Tag: Tulsa OK

Architecture, ART, Attractions, Decorative Arts, DESTINATIONS, Gardens, Memory Keeping, Museums, TRAVEL, United States

Philbrook Art Museum & Gardens

Jane Sadek

MAKING MEMORIES: A SPOOKY NIGHTTIME TOUR AT THE PHILBROOK

Welcome along on our long weekend visit to Tulsa. During the early hours of Friday we visited the sights of Woodward Park and had lunch at the Wildflower Cafe. After Bill’s nap (what would a vacation be without naps) we took off for the Philbrook. It was a little rainy and dark to enjoy the gardens, but we enjoyed the time in the museum. Come along!

PHILBOO!

We did not wake up one morning and say, “Let’s go to Tulsa for Halloween!” Halloween is not a big deal at our house and that just happened to be the weekend we didn’t have other commitments. In fact, Philboo, the museum’s Halloween event, was a bit of an inconvenience, because a museum or garden filled with screeching, running kids in costumes sounds like a bit of a nightmare to us.

My plan had been to go from the Sneedon Mansion to the Philbrook, see the garden that afternoon and enjoy the museum that evening, because the museum was supposed to belong to the kids Saturday. I didn’t realize we’d spend such a significant and wonderful time at Woodward Park attractions and then have naptime, but that’s how it played out.

I have no complaints about our visit to the Museum, but the bad weather made seeing the gardens a bit of a challenge. Friday night was Philboo for adults. Lots of costumed patrons, but no screeching and running, so it was no problem. Not your normal night at the museum, but nothing disruptive. We had a leisurely time enjoying the galleries of the museum and checking out the gift store.

THE MANSION & MUSEUM

The Phillips Mansion is gorgeous – yes, Phillips like the gasoline, but not the Phillips 66 brothers. Waite was an oilman, but he went a different direction than Frank and L.E., his older brothers. Doesn’t sound to me as if there were any losers. All the brothers did well, but Waite was a quieter, more behinds the scenes entrepreneur and perhaps the more successful. Certainly the more philanthropic. He built his mansion, lived there filling it with treasures for a while and then gave it and the art to the city of Tulsa.

Though there’s lots of nice pieces in the Philbrook, for me there were no showstoppers – pieces or artists I went specifically to see, or pieces that moved me spectacularly once I was there. For me, it was the mansion itself which was the real draw. Above is a sampling of the walls’ offerings, thanks to photos made by Bill.

THE GARDENS

During our Friday night visit, it was cold, wet and dark in the gardens. You could step out on the terrace, but there was not sufficient lighting to be able to see what the gardens held. I despaired of ever getting to see them, but I didn’t know exactly what to do about it.

Saturday was given over to the Art Deco Tour of Downtown, which I’ll tell you about next week. It was also the height of Philboo, so as much as I wanted to see it, I didn’t even suggest it.

Our flight back to Dallas was not until 2 on Sunday, but that meant we needed to get to the airport by noon. Bill’s not much for getting up early on vacation without a specific reason and didn’t know whether or not he’d think the Gardens were specific enough of a reason, but he got in gear on Sunday morning and off we went.

As a patron of the Dallas Arboretum I’m used to a garden that takes hours to see. I knew the Philbrook Gardens were less extensive. I think we arrived with about 45 minutes to spare and that turned out to be more than enough, because the gardens are much more compact. Unfortunately, the price was steep, at least compared to the $5 per person admittance we’d had on Friday night. We paid twenty each for our Sunday visit, because that’s the price. There’s no, I-just-want-the-gardens price or even a senior discount.

But it was worth it. You start just outside the mansion on a balcony and stroll down immaculate terraced gardens to a fountain. After the fountain is a pond surrounded by more haphazard gardening.

Then there’s the park like setting with the folly. Very Thomas Kincaid-ish.

The terraces, the pond and the folly are the main attractions and going back up to the balcony is as delightful as walking down the terraces to the folly.

There’s a kind of side garden with a pool and bathroom facilities, where I think they have concerts and events. As you can see, the weather was not great, but at least it was not pouring rain. We saw the gardens and I was happy.

So, that covers the Philmont Art Museum and the Gardens. I was not blown away by the art, but I think you should plan on seeing this place. It’s wonderful. Come back next week and we’ll go on a great tour of Downtown architecture.

ART, Attractions, DESTINATIONS, Museums, Music, TRAVEL, United States

Tulsa’s Terrific History Museum

Jane Sadek

THE MUSEUM OF TULSA HISTORY ROCKS WITH LEON

So, on this long weekend in Tulsa, I reluctantly went to the Tulsa History Museum expecting a ten minute stroll through a building full of junk and a segue to the next items on my list. Was I ever wrong! Come find out how wrong!

A FEW THINGS ABOUT THE BUILDING

From the exterior, this museum looks like Sneeden Mansion Part Deaux, because that’s exactly how it started it’s life – as a home for a Sneeden family member and the goal was to make the two home complimentary. In the actual Sneeden Mansion, efforts had been made to keep the charm of its original appearance. The Museum Building had been gutted and redesigned as a museum.

At the entry a charming volunteer was thrilled to have us visit on the damp & cold fall morning. I smiled sweetly and hoped she wouldn’t hear my stomach growl. We paid the admission price and picked up a map. As we walked away, she said the best place to start was in a room to her right and she warned us not to miss the Leon Russell exhibit in the lobby.

LEON RUSSEL!!!!

I think Leon Russell just might be one of the best pianist and song writers of my generation. Don’t think I know what I’m talking about. Ask Elton John. He’s in absolute awe of the guy. I swear tears came to my eyes and I wandered over to the exhibit like Eloi being summoned for dinner – as in to be dinner, not to have it. It was a religious experience for me.

Though Bill totally understands my admiration for the guy, he isn’t of the same mindset and after a few photos he was ready to check out that room to the right of the volunteer. The exhibits in that room immediately let us know we were not going to be looking at granny’s cast offs this morning. This was real history.

The Greenwood District, Black Wall Street and Remorseful Citizens

This gallery covered the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre – something none of my history books had covered – just as they failed to discuss what had happened in Oklahoma City in 1989. However, what happened in the Greenwood District of Tulsa in 1921 was of greater magnitude than anything I remember hearing about growing up in Georgia in the 60’s. It started over something petty and turned into a killing free-for-all. Tulsa was humiliated by her behavior and set out to do better. It’s a horrible event that engendered a gentler citizenry.

From this sad event, Tulsa History Museum goes on to be proud of what came out of this awful time. Though I’d been hungry when I walked in, I soon found myself fascinated by what the museum had to offer and my stomach quit growling. There were some cases showing off the gifts of various Oklahoman artists, such as Native American ballet dancers that were known to the world as The Five Moons. Perhaps the most fun was the wonderful collection of clothing and shoes, wonderful pieces, beautifully preserved and displayed!

PUT IT ON YOUR LIST

Now that I know, I can’t believe I almost missed one of my favorite things from the weekend. I would put it neat the top of MUST SEE’s in Tulsa. While in Woodward Park we did drop by the Teaching Barn, which is part of the Garden Center’s properties. It was the working barn of the Sneeden Family, but the best part was the garden behind it and somehow I left those pictures out of my albums. Not to worry, here are a couple!

Before we left the History Museum, I consulted with the marvelous volunteer who’d been so happy to see us at the beginning. We were looking for lunch, someplace special. Her answer was The Wildflower Cafe. We had to wait, but it was worth it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist anymore. They are moving downtown to a new location, but it makes me sad. I’m sure they’ll just improve everything, including the decor, which consisted of old needlepoint pictures, made from kits in the 70’s and 80’s. I know the dates, because some of the pieces were items I completed or at least started myself! Probably worth checking out if you go, but I can’t promise it will be as charming and delicious as I remember!

After lunch, Bill was ready for a nap. So, we planned to take in the Philmont that evening. Take a rest yourself and join me next week for the Philbrook!

Architecture, ART, Attractions, Decorative Arts, DESTINATIONS, Gardens, Museums, TRAVEL, United States

Tulsa’s Wonderful Woodward Park

Jane Sadek

MAKING MEMORIES: SURPRISES AT SNEEDEN MANSION

Welcome to our long weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We got settled in Thursday evening after a difficult flight and lucked into all kinds of pleasantries on Friday. Come along and discover Tulsa’s Sneeden Mansion, their Garden Club Center and a great event space.

Taking Some Tulsa Time on Friday Morning

Being the early riser, I hit the very adequate gym at the Broken Arrow Towneplace Suites. No stretching chair and no rowing machine, but I made the most of the treadmill. I stopped at the free breakfast buffet to see if they realized there were gluten free people in the world and was pleasantly surprised to find a pretty decent breakfast. It wasn’t the freshly made waffles others were enjoying, but there was plenty and it was good.

Upstairs, Bill decided to make some coffee in the room, before he went down for breakfast. We’d already had maintenance up to the room for something the night before and with coffee flowing all over the counter and floor, we had to invite them in again. We saw them quite often over this weekend. They were always very nice, very quick and very accommodating, but who wants to spend their vacation with the maintenance personnel! Eventually, we got Bill some breakfast and got on the road.

Historic Mansion Turned Garden Club with a side of Rain

Going to Tulsa was not a spur of the moment kind of thing. I’d been lobbying for it for years. I heard about Philmont Art Museum & Gardens and knew immediately it would be the cornerstone for a great weekend. Then came the pandemic and other distractions. Finally, I was there.

During my research, I discovered while I could get into the Philbrook almost anytime, the access to what is now Tulsa’s Garden Center was limited. What had been the Sneeden Estate was now Woodward Park and the Sneeden Mansion was now the Garden Club inside said park. The Mansion was open to the public during certain hours each week, but they didn’t have tours and I don’t think very many people took them up on visiting, because they weren’t quite sure what to do with us.

An employee took us on a tour that was more like a sales appointment for an event, because apparently hosting catered events, like weddings and fundraisers, are the primary activity these days at the Garden Club. In fact, the Tulsa Garden Club was having a rummage sale there the very weekend we were there and members were feverishly setting up for the fundraiser.

All that aside, the mansion is a beautiful place. I’m sure the festivities hosted there are spectacular. I imagined splendid evenings with elegant ladies being swirled around the black and while tiled floor under the glorious chandeliers.

One of my favorite things was the his & hers powder rooms at either end of the elegant entry way. This reminded me of a similar arrangement in the entry way to the DeGolyer Mansion at the Dallas Arboretum. The library would have done Hogwarts proud. Downstairs there was an area custom designed for events with more testosterone.

While our designated tour guide was a little awkward at first, our fascination with the place won her over completely and we were fast friends by the time we left. She urged us to see the Conservatory just across the parking lot and warned us to be sure and see the Tulsa History Museum, which was just steps away and had been built by the Sweedens for a family member. Oh yes – and we shouldn’t miss the Teaching Barn either.

THE CONSERVATORY

There was no way we could miss the Conservatory with our new friend standing in the doorway of the mansion, to make sure we found it OK. Not that it would have been easy to miss the glass building with white frames. The central area had a pool and fountain. Various arms of the building created spokes around it. While impossible to miss, it was not particularly large in comparison to the spacious mansion it had been built to adorn.

We snapped a few pictures, while discussing whether or not to take in the History Museum. Now I’m usually all about history museums and I knew it was in Woodward Park, but nothing I’d read about it made me believe it was really worth a visit. Often history museums in smaller towns are just a place for people to drop off unwanted old stuff,

Bill said we were there, so we might as well see it. Most of the things I had on my list otherwise were gardens and this damp day was not exactly designed for garden visits. Bill was right. I had no idea what we would be missing if we’d blown it off. Come back next week and see what I meen.

Accommodations, Attractions, Restaurants & Bars, TRAVEL, Travel Planning, United States

Living on Tulsa Time

Jane Sadek

MAKING MEMORIES: A LONG WEEKEND IN TULSA, OKLAHOMA

With Southwest voucher dollars still burning a hole in our pockets, I finally convinced Bill Tulsa, Oklahoma had some things we really needed to see. Book it Jane-O! And soon we were on our way. Come along for the fun!

GETTING THERE WAS NOT HALF THE FUN!

The voucher we got from Southwest for getting bumped off a flight in March has taught us one thing. Once we’ve used up these dollars, we’re not flying Southwest anymore, unless there is no other way besides, SW, Spirit or Frontier. All three have treated us dismally in the past and we’d have to draw straws if flying on them was required.

This is such a shame, because I have been a champion of Southwest for decades choosing them over everyone else whenever I could. Everything was great this time around, right up until moments before we were supposed to board. Suddenly, it was announced the flight would be late and we’d need to change gates. Herb Kelleher, you’d be rolling in your grave.

After waiting for our next airplane to show up, we played the new boarding pass game, which is really just a bid to get you to pay for a place at the head of the line. We don’t play that game, which means we end up with some interesting seating companions.

Bill won the lottery on this flight. He sat between two darling little old ladies who flirted with him the whole way. I grabbed a seat in the row ahead of him, the first row in the cabin, which had bodacious legroom. As excited as I was over the legroom I missed two things. The first being that I would not have access to my personal carryon and the other being the rather large guy sitting next to me, which was taking up half my seat. The carryon I got over with a little help from the flight attendant. Someone had scarfed up the overhead bin above me, which was supposed to be for my carryon. This issue was resolved.

As the flight took off, I realized I was a little cramped for space. The extra legroom did not make up for the fact that the guy next to me was a big guy, taking up a good portion of what I was supposed to be sitting in. It was pretty miserable, but at least it was only a 45 minute flight.

The luggage made it OK to Tulsa, our rental car was fine and soon we were on our way to our hotel…but Bill needed a hamburger and he needed it right then! This is one of my pet peeves for which I have no reasonable excuse, but we interrupted the “find the hotel” program, for a “find a hamburger” program and eventually made it to Townplace Suites by Marriott in Broken Arrow- adequate accommodations for this trip, but probably not in line for a repeat. Things were a little dated, even though it had been recently renovated, and Bill kept finding things that frustrated him.

WHY BROKEN ARROW?

If money were not an object, (which is usually is) I would have stayed right downtown Tulsa, in the middle of it all, but Tulsa is quite proud of her in-town accommodations. Broken Arrow was just minutes and many dollars away. So, that’s why we were there.

As a bonus, I’d read about Broken Arrow’s Rose District and thought it would be a good venue for our evening. It was actually a very cute, recently renovated, downtown and done quite well for a small suburban town. However, I don’t know that we selected the best option for food. Bill selected an Italian restaurant that turned out to be more wine bar than restaurant and gluten free was not something they were concerned about.

We first opted for the patio, but things were chillier than we anticipated, so we quickly moved inside, which was the last quick thing of the evening. The waitstaff was comprised of various members of the LGBT(etc.) community and they were a lot more interested in each other than they were anything as mundane as a heterosexual married couple dining in their establishment. I ate some short-rib stuffed mushrooms, which turned out to be delicious, but too small for a meal and I hadn’t had one of Bill’s burgers, so I ordered some fries and waited for what seemed like forever to top off my growling stomach.

The next morning things got much better – if a little damp – so I’ll invite you back for next week!