Escape Feb. 27, 2014

ESCAPE

smile. EXPLORE. relax. / Feb. 27 / weekend

GO OUT

explore

enjoy Norman’s nightlife

Take an Oklahoma day trip

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more online @ oudaily.com/weekender

a.m. to p.m.

ESCAPE

day or night?

There are two kinds of people: Daylight lovers and night owls (and then there’s that random group that claims to be neither, whatever). Whatever your preference, we hope to have something to keep you occupied this weekend.

Follow our nightlife timeline (pg. 4) to have a great time out on the town. If you’re more of a morning person, read about our new favorite meal of the day — brunch (pg. 7).

Go online for even more ESCAPE content. Don’t forget to be safe, whether you’re taking a day trip (pg. 6) or heading to the club. megan deaton, escape editor @meggiejennie

Feb. 27

contents 3 men, get your thrift on 4-5 go out on the town 4-5 chill out and study 6 quench your wanderlust 7 brunch is where it’s at 8 enjoy life and stay in bed

contributors

Escape is a student-produced publication of OU Student Media, a department in the Division of Student Affairs. Copyright 2014 OU Student Media.

email: escapeou@gmail.com twitter: @OU_Escape

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Let us know what you think. We really want your feedback.

Seriously.

I’m never a day person until I’ve had my morning coffee.

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keaton bell @kildebell

Anne Richard

Plan a safe ESCAPE. Safe, FREE, alternative transportation for OU STUDENTS Thursday-Saturday nights, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Questions or Concerns: SafeRide@ou.edu Check out SafeRide.ou.edu for schedule and more information.

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3

men

5

embrace norman’s thrift shopping

graham dudley | shopping

things to do this

weekend

All OU students should know how to thrift.

Fact is, most college students can’t really afford to be spending more than necessary on clothes. Fortunately, thrift shopping can be more than economical — it can add some statement pieces to your wardrobe.

Norman has a killer thrift scene. There’s Outreach Thrift Store near the 12th Avenue Walmart, Stuff Thrift Store on 12th Avenue and Lindsey Street and, of course, Goodwill, which remains a thrifty staple of every town.

For women, thrifting isn’t that hard. Oversized T-shirts and shorts abound at these stores, many left by former students. Every once in awhile, a woman might even run into a nice sundress or skirt.

But thrifting for men can be disheartening. I understand. I’ve been there. For dudes, it’s all about perseverance, creativity and good luck.

1.) TRY IT ON

It’s especially tough to be undersized — smalls and mediums go fast at thrift stores. One good rule of thumb is that if you really like it, try it on. Sizes vary by year and company, so if it looks like a remote possibility, it might be worth the $3 for just a few good wears.

If nothing fits, the selection will of course change drastically from visit to visit, so it’s important to go back often.

1.

what: college-con trivia raffle when: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, friday where: Oklahoma Memorial Union’s first floor lobby

Answer comic trivia questions and win raffle tickets to go toward a shot at winnning the PS4 being given away at College-Con.

2.

Find awesome deals like this retro OU sweatshirt

See Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth star in this superhero film, courtesy of the Union Programming Board and Campus Activities Council.

3.

4.

what: fredtalk when: 7 to 8 p.m. friday where: fred jones jr. museum of art

Use your Friday night to enlighten yourself with a FREDTalk from David Wrobel and other speakers. This talk’s topic is “Migration.”

3.) EMBRACE THE CHALLENGE

Thrifting isn’t all about the savings. It’s about the hunt. It’s about the challenge. There are few things more gratifying than finding something at a thrift store you gladly would have paid big money for at PacSun or the Gap. Hell, half the things you find in a thrift store could be sold at Urban Outfitters for ten times as much.

If you have no other reason to go, some thrift shops even support good causes. Goodwill, for instance, operates a huge job-training network that prepares the unemployed for new tech-savvy careers, and it also gives jobs in its stores to the societally disadvantaged. Donating or shopping at Goodwill can truly change lives.

So whether you’re going to save money, to fill out your wardrobe or to make a difference, thifting should be a part of every college student’s life. Even Macklemore is popping some tags, so if he can do it, so should you.

what: college-con when: 6 to 9 p.m. friday where: oklahoma memorial union’s beaird lounge

Comic lovers unite! This UPB event will feature video game demos, various tournaments, anime and more.

2.) HAVE A PLAN

It’s also great to have something in mind. Don’t be unrealistic — you’re probably not going to find your new favorite pair of jeans or a stylish suit jacket. But last time I went, I looked for sweatshirts, and though it took me a couple of stops, I got some sweet ones at Goodwill that made the whole trip worthwhile.

In fact, a lot of my clothes came from thrift shops. One of my favorite green button-down shirts did. I have thrift stores to thank for two of my sweaters, a pair of shoes, three T-shirts, two pairs of pants and two pairs of shorts. All told, I probably saved myself at least $100.

what: free movie, “Thor 2” when: 6 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. friday where: oklahoma memorial union’s meacham auditorium

5.

what: junior showcase when: 8 to 9:30 p.m. sunday where: pitman recital hall

The Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre will present the Junior Showcase. See some real talent at this event, which is free and open to the public.

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FOR THE STUDIER

DAY & Whether you feel the need to study or go out on the town, follow these timelines for a guide to the your best Norman experience.

HANNAH NORTON | STUDY TIMELINE SYDNEY ALLEN | NIGHTLIFE TIMELINE

dinner lunch breakfast Cafe Plaid on Campus Corner is always a good option when searching for a new study spot. It is within walking distance of campus, which is both a pro and a con. The downside of it being so close is that it is often busy and filled with students unless you catch it in that weird in-between time when there are only two tables filled. I personally love the huge booths that allow plenty of room for you and your friends to crowd around. However, the situation can be a bit dicey with there being only a few to go around. Cafe Plaid is on Boyd right across from the North Oval and opens at 7:30 a.m. during the week. It closes at 4 p.m. daily so keep that in mind before you try walking in at 3:30 p.m. for a marathon study session (been there, done that).

Ask any random student what the “coolest” coffee shop in Norman is, and many of them will answer with Gray Owl. There are couches, chairs and huge tables where you can spread your homework out and still have room for that cup of tea or coffee. Another perk for this place is the multitude of electrical outlets. I suggest going during the middle of the day, especially if wanting to focus fully on your school work. In the evenings, there is often live music. Although it can be great to listen to, it can also become pretty loud and distracting. If you have not been there yet, check it out over on Gray Street near the Norman post office.

Most places in Norman will close at about 10 p.m. during the week, so if it’s past that time, I suggest going to IHOP. Free WIFI. Free refills. Delicious pancakes. They will at least help some with the crushing sense of doom you are probably feeling about now. There are some strange people who inhabit the all-night diners, so try to avoid eye contact.They also do not always have the best service the later you visit, so do not expect red carpet treatment at 2 a.m. Other than that, your options are limited around town for that time of night, unless you want to go to Waffle House, to which I say … good night and good luck.

?

6:30 Somehow, you forgot to make plans for this Friday night.

There’s no trivia going on anywhere, and you are so not into karaoke. Luckily, a friend calls up and begs you to hit up Campus Corner with her. You give in easily — obviously.

FOR THE PARTIER

7:00 Consider getting dressed. Open Netflix.

Finally close House of Cards.

Begin getting dressed.

8:00 You’ve put on your fancy pants, and now it’s time to hit the Corner for a light meal before you start that liquid diet later in the evening.

Remember, kids, it’s always best to have some food in that belly before you start dumping in alcohol at a rapid rate. Blackbird Gastropub is your best bet for both good food and delicious alcohol. Try their fish and chips with a Hummingbird or one of their whiskeys to start the evening off right.

9:30 Wander down University Street and across Boyd Street over to Louie’s Too. Often overlooked, Louie’s Too is the cool part of that restaurant you always take your parents to when they visit.

With $1 Jello shots and $2 well drinks, I recommend hanging out here for about an hour and a half at least to get your buzz on the cheap. Also, if you don’t eat at Blackbird, Louie’s has $7 pizza and the best ranch dressing in Norman.

11:30 After you’ve successfully enjoyed Louie’s finest well alcohols, it’s time for you to turn left down Asp Avenue and make that famous pilgrimage to Logan’s … oops, Logie’s. Name change or not, this place appears to be a gathering place for all OU students who want to get a little crazy. When you arrive, try to snag a table near the makeshift dance floor. I recommend their $2 tequila shots or a $4 liter of select beers.

If you think you’re “classy” and Logie’s isn’t your cup of tea, head further down Asp to Seven47.

1 a.m.

Be sure and pour yourself out of your chosen bar in time to make it to Fuzzy’s before last call. Snag yourself a plate of nachos and a huckleberry margarita if you’re still in a boozin’ mood, and begin to recap all of the crazy shenanigans that went down with your posse tonight. I would also recommend calling your SafeRide taxi or messaging a sober sister around this time so they can psych themselves up for picking up Drunkie and Friends from the Corner. Don’t feel bad. It’ll be your turn next weekend.

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Satisfy YOUR keaton bell | travel

guthrie

With homework, jobs and other obligations, college can be incredibly stressful at times. We get so consumed by seeing the same things, people and places everyday that sometimes we just need a change of pace.

This is why day-trips can be absolutely perfect. Not everybody can afford week-long vacations or travel across the country. But with day-trips, you can grab a few friends, listen to some music and drive an hour or two to a different part of the state you’ve never seen before. Oklahoma may not be home to the Rockies or the Mall of America, but there are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Here is a guide to some mini-trips to help you escape from reality for a day:

A lot of towns have an old-school charm, but Guthrie makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. While other Oklahoma towns have rebuilt most of their early downtown architecture, most of Guthrie’s is still intact. Outside of the downtown area, Guthrie is also home to various museums, bars, theaters and antique shops that are more than capable of filling your day with some old-school fun.

Hoboken Coffee Roasters, a charming and delicious coffee shop in downtown Guthrie and the Beacon Drive-In Theater, which will transport you back to the 1950s.

Distance From Norman: Roughly a 52-minute drive

wichita Mountains

oklahoma city

When I think of Oklahoma, I picture buffalo grazing in a prairie field with mountains looming in the background. That is exactly what you get at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.

Located in Lawton, the Wichita Mountains is a sight to behold and a treat to visit. You can channel your inner outdoorsman with mountain climbing, scenic vistas, hiking, rock hopping, lakes and numerous other attractions.

Make Sure To Check Out: Meer’s Store & Restaurant, home to insanely delicious longhorn-beef hamburgers and Mount Scott, which offers the best views of the Oklahoma landscape.

Distance From Norman: Roughly an hour and 20 minutes

The most accessible of the bunch, Oklahoma City is home to plenty of attractions to help fill up a day. There is Bricktown with plenty of restaurants, parks and, not to mention, the Chesapeake Arena. The Paseo Arts District is home to a number of chic bars, boutiques, nightclubs, art galleries and more. And the Plaza District is brimming with entertainment ranging from art studios and theaters to vintage stores and restaurants.

Make Sure To Check Out: Blue Seven, a boutique filled with the coolest clothes and gifts in the city and The Mule, home to ridiculously tasty and unique sandwiches.

Distance From Norman: Roughly 30 minutes

If you want to take a day trip to the next level, there is no better way to do it than spending a day cruising down Route 66 past charming towns, roadside diners and quirky attractions. The best stretch is from Tulsa through OKC, but Route 66 covers so much ground through Oklahoma you can really drive as much as you want.

Make Sure You Check Out: Oklahoma Route 66 Museum in Clinton, a uniquely nostalgic museum, and the Coleman Theater in Miami, an opulent vaudeville theater from the 1920s that now hosts concerts, plays and silent films.

Distance From Norman: Depends on where you start, whether it be Tulsa (two hours), Oklahoma City (a half hour) or Weatherford (an hour and a half) among others

route 66

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bunches OF kate mcpherson | food

Looking for this, that, and the other?

Discover!

Y

ou’re not a morning person, but if you wait to eat until lunch, you get “hangry.” I know that feeling, my friend, and that’s why I’m a big advocate of brunch. These Norman restaurants are my best picks when it comes to delicious breakfast and lunch combos.

The Diner: This Norman standard serves up classic diner food from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. Located on Main Street, The Diner is a small space, so get there early to avoid long lines, especially on Saturday morning. The Diner was featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” so people come from all over to taste the food and experience that greasy ambiance.

You’ve got to try the blueberry pancakes — they are legendary.

Syrup: Syrup is the hippest brunch spot in Norman. Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday, the “breakfast boutique” has fantastic gourmet waffles.

I especially recommend the chicken-and-waffles, the most perfect brunch food. If you’re into drinking out of mason jars and drinking coffee from an independent company, Syrup is your scene. The best part of Syrup is that they donate their profits to various charities. Guilt-free breakfast!

Ozzie’s: Ozzie’s is the classic dad diner. It’s simple and sparsely decorated, but it’s tucked in the Max Westheimer Airport, so the view of planes taking off more than makes up for it. Ozzie’s can be hard to find, but this hidden gem is worth the hassle.

Although there are other things on the menu, you should for sure order the All-YouCan-Eat. It’s breakfast food that’s all you can eat. How can life improve further?

Of course, there are other restaurants in Norman that serve up a mean breakfast — Jimmy’s Egg, Waffle House and IHOP come to mind. However, nothing is quite as sweet as keeping it local.

photos by megan deaton

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The Grumpy

media to make you feel like you’re going out while staying in bed:

couch Potato

keaton bell | entertainment What’s the next best thing to going out, exploring the city and having a good time? Watching movies or shows about people going out, exploring the city and having a good time, obviously.

If you’d rather explore the different parts of your bed than the nightlife of Norman, here is your guide for the weekend to at least make you feel like you’re a part of the action:

“sex and the city”

“Human traffic” (1999)

“1” by the beatles

The ultimate guilty pleasure, SATC is about navigating relationships, work and daily life in NYC. It also features approximately 4,972 different restaurants, nightclubs and shops the ladies seem to frequent at all times. Seriously, do these women ever just stay in and make dinner?

But love it or hate it, at it’s core SATC is about the friendships that last over any failed relationship and is home to some of the best writing ever put to television.

A lot of movies about nightlife scratch beneath the surface to reveal the seedy underbelly of clubs and the people who frequent them. But “Human Traffic” is a movie that understands not all club life needs a moral center, and sometimes a night out with your friends is all you need.

It’s a film that best captures the vibe of the club scene in the ’90s and all of the drama and heartache that comes from drugs, sex and friendship.

Everybody has different opinions over what to listen to for long drives. There are those who want rap to sing along to, heavy metal to jam their heads to, or even jazz to mellow out. But if you are planning a day trip, The Beatle’s collection of hits is the perfect soundtrack for a long drive. An album of brilliance from start to finish, singing along to these songs will help make driving long stretches of road fun.

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