The Best Date Night Ideas in Tulsa

Despite the huge advancements in technology over the past decades, reading a book remains a uniquely satisfying experience. Whether it's a captivating story or an interesting piece of non-fiction, reading transports us into another world and improves our knowledge. Luckily for those living in or around Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, there are plenty of great bookstores around. Here are some of them. Gardner's Used Books and Comics Arguably the largest used bookstore in the entire state, Gardner's Used Books and Comics has a huge collection of different forms of media, such as books, DVDs, vinyl records, video games, and more. It was opened by Richard Gardner in 1991, who started out by selling books out of boxes. Almost three decades later, the collection is spread over 23,000 square feet and is continuously expanding, with the bookstore constantly seeking interesting new items to add to their impressive collection. Despite its size, finding what you want is easy, with their friendly and knowledgeable staff always ready to help you. Book Files - We Buy Books Located right in Broken Arrow and open since 1995, this place is one of the best in town to both buy and sell different media items, such as books, graphic novels, collectible items, DVDs, and videogames. They mainly specialize in non-fiction books from various domains, like history, military, Americana, and theology. In total, they have over 60 catalogs of quality books at affordable prices. If you can't make it to their bookstore they will deliver your books for you and if you have something to sell they will come to you to pick it up. Decopolis Open in downtown Tulsa since 2012, this place evolved into way more than a bookstore and is a true local attraction. Set in an Art Deco-style environment, it's also a place to find great artwork, with its almost surreal decorations making it the ideal place to sit down with a good book. They also constantly promote books from local authors and host monthly dancing brush painting classes. Visitors will soon discover that this is more than just a bookstore; it's a place you can easily spend hours and also a great way to promote Oklahoma's local authors and artists. McHuston Booksellers & Irish Bistro This is arguably the best place in Broken Arrow to find rare, out-of-print books that you may not find elsewhere, as this is their specialty. Also, if they don't have what you're looking for, their staff will help you find it and quickly order it for you. They not only sell rare books but buy them too, offering great prices for in-demand books. As an added bonus, its Irish Bistro will delight you with delicious Irish tasties while you're looking for your next read. No matter how much technology will advance in the future, the magic of sitting down and reading a good book will never fade away, as it's part of human nature. So take a drive to a bookstore and read up on the things you're interested in. Image via Flickr by Aranami used under CC By

As the old saying goes, the dog is man's best friend. They protect us, help us fight crime, they even sense when we are sad and try to cheer us up. Dog owners in and around  Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, have several great dog parks to take their four-legged buddies to. Here are some of the best. Rose West Dog Park Located right in Broken Arrow, on West New Orleans Street, this is definitely one of the best places in town to bring your dog to. It's an off-leash area, so your companion can explore the well-maintained green spaces, make new friends, and enjoy a healthy run. Each dog owner is allowed to bring up to three pets. The park also has many pathways, human bathrooms, poop bag disposals, and plenty of water fountains that the dogs can use when they get thirsty. The park is open every day of the week except for Wednesdays when it's closed for maintenance. Biscuit Acres Dog Park This off-leash dog park is located in Tulsa and has been a part of the local dog owner community for the past ten years. It's run by the Biscuit Acres Volunteer Association and the City of Tulsa Parks Department and spreads over two and a half acres, with plenty of amenities for dogs and their owners. People can relax and take a stroll around the park, with plenty of benches, tables, and shaded areas for when they need to take a breather, while dogs can safely run around and have fun. Although it can count on the support provided by the local Parks Department and the local community, Biscuit Acres Dog Park relies on private donations to cover all the maintenance costs and to raise funds for future expansions. Each donor can make a tax-deductible donation, and in return they will be granted the official status of Biscuit Acres Volunteer. Joe Station Dog Park Also located in Tulsa, Joe Station Dog Park is another great local destination for dog owners. There are many grassy open spaces where your four-legged buddy can run around, socialize with other dogs, and have a good time. The park is divided into two areas, for small and for large dogs. This way all owners can feel safe knowing that their dogs will play around with similarly-sized companions, significantly reducing any risk of injury. Dog water fountains, waste stations, seating areas, and bathrooms are all around the park, helping both you and your dog enjoy a beautiful day out in nature. There's also a fire pit in the middle of the park where dogs can warm up in the winter. The park's rules are pretty common and straightforward, but parents should remember that children under the age of 12 are not allowed in for safety reasons. Having a dog certainly adds a new dimension to your life. You can be sure you are the center of its universe and it would do anything to make you happy, so the least you can do is regularly take it out to a dog park where it can run around with its buddies. Image via Flickr by vastateparksstaff used under CC By

Gathering Place Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, Gathering Place is a premier park designed to offer something for visitors and residents to enjoy. Stop by to see for yourself why USA Today called Gathering Place the best new attraction in the country. You'll find more than 100 unique experiences. You can let the children explore the 5-acre Chapman Adventure Playground, rent a paddle boat or canoe to paddle around Peggy's Pond, splash around in the water features at Mist Mountain, stroll through the Four Seasons Garden, and more. Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame If you enjoy jazz, you don't want to miss an opportunity to visit the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, which is housed in the former Tulsa Union Depot. The collection at the museum includes photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia from some of the biggest names in jazz, such as Oklahoma natives Barney Kessel and Jimmy Rushing. The museum also hosts regular jazz performances, including the free Depot Jazz and Blues Jams every Tuesday and the free Jazzwich: Live Music and Food Truck Lunch every Friday. Blue Dome District To enjoy some of the best shopping, dining, and nightlife in Tulsa, head to the Blue Dome District. The district gets its name from the famous Blue Dome building, which is a revitalized Gulf Oil station from 1924. You can get a bite to eat at Rib Crib, enjoy a drink at Arnie's Bar, and then dance the night away at the Unicorn Club. The district is also home to several of the most popular festivals in Tulsa, such as the Eat Street Tulsa food truck festival, Blue Dome Arts Festival, Mardi Gras parade, and St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Tulsa Zoo If you're visiting Tulsa with children, you can't leave before you take some time to explore the Tulsa Zoo. The zoo is located in Mohawk Park, which is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. In the Lost Kingdom exhibit, you can roam through lush gardens to see Komodo dragons, Malayan tigers, and snow leopards. Another popular exhibit is the Chimpanzee Connection, which is a large, open-air habitat that offers unbarred views of this social species. Philbrook Museum of Art The Philbrook Museum of Art is an art museum located in the 72-room historic mansion of Waite and Genevieve Phillips. While the museum showcases a fine art collection that spans various artistic styles and media, the cornerstone collection is an exhibit that displays Native American pottery, basketry, jewelry, and paintings. When you're done viewing the art inside the mansion, step outside to wander through the stunning formal gardens. No matter what you're interested in seeing and doing, you know you can have a memorable time in Tulsa when you check out these top attractions around the city. Image via Flickr by pasa47 used under CC By