News, articles and links to the best events and venues to experience the unique flavor of Oklahoma. Local restaurant reviews, winery events, tips for hunters of local flavor, and Sooner State travel opportunities updated daily.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Bugling Elk Tours September 28 and 30
Bugling Elk Tours will take participants into the Refuge's Special Use Area during the height of the elk mating season. Tours will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Refuge headquarters located on the west side of the Refuge approx. six miles from the visitor center. Registration is required and a $3 fee will be collected. Did you know Oklahoma has Elk? See them now!
Call (580) 429-3222 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to register.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Free Entry to Oklahoma Museums Sept. 30
On September 30, 2006, museums all across America will join the Smithsonian Institution in its long-standing tradition of offering free admission to visitors.
The following Oklahoma museums will be participating :
In Oklahoma City, OklahomaIn Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium
In Norman, Oklahoma
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History
In Sand Springs,Oklahoma
Don't miss this very special opportunity to visit some of Oklahoma's finest museums!
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Museums, Smithsonian, Oklahoma Events, Oklahoma
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Greenfield Vineyards Fall Festival September 23
After dinner comes the main event! The musical stylings of the Larry Hammett Band. Check out a sample of the Larry Hammett Band's music here. Larry Hammett - is the director of guitar studies at the University of Oklahoma. A recognized expert in both classical and jazz guitar, Hammett is in constant demand to fill both genres as a performer and accompanist.
Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm with dinner served at 7:00pm. Enjoy Larry Hammett from 8:00pm to 9:30pm.
More details on the Grenfield Vineyards website Events Page
This is a fair weather event. In case of rain, the winery capacity is greatly reduced; attendees will be selected by lottery from those with a reservation. Those not selected to attend will receive a full refund and 10% off our next event in October.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Oklahoma Winery Law Under Attack
For more details on their fight to kill the newborn Oklahoma winery industry keep an eye on the Oklahoma Wine News blog.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Wineries, Free Trade, Oklahoma Wine Business, Deregulation
Friday, September 15, 2006
Sailing Horse Vineyards 1st Festival Sept. 30
Saturday, September 30, 2006 from Noon until 11pm
To commemorate the end of their first summer of winemaking, Sailing Horse Winery at Lake Eufaula would like to invite everyone to their first wine festival!
Enjoy:
A Taste of the Farm
Natural Local Foods
Free Concert
Traditional Rural Arts & Demonstrations
For more information or visit the festival website at: www.farmartfestival.com
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Winery, Lake Eufaula, Oklahoma Vineyard
Monday, September 11, 2006
Greenfield Vineyards Fall Festival Sept. 23
Of course, September is the big month from Oklahoma winery harvest festivals. Look for Nuyaka Creek's festival on Sept. 16.
September 30th will be BOTH festivals at Stone Bluff Winery and Canadian River Winery.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Winery Event, Chandler, Oklahoma Wineries, Oklahoma, Nuyaka
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Tulsa Film and Music Festival Sept 9-10
Now in its 9th year, the Tulsa Overground Film Festival has become an edgy Tulsa tradition.
The annual nonprofit, non-competitive film and music festival showcases the freshest, most innovative artists from around the world with three days of short films, bands and legendary after-parties.
Location: Chapman Music Hall and the Admiral Twin More Info: http://www.tulsaoverground.com/main.html
Monday, September 04, 2006
Checotah KOA Offers More Than Parking
In addition to shady RV sites, a nature trail, barnyard zoo, pool and restaurant...this KOA has kayaks! Rent one for each member of the family and spend a few peaceful hours paddling on the enormous Lake Eufaula or slip down the road a piece and paddle the sandy banked North Canadian River.
Technorati tags: campsites, Oklahoma
Friday, September 01, 2006
Labor Day Fireworks in Henryetta
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy.
It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.
Labor Day differs in every essential way from the other holidays of the year in any country. All other holidays are in a more or less degree connected with conflicts and battles of man's prowess over man, of strife and discord for greed and power, of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day...is devoted to no man, living or dead, to no sect, race, or nation. -- Samuel Gompers, founder and longtime president of the American Federation of Labor.
Don't waste the day!
Monday, August 28, 2006
Oklahoma Wine, Coffee and Blues
There are lots of events and updates to announce as we reach the end of summer in Oklahoma.
On September 1st through the 3rd, Oklahoma nightowls can enjoy the annual Dusk till Dawn Blues Festival in the tiny town of Rentiesville, Oklahoma. www.dcminnerblues.com
September 30th wine lovers will gather in Haskell, Oklahoma for the annual Green Country Wine Festival that Stone Bluff Cellars puts on. www.stonebluffcellars.com/
Blogosphere Updates
The Oklahoma Wine News Blog has posted some good news on Oklahoma wineries that recently participated successfully in the Toast of Taos wine event in New Mexico.
The PaddleTales Blog has briefly diverted from the normal area kayaking news to detail the popular new trend of home coffee roasting - Oklahoma style.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Blues Awards How To Oklahoma Wine Oklahoma Coffee
Friday, August 25, 2006
Cool Reggae Music Event in Jenks Aug. 26
Date: Saturday August 26, 2006
Time: 11 AM – 6PM
Location: Jenks Riverwalk Crossing & Amphitheater
Come enjoy the music of local and regional Reggae bands at the amphitheater, then take a stroll down the Riverwalk to the Eco-Expo where you’ll find all sorts of healthy products and information on living the green life.
2006 ReggaeFest Music Schedule
3:30 Tincture
4:30 Citizen Mundi
5:30 Kinky Slinky
6:30 Outlaw Nation
7:30 Sam & the Stylees
8:30 Local Hero
9:30 Jah Roots
Admission is FREE & you are welcome to bring your own ice chest full of beverages, your pets, children, neighbors, and friends! No glass containers. All pets must remain on a leash at all times and must be people friendly.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Music, Oklahoma Event, Oklahoma Reggae, Jenks
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Murder Mystery Theater at Tidal School Vineyards
The Hitchcock Homicide Saturday, September 16, 2006 6pm - 9pm
Make your plans now to visit the winery in Drumright on the evening of September 16, 2006. Earlier that same day will be the Nuyaka Creek Winery Harvest festival. Attend both events for a killer introduction to some of Oklahoma' award winning wineries.
Nuyaka Creek WineFest -Free from Noon until 7pm
Hitchcock Homicide at Tidal School Vineyards - Tickets Only $34.95 (plus tax per person)
http://www.tidalschool.com/winery-events.htm
Call toll free 866-258-1903 for more information.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Winery Event, Drumright, Oklahoma Wineries, Oklahoma, Nuyaka
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Chunky Monkey Concert at Drumright Winery Sept. 30
Saturday, September 30, 2006 from 6pm - 9pm
The final Tidal School Vineyards summer series dinner/concert features Chunky Monkey playing hits from the super groups of the 60's, 70's, 80's and today.
We couldn't decide on our favorite barbeque. Is it smoked sausage, chicken, ribs, or brisket? So we're having all four! The weather will be cooler and a good time will be had by all!
Tickets only $20.95 plus tax, order yours online today or call toll free 866-258-1903 for more information.
http://www.tidalschool.com/winery-events.htm
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Winery Event, Drumright, Oklahoma Vineyards, Oklahoma
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Southeastern Oklahoma Bed and Breakfast Spa
A little known oasis exists in Oklahoma, just south of I-40. Near the small town of Gerty, Oklahoma is the Wakefield Country Inn Bed & Breakfast.This little known rural Oklahoma getaway offers cozy rooms that are perfect for a romantic getaway or family gathering. All of their suites are only $125 per night and their wine grape vineyard is just a short walk from your room. Amazingly, the price also includes a five-course dinner, a full country breakfast, and a To-Die-For assortment of fresh homemade baked goods from P.J.’s Bakery. The rooms are quaint and the Wakefield family is one of the nicest that I have ever met.
However, for the Jones family, the real attraction is that uniquely Oklahoma combination of entertainment attractions: Skeetshooting and Fishing followed by Massage!
A midnight swim in their deluxe 51-jet hydrotherapy spa ends every evening off perfectly. Stick a fork in me...I'm done!
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Spa, Oklahoma Massage, Oklahoma Lodging, Vineyard
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Oklahoma WineFest Sept 16, 2006
2006 Harvest Festival at Nuyaka Creek Winery
EVENT: September Harvest Festival
DATE: September 16, 2006 Noon until 7:00 PM
ADMISSION: Buy one $5.00 souvenir wine glass and taste all of the great Oklahoma wines
INFORMATION: Call the Nuyaka Mall at 918-756-8485
Join our celebration of fine wines during the Nuyaka Creek Winery September Harvest Festival! Sometimes we have cake!
The festival offers a fun filled day in the country, live music and the chance to visit with other folks interested in
building a great wine industry for our state.
http://www.nuyakacreek.com/winefest.htm
Whether wine is your livelihood, your avocation, your hobby, or just something you'd like to learn more about, the Nuyaka Creek Winery Harvest Festival is an event that is not to be missed.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Wine, Bristow, Oklahoma Winery Event, Vineyard
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
OKC to Host International Rowing Event
The U.S. Olympic Committee, in partnership with the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), has secured an international rowing competition in Oklahoma City for October 2007, the organization announced today. In Athens in 2004, the U.S. men’s eight man rowing crew won gold for the first time since the 1964 Tokyo Games. In 2007, Oklahoma City will host The USA Rowing World Challenges.
The USA Rowing World Challenge will showcase top international rowing talent from the most competitive teams in the world as they prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games. The event is expected to attract more than 150 international athletes and 50,000 spectators to Oklahoma City for the 10-day event.
The USA Rowing World Challenge will be an official Oklahoma Centennial Event and will be headquartered at Oklahoma City's new $3.5 million Chesapeake Boathouse with racing on the newly developed Oklahoma River championship rowing course. The 10-day event will close with international athletes joining Oklahomans in celebrating our state's 100th anniversary at the Oklahoma Centennial Parade on October 14, 2007.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Events, US Rowing, OKC Events, Oklahoma River, Oklahoma
Saturday, August 05, 2006
2006 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo in OKC
New activities featured at the 2006 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo
If you thought last year's Wildlife Expo was big, just wait until you see what the Wildlife Department has in store this year. The second annual Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, to be held Aug. 25-27, will feature more than 200 hands-on activities, including many brand new attractions.
'Last year's event was great for families and with all the new activities available, I am confident this year's Wildlife Expo will be even better,' said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and one of the 236 Department employees working on the event. 'Best of all, every one of these activities is absolutely free and you can register to win great Expo prizes at wildlifedepartment.com.'
Once again the Expo will be held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Here is a look at a sampling of the new activities available at the 2006 Wildlife Expo.
Calls of the Wild - Featured on Jay Leno's The Tonight Show, Ralph Duren can make 135 different animal sounds with just his mouth. His enthusiasm for the outdoors is contagious, his skills are amazing and his seminar is one you won't want to miss.
Kids in camo - Dress up your future hunter in their cutest camouflage outfits and enter the Cutest Kids in Camo Contest to be held Saturday morning.
Noodling Tub - See huge flathead catfish up close and watch a live noodling (hand fishing) demonstration.
Scuba adventures - Try on the latest scuba gear and enter to win two free scuba diving lessons.
Wild flavors - Michael Fusco enjoys hunting and fishing and specializes in preparing wild game and fresh fish. He is also skilled in pastry arts, and is considered one of Tulsa's premiere chefs. He will hold several seminars throughout the Expo demonstrating innovative methods for preparing mouthwatering meals of wild game.
Jon McGrath, a 13-year old skeet shooting phenom, will be at the Expo to visit with shooters, both old and young alike. McGrath is the youngest person to be named Captain of the All America Skeet Shooting Team and last year he won three gold medals at the Junior World Skeet Shooting Championship.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is partnering with a wide range of other state agencies, private individuals and outdoor-related companies to host this huge event. The Expo is designed to promote and perpetuate the appreciation of Oklahoma's wildlife and natural resources and provide hands-on learning opportunities for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Expo is designed as an entertaining and educational event for both avid outdoor enthusiasts and those new to hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Every visitor will be sure to find something that interests them, from live butterflies, to mountain bike riding, to dog training, to sampling wild game.
The Wildlife Expo will take place Aug. 25-27 on the expansive grounds of the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City. Expo hours will be from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
To register for great Expo prizes or for more information regarding activities available at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Oklahoma Republican Riley Considering Party Switch?
The Oklahoma Political News Service is investigating a report that Oklahoma State Senator Nancy Riley, former GOP candidate for Lieutenant Governor, is set to switch parties and become a Democrat. Nancy Riley is a former Tulsa Public Schools teacher.
Reports are that Riley is reeling from her treatment by fellow Republicans in the State Senate and her party switch is a result.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Politics, Oklahoma
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Governor Brad Henry Renews Statewide Burn Ban
Sizzling heat has dried fields to a crisp, according to Oklahoma farmers, and now Gov. Brad Henry has decided to reinstate a burn ban across the state. The governor’s office announced the decision Wednesday morning after meeting with state fire experts and reviewing meteorological data from around the state. Officials with the Department of Agriculture recommended a new burn ban, citing extraordinary fire danger in Oklahoma.
Under the governor’s executive order, outdoor burning is banned, but there are some exemptions for low risk activities such as charcoal and gas grilling. Occupations such as welding can also earn exemptions, provided tradesmen follow specific protections outlined by the Department of Agriculture. Violations of the ban are misdemeanors punishable by as much as a $500 fine and one-year imprisonment.
Gov. Henry said the burn ban would remain in effect for as long as conditions merit. Because of record drought conditions, Oklahoma has been under some form of burn ban seven of the last 10 months. When Gov. Henry last lifted a ban in May, he made it clear he would not hesitate to reinstate it if the high fire danger returned.
Governor Brad Henry
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Drought, Pawhuska, Burn Ban, Oklahoma Weather, Oklahoma
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Try American Indian Food in Pawhuska!
The Bluestem Diner in Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Pawhuska's Bluestem Diner is a classic American diner serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dating back to 1943, the restaurant offers vistors a unique taste of Oklahoma lifestyle.
One great reason to visit the Bluestem is for the owner's specialty... American Indian food. About once a month, the restaurant serves traditional American Indian dinners that are hard to find anywhere. If you have never had the chance to taste: grape dumplings, corn soup, meat pies and fry bread...this is your chance. Give the diner a call to find out the next time you can fill up on the grape dumplings. In my neck of the woods, the specialty was Elderberry Dumplings. I wonder if grapes change the flavor much?
The Bluestem Diner
114 E. Main St.
Pawhuska, OK
(918) 287-2308
Open: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day but Thursday
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Restaurants, Pawhuska, Indian Food, Oklahoma
Monday, July 31, 2006
Oklahoma's Affordable Renewable Energy Prototype Home
This house has been built by Ideal Homes, based in Norman, Oklahoma, and is located in its Valencia community in Edmond, also in Oklahoma.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Homes, Housing, Energy Research, Oklahoma
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Look Who Showed Up to Taste Oklahoma
For more on this story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060728/ap_on_fe_st/gator_resident_1
Technorati Profile
Friday, July 28, 2006
Wild Brew - Avian Research Center Benefit Aug. 12
Tulsa Bird Research BenefitWild Brew to raises funds for The Sutton Avian Research Center benefit, set from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at Expo Square's Exchange Center I, offers a chance to taste a great variety of ales, pilsners, stouts, lagers and specialty beers, as well as food from great restaurants while listening to the music of the Mid-Life Crisis Band.
A sponsor/patron hour will begin at 4 p.m. featuring the soft tunes of Mark Bruner and Shelby Eicher.
Here's the lineup. From 5 to 8 p.m., guests will be entertained by Mid-Life Crisis while they enjoy food from Albert G's Bar-B-Q, Bodean Seafood, Brothers Pizza Depot, Kilkenny's Irish Pub, The Green Onion, TeKei's Chinese/Asian Kitchen, James E. McNellie's Public House, In the Raw, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, Cowboy Sharkies, Panera Bread, Perfect Touch Catering by Jamil's, Council Creek Cheese and Cuisine, Baxter's Interurban Grill, Grapevine, Jazmo's Bourbon Street Cafe, Rib Crib, The Brook Restaurant and Bar and Mexicali Border Cafe.
Party-goers will also sample beers from the United States, Germany, England, Mexico, Belgium, Japan and eight other countries.
Some of the name brands to expect this year include: Pyramid, Peroni, Becks, Bass, Boulevard, Sapporo, Sierra Nevada, Kwack, Klaster, Kronenbourg, Fosters, Flying Dog, Tona, Tsing Tao, Tecate, Chimay, Choc, Czechvar, Cristal and Carta Blanca.
Proceeds from the eighth annual Wild Brew will benefit the conservation and education work of the Sutton Avian Research Center, a tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
Reservations are required. Tickets are on sale for $40 each and will not be sold at the door. Participants must be at least 21 years of age to attend. ID is required. The Wild Brew ticket hotline is 581-6185.
For sponsorship information, as well as information about the Sutton Avian Research Center, please call Kim Shannon at 581-6187 or e-mail her at kshannon@riggsabney.com.
Technorati Tags: Oklahoma Wildlife, Tulsa, Oklahoma Beer, Oklahoma
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Chickasaw Nation Opens Largest Casino in Oklahoma

Boasting a Las Vegas-style experience, the state's largest casino has opened its doors in central Oklahoma.
With its 219,000 square-foot building on 15.5 acres just south of Norman, Riverwind Casino is almost double the size of Las Vegas' Caesar's Palace and The Mirage casinos. The casino opened its doors July 17, and even without advertising, some 2,000 people were lined up outside the doors. A grand-opening ceremony is set for Aug. 10.
The casino's blue exterior and large flashing sign just west of Interstate 35 lures the eyes of travelers. The interior features a variety of abstract designs, an array of colors and flashing lights that surround the 2,220 electronic games and 72 black jack and poker tables. The casino also has a horse racing off-track betting room, which simulcasts races from across the country.
Inside, the casino holds two full-sized restaurants, a coffee shop, a food court with recognized favorites like Taco Bueno, Pizza Subs and Wings and Cinnabon, and a bar and lounge. Its Showplace Theatre will feature performances by artists like The Temptations, Jewel and The Beach Boys.
The theater seats 1,500 people and has three levels, including a mezzanine level with VIP sections.
Tulsa Hosts the Largest Sugar Art Show in the Nation
Tulsa State Fair attendees will be amazed at the abilities and creativeness displayed at the 2006 Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show!
This year’s theme, Wedding Cakes Around the World 2006, will feature amazing feats of skill as these talented chefs create some of the most inspired cakes around. The cakes will be inspired by buildings, paintings, rivers, contemporary or historical detail or personalities from around the world.
Also on had giving demonstrations in sugar craft will be Prestigious English Sugar Craft Specialist, Lin Cook as well as Keegan Gerhard, named one of America’s top 10 pastry chefs. Once again this year, Food Network will be covering this event, which is the largest Sugar Art show in the nation!
The Award Ceremony will be held Sunday, October 8th at 5pm. Remember to vote for the People’s Choice award, which benefits Angel Flight.
Come see these spectacular works of art for yourself in the lower level of the Expo Building in the Creative Arts Area October 7th and 8th.
Tulsa Fair Grounds Expo Building, Upper Level
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Sugar Art Show Entry Forms, Rules and Regulations (PDF)
Wine Sales in Oklahoma Supermarkets?
The Oklahoma Gazette has a pretty informative article on the history of this issue. Here's a quote from their recent article on the subject:
Many Oklahoma wineries lost business from liquor stores in 2004 when they supported a bill in the Oklahoma Legislature that would have created more than $1.3 million in revenue for the growing Oklahoma wine industry.
Winemakers say several Oklahoma package retailers boycotted their wine in protest of the bill. House Bill 2219, which eventually died in committee, would have created the Oklahoma Grape and Wine Commission and could have paved the way for getting wine into grocery stores. -- from Got wine? Will Oklahoma grocers ever sell vino? by Brianna Bailey
The article appears to be pretty balanced to me.
http://www.okgazette.com/news/templates/news.asp?articleid=699&zoneid=3







