringing new life into the world, getting to know her patients on an individual basis and helping couples with infertility; and Dr. Beverly Vavricka of the Center for Women’s Health, whose services range from teen care to robotic gynecological surgery and menopause care.
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists pave the way for better sight.
In Tulsa, Triad Eye Institute can assist with everything from cataract surgery to LASIK and oculoplastics; The Eye Institute has provided the highest quality eye care in an ever-changing medical world since 1986; and EyeCare Associates of South Tulsa is staffed with a bevy of talented ophthalmologists who can assist in diagnosing ocular diseases, performing surgery and more.
In OKC, Dr. Steven R. Sarkisian of Oklahoma Eye Surgeons specializes in premium cataract surgery and glaucoma surgery and is actively involved in numerous clinical trials that support surgical innovation; Dean McGee Eye Institute provides premium eye care for the entire family, with specialties ranging from neuroophthalmology to low vision rehabilitation; Dr. Erin Holloman of Oculoplastic Surgeons of Oklahoma can accomplish both specialized oculoplastics surgery and advanced cosmetic procedures; and Dr. Deena Sylvester of Sylvester Eye Care & Aesthetics tackles everything from specialty cataract surgery to LASIK and pediatric eyecare.
Optometrist
From glasses and contact fittings to comprehensive eye exams, optometrists can do it all.
In Tulsa, voters choose Dr. Blane Snodgrass of Twenty Twenty Eyecare, who has been serving clients since 1987 and handles healthcare offerings including corneal reshaping therapy and routine eyecare; Dr. Julie Holmes of Downtown Tulsa Eyecare
Dr. Ivan Wayne – W Aesthetics, OKC
specializes in the treatment and management of ocular diseases including glaucoma and diabetes; and Dr. Lynsey Bigheart and Dr. Shannon Morgans of Twenty Twenty Eyecare specialize in correcting vision for patients who suffer from vision loss, as well as primary eyecare/pediatric vision, respectively.
In OKC, Hefner Eye Care and Optical Center earns praise for high quality, compassionate care with services including myopia management and specialty contact lenses; Omni Eye Center-Laser Vision is staffed with a highly qualified team and offers comprehensive eye care, laser vision correction and more; and Premier Eyecare of Edmond can assist with dry eye treatment, glasses, contact fittings and red eye treatment.
Oral Surgeon
Oral surgeons play a critical role in diagnosing and treating complex dental and facial conditions.
Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can handle a variety of procedures, ranging from dental implants to jaw surgery and wisdom tooth removal; Thomas Rogers Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery manages a wide array of problems relating to the mouth, teeth and face and can diagnose facial pain, injuries and fractures; and Cannon Oral Surgery and Maxillofacial Surgery excels in everything from dental implants and bone grafting to wisdom teeth removal and facial trauma repair.
In OKC, Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma offers a wide range of advanced oral/maxillofacial surgery procedures to address various dental and facial conditions; Oral and Maxillofacial Associates offers wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placements and a bevy of other oral
surgery needs; and Oklahoma Dental Implants and Oral Surgery presents patients with a broad scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures to enhance patient care.
Orthodontist
Orthodontists are essential for improving oral function and long-term dental health. The Brace Place earns kudos for its services ranging from braces to Invisalign for kids and adults alike; Vroome Orthodontics has proudly helped patients with a variety of orthodontic services since 1935; and Cooper and Misner Orthodontics handles both Invisalign and braces with transparent pricing and excellent customer service.
In OKC, Orthodontics Associates is staffed with compassionate, expert orthodontists and support staff ready to help with a variety of orthodontic issues; it’s all in the name for Orthodontics Exclusively, which aims to create beautiful and healthy smiles for each patient; and Kierl Orthodontics operates with a focus on the latest technology in orthodontic care to give each patient the highest quality of results in the shortest time frame.
Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, helping patients regain mobility and enhance their quality of life.
In Tulsa, Dr. Yogesh Mittal, Dr. Greg Holt and Dr. Brian Chalkin of The Orthopaedic Center combine the latest technology with in-demand expertise in everything from shoulder and elbow surgery to hip replacement and total joint replacement; Dr. Bradford Boone, Dr. Bryan Hawkins, Dr. Randall Hendricks and Dr. Ron LaButti
of Advanced Orthopedics of Oklahoma are specialty trained doctors with comprehensive expertise in orthopedic surgery, nonsurgical medicine and comprehensive, whole-patient treatment; and Tulsa Bone and Joint Associates offers a full range of musculoskeletal care, physical therapy and on-site imaging to get patients back to their best selves.
In OKC, McBride Orthopedic Hospital is nationally recognized as a leader in orthopedic and sports medicine excellence; Orthopedic Solutions was founded to provide patients with the most comprehensive surgical and non-surgical orthopedic care; and Ortho Central helps its patients turn setbacks into comebacks with a full range of orthopedic offerings.
Otolaryngologist (Ear, nose and throat physician)
Helping patients to maintain and improve vital sensory and respiratory functions, otolaryngologists play an important role in overall health.
In Tulsa, Eastern Oklahoma Ear, Nose and Throat tackles everything from hearing loss to allergies, thyroid problems and ENT care for kids; Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists of Tulsa operates with a mission to provide reliable, responsible medical and surgical care of ailments and diseases that affect the head and neck; and Dr. Scott Cordray of Ears, Nose & Throat, Inc. tackles sinus problems, throat issues, ear aches and more.
In OKC, INTEGRIS Health Ear, Nose and Throat hires experienced physicians that specialize in a variety of issues affecting the ear, nose and throat; Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates tailors its treatment plans to fit each patient’s specific needs; and Mercy Clinic Ear, Nose, and Throat presents its patients with expert care in issues including hearing loss, audiology, ear abnormalities and thyroid disorder.
Pediatric Dentist
Starting children on the right path as it relates to oral health, pediatric dentists balance a friendly, non-intimidating approach with efficient care.
Tulsa Children’s Dentistry provides exceptional dental care to children of varying ages; On the Cusp Pediatric Dentistry focuses on the prevention of oral disease and gentle treatment options; and Fox
Full Mouth Restoration
“As a Clinician for twenty years I understand honest, professional, high-quality care. Dr. Walker and his staff provide what can be considered the pinnacle in dentistry. If you are looking for someone to call “your” dentist, call Dr. Matt Walker at Utica Dental. Regret is something you’ll never have for doing so”
*All photos are actual patients of
– William G.
Dr. Brian Gosnell
Dr. Matthew Walker
William before FM Restorations
Broermann Pediatric Dentistry of Tulsa works to provide quick, efficient and compassionate care to kids of all ages.
Edmond Pediatric and Teen Dentistry offers everything from low radiation X-rays to preventive dentistry and dental sealants; Pediatric Dentistry of Oklahoma helps kids build strong roots in oral care for a healthy future; and Smile Galaxy Pediatric Dentistry offers traditional dentistry as well as treatment for thumb and pacifier habits and outpatient dental surgery.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies play a critical role in healthcare by ensuring safe access to medications.
In Tulsa, Freeland Brown Pharmacy offers compounding, immunizations and home delivery; Economy Pharmacy delivers competitive pricing and a convenient pharmacy app; and CareFirst Pharmacy offers the local touch with a variety of services to fit your needs.
In OKC, Medic Pharmacy earns praise for its knowledgeable pharmacists and vast inventory; Flourish Pharmacy provides prescriptions and supplements with a friendly staff; and Pruett’s Food Pharmacy has a variety of convenient locations and online shopping at select stores.
Rehabilitation/Sports Medicine Center
Helping individuals recover from injuries and enhance their physical performance, rehabilitation/sports medicine centers guide patients on their healthcare journeys.
In Tulsa, Excel Therapy prides itself on providing quality physical therapy services with 13 locations around the state; Physical Therapy of Tulsa staffs compassionate, knowledgeable therapists that provide unique programs tailored for each patient; and Redbud Physical Therapy offers edu-
cation, therapy, compassion and support in equal measures.
In OKC, INTEGRIS Health Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation Center has been a respected inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation center since 1985; McBride Orthopedic Hospital is a physician-owned facility with the mission to provide excellent orthopedic care for all; and Ortho Central empowers movement and enhances performance for a variety of patient situations.
Spa
Kick back and relax at one of Oklahoma’s many luxurious spas.
In Tulsa, Bella Vita Spa and Salon is an upscale locale offering massages, skin care and aesthetic services; Spa Southern Hills presents visitors with tempting specials and packages alongside an array of spa offerings; and Spa Lux specializes in therapeutic massages, body treatments, hair removal and more.
In OKC, Bella Strada Salon is a go-to for luxury spa treatments, professional hair and nail services, as well as unique gifts; Three Graces Day Spa earns kudos for its knowledgeable staff and array of services; and Eden Salon and Spa works to help all clients look and feel their best with a high level of care.
Spinal Surgeon/ Neurosurgeon
Working to relieve pain, restore function and prevent neurological damage, spinal surgeons and neurosurgeons are medical superheroes.
In Tulsa, Tulsa Bone & Joint Spine Center employs dedicated spine specialists to assist with herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal stenosis and more; Advanced Outpatient Surgery of Oklahoma performs a vast array of surgeries including artificial
disc replacement and joint fusion; and Spine and Orthopedic Specialists can provide a vast array of treatment options tailored to a patient's unique needs.
In OKC, INTEGRIS Health Spine and Neurological Surgery understands the complexity of the nervous system and employs only the most experienced and passionate surgeons; Spine Surgery Associates provides both surgical and nonsurgical options for patients with common and complex spinal disorders; and Keyhole Brain and Spine specializes in minimally invasive neurosurgery utilizing state-of-theart technology.
Weight Loss or Weight Management Clinic/ Wellness Clinic
Weight loss and wellness clinics help clients look and feel their best.
Tulsa’s BA Med Spa and Weight Loss Center creates individualized plans to help patients lose weight and keep off the pounds, alongside a wide array of other offerings; R3 Stretch believes everyone deserved to feel relaxed and pain-free, offering assisted stretching and therapeutic massage; and Fig Medical Spa excels in the science of anti-aging and total face and body rejuvenation.
In OKC, The Broadway Clinic staffs a team of passionate doctors who will help you understand how to balance your body’s hormonal state; Renew Wellness and Aesthetics provides leading treatments in aesthetics and sexual health for women and men; and LOU LOU Med Spa provides ample cosmetic injections and wellness offerings.
Workout Studio
When you’re ready to get your sweat on, workout studios around Oklahoma can help you reach your goals.
In Tulsa, Total Pilates Studio boasts supportive and welcoming instructors and energizing workouts; Pure Barre Midtown and its teachers offer full-body workouts to help you look and feel your best; and Balance Yoga Barre offers excellent deals for new students in a welcoming atmosphere.
In OKC, Barre3 is designed to focus on being present and honest in your body; CycleBar Classen Curve offers ample classes to fit any schedule as well as motivational instructors; and The Pilates Edge helps to strengthen the core and create a healthier body.
Utica Square Skin Care, TUL
Eastern Oklahoma Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (EOOMS) is committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive oral surgery care. Our surgeons, Todd Johnson, Gregory Segraves, Heath Evans, Chris Ray, Cody Mumma and Kipley Powell are diplomats of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Common procedures provided include wisdom tooth extractions, dental implants and bone grafting. Our specialists have extensive training in outpatient anesthesia and jaw reconstruction.
For patients’ convenience, most of the group’s services are performed in the EOOMS offices. With convenient locations in Broken Arrow, Owasso and Muskogee, EOOMS proudly serves Eastern Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Our offices are certified for outpatient anesthesia and the staff have advanced training to provide safe and comfortable care.
The EOOMS staff is a committed group of employees striving to achieve the highest standard of care. Additionally, our surgeons provide oral and maxillofacial surgical services at Hillcrest Hospital South and are clinical assistant professors at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.
S P H I O N P G
Boat/RV/ATV Dealer
Water craft and recreational vehicle dealers provide varied options for outdoor enthusiasts.
In Tulsa, voters trust their wheels deals to the purveyors at Bob Hurley RV; the longtime expertise and vast inventory of Ugly John’s Custom Boats; and Lazydays RV of Tulsa, the source for everything from parts and services to accessories.
Oklahoma City voters have chosen Lewis RV Center since 1963 for its customer service and reliable options; All N One Marine is a go-to source for new and used water vessels; and boat buyers know to shop at the full-service marina dealership David’s Sport Center.
Car Dealer
Car dealerships are a wonderland of automobile choices – from coupes and sedans to SUVs and trucks.
In Tulsa, shoppers can find new and used Chevrolets, Toyotas and Fords at Jim Norton Auto Group, which offers quality
products and top-notch services in equal measures; Don Thornton Automotive Group features vehicles from over 20 manufacturers with on-site service; and with strong community involvement, Jim Glover Auto Family offers an extensive network of dealerships and servicing.
In OKC, voters trust repeat winner Jim Norton Auto Group; alongside Bob Moore Auto Group, one of the state’s largest and oldest privately owned auto groups; and Bob Howard Auto Group, which operates nearly a dozen OKC-area dealerships.
Children’s Clothing Store
Children’s clothing stores help kids look and feel their best.
Janie and Jack at Tulsa Premium Outlets specializes in high-quality, stylish duds for newborns to tweens; Vineyard Vines at Tulsa Premium Outlets offers preppy outfits; and Lolly Garden is a beloved children’s boutique in Utica Square.
In Oklahoma City, Once Upon a Child offers gently used children’s clothing and baby gear; Swaddle features high-quality baby and children’s wares; and Keedo Clothes earns kudos for its fashionable clothes and gifts.
Department Store
Department stores have something for everyone – from home goods to furniture to fashion.
Balliets in OKC’s Nichols Hills Plaza has featured luxury women’s apparel, accessories, jewelry and cosmetics since 1936; Dillard’s offers a wide range of offerings and is a winner statewide; and Saks Fifth Avenue in Tulsa offers an upscale, high-end shopping experience.
Eyeglass Store
From spectacles to contacts, the “eyes” have it at Oklahoma’s eyeglass shops.
In Tulsa, Warby Parker is a favorite for stylish, affordable eyewear; Visions Unique Eye and Sunwear is a family-friendly optical shop with a vast inventory; and voters choose Empire Optical for prescription glasses and stylish frames.
In Oklahoma City, Black Optical offers a curated selection of high-end eyewear; Dick Story Optical is a trusted eyewear boutique providing custom, high-fashion glasses; and Eyemart Express offers affordable, same-day prescription glasses with over 2,000 frames.
Fine Jewelry Store
The fine jewelry store experience offers personalized service, exquisite craftsmanship, and timeless pieces.
Since 1944, Moody’s Jewelry in Tulsa has provided everything from custom engagement rings to exceptional service; Diamond Cellar showcases luxury jewelry, Rolex watches and expert employees; voters choose Vincent Anthony Jewelers for its variety of custom designs; and Star Jewelers is a Tulsa favorite for personalized, quality craftsmanship.
In Oklahoma City, BC Clark Jewelers provides heirloom-quality diamond jewelry; Naifeh Fine Jewelry showcases artful engagement rings and custom designs; and OKC voters turn to Mitchener-Farrand Fine Jewelry for their ample selection and customer service.
Gift Store
Gift stores in Oklahoma delight with curated, unique treasures.
In Tulsa, voters choose TA Lorton for its chic women’s fashion, gifts and accessories; Margo’s Gift Shop wins votes with personalized home decor; Duvall Atelier offers timeless furniture, lighting, accessories and decor; Sasha Malchi Home impresses with luxury furniture; and Modern Cottage charms with vintage-inspired gifts.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Blue Seven for its trendy clothing and local art; Route 66 Boutique captivates with nostalgic souvenirs; PLENTY Mercantile shines with sustainable, locally made goods; Painted Door earns kudos for its colorful jewelry, apparel and fragrances; and Bella Strada provides elegant women’s accessories and gifts.
Grocery Store/Market
Grocery stores and markets offer fresh, diverse selections, from organic produce to specialty goods.
In Tulsa, voters choose Trader Joe’s for unique, private-label snacks, flowers and wines; Reasor’s delights with local produce and in-store butchers; Whole Foods Market wins votes with its organic groceries and eco-friendly products; and The Fresh Market impresses with delicious produce and bakery items.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Uptown Grocery Co. for its boutique feel and premium deli; repeat winner Trader Joe’s; Crest Foods for its variety and competitive pricing; repeat winner Whole Foods Market; and Kroger, which delivers everyday essentials and fuel rewards.
Men’s Boutique
Men’s boutiques in Oklahoma offer curated, high-quality apparel.
In Tulsa, voters choose Abersons for its luxury designer collections; Saxon Judd for its timeless menswear and personalized service; and Rye 51 for its versatile, polished styles.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Mr. Ooley’s for its bespoke suits and in-house tailoring; Mizzen+Main impresses with performance-driven dress shirts; S.J. Haggard and Co. captivates with classic sportswear and custom fits; and Rye 51 is a dual winner in OKC.
Pet/Pet Supply Store
Pet and pet supply stores in Oklahoma offer premium foods, toys and grooming services.
Across the state, voters choose PetSmart for its vast selection and grooming services; Petco for its high-quality nutrition and training programs; and Tulsa’s Southern Agriculture for its family-owned charm and on-staff veterinarians.
Shoe Store
Shoe stores in Oklahoma offer stylish, highquality footwear.
In Tulsa, voters choose Abersons for its luxury shoe collections and personalized service; Dillard’s delights with top brands; Saks Fifth Avenue wins votes with its exclusive designer shoes; and J. Cole Shoes impresses with fashion-forward offerings.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Balliets for its chic shoe selection; Mr. Ooley’s offers premium men’s footwear with bespoke styling; Betsy King Shoes captivates with elegant and unique shoes; and S.J. Haggard and Co. provides versatile, high-end footwear.
Shopping Center/Mall
Shopping centers and malls in Oklahoma blend upscale boutiques and diverse dining.
In Tulsa, voters choose Center 1 for its curated mix of upscale local shops and eateries; Utica Square delights with historic charm, luxury stores and beloved restaurants; Tulsa Premium Outlets wins votes with discounted designer brands in a walkable atmosphere; and Woodland Hills Mall impresses with major retailers, including the newly built Scheels.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Classen Curve for its trendy boutiques and modern design; Nichols Hills Plaza captivates with upscale shops; and Penn Square Mall offers an array of stores for every kind of shopping need.
Sporting Goods/ Outdoor Store
Sporting goods stores in Oklahoma equip adventurers with top-tier gear.
In Tulsa, voters choose Scheels for its massive, 250,000-square-foot store with a Ferris wheel, bike shop and high-quality camping gear; Bass Pro Shops delights across the state with their premium hunting and fishing gear; REI is a statewide winner with premium camping equipment and expert-led workshops; and Gearhead Outfitters impresses statewide with topnotch outdoor apparel.
Wine/Liquor Store
Wine and liquor stores in Oklahoma stock extensive selections of fine wines, craft spirits and beers.
In Tulsa, voters choose Old Village Wine & Spirits for its curated wines, friendly employees and ample spirits selections; Parkill’s Warehouse Liquors & Wine delights with vast bourbon and vodka varieties; Parkhill’s South Liquors & Wine wins votes with sommelier-led tastings, a wide selection and 3,500 wines; Grand Vin Bottle Shop impresses with rare vintages and boutique charm; and Ranch Acres Wine & Spirits offers premium scotches, competitive pricing and great service.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Byron’s Liquor Warehouse for its massive inventory and stellar reputation; Beau’s Wine Bin & Spirit Shoppe captivates with artisanal spirits; and Cowgirls Wine and Spirits shines with unique wines and a Western flair.
Women’s Boutique
Women’s boutiques in Oklahoma offer highquality apparel.
In Tulsa, voters choose Abersons for its luxury designer collections; Ella + Orchid delights with high-end brands like Favorite Daughter; Willamina wins votes for its modern dresses and vast inventory; and m.DRATTELL impresses with tailored, sophisticated pieces.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Blue Seven for its trendy clothing and art wares; CK & Co. earns kudos with curated women’s fashion; and Route 66 Boutique offers nostalgic apparel for the whole family.
E T N R* N M T T E A E N I
Amusement/Water Park
Amusement and water parks provide family-friendly fun for all.
In Tulsa, voters choose Gathering Place for its unique playgrounds and water play areas perfect for kids and adults alike; Scissortail Park in OKC delights with its interactive spray-ground, sport courts and skating rink; Frontier City in OKC wins votes with its roller coasters and Wild West Water Works addition; Tulsa Zoo impresses with animal exhibits and a jungle gym perfect for kiddos; and OKC Zoo captivates with diverse wildlife and ample programming.
Art Gallery
Art galleries showcase vibrant, diverse works, from contemporary to traditional.
In Tulsa, voters choose M.A. Doran Gal-
lery for its curated modern paintings and sculptures; Royce Myers Gallery delights with bold, colorful contemporary art; and Joseph Gierek Fine Art wins votes with mid-career artists’ paintings and sculptures, perfect for discerning collectors.
In Oklahoma City, voters select DNA Galleries for its eclectic urban art and local crafts; ARTSPACE at Untitled impresses with innovative exhibits and free community programs; and JRB Art at the Elms captivates with 8,000 square feet of rotating, award-winning art displays.
Bar
Bars curate lively atmospheres, from rooftop views to retro vibes.
In Tulsa, voters choose Barons on 1st for its 1920s-inspired cocktails, upscale lounge and expansive menu; in the raw vū impresses with stunning rooftop vistas and a vast bar menu; Sidecar Barley and Wine
Bar earns praise for its intimate vibes, curated wine list and ample outdoor seating; in the raw offers everything from creative sake bombs, stylish digs and award-winning sushi; and Vintage Wine Bar impresses Tulsans with its cozy charm, extensive wine flights and a tasty bar menu.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Pub W for craft beer in a relaxed atmosphere; O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille for its hearty pub fare and OU Sooners game-day energy; and Flashback RetroPub for its vast array of '80s arcade games and nostalgic drinks.
Casino
Casino resorts offer thrilling gaming, live entertainment and luxurious amenities.
In Tulsa, voters choose River Spirit Casino Resort for its massive, 3,100-slot gaming floor, ample live entertainment and festive, island-themed décor; Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa rocks Tulsa voters with 2,600 electronic games, plus multiple concert venues for maximum entertainment; and Osage Casino Hotel impresses with its vast dining options, table and electronic games and adults-only pool.
In Oklahoma City’s orbit, voters select Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant for its sprawling casino with 3,300 slots, plus ample table games and a poker room; Riverwind Casino in Norman wins praise for its 2,800+ games and community programming, like the Beats and Bites Festival; Firelake Casino and Entertainment Center in Shawnee delights with 700+ casino games, plus bingo and golf; and Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in Shawnee offers 2,000 slots and dining options including Flame Brazilian Steakhouse.
Celebrity Attractions, TUL; photo by Jeremy Daniels
Cinema/Movie Theater
Delivering cinematic thrills, Oklahoma movie theaters present IMAX blockbusters and indie gems.
In Tulsa, voters choose Regal Warren Broken Arrow for its Grand Infinity screens and comfy recliners; Circle Cinema delights with art house films and a local Tulsa touch; Cinemark Tulsa wins with
IMAX and DBOX immersive experiences and all the latest blockbusters; Admiral Twin Drive-In in Tulsa offers retro double features under the stars; and OKC voters select AMC Penn Square 10 for its Dolby Cinema, ample concessions and plush seating.
Concert Venue
Center for blockbuster concerts, sporting events and more; The Jones Assembly impresses with indie bands in stylish digs with tasty cuisine; and University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab earns kudos for its jazz nights and student performances.
Golf Course
Golf courses challenge players with scenic layouts, historic designs and top-tier amenities.
In Tulsa, voters choose Southern Hills Country Club for its Perry Maxwell-designed championship course hosting five PGA Championships; Cherokee Hills Golf Club impresses with its tree-lined fairways and dramatic elevation changes for seasoned players; and Battle Creek Golf Club earns praise for its well-maintained greens and family-friendly vibes.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club for its Maxwell-crafted elegance and stunning amenities; Gaillardia Country Club wins votes with its Tom Kite-redesigned, linksstyle course perfect for passionate players; and Lake Hefner Golf Club offers two scenic courses with lakefront hazards.
Hosting electrifying performances, concert venues bring the heat.
In Tulsa, voters choose BOK Center for its massive arena hosting today’s A-list musicians alongside community events and sports; Cain’s Ballroom delights with historic charm and musicians in virtually every genre; and Tulsa Performing Arts Center wins votes with its with Broadway and orchestral shows to impress any and all performance lovers.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Paycom
Hotel
Luxurious stays, vibrant entertainment and historic charm are found at Oklahoma hotels.
In Tulsa, voters choose River Spirit Casino Resort for its 483-room tropicalthemed luxury, replete with a resort pool, spa and salon, and ample dining options to suit any craving; Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa delights voters with 454 stylish rooms, amenities like an adult pool, golf club and casino games galore; Mayo Hotel earns praise with historic elegance, rooftop bar and luxury rooms; and Brut Hotel impresses with mid-century modern design, local art and a rooftop restaurant.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Renaissance Waterford for its upscale amenities, gorgeous rooms and serene pool; The Skirvin Hilton captivates with grand historic architecture and lauded restaurant, Perle Mesta; and Fordson Hotel offers boutique chic vibes with craft cocktails and rooftop views.
Local Festival
Bursting with culture, local festivals celebrate art, music, food and heritage.
In Tulsa, voters choose Tulsa Oktoberfest for its authentic Bavarian beers, ample entertainment and adorable dachshund races; Saint Francis Tulsa Tough energizes T-Town with back-to-back cycling races and Cry Baby Hill revelry; and Tulsa Greek Festival delights with authentic cuisine and traditional Greek dancing.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Paseo Arts Festival for its juried art, delicious bites and community atmosphere; Festival of the Arts captivates with 144 artists, live music and a true celebration of OKC culture; and Red Earth Festival honors Native American culture with powwow dances, parades, art showcases and more.
Local Icon/ Landmark
Local icons and landmarks embody rich history, cultural pride and vibrant community spirit.
In Tulsa, voters choose Gathering Place for its world-class park offerings, whimsical playgrounds, local flora and scenic trails; Route 66 captivates with nostalgic neon signs, roadside charm and plenty of captivating history; and the Golden Driller earns praise for its commanding presence – clocking in at 76 feet tall – outside Expo Square, symbolizing Tulsa’s unique heritage.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum for its poignant reflection pools, informative museum offerings and historical significance; Scissortail Park impresses with
Joseph Gierek Fine Art, TUL
Tulsa Zoo, Elephant Exhibit - Tulsa
Lucky Star Travel Center and Casino – Geary
Bixby High School - Bixby
sprawling lawns, community events and seasonal markets; and Devon Energy Center stands tall as a beacon of OKC’s rich history and promising future.
Local Park
Offering scenic green spaces, events and cultural landmarks, local parks foster a sense of community and relaxation.
In Tulsa, voters choose Gathering Place for its world-class playgrounds, activities and waterfront trails; Guthrie Green earns praise with its ample community events and music festivals; and River Parks wins votes for its serene riverfront paths and disc golf opportunities.
In Oklahoma City, voters choose the Myriad Botanical Gardens, which offers 15 acres of greenery as well as a conservatory and vast array of community events; Scissortail Park earns kudos for its ample entertainment offerings and stunning use of green space; and Hefner Park offers a golf course, baseball field, playground and recreation center.
Museum
Placing art, history and exhibitions on display, museums offer cultural treasures for all ages.
In Tulsa, voters choose Philbrook Mu-
seum of Art for its world-class collections, lush gardens, ample family-friendly activities and anticipated events; Gilcrease Museum is a Tulsa favorite for its vast American West artifacts, nearing the end of its extensive renovations and is set to re-open in 2026; Discovery Lab wins votes with its hands-on STEM exhibits and play opportunities for kids; Oklahoma Aquarium impresses Tulsans with shark tunnels, aquatic wonders and educational opportunities; and Tulsa Air and Space Museum captivates visitors with vintage aircraft, interactive activities and space relics.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Oklahoma City Museum of Art for its stunning Chihuly glass collection, rotating exhibitions and community programming;
National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum shines with Western art and rodeo history, alongside its annual Prix de West art sale; and Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art offers an iconic mix of Western art and native art as well as classical art collections.
Neighboring State
Our neighbor states provide us with diverse adventures, from rugged mountain hikes to vibrant city life.
Voters choose Arkansas for its Ozark trails, quirky small towns and entertainment offerings galore; Colorado captivates voters with Rocky Mountain skiing, a nuanced craft beer scene and plenty of nightlife; Texas delights with live music, delicious barbecue and sporting events galore; New Mexico wins the hour with adobe charm, unique cuisine, outdoor adventures and shopping; and Missouri impresses with ample live shows, the Ozark lakes and a bevy of other outdoor adventures.
Performing Arts Organization
Performing arts organizations captivate audiences with world-class theater, ballet and music.
In Tulsa, voters choose Celebrity Attractions for its ample Broadway show offerings, with season stand-outs including Wicked and The Outsiders; Tulsa Ballet de-
OKCMOA, OKC
River Spirit Casino Resort, TUL
lights with original, world-class performances and community programming; Tulsa Opera earns praise for its powerful productions like La Traviata; and Tulsa Symphony impresses with spell-binding concerts from Beethoven to modern composers.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Oklahoma City Philharmonic for its masterful orchestral performances that span a variety of genres; Oklahoma City Ballet captivates with elegant productions like Swan Lake; and OKC Broadway shines in a grand theater setting with Broadway showcases galore.
Professional Sports Team
Professional sports teams ignite fan passion with thrilling games.
Voters around the state support the venerable Oklahoma City Thunder, which offers electrifying NBA match-ups alongside ample community events to give back; the Tulsa Drillers earn praise for their DoubleA baseball action at historic ONEOK Field; and the Oklahoma City Comets – previously the OKC Dodgers –impress with Triple-A baseball for a fun night out with the whole family.
Pub/Brewery
Pubs and breweries pour handcrafted brews and serve up hearty pub fare.
In Tulsa, voters choose Cabin Boys Brewery for its creative ales and sprawling venue perfect for a trivia night or for watching the big game; Marshall Brewing Company delights with traditional Germanstyle lagers alongside other popular brews; and Bricktown Brewery earns kudos with its ample ales and delicious bites.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Republic Gastropub for its innovative craft cocktails and hundreds of beers; O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grille impresses with plenty of brews, plus tasty bar food; and Belle Isle Restaurant and Pub offers house-brewed beers like Frozen Finger IPA.
Small Town
Small towns in Oklahoma charm with extensive history and community festivals.
In Tulsa’s vicinity, voters choose Claremore for its Will Rogers Memorial and Museum, plus Route 66 nostalgia; Broken Arrow delights with the Rooster Days Festival and thriving downtown, replete
with plenty of festivals and events; Jenks wins votes for the Oklahoma Aquarium, River Walk and brand-new Tulsa Premium Outlets; and Bixby impresses with its Green Corn Festival and family-friendly parks perfect for young families.
In Oklahoma City’s reach, voters select Stillwater for its OSU game-day spirit and iconic Eskimo Joe’s location; Guthrie captivates with Victorian architecture and historic trolley tours; and Yukon shines with its annual Czech Festival, Express Clydesdales and plenty of community events.
Wedding or Party Venue
From elegant ballrooms to lush gardens, Oklahoma’s wedding/party venues help create unforgettable celebrations.
In Tulsa, voters choose The Summit Club for its luxurious 30th-floor ballroom, world-class cuisine and stunning city views; Tulsa Botanic Garden for its beautiful floral terraces and the Mabee Grange event venue, which offers distinctive architecture and unique lighting; Spain Ranch for its modern white and black barns and noteworthy client services; Harwelden Mansion for its historic elegance and stately beauty; and Tulsa Zoo for its exotic indoor-outdoor spaces and unique venue offerings.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Coles Garden for its dreamy garden settings; Myriad Botanical Gardens for its vibrant outdoor spaces and gorgeous natural
backdrops; Clauren Ridge Vineyard and Winery for its romantic vineyard vistas; Enchanted Gardens for its intimate, fairytale ambiance; the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum for its Western grandeur; and Merrick Hollow for its rustic elegance.
Weekend Getaway Destination
Weekend getaway destinations range from stunning lakes to lush forests and unique adventures.
In Tulsa’s orbit, voters choose Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees in Grove for its 1,300 miles of shoreline and varied on-thewater offerings; Eureka Springs, Arkansas, captivates with historic charm, delicious eats and the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge; and Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center in Broken Bow delights with hiking trails, trout fishing and outdoor opportunities galore.
In Oklahoma City’s reach, voters select Broken Bow Lake in Broken Bow for clear-water boating plus adrenaline-pumping zip-lines; Lake Texoma in Denison wins votes for its fossil hunting and ample water sports; and Turner Falls Park in Davis impresses with its stunning waterfall and natural swimming pools.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa, TUL; photo courtesy Cherokee Nation Entertainment
Mark M.
D N I G NI
Asian
Asian restaurants blend bold flavors, from fiery Thai curries to delicate sushi.
In Tulsa, voters choose Roka for its inventive Japanese robatayaki and Wagyu steaks; Lanna Thai delights with authentic green curry and ample gluten-free options; and Ri Le’s earns kudos for its fresh pho and spring rolls.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Sushi Neko for its sushi and robata bar; Musashi’s is a local favorite with teppanyaki chefs and Wagyu hibachi; and Tokyo Japanese impresses with bento boxes and sashimi.
Bakery/Wedding Cakes
Oklahoma’s bakeries craft stunning wedding cakes and delectable treats.
In Tulsa, voters choose Merritt’s Bakery
for its gorgeous cakes and longstanding, stellar reputation; Ludger’s Bavarian Cakery is a diner favorite with its signature Bavarian cream cheesecakes; Country Bird Bakery delights with handcrafted bakery items that has garnered it national attention; and Laurannae Baking Co. impresses with scratch-made cakes sure to delight.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Amy Cakes for cutting-edge designs and delicious taste; Raspberries n’ Creme earns votes for its layered cakes alongside other succulent offerings; and Andrea Howard Cakes offers an array of goodies in romantic and modern styles.
In Tulsa, voters choose Rib Crib for its hickory-smoked ribs, hearty combos and
long-standing reputation as a barbecue expert; Albert G’s Barbecue delights with smoky wings, unique tabbouleh and an impressive Tulsa legacy; Billy Sims Barbecue earns votes for its loaded pulled pork sandwiches and ample menu items; and Oklahoma Joe’s impresses with championship-style brisket and varied sides.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Iron Star Urban Barbeque for its tender ribs and jalapeño cornbread; repeat winner Billy Sims Barbecue; Earl’s Rib Palace for its saucy ribs and creamy sides; and Bedlam Barbecue for its bold sandwiches and varied savory offerings.
Breakfast
Breakfast eateries kick start the day with creative dishes.
In Tulsa, voters choose Brookside by Day for its hometown feel, retro diner charm and classic breakfast fare; Bramble Breakfast and Bar delights with its stylish ambiance and unique dishes; Neighborhood JAM wins Tulsa votes with its Benedicts and artisanal coffee blends; Savoy impresses with its legendary cinnamon rolls and 6 a.m. opening; and The Big Biscuit serves fluffy, mouth watering biscuits with Southern flair.
In Oklahoma City, voters select repeat winner Neighborhood JAM; Hatch Early Mood Food for its cheery ambiance and chicken and waffles; and Aurora for its farm-fresh frittatas in a welcoming space.
Brunch
Brunch spots serve indulgent, creative dishes for outings with friends and family.
In Tulsa, voters choose Cheever’s Café for its elegant atmosphere and vibrant brunch menu; Smoke delights Tulsans with
The Summit Club and chef William Lyle, TUL
its wood-fired brisket hash and tempting cocktails; and Neighborhood JAM offers a vast selection of brunch goodies.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Pub W for its inventive twists on brunch classics, plus its lively patio; repeat winner Cheever’s Café; and Redrock Canyon Grill, which offers everything from huevos rancheros to chicken pot pie.
Budget-Friendly
Budget-friendly restaurants cook up hearty, delicious fare at affordable prices.
In Tulsa, voters choose Boston Avenue Grille & Catering for home-style dishes and warm service; Mother Road Market wins votes for its diverse food hall options; and The Brook delights with a menu that will please even the pickiest eaters.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Beverly’s Pancake House for its 24-hour pancakes and comfort food; Smitty’s Garage Burgers and Beer impresses with tasty onion burgers; and Jeff’s Country Café serves steak and eggs, omelettes and other delicious meals.
Burger
Whether you like onion-smothered classics or gourmet creations, Oklahoma’s burger joints have you covered.
In Tulsa, voters choose Society Burger for its handcrafted Angus beef burgers in an array of iterations; Ron’s Hamburgers delights with its legendary sausage chili cheeseburger and Tulsa icon status; and Jimmy’s Chophouse impresses with bold, premium burgers in stylish digs.
In Oklahoma City, voters select S&B’s Burger Joint for its award-winning specialty burgers; Patty Wagon earns kudos for its grass-fed beef and creative options; and Bricktown Brewery serves hearty burgers paired with house-brewed beers.
Chef
Oklahoma’s chefs showcase local ingredients and culinary artistry.
In Tulsa, voters choose William Lyle at The Summit Club for his gourmet dishes, long standing reputation and stunning cuisine presentations; Justin Donaldson at Barons on 1st impresses with bold, eclectic dishes and an eye for the details; and Justin Thompson of Justin Thompson Restaurant Group delights diners with creative, farm-
to-table menus to please any palette.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Andrew Black at Grey Sweater for his world-class tasting menus and award-winning fare; Kurt Fleischfresser of Western Concepts Restaurant Group captivates his guests with French-inspired classics; Ryan Parrott of Humankind Hospitality earns kudos with his sustainable, seasonal dishes; and Olivier Bouzerand at Fait Maison offers authentic French cuisine with an elegant flair.
Comfort Food
Dishing up soulful, hearty classics, comfort food restaurants are an Okie staple.
In Tulsa, voters choose Blue Moon Café for its quirky charm and eclectic menu; The Brook for its half-pound burgers and wonderful service; Maple Ridge Grocer for its all-day Benedict burritos and stylish environs; and Ridge Grill for its bold meatloaf and handcrafted cocktails.
In Oklahoma City, voters select The Press for meatloaf sliders and cozy ambiance; Red Rock Canyon Grill for its Southwestern flair; and Charleston’s for its tender ribs and delicious burgers.
Deli/Sandwich Shop
Oklahoma’s deli and sandwich shops craft fresh, flavorful subs.
In Tulsa, voters choose PJ’s Sandwich Shoppe for crave-worthy sandwiches in cozy digs; Queenie’s delights with fancy deli fare, plus bakery treats; and Trenchers
Delicatessen wins votes with creative spins on classic sandwiches.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Mike’s Subs for authentic, freshly sliced subs; Café 7 impresses with inventive sandwiches; and Neptune Submarine Sandwiches offers classic, hearty subs in a nostalgic setting.
Dessert
Oklahoma’s dessert scene indulges sweet cravings with decadent treats.
In Tulsa, voters choose Club for luxurious pistachio cake, innova
Dalesandro's, TUL
Barons on 1st, TUL
tive blueberry vanilla tart and tantalizing skyline views; Queenie’s delights with homemade pies and whimsical café charm; and Merritt’s Bakery earns votes for its custom cakes and creamy éclairs.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Pie Junkie for its handcrafted pies; La Baguette Bistro impresses with French pastries; and OKC Sweets offers inventive treats like bourbon pecan bars.
Diner
Brimming with hearty, home-style comfort food, diners offer nostalgic settings.
In Tulsa, voters choose Metro Diner for its award-winning fried chicken and waffles; Tim’s Midtown Diner for its fresh pancakes and cozy charm; and Freeway Café for its scratch-made pancakes and delicious dinner deals.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Sunnyside Diner for its lively vibe and innovative twists on classic fare; Beverley’s Pancake House wins votes for its fluffy pancakes and all-day breakfast; and Jeff’s Country Café impresses with affordable and delicious meals.
Fast Food
Food on the go is the specialty of fast food restaurants in Oklahoma.
Across the state, voters choose Chick-filA for its iconic chicken sandwiches, waffle fries and speedy service; Sonic Drive-In delights with ample drinks, combo meals and carhop service; and Braum’s is a winner for it’s local touch, fresh burgers and hand-dipped ice cream.
Fine Dining
Oklahoma’s fine dining restaurants elevate culinary artistry with exquisite dishes and luxurious ambiance.
In Tulsa, voters choose The Summit Club for gourmet cuisine, top-notch service and stunning views; Barons on 1st impresses with delectable steaks, scrumptious seafood and craft cocktails; The French Hen delights with classic dishes in an inviting atmosphere; Mahogany serves sizzling USDA Prime steaks and other fine dining fare; and Polo Grill offers gracious hospitality, top-notch dining and a stellar reputation.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Grey Sweater for its innovative tasting menus and world-class service; Mahogany is a repeat winner in OKC; and Mickey Mantle’s
delivers a chef-driven menu with steaks and seafood.
Hidden Gem
Hidden gem restaurants showcase innovative cuisines and warm hospitality.
In Tulsa, voters choose Amelia’s for its wood-fired dishes, candlelit ambiance, enticing cocktails and inviting atmosphere; Living Kitchen Farm & Dairy delights with farm-to-table tasting menus sourced from its Depew farm; Boston Title & Abstract surprises with speakeasy-style cocktails and delicious dishes; and FarmBar captivates with its 10-course tasting menu.
In Oklahoma City, voters select The Press for its creative comfort food; Vito’s Ristorante charms with family-owned Italian classics; and Florence’s Restaurant impresses with soulful Southern dishes.
Ice Cream Shop
From classic cones to custom creations, you’ll find it all at Oklahoma’s ice cream shops.
Across the state, voters choose Braum’s for its farm-fresh ice cream and sundaes; Marble Slab Creamery delights with handmixed ice cream; and Baskin-Robbins earns praise for its over 1,400 flavors.
Italian
Authentic, hearty dishes can be found at Oklahoma’s Italian restaurants.
In Tulsa, voters choose Dalesandro’s for
Society Burger, TUL
Rib Crib, TUL & OKC
its stuffed shells and legendary swordfish piccata; Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano dazzles with upscale ambiance, delicious pasta and seafood at two Tulsa locations; voters love Biga for its seasonal menu and warm atmosphere; Mondo’s earns praise for its fettuccine Alfredo, baked ziti and wood-fired pizza; and Villa Ravenna is a Tulsa winner for its delicious menu options and authentic flavors.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Stella Modern Italian Cuisine for its pizzas, pastas and luxurious ambiance; Bellini’s Ristorante for its high-quality steaks and varied dishes; and Vito’s Ristorante for its charming atmosphere, traditional pasta and family-style dining.
Local Coffee Shop
Shop Oklahoma’s local coffee joints for artisan-roasted brews.
In Tulsa, voters choose Topeca Coffee Roastery for award-winning, seed-to-cup El Salvadoran beans; Doubleshot Coffee Co. captivates with bold, small-batch roasts; and Shades of Brown wins the day with hip vibes and varied coffee creations.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Hoboken Coffee Roasters for its small-batch beans and delicious coffee confections; Beanstalk Coffee and Sno pairs smooth coffee with refreshing shaved ice; Mattie’s Coffee Company delights with expertly brewed coffee; and Hi Tea x Coffee Tree impresses with innovative coffee and tea blends.
Margarita
Oklahoma’s margarita scene dazzles with bold, fresh flavors.
In Tulsa, voters choose Café Ole for handcrafted margaritas paired with Mexican fare; Ridge Cantina impresses with margarita flights; and Mi Cocina wins votes with its iconic MamboTaxi and varied flavors.
In Oklahoma City, voters select Mama Roja for its award-
winning margaritas; Iguana Mexican Grill offers over 200 tequilas; and Poblano Grill serves a standout 55 oz. margarita.
Mexican
Tacos, enchiladas, burritios – Mexican restaurants have ‘em all.
In Tulsa, voters choose Mi Cocina for elevated Tex-Mex; Los Cabos delights with seafood-infused deliciousness; El Patron earns kudos for its ample offerings; and the chili rellenos rule at Ricardo’s
In OKC, Iguana Mexican Grill wins the day with its vast menu; Poblano Grill offers authentic Mexican flavors; voters choose Alfredo’s Mexican Café for classic Mexican dishes; and Café Sol serves fresh favorites in a friendly atmosphere.
Outside Dining
Oklahoma’s outside dining scene offers inviting patios and scenic views.
In Tulsa, Polo Grill’s inviting patio is ideal for a sophisticated guest experience or a meet-up with friends; voters adore the rooftop views and the delicious meals at in the raw vū; Ridge Grill’s cozy outdoor seating complements bold and delectable dishes; and on-the-water vistas are a perk at Waterfront Grill
In Oklahoma City, Stella Modern Italian Cuisine offers a charming patio ambiance; voters choose Bellini’s Ristorante’s casual patio overlooking Waterford Pond; Pearl’s Oyster Bar’s lively outdoor seating creates
a festive coastal vibe; and Redrock Canyon Grill’s expansive lakeside seating is perfect for a scenic meal.
Pizza
Oklahoma’s pizza scene offers crispy thin crusts and hearty deep-dish pies.
Since 1957, Hideaway Pizza has delighted Oklahomans with 26 specialty pies and world-famous fried mushrooms; Mazzio’s earns kudos statewide for its thin-crust pizzas and hearty Italian dishes; and in Tulsa, voters are impressed with Andolini’s Pizzeria and its authentic, hand-tossed pies.
Place to Take Outof-Town Guests
If you’re looking to impress guests, visit one of these gems.
In Tulsa, voters choose The Summit Club for top-of-the-line cuisine and impeccable service; for a memorable night out, Barons on 1st provides a true luxury experience with top-quality dishes to match; Amelia’s wood-fired dishes provide a culinary adventure for out-of-towners; and Oren’s seasonal, globally inspired menu make it unforgettable.
OKC’s Grey Sweater offers a world-class culinary journey; voters enjoy the panoramic views and myriad menu options at Vast; Mahogany’s steaks and sophisticated indulgences impress guests; and The Jones Assembly’s mix of music and inventive fare are remarkable.
Restaurant Group
Managing multiple dining establishments, restaurant groups in Oklahoma bring diners diverse cuisines.
Voters statewide vote up A Good Egg Dining Group for delivering delicious hospitality through restaurants like Cheever’s Café and Red PrimeSteak; with 17 concepts across the region, McNellie’s Group offers stand-outs include Jimmy’s Chophouse and Yokozuna; Norman-based Hal Smith Restaurants operates over 85 restaurants in the region, including the beloved Charleston’s; and Tulsa’s Justin Thompson Restaurants pleases diners with upscale and approachable cuisine experiences.
Steakhouse
The steakhouse experience offers premium cuts of meat and upscale ambiance.
In Tulsa, Ruth’s Chris is home to USDA Prime steaks in stylish digs; voters choose Mahogany for high-end, premium steaks paired with decadent sides; Fleming’s features delicious, high-quality meat and ample menu options; Barons on 1st offers a luxurious steakhouse experience with artfully crafted cocktails; classic cuts like prime steak frites shine at PRHYME; Bull in the Alley is a vintage-inspired chophouse with a cozy ambiance; and voters flock to The Hemingway for succulent filet mignon and Tomahawk ribeye.
In Oklahoma City, Mahogany is a repeat favorite; Mickey Mantle’s offers a refined steakhouse setting; voters choose the sophistication of Boulevard for high-quality steaks and cocktails; Cattleman’s has been serving only the best cuts for over 100 years; Junior’s earns praise for its stunning steaks and seafood; and Red PrimeSteak
Albert G's, TUL
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, TUL; photo courtesy Muscogee Nation Gaming Enterprises
offers artfully prepared steaks to satisfied diners.
Stylish New Restaurant
Stylish restaurants blend chic ambiance and creative cuisine.
In Tulsa Blue Dome District, Barons on 1st is a fine-dining American restaurant that has become a city staple in the last year; a retro 1960s gas station-turned-bar, The Pump is steeped in a nostalgic atmosphere; and LoFi features a cool vibe with tasty pizzas and craft cocktails.
In Oklahoma City, Birdie’s by Chef Kevin Lee offers a modern Korean steakhouse experience; Symmetry blends modern American cuisine with global influences; and JK by Chef King is an enchanting modern Asian restaurant with an inventive menu.
Sushi
With artistic arrays of goodness, sushi is a foodie favorite.
In Tulsa, in the raw earns kudos for its longstanding reputation in Tulsa and its ample sushi offerings; in the raw vū offers the sushi options of ITR with rooftop views and craft cocktails; Yokozuna presents its dinners with ample sushi alongside Asian fusion dishes; and Sushi Hana features fresh, creative sushi to suit any diner’s preference.
Oklahoma City’s Sushi Neko is consistently voted among the city’s tastiest sushi spots; renowned for its teppanyaki chefs and inventive menu, Musashi’s is a premier Japanese steakhouse; Volcano Sushi Bar and Hibachi earns kudos for its fresh offerings and customer service; and open since 1987, Tokyo Japanese Restaurant highlights include bento boxes and a tempting sushi bar.
Home
Architect, Residential
1. Jack Arnold – Jack Arnold Companies TUL
2. Brian Freese – Freese Architecture TUL
3. John Duvall – Duvall Atelier/Richard Winn TUL Architects DBA TWO Architecture
1. Hans E. Butzer – Butzer Architects and OKC Urbanism
2. Bruce Bockus – Bockus Payne Architecture OKC
3. Fitzsimmons Architects OKC
Architect, Commercial Firm
1. KKT Architects/JCJ Architecture, P.C. TUL
2. TriArch TUL
3. 1Architecture TUL
1. Rand Elliott – Rand Elliott Architects OKC
2. Renaissance Architecture OKC
3. Prime Architects OKC
Bathroom Fixtures
1. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting/Home TUL Hardware
2. Tulsa Winnelson TUL
3. Heatwave Supply/Pierpont's Bath & Kitchen TUL
1. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting OKC
2. Architectural Hardware Designs OKC
3. Reece Bath and Kitchen OKC
Cabinetry
1. Sullivan’s Custom Cabinetry TUL
2. Mill Creek Lumber TUL
3. Elite Cabinets TUL
1. OKC Cabinets OKC
2. Classic Kitchens OKC
3. Suburban Cabinet Shop OKC
Designer Home Furnishings
1. SR Hughes/Duvall Atelier TUL
2. Lance Cheney Richard Neel Home/ TUL Matters of Design
3. TA Lorton TUL
1. Scissortail Marketplace OKC
2. Mister Robert Fine Furniture and Design OKC
Electrical Service
1. Gilley Electric/Aspen Electric TUL
2. Firefly Electricians/Houchin Electric Co. TUL
3. Harp Services TUL
1. Osborne Electric Co. OKC
2. Delco Electric OKC
3. Ritchie Electric OKC
Flooring Company, Carpet
1. Grigsby’s Carpet, Tile and Hardwood TUL
2. C & C Tile and Carpet Co. TUL
3. Bert Henry Carpet & Tile TUL
1. Mill Creek Carpet and Tile OKC 2. Smith Carpet and Tile OKC 3. Star Flooring OKC
Flooring Company, Hardwood
1. Renaissance Hardwood
2.
July
Watermark
Kitchen Designer
Kitchens by Powers Design and Build TUL
Kitchen Ideas TUL
Imperial Kitchens and Baths TUL
Classic Kitchens OKC
Edmond Kitchen, Bath, Home OKC
Urban Kitchens OKC
Landscape Designer
Elm Creek Landscape and Design TUL
Kingdom Landscape TUL
Oklahoma Landscape TUL
Caviness Landscape Design OKC
TLC Garden Centers OKC
Schindler Design Co. OKC
Lawn, Garden and Indoor Plant Store/Plant Nursery
Sanders Nursery/Southwood TUL
Hardscape Materials TUL
Cohlmia’s TUL
TLC Garden Centers OKC
Calvert’s Plant Interiors OKC
Marcum’s Nursery OKC
Lighting Store/Indoor and Outdoor Lighting
Garbe’s Lighting TUL
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting TUL
Oklahoma Lighting Distributors TUL
Hunzicker Lighting Gallery OKC
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting OKC Paint Store
1. Spectrum Paint STATE
2. Elder Paint and Wallpaper TUL
3. Sherwin-Williams STATE Plumbing Service
1. Mullin Plumbing TUL
2. Allied Plumbing Supply TUL
3 Williams Plumbing/Roto-Rooter TUL
1. Cherokee Plumbing OKC
2. Plumb Genius OKC Pool Designer
1. Baker Pools TUL
2. Vista Pools and Outdoor Living TUL
3. Dolphin Pools & Spas TUL
1. Caviness Landscape Design OKC
2. Blue Haven Pools and Spas OKC
3. Prestige Pools & Spas OKC Real Estate Company
1. Chinowth & Cohen Realtors/ TUL Walter & Associates
2. Keller Williams Realty/McGraw Realtors TUL
3. Coldwell Banker TUL
1. Chinowth & Cohen Realtors OKC
2. Keller Williams Realty OKC
3. Engel & Völkers OKC Roofer
1. A-Best Roofing TUL
2. RainTech Roofing/T-Town Roofing TUL
3. Elliott Roofing/Conrad’s Roofing TUL
1. Elliott Roofing OKC
2. Champion Roofing OKC 3. Basey’s Roofing OKC
Services
Accounting Firm
1. HoganTaylor
2. Eide Bailly
1. American Airlines
2. Delta Air Lines
3. United Airlines
Assisted Living Center
1. Covenant Living at Inverness TUL
2. Montereau TUL
3. Senior Star/Zarrow Pointe/Town Village TUL
1.
2.
1.
3. Clark Brewster – Brewster & De Angelis/ TUL Donald Smolen – Smolen Law
1.
Construction Company
1. Manhattan Construction Group TUL
2. Crossland Construction Company/ TUL Ross Group/Flintco
3. Thompson Construction/ TUL Nabholz Construction Corp
1. Crossland Construction Company/Flintco OKC
2. Nabholz Construction Corp. OKC Credit Union
1. Tinker Federal Credit Union/ TUL TTCU Federal Credit Union
2. WeStreet Credit Union TUL
3. Communication Federal Credit Union TUL
1. Tinker Federal Credit Union OKC
2. Communication Federal Credit Union OKC
3. WEOKIE Federal Credit Union OKC Dry Cleaners/Laundry
1. Phoenix Cleaners TUL
2. Yale Cleaners TUL
3. Fox Cleaners TUL
1. Nichols Hills Cleaners OKC
2. American Cleaners OKC
3. Legacy Cleaners OKC Energy Company
1. Williams Companies TUL
2. Public Service Company of Oklahoma TUL
3. ONE Gas TUL
1. OG&E Energy Corp. OKC
Hair Salon
1. Michael Brothers Hair TUL
2. Blo Blow Dry Bar TUL
3. Cypress Avenue Salon TUL
1. Eden Salon & Spa OKC
2. Velvet Monkey OKC
2. Urban Mode Salon OKC Higher Education
1. University of Oklahoma STATE
2. Oklahoma State University STATE
3. University of Central Oklahoma STATE
1.
1. Barrow & Grimm/Latham Keele Lehman TUL
2. Conner & Winters/ TUL Jones Gotcher Attorneys & Counselors
3. Norman Wohlgemuth Attorneys at Law TUL
1. The Handley Law Center OKC
2. White & Weddle, P.C./McIntyre
2. Expand Energy OKC
3. Continental Resources OKC Engineering Company
1. Wallace Design Collective TUL
2. Garver/Ross Group TUL
3. CEC TUL
1. Garver OKC
2. Parkhill OKC
3. CEC/FSB Architects + Engineers OKC Event or Party Planner
1. TPC Studios TUL
2. Farthing Events TUL
3. Nicole Allen Events TUL
1. Aisle Be With You OKC
2. Factor 110 OKC
3. PartyBox OKC Florist
1. Toni’s Flowers and Gifts TUL
2. Mary Murray’s Flowers TUL
3. Mrs. Dehaven’s TUL
1. Cheever’s Flowers OKC 2. Tony Foss Flowers OKC 3. Kane Floral Design OKC Funeral Service
1. Moore Funeral Homes & Crematory TUL 2. Stanleys Funeral and Cremation Service TUL 3. Ninde Funeral & Cremation/ TUL Floral Haven Funeral Home
1. Hahn-Cook Street & Draper Funeral Directors OKC 2. Smith & Kernke Funeral Home & Crematory OKC 3. Mercer-Adams Funeral Service OKC
We design a stage for your story
Since 2004, we have been designing story-driven buildings throughout Oklahoma. With empathy, authority, and grit, we empower our clients to impact others by connecting their stories through architecture. Thank you for voting for us as one of
3. University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab OKC Golf Course
1. Southern Hills Country Club TUL
2. Cherokee Hills Golf Club TUL
3. Battle Creek Golf Club TUL
Blake loveless
Medical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology
Lynn Anderson, MD • Kristen Rice, MD
Jacqueline Guidry, MD, Mohs Surgeon
Michelle Walters, MD • Lindsay Dilbeck, PA-C
Cassie Zanovich, CMM, LE
Brianne Jones, LE
1. Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club OKC
2. Gaillardia Country Club OKC
3. Lake Hefner Golf Club OKC Hotel
1. River Spirit Casino and Resort TUL
2. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa TUL
3. Mayo Hotel/Brut Hotel TUL
1. Renaissance Waterford OKC
2. The Skirvin Hilton OKC
3. Fordson Hotel OKC
Local Festival
1. Tulsa Oktoberfest TUL
2. Saint Francis Tulsa Tough TUL
3. Tulsa Greek Festival TUL
1. Paseo Arts Festival OKC
2. Festival of the Arts OKC
3. Red Earth Festival OKC
Local Icon/Landmark
1. Gathering Place TUL
2. Route 66 TUL
3. Golden Driller TUL
1. Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum OKC
2. Scissortail Park OKC
3. Devon Energy Center OKC
Local Park
1. Gathering Place TUL
2. Guthrie Green TUL
3. River Parks TUL
1. Myriad Botanical Gardens OKC
2. Scissortail Park OKC
3. Hefner Park OKC
Museum
1. Philbrook Museum of Art/Gilcrease Museum TUL
2. Discovery Lab TUL
3. Oklahoma Aquarium/Tulsa Air and Space TUL Museum
1. Oklahoma City Museum of Art OKC
2. National Cowboy and Western OKC Heritage Museum
3. Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art OKC
Neighboring State
1. Arkansas/Colorado STATE
2. Texas STATE
3 New Mexico/Missouri STATE
Performing Arts Organization
1. Celebrity Attractions TUL
2. Tulsa Ballet TUL
3. Tulsa Opera/Tulsa Symphony TUL
1. Oklahoma City Philharmonic OKC
2. Oklahoma City Ballet OKC
3. OKC Broadway OKC
Professional Sports Team
1. Oklahoma City Thunder STATE
2. Tulsa Drillers STATE
3. Oklahoma City Comets STATE
Pub/Brewery
1. Cabin Boys Brewery TUL
2. Marshall Brewing Company TUL
3. Bricktown Brewery TUL
1. Republic Gastropub OKC
2. O’Connell’s Irish Pub and Grille OKC
3. Belle Isle Restaurant and Pub OKC
Small Town
1. Claremore TUL
2. Broken Arrow TUL
3. Jenks/Bixby TUL
1. Stillwater OKC
2. Guthrie OKC
3. Yukon OKC
Wedding or Party Venue
1. Summit Club TUL
2. Tulsa Botanic Garden TUL
3. Spain Ranch/Harwelden Mansion/ TUL Tulsa Zoo
1. Coles Garden/Myriad Botanical Gardens OKC
2. Clauren Ridge Vineyard and Winery/ OKC Enchanted Gardens
3. National Cowboy and Western Heritage OKC Museum/Merrick Hollow
Weekend Getaway Destination
1. Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees – Grove TUL
2. Eureka Springs – Arkansas TUL
3. Beavers Bend State Park and Nature TUL Center – Broken Bow
1. Broken Bow Lake – Broken Bow OKC
2. Lake Texoma – Denison OKC
3. Turner Falls Park – Davis OKC
Dining
Asian
1. Roka TUL
2. Lanna Thai TUL
3. Ri Le’s TUL
1. Sushi Neko OKC
2. Musashi’s OKC
3. Tokyo Japanese OKC Bakery/Wedding Cakes
1. Merritt’s Bakery TUL
2. Ludger’s Bavarian Cakery/Country TUL Bird Bakery
3. Laurannae Baking Co. TUL
1. Amy Cakes OKC
2. Raspberries n’ Creme OKC
3. Andrea Howard Cakes OKC Barbecue
1. RibCrib TUL
2. Albert G’s Barbecue TUL
3. Billy Sims Barbecue/Oklahoma Joe’s TUL
1. Iron Star Urban Barbeque OKC
2. Billy Sims Barbecue OKC
3. Earl’s Rib Palace/Bedlam Barbecue OKC
Breakfast
1. Brookside by Day TUL
2. Bramble Breakfast and Bar/ TUL Neighborhood JAM
3. Savoy/The Big Biscuit TUL
1. Neighborhood JAM OKC
2. Hatch Early Mood Food OKC
3. Aurora OKC Brunch
1. Cheever’s Café TUL 2. Smoke TUL
3. Neighborhood JAM TUL
1. Pub W OKC
2. Cheever’s Café OKC
3. Redrock Canyon Grill OKC
Budget-Friendly
1. Boston Avenue Grille & Catering TUL
2. Mother Road Market TUL
3. The Brook TUL
1. Beverly’s Pancake House OKC
2. Smitty’s Garage Burgers and Beer OKC
3. Jeff’s Country Cafe OKC
Burger
1. Society Burger TUL
2. Ron’s Hamburgers TUL
3. Jimmy’s Chophouse TUL
1. S&B’s Burger Joint OKC
2. Patty Wagon OKC
3. Bricktown Brewery OKC
Chef
1. William Lyle – The Summit Club TUL
2. Justin Donaldson – Barons on 1st TUL
3. Justin Thompson – Justin Thompson TUL Restaurant Group
1. Andrew Black – Grey Sweater OKC
2. Kurt Fleischfresser – Western Concepts OKC Restaurant Group
3. Ryan Parrott – Humankind Hospitality/ OKC Olivier Bouzerand – Fait Maison
Comfort Food
1. Blue Moon Café TUL
2. The Brook TUL
3. Maple Ridge Grocer/Ridge Grill TUL
1. The Press OKC
2. Red Rock Canyon Grill OKC
3. Charleston’s OKC
Deli/Sandwich Shop
1. PJ’s Sandwich Shoppe TUL
2. Queenie’s TUL
3. Trenchers Delicatessen TUL
1. Jersey Mike’s OKC
2. Café 7 OKC
3. Neptune Submarine Sandwiches OKC Dessert
1. The Summit Club TUL
2. Queenie’s TUL
3. Merritt’s Bakery TUL
1. Pie Junkie OKC
2. La Baguette Bistro OKC
3. OKC Sweets OKC Diner
1. Metro Diner TUL
Hidden Gem
1. Amelia’s TUL
2. Living Kitchen Farm & Dairy TUL
3. Boston Title & Abstract/FarmBar TUL
1. The Press OKC
2. Vito’s Ristorante OKC
3. Florence’s Restaurant OKC
Ice Cream Shop
1. Braum’s STATE
2. Marble Slab Creamery STATE
3. Baskin-Robbins STATE
Italian
1. Dalesandro's/Ti Amo Ristorante Italiano TUL
2. Biga TUL
3. Mondo’s/Villa Ravenna TUL
1. Stella Modern Italian Cuisine OKC
2. Bellini’s Ristorante OKC
3. Vito’s Ristorante OKC
Local Coffee Shop
1. Topeca Coffee Roastery TUL
2. Doubleshot Coffee Co. TUL
3. Shades of Brown TUL
1. Hoboken Coffee Roasters OKC
2. Beanstalk Coffee and Sno OKC
3. Matties Coffee Company/ OKC Hi Tea x Coffee Tree
Margarita
1. Café Ole TUL
2. Ridge Cantina TUL 3. Mi Cocina TUL
1. Mama Roja OKC
2. Iguana Mexican Grill OKC
3. Poblano
Outside Dining
1.
2. Tim’s Midtown Diner TUL
3. Freeway Café TUL
1. Sunnyside Diner OKC
2. Beverly’s Pancake House OKC
3 Jeff’s Country Café OKC Fast Food
1. Chick-fil-A STATE
2. Sonic Drive-In STATE
3. Braum’s STATE Fine Dining
1. The Summit Club TUL
2. Barons on 1st TUL
3. The French Hen/Mahogany/Polo Grill TUL
1. Grey Sweater OKC
2. Mahogany OKC
3. Mickey Mantle’s OKC
Mazzio’s
Place to Take Out-of-Town
1.
3. Amelia’s/Oren
Oklahoma’s Most Influential People
Across Oklahoma, changemakers, pioneers and leaders are shaping the future by using their influence to uplift communities and spark innovation. From board rooms to class rooms, tribal councils to film festivals, these individuals are proof that power, when guided by purpose, can do a world of good.
We profile a few such leaders in our new Oklahoma’s Most Influential People spotlight, a two-part series running in July and August.
By Kimberly Burk and Gretchen Eichenberg
Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation
Representing the largest Native American tribe in the country with nearly half a million people, Chuck Hoskin Jr., Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, has his priorities and expectations in line with what’s good for his people – and for Oklahoma.
“What drives a lot of my philosophies is that we’ve got communities and citizens that need help, but they can also achieve great things,” Hoskin says. “What any influencer in the state should do, whether working in the civic, business, faith community or otherwise, is work for those who live in the shadows and don’t otherwise have a voice. Perhaps then we will see a restoration of what our ancestors created.”
Accessibility to government is a cornerstone of Hoskin’s leadership.
“We’ve been a constitutional democracy since the 1820s, which makes us one of the oldest democracies on the face of the planet that’s still in existence,” he says. “The challenge is that, as we grow, for the government to remain accessible and responsible and never stray from our foundational concepts, which are rooted in community.”
That can be achieved through transparency, he says.
“We’re a very transparent tribal government,” Hoskin says. “Not just the rudimentary conduct of open public meetings. We put a great deal of what we’re doing in electronic form that’s very accessible to the general public, including our citizens. We keep up a vigorous schedule, the deputy chief and I as well as our council members, of public events in which people can talk to us and ask us questions.”
A partnership with OU Health and Mercy Health System to ensure that world class cancer care can be found closer to home has been a priority for Hoskin and his team.
“The philosophy behind both of those investments – identical investments of $8 million each – is to streamline patient access to cancer care to either of those facilities,” he says.
As for the Cherokee Nation’s reported $3.1 billion annual economic impact, Hoskin only plans to scale it up.
“On the business side, we’re constantly looking for ways to diversify,” he says. “We’ll continue to look for new business sectors that provide long term growth.”
The Cherokee leader says he is proud to have a governmental structure that supports future growth and a committed leadership team by his side.
“All of that coincides at a moment in the history of the Cherokee Nation,” he says, “in which we’re able to do, I think, a great deal of good.”
- GE
Photo courtesy the Cherokee Nation
Gentner Drummond
Attorney General, State of Oklahoma
Gentner Drummond’s life path has been informed largely by promises made to his grandfather.
“When I was 14, my maternal grandfather sat me down,” Drummond says. His grandfather wanted him to serve in the military, which was not typical for his Osage County ranching family. He asked the young Gentner to then return to Oklahoma and serve his family, and when his children were grown, to serve the state.
“I am 61, and I have done that,” he says. “I came back after law school and raised six kids. I formed many companies. Now I’m serving as attorney general and aspire to be our governor.”
Drummond is the state’s chief law enforcement officer, overseeing an office with five divisions and more than 300 employees. He relies on both life and career skills to make everything happen.
“My first profession was as a fighter pilot,” he says. “You are trained to consume a lot of information quickly and make definitive decisions.”
Every Friday at noon, Drummond receives reports from his division leaders that average about 140 pages each. He consumes that information over the weekend.
“It’s with that constant intensity and constant pressure that we move the ball forward,” he says. And, Drummond mentions, he’s “not willing to put off until next week what we can do this week.”
The criminal division goes after the thousands of organized crime units operating in Oklahoma, with a focus on illegal drug production and distribution. The multi-county grand jury division investigates public corruption, primarily elected officials abusing positions of power.
On the civil side, his office represents the state in such matters as pharmacy benefit management and consumer projection. The attorney general also “pushes back on federal overreach and litigates to the Supreme Court,” he says, and serves as general counsel to state agencies.
When it comes to relations with Native American tribes, Drummond disagrees with Gov. Kevin Stitt on matters such as gaming compacts.
“We have economically and culturally rich tribes that are distinct and unique,” Drummond says. “We need a positive working
relationship. We have tribal law enforcement partners we can work with to enhance public safety.”
Drummond has also emphasized openness and transparency in state government.
“Sunshine provides disinfectant to bad actions,” he says.
Drummond’s public access counselor works with local governments and state agencies to ensure adherence to open records and open meetings laws. His office partners with the Oklahoma Press Association to present open meetings seminars, which, last year, were attended by 750 people.
Drummond says his family has been richly blessed since arriving from Scotland in 1890.
“I want to give back to the state of Oklahoma,” he says. “I want to ensure we have an Oklahoma that will be attractive to my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, for them to stay here.”
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Lynn Schusterman
Founder and Chair Emerita, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
Shaping a world in which all people are treated with dignity and respect is at the core of Lynn Schusterman’s philosophy – whether in the areas of criminal justice reform and voting rights or reproductive equity and funding for the Jewish community.
“In the Jewish tradition, it’s this teaching that inspired [her husband] Charles [Schusterman] and me to start our foundation and what continues to drive our philanthropy’s work to build more just and inclusive societies in the U.S. and Israel,” Schusterman says.
The foundation prioritizes working in collaboration with grantees, partnering with fellow funders and making long-term investments because lasting change, Schusterman says, takes a willingness to stay the course.
“Whenever I feel impatient, I try to think of the Talmudic story of Honi the Circlemaker,” she says. “When asked why he was planting carob trees that would not bloom in his lifetime, he said: ‘Just as my parents planted for me, so I will plant for my children.’”
The foundation helped launch Repair the World, an organization that facilitates young Jewish people to volunteer in the com-
Photo courtesy the Office of the Attorney General
Photo courtesy Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies
munity while learning about their commitment to service.
“We have worked on expanding women’s leadership, both in elected positions and in the workplace, as well as expanding all workers’ access to a family sustaining wage,” Schusterman says. “We also know that education has an essential role to play in ushering in a brighter future.”
In Tulsa, the foundation partnered with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma to pilot a program providing high-quality legal representation to parents and children in the child welfare system.
Schusterman’s passion for advocacy and activism, she says, is deeply rooted in her family’s values and commitment to Jewish ethics.
“I remember holding my father’s hand as a little girl as we visited elderly people in need,” she says. “These moments left an indelible impression on me and helped me form a personal and lifelong commitment to giving back. I also believe deeply in the power, passion
Filmmaker
As an award-winning filmmaker and creator with Oklahoma consistently at the center of his storytelling, Sterlin Harjo is breaking stereotypes and educating the masses.
“I definitely have had a sort of romantic vision of what it is to grow up in rural Oklahoma,” Harjo says. “It was a very magical upbringing. I was raised by great storytellers, and they created sort of myths and mythology around our experience here, and I just wanted to keep that going.”
It’s a passion that earned him a spot on the 2025 National Geographic 33, a hand-selected group of change agents using their
and potential of the next generation and have devoted a lot of time to investing in rising leaders who can help shape the future they and their families deserve.”
Tulsa holds a special place in Schusterman’s heart and in her philanthropy.
“I am confident that it can be a place where everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,” she says. “To get there will require a wide array of leaders working together to transform the systems that shape the quality of life in our state.”
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talent and energy to impact science, policy, conservation and storytelling. In his most lauded work to date, the 2021 FX show Reservation Dogs, Harjo offers audiences an authentic portrayal of Native American life and issues – and he also considered the project an opportunity to showcase what Native filmmakers can do.
“Some episodes were sort of transitioned into different genres, and we were playing with storytelling, doing different types of storytelling,” he says. “That was the idea. I think the Native people have been boxed up in film and storytelling and media and popular culture, and I was just trying to break those constraints a little bit.”
Right now, Harjo’s got plenty of irons in the fire: He’s working on a documentary about Oklahoma guitar player Jesse Ed Davis, he’s got other feature films in the works and is writing a script about Olympic gold medalist Jim Thorpe, who also played professional football, baseball and basketball. He’s also helming The Lowdown, a TV show starring Ethan Hawke, mostly filmed in Tulsa, set to air on FX starting in September.
Shining a light on the truth in Native stories is a responsibility Harjo says he takes seriously.
“There are a lot of lies being told, and I want to be a part telling the truth about what it’s like living here for the people who were forced by the U.S. government to be here,” he says. “I’m not trying to make a giant political statement necessarily, but I’m just showing us as regular people, as humans.”
Even with his Hollywood ties, Harjo makes his home in Oklahoma because he “loves the place” and telling its stories, he says.
“And I love the people,” he says. “I think the people here, no matter what your background is, are what make Oklahoma great.”
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Sterlin Harjo
Photo by Shane Brown
Clayton Bennett
Chairman, Professional Basketball Club LLC and Dorchester Capital Corporation
Clayton Bennett has a lengthy resume of business, civic and philanthropic endeavors, but he’s probably best known as chairman of the ownership group that brought the Oklahoma City Thunder to the state in 2008. The OKC native is also president of Dorchester Capital, a private investment company. In 1997, he was presented the Economic Development Citizen Leadership Award by the National Council of Economic Development.
Bennett has served as chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the Oklahoma State Fair, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Health Center Foundation.
He serves as a director of the Oklahoma City Industrial and Cultural Facilities Trust, the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
In 2007, Bennett was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, and in 2013, he was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
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Sue Ann Arnall
Founder/CEO, Arnall Family Foundation
Helping others is “beyond exhilarating,” Sue Ann Arnall told Oklahoma Magazine last year as the nonprofit she founded approached its tenth year in operation.
After a rewarding career as an energy industry attorney, Arnall created the Arnall Family Foundation in 2015, which focuses on criminal justice reform and racial disparities among people of color in Oklahoma jails and prisons. The foundation also works to create systemic change in the areas of youth welfare and justice, homelessness, and historically under-resourced communities.
A Poteau native, Arnall earned a degree in economics and a juris doctor from Tulsa University, the latter of which named her a distinguished alumna in 2024. She is a member of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame.
The Arnall Family Foundation has invested more than $200 million in initiatives to improve Oklahoma’s foster care system and reduce its incarceration rate.
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Photo courtesy The Oklahoma City Thunder
Photo courtesy the Arnall Family Foundation
Tricia Everest
Secretary of Public Safety, Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Criminal justice and public safety are key areas of emphasis in the career of Tricia Gaylord Everest, Oklahoma’s Secretary of Public Safety. She oversees more than 55 agencies including the Department of Public Safety, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Pardon and Parole Board, and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
An Oklahoma City native and fourth-generation Oklahoman, Everest holds a degree from Vanderbilt University and a juris doctor from the University of Oklahoma School of Law.
Everest was a state assistant attorney general from 2004 to 2010. She is the founding chair of Palomar, Oklahoma City’s Family Justice Center, which removes barriers for abuse victims to access the services they need. She was also the founding chair of ReMerge, which diverts mothers from prison and empowers women to build healthy foundations for themselves and their children.
Everest was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2019.
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Monroe Nichols
Mayor, City of Tulsa
Monroe Nichols, Tulsa’s first Black mayor, came to office in 2024 with a focus borne from a background in government, higher education and the nonprofit sector.
He served as an aide to former Tulsa mayor Kathy Taylor, chief of staff to former OU-Tulsa President Gerry Clancy, economic development manager at the Oklahoma State Department of Career and Technology Education and director of business retention and expansion programs for the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce.
In 2016, he became the first African-American elected to represent District 72 in the state House of Representatives, where he chaired the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus.
As mayor, Nichols’ goals include increasing Tulsa’s affordable housing stock by 6,000 units by 2028, with a plan to reduce the cost burdens faced by developers through the creation of a Housing Acceleration Team.
His objectives also include more funding for homelessness initiatives, making Tulsa a safer city, strengthening tribal partnerships and helping to place more children on a pathway to economic stability.
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Photo courtesy The City of Tulsa
Photo courtesy ODPS/Tricia Everest
Where Wok Meets Woodfire
Situated on the Arkansas River, Daigoro offers a pan-Asian smokehouse experience with sleek sensibility.
Sometimes a restaurant is the fulfillment of a lifetime dream. You can usually tell when this is the case: Every dish is lavished with years of thought and care, every detail planned, flavors pop as you taste food that’s been years in the planning. And so it is with Daigoro.
Phillip Phillips, said restaurant’s owner, grew up in Cleveland and Sand Springs.
“Both of my grandmas were avid cooks,” he recalls. “They cooked meals for us three times a day and all family gatherings centered around cooking. This stayed with me.”
Later on, Phillips married Danielle, who became his life and business partner, and he found his calling in restaurant kitchens. He never went to cooking school, but instead learned from fine dining chefs who, years before Tulsa’s
culinary renaissance, were turning out the finest dishes in Tulsa: Steven Howard of Kokoa, Geoffrey van Glabbeek of Lava Noshery, and Zahidah Hyman of Keo.
After learning from these and other mentors, he wanted to open his own restaurant but couldn’t afford it. Instead, he put those dreams on hold and moved to Austin to play in a band. Right near his apartment, there was a parking lot full of food trucks.
“They all served incredibly exciting food,” he says. “It was chef-driven and affordable, and they were boldly, brightly painted. I became obsessed.”
Best of all, he says, you could start a business for under $10,000. Phillips found a sturdy old 1982 truck in Oklahoma City and his culinary journey began. But what to cook? Thinking back to life on the road, Phillips remembered a delicious banh mi shop in California.
“They didn’t use traditional recipes;
they used lots of different aioli and cool pickles and sauces,” he says. “It was lifechanging, the harmony of flavor profiles.”
And indeed, it did change the Phillips’ lives. Back in Tulsa, Phillips immediately started inventing recipes, testing them on his friends. One night, they parked the brand new food truck outside a local bar. The truck – called Lone Wolf Banh Mi – sold out in two hours and from there, rocketed to success.
Ten years and two successful restaurants later, the Phillips family appeared to have it all. But Phillip himself missed the unfettered creativity of the chefs he’d trained with.
“One day,” he told an interviewer in 2017, “I’ll have a place where all I do is create.”
Flash forward to today. Go to 21st and Riverside in Tulsa and you’ll see a sleek, streamlined dining hall built on pilings over the rushing Arkansas River.
Hamachi, or yellowtail fish, comes with yuzu ponzu, blood orange and serrano. Photos courtesy Daigoro
The building used to be Blue Rose, but about two years ago, it went up for sale.
“Standing on the balcony, watching the river,” says Phillips, “we knew that this was our chance.”
And then came two years of hard work. Phillips, himself a design student, teamed up with architect Chris Lilly and, along with Danielle, spent ten months nailing down the design. Simultaneously, the team planned the menu.
“I was trying to do things never seen before,” Phillips says.
They ate their way through every major U.S. city looking for inspiration. At one point, they caught word of a dish made with shrimp and Malaysian baby cereal. Days of research led to such a dish, prepared by street vendors in Singapore. This became a prized – and surprisingly delicious – option on the
menu. But it’s about the only dish that Phillips copied.
“I’ve been an artist my whole life,” he says. “Copying doesn’t inspire me, creating does.”
Asked to describe Daigoro, Phillips thinks a moment and then says: “We’re a non-traditional, pan-Asian smokehouse with primary roots in Japanese cuisine.”
Brisket, pork belly, ribs, chicken wings and corn all, indeed, find their way to the smoker. The ribs are smoked, glazed in Korean BBQ sauce, topped with cilantro, mint and serrano. The cucumber salad, Phillips describes, is “unassuming, but there’s a lot going on.” Cool, refreshing with much depth and flavor, it makes a good start to any meal. The shaking beef, their version of Vietnamese Bo Luc Lac, was something Phillips often cooked for his family.
“My kids insisted it be on the menu,” he says. “And,” he adds, “the menu is not stagnant. I have ten new dishes I’m working on right now.”
BRIAN SCHWARTZ
30th Street Market
For a hearty and nutritious meal that supports local, venture to OKC’s 30th Street Market. An artisan bakery, coffee shop, sandwich shop and market, 30th Street is also a dog-friendly hotspot perfect for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
Cafe items include a bevy of sandwiches, like the Italian, with salami, soppressata, genoa, provolone, olive tapenade, mixed greens and mayo on ciabatta; the Turkey, with chimichurri mayo, avocado, onions, mixed greens, tomatoes and pepperoncini on toasted focaccia; or the Sweets and Beets iteration, with shredded kale, roasted sweet potato, pickled beets, lemon aioli and feta on toasted milk bread.
Breakfast is a lively affair at 30th Street. Try the sausage and egg sandwich on an English muffin, or the croissant ‘sammie’ with scrambled eggs, pesto, cheddar, arugula and cherry peppers. Seafood fans can enjoy the smoked trout toast, or you can classic with a grilled cheese.
Other healthy options include the Sunflower Crunch salad, with kale, sunflower seeds, feta, quinoa, cranberries and citrus vinaigrette, as well as the Chicken Bahn Mi, with roasted chicken, avocado, pickled carrots and daikon radish, spicy mayo and fresh jalapeños on a toasted hoagie.
The restaurant also offers a full-service coffee bar, as well as an array of juices and smoothies. For large groups, catering trays and large pastry assortments are available for pre-order.
Misfit Kitchen
With a menu to satisfy virtually any palette, Misfit Kitchen in downtown Tulsa is somewhat of a hidden gem joint you’ve got to try on your next day or night out.
The beauty of Misfit is that you’ll be able to find the food you’re in the mood for – no matter its genre. For example, appetizers range from high-end steak crostini bites to loaded fries and Misfit Nachos, replete with shredded rotisserie chicken, queso, tomato, lettuce, jalapeno and crema. Those hankering for lighter fare can try the chicken tortilla soup or the Downtown Rustic salad, with bacon, heirloom tomatoes, bleu cheese and spicy candied pecans.
In the mood for the classics? Choose between a variety of sandwiches and burgers. Stand-outs include the Wifey, with spicy fried chicken and garlic aioli, the Rob Father, with mortadella, chilled burrata and fig spread, the Frying Nemo, with mahi, tartar sauce, fries and tomato, or the Pops Burger, with smoked brisket, cheddar, pineapple berry BBQ sauce and blackberries.
For a more upscale entree, options run the gamut. Enjoy Mary’s Lamb with garlic mashed potatoes and orange candied carrots in a braised reduction, or go for the Misfit Filet, with fried rice, green onion, corn and a fried egg.
Craft cocktails are another can’t-miss experience, with stand-outs including the Ozymandias with bourbon, rosemary sweet vermouth, luxardo and walnut, and the From Vesper, With Love with vodka, gin, Lillet Blanc and honey.
Alongside the main menu, Misfit also offers brunch and Happy Hour iterations, alongside a bevy of wines and beers.
A popular menu item, the shaking beef is marinated and wok cooked on a bed of watercress.
The prime filet skewer comes with ume truffle sauce, togarashi and Thai basil.
Photo courtesy 30th Street Market
Photo by Jessica Trout courtesy Misfit Kitchen
Sharpening His Skillset
Chef John Conway isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
The heat of a stove and the sizzle of a grill scare most little kids away from the kitchen.
John Conway was the opposite.
“My first memories are cooking with my mom and grandmother,” says Conway. “I was frying chicken at a very early age.”
And while other kids were busy watching cartoons on Saturday mornings, Conway preferred Emeril Live.
“It was in high school when I decided I wanted to pursue a career in the restaurant industry and be a chef,” Conway says. “I was in college and realized I needed some ‘hands-on learning,’ so I dropped out and got a dishwashing and prep job.”
Six months later, he was working as a
line cook, and “you could say I’ve been hooked ever since,” he says.
The Hutch, located in Nichols Hills, is where you’ll find Conway today.
“I got involved with The Hutch about three years ago,” he shares. A friend of a friend needed a chef at his restaurant and Conway fit the bill perfectly.
“I had not realized what exactly was going on until I was interviewing with Kurt,” says Conway. The Kurt he mentions is Kurt Fleischfresser, a culinary icon in Oklahoma City who runs Western Concepts Restaurant Group, which harbors joints including Sushi Neko, The Tasting Room and Musashi’s. A major influence and mentor for Conway, Fleischfresser has played a role in his cooking education for a long time.
“He has been mentoring me since before he was mentoring me,” Conway
says. “Kurt has probably been the most impactful and influential chef in our city’s current food scene. I have worked for and with some of his former apprentices over the years, and these chefs have passed down the knowledge. Right from the beginning, working with Kurt was a great fit, as I was already quite familiar with his expectations.”
At The Hutch, Conway presents diners with upscale regional cuisine with deep French influence.
“We cook from scratch and source local ingredients for a lot of components,” says Conway. “I get the opportunity to have full creative freedom with weekly lunch, brunch and dinner specials.”
When it comes to a favorite meal to make for patrons, Conway can’t pick just one – it’s more about the art of cooking in general.
“I would say my favorite thing to cook is actually just the opportunity to do it, to create," he says.
Never one to sit still, Conway has some other things cooking besides just food.
“On the horizon, I have a few big ideas for concepts I think would do well,” he muses. “To be a chef owner/operator is the end game. Having a small group with a handful of concepts.”
And in his downtime, you’ll still find Conway in the kitchen.
“At home, I enjoy making sourdoughs and pastries with my daughters,” he says. “They love bread and love to help.”
Keeping his skills sharp, after all, is all part of the job.
“I try to cook at home often. Professional athletes don’t become pro to then just stop practicing, working out, or exercising," he says. "Why should I?”
DREW JOSEPH ALLEN
John Conway, executive chef at OKC’s The Hutch, says his mentorship under Kurt Fleischfresser has helped hone him into the pro he is today. Photos courtesy The Hutch
A favorite of Conway's dishes at Hutch is the grilled snapper.
Café Sol
Family-owned Café Sol in OKC brings Latin flavors front and center. Fresh, home-style cooking is the name of the game, with a fast-casual dining atmosphere and plenty of vibrant cuisine choices to enjoy.
Start with classic apps like queso, tostadas, chicken tortilla soup or loaded fries, complete with carne asada, queso, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo. Taco plates are a must at Café Sol – enjoy the street, birria or supreme versions, with refried beans, your choice of meat, salsa, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream and two types of cheese. You can venture to the burrito and quesadilla options for more classic fare.
If you’re ravenous, try one of the platters, like the Enchiladas de Mama: three corn tortillas filled with marinated chicken and shredded cheese covered in salsa and queso. Other highlights include green chile stew, the carne asada platter and chicken flautas.
OISHI Sushi and Ramen
Nestled within the Farm Shopping Center in Tulsa, hidden gem OISHI Sushi and Ramen offers cozy ambiance, delicious and varied plates, plus plenty of bang for your buck.
Kick off with egg rolls, edamame, miso soup, fried egg or tempura. Then, venture to the plethora of signature rolls at OISHI. Just a few of the stand-outs include the Happy Roll, with crab mix, cream cheese and cucumber; the Tuna Kawa Roll, with tuna, mango and avocado; and the Spicy Crawfish Roll, with spicy crab, cream cheese and crawfish.
Other goodies include maki rolls, plenty of ramen dishes, fried rice, yaki soba (stir-fried egg noodles) and poke bowls. Stick around for teriyaki, pad Thai, sashimi, nigiri and curry.
Ediblend Superfood Cafe
If you’re looking to shed a few pounds as we round out the summertime months, Ediblend Superfood Cafe in Tulsa will be an excellent partner on your clean eating journey.
For hearty fare, try one of many bowls at Ediblend. Options range from the Rise and Shine, with overnight oats, almond milk, maple syrup and granola to the Tropical acai bowl, with granola, pineapples, strawberries, coconut and honey. Specialty blended drinks are also popular at Ediblend – try the Detox Green with kale, spinach, cucumber, celery, apple and lemon, or the Sexy Yowza with bananas, cacao, cinnamon, maca, dates and cayenne.
For those in a hurry, there are also to-go options, including bottled blended drinks, wellness shots, and food like hummus bowls, taco salads, kale salads, fruit bowls and guacamole, all made in-house. If you want to keep your healthy choices going at home, the restaurant also offers wellness cleanses for one and three days.
The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen
Perfect for a rooftop dinner, watching the game or a laid-back date night, The Hall’s Pizza Kitchen is an OKC staple. Start with burrata, bacon jam and pimento, or the Greek, with roasted red pepper, kalamata olives, feta, tomato, cucumber and artichoke dressed in oregano lemon vinaigrette with hummus and flatbread.
As its name suggests, pizza is the star on Hall’s menu. Go classic with the Saturday Night, complete with pepperoni, sausage, red sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan, or try something a bit different with Sweetness – fresh pineapple, ham, red sauce, basil and hot honey.
Hall’s also serves housemade cocktails, beer, wine, brunch items and desserts ranging from strawberry shortcake to cheesecake and ice cream.
Photo courtesy Cafe Sol
Photo courtesy OISHI
Photo courtesy Ediblend
Photo courtesy Hall’s
Where & When
GREAT THINGS TO DO IN OKLAHOMA
EVENTS LISTED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK INDIVIDUAL WEBSITES FOR UPDATES.
IN TULSA Performances
The Drunkard and the Olio July 5, 12, 19, 26 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
Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias
Live July 12 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias is one of the world’s most successful stand-up comedians and one of the highest grossing touring comedians of all time. He is one of the most watched comedians on YouTube with over 2 billion views and over 34.6 million fans across social media. riverspirittulsa.com
Joe Pera July 29 Cain's Ballroom Joe Pera is a standup comedian, writer and filmmaker from Buffalo, NY. Pera is best known for his Adult Swim series, Joe Pera Talks With You, which The LA Times refers to as “TV’s quietest, most artful comedy." cainsballroom.com
Concerts
Chris Janson July 3 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Tulsa Christopher Pierre Janson is an American country music singer and songwriter. Janson has recorded three full-length albums. hardrockcasinotulsa.com
Steve Earle with Reckless Kelly July 10 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Stephen Fain Earle is an American country, rock and folk singer-songwriter. He began his career as a songwriter in Nashville and released his first EP in 1982. hardrockcasinotulsa.com
Candlebox July 10 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Emerging from Seattle’s burgeoning mid-1990s grunge scene, Candlebox quickly found mainstream success with their deep, lyrically-driven melodies and big radio hooks. riverspirittulsa.com
Cory Kent July 10-11 Cain's Ballroom See the singer with special guest Mike Ryan. cainsballroom.com
Gabby Barrett July 12 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
Tulsa Gabrielle Bernadette Barrett is a country music singer and actress from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. hardrockcasinotulsa. com
Jason Aldean July 17 BOK Center See the country singer with
PERFORMANCE
A Spotlight on the Stage
While many of Oklahoma’s major performing arts companies are taking the summer off, there are still ample options for on-the-stage entertainment.
In Tulsa, head to the Tulsa Spotlight Theatre every Saturday in July for The Drunkard and the Olio, America’s longestrunning play. If you prefer the casino, Hard Rock offers the comedic chops of Gabriel Iglesias on July 12, as well as singer/ songwriter and American Idol alum Chris Daughtry on July 30. Other Tulsa-based goodies include country crooner Jason Aldean on July 17 at the BOK Center, and comedian Joe Pera on July 29 at Cain’s Ballroom. (You can also see Pera on July 27 at OKC’s Tower Theatre.)
In OKC, Lyric Theatre brings the heat this month with two performances: Beautiful, The Carole King Musical on July 8-13, and Oklahoma!, July 29-Aug. 3, both at the Civic Center Music Hall. Also at the Civic is The Wizard of Oz, brought to life by Storyteller Theatre, running July 25-Aug. 3. Other performances on July’s OKC plate include comedian Shane Gillis, July 18, and the Avett Brothers, July 19, both at the Paycom Center, as well as The Little Mermaid at the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre on July 26-27.
If you want to take a road trip for some entertainment, visit Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre through July 5 for The Shark is Broken, or head to Norman’s University of Oklahoma for the Oklahoma International Dance Festival Summer Intensive, running July 21-Aug. 2.
special guests Nate Smith, RaeLynn and Dee Jay Silver. bokcenter.com
Scotty McCreery July 18 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Scott Cooke McCreery is a North Carolina-born country music singer who won season 10 of American Idol in 2011. hardrockcasinotulsa.com
Sam Barber July 18 Cain's Ballroom Now that Sam Barber has your attention, he’s looking forward to holding onto it a while. “I love making anything that can affect someone emotionally,” Barber says. cainsballroom.com
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils July 19 Cain's Ballroom The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have been aptly described as “a ragtag collection of hippies, bohemians and musicians of no fixed ambition.” They have always been indefinable in terms of music genres. cainsballroom.com
America July 27 Tulsa
Theater See the classic rock band America on its Encore Tour. tulsatheater.com
Daughtry July 30 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa Christopher Adam Daughtry is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actor and comic book artist. hardrockcasinotulsa.com
An Evening with Bush July 31 River Spirit Casino Resort After three decades, well over 24 million records sold, a Grammy Award nomination, 1 billion streams, and
a procession of No. 1 hits, BUSH stand tall as rock outliers whose imprint only widens as the years pass. riverspirittulsa.com
Art
An Unlikely Pairing:
Joe Kissinger & Sarah Robl Through July 19 108
Contemporary This exhibition showcases wood turning and fiber work with lively colors and intricate details. 108contemporary.org
Oh, Tulsa! Through July 19 Living Arts This exhibition is a biennial showcase of Tulsa artists intended to highlight the unique talents our art community has to offer. Artists are encouraged to come together and share what they love about Tulsa. This exhibition is about Tulsa, for Tulsa, and by Tulsa! livingarts.org
SAMURAI: Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Through Aug. 3 Philbrook Coming from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, SAMURAI: Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller unveils the culture, lifestyle and art of the samurai warrior in Japanese society. philbrook.org
Japonisme: New Perspectives from the Land of the Rising Sun Through Aug. 3 Philbrook Japan’s borders
were largely closed to outsiders for centuries until 1854, when the country was opened to trade and travel. Japanese goods hit markets across Europe and America, sparking an international craze known as “Japonisme.” Artists seeking to defy European conventions saw new possibilities in Japanese art and a visual language that changed the West. philbrook.org
Bashert: The Art of Jewish Love Through Sept. 30 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Love is in the air! Grab your sweetheart and join the museum for a celebration of love as depicted by works in its permanent collection. jewishmuseumtulsa.org
Eduardo Sarabia: Ceiba Sagrada Through Dec. 28 Philbrook Los Angeles-born, Mexico-based Eduardo Sarabia has become one of the better-known artistic voices of his generation for using materials and imagery associated with street culture, craft and folk history to draw connections between his personal story and the narrative of Mexico. philbrook.org Earth Embodied Through Dec. 28 Philbrook New acquisitions by artists including Starr Hardridge, Kay WalkingStick and Emmi Whitehorse join old favorites such as Alexandre Hogue’s Mother Earth Laid Bare (1936) and Felice Schiavoni’s Madonna and Child with the Young Saint John (1850) to explore the range of ways artists
envision the concept of the earth embodied. philbrook.org
Temple Israel Songbook
Illustrations Through Dec. 31 Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Ready for a trip down memory lane? Revisit the charm of Sunday school at Temple Israel with these delightful, vibrant illustrations by Tulsa native Carmelita Avery. Created in 1945, these pieces capture the playful spirit of the era. jewishmuseumtulsa.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 Drillers Baseball July 1-3, 18-20, 22-27 ONEOK Stadium The professional baseball season is alive and well in Tulsa. milb.com/tulsa Pony of the Americas National Congress July 4-11 Expo Square The Pony of the Americas (POA) National Congress is a weeklong, nationally recognized show hosted by the Pony of the Americas Club, Inc. (POAC) that features a wide variety of equestrian events, including show ring classes, games, speed events, and more. poac.org
National Junior Angus
Show Through July 5 Expo
Square The National Junior Angus Show is the premier youth cattle-raising show held every year in the midwestern United States. The young farmers exhibit Angus cattle for prizes. njas.info
Tulsa Oilers Football July 12, 19 BOK Center See the team play against a variety of teams this June. bokcenter.com
ABRA World Show July 1319 Expo Square American Buckskin Registry Association’s purpose is to collect, record, and preserve the pedigrees of Buckskin, Dun, Red Dun, Grulla, Dunalino, and Perlino with dun factor horses, draft horses, ponies/ miniature horses and mules, as well as those eligible equines of unknown ancestry. americanbuckskin.com
NRCHA Hackamore Classic July 21-27 Expo Square The NRCHA (National Reined Cow Horse Association) Hackamore Classic is a premier event for reined cow horse, showcasing the traditional evolution of the sport. nrcha.com
Simulcast Horse Racing Through Nov. 1 Virtual horse races can be catch all summer and fall. exposquare.com
Community
First Friday Art Crawl July 4
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
Photo by Wendy Mutz Photography, costumes by Jeffrey Meek, courtesy Lyric Theatre
snacks. humanities.utulsa.edu
Senior Lifestyle and Wellness Expo July 8 Expo Square LIFE Senior Services provides programs, facilities and services designed to enhance the lives of adults 50+ in northeastern Oklahoma. lifeseniorservices.org
Circle Cinema Film Festival July
11-15 Circle Cinema The Circle Cinema Film Festival features an exciting showcase of original storytelling through film, art, music and experiences. circlecinema.org
Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Tours July
12 Downtown Tulsa Take a fun and educational walking tour through downtown Tulsa and other historical local sites during Second Saturday Architecture Tours, hosted by the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. tulsaarchitecture.org
Home and Garden Expo of Oklahoma July 18-20 Expo Square The Home & Garden Expo of Oklahoma is a large, free, three-day event held in Tulsa at the Exchange Center at Expo Square. It's known as the largest summertime home and garden show in Green Country. krmg. com
Florigami in the Garden Through Sept. 21 Tulsa Botanic Garden See the larger-than-life FLORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN exhibit at the Tulsa Botanic Garden. tulsabotanic.org
Charitable Events
Boomfest July 4 Oklahoma Aquarium Dive into a day of aquatic wonders and patriotic excitement. Enjoy stunning marine exhibits, interactive activities for all ages, and wrap up the evening with a breathtaking fireworks display over the water. okaquarium.org
Trivia Night July 8 Oklahoma
Aquarium Join us for a thrilling shark-themed trivia night like no other. Test your knowledge of these fascinating creatures while surrounded by stunning shark exhibits. okaquarium.org
Zoo Nights July 11 Tulsa
Zoo Explore the zoo after hours for a unique experience you will never forget. tulsazoo.org
Sharks in the Park July
12 Oklahoma Aquarium Enjoy free hot dogs, a splash zone with the Jenks Fire Department, yard games, vendor booths and more! okaquarium.org
Polka Party July 19 GAST Tulsa Join the GAST Blaskapelle and Volktanzeren (Wind band and Folk dancers) for an evening of German style music, dancing and fun!
This new party presents a unique opportunity for you to learn to Polka and Waltz or get a little practice in! gastulsa.org
Bowl for Kid's Sake July
22 Andy B's Bowl for Kids’ Sake is Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature fundraiser. Every year, half a million people across America come together to have fun and raise money to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. bigoklahoma.org
Bunco for a Cause July
22 Skiatook Paws and Claws Animal Rescue For $20 you can roll the dice to support a local non-profit / cause and the Bailey Education Foundation Scholarship program. baileyeducationfoundation. com
Comedy Night July 23 Oklahoma Aquarium Join us for a night of
laughs at the Oklahoma Aquarium's Comedy Night, hosted by the hilarious Evan Hughes! This 18+ event promises side-splitting comedy in a unique setting. okaquarium.org
IN OKC Performances
Lyric Theatre presents: Beautiful, the Carole King Musical July 8-13 Civic Center
Music Hall Relive the incredible true story of Carole King, from writing pop classics for renowned artists to her chart-topping success with her album tapestry in the captivating musical Beautiful lyrictheatreokc.com
Shane Gillis July 18 Paycom
Center The comedy powerhouse takes over the arena stage with his sharp wit and no-holds-barred style. Fresh off a sold-out international run, Gillis has broken records across North America and Europe. paycomcenter. com
Storyteller Theatre OKC
Presents: The Wizard of Oz July 25-Aug. 3 Civic Center
Music Hall Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of L. Frank Baum's beloved American fairytale, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Presented by Storyteller Theatre OKC, this play adaptation features Dorothy and friends as they come alive with color, live music, and a big heart. storytellersokc.com
Oklahoma Children's Theatre presents: Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr. July 26-27 Oklahoma Children's Theatre Go on an under-the-sea adventure with Disney's The Little Mermaid presented by the Oklahoma Children's Theater. oklahomachildrenstheatre.
org
Joe Pera July 27 Tower Theatre Joe Pera is a standup comedian, writer and filmmaker
SPORTS
from Buffalo, NY. Pera is best known for his Adult Swim series, Joe Pera Talks With You, which The LA Times refers to as “TV’s quietest, most artful comedy." towertheatreokc. com
Lyric Theatre presents: Oklahoma! July 29-Aug. 3 Civic Center Music Hall Custom created for Oklahoma audiences; this traditional staging of the production will be enjoyed by thousands of fans statewide eager to see the return of Lyric’s official state production! lyrictheatreokc.com
Concerts
Sixpence None the Richer July 13 Tower Theatre Alternative rock band and "Kiss Me" hitmakers
Sixpence None the Richer is taking the most historic stage in town on July 13. towertheatreokc.com
Phosphorescent July 18 Tower Theatre Phosphorescent is performing on the most historic stage in town on July 18. Don't miss his Summer Tour, live in OKC! towertheatreokc.com
The Avett Brothers July 19 Paycom Center Three-time GRAMMY Award nominees The Avett Brothers made mainstream waves with their critically acclaimed 2009 major label debut, I and Love and You. paycomcenter.com
Santa Fe Klan July 20 Paycom Center Presented by Bobby Dee Presents, the tour brings Santa Fe Klan’s signature fusion of rap, cumbia, and regional Mexican sounds to major cities across the U.S. this summer. paycomcenter.com
Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour July 30 Paycom Center Descendants/ Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour, a one-of-a-kind interactive live concert experience coming to Oklahoma City! paycomcenter.com
A Sporting Frenzy
After a truly electric basketball season that saw the OKC Thunder in the NBA finals, it’s time to wave goodbye to b-ball and immerse ourselves in other sporting options this summer.
Art
July Group Art Show July 10-Aug. 3 DNA Galleries For the month of July, DNA Galleries will be hosting a linocut themed group art show featuring Jim Weaver, Kathleen Neeley, Eduardo Martinez and David Hertzel. dnagalleries.com
Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale Through Aug. 3 National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum Prix de West is the nation’s premier Western art exhibition and sale showcasing original works ranging from historical depictions of the American West to more contemporary and impressionistic pieces. nationalcowboymuseum.org
The Three Shades Through Aug. 23 OKCMOA Enjoy this single-gallery installation featuring one of the masterworks of modern sculpture, Auguste Rodin’s The Three Shades, on loan from a private collection. okcmoa.com
Discovering Ansel
Adams Through Sept. 28 OKCMOA This groundbreaking exhibition provides an unprecedented and eye-opening examination of the early career of one of America’s most renowned photographers. okcmoa. com
Land Use: Humanity's Interaction with Nature Through Sept. 28 OKCMOA This gallery features modern and contemporary paintings, photographs, video art and digital art that relate to humanity’s use of and interaction with the environment. okcmoa.com
Hock E Aye Vi Edgar Heap of Birds: Honor Song Through Oct. 20 Oklahoma Contemporary Oklahoma Contemporary presents the first major retrospective of Oklahoma City-based artist Edgar Heap of Birds, who is known internationally
for conceptual artwork that addresses Indigenous rights, sovereignty and relationships to place. 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
2025 National and Youth World Appaloosa Horse Show Through July 3 OKC Fairgrounds See stunning equine athletes and their riders compete. appaloosa.com
OKC Comets Baseball July 4-6, 8-13, 29-31 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark The professional baseball season continues in OKC. milb.com/ oklahoma-city
Sunset Paddles in Downtown Boathouse District July
9 Riversport OKC Wrap up a day in Oklahoma City with a Sunset Kayak Excursion in the Boathouse District in downtown Oklahoma City. riversportokc.org
PBR Wildcatter Days July 11-13 Paycom Center PBR is bucking its way back into Oklahoma City for three days of heart-pounding action LIVE in the 405! paycomcenter.com
CommunityArt
Red, White & Boom July
3 Scissortail Park Celebrate Independence Day with beautiful and inspiring music during Red, White & Boom at Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City. scissortailpark.org
First Friday Gallery Walk July
4 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
LibertyFest Through July
4 Citywide, Edmond Attend one of America's top Independence Day celebrations when you head to Edmond for LibertyFest. libertyfest.org
Dinner Detective Comedy Mystery Show July 5 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
Bingo Loco July 11 Tower Theatre Looking for a night out like no other or the best work party on the planet? Bingo Loco flips the traditional game of bingo on its head with dance-offs, rave rounds, lip sync battles, throwback anthems, conga lines, and prizes ranging from international holidays to cars, air
SUNRISE & SUNSET PADDLES
In Tulsa, the Drillers take ONEOK Field throughout the month of July. Additionally, you can enjoy the Pony of the Americas National Congress, July 4-11, the ABRA World Show, July 13-19, and the NRCHA Hackamore Classic, July 21-27, all at Expo Square. Football fans should also venture to the BOK Center to watch the Tulsa Oilers take on teams at home on July 12 and 19.
OKC’s sporting events are a mixed bag. Begin with the 2025 National and Youth World Appaloosa Horse Show, running through July 3 at the OKC Fairgrounds. Then, venture to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark for the OKC Comets baseball games throughout the month of July. Next are sunrise and sunset paddles in downtown OKC courtesy Riversport OKC, running July 9 for sunset and July 19 for sunrise. Lastly, the PBR Wildcatter Days bullriding event launches into the Paycom Center from July 11 to 13.
Around the state, you can enjoy the International Finals Youth Rodeo, July 6-11 at Shawnee’s Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center; the Norman Conquest Ride, July 12 starting at the J.D.. McCarty Center; the Cavalcade Rodeo, July 15-20 at Pawhuska’s Osage County Fairgrounds; and Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo, July 24-26 at Pawnee’s Lakeside Arena.
Photo courtesy Riversport OKC
Where & When | Entertainment
fryers, lawnmowers, and so much more. towertheatreokc.com
2nd Friday Norman Art Walk July 11 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
Freedom from Pain
Expo July 11 Oklahoma City Convention Center Freedom From Pain Institute is nationally recognized as a top choice for hands-on training certification workshops and home-study courses for massage, sports, functional movement, athletic trainers and pain management therapists. okcconventioncenter.
com
Live Mario Kart July 12 Tower Theatre Fans of every skill level will have the chance to play on stage—all amidst a LIVE PERFORMANCE of the Mario Kart 8 soundtrack. towertheatreokc.com
Second OHOF Saturdays
July 12 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
OIGA Conference and Trade Show July 14-16 OKC Convention Center The 2025 OIGA Conference and Trade Show is known as ‘the biggest little show in Indian Gaming,’ will draw nearly 3,000 vendors, visitors and guest speakers to Oklahoma City to celebrate and advance our industry. okcconventioncenter. com
HorrorCon July 18-20 OKC
Convention Center Oklahoma City’s HorrorCon is a Horrorthemed, family-friendly event! The show consists of celebrity guests, the BEST vendors in the region,
COMMUNITY
cosplay, Q&A’s panels, Nightfall Haunted Territory’s haunted forest, Scaryokie, and many more spooky events! okcconventioncenter.com
A Celebration of Quilts: Symphony of Color July 18-19 OKC Fairgrounds The mission of the Central Oklahoma Quilters Guild is to stimulate an interest in quilts, to promote and advance the art of quilt-making, and to help preserve our quilt heritage. okcfairgrounds.com
Duck Hunters Expo July 25-July 27 OKC Fairgrounds Dust off your boots, pack your camo, and mark your calendars, as the Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo takes center stage at The Oklahoma City Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City. deltawaterfowlexpo.com
The Lost Dymension Fantasy Fest and CostumeAcon July 26 OKC Fairgrounds The Lost Dymension Fantasy Fest and CostumeAcon is a one-of-a-kind celebration that brings together all realms of imagination and creativity. Designed for fans of all genres and ages, this festival offers an immersive experience that blends fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, horror, pop culture, music, and more into one vibrant event. okcfairgrounds.com
Charitable Events
State of the City Luncheon July 16 OKC Convention Center Join the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber as we welcome Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt to deliver his annual “State of the City” address. okcconventioncenter. com
Reds, Whites and Brews July 24 OKC Farmers Market This Catholic Charities fundraising event features karaoke, wine and beer tasting, games, and
Heartland Happenings
There’s an event for everyone this July.
camaraderie. ccaokc.org
OICA's 9th Annual Heroes Ball July 26 OKANA Hotel and Resort Join the crew at its annual gala as they celebrate Oklahoma's Heroes for Children! oica.org
THE STATE Performances
Pollard Theatre presents: The Shark is Broken Through July 5 Pollard Theatre, Guthrie Go on a behind-the-scenes voyage of the filming of Hollywood's first blockbuster in The Shark is Broken thepollard.org
Katt Williams July 5 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville Don’t miss your chance to catch the legendary Katt Williams as he returns to WinStar World Casino for an evening of killer comedy. winstar.com
Oklahoma International Dance Festival Summer Intensive July 21-Aug. 2 OU Fine Arts Center, Norman The Oklahoma International Dance Festival (OIDF) Summer Intensive offers an opportunity for dancers to receive exceptional instruction by faculty from at the University of Oklahoma. okdancefest.org
Concerts
Willie Nelson and Family and Bob Dylan in Concert July 1 Lucky Star Casino, El Reno Treat your ears to a live performance by the legendary Willie Nelson, best known for his successful 1970s "Shotgun Willie" album. The iconic Bob Dylan will also take the stage to provide a nostalgic performance you won't soon forget. luckystarcasino.org
Lee Brice with Jackson Dean July 3 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant With three
In Tulsa, cinephiles should visit the Circle Cinema Film Festival on July 11-15, or take the monthly Tulsa Foundation for Architecture tour, July 12 starting in downtown. You also won’t want to miss Florigami in the Garden, a stunning exhibit at Tulsa Botanic Garden running through Sept. 21.
consecutive No. 1 singles in 2012, Lee Brice decisively crossed out the next from his reputation as country’s next big thing. choctawcasinos.com
Clay Walker with John Morgan July 5 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Clay Walker’s 1993 single “What’s It to You” topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts at No. 1 and sat at No. 73 on the Billboard Hot 100. choctawcasinos.com
I Love the 90s Tour July 11 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville With a lineup featuring some of the most iconic hip-hop, R&B and rap artists of the 1990s, Universal Attractions’ I Love the 90’s Tour is one of the most exciting stage shows on the road this summer. winstar.com
Al Green July 12 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant See this iconic crooner for one night only. choctawcasinos.com
The Gatlin Brothers July 13 Choctaw Casino and Resort, Durant Enjoy the country music trio with special guests Dailey and Vincent. choctawcasinos.com
Air Supply July 26 Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville On July 26, soft rock superstars Air Supply will grace the stage at Lucas Oil Live for one of the most epic performances of the year. winstar.com
Sports
Terry Don West Bull Riding School July 5-6 31965 Arbeka Rd., Henryetta Learn the art of bull riding from a seasoned professional and world champion operating out of Henryetta. terrydonwest.com
International Finals Youth Rodeo July 6-11 Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center The International Finals Youth Rodeo,
held at the Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center in Shawnee, is the ultimate competition for up-and-coming youth rodeo stars. visitshawnee. com
Norman Conquest Ride July 12 J.D. McCarty Center, Norman Hop on your bike and conquer the hills during the exciting Norman Conquest Ride. bicycleleagueofnorman.com
Cavalcade Rodeo July 15-20 Osage County Fairgrounds, Pawhuska The Cavalcade Rodeo in Pawhuska is the world's largest amateur rodeo. Gather for rodeo competition, camping and dancing under the stars. cavalcaderodeo. com
Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo July 24-26 Lakeside Arena, Pawnee The Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo is IPRA sanctioned with seven standard events including bareback bronc riding, bull riding, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, cowgirl barrel racing and team roping. ipra-rodeo.com
Community
Li'l Buckaroos Kids Camp Through July 1 Will Rogers Memorial Museum, Claremore Bring your little ones to Li'l Buckaroos Kids Camp at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum this summer. This two-day camp is just for kids ages 5 to 6 and will be full of activities, games, and entertainment tailored just for young children. willrogers.com
Resilience: A Sansei Sense of Legacy July 1-Sept. 7 Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center, Enid The exhibit focuses on the reverberating generational effect of President Franklin Roosevelt's 1942 Executive Order 9066, which enforced the imprisonment of all Japanese Americans living on the West Coast
In OKC, enjoy Red, White & Boom – a fireworks show with music from the OKC Philharmonic, on July 3. You’ll also want to venture to Edmond for Libertyfest festivities through July 4. Other can’t-miss happenings include Bingo Loco on July 11 at Tower Theatre – a massive bingo event with outstanding prices – as well as HorrorCon, July 18-20 at OKC Convention Center.
Around the state, don’t miss: Home of the Brave Fest, July 4 at Woodward’s Crystal Beach Park; the Huckleberry Festival, July 4-5 citywide; the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival, July 9-13 at 1001 E. John Fullbright Loop in Okemah; Eskimo Joe’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, July 14-20 at the store's flagship location in Stillwater; and the Porter Peach Festival, July 17-19 in downtown Porter.
of the United States. okhistory.org
Independence Day Celebration at Wolf Creek Park July 3 Wolf Creek Park, Grove Watch brilliant fireworks over Grand Lake at the Independence Day Celebration at Wolf Creek after an exciting live musical performance. cityofgroveok.gov
Home of the Brave Fest July 4 Crystal Beach Park, Woodward Bring the family out to the Home of the Brave Fest for a full day of activities and entertainment. visitwoodward. com
Huckleberry Festival July 4-5 Citywide, Jay Hop on over to Jay for the city's annual Huckleberry Festival and celebrate the wild huckleberries that thrive in the area. Browse through exhibit halls filled to the brim with arts and crafts, a quilt show, homemade goods and various vendors. travelok.com
Davis America Fest July 5 Davis Football Field, Davis Celebrate Independence Day in Davis during America Fest, a fun event for the whole family. travelok.com
Woody Guthrie Folk Festival July 9-13 1001 E. John Fullbright Loop, Okemah The Woody Guthrie Folk Festival celebrates the life and musical legacy of one of America's greatest folk music songwriters and troubadours, Woody Guthrie. woodyfest.com
Stillwater Oklahoma Train Show July 11-12 Payne County Expo Center See some of the best model trains in the region at the Stillwater Oklahoma Train Show at the Payne County Expo Center in July. ttos-soonerdiv.org
Eskimo Joe's 50th Anniversary Celebration July 14-20 Join thousands of visitors for a week-long party in Stillwater at this year's Eskimo Joe's Anniversary Celebration. eskimojoes.com
Porter Peach Festival July 17-19 Downtown Porter The Porter Peach Festival celebrates the area’s legacy crop of peaches with a myriad of activities and events perfect for a summer day with the family. porterpeachfestivals. com
Honey Springs Battlefield Memorial Service July 19 Honey Springs Battlefield, Checotah Attend the annual Honey Springs Battlefield Memorial Service this July. okhistory.org
Dancing Rabbit Music Festival July 19 304 E. Choctaw Ave., McAlester Enjoy live music, a variety of food trucks, shopping and local beer spread along downtown McAlester. dancingrabbit.live Route 66 Heritage Festival July 25-26 111 N. Main St., Miami Downtown Miami comes alive at the end of July with two full days of bands, food trucks, marketplace vendors and a car & bike show as part of the Route 66 Heritage Festival. visitmiamiok. com
FLORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN
Photo courtesy Tulsa Botanic Garden
A Summer of Hot, Hot Cinema
July brings the heat.
The July heat is in full effect. I’ve got a good set of films you can catch –with wonderfully cool AC blowing the entire time – so hopefully something catches your eye. First up, an action comedy titled Heads of State Starring John Cena of WWE fame as the President of the United States and Idris Elba (Luther) as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the plot concerns both men being targets of a political conspiracy, and follows their plan to thwart the evildoers. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, who helmed other action stand-outs Hardcore Henry and Nobody, the film looks to have the same frenetic action set pieces with some comical banter to go along with it. It releases to Amazon Prime on July 2.
For your superhero fix, look no further than the OG: Superman. Based on the legendary comic book character, this iteration will be a reboot directed by James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) and the first part of his newly minted DC Universe set of films – with hopefully better results than the previous attempt. David Corenswet (Twisters) stars as Superman, along with Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult (The Great) as Lex Luther. Gunn has a good track record with superhero films, so this has a good shot at being an outstanding first entry to his DC shared universe when it releases on July 11.
If you want a contemporary Western, check out Eddington. Directed by Ari Aster (Hereditary), the film follows a sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix, Joker) and a mayor (Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us) who begin a standoff which causes ripples throughout the small town they reside in. Emma Stone (La La Land) and Luke Grimes (Yellowstone) also star in what is sure to be a strange and interesting piece from Aster ... with apparent murders and political undertones. It hits theaters on July 18.
If one superhero film isn’t enough, this
month also has The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The first film in Phase 6 of Marvel’s never-ending cinematic universe, the story takes place on a parallel Earth with a ’60s retro-yet-futuristic aesthetic. The Fantastic Four must defend their planet from intergalactic forces with, presumably, something that transfers them to the current Earth of the MCU. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Bear) star as the titular team, and the trailer indicates the usual Marvel fare: big action scenes and a fun theme. It releases on July 25. Lastly, strap in for an uncomfortable looking body horror titled Together Starring real-life married couple Alison Brie (Community) and Dave Franco (Now You See Me), the plot follows a married couple who move to the countryside only to encounter supernatural events causing horrifying changes to their bodies. The trailer seems to indicate some of these changes include fusing their bodies together in absolutely appalling ways. Early reviews are extremely positive, so if body horror is your bag, you should be in for a pleasantly disgusting surprise when it releases on July 30.
DREW JOSEPH ALLEN
Heads of State; photo courtesy Kyle Thorpe & Associates/ Amazon MGM Studios, all rights reserved.
Keith Reed
Keith Reed, RN, MPH, CPH, is Oklahoma’s Commissioner of Health, and has worked for the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) for 25 years. Reed, who got his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NSU, also has his Masters of Public Health from OU. Alongside his dedication to the OSDH, Reed is a member of the Oklahoma Air National Guard, serving multiple tours in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. We caught up with Reed and got his thoughts on ...
... his unwavering dedication to OSDH.
I joined the Oklahoma State Department of Health in December 2002, shortly after returning from an extended military deployment following the September 11 attacks. During this time, public health joined the first responder community in preparing for bioterrorism threats. It felt
like the perfect convergence – my military experience, the call to protect and the emerging bioterrorism preparedness unit at OSDH. Once I stepped into public health, I knew it wasn’t just a career path for me; it was my calling.
... how his military background helps him professionally.
A military officer undergoes extensive leadership training and experiences; while much of it is operationally specific, the core leadership tenets transfer to non-military sectors. This training equipped me to understand leadership impact in varied environments, preparing me to adapt to internal and external forces that shape the health care industry.
However, it is crucial to maintain an awareness of the differences between military and civilian leadership. Military leadership carries significant weight, directly enabled through military law. The heavy-handedness possibly available to a military commander is not and should
not be wielded in the same way in a civilian environment. I am constantly aware of these differences, which grounds me in how I lead in my military and civilian careers.
... a day in the life.
I prefer to start my day early, usually arriving at the office by 6:45 a.m. to have some quiet time to respond to emails and prepare for the day. I oversee the agency’s internal and external operations, which are funded by local, state and federal sources. We have significant regulatory responsibilities that span food establishments, lodging facilities, certain health care facilities and detention centers. We also oversee our 68 county health departments, which are divided among 10 regions. Our broad mission requires us to engage with our numerous partners and stakeholders. Simply put, my day can vary significantly depending on the circumstances, but it typically involves a mix of agency operations, external interactions and ongoing communication.
... how the OSDH helps Oklahomans.
Our mission is to protect and promote health, prevent disease and injury, and cultivate conditions by which Oklahomans can thrive. This is no easy task, as ‘health’ encompasses more than one may think. According to America’s health rankings, Oklahoma ranks 47th overall, with rankings of 45th for Social and Economic Factors, 49th for Physical Environment, 46th for Clinical Care, 47th for Behaviors, and 39th for Health Outcomes. Key drivers of health – including education, housing, income, food insecurity and access to health care – significantly impact an individual’s health and ability to thrive. That is why we must engage with partners and recognize that we are part of a larger public health system.
Within the broader mission, we work behind the scenes to safeguard Oklahomans as they go about their daily lives, such as ensuring families can dine out without worry and collaborating with the food industry to maintain safety standards.
Photo courtesy the Oklahoma State Department of Health
Built for Oklahoma
Backed by over 85 years of service to Oklahomans
For over eight decades, we’ve helped Oklahomans find the exact car, truck, SUV, van, or commercial vehicle they need. Our reputation is built on honest pricing, dependable service, and never, ever any hidden fees. Whether you’re shopping for work or for the weekend, you’ll find the vehicle you want and the experience you deserve.
Back to you.
At INTEGRIS Health, we’re guided by our mission of partnering with people to live healthier lives From lifesaving treatments to preventive wellness, that partnership is about working together to get you back to you and what you care about most
As the state’s largest not-for-profit and Oklahoma-owned health care system, we know that health care is more than medicine. It’s a responsibility to provide compassionate, personalized, comprehensive and cutting-edge care close to home.
So, let’s get you back to the best and healthiest version of you. Awarded ‘Best of the Best 2025’ by Oklahoma Magazine
