What's a MUST SEE for a 1st time visitor to Bricktown?

[terrared]

We'll be visiting Bricktown for the first time on Friday (July 1). What/where should we check out? We'll be at Toby's place on Saturday (hubby playing there that night -- yes, we're rednecks) so that's taken care of. Ideas? Thanks!

[Dungeon Master]

Hello and welcome to Bricktown,

The Dungeon Haunted 3D ride. Go to the thread below on this forum for "Something New Coming to Bricktown" for more info on the ride.

Hope that helps,

The Dungeon Master

[Luke]

Nonna's is an absolutely great restaurant. Catch a ballgame at the Brick if there's a homestand that weekend. There's a nice movie theater right next door to Toby's restaurant.

That's what I'd recommend.

[John]

Take a ride down the canal.

Eat at Bricktown Burgers (behind Crabtown).

Have a drink at Nonna's Purple Bar.

If you enjoy a nice drink/cigar, head to Maker's Cigar Lounge (Oklahoma Ave @ California (canal)).

[Karried]

If you have time, the Memorial is touchingly poignant and beautiful. A must see for anyone visiting OK in my opinion, but I'm not sure if this is your first time to OKC or to Bricktown?

[terrared]

The Memorial is on our list to do. My hubby and I were living in Tulsa at the time it happened. It will be one of those things in life when you say "I remember what I was doing when.....".

[terrared]

Where's the best place to park in Bricktown? We're staying at the Quality Inn on Reno. Sorry for all the questions; we don't get out of Do-Dah very often without the kiddos and want to make the most of our time in OKC/Bricktown.

[Dungeon Master]

Parking can be sticky if you wait until the evening to get there. Try getting a fairly early start (about 10 ish) and I would say anywhere along Reno or Sheridan and East of the Cox Convention Center would be good for all the different things to do and not have to walk too far after a long busy day of doing fun things. Winding down the days events for an evening in Bricktown is very relaxing/entertaining espeically if you know you don't have that far to walk to get back to the car.
Remember, if it's a holiday weekend like this one coming up, some park lots will be closed for events (especially on Oklahoma Ave) so do try to plan to get there fairly early. Just a little hint of what to expect, busy, busy, busy.

Dungeon Master
"Dungeon Haunted Ride in 3D" in Bricktown

[okcpulse]

I personally recommend the Santa Fe parking garage. It is a three-block walk into Bricktown, however, it is always cheap and you will always find a spot.

The must see while you're in Bricktown is the Bricktown Canal and Bricktown Ballpark. These were the two first major public projects to be completed in the historic district. The ballpark was completed in 1998. The canal was completed 1999. Both made Bricktown a real hit, and both projects were done well.

The Bricktown Ballpark, capacity 13,066/ 14,000 standing room only, has plenty of artwork inside and outside the ballpark. It is a well designed ballpark. The canal's landscaping is maturing, and is very appealing to the eye. Take a water taxi or a stroll. You'll enjoy it.

A part of an independent movie was shot on the canal. called 'Sam and Janet'. It is available on DVD and VHS at Hollywood Video.

Anyhow, those are my suggestions. Enjoy Bricktown and Oklahoma City. It is a great place to live, and a great place to visit.

[mranderson]

I recommend walking around Bricktown. There are numerous places to dine and the theater, but not many places to to shop.

I took the water taxi tour and personally did not enjoy it.

[BDP]

As far as parking goes, give yourself a chance to park on the street. It turns over pretty well around dinner time and it's free. I can't remember the last time I paid for parking and it usually only takes about 10 mins of circling around Sheridan and Main. If not, I agree with the Santa Fe reccomendation. It's the cheapest, the biggest, and if walking 3 blocks is a problem, bricktown may not be the place for you anyway.

Other than that, I'd recommend a drink a Nonna's, too.

[Doug Loudenback]

I concur with all of the above!

Truth is, it may be best just to follow your personal nose ... sort of look over the menu and let your instincts be your guide. I'm hard pressed to think of something in Bricktown (including "Lower" Bricktown) that I've not enjoyed, and, judging by the numbers of people you'll see all over the place, I take it that there is just about something there for everyone ... probably multiple somethings. Although there isn't a great deal of retail shopping available yet, it's hard to pass up a 1st visit to Bass Pro in "Lower Bricktown". If you like great ice cream (and the line isn't too long), check out the Marble Slab Creamery immediately east of the Harkins Cinema. I concur with Nonna's, either eating (pricey) or drinking. Or, you may just like the good food that Bricktown's original restaurant, Spaghetti Warehouse, provides (in my opinion, the spark that got the whole thing started). There are many good places to eat, though, so name your poison! Mainly, just be laid back, take it in, and enjoy. Be as casually dressed as you like, and enjoy the people watching!

You can do some reconnoitering here: http://www.bricktownokc.com/index.shtml and here: http://www.lowerbricktown.com/index.asp

[Intrepid]

I concur with all of the above!

Truth is, it may be best just to follow your personal nose ... sort of look over the menu and let your instincts be your guide. I'm hard pressed to think of something in Bricktown (including "Lower" Bricktown) that I've not enjoyed, and, judging by the numbers of people you'll see all over the place, I take it that there is just about something there for everyone ... probably multiple somethings. Although there isn't a great deal of retail shopping available yet, it's hard to pass up a 1st visit to Bass Pro in "Lower Bricktown". If you like great ice cream (and the line isn't too long), check out the Marble Slab Creamery immediately east of the Harkins Cinema. I concur with Nonna's, either eating (pricey) or drinking. Or, you may just like the good food that Bricktown's original restaurant, Spaghetti Warehouse, provides (in my opinion, the spark that got the whole thing started). There are many good places to eat, though, so name your poison! Mainly, just be laid back, take it in, and enjoy. Be as casually dressed as you like, and enjoy the people watching!

You can do some reconnoitering here: http://www.bricktownokc.com/index.shtml and here: http://www.lowerbricktown.com/index.asp

I agree that Spaghetti Warehouse provided the spark, but IMO they have gone downhill tremendously over the years.....poor quality of food and poor customer service. We prefer Zio's over the Warehouse.

[fromdust]

i can't belive no one mentioned this.you say you're redneck. so you should go to bass pro.( not trying to sterotype or anything) it's very near toby keith's.

[Patrick]

When you go to Bricktown, just remember, Bricktown is still a work in progress. Nothing is complete. Too many people (first timers) go to Bricktown thinking it's completely established, and they leave disappointed. Truth is, manyof the spaces still haven't been filled. Keep that in mind and you'll have a great time.

I don't believe I've ever had a bad meal in Bricktown.

By the way, Nonna's is closed Sundays and Mondays so they will not be open on the 4th. Unfortunately, those are just the hours she runs.

And of the other restaurants are great choices though. Bricktown Brewery is always great!

[terrared]

Wichita has their own version of "Bricktown". Here it's called "Old Town". It's really filling up and they have a lot to offer down there. Lots of restaurants, clubs, Museum of Ancient Treasures, City Arts, retail shops, movie theatre. Brick streets, old warehouses converted into all sorts of businesses, housing in old hotels, etc.

I'm really looking forward to coming to your city. Whatever we do, I'm sure it will be fun.

[mranderson]

A lot of cities have a district they call "Old Town." It is probably the most common name used.

At least we are unique in THAT area with "Bricktown." Most "Old Town's" are really dumpy. The one in Sacramento looks like a western movie street, and is VERY touristy.

[terrared]

A lot of cities have a district they call "Old Town." It is probably the most common name used.

At least we are unique in THAT area with "Bricktown." Most "Old Town's" are really dumpy. The one in Sacramento looks like a western movie street, and is VERY touristy.

FYI:

Wichita's is busy AND clean. Here's a list of some of their offerings.....

A Legacy Antique Mall
Above and Beyond Corporate Gifts
Adecco: The Employment People
Aida's
Airbus North America
America's Pub
Andy's Woods by Design
Art 'n Attic at Eaton Place
Artimatrix Academy of Architectural Finishes
Associated
Automobilia
B & C Creations
Beacon Restaurant
Belini's
Best Cleaners
Bondies Old Town Antique Mall
Brandon Michael Photography
Cabaret Old Town
Cassell & Lower, LLC
Cassell/Brooke Insurance
Catholic Art & Gifts
Celebrations!
Centerworks Pilates
Century 21 Advantage
Cero's Candies
Check It Out Boutique
City Arts
Club Indigo
Coleman Factory Outlet and Museum
Craig Petersen Insurance Agency, Inc.
D & A Services, Inc
D2/E2 Enterprises
Dance by Design
Dock 410
Don Michael Bannon Salon
Drager Deisgn Studio
Eaton Place
Eaton Place Gallery
Elements
Emerson Biggins
Fidelity Title
Finns Lounge
First Gear
First Horizon Homeloans
Flashbacks
Gallery XII
Grant Telegraph Centre
Great Plains Transportation Museum
Harvester Apartments
Heartland Bicycle
Heath Law
Hell Bomb Tattoo
Heroes Sports Bar & Grill
Holier Than Thou
Hotel at Old Town
Hyatt Regency Wichita
Imaging Solutions Co.
Imbiss Grille
Innes Station Apartments
Intake Studio
Jim Guy, Law
John Barleycorn's Bar & Grill
Kansas Secured Title
Kansas Sports Hall of Fame
Kelly's Irish Pub
Kitchens Plus, Inc.
Koker Goodwin & Associates
Larkspur Restaurant & Grill
Legasus Group LC
LineSight Gallery
Lofts at Old Town Square
LuCinda's
Maid in Time
Market Place Properties, LLC
marquee motorcars
Martini Steakhouse
Mead Street Gallery
Melissa Cohlmia Marketing
Merchants of Old Town Association (MOTA)
Metaphysical Essentials
Morris Laing Evans Brock & Kennedy, Chartered
Morts Cigar Bar
Mosley Street Melodrama
Mosley Street Place
Mrs. O'Leary's
Murillo Gallery
Muse E Yum!
Museum of the Presidents
Museum of World Treasures
Nail-fa-nail-ia
Nanny's Niche
Neidiger Tucker Bruner Inc.
Old Chicago
Old Mill Tasty Shop
Old Town Chiropractic
Old Town Cigars
Old Town Farmers' Market
Old Town General Store
Old Town Information
Old Town Law Offices
Old Town Suites
Old Town Warren Theatre
Oscar's Sports Bar
Picture Framing and More
Planet Hair
Radisson Broadview Hotel
Razook Furniture, Inc.
Rebecca Ray Jewelry
Redstone Design Development
Residents of Old Town Organization
River City Brewery & Loft 150
Riverview Gifts & LeChic Boutique
Rob Davis Insurance Agency, Inc.
Rock Island Studios, Inc.
Ross Conoco Station
Sage Partners
Salon Bubblegum
Sandbar Trading
Sandcastles Antiques
SKT Business Communication Solutions
Southwest National Bank
Spangenberg Phillips Architechture
The Aquarium
The Black Dahlia
The Brickyard in Oldtown
The Frame Guild
The Original Big Sky
The Picket Fence
The Pump House
Tickle Your Fancy
Tom Lang
Torre's Pizzeria
Uptown Bistro
Urban Image Salon
Virginia's Treasures
Visual Fusion
WDM Architects
Whiskey Creek Steakhouse
White Dove
Wichita Fencing Academy
Wichita Times
Ziebart Speedy Auto Glass

[okcpulse]

We are looking forward to your visit in Oklahoma City, terrared. Enjoy your stay.

[terrared]

Thank you pulse!

[BDP]

Wow.

I checked out your Old Town's website (http://www.oldtownwichita.com). Very impressive. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that bricktown won't impress you much, that is, if you like your old town. It sounds like your old town is more dense and urban, whereas bricktown has tried more to bring suburbia to downtown. Instead of "More than 100 restaurants, shops, clubs, theaters, galleries, museums, and businesses", we have a couple dozen large square footage chain restaurants with a few locals thrown in (again, Nonna's is nice). There are some good clubs, but I don’t think that’s what you’re into. It sounds like your old town has managed to mix urban and Kansan together without compromising the area’s aesthetic. Nice work. I’ll have to check that out someday.

I think you'll like Toby's, as it sounds like your scene, but the area may not be much different and sounds less dense that Withita's Old Town.

How long has this area been vital?

[fromdust]

old town does sound nice. i'm kinda jealous now.

[travis]

I checked out this site, and am now thinking about taking a trip to Wichita. I think this is what I always wished Bricktown would become. The web site is even nicer.

[terrared]

Wichita is trying to improve their image. You think OKC is struggling with the "hick" image......try battling "Dorothy and the Land of Oz" all the time!!!! And now we've got the "Home of the BTK Killer" to deal with.

They will be starting construction on a new Downtown Arena for the bigger concerts/events, etc. They got it passed by using OKC and the Ford Center as an example. Developers are trying to open a destination casino north of Wichita but the state legislators are fighting that tooth and nail. They will be building an amusement park called "Wild West" something. I'm thinking it will take on a form similar to Frontier City. They will be building a WaterWalk downtown trying to bring in upscale business and a river casino (doubt that will pass either). There's always live music going on SOMEWHERE in Wichita. If you're in the area and my hubby's band is playing in Wichita, let me know and I'll try to hook you up with free entry.

[travis]

Thanks Terared, I might take you up on that offer sometime. I've driven up there a few times on the way to KC, but you can't really see much of Wichita from I35. The firm I work for in Dallas did have a job designing enhancements to an elevated railroad, which I believe was dowtown. That was a couple of years ago though, I'm not sure if it was ever done. Also, after a stop at the touris info center south of Wichita on the tollway, Kansas isn't doing much to fight the Wizard of Oz stereotype. There were all kinds of trinkits for sale with that image.