Where would you take them?

[traxx]

This is really just to start a discussion. I'm not asking for any advice here.

If you were going to have someone come in from New York or Boston or San Francisco or L.A., and you could take them to one restaurant here and to do one activity/event, what would it be? It doesn't matter what time of year. Where would you take them and explain your reasons why you picked what you picked.

[pure]

Thinking outside the box: If they are coming from a major metropolitan with the best restaurants, museums, and performing arts, I would actually take them somewhere quiet or with wide open spaces. Maybe an hour drive to the Wichita Mountains for some light hiking and just being in nature with lunch in Medicine Park or Meers. Total opposite of what they're used to in their daily life.

If I had to do something in the OKC metro with them, I would take them to a Thunder game, great atmosphere and I think it truly encompasses how great the people here are.

[Roger S]

I would take them to my family's log cabin at the Arbuckles and cook them a meal over my fire pit.

[dankrutka]

While I'd say that doing something more "Okie" makes sense, I've had family in from the coasts who I've met in OKC and they've been really complimentary to see the newest, hippest restauarants and spots. There is often such a bias that OKC lacks nice places that taking them to spots can be refreshing or surprising. My recommendations would probably consist of a variety of Good Egg spots (e.g., Kitchen 324, the Drake, Republic) or maybe tge Plaza (e.g., Mule, Empire) for something more laid back.

[Timshel]

I had some friends come down from New York this summer and showed them the city for a couple days before going to Tulsa for a wedding. The first night we went to dinner at Powerhouse (my friends are definite east coasters and thought it would be good to give them some southwestern fare -- they thought it was great) before hopping through Midtown (Packards rooftop, Bleu Garten, R&J). The next day I showed them the Plaza, Automobile Alley, Deep Deuce, Bricktown, and the bombing memorial before having lunch at Tuckers (One of my buddies is in a "burger club" that tries all the best burgers in NYC and he was very impressed. Was also able to dive into the history of the onion burger, etc.) We then did the riversport rapids (not something you'll find in many places around the country) and got cleaned up for drinks at 21C before dinner at Red Prime (had to convince them of my firmly held belief that OK steak > New York steak.....they agreed). We're all (bad) golfers so the next morning we played Lincoln West. In my experience many of the OKC public golf courses are better, especially for the money, than a lot of the courses you'll find in NYC/the tri-state area (plus we saw two coyotes while playing - definitely not something you see every day!).

While we didn't do anything too "Okie" they still saw and did things that are unique to OKC or that (I believe) OKC does better than New York. Even though I had been hyping OKC to them for the past 5 years they were surprised and very impressed - so much so that one of them applied for a job here after they left.

[sooner88]

I had some friends come down from New York this summer and showed them the city for a couple days before going to Tulsa for a wedding. The first night we went to dinner at Powerhouse (my friends are definite east coasters and thought it would be good to give them some southwestern fare -- they thought it was great) before hopping through Midtown (Packards rooftop, Bleu Garten, R&J). The next day I showed them the Plaza, Automobile Alley, Deep Deuce, Bricktown, and the bombing memorial before having lunch at Tuckers (One of my buddies is in a "burger club" that tries all the best burgers in NYC and he was very impressed. Was also able to dive into the history of the onion burger, etc.) We then did the riversport rapids (not something you'll find in many places around the country) and got cleaned up for drinks at 21C before dinner at Red Prime (had to convince them of my firmly held belief that OK steak > New York steak.....they agreed). We're all (bad) golfers so the next morning we played Lincoln West. In my experience many of the OKC public golf courses are better, especially for the money, than a lot of the courses you'll find in NYC/the tri-state area (plus we saw two coyotes while playing - definitely not something you see every day!).

While we didn't do anything too "Okie" they still saw and did things that are unique to OKC or that (I believe) OKC does better than New York. Even though I had been hyping OKC to them for the past 5 years they were surprised and very impressed - so much so that one of them applied for a job here after they left.

Interesting.... I think I was in part of that group at Packard's rooftop.

[shadfar]

I had some friends come down from New York this summer and showed them the city for a couple days before going to Tulsa for a wedding. The first night we went to dinner at Powerhouse (my friends are definite east coasters and thought it would be good to give them some southwestern fare -- they thought it was great) before hopping through Midtown (Packards rooftop, Bleu Garten, R&J). The next day I showed them the Plaza, Automobile Alley, Deep Deuce, Bricktown, and the bombing memorial before having lunch at Tuckers (One of my buddies is in a "burger club" that tries all the best burgers in NYC and he was very impressed. Was also able to dive into the history of the onion burger, etc.) We then did the riversport rapids (not something you'll find in many places around the country) and got cleaned up for drinks at 21C before dinner at Red Prime (had to convince them of my firmly held belief that OK steak > New York steak.....they agreed). We're all (bad) golfers so the next morning we played Lincoln West. In my experience many of the OKC public golf courses are better, especially for the money, than a lot of the courses you'll find in NYC/the tri-state area (plus we saw two coyotes while playing - definitely not something you see every day!).

While we didn't do anything too "Okie" they still saw and did things that are unique to OKC or that (I believe) OKC does better than New York. Even though I had been hyping OKC to them for the past 5 years they were surprised and very impressed - so much so that one of them applied for a job here after they left.

Great tour/activities!

[ljbab728]

We had a friend visiting recently from London. We had an evening out starting with drinks at the 21C. We then went to eat at Pritchard's Wine Bar and, after that, went across the street to the Oak and Ore. He had a great time and loved all of it.

[ultimatesooner]

I'm a big redneck so I'd probably take them noodling, predator hunting, or out to the country to shoot a bunch of guns that would make them a felon in their home states

[Timshel]

Interesting.... I think I was in part of that group at Packard's rooftop.

Hah definitely interesting....you'll have to PM me.

[BBatesokc]

I often host friends and professionals from places on the east and west coasts.

For one, it depends on their likes and dislikes. Just because your guest is from NYC or CA doesn't mean they fit some pre-conceived stereotype.

In general, I find my personal and professional circle doesn't like Bricktown, but does like the Plaza District, Midtown and AA for general entertainment.

The River Sports area has also often been a big hit.

Restaurant wise, it really depends on taste. I've never taken anyone to Bedlam BBQ that didn't love it. In fact the 20/20 crew I've work with several times, loves the place and stops there with each visit. Same with the crew I worked with from A&E.

Other restaurants that seem to be safe bets for me are Mahogany, Waffle Champion, Red Rock, Paseo Grill and Cheever's, to name but a few.

[traxx]

Great replies folks. Thanks.

Also, I probably should've stated that I meant in the OKC metro.

Just because your guest is from NYC or CA doesn't mean they fit some pre-conceived stereotype.

That's really not what I meant. I wasn't trying to ascribe some stereotype to them. I just came up with those places as examples because they're very metropolitan and you can do all sorts of different things there and have your selection of world class restaurants.

[Easy180]

Fassler Hall then downstairs to bowl at the Dust Bowl

[Teo9969]

Did anyone mention any museums?

The Chihuly exhibit is of course excellent, the Cowboy Hall of Fame (or whatever) is excellent, and there are a few others that are definitely worth visiting.