Do this: The summer bucket list you've always wanted

A checklist of the best things to do in Tulsa this summer

(page 3 of 5)

25 // Discover the Holy Grail of BBQ

Every religion has its holy land, a sacred place where the devout seek a closer relationship with the higher power. For those of us who worship barbecue—and that’s all of us in this town, admit it—that place is Burn Co., at 18th and Boston. Though the line may extend well beyond the threshold of this shrine to Hasty-Bake, another Oklahoma invention, those whose faith is strong enough to wait will be rewarded with offerings from barbecue heaven. May the ribs be with you. And also the sauce. // John Langdon

26 // Shoot firearms, eat chicken fry

The grandsons of the founders of Nelson’s Buffeteria, the Tulsa eatery that coined the phrase “Hello, Chicken Fry, ” have opened a grill concept of the original on the grounds of United States Shooting Academy, a firearms training and competition facility at 6500 E. 66th Street North. Wear some good cowboy boots and you’re liable to open a warp zone. // Natasha Ball

Ed. note: According to news reports that broke after press time, Nelson's Grill at United States Shooting Academy has closed. 

27 // Learn the secrets of the fountain of youth

Tell the sun to stick it and take a cool tour through the inner workings of a Tulsa brewery. Bi-monthly tours are free at Marshall Brewing, at 618 S. Wheeling Avenue, and open to all ages. Participants over 21 are given 4 small samples of beer, and a $5 glass can be purchased, with proceeds going to local charities. Check the site for summer dates. Prairie Artisan Ales, creators of Prairie Hop and JFJO’s 20th anniversary commemorative brew, offers tours, too. Dates this summer are July 18 and Aug. 22, 5-8 p.m. at 1803 S. 49th W. Avenue, for those 21 and older with ID. Tours at Prairie are first come, first serve, no RSVP necessary. // Jennifer Luitwieler

28 // Try every beer at McNellies

Tulsa’s relationship with beer has come a long way since Elliot Nelson opened the first McNellie’s Public House ten years ago. Yet, what suds enthusiast among us can honestly say they’ve tried every single one of the 350-plus brews found in the downtown pub? We’d guess not many. snag a McNellie’s beer menu (they won’t mind) and start marking them off. We’d recommend beginning with the two fledgling microbreweries based right here in T-town: Marshall and Prairie (each offers tours of their breweries – see above). From there, just head west – the menu is sorted by region. The world is your pint glass; drink it up. // Joshua Kline

29 // Line dance at Caravan

Boots aren’t just for shit kicking. They’re for boot scootin’, too. The Caravan Cattle Company, at 7901 E. 41st Street, is a unique Tulsa dance club experience with two stepping, line dancing, and a little bit of hip-hop thrown in for good measure. There is nary any livestock in sight, unless you count the herd of partiers on their huge dance floor. // Nicci Atchley

30 // Wear your best shades to Oral Roberts University

I’ve tried to describe the look and feel of Oral Roberts University, at 81st and Lewis, and what it means to this community to folks who plan to visit our city. I’ve heard it called a compelling collection of modern architecture by the same person who also said it’s like a space-age, city-shaped shrine to Jesus. Both are pretty much true. And then there are those 60-foot bronze hands praying over Lewis Avenue. // Natasha Ball

31 Go all NSA on the stars

Spy on your favorite constellation while peering though one of several telescopes at the observatory in Mounds with the Astronomy Club of Tulsa. On June 20, July 18, and August 15, members of the club can guide your stargazing. Visitors are asked to use a form to obtain directions, and a $2 donation is appreciated. Viewings begin around 8 p.m. Visit
astrotulsa.com to start planning. // Jennifer Luitwieler

32 // Set your mouth on fire

Over a decade ago, I was introduced to the fragrant, exotic delights of Indian cuisine at the dearly departed Bombay Dining. Of the big three at the time (Bombay, India Gate, and India Palace, the latter two owned by the Singh brothers), only India Palace remains. And while their competition has grown since the early aughts, India Palace is still the best. Their East Indian-style dishes range from fiery curries to succulent tandoor chicken with a world of flavors in between. If you’re a virgin, do yourself a favor and pay them a visit. Get a mango lassi and explore. At 6963 S. Lewis Avenue.  // Joe O’Shansky

33 // Make out on the Phantasmagoria

Just like the born-and-raised Tulsans used to do as kids. Problem is, the Phantasmagoria exists these days only in our hearts. At least The Max Retropub saved a piece for us. See it at 114 S. Elgin Avenue, in the Blue Dome District – but never alone. // Natasha Ball

34 // Celebrate freedom

Tulsa’s Juneteenth events are centered on historic Greenwood, but it’s a citywide celebration, a festival of freedom spanning nearly a week.

Juneteenth 2014 kicks off with the sixth-annual tribute to the Negro Baseball League with Tulsa Drillers, in partnership with the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and events coordinator Mary L. Williams, at ONEOK Field June 13, 6 p.m. Guests include Senator Jabar Shumate and national recording artist Sarah Jordan Powell.

The festival continues on June 19, the date that commemorates when the last-known slaves were freed in America. The National Association of Black Journalists will conduct a forum and discussion on education and the impact of the Oprah Winfrey network on the proposed film about the story of Greenwood in Tulsa, held at OSU-Tulsa, at 700 N. Greenwood.

Guests panelists include former Tulsa police chief Drew Diamond and educator Anthony Marshall; jazz artist Frank Bates will perform. The day’s events will culminate with a salute to Pamela Hower, daughter of former journalist Bob Hower, who will be presented with the Juneteenth Legacy Award for Good Samaritans. Other presentations will come from the Tulsa Jewish Federation as well as the Technical Institute of Cosmetology, which will offer a hair show. 

One June 20 Greenwood will be filled with live music from the likes of Eric Walker and other musicians. Greenwood District business past and present will be honored as part of the day’s events. A gospel and jazz festival with vocal artist Tonnie and Boris Nichols and Sandra Knauls will be held at OSU-Tulsa on June 21.

All events are free, open to the public, and family friendly. // Natasha Ball