Real talk: a summer checklist

Things to do in Tulsa when it's toasty

Tulsa summers can be brutal. At the hellish peak (usually in July) it’s tempting to burrow into your couch with A/C, Netflix and pizza, but there are so many more fulfilling things to do in this town. For those who lack imagination, I’ve done you a solid and curated a list of cool things to do during these warm months. 

Find a swimming pool

Summer is hot and pools are required. Every year, people wander around complaining, “It sooooo hawwwt!” in a Fran Drescher-like nasally whine. We are not having it this year. Shut your whiney yapper. Find a pool. Get in it. Or...

Find a swimming hole 

The scorching heat is actually pretty great when you find a nice swimming hole. There are several around here to choose from: Blue Hole, Spring Creek and Flint Creek. I personally have an amazing place I like to escape for a weekend, but I’m not about to tell any of you because it seems that every time people discover a nice place, they trash it. The Illinois River used to be shameful but, I heard it has improved recently. We should all be embarrassed of the cans and other crap (“Thanks, Tyson Chicken!”) in our waterways—I once saw a bass swimming with one flip-flop around its face. We can do better. 

Attend Center of the Universe Festival 

The list of headliners for this amazing source of people-watching has drawn a lot of heat from the hipster crowd (some of the same people who worshipped Mumford and Sons two years ago, so take that for what it’s worth). But the festival, which runs July 24-25, actually has some amazing music if you can stop complaining long enough to listen. Either way, Just. Quit. Complaining. 

Hike Turkey Mountain 

Our urban wilderness recently fought off a multi-billion-dollar developer, so there’s still a great place to enjoy a walk, run or ride. But go in the mornings if possible. It won’t be as hot and you might even have time left in the day to enjoy...

Catch a Fire: The Legacy of Bob Marley 

Hosted at the Woody Guthrie Center until September 13, Bob Marley’s influence as a musician and a peacemaker is documented with a slew of previously unseen photographs, short films and even a drum kit. His music is required at all summer festivals (even Smooth Jazz ones). He was one of the greatest people to walk this earth. All you have to do to experience his legacy is find parking in the Brady Arts District. Good luck.

Barbecue 

One of the best things about summer is smoking or grilling food. Even if you’re a vegan, some grilled Brussels sprouts and asparagus are pretty tasty. But throw some pork butt or a rack of ribs on a smoker with a cooler full of your favorite beverages and a friend or two? You’re likely to remember the laughs as much as the food. (Free tip: invest in a good meat thermometer, lest you remember the food in the worst way.) 

Peruse Social media 

The only thing better than enjoying the outdoors is seeing someone else enjoying them! Stay at home and practice your snark on someone’s adventure pictures, or hone your hashtag game with phrases only you understand. Because everything is lame and nothing is fun and smoked meats are gross and water is disgusting and music is dumb and the outdoors sucks. #sarcasm

For more from Andy, check out his visitor's guide to downtown Tulsa and his piece on Tulsa Tough.