Checkmate!

Chess has been a popular game of strategy for over 500 years. But with the release of Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit, this activity has had it’s second coming for younger generations. Chess enthusiasts are seeing a surge in online games, and while clubs are currently taking a time-out from in-person meet-ups, they’re seeing the potential for more growth when...
Canadian County is one of the nation’s fastest growing counties, and Yukon sits on the county’s east side. Two drovers, the Spencer brothers, founded Yukon on the Chisholm Trail in 1891, and they immediately brought the railroad through town, naming the primary thoroughfare “Spencer Avenue.” Known today as Main Street or Route 66, Yukon’s historic corridor sparkles with architectural...
Tulsa native and Impressionist-style painter Derek Penix credits his wife for his No. 1 ranking in the ArtDataIntel top artist lists, a compendium tracking competitions over time.   “She has the blame for my awards,” says Penix. “I don’t remember when this began, but years ago, my wife said we should enter national shows. I said I wasn’t ready, others...
The long-awaited First Americans Museum has a story to tell to the world, and the visitor experience is vital to the mission. But the museum will also honor the cultures of the 39 tribes based in Oklahoma, with features not so easily recognized by non-Natives. “The entire project was designed to align with the cardinal directions, so the special times of...
OklahomaLake Guide Beat the heat at one of many Oklahoma lakes. We offer a quick breakdown of a few. Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees:  Perhaps Oklahoma’s most popular lake, Grand offers 46,500 surface acres of aquatic fun in northeast Oklahoma. Dock a boat year-round or rent one for the weekend. Find recreation at nearby state parks and privately operated facilities. Parasailing and...
.ugb-502d903 > .ugb-inner-block > .ugb-block-content > .ugb-columns__item{grid-template-columns:0.66fr 1.34fr !important} Getting Started:The Fundamentals  Three Oklahoma PGA golf professionals have similar responses when asked for their best advice in learning to play golf: find a good teacher and take some lessons first. “If you don’t, things will be harder to correct when you do take lessons,” says Tim Fleming, head pro at Oklahoma City...
Venues 101 The voice over the phone was sweet but clear: she and her fiancé were dead-set on going to the chapel of love soon. Could they please book the ranch chapel for June?  “Couples are just ready to get married,” says Janet Young, owner of event venue Pecandarosa Ranch, based in Claremore. “I’m booking just as many or more weddings...
We’ve almost hit the halfway point of 2021, which is weird to think about. The film industry as a whole is still suffering, but at least movies are coming out again. Some on this list were originally slated for last year and are just now making their way into theaters, and I’m optimistic that folks will make the trip...
Tulsa bustles with sports activities this month. The Oklahoma Pinto Horse Association Wildflower Classic runs May 1-2 at Expo Square, celebrating 62 years of the Oklahoma Pinto Association. At BOK Center, the Tulsa Oilers play several games throughout the month. Semi-pro soccer is also back, with the FC Tulsa taking on a variety of foes at ONEOK Field. The Thunder...
The McKnight Center in Stillwater offers its new Family Series, with a show on May 1 showcasing Lucas Ross and Sugar Free All Stars. The center’s youngest patrons are welcome to enjoy the magic of the theater with family-friendly music.  The Bixby BBQ ‘n Blues Festival, running May 7-8, is one of the largest barbecue competitions in Oklahoma. Along with...