Listen. Listen. Okay. I'm a native of Tulsa, the city where Tails & Tornadoes is gonna be taking place! I can't go myself, but I am extremely excited that my city is getting some attention as a result of this con. So I thought I'd put together some fun places to hang around at if any of you guys are gonna be heading down there!

These include some of the more common tourist traps as well as a few places that are more out of the way and may pique your interest! I may come back and edit this journal to add some more places later as I think of them. Be sure and say 'hello' to everyone for me!

Philbrook Museum of Art
Most beautiful museum in Tulsa, and contrary to its name it is not just an art museum. The gardens are bigger than the museum itself, and there's lots of fun activities to do (though they tend to be seasonal, so your mileage may vary). Beautiful vistas, restaurant, lots of amenities, super fancy. $17 to get in, definitely worth it if just for one visit. Highly recommend, even if you're not a museum buff.

The Gathering Place
Largest single city park in Tulsa, occupying 66.5 acres of space. It was built within the last decade at the auspices of a multibillionaire who calls Tulsa home. It is not just a park. It's got restaurants, playgrounds, adult entertainment (not that kind), tennis, jazz music, skate park, all kinds of stuff. You could walk around it for hours. No admission fee. Highly recommend.

Cherry Street
Less one specific place, this is the name given to a certain stretch of 15th Street just outside of Downtown. Cherry Street is known for its locally owned venues including restaurants and bars, and a surprising number of bookstores many of which cater to a uniquely natural, almost occult-like atmosphere. Even if that's not your thing, it's really cool to check out.

The Vault
Really nice bar and restaurant at the intersection of 6th and Cincinnati. I've never been, but it's supposed to be about as upscale as you can get while still being casual and friendly. Place is women-owned and self-describes as LGBT-friendly, so you can't go wrong! Reservations recommended, but not required from what I can tell. If you go, be sure and let me know what it's like!

Roppongi
A ramen bar set up for an authentic experience, it even looks fresh out of Japan just from the corner façade. At the intersection of 6th and Boston, literally right next door to the Vault. I have been here before, but it was like four years ago. I remember it being a really great experience. They do *genuine* ramen, not just that stupid imitation stuff.

Tulsa Central Library
Okay, okay, I know the library setting isn't for everyone, but hey, if it *is* your thing, can't go wrong with the largest one in Tulsa. It's a four-story building, so that should give you some idea of the scale. They've got nice balconies overlooking the city, casual spaces, and a really cool "Maker's Lab" where they have 3D printers and CNC machines open to public use. You probably won't be able to use them because you have to take a class at the library first, but you can still check out the space. This one's a more niche interest; your mileage may vary. ^^;

Center of the Universe
You probably won't spend more than a few minutes here, but it's still worth checking out. This is a concrete square with a metal circle inlaid in the ground, where if you stand on the circle and speak, your voice will loudly echo as if a bunch of people are repeating back what you say. But the weird thing is, only you can hear it; people standing nearby can't. It's really freaky, and I've never figured out how it works. It's in a public plaza, so you need to walk to it; nearest parking is at 1st and Main.

Tulsa Zoo
If you're going to Tulsa for a furry convention, it might just make sense to check out the next-best thing while you're there. The Tulsa Zoo occupies 84 acres as part of the larger Mohawk Park complex. It gets much of the funding for its newer exhibits from the same billionaire who built the Gathering Place, so you know it's gotta be good. I won't say it's particularly different from any other zoo, but for the region they've got some really interesting animals. If you go, be sure and say 'hi' to the red pandas for me!

River Spirit Casino Resort
...look, if you go gambling, just be sure and tip your security guard on the way out, okay? xD In all seriousness, River Spirit is the most popular casino in Tulsa, and its reputation is well-earned. I've been inside before, but it was just to eat food and I never spent any money, so I couldn't say what the games are like. Still, if casinos are your thing, you can't go wrong!