Vanessa

Name: Soft Carrot Cake Energy Balls
Prep time: 20 min
Yield: 7-8 energy balls
Ingredients: 1 c. rolled oats; 3/4 c. shredded carrot; 1 c. smooth peanut butter; 1/2 c. diced dates; 1/4 c. raisins; 1/2 tsp. chia seeds; heavy pinch sea salt

How to Spend 48 Hours in Austin, Texas

February 25, 2019 by Vanessa 18 Comments

When someone asks, “Hey, do you want to go to Austin with me?” I don’t hesitate. Would you?

The live music capital of the United States is one of my all-time favorite destinations because of its unapologetic and unique culture. Locals don’t try to be anything other than their fashion-forward, on-trend natural selves. The city beckons travelers looking to explore a high-energy city that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and band-chasing, craft cocktail-sipping visitors by night. Austin is just my brand of the city.

With a population pushing almost 1 million, the city’s neighborhoods are distinctly different, much like the people who live there. I prefer to explore the downtown district since it is a hub for live music clubs and within walking distance of food trucks and restaurants. If you consider yourself a bit against the grain or counter-culture, Austin will feel like a home away from home.

View of downtown Austin from our hotel room on the 16th floor.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The downtown area is crowded with high-rise hotels. We chose to stay at the Sheraton at Austin adjacent to East 11th Street, a gateway into the city’s center. Having booked our room only a couple of days before our visit, I was impressed with the accommodations.

(Note: Visitors can expect to pay a pretty penny during festival weeks and must reserve a room well in advance.) Fortunately, we stayed in the city during the off-season and could find a room (and request a skyline view) without issue.

Upon check-in, I updated my registration with my Marriott Rewards member information, which upgraded our stay to include free Wi-Fi. The room was fully stocked with standard hotel amenities and a view extras, including a soft cotton robe and quality bath towels. Although the room included a refrigerator, it did not include the promised microwave, an extra some travelers appreciate. I thought the room was quiet (I don’t mind the woosh-woosh white noise from the elevator), and the bed was super soft and comfortable.

Ask for the 16th floor for the best view of the city. The room was spacious.

The hotel features a library lounge, The Yard (a downstairs restaurant and bar), a heated indoor pool and crystal clear hot tub, and an outdoor entertainment area complete with an Airstream trailer and chairs to stretch out and enjoy the Texas sunshine. Travelers seeking a grab-and-go breakfast or coffee will appreciate the on-site Starbucks cafe in the lobby. To be clear, we didn’t eat at the hotel’s restaurant, The Yard, because we wanted to save our appetite for a day of visiting downtown food trucks, an absolute must when in Austin!

By the way, valet and parking garage parking is available at the hotel. Although we expected to pay $30 daily for parking garage access, we didn’t pay a dime upon checkout. Bonus!

We enjoyed a Texas craft beer from the Library.

The Sheraton has two pools, and this heated one is located outdoors adjacent to The Yard.

The Sheraton’s outdoor courtyard is a fun place to relax in the morning. Grab a Starbucks coffee in the lobby and enjoy the scenery outdoors.

NAVIGATING THE CITY

A car is necessary if you’re planning on traveling to the outskirts of the downtown area to explore parks or shopping districts and don’t want to use public transportation. To navigate from the airport, one could use an airport shuttle to their hotel and then rely on rental electric JUMP scooters or bikes in the downtown area. Of course, walking the downtown district is an option, but I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and stopping mid-route for a breather since you’ll likely want to traverse different pockets of the urban area. The rental electric bikes and scooters are meant for short distances.

Renting a Jump bike is as easy as downloading the app and scanning the bike’s QR code.

Jump electric scooters are available across the city for A-B, short distances. Once you use the app to scan the bike’s QR code, you will discover how much charge is left on the bike for your use.

Now, more about those speedy, on-demand scooters and bikes! They are everywhere. There’s no need to try to find a “rental station” to check one out using the JUMP app since people abandon them anywhere and everywhere they want. It’s almost overwhelming how many scooters you see standing (and falling over) on the side of the road. Renting a scooter is 15 cents a minute, so they make a smart option for someone who wants to head to and from a bar or explore the city a bit. The Uber app recommends wearing a helmet (and you might want to because they are unstable), but no one does. Ride at your own risk and have a blast!

FOOD SCENE

Consider yourself a “foodie” who likes to taste a variety of ethnic cuisines. Austin is the mecca for an authentic, chef-prepared food truck scene. You can’t walk too far before spotting a food truck or ten! Sometimes hidden behind another business, some of the city’s best food trucks, like Via 313 Pizza, are nestled in the backyard of another business like Craft Pride. It is tucked away but deserves to be found!

Via 313 Pizza, located behind Craft Pride on Rainey Street, features free music most days of the week.

We also enjoyed walking up to a grouping of trucks that included Tex-Mex standards, pizza by the slice, smokey barbecue dinners, gourmet hotdogs, and Mediterranean faire. Honestly, I could’ve watched the cook at Ditty Dog prepare hotdogs with layers of toppings all night. She moved at lightning speed, adding cream cheese, crumbled chips, and sauces to each order. :: Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my face::

Interested in hunting down the Austin food truck scene? I recommend using Eater Austin to plan meals and read up on the city’s favorites.

Next door to the Diggity Dog, we also had to try a slice of pizza!

Are you interested in award-winning cuisine? Welcome to Austin! Whether you’re searching for fresh seafood or an artfully stacked sandwich, the city’s kitchens offer delicious meals. Check out a few online resources before your visit. The sheer number of restaurants is overwhelming. Resources like Thrillist, Eater Austin or Yelp Austin are good places to start.

Note: Austin is known for its Sunday brunch specials. Many restaurants serve bottomless mimosas and craft cocktails with a deep menu of breakfast options. I appreciated the fully-loaded, mouthwatering tacos from Torchy’s Tacos and the Taco Joint. I ate two breakfasts in one day because I couldn’t resist the food options!

At Torchy’s Tacos, order at the counter, and they will bring your delicious tacos to you at the table.

Not sure what to order? The employees are super friendly and will advise you on what most people enjoy from the breakfast taco menu.

Taco Joint – Order a variety of tacos! Sauces are complimentary.

Paperboy – Signature breakfast menu items.

Our first dinner downtown was spent at Moonshine Grill — talk about historic vibes! Located on the corner of 3rd Street and Red River Street, the building dates back to 1852. Originally a trading mercantile used by visitors traveling across Texas, the restaurant’s ambiance harkens back to its early days.

Stone walls, wood accents, and historic photographs set the vibe. Instead of waiting at least an hour for a table on a Saturday evening, we stalked the open seating in the bar area and quickly nabbed two vacated chairs.

Because it was National Margarita Day during our visit, I ordered a salty margarita made with Pepe Zevada Tequila Resposado. It was phenomenal! Later, I asked the bartender the same question I recommend all travelers ask, “If it were your shift meal, what would you order from the menu?” Having served in restaurants for years, I appreciate knowing what meal the staff wants, not necessarily the special for the evening of what the manager wants to be pushed to patrons. We dined at the dimly lit bar on savory chicken sandwiches and copious steak fries. The meals are huge.

CRAFT BEER SCENE

Always a sucker for a hazy IPA or locally crafted lager, I researched before visiting Austin to find what the locals consider the best craft brewery in town. Craft Pride and Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden were mentioned favorably numerous times, and since our hotel was a short drive from the Rainey Street District, we had to try them.

Craft Pride is a Texas-only beer bar with 54 taps, and its adjacent side room includes single cans and bottles of even more beer! To access the bonus beer room and patio, exit the main tasting room and follow the signs. While I appreciated learning more about the brews from the bartender, I wanted to spend the most time drinking leisurely and listening to bluegrass music outdoors.

Visitors will fall in love with the permanent food truck, Via 313 Pizza, open every day in the rear of Craft Pride. Have you ever tried Detroit-style pizza? They serve authentic square pies thicker than New York-style pizza but less carbolicious than Chicago-style pizza. It is delicious and even better with a cold beer to wash it down! I recommend ordering The Carnivore loaded with two kinds of pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, and bacon.

Look at all those glorious taps! Ask for a sample.

The outdoor patio scene is vibrant in Austin – in every neighborhood! The warm weather beckons townies and tourists to Rainey Street’s Banger’s Sausage and Beer Garden. I went for the beer (they have 100 taps!) but stayed for the people-watching. Known for Austin’s largest tap wall, visitors order their beer using a number corresponding to their chosen brew. I

appreciated that our bartender, one of a half dozen or so, was patient and took as much time as we needed to order. The choices were overwhelming.

Banger’s patio is extensive and wraps around the courtyard out of sight of this photo.

You’ll enjoy the outdoor patio that stretches wide and up close to Rainey Streets’ main drag, as it is the perfect vantage point to watch visitors celebrating sunshine, tasty beer, and delicious eats. Order a bierwurst sandwich and enjoy the scene from your perch above the bustling sidewalk.

Simple food is good food. Order a bierwurst (or two) on white bread and add the sauces of your choice.

NEIGHBORHOODS

While I haven’t been to every Austin neighborhood, I can speak to what it’s like to experience the downtown district, Rainey Street, and some surrounding suburbs. Keep in mind that Austin is a big city. I recommend planning your excursions.

Not all Rainey Street bars or restaurants have long lines outside of them, but it does make for great people gawking…I mean, watching. Most patios are considered dog-friendly.

The downtown area has numerous big-name hotels intersected by high-end restaurants and live music bars. A tourist attraction, Dirty 6th (6th Avenue) is dotted with high-energy bars boasting everything from happy hour specials to pulsating live music every night of the week. I’ve outgrown the hard rock, punk rock vibe scene and would much rather have a great meal coupled with relaxing live music. No matter your preference, you can find the vibe you’re looking for along downtown Austin’s streets.

If I had a dollar for every mural in Austin…

Adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Austin, you’ll find many preserved historic homes not open to visitors.

Don’t forget to snap a few pictures by the capital building. Street parking is limited.

My favorite shopping district is South Congress. Lined with eclectic clothing boutiques, home goods stores, and locally owned restaurants, the area is several blocks long. Street parking is available, but you’ll need to reverse into your spot. Because I was traveling light, I brought home a few tiny gifts for myself, including a Anthony Bourdain drink coaster. I strongly encourage you to take an hour out of your Austin stay to peruse the retail shopping on South Congress.

I will have to put this restaurant on my brunch list next trip to the city.

Willing to wait hours to dine on Texas bbq? Bring your chair and a six-pack of your favorite beer while you wait in line at Franklin Barbecue, a popular local joint. Rumor has it that visitors wait over two hours to dine there. We didn’t, but that’s because we were already full from a day of eating. The restaurant is in a humble suburban neighborhood near downtown Austin.

OUTDOOR FUN

Love to exercise and explore? Austin is an active community! Hundreds of people enjoyed the weekend’s sunny weather at Zilker Park. The area was dotted with runners, scooter riders, bikers, kayakers on the water, and dog walkers along the Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail.

Residents and tourists enjoy the area because beautiful trees and the river help it feel like they’ve escaped the bustling city.

Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit to dip in the city’s crown jewel, the Barton Springs Pool. Visitors and locals flock to the area’s banks to picnic, sunbathe, read a book while relaxing, or play outdoor games with friends.

Note: Starting during the spring (later in March), visitors must pay an admission fee to take a swim, but if you’d rather avoid the price, you can enjoy a small waterfall area for free near the edge of the pool. Ask the customer service attendant for details.

This photo was taken in early March, and people were swimming in the water! Lifeguards watched swimmers do laps up and down the waterway.

We enjoyed our time in the city. You’re guaranteed to love Austin! You’ll love it so much that you’ll start planning your next visit while still there. I’ve barely scratched the surface of all that Austin offers for fun. Have a fun suggestion to add? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy travels, friends!

Soft Carrot Cake Energy Balls

February 5, 2019 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Soft carrot cake with cream cheese icing. For over a decade of my childhood, I ordered carrot cake for my birthday cake when dining out OR when my mom asked what kind of celebratory dessert I wanted. Every. Single. Year. Today, I eat fewer heavy desserts like dense cakes or cookies, but I still love sweets and I know you do, too!

My Soft Carrot Cake Energy Balls are delicious and filling enough as a breakfast bite or snack that you won’t be hangry by meal time. The recipe’s mixture consists of nature’s best ingredients including dates, raisins, chia seeds, and say it with me…carrots! Admittedly, I use peanut butter as the binder so if you’re someone with a peanut allergy, this is not your recipe.

This is the right consistency for the mixture to form into balls.

Did you know carrots are a power food packed with nutrients and vitamins essential to our body’s good health? We all know that eating carrots improves one’s vision, but they also slow the aging process. Yes, please! (And there are 8 more reasons to eat them!) I know you’re going to love how simple it is to make this recipe and the clean-up couldn’t be easier.

You may also like my recipe for No Bake Energy Bites made with chocolate chips and dried fruit! That recipe also includes chia seeds since they help keep hunger at bay and are super healthy as well.

onedelightfullife.com

7-8 energy balls

Soft Carrot Cake Energy Balls

Love decadent carrot cake? These breakfast bites are the next best thing but healthy!

20 minPrep Time

20 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

1 c. rolled oats
3/4 c. shredded carrot
1 c. smooth peanut butter
1/2 c. diced dates
1/4 c. raisins
1/2 tsp. chia seeds
heavy pinch sea salt

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until completely combined.
Test the mixture to see if it binds to make a ball. If it isn't quite ready, just add more peanut butter.
Remove the blade from the food processor.
Using your hands, roll the mixture into tight balls about the size of a quarter.
Transfer the carrot cake balls to a Ziplock bag or storage container and refrigerate until you'r ready to eat them. They last a couple weeks, if refrigerated.

Notes

Some people enjoy this recipe with shredded coconut added.

Nutrition

Calories

2303 cal

Fat

135 g

Carbs

181 g

Protein

86 g

Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

7 Simple Reminders To Help You Live a More Delightful Life

February 2, 2019 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Not all of our days feel delightful because of life’s demands, and sometimes events take place that try our emotions. But on average, it’s fair to say that most days are what we make them. My mission is to encourage you to make them as delightful as possible!

Getting the most out of my time on earth and living in the moment has been a goal of mine for the last several years. I hope that through this blog, my zest for life is contagious. You deserve to live your best life through delightful experiences with people, traveling to new places, or simply adding actions to your day that thoughtfully and purposely add value.

How many of these experiences could positively affect you? Declare your life more delightful today. Think of the below checklist as a bucket list of sorts.

1. CAST AWAY YOUR CARES

Remember the last time someone asked you to join them on an adventure, and you declined the invitation even though you could have joined them? Why did you choose that path? Instead of limiting your experiences because of your inhabitations or worries, take advantage of the opportunity to let someone else plan your experience. When your friends or loved ones invite you to travel, attend a local event, or to a dinner party…SAY YES.

Casting away your cares means not overthinking the invitation but acknowledging that you’re trusting someone else to help make your life more delightful.

2. PUSH YOURSELF AND GO IT ALONE

Conversely, sometimes you must invite yourself to try a new experience when no one else suggests one. Sometimes, it seems like everyone is busy with life’s demands, and they’re unavailable to you. That’s okay! Plan your own fun.

When did you last give in to your desire to spoil yourself? It’s not selfish. It’s self-preservation. If you want to see a blockbuster movie but no one is available to go with you, go alone. Feel like trying the new ramen restaurant in your city, but others don’t share your adventurous palette? Who cares! Get in your car and head to the restaurant. Push on.

3. CHANGE YOUR LOCATION

Life’s routines of caring for a household and going to work can sometimes bring monotony, a feeling my spirit tries to fight at every chance. That may be why I’ve lived in more than one state and worked in many professions. Can you relate to wanting to change your location? What’s stopping you?

Your well-being is often dependent on thrusting your endorphins into overdrive. If you’ve got a severe case of wanderlust and need to travel to a new locale, seize the opportunity. Feeling less than yourself at work? If those feelings result from not fulfilling your career goals, then changing where you work is just as important as the work you do. Change your location, and you open up a world of possibilities.

4. HONOR YOUR CURIOSITY

There is real value in allowing yourself to find the answers to many of life’s questions. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to introduce yourself to someone who is different than yourself? Have you always wanted to learn a new hobby or develop your career skill set? Sign up to take a class!

Honoring your curiosity keeps your brain active and helps you from just experiencing life as it comes along. What could you discover about yourself today?

5. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH YOUR FAVES

You know I’m a big fan of self-care, which often includes surrounding yourself with things you love and people you love to be around. You fuel your spirit when you cater to your desire to enjoy things (or people) that make you happy. Think of three of our favorites right now. Make strides to include them in your day.

6. IMMERSE YOURSELF

You must be aware of your senses to take advantage of life. For example, I wandered alone in their outdoor gardens when I traveled to an award-winning art gallery last year. I smelled the fresh herbs, reached out for a fluttering butterfly, brushed up against towering botanicals, listened to the drip of a waterfall, and captured it all on my camera to enjoy again later.

Remember to be present in the moment and immerse yourself in the experience.

7. LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Sometimes it’s hard to turn off our busy thoughts. Like most people, I sometimes have to remind myself to live in the moment and not plan for the next one or think of something I want to say. It takes practice and awareness, but you can also train yourself to focus on time.

While this post is more of a reminder than a to-do list, I know it will help you make the most of your experience and live more delightfully. Let me know how you plan to seize the day by commenting below!

Things to Do in Corning, New York

January 13, 2019 by Vanessa 15 Comments

Corning, New York’s downtown area reminds me of one of those quaint towns used as a backdrop to a Hallmark holiday movie. Known as the Gaffer District, the picturesque area is lined with small boutiques, unique restaurants and independently owned businesses along Market Street. I love the town for its charm but more importantly because it’s walkability – you can stroll up and down the streets and shop the historic district until your heart’s content. I would know – I visit Corning twice a year!

The Upstate New York town is built around a clock tower, an eye-catching stone pillar erected in 1883 by Erastus Corning. The town’s history can also be seen its turn of the century architecture and narrow alleyways. During the summer, the district is adorned by hanging flower baskets and visitors often find themselves sipping craft beer or coffee on outdoor patios. When winter arrives, Centerway Square attracts families who bring their children to visit Santa and enjoy the enormous holiday tree.

So, how could you spend your time in Corning? Whether you’ve only got an hour or an entire weekend, there is so much to explore! (Scheduled Market Street entertainment depends on the season so be sure to check with the Corning’s Gaffer District page). I know that you’re going to love your visit to one of my all-time favorite towns and what HuffingtonPost.com called “11 of America’s Best Small Towns, Perfect for a Long Weekend Trip.”

SHOPPING

The Gaffer District has well over 50 places to shop ranging from gift shops that carry one-of-a-kind items to brand name clothing at discount stores such as Bass Factory Outlet or Van Heusen Factory Outlet. I love shopping in Corning because each store has something that appeals to me or would make the ideal gift for someone else. Whether you’re on the hunt for new clothes or colorful glass vase (Corning, New York is the home of the Corning Glass Museum), you will leave Market Street with a gem of a gift!

To view a complete list of stores, view here.

DINING

I don’t know about you, but when I go shopping I build up an appetite! Thankfully, the restaurants on Market Street are amazing! Some of my must-stop favorites include Aniello’s Pizzeria (order a New York style slice of pie or a bubbly hot sub sandwich) or Market Street Brewing for a cold craft beer and a Black and Bleu Burger. During our last trip, I went to Carey’s Brew House for a cold one and next door to Capn’ Morgan’s Sports Bar & Grill for the most delicious hot wings. When visiting Market Street, you have more options than you can imagine for dining from reservation only dinner restaurants to whimsical ice cream shops. If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend Dippity Do Dahs for ice cream or The Source at Factory No. 2 for locally-made, artisan chocolates and a coffee.

To view a complete list of restaurants, click here.

MUSEUMS

When in Corning, you have two options for visiting museums and I’ve experienced both so I can recommend each one: The Corning Glass Museum and The Rockwell Museum.

People travel from across the country to see live glass blowing demonstrations at The Corning Glass Museum and walk the gallery to see their exhibitions. Corning, aka “The Crystal City” is known as the premier city for glass production and glasscutting because of Steuben Glass, which became part of Corning Glass Works in 1919. Look at your glass measuring cups in your kitchen or dishware. They may be from Corning Glass Works!

The Rockwell Museum houses artwork featuring the great American West. In addition, the museum showcases a mix of contemporary Native American art with traditional bronze sculptures and landscape paintings. Traveling with your family? This is a great stop to enjoy kid-friendly spaces for learning.

AWARDS

Voted “America’s Best Small Towns for Christmas” by CountryLiving.com, Corning has also earned recognition from TripAdvisor.com for “2016 Certificate of Excellence” and “Top 100 Events in North America – GlassFest” by the American Bus Association.

After speaking to a Visitor’s Center employee, I learned that there are a multitude of events including wine festivals. Corning is part of the Finger Lakes region, which is home to over 100 wineries! Plan your visit. You shouldn’t leave the region without planning a wine tour.

There you have it! I hope that you found this post a helpful resource for planning your trip to Corning, New York! I continue to find new stores and restaurants to try when I return twice a year. Without a doubt, visiting this little historical town will surprise you with its shopping, dining and museum options. Don’t forget to tell me what you enjoy most about traveling to Upstate New York in the comments below!

How to Enjoy Your Layover When You’re Stuck at the Airport

December 8, 2018 by Vanessa 4 Comments

It’s happened to all of us. We’ve had a long layover at an airport, and there was nothing we could do about it but sit it out. Your layover doesn’t have to be boring!

I’ve spent hours stuck in Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and other airports long enough to know that if you follow the below recommendations, your time will fly by. In the meantime, enjoy yourself!

VISIT THE DUTY-FREE STORE

Let’s be clear. I’m not suggesting you spend a ton of money at the duty-free store. Instead, try on a new fragrance, volunteer for a make-up demonstration or men’s facial or try a sample of the gourmet chocolates they’re peddling. When you exit the store, you’ll feel refreshed (and smell divine!).

SHOP THE BOOKSTORE

Some bookstores are larger than others depending on the airport you’re visiting, but even the tiniest convenience store has entire shelves filled with reading material. I’ve spent up to 30 minutes or more just flipping through magazines and reading the latest headlines. Even better, purchase reading material to take back to your gate!

EAT LOCAL FOOD YOU’VE NEVER TRIED

You know the old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Stuck in New Orleans? Try crawfish. Spending hours in Chicago? Dine on a hotdog with a cold local beer to wash it down. Waiting in Atlanta? Eat the fried chicken.

TAKE IN THE ARTWORK

Even the crummiest airports make an effort to put up wall displays of local artists’ work or historical timelines. I appreciate learning about Detroit’s water fountains or Wichita’s aviation history.

PEOPLE WATCHING

Instead of just sitting at your gate seat mindlessly watching people as they pass, consider imagining their lives. Who are these people? Where might they be going? Why might they be acting that way? Imagine their stories. Take it to another level and play this “game” with someone you’re stuck at an airport with and you’ll find they’ve concocted a different story for each person.

CHEER UP CHALLENGE

Tired of sitting? Take a stroll through the major traffic areas of the airport with one goal – to smile at strangers. I coined the name of this activity after a layover in Chicago at Christmas time. I began to notice that people were stuck in their thoughts and their faces showed their emotions. They were stressed, bored, or rushed. The goal of this activity is to smile at a stranger when you make eye contact with them. If they smile back, that’s one point for you (and a warm fuzzy for them!). If they don’t smile back, at least someone smiled at them. A total win-win.

USE YOUR AIRLINE CLUB PASS

If you have an airline club pass burning a hole in your pocket, use it! Even if you only have an hour or two to spend in the VIP Lounge, it’s worth it. Enjoy the complimentary food, and drinks (grab a wine glass or beer!) and relax in plush chairs while you recharge your batteries….literally.

GET YOUR EXERCISE

After hours of sitting on a plane and at your gate, get your blood flowing by taking a long walk through the airport. Of course, you may have to wheel your carry-on bag behind you. Commit to walking the full length of the concourse and back without using the moving sidewalk because we all know that’s totally cheating.

MAKE A FRIEND

Not everyone is cranky at airports. Not all people are weirdos. I’ve met perfectly nice people from my hometown while sitting in airports in other states. Now, that’s a trip! Pun intended. See someone who needs to charge their phone and is looking for a station? Move over a seat and offer the charging portal next to you. Be nice. You’ll make an instant friend. It’s that simple.

Tulsa, Oklahoma: A Must-See City

October 4, 2018 by Vanessa 4 Comments

Have you ever visited Tulsa, Oklahoma? If you’ve never been, you’re missing out! If given the opportunity to take in the city, I recommend making time to tour their world-renowned art museums and galleries, enjoy the local restaurants and breweries, and get outside to enjoy the city’s newest park. Again, don’t assume it’s another midwestern city. It has so much to offer for every traveler. It’s a must-see city!

ART

Philbrook Museum of Art

Having passed up an opportunity to visit the museum a couple of years ago, I wasn’t going to miss my opportunity to tour the world-class museum this time. Originally built by the Phillips family (as in the super wealthy oil family that owned Phillips 66), the 72-room mansion on 23 acres of grounds was constructed with the plan to eventually gift it as an art center for Tulsa. What a gift to the city!

Look closely. You’ll find markers like this one on the grounds that honor those who had a hand in building it.

The museum’s interior and gardens were nearly the same as when the Phillips family lived there. As you walk through all three levels of the museum, you can’t help but imagine the wealthy family entertaining friends in the parlor while the organist played, a room that now houses European paintings. I found myself gazing longingly at two Picasso paintings (that’s me below in awe of his work). Having never seen a Picasso, I was surprised how close to it (and all the other work in the museum) I could get to it. No velvet ropes. No security personnel. Just me and two Picasso paintings. It was amazing!

I was admiring a Picasso, and I was left without words.

While on a self-guided tour of the museum, we admired all types of original artwork, from African art to Contemporary works and Native American artifacts to American artwork. The museum has it all! If you’re moving quickly through the rooms, you can probably see the museum’s interior in a little over an hour. However, if you don’t view the garden behind Philbrook, then you may regret it later. Actually, while the artwork was breathtaking, the outdoor sitting areas and garden were my favorite space on the grounds. We spent about 2 hours in the museum and the gardens, so I recommend dedicating more time to your visit so you can enjoy it all.

Plan for extra time when visiting the museum to give yourself the chance to truly appreciate the immense art collection. Not all rooms provide benches for sitting, but each room’s artwork is worthy of your attention.

Despite the other small groups of tourists and two groups of high school students, we were easily able to navigate our way through perfectly pruned shrubs and around meticulously manicured flowers. I’m from the midwest so I thought I’d recognize all of the botanicals on the grounds, but I saw many types of flowers and shrubs that I had never seen previously.

View of the gardens from the museum’s back patio.

I know we’ll return to the museum again, but next time we’ll plan our visit during one of the museum’s movie nights hosted on the Film Lawn. All I can say is that you need to see the Philbrook for yourself. The artwork, the history, and the grounds are fascinating and worthy of your visit. Learn more about the Philbook Museum of Art and view its hours here.

Spectacular stained glass windows adorn the museum.

We visited the museum during its 80th anniversary so we took the chance to play vinyl 80s records. The station was located outside of the main galleries and near the gift store.

THE OUTDOORS

The Gathering Place

Before we arrived in Tulsa, we knew we were going to enjoy the outdoors at Tulsa’s newest park, The Gathering Place. Built entirely from $400 million in donations, the park’s 66 acres were constructed to attract a diverse cross-section of people, hence the name “A Park for Everyone.”

You can enter the interior of the park from all sides, which are well-marked with signage.

Others cities should take note of Tulsa’s beautiful park project. Its vast acreage spans include areas built entirely for kids (or adults at heart!), an outdoor music venue for concert-loving crowds, and is dotted with state-of-the-art sports equipment. Not feeling athletic? No problem! Many areas of the park offer moments for relaxing and serenity. Read my complete review of the park and see bonus photos here.

BREWERIES

If you’ve viewed my Instagram, then you’ve seen what a craft beer fan I’ve become over the last year. Somehow in 48 hours, we drank at 5 breweries (and one German Biergarten).

Hungry for dinner and a beer, we made our way to Growler City in Tulsa Hills, a center for big-name retail stores and restaurants. The bar/restaurant has a three menu that includes 100 draft beers! It’s a feast for the eyes. Luckily, the menu is categorized by types of beer, and if you are unsure what you want to order, the bartender is quick to give you a sample or three. Go there for the beer, not so much for the food.

We spent Saturday on a self-guided brewery tour. Having done some research, we knew which breweries served beers that we would enjoy and had the vibe we wanted. Our first stop took us to Cabin Boys Brewery “Crafted for the Community,” situated in a blue-color factory neighborhood outside the city’s downtown area.

The tasting room pales in size to the brewery space, but we easily found two seats at the bar and were served quickly by their friendly staff. Honestly, I could have had multiple beers there, but we had other breweries to try and so after several competitive games of Connect 4, we packed it in and made our way to the next stop.

Marshall Brewing Company Tap Room was our next brewery visit, a brewery that is considered the first production craft brewery in Tulsa and one that has seen steady growth since its launch.

The two-tiered tap room is a newly renovated space in the heart of the city’s blue collar district. If you’re looking for a spacious tap room with TVs in nearly every corner so you can watch the game and fun game spaces, this is a must-stop.

This photo was take just before I narrowly lost a game on shuffleboard. I blame the tilted table.

Don’t miss the hops wall that allows visitors to inhale that true hoppy smell!

Our last brewery tour stop took us to a another new tap called Nothing’s Left Brewing Company, a one time old school gas station. Our visit took place during the brewery’s grand opening weekend, and it was so worth the visit! Brewing since 2015, their craft beer menu has something for every beer drinker. I was so pleased with my go-to brew Yabba Dabba Brew, which tasted like Fruity Pebbles cereal (it sounds insane but it was delicious!), that a bomber (22 oz.) to bring home to Kansas. Bonus? The brewery also includes a pup-friendly patio!

Side Note: If you’re not a fan of craft beers, you may enjoy Fassler Hall located in the Blue Dome District. Constructed to resemble a German beer hall that includes an outdoor Biergarten, weekend goers can order a German beer served in a glass stein or take advantage of their elaborate bottomless Bloody Mary bar. They also serve a full menu of standard bar food but up the ante by offering German sausages and sides.

The Blue Dome District is made up of locally owned art galleries, restaurants, and bars. A little rough on the edges, but it is still worth the visit. In this downtown Tulsa neighborhood, brick-exposed buildings are covered in hand-painted murals, and visitors will enjoy a variety of entertainment options.

I recommend stopping at Andolini’s Pizzeria, if you’re looking for a quick slice of New York-style pizza or a decadent serving of homemade gelato.

Tulsa, Oklahoma is a city with a vibrant arts community, a beautiful outdoorsy area, and a place that offers countless options for any foodie. Traveling from the north, be sure to swing by The Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Read about our visit there.

I was traveling with a part-time pilot instructor, so we also pulled the car over to check out The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Plantetarium. Aviation aficionados will fall hard for the museum’s gallery of notable pilots and restored antique planes. Make sure to nab a volunteer to take you inside the MD-80.