Aug. 3 is Friendship Day, so like a true blue friend, A Better Life OKC is here to help you figure out the best way to show some love to friends near and far. Grab all of your best pals and get ready to celebrate that bond known as friendship!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Thank You for Being a Friend
BFFs with OKC
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Looking for a great way to spend time with your girlfriends? Here’s an itinerary filled to the brim with pampering, shopping, dining and more.

Start your morning off right with a delicious brunch (and maybe even a mimosa or two). Oklahoma City’s brunch offerings are vast, but you can’t miss Kitchen No. 324. It’s the perfect blend of classic and modern both in décor and dining. Enjoy the Fried Green Tomato Benedict alongside a Rose Mojito (it’s probably wise to also throw in a cup of coffee) and your day will be off to a fantastic start.

We know you want to look spectacular as you make the rounds so before the day gets away from you, head over to the Dry Shop in Midtown, one of OKC’s blow-dry bars and boutiques. Once you’re pampered and styled, get in the car and head over to Western Avenue where you’ll find some of OKC’s best antique shopping. The antique shops lining Western are intermixed with restaurants, a coffee shop and more in case you need nourishment.

Head a little further north to Classen Curve. Here you’ll find shopping galore. Need new running shoes? Head to Red Coyote. Looking for threads to take home to your youngsters? Uptown Kids has just what you need. Need a new dress to wear to dinner tonight? Stop by LIBERTÉ or On a Whim. The possibilities are endless.

Since you’re already on Western Avenue, why not stay and enjoy a glass of wine (along with an amazing meal) at Café 501, Flip’s Wine Bar and Trattoria or one of the other many dining options in the area?

Where’s your favorite OKC destination for a girls’ night out? Let us know in the comments!

If you’ve got some long-distance friendships going on, now is the time to show them how much you care! Oklahoma City’s retail scene has plenty of options to please even the pickiest pal. Check out some ideas to get you started below!

• Treat your friend to cooking classes at The Tasting Room at Will Rogers Theatre.
• Give the gift of adventure with a day pass to the Boathouse District.
• Say it with something sweet from Pinkitzel.
• Help your friend cheer for the Thunder with a new shirt from the Thunder Shop or Shop Good.
• Find a book on their favorite topic at Full Circle Bookstore.

Mayor Mick Cornett meets with a delegation member from Haikou, China. Photo courtesy of Sister Cities OKC.

Now that you have some ideas of how to celebrate Friendship Day 2014 in Oklahoma City, it’s only fair that OKC celebrate right alongside you. Oklahoma City is a member of Sister Cities International, an organization that was founded in 1956 to encourage peace and prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the world.

Oklahoma City first joined the ranks of Sister Cities when it partnered with Taipei in 1981. Since then, Oklahoma City has declared a bond of international friendship with Haikou City, China; Kigali, Rwanda; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Tainan City, Chinese Taipei; Ulyanovsk, Russia and Puebla, Mexico. Talk about taking friendship to the next level!

When talking about friends in Oklahoma City, it is hard not to mention one of the truest friends that Oklahoma City has ever had: Stanley Draper. Stanley Draper came to Oklahoma in 1919 after serving in WWI. He began his professional career with the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce as the manager of its dining room, and he literally worked his way to the top of the organization. He served as the Chamber’s executive director from 1927 until 1968, where he became a legendary leader and champion of Oklahoma City.

Draper is best remembered because of his diligent work to secure military defense contracts for the city. In fact, it was Stanley who was primarily responsible for enticing the military to locate Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. Under his direction, a 14-member Industries Foundation of Oklahoma was organized to acquire land for defense installations. This group of businessmen banded together to provide the $300,000 necessary to purchase a 1,200-acre tract for an air base. In February 1941, Draper and his team convinced residents of Oklahoma City to approve a major bond issue that would allow the city to compete for the base.

The base was awarded to Oklahoma City, and Tinker soon became a vital link in the national defense system. Today, it continues to play an essential role in the area and is the largest single-site employer in the state of Oklahoma. Draper also created the Urban Action Foundation, which led to long-range planning for redevelopment of the downtown district.  

Now that we’ve helped you reconnect with your BFFs, why not show us some love by sharing The Better Life OKC with some friends? If you know someone that just moved to Oklahoma City (or if you want to make your out-of-town friends jealous of all the stuff we have going on), this blog is the perfect introduction to all OKC has to offer.

Just forward this email, or have people connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. It’s that easy! 

Tuesday, July 29
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission

Wednesday, July 30
Harley-Davidson Bricktown Bike Night; 6-10 p.m.; Bricktown; corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma; free admission
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission

Thursday, July 31
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Acoustic concert with Shea Boman; 5-6:30 p.m..; Myriad Botanical Gardens, Ice House Plaza; 301 W Reno; 445-7080; free admission
Drink N Draw; 8-11 p.m.; Tree and Leaf Clothing; 1705B NW 16th St; 728-2026; free admission

Friday, August 1
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
First Friday Gallery Walk; 6-10 p.m.; Paseo Arts District; 28th & North Walker to 30th & North Dewey; 525-2688; free admission
Bricktown Reggae Fest; 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Bricktown; Sheridan & Oklahoma Ave; 236-3669; free admission

Saturday, August 2
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs.Colorado Springs Sky Sox; 7:05 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr.; 218-1000; ticket prices and availability may vary.
OKC Energy vs. Orange County Blues; 7 p.m.; Pribil Stadium; 801 NW 50th Street; 235-5425; ticket prices range from $7-$25
Bricktown Reggae Fest; 2:30 p.m.-12 a.m.; Bricktown; Sheridan & Oklahoma Ave; 236-3669; free admission
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission

Sunday, August 3
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs.Colorado Springs Sky Sox; 6:05 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr.; 218-1000; ticket prices and availability may vary.

Monday, August 4
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs.Colorado Springs Sky Sox; 7:05 p.m.; Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark; 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr.; 218-1000; ticket prices and availability may vary.

If you’ve always wanted to finish your college degree or have a bucket list of new skills that you’d like to learn, the Oklahoma City area has several institutions that will help you fulfill the dreams of what you really want to be when you grow up. Yes, we realize you’re probably grown up by now, but it’s always fun to learn something new or brush up on skills or certifications that you need for the job you already have.

Here are some ways to make those dreams happen in the metro in the area of adult continuing education:

• Oklahoma City Community College in south Oklahoma City has a Community Outreach and Education Office at 6500 S Land Ave. that offers short-term, noncredit courses for adults, senior citizens and children. Some of them are for fun, while others will help students improve basic skills. They include music, drama, science (including computer training), math, language, arts and crafts, reading, writing and ACT test preparation. For information, go online or call (405) 682-7859 or (405) 682-7873. Just looking at the course schedule for this year made us want to learn all kinds of new skills, like beginning Spanish, ballroom dance and sign language.
• With a tagline of “Preparing for Life,” Metro Technology Centers offers an assortment of courses on several campuses throughout the metro area, whether you’re located south, north or downtown. At Metro Tech, you can take classes for career or technical programs or learn a new skill in one of their Adult and Career Development short-term courses. Metro Tech also offers certification courses for specific jobs. Around here, we thought we might want to brush up on our photography or video editing skills in one of the short-term courses, like “Secrets of Better Photography,” which also happens to be taught online.
• The Francis Tuttle Technology Center, which has campuses in Edmond and west Oklahoma City, serves high school juniors and seniors, as well as adults with career-specific training or personal enrichment needs. According to its website, the center also offers business and industry training and consulting services, short-term training for career enhancement or courses in leisure activities. Take the courses online or on campus. While jewelry making or one of the Culinary Delights classes (with subjects like “Biscotti, Crackers and Scones” or “Sushi Making”) were quite tempting, we might use the opportunity at Francis Tuttle instead to go back to school to get a real estate license. Check out the course catalog.
• Oklahoma City University, located in the middle of Oklahoma City at 2501 N Blackwelder, has several continuing education programs that address specific needs – certification in nonprofit leadership or child advocacy, for example. It also offers an Adult Degree Completion Program for busy adults to help you finish what you started years ago.

Nick Offerman, right, and his wife, Oklahoma City native Megan Mullally, speak at deadCENTER Film Festival in 2012 about their film “Somebody Up There Likes Me.” PHOTO PROVIDED BY deadCENTER.

Oklahoma City has its fair share of celebrities who lived here or call this place home. Think actress Megan Mullally, the music group the Flaming Lips, actor Lou Antonio and country music star Vince Gill, to name a few.

But celebrities who visit from elsewhere also explore Oklahoma City, so today we’ll give you a list of how you can follow in their steps when it comes to dining. Whether you’re into actors or singers or basketball players or some other form of celebrity, you, too, can eat where members of the glitterati eat when they’re in town. And by the time you’ve checked these places out, you’ve gotten a good sampling of many of the fine restaurants that Oklahoma City has to offer.

Mullally often visits her hometown with her husband, actor Nick Offerman, best known for his role as Ron Swanson in NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” In various interviews, they’ve mentioned favorite places like The Metro Wine Bar, 6418 N Western; Johnnie’s, 2562 W Britton Road; and Braum’s (various locations). And they’ve even been spotted at Mutt’s Amazing Hot Dogs, 1400 NW 23rd St.

“I’ve become such a big fan of Oklahoma City,” Offerman told The Oklahoman in 2012.

To see the variety of people who have come here through the years, look no farther than Cattlemen’s Steakhouse. The restaurant’s Wall of Fame tells the story, as does a recent photo on the website’s main page of NBA analyst Charles Barkley eating there. Through the years Cattlemen’s has hosted other notable names: country music stars Toby Keith, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire; President George H.W. Bush (while he was president); President Ronald Reagan; actress Holly Hunter and more.

Others have picked the upscale The Coach House Restaurant, 6437 Avondale Dr., during their visits here, including Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses fame; actors Tom Selleck, Charlton Heston, Bernadette Peters, Morgan Freeman and Shirley Jones; late-night host David Letterman; golfer Arnold Palmer; television newswoman Diane Sawyer; and John Roberts, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice.

Here are a few more:

• We’ve seen Paul McCartney at Nonna’s Euro-American Ristorante and Bar, 1 Mickey Mantle Dr., in Bricktown. He stopped by a few years back during a road trip through the middle of America.
• Steven Spielberg has eaten at the Bricktown Brewery, 1 N Oklahoma.
• Celebrity chef Rick Bayless, an Oklahoma native who now lives in Chicago, threw his mom a birthday party at The Metro; he also is a fan of Johnnie’s and Guernsey Park, 2418 N Guernsey Ave.
• NBA 2014 MVP winner Kevin Durant with the OKC Thunder has his own restaurant, Kd’s Southern Cuisine, 224 Johnny Bench Dr., in Bricktown, as does Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker, Wes Welker’s Sports Bar and Grill, 3121 W Memorial Road, so you might look for them there. We’ve heard that Mickey Mantle’s Steakhouse, 7 S Mickey Mantle Dr. in Bricktown, as well as Kd’s, are NBA team hotspots.

As summer winds down and boredom has truly set in, get your children out of the house and take them on a family outing to one of Oklahoma City’s ever-popular attractions.

Here’s a list if you need to refresh your memory of what you can do.

For amusement-park-type fun, there’s always WhiteWater Bay for a great chance to cool off with a day filled with water rides. Or, check out the traditional amusement park experience at Frontier City with rides and entertainment to fit all ages. If you’re too hot, Celebration Station has indoor activities like video games, air hockey, pool tables, driving games and outdoor ones as well, like batting cages, bumper boats, miniature golf and more.

You can also go to the tried-and-true family-oriented stops in the Adventure District like these:

• The Oklahoma City Zoo, which recently added a one-horned Indian rhinoceros to its mix with a male baby rhino, born June 21. If you go, you might get a glimpse of mom Niki and her calf, named “Rupert” via an online vote.
• Science Museum Oklahoma, which lets visitors explore all things science with a variety of hands-on exhibits and galleries and an IMAX Theater. If you go right now, you have a chance to see the traveling “Art of the Brick” exhibition by New York artist Nathan Sawaya, who creates large-scale sculptures using Lego bricks. The exhibit is open until Sept. 13.
• Explore America’s Western history at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum with its art and interactive exhibits. If you haven’t taken your family there in a while, check it out now.

To get outdoors, check out the Oklahoma River by renting a kayak, zipping down the new SandRidge Sky Zip line or climbing the SandRidge Sky Trail and Slide, among other adventures you can have through RIVERSPORT. Or go to Lake Arcadia, the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge or Martin Park Nature Center.

There are more ways to entertain your children of all ages as summer comes to a close. For ideas go online to the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website.

Tuesday, July 22
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. Round Rock Express, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr., 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission.

Wednesday, July 23
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. Round Rock Express, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr., 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Okietales; 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Oklahoma History Center; 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive; 552-3602; $2

Thursday, July 24
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. Round Rock Express, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr., 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Kaitlin Botts Acoustic Concert presented by TEEMCO; 5:30 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens, Ice House Plaza; 301 W Reno; 445-7080; free admission
Bricktown OKC Carriage Rides; 7 p.m.; Bricktown; corner of Reno and Mickey Mantle; 590-3897; starting at $35

Friday, July 25
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Justin Witte and the Horn Wreckers live music; 8 p.m.; Grandad’s Bar; 317 NW 32; 604-0922; free admission

Saturday, July 26
Run or Dye 5K; 9 a.m.; Dead Woods Haunted Forest; 20100 NE 178th St; (801)981-4235; individual: $49, team: $44, military: $39, kids $25
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
WWE: SummerSlam Heatwave Tour; 7:30 p.m., Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W. Reno Ave., 602-8700, ticket prices vary.

Sunday, July 27
Bricktown OKC Carriage Rides; 7 p.m.; Bricktown; corner of Reno and Mickey Mantle; 590-3897; starting at $35
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.

Monday, July 28
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Make-It Mondays; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens Children’s Garden; 301 W Reno;  445-7080; free admission

If you’re like us, the phrase “live music” is like music to your ears … OK, maybe that’s not the best simile in this situation, but you know what we’re saying. And OKC’s live music culture continues to develop into a major part of life here. As Huey Lewis can attest, the “heart of rock ‘n’ roll is still beating” in Oklahoma City. (Aaaaand scene.) Anyway, the awesome part is that you don’t have to be a full-on hipster / scenester-type to enjoy the blossoming live music scene in Oklahoma City.

There are plenty of well-known, friendly and accessible venues hosting cool shows all over town. Need ideas? Check out this listing . And besides that, don’t forget about spots like The Conservatory, The Blue Note, Opolis, the Diamond Ballroom, the Chevy Bricktown Events Center, the ACM@UCO Performance Lab, the Bricktown Music Hall, and more. Where to get info on what shows are on this weekend? Besides sites like bandsintown or songkick, many a local in OKC will utilize the Oklahoma Gazette’s calendar to keep them up-to-speed on who is playing where. You can also purchase alcoholic beverages at many of the venues, which is a plus. Bring your own earplugs, though.

Oklahoma City native Graham Colton performs in March 2014 at Bricktown Music Hall

But to whom to listen? Besides actually getting out there and checking out some bands, the easy way to keep up with what’s going down on the OKC music scene includes listening to the Oklahoma Rock Show on the radio or on the computer, and checking out their playlists on the Spotify (and you can also follow @oklahomarock on the Twitter).

Prefer concerts of the outdoor variety? Oh snap, hum and dingereedoo, we’ve got you covered there too, you alfresco aficionado. Both the Downtown Airpark and the Zoo Amphitheater have a full slate of concerts for the summer and beyond, besides summertime staples Sunday Twilight Concert Series at the Myriad Gardens, LIVE on the Plaza at the (you guessed it, Sherlock) Plaza District, and Lower Bricktown Live at (surely you see where this is going at this point) Lower Bricktown Plaza.

What are your favorite live music tips for OKC? Let us know in the comments. Happy listening!

University of Central Oklahoma’s Academy of Contemporary Music in Bricktown brings the noise – along with all the classes, studying and socializing more typical of college. A one-of-a-kind operation on this side of the world, the ACM@UCO is dedicated to music and training students in all aspects of the music business, and is affiliated with the original ACM in the UK. Bachelor’s- or associate’s-degree-track students can learn about production and business as well as performance.

via @acmuco Instagram

Things get turned up to 11 when master classes are taught by the likes of Jackson Browne, Roger Daltrey, Ben Folds, John Oates, and Ted Dwane & Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons, for starters. You can check out ACM@UCO’s students at work at shows and events throughout the year, as well as at select shows at the ACM@UCO performance lab.

What do Steve Martin and Kermit the Frog have in common? They both speak English. Oh! And they also both play the banjo. All things relating to “America’s Instrument” are on display at the world-class treasure that is the American Banjo Museum in Bricktown. The ABM features the largest publicly-displayed collection in the world, with more than 300 instruments, including 19th-century-vintage “Minstrel Age” banjos, replicas of primitive instruments used by southern slaves and ultra-fancy Jazz Age banjos from the ’20s and ’30s, among others. It’s well worth a visit.

American Banjo Museum
9 E Sheridan Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK 73104

ADMISSION:
Adults $6
Seniors (55+), Students $5
Youth (5-17) $4
Children (under 5) Free
Family (2 adults-2 children) $15

HOURS:
Tuesday – Saturday 11a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday Noon-5 p.m.
Last daily admissions at 45 minutes prior to closing.

Oklahoma City has a deep and rich music history, and that fact is exemplified by the acts immortalized by being named after Oklahoma City streets (or is it the other way around?). You just have to look at notables like Oklahoma City Blue Devils, Color Me Badd, Mason Williams, Hinder, Garth Brooks, Neal Schon and others to see that Oklahoma City has birthed and raised a number of music legends. Check out these bios for a little reminder of why Wanda Jackson Way, Charlie Christian Boulevard, Vince Gill Avenue and Flaming Lips Alley are named as such.

Oklahoma City’s own Charlie Christian, the “Father of the Electric Guitar,” was one of the notable musicians who jammed in the 20s and 30s along N.E. 2nd Street in Deep Deuce. 

Tuesday, July 15
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission.
Yoga with Alexis Persico, 5:45 p.m., Water Plaza Room at Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave.; 445-7080, $5 for Myriad Gardens members, $10 for nonmembers.

Wednesday, July 16
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Pre-Movie Night Time Stories, 8:30-9 p.m., Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno, 445-7080, free.

Thursday, July 17
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. Nashville Sounds, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr., 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
OKC Energy vs. Phoenix FC Wolves, 7 p.m., Pribil Stadium, 801 NW 50th St., 235-5425, ticket prices range from $7-$25.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Indigos Acoustic Concert, 5-6:30 p.m., Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno, 445-7080, free.

Friday, July 18
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. Nashville Sounds, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr., 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Oklahoma City Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show, 10 a.m.-6p.m., Oklahoma State Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd., 265-8830, $5 admission.

Saturday, July 19
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. Nashville Sounds, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr., 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
OKC Energy vs. LA Galaxy II, 7 p.m., Pribil Stadium, 801 NW 50th St., 235-5425, ticket prices range from $7-$25.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Oklahoma City Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show, 10 a.m.-6p.m., Oklahoma State Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd., 265-8830, $5 admission.

Sunday, July 20
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. Nashville Sounds, 6:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr., 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Little Big Chefs Cooking Class, 2 p.m., Uptown Grocery Co., 1230 W Covell Rd, Edmond, 509-2728, free admission.
Oklahoma City Gem, Jewelry and Bead Show, 10 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma State Fair Park, 3001 General Pershing Blvd., 265-8830, $5 admission.

Monday, July 21
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. Round Rock Express, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr., 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie", 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St., 424-3344, free with zoo admission.
Steely Dan in Concert, 8 p.m., Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W Reno, 602-8700, ticket prices will vary.

With more than 3,000 hours of sunlight each year and more than 33 courses in metro OKC alone, golf is a hidden recreational gem in the Sooner State. From playing a round with your buddies to our local universities and major professional tournaments, Oklahoma City has a deep connection with the sport.

No matter your budget, you can find a quality course close by. The City of Oklahoma City operates five public courses located throughout Oklahoma City proper:

• Earlywine Golf Club
• Lake Hefner Golf Club
• Lincoln Park Golf Course
• Trosper Golf Club
• James E. Stewart Golf Course

The metro is also home to one of the most prestigious courses in America. Oak Tree National, located in Edmond, opened in 1976 and was designed by Pete Dye. Oak Tree has hosted a handful of major tournaments, including the 1984 U.S. Amateur, 1988 PGA Championship, 2006 Senior PGA Championship and this year’s U.S. Senior Open. Oak Tree is a private course so to play you’ll need a membership or an invite from a good friend who has one (trust us, to play Oak Tree is worth it).

The passion for golf is also evident in the college ranks as both Oklahoma State and the University of Oklahoma have strong golf traditions. The Cowboys have won 10 national championships and finished runner-up 16 times. The Sooners won the national title in 1989 and have won more than 15 conference titles. Both programs have courses to fit their prestige (and both are open to the public).

Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club is located in Norman (home of the Sooners) and hosted the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, among other important amateur tournaments. Karsten Creek, just north of OKC in Stillwater, was designed by famous golf course architect Tom Fazio and was ranked as the best college course in America by Travel & Leisure Golf.

Looking for a more casual game? TopGolf is coming to North OKC in the Spring of 2015. TopGolf combines a first-class sports bar with a driving range. You and your friends can enjoy great food and drinks while engaging in fun and casual golf games day or night. Each ball you hit is equipped with a micro-chip that tracks how far you hit the ball. TopGolf is easy and appropriate for all ages and skill level.

All this golf talk got you ready to hit the links? This week you can watch some of the best golfers in the world compete for the 2014 U.S. Senior Open Championship at Oak Tree National in Edmond. The Tournament starts Thursday and runs through Sunday. Tickets start at $125 for the whole week or just $45 for a day.

The U.S. Senior Open is one of the major championships in men’s senior golf. The tournament was first played in 1980 and features the top golfers in the world over the age of 50 competing for a total purse of $2.75 million.

Need some tips on who to root for? Four members of the field are Oklahomans who actually call Oak Tree National home: Dr. Gil Morgan, Bob Tway, Willie Wood and Scott Verplank.

Like the idea of golf but don’t want to mess with clubs, golf carts and green fees? Give disc golf a try. Never head of disc golf?  It is actually quite simple: think golf with a Frisbee. All you need is a Frisbee because the courses are free. Central OKC is home to several courses:

• Oklahoma City – City Of Oklahoma City
• Norman – Local-Data.Com
• OKC, Edmond, Norman – Parkgrades.Com

While we are on the subject of golf, looking for a fun place to take your date after enjoying a cold Coke? Or maybe just want to have a relaxing afternoon with the family? Head out to one of OKC’s popular miniature golf courses. These establishments offer 18-holes of the finest mini-golf around and the best part is that balls and putters are included:

• Celebration Station
• HeyDay Golf
• GattiTown

Tuesday, July 08
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. New Orleans Zephyrs, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr.; 218-1000, ticket prices and availability may vary.
Yoga with Alexis Persico, 5:45 p.m., Water Plaza Room at Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno Ave.; 445-7080; $5 for Myriad Gardens members, $10 for nonmembers.
2014 U.S. Senior Open, event times will vary, Oak Tree National, 1515 W Oak Tree Dr.., Edmond; 726-9700; ticket prices will vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie," 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission.

Wednesday, July 09
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. New Orleans Zephyrs, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr.; 218-1000; ticket prices and availability may vary.
2014 U.S. Senior Open, event times will vary, Oak Tree National, 1515 W Oak Tree Dr., Edmond; 726-9700; ticket prices will vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie," 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St.; 424-3344; free with zoo admission.
Willie Nelson and Alison Krauss Concert, 7 p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th St.; 602-0683; ticket prices will vary.
SONIC Summer Movie Nights: "Frozen," 9 p.m., Great Lawn, Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno; 445-7080; admission is free.

Thursday, July 10
Oklahoma City Redhawks vs. New Orleans Zephyrs, 7:05 p.m., Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, 2 S Mickey Mantle Dr.; 218-1000; ticket prices and availability may vary.
Acoustic concert with Buffalo Rogers, 5-6:30 p.m., Ice House Plaza, Myriad Botanical Gardens, 301 W Reno; 445-7080; free admission.
2014 U.S. Senior Open, event times will vary, Oak Tree National, 1515 W Oak Tree Dr., Edmond; 726-9700; ticket prices will vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie," 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St.; 424-3344; free with zoo admission.

Friday, July 11
2014 U.S. Senior Open, event times will vary, Oak Tree National, 1515 W Oak Tree Dr., Edmond; 726-9700; ticket prices will vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie," 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission.
FAA Credit Union Summer Movie Series, 8:30 p.m., OKC Boathouse District, 606 SE 6th St.; admission is free.

Saturday, July 12
2014 U.S. Senior Open, event times will vary, Oak Tree National, 1515 W Oak Tree Dr., Edmond; 726-9700; ticket prices will vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie," 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission.
OKC Energy vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds, 7 p.m., Pribil Stadium, 801 NW 50th Street; 235-5425; ticket prices range from $7-$25.

Sunday, July 13
2014 U.S. Senior Open, event times will vary, Oak Tree National, 1515 W Oak Tree Dr., Edmond; 726-9700; ticket prices will vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie," 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission.
New Edition in Concert, 7 p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheatre, 2101 NE 50th St.; 602-0683; ticket prices will vary.
Sunday Twilight Concert Series Presented by Devon, 7:30 - 9 p.m., Great Lawn, Myriad Gardens, 301 W Reno; 297-3995; admission is free.

Monday, July 14
2014 U.S. Senior Open, event times will vary, Oak Tree National, 1515 W Oak Tree Dr., Edmond; 726-9700; ticket prices will vary.
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie," 9 a.m.-4p.m., Oklahoma City Zoo, 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Make it Mondays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Myriad Children’s Garden, 301 W Reno; 445-7080.

With the nation’s Independence Day coming up this weekend, now is the time to pick your perfect perch for watching firecrackers light up the sky. Lucky for you, Oklahoma City loves to celebrate the Fourth, so from family festivals to rooftop bars, you are sure to find the perfect place to party like it is 1776.

Come July 4th, you will certainly have your pick of the litter in terms of fireworks displays. Surrounding communities will set the sky afire with the boom and sparkle of pyrotechnics. Each of the following locations have great outdoor spots (except for Vast where we must demand that you stay inside, seeing as it’s on the 50th floor of OKC’s tallest building) where you can enjoy food, drinks and a great view of the sky’s shenanigans.

Café Do Brasil & Bossa Nova at The Top 
440 NW 11th Street

Captain Norm’s Dockside Bar 
103 E California

Deep Deuce Grill
307 NE 2nd Street

Earl’s
216 Johnny Bench Drive

Fuzzy’s
208 Johnny Bench Dr.

Nonna’s Euro-American Ristorante and Bar 
1 Mickey Mantle Dr.

O Bar, the Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City
1200 N Walker Ave.

Packard’s New American Kitchen
201 NW 10th Street

Vast
333 W Sheridan Ave.

The Wedge Pizzeria 
230 NE 1st Street

Yucatan Taco Stand Tequila Bar & Grill 
100 E California Ave.

No one gets in a more festive Independence Day spirit than Oklahoma City communities. Check out the events below for details on the many firework-watching options you have for the upcoming weekend.

Red, White & Boom! – State Fair Park will host a free Oklahoma City Philharmonic concert at 8:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at approximately 10 p.m. on July 3.
Yukon’s Freedom Fest – Just northwest of Oklahoma City, the City of Yukon is playing patriotic host to their annual Freedom Fest. Family fun abounds during the day, and fireworks will top off festivities on both July 3 and 4 at 10 p.m.
Bethany Freedom Festival – Enjoy one of the largest digitally mastered fireworks displays in the state at 9:55 p.m. in Bethany’s Eldon Lyon Park on July 4.
Edmond Liberty Fest – This weeklong festival was selected as one of the top 10 places to be in America on July 4 by CNN and USA Today. Catch the noteworthy fireworks on July 4 at 10 p.m. near the UCO Campus.
Bricktown 4th Fest – Enjoy live music on the Chevy Stage at the corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma avenues in Bricktown followed by a 9:30 p.m. fireworks show.

Has all this patriotism given you the drive to take to the skies? We don’t blame you. In fact, Oklahoma City has long been a powerhouse of aviation, with connections to some of history’s greatest aviators. This includes Wiley Post, who was the first pilot to fly solo around the world.

In 1913, the Post family visited a county fair in Lawton, Okla., where Wiley saw his first aircraft in flight. This inspiration caused Wiley to immediately enroll in the Sweeney Automobile and Aviation School in Kansas City, and upon graduating he returned to Oklahoma to work. His aviation career began in 1924, when he worked as a parachutist for a flying circus at the age of 26. After working as a private pilot for wealthy Oklahoma oilmen for a few years, Wiley bought a high-wing, single-engine Lockheed Vega nicknamed “Winnie Mae” in 1930. Wiley was at the helm of this aircraft when he won the National Air Race Derby from Los Angeles to Chicago on Aug. 27, 1930. This garnered him national attention, and Wiley completed his first solo flight around the world in 1931.

During his career, Wiley also helped develop the first practical pressurized suit, which he used in an unpressurized cabin at heights reaching 50,000 feet. Because of the heights he reached, literally, Wiley is often credited with discovering the existence of jet streams.

While Wiley Post may be our most famous aviator, Oklahoma’s claim to aviation fame runs deep in its own right. In addition to the contributions made to both military and private aviation, Oklahoma City is home to the International Organization of Women Pilots, and you can learn more about the female contribution to early aviation at the 99s Museum of Women Pilots located near Will Rogers World Airport.

Tuesday, July 1
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Yoga with Alexis Persico; 5:45 p.m.; Water Plaza Room at Myriad Botanical Gardens; 301 W Reno Ave.; 445-7080; $5 for Myriad Gardens members, $10 for nonmembers.
Oklahoma Arts Council presents Artwork by Brett Deering; 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; North Gallery at the State Capitol; 2300 N Lincoln; 521-2931; free admission

Wednesday, July 2
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Oklahoma Arts Council presents Artwork by Brett Deering; 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; North Gallery at the State Capitol; 2300 N Lincoln; 521-2931; free admission

Thursday, July 3
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Acoustic concert with Emily Northcutt; 5-6:30 p.m..; Myriad Botanical Gardens, Ice House Plaza; 301 W Reno; 445-7080; free admission
Oklahoma Arts Council presents Artwork by Brett Deering; 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; North Gallery at the State Capitol; 2300 N Lincoln; 521-2931; free admission
Red, White & Boom; 8:30 p.m.; State Fair Park; 3221 Great Plains Walk; 842-5387; free admission

Friday, July 4
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Samantha Crain Concert; 8 p.m.; Myriad Botanical Gardens; 301 W Reno; 445-7080; free admission
Oklahoma Arts Council presents Artwork by Brett Deering; 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; North Gallery at the State Capitol; 2300 N Lincoln; 521-2931; free admission
Bricktown 4th Fest; 4-9:30 p.m.; Bricktown Courtyard Downtown; 2 West Reno; 405-9300; free admission

Saturday, July 5
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Oklahoma Arts Council presents Artwork by Brett Deering; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; North Gallery at the State Capitol; 2300 N Lincoln; 521-2931; free admission
Saturday Cooking Class; 10-11 a.m.; Uptown Grocery Co.; 1230 West Covell Road, Edmond; 509-2720; free admission

Sunday, July 6
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Oklahoma Arts Council presents Artwork by Brett Deering; 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; North Gallery at the State Capitol; 2300 N Lincoln; 521-2931; free admission
Little Big Chefs Cooking Class; 2 -4:30p.m..; Uptown Grocery Co.; 1230 West Covell Road, Edmond; 509-2700; free admission.

Monday July 7
Zooeum Exhibit, “Aquaticus: An Ocean on the Prairie"; 9 a.m.-4p.m.; Oklahoma City Zoo; 2100 NE 50th St; 424-3344; free with zoo admission
Oklahoma Arts Council presents Artwork by Brett Deering; 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; North Gallery at the State Capitol; 2300 N Lincoln; 521-2931; free admission
2014 U.S. Senior Open; event times will vary; Oak Tree National; 1515 W Oaktree Drive., Edmond; 726-9700; ticket prices will vary