For years, it was difficult to banish the drab memories that Furr’s Cafeteria left in Normandy Creek Center on the corner of SW 24th Avenue and Main Street in Norman. As it turns out, all the location needed was the right tenant to exorcise the ghosts of surly lunch ladies, Salisbury steak and sticky mac-and-cheese. And with farm-fresh cuisine and an elegant yet inviting atmosphere, Local has done just that.
Local is the brain child/food baby of sisters Melissa Scaramucci, Heather Steele and Abby Clark, who were inspired by the idea of providing a different kind of dining experience – one that not only included cuisine composed of almost exclusively local/sustainable ingredients, but also offered a retail space featuring apparel from area artists and ready-to-eat meals, as well as “Localville” – a babysitting area for children to play while parents indulge themselves in a relaxed dinner.
The sisters, whose family has owned Waynoka’s Walnut Creek Farms since the Land Run, drew upon their family history and relationships with Oklahoma famers to make their dream a delicious reality.
“We spent about two years developing the restaurant before we opened,” Scaramucci says. “We used that time to meet other farmers and see their practices. We wanted to make sure we could truly have enough fresh and local food to sustain the restaurant throughout the year.”
It’s a concept that Chef Ryan Parrott (formerly of Deep Fork Grill and Iguana Mexican Grill) is excited to be on board with. “My favorite part about Oklahoma ingredients is being a part of the entire process,” he says. “I get to deal with farmers before items grow, take part in seed selection and harvesting. I can’t say I have one favorite ingredient, but rather the joy of watching all the things that come up in different parts of the year.”
The combination of 16 farms, the sisters’ vision and Parrott’s creative energy has created a culinary juggernaut on Norman’s restaurant scene. Less than three months after the doors opened, diners now fill every available table to experience instant classics, like the meatloaf cupcakes with mushroom sauce, Moroccan lamb with tomato jam and curry couscous; and seasonal ratatouille. In addition, the restaurant offers daily rotations of fresh ravioli and risotto inspired by the season. With additional lures, such as the newly added brunch menu and simple-yet-decadent desserts like the chocolate chipotle cake, Local has fast become a byword for eating excellence among Norman residents.
Scaramucci says that while Local may appear to be blazing a trail in the Oklahoma restaurant world, the concept behind it is as old as food itself. “I do think there is an idea that local food is trendy – which translates into expensive,” she says. “But eating locally has been the norm since humans arrived. Eating grapes shipped in from Chile 12 months out of the year is the odd thing in our history – not getting tomatoes from your neighbors’ gardens. We work hard to make sure our price points are affordable so that local dining can begin to be a true lifestyle choice. Not something you do every once in a while.” 2262 W. Main St., Norman. www.eatatlocal.com
We hear all the time about the importance of incorporating more lean meats and vegetables in to our diets. But let’s face it; those foods can be bland, especially when compared to the highly processed restaurant foods we often crave.
“Nearly everything in restaurants is prepackaged, meaning the food is loaded with salt, often double fried and in large portions,” explains Suzanne Forsberg, healthy lifestyles dietitian and certified diabetes educator with St. John Medical Center in Tulsa.
But by cooking at home, you are in control. You decide the quality and quantity of the food you serve.
“You get to choose what goes into your food,” says Michelle Dennison, dietitian and diabetes clinician at the Harold Hamm Diabetes Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center. “The biggest benefit is reducing your sodium intake, which is a primary culprit for hypertension.”
So how do you make healthy foods more enticing without packing on the salt and butter? The answer is herbs and spices. Not only do they add flavor with little or no calories, they pack a healthy punch themselves.
“It is a healthier way to flavor your food,” encourages Forsberg.
The United States Department of Agriculture published a list measuring the levels of antioxidants found in commonly consumed foods. The list measures what is called Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) Units.
“Many herbs and spices are very high on that chart,” explains Forsberg. “Sometimes, the dried spices are even more potent.”
Why are antioxidants so important to a healthy diet?
“Antioxidants prevent the breakdown of cellular structures,” says Dennison.
Eight of the top 10 foods on the ORAC list are spices, and most of those are dried. Forsberg recommends stocking your pantry with what are called the “super spices:” black pepper, red pepper, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, garlic powder, ginger, oregano, rosemary, thyme and turmeric.
Each spice has different attributes and can often have different benefits, explains Forsberg.
“Garlic is known to improve cardiovascular health and been shown to have the ability to destroy cancer cells,” says Dennison. “There are claims that cinnamon lowers blood sugar. Our study didn’t show that. It did affect cholesterol levels, especially in those with diabetes.”
“Rosemary reduces the cancer-causing compounds called heterocyclic amines on grilled foods,” adds Forsberg. “Red pepper has six to nine times more vitamin C than tomatoes.”
Forsberg’s favorite meal to entertain with is packed with herbs and spices. She roasts chicken with rosemary, garlic and grapes. Alongside, she serves roasted carrots seasoned with more rosemary and her easy turmeric rice. She simply puts a tablespoon of turmeric in the rice cooking water.
“It makes a bright and beautiful plate,” promises Forsberg.
Herbs and spices are best consumed in their natural form. Forsberg and Dennison both caution against using supplements.
“It’s best to use whole foods instead of supplements which reduces the risk of toxicity,” cautions Dennison.
Healthy Spice
So-called “super spices” allegedly have varied health and nutrition benefits.
Black pepper aids digestion, has diuretic, antioxidant and anti-bacterial effects in addition to helping prevent gas buildup.
In addition to being higher in Vitamin C than tomatoes, red pepper is high in beta-carotene, which helps promote healthy vision. Red pepper is also an inflammation fighter, boosts the metabolism and may help prevent blood clots. Chili powder has similar effects in addition to the potentially beneficial effects of capsaicin (the “heat” element) on blood cholesterol levels, congestion, the immune system, diabetes, weight loss efforts and even possibly the spreading of prostate cancer.
Cloves contain a substance that may prevent the effects of some environmental toxins. Additionally it has an anti-inflammatory effect and is an extremely nutrient-packed food.
Cumin is an excellent course of iron, which is necessary for many body functions including energy and protecting the immune system. Cumin also aids digestion and may have traits that aid in cancer prevention.
Ginger has long been successfully used for gastrointestinal relief as well as an anti-inflammatory. It also might protect against colo-rectal cancer and generally boost the immune system. Ginger extracts have been shown to have both antioxidant and anti-tumor effects.
A nutrient dense food, oregano also contains substances that have potent anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial effects.
Thyme is nutrient dense and has powerful anti-oxidant and anti-microbial benefits.
Turmeric has been used for its numerous benefits in Asian medicine for centuries. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and its derivatives have been shown to help combat inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis and possibly other ailments in combination with particular other foods. Studies have also linked the frequent use of turmeric to lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer.
After a 35-year career working at luxury hotels and resorts up and down the East Coast, many chefs dream of owning a quiet little bistro in their hometown; few do. Wiry and energetic, Chef James Beck did. He’s brought the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to the 71st Street Corridor, offering a pleasant dining alternative to the area’s food courts and chains. “It’s upscale but not expensive,” says Beck, gazing lovingly at the Matisse-hued walls and draperies, “serious but affordable.” Dishes are rigorously prepared with an attention to detail; many are time-honored classics. Does Beck improve them? “Oh, you can’t improve on greatness,” Beck answers, “but I try to add my own spin.” In his Chicken Marsala, for example, the standard Marsala sauce is given depth and contrast by the addition of a sauce demi-glace. In the traditional Marseilles Bouillabaisse, everything is simmered together, but in Beck’s version, a stock is first prepared by boiling fish bones, leeks and bouquet garni, and then tomatoes, orange peel and spices are added to make a second stock; after that is reduced and strained, the fish is added, along with saffron-infused rice. The result is rich, unforgettable flavor. Beck’s gets its fish flown in from Hollywood, Fla. There are also seafood specials, two a day, each day something new and different. 6808 S. Memorial, #302, Tulsa. www.becksfreshmediterranean.com
Iqbal Theba has appeared in countless commercials, television shows and movies over the years, and these days, he maintains the budget and referees Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison as Principal Figgins on the FOX smash hit Glee. With a new movie, Playing The Field, due out later this year, the University of Oklahoma alum is reaping the benefits of following his heart and pursuing his dreams.
Oklahoma Magazine: As an OU alum, you’re a big Sooner fan. Do you ever make it out to any games when you visit Norman? Iqbal Theba: No, unfortunately, I haven’t in a long time, but there are a lot of OU people here in LA, so we always get together and watch the games on TV. I’m not really into sports, but I always watch Oklahoma football. I’m a Sooner fan, not a football fan.
OM: From an engineering degree to acting – that’s quite a transition. IT: I used to hate my major. I was bored to death. I don’t know how I graduated, but I did. Then later, a friend invited me to see a play – it was the first real play I’d ever seen – and it was one of those mystical experiences that I’ll never forget. So I enrolled in drama school, and halfway through the first semester, I knew it was for me. The decision to pursue acting didn’t come from logic, it came from the heart, and from the gut.
OM: You went on to become the first South Asian in mainstream television in the ‘90s. What was that journey like? IT: At that point in time, there wasn’t anyone from South Asia in the industry, and I had a lot of difficulty finding an agent. A lot of people told me, “I don’t think anyone is looking for someone like you.” Being an actor is hard as it is, no matter what color skin you have. It’s just a tough business to break into – it’s a heartbreaking pursuit. But I was determined. Eventually someone took me on and I went on my first audition, and I got it. It was a commercial for a music warehouse that sold video and cassettes, and it was just me singing. It was one of the most glorious days of my life. I was so proud. I was in my car on Sunset Boulevard screaming, “I’m an actor! I’m an actor!”
OM: Have you gotten the chance to sing on Glee? IT: They haven’t asked me, and I’m not exactly too keen on the idea anyway, but hey, I’m happy either way!
OM:Glee has taken over the world. What’s it like working with the cast? IT: They’re all wonderful, with such great attitudes. We have so much fun. Everyone I work with is extremely talented – especially the kids. Glee has made them super stars. People like me, Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison – people were familiar with our faces because we had done a lot of other stuff – but for the young cast, it was their first gig and they’re all very grateful to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this crazy phenomenon.
OM: What are some things you’d like to see happen with Principal Figgins? IT: At some point I’d like to know more about where he comes from. We don’t know much about him yet. We know he has a wife and he believes in vampires, but I’d like to find out more personal things. As an actor, it would give me the opportunity to explore his character. Nevertheless, of course, I’m happy playing who he is as he is.
George Washington wore wooden dentures. That may be the most singularly personal fact most of us know about the first president of the United States. A new exhibit at Gilcrease Museum was created to reveal more of the man pictured on the $1 bill. The traveling display Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon opens June 24 in Tulsa to show his views on religion and slavery as well as his experiences as a land surveyor, experimental farmer and entrepreneur. Life-size figures of Washington developed through forensic methods, artifacts from his life and interactive models are included as are tools used by slaves and Revolutionary War armaments. Martha Washington’s influence is represented with pieces of her jewelry, china and reproductions of her gold wedding dress and purple satin slippers. The teeth? They will be there, too. The exhibit runs through Sept. 23. www.gilcrease.utulsa.edu
Ann Thompson boasts a background in public history. She has worked as an archivist, a museum director and a classroom teacher. Her connection to Oklahoma began with a long-distance master’s degree in liberal studies from the University of Oklahoma. In 2006, she permanently relocated to Oklahoma to accept the position of executive director of the Oklahoma Humanities Council. The OHC funds programs that help preserve the culture of Oklahoma. Additionally, the organization administers programs such as “Let’s Talk About It, Oklahoma,” a book discussion group; and “Museum on Main Street,” a partnership with the Smithsonian to bring exhibits to communities in the state with populations below 20,000.
The Oklahoma Humanities Council is the sole organization for the state that provides funding for humanities-based programming. We are unique in that we provide funding for communities around the state who have programs that they would like to see happen. It could be a museum exhibit, lecture, film festival, digitizing historic photographs; anything that has a base in a humanities discipline.
Our organization is the state’s affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, which was authorized in 1965 by Congress. The authorizing language includes the phrase, “democracy demands wisdom and vision in its citizens.” If we don’t have an informed society, if we don’t have a thoughtful society, if we don’t have safe places for people to come together to discuss issues in an informed way, then democracy is jeopardized. That lifelong learning is critical to sustain a democracy. We offer those safe forums. We convene people to come together. There’s no advocacy. We don’t tell people how to think, but we present different points of view.
The most common (grant request we receive) is history-related. We’re very happy to support the preservation of Oklahoma’s culture and history, and a typical grant that’s funded by our organization might be a historical society that wants to showcase their history. Our funding makes these events possible. We go all across the state to very small communities. Even if it’s a $5,000 grant, that can make a difference. We bring people together; we call it community building. So, let’s say we’ve given a grant; all of the organizations in that community come together. Are you working with Main Street, the chamber of commerce, the historical society? We do require a match of our dollars because we receive federal funding, and that’s one of our requirements. When we have that kind of match, it illustrates that the community has a buy-in. For every dollar we received from the federal government, communities matched it with $5.60. It shows that these kinds of cultural programs have an economic impact.
Every place thinks they’re unique in some way, but Oklahoma is so rich in diversity. I’m fortunate to get to travel to all corners of the state. The regions of Oklahoma and the towns are so different from one another, and each town has a story that’s so fascinating.
If you thought LMFAO was but an abbreviation expressing a reaction to something so funny that you dropped two dress sizes in an instant, turn on the radio and TV. The group creating a sound dedicated to partying, clubbing and good times is making a case for a new definition: Loving My Friends and Others. With only two albums, LMFAO has found its way to arena stages packed with fans quick to dance to “Party Rock,” “Sexy and I Know It,” “Sorry for Party Rocking” and other singles. If DJs Redfoo and SkyBlu – carefree and even whimsical in giant glasses and clunky, neon Ts – weren’t entertaining enough, the electro pop/rap is enough to make you turn up the volume and tweet “LMFAO.” Redfoo, SkyBlu and their troupe of dancers, rappers and singers have that kind of effect. Watch them play at the BOK Center June 13. www.bokcenter.com
A tax revolution is brewing under the Oklahoma capitol’s dome, and some fear that the building pressure might blow funding for essential state services right out of the state’s budget.
Three tax-specific bills are under consideration. Senate Bill 1623 proposes reducing the top personal income tax rate by one-half percent by 2014. House Bill 3061 proposes establishing a ceiling tax rate of 3.5 percent for single persons making $35,000 or more annually, while establishing the same ceiling for married, head of household, or surviving spouse for income at or above $70,000. Single persons grossing between $15,000 and $34,999, and married couples grossing between $30,000 and $69,999 would cap at 2.5 percent. Oklahomans grossing below those levels would pay no income tax. HB 3061 also allows for an additional one quarter of one percent cut when state revenues increase by five percent or more.
However, it is House Bill 3038 that offers the biggest transformation in Oklahoma’s tax structure. While the aforementioned legislation would counter the reduction in state income with a list of specified exemption repeals, HB 3038 proposes phasing out the state’s income tax with full elimination by the year 2022. The bill also proposes eliminating all tax exemptions except those for volunteer firefighters.
“The reasoning for this bill is two-fold,” says HB 3038 author Leslie Osborn (R-Bethany). “Number one is economic development. Businesses are fleeing the coastline states where they are overtaxed and overregulated. If we phase out the state income tax, we become the state with the lowest overall tax burden at the end of the phase out.”
“Frankly, no one has proven that having the lowest taxes in the nation makes you the best in the nation.”
However, Oklahoma Policy Institute Director David Blatt says such a transformation to the state’s income apparatus threatens the continuation of basic governmental functions. “This really is the wrong path for Oklahoma. You want to be the best educated state in the nation. You want to have the best jobs in the nation. “Frankly,” Blatt continues, “no one has proven that having the lowest taxes in the nation makes you the best in the nation.”
Acknowledging Oklahoma’s overall embracing of small government and low tax philosophies while fighting to maintain quality infrastructure, Blatt adds, “Maybe Oklahoma doesn’t want to be Massachusetts, but it also doesn’t want to be Bangladesh.”
Blatt advocates closing loopholes in the current tax structure to increase the state’s bottom line and guarantee the continuation of essential services. “You’re getting the means and the ends confused,” he says.
Osborn maintains that HB 3038 is a forceful step in the right direction to attracting business and jobs to the Sooner State. “Critics may say taxes do not matter, but they do to job re-locators,” she says. “(Former) Governor Frank Keating said that businesses told him that if he would do two things they would move their jobs here…Right to Work and no income tax.”
“Oklahoma is already a low-tax state,” Blatt argues, adding that business leaders are not pushing for an income tax cut. “We need to be honest and realistic about how we are going to pay for services.”
The fate of the proposed legislation remains uncertain.
On the next one of those fantastic Oklahoma days, when the humidity and wind take the day off and the weather is perfect for opening up the screen door and windows, turn on “On the Mountain Side,” by Oklahoma City’s O Fidelis, and let the goodness wash over you.
Their brand of “newgrass” indie folk is the brainchild of two musicians whose relationship evolved from merely bandmates to newlyweds, yet Brian and Laney Gilillands’s smitten vibe isn’t at all obvious – not cliché in a love song sense, but rather euphoric overall.
Cheerful, colorful and endearingly earnest, it’s easy to hear how with newlywed songwriters/musicians, inspiration is never lacking.
“It was always a dream of mine to write music with a girl. I think that female vocals blended with male vocals makes for something pretty special and unique,” Brian says.
“In the past, I was always writing dark stuff, introspective and kind of depressing. Then I started writing and playing with Laney, and she brought this whole new bright and happy tone to the table, on so many different levels.”
Depending on the venue, O Fidelis offers two different kinds of shows, but regardless of the size of the stage, their style is a whimsical good time, with the shuffle between musicians and their instruments creating a visual aesthetic that is as fun to watch as the music is to stomp and clap your hands to.
Whether getting down to the skeletons of their songs at an intimate acoustic set with Brian and Laney alone, or jamming out at bigger shows that includes the full five-piece band and their stage full of diverse instruments, O Fidelis’ reach extends across a broad spectrum of audiences.
Set for release this summer, their first LP, Bible Promises and Dinosaurs, embodies their self-proclaimed “knack for weirdness,” and is a surefire audible pick-me-up guaranteed to appeal to young folks, old folks, and all ages in between.
Contagious and charming, O Fidelis will put a smile on your face, no matter your mood.
“This was important to us when we were first figuring out our sound. We knew we wanted it to be happy, and something everyone in our family could enjoy,” Brian explains.
“It’s been a priority of ours from the start to be honest in our lyrics, but above all, to be upbeat and happy. To remain family-friendly and always lift people up.”
Colorado has a couple of things one can find in abundance. There is plenty of wilderness for countless outdoor activities and adventures. And there are plenty of luxurious resorts with breathtaking scenery and plenty of pampering. Pairing the two together is not an easy thing. Many scenic resorts, for example, are in popular ski areas, so the wilderness views tend to include neon-colored ski bunnies. And a remote cabin in the woods is unlikely to have concierge service. Fortunately, you can indulge in both aspect of Colorado’s wonder at Elk Mountain Ranch. Located 16 miles southeast of Buena Vista and a pleasant two hour drive from Denver or Colorado Springs, Elk Mountain Ranch only accommodates up to 30 guests for its weeklong, all-inclusive, quintessential dude ranch experience. Days are filled with horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, riflery, fishing and other activities set against a backdrop of unending vistas. It’s the ultimate in traditional western vacations and perfect for families, couples, singles and small groups. Cabin accommodations vary in size and number they can sleep, but all are comfortable and enhance the western outdoor theme.
But a little pampering is in order, too, and you can get that here as well. On-site spa services include massage and Jacuzzi. Oh yes, there is concierge service, and it is very much the affable and accommodating staff that contributes to the pampering experience. Elk Mountain Ranch encompasses a delightful combination of the Rocky Mountain state’s strongest appeals.
Tip: Although Elk Mountain Ranch is ideal for all types of groups throughout much of the season, it offers adults only periods (weeks of Sept. 2 and Sept. 9, 2012) with an emphasis on riding, relaxation and a picturesque romantic setting.
To most Oklahomans, the idea of leisure travel by train probably seems a bit antiquated, a hold over from a bygone era. And that’s one of the reasons that a summer vacation aboard a train could be an exciting adventure. From Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer terminal in Oklahoma City, you can access a rail network that can literally take you from sea to shining sea. For rail novices, a trip from OKC to New Orleans is a great way to start. The route takes you through a varied terrain, stops at interesting locales and drops you off to experience all the Crescent City has to offer.
The trip takes you on a winding 27-hour journey, but you’ll want to break it up and disembark at some of the fantastic stops along the way. You’ll change trains in Fort Worth and San Antonio, so definitely plan to explore those cities while you’re there – the trains run most days, so take as long as you like. Your route also allows you the opportunity to stop over in Austin and Houston, as well as a host of smaller towns and cities.
Bonus: Through a partnership with the National Park Service, guides from the Amistad National Recreation Area are on board the train between Houston and New Orleans to interpret the unique Gulf Coast ecosystems the train passes by.
Stops Oklahoma: Oklahoma City > Purcell > Norman > Pauls Valley > Ardmore Texas: Gainesville > Fort Worth > Cleburne > McGregor > Kileen/Fort Hood > Austin > San Marcos > San Antonio > Houston > Beaumont Louisiana: Lake Charles > Lafayette > New Iberia > Schriever > New Orleans
www.amtrak.com
Pump Out Some Adrenaline In Arkansas
Just over the Ozarks to the east, Arkansas offers more than just a lush varied environment and scenic retreats. It presents innumerable opportunities for adrenaline-pumping adventures on land, in water and in the sky.
Aerialists have long enjoyed hang gliding at Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo, which offer spectacular views and frequent ideal conditions. For a more extreme experience, Skydive Ranch in Siloam Springs can get you trained and up to speed to personally answer the axiom, Why would you jump out of a perfectly good airplane?
Once back on earth, landlubbers will enjoy hiking or mountain biking the Womble Trail in the Ouachita Mountains and the Syllamo Trail near Mountain View. If you’re packing a specialty vehicle for your Arkansas adventure, the Superlift Off Road Vehicle Park’s challenging course is amenable to motorcycles, ATVs, buggies and four wheel drive vehicles. Rock climbers and bouldering enthusiasts cite Sam’s Throne and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch as two of the greatest regional locations for hands-on challenges. Halfway between the ground and the sky, zip lines offer you excitement with terrific scenery. There are numerous zip lines across the state. Okolona’s Rowdy Adventures, the largest outdoor adventure park in the South, has 15 zip lines in its 300 acres. The Buffalo River Canopy Zip Line Tour in Ponca offers a scenic experience in the Ozark treetops.
If cool water is ideal for your adventure, you can drop your canoe or kayak in countless rivers and streams or on 600,000 acres of lakes. Veteran kayakers s can challenge themselves on the Cossatot River and Cossatot Falls, which features Class IV and Class V rapids.
Whether its relaxing hiking or plummeting from the sky, Arkansas lets you choose just how much adrenaline you want as part of a memorable experience.
“Type B” Adventuring: If your idea of roughing it is domestic champagne and you still want a little Arkansas adventuring, consider an aerial excursion aboard a comfy hot air balloon. Little Rock is home to several purveyors of scenic ballooning experiences.
There’s an aura of tranquil beauty, of rightness, of connection to nature surrounding fly fishing. Few other activities conjure up such evocative imagery as that of a cool stream and the rhythmic pattern of fly fishing. However, while a river might run through it, most of us haven’t a clue how to land fish out of it in the arcane sport of fly fishing.
Fortunately it doesn’t have to be that way. You can pick up the necessary skills, plenty of practice and solid advice – all while enjoying the quintessential experience – at Santa Fe Fly Fishing School. Just 25 minutes from Santa Fe, Santa Fe Fly Fishing School sits on a big bend in the Pecos River as it approaches the Village of Pecos. The river runs from out of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the north and offers good fly fishing. First, though, you will want to learn what you are doing and what kind of gear you will need. The expert instructors at Santa Fe Fly Fishing School will help you develop the skills you need to be more successful at trout fishing with a fly rod. Other schools often focus on catching fish, but here the focus is on helping you develop the skill set and knowledge you need to be able to fish independently. Instruction is available at different levels and offered to individuals and small groups. With the skills you acquire you will be prepared and in an ideal location to finally indulge in the vaunted sport. Stocked rainbow and brown trout ranging up to 16 inches abound in the Pecos River, surrounded by nearly pristine wooded land. The skills, the setting, the lurking trout – it all adds up to a chance to turn vacation fantasy into memorable getaway reality.
Other Great New Mexico Fly Fishing Sites:
Red River
San Juan River
Cimarron River
Gila River
Rio de los Pinos
Jemez Mountains
Rio Penasco
Upper and Lower Rio Grande
Frankie and Annette movies and Beach Boys music might come across to many as outdated, but the appeal of riding the crest of a wave hasn’t lost its epic cool appeal. And, for the uninitiated, you’ll need to leave Oklahoma to catch actual waves no matter how hard the wind comes sweeping down the plain!
Due west is where you’ll need to go, to San Diego and to the Pacific Surf School. The experts can get you up and riding the waves in no time. Well, it will be some time, but not much. Pacific Surf School offers a guarantee that you will be standing up on your first lesson or your next one is free.
That’s powerful motivation for solid instruction and that’s what you will find during your lessons on Mission Bay. All friendly instructors are experienced and trained in ocean safety.
You can choose to learn in private, semi-private (2-3 people in each semi-private lesson) or group environments, available seven days a week, with each lesson lasting about 90 minutes. You can also organize your own group for lessons. Lessons include basic technique, stretching and board familiarity, ample water instruction, water safety and ocean awareness, paddling and positioning, ocean safety, basic wave “reading” and more. In the summer, lessons also include one free hour of board rental after instruction. But by then, of course, you’ll be hooked and ready to use your new skills in the Mission Bay waters, which are less crowded with surfers than many other nearby sites. It wont take long before instructors rapidly progress your skills to the point where you can be off on your own, enjoying riding the waves and maybe hearing just the faint melody of Beach Boys tunes in your head.
Greatest Surfing Movies Of All Time
The top ten, from SurferToday.com
10. Thicker Than Water
9. Step Into Liquid
8. Second Thoughts
7. Point Break
6. Occy: The Occumentary
5. Bra Boys
4. Castles in the Sky
3. Big Wednesday
2. The Endless Summer II
1. The Endless Summer
Sometimes adventure takes the form of completely escaping the trappings of civilization and immersing yourself in nature. Well, maybe you don’t want to dodge all of society’s trappings – level camp sites, lavatory facilities or even a simple cabin can be nice. To truly appreciate getting away from the everyday, though, you’ll need just the right natural environment. Missouri’s spectacular Mark Twain National Forest is just the right place to do just that. Covering a whopping 1.5 million acres in 29 different counties, the forest offers you plenty of canopy under which to commune with nature.
Communing might not be all the adventure you want, but fortunately there is wilderness action available in abundance throughout. There are few better hiking sites in the region and scores of trails throughout offer diverse surroundings for you to enjoy. Sutton Bluff Recreation Area lets you camp, hike trails (including the nearby Ozark Trail), enjoy facilities, mountain-bike, swim or just enjoy placid scenery. Crane Lake Conservation Area’s centerpiece 100-acre lake is blue and crystal clear and near 12 miles of hiking and biking trails. You will want to head to Council Bluff Lake for stocked fishing and a sandy beach – canoes and paddleboats are also available nearby. If you’re an experienced hiker and prepared for something more like a backcountry adventure, Bell Mountain Wilderness Area is both some of the highest elevation in the area and among the least influenced by man. There are 9,027 acres with tall peaks, Shut-in Creek and a spring-fed stream with several gorges along its course. Fourteen miles of designated trails are established for hikers and equestrian use within the wilderness. The Bell Mountain Wilderness Trail turns rugged and is for equipped and veteran hikers only.
Biking, fishing, horseback riding, limited off-roading and hunting in addition to a slew of water based activities are also there for the taking when you choose to immerse yourself in Mark Twain National Forest – a live-action “Choose Your Own Adventure.”
Passes & Permits: Depending on your individual plans for your Mark Twain National Forest immersion adventure, you might need a permit or pass. Common activities that may require a permit include wood cutting, mushroom picking, rock collecting, cutting a Christmas tree, riding an ATV or Motorcycle on designated trails, or holding a recreation event. Check the website or inquire of staff.
For a distinctive culinary adventure, you need look no farther than Texas. Despite the long rivalry, most can agree that our neighbors know their barbecue – and they do it better there than most anywhere else. Few culinary experiences, then, are as rewarding as tasting your way through Texas and its best purveyors of barbecue.
Texas Monthly food editor Pat Sharpe offered her take on the best and that’s a good thing. The magazine does exhaustive research annually and invests a ton of man-hours into traversing Texas on the barbecue trail (tough work though it may be). “Central Texas is the barbecue belt,” Sharpe says. “There are good places all over Texas, but the best is in central Texas.”
Sharpe recommends you start in Taylor at the famous Louis Mueller Barbecue, where guests are met with a taste of brisket just to chew on while perusing the selections. Just don’t reference “amuse-bouche,” or you might draw some funny looks. From Taylor, head to Austin, which unsurprisingly has a couple of fine establishments of its own. What is surprising is that Austin’s Franklin Barbecue only launched in 2009 – in a trailer no less – and a year later Bon Appetit named it the best barbecue in the U.S.
“It’s the hottest place right now,” Sharpe confirms.
South Austin’s JMueller is also a must-visit while in town. Meanwhile, little Lockhart, Texas, is your next destination and home to two famed establishments – Smitty’s and Kreuz, both of which routinely vie for “best” labels. City Market in Luling, Sharpe says, is also worth a visit.
However you plot your course across the Barbecue Belt, remember that brisket is the king in Texas barbecue, pork ribs the preferred variety, and those places that make their own sausage deserve brownie points. Sauce is okay, as long as its not used to cover up inferior barbecue – which, done properly, should be plenty flavorful on its own. Armed with map and scorecard, it’s time to hit the trail to Texas for a taste bud adventure.
Tip:Texas Monthly food editor Pat Sharpe highly recommends the website www.fullcustomgospelbbq.com for reviews, research and all other things barbecue.
Chances are when you think of the Wild, Wild West, Kansas isn’t the place that comes to mind. Yet, Kansas played an integral role in cowboy history. From the 1860s until the late 1890s, millions of cattle were driven from Texas ranches, through Indian Territory to railheads in Kansas along the Chisholm Trail. Just across the Oklahoma border, Caldwell marks the trail’s entry into the state. The Ghost Rider monument, a series of life-size, iron silhouettes recreating a historic cattle drive, marks this period of the town’s history. A walking tour tells the stories of Caldwell’s days as a legendary town of the Old West.
Wichita too began as a cowtown. That history is preserved at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum and the Old Cowtown Museum, a 23-acre living-history museum that recreates a Wild West town and a rural period farm. Want to dress for the occasion? Head to Sheplers, the world’s largest western wear store, established in 1899. Complete your stay in Wichita with a barbecue dinner and authentic cowboy music at the Diamond W Chuckwagon Supper. Other points of interest include Newton, where you can still see paths carved in the earth by millions of cattle marching north; Abilene, long the northern terminus of the Chisholm Trail and a major city of the era; and Ellsworth, once known as the wickedest town in the West.
Your journey ends in Dodge City, the legendary Old West town made famous by the likes of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holiday and the television series Gunsmoke. The authentic flavor of Dodge City’s cowboy history is preserved in its historic downtown and the Boot Hill Museum, with its recreated 1870s storefronts, gunfights and Long Branch Saloon, where Miss Kitty performs daily, and the infamous Boot Hill Cemetery. You can learn more about the colorful history and Hollywood legacy of Dodge City by walking the Dodge City Trail of Fame or taking a historic trolley tour. Dodge City is also one of the few places where you can still see the Santa Fe Trail – 150-year-old wagon ruts from the trail are still visible. And if you want to get a feel for real cowboy life, visit Moore Ranch, a working longhorn ranch that offers visitors authentic cowboy experiences.
Want to ride a stagecoach?: Visit the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop in Olathe, Kan. The last Santa Fe Trail stagecoach stop open to the public offers stagecoach rides Wednesday – Sunday, Memorial Day – Labor Day.
You won’t find glaciers in Disney Land – or even EPCOT Center. In fact, there are not many places to see them in person at all in the continental U.S. But for a true adventure of a lifetime, pack for cool weather and rugged activity and head to Montana’s Glacier National Park. Located on the continental divide, on the northern border of Montana, the UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning display of the many geological changes that have occurred in North America over the past billion years. Numerous ecosystems, wildly diverse flora and fauna and among the most beautiful scenery in the nation all contribute to making the park a unique destination.
For those, though, looking to get up close and personal with nature, the hiking environment is unparalleled. Glacier National Park is a rock and ice-climbing paradise complete with climbs ranging from beginners’ to expert. You’ll want to familiarize yourself in advance with those climbs that match your proficiency and comfort, as well as with the park’s own classification of climbs. For a non-stressful, easy climb with a great view at the top, Mount Oberlin is definitely a good choice. Another easy climb for beginners, Reynolds Mountain is a great choice. Considerably more challenging is Blackfoot Mountain, which requires ice ax and crampons and ropes. The biggest challenge is the adventure of getting past a 60-foot ice wall, but the payoff is worth it. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you’ll be amazed that the views are even better at the top.
Several guides are available in the vicinity of the park, able to lead day or overnight excursions – and it’s a good idea to make plans in advance. The result of proper planning is a true adventure of a lifetime.
Accommodations: While many visitors prefer to camp in beautiful Glacier National Park, others like to keep the adventure daytime only. Many Glacier Hotel is the park’s historic flagship and largest hotel, a Swiss chalet style campus alongside Swiftcurrent Lake.
Colorado has a couple of things one can find in abundance. There is plenty of wilderness for countless outdoor activities and adventures. And there are plenty of luxurious resorts with breathtaking scenery and plenty of pampering. Pairing the two together is not an easy thing. Many scenic resorts, for example, are in popular ski areas, so the wilderness views tend to include neon-colored ski bunnies. And a remote cabin in the woods is unlikely to have concierge service. Fortunately, you can indulge in both aspect of Colorado’s wonder at Elk Mountain Ranch. Located 16 miles southeast of Buena Vista and a pleasant two hour drive from Denver or Colorado Springs, Elk Mountain Ranch only accommodates up to 30 guests for its weeklong, all-inclusive, quintessential dude ranch experience. Days are filled with horseback riding, white water rafting, hiking, riflery, fishing and other activities set against a backdrop of unending vistas. It’s the ultimate in traditional western vacations and perfect for families, couples, singles and small groups. Cabin accommodations vary in size and number they can sleep, but all are comfortable and enhance the western outdoor theme.
To most Oklahomans, the idea of leisure travel by train probably seems a bit antiquated, a hold over from a bygone era. And that’s one of the reasons that a summer vacation aboard a train could be an exciting adventure. From Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer terminal in Oklahoma City, you can access a rail network that can literally take you from sea to shining sea. For rail novices, a trip from OKC to New Orleans is a great way to start. The route takes you through a varied terrain, stops at interesting locales and drops you off to experience all the Crescent City has to offer.
Just over the Ozarks to the east, Arkansas offers more than just a lush varied environment and scenic retreats. It presents innumerable opportunities for adrenaline-pumping adventures on land, in water and in the sky.
There’s an aura of tranquil beauty, of rightness, of connection to nature surrounding fly fishing. Few other activities conjure up such evocative imagery as that of a cool stream and the rhythmic pattern of fly fishing. However, while a river might run through it, most of us haven’t a clue how to land fish out of it in the arcane sport of fly fishing.
Frankie and Annette movies and Beach Boys music might come across to many as outdated, but the appeal of riding the crest of a wave hasn’t lost its epic cool appeal. And, for the uninitiated, you’ll need to leave Oklahoma to catch actual waves no matter how hard the wind comes sweeping down the plain!
Sometimes adventure takes the form of completely escaping the trappings of civilization and immersing yourself in nature. Well, maybe you don’t want to dodge all of society’s trappings – level camp sites, lavatory facilities or even a simple cabin can be nice. To truly appreciate getting away from the everyday, though, you’ll need just the right natural environment. Missouri’s spectacular Mark Twain National Forest is just the right place to do just that. Covering a whopping 1.5 million acres in 29 different counties, the forest offers you plenty of canopy under which to commune with nature.
For a distinctive culinary adventure, you need look no farther than Texas. Despite the long rivalry, most can agree that our neighbors know their barbecue – and they do it better there than most anywhere else. Few culinary experiences, then, are as rewarding as tasting your way through Texas and its best purveyors of barbecue.
Chances are when you think of the Wild, Wild West, Kansas isn’t the place that comes to mind. Yet, Kansas played an integral role in cowboy history. From the 1860s until the late 1890s, millions of cattle were driven from Texas ranches, through Indian Territory to railheads in Kansas along the Chisholm Trail. Just across the Oklahoma border, Caldwell marks the trail’s entry into the state. The Ghost Rider monument, a series of life-size, iron silhouettes recreating a historic cattle drive, marks this period of the town’s history. A walking tour tells the stories of Caldwell’s days as a legendary town of the Old West.
You won’t find glaciers in Disney Land – or even EPCOT Center. In fact, there are not many places to see them in person at all in the continental U.S. But for a true adventure of a lifetime, pack for cool weather and rugged activity and head to Montana’s Glacier National Park. Located on the continental divide, on the northern border of Montana, the UNESCO World Heritage site is a stunning display of the many geological changes that have occurred in North America over the past billion years. Numerous ecosystems, wildly diverse flora and fauna and among the most beautiful scenery in the nation all contribute to making the park a unique destination.