Category Archives: Destinations

Futuristic. Modernistic.

Plylon, geodesic, lozenge shaped, parquetry, diamond, rhombus. As a native Tulsan, I’ve overlooked and taken for granted the impressive architectural style of the futuristic and modernistic corner of 81st Lewis in Tulsa. (The ORU campus; Oral Roberts University). I have always appreciated our art deco buildings and their history as well as the artistry of the historic homes, neighborhoods and their architecture. Even though I prefer old architecture, I have to admit that I can still appreciate the vision behind a modern style and the symbolisms.

Built in 1965 and celebrating its 50 year anniversary this year, this campus corner of cutting-edge style has been a part of the Tulsa landscape —but not much on my personal tours of Tulsa to visiting friends and relatives. I turned into the campus recently while giving my son driving lessons. All of a sudden, I had a whole new appreciation for this groundbreaking style and vision.lkauw7cxssadt2xv9kuilw_thumb_14e40

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Plylon, geodesic, lozenge shaped, parquetry, diamond, rhombus….these are all new architecture terms I learned looking up the design history of ORU. The lozenge motif can be traced back to the Neolithic and Paleolithic period of Eastern Europe where this diamond shape is found in the landscape. The motif represents a sown field and female fertility. The diamond or rhombus shaped motif has also appeared in the Slavic embroidery and Celtic art. It was also a female symbol of Berber carpets (which I am familiar with from my trip to Morocco) as well as Algerian materials. oru-12Plylon means “a tall tower” or “metal structure” and it comes from the Greek word, “pylon” which means gate or gateway. kweo1s9hqqaicrlc8iw3za_thumb_14ea3Geodesic is a term which describes hemispherical structures that intersect to form triangular details.

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oru-8We parked the car (multitasking driving lessons with spontaneous Tulsa tourism) and started to follow the paths of the campus to see where they’d lead us. The blazing fall hues drew us into the campus because they seemed to reflect the gold-tone buildings. zeiulkkte6khluszaeg9w_thumb_14e78We were instantly drawn to the prayer tower which seemed centrally situated  and I could never recall going up into the tower. I suggested to my son that we check it out. As we passed several buildings, I was impressed to find out my 15 year old son knew the name “geodesic” for the geodesic domed building.  We ascended the prayer tower and read through the mini-museum exhibits in its lobby.oru-14

The life size black and white photos of a younger Oral Roberts and the beginning framework of the Prayer Tower and the campus was a nice archival way to see the inspiration and vision of this endeavor. Although this ministry is completely foreign to me, it is relatable to anyone who is experiencing growth and vision within their own church parish. I explained to my son how this vision was achieved largely through donations, etc.  We got off the elevator on the top floor and viewed this 263 acre campus from an interesting vantage point. My son observed that the shape of the windows and design work around the windows mimicked the diamond shaped landscaping we overlooked.

Prayer Tower
Prayer Tower

I was mesmerized by the glass, gold tones and materials of the building and didn’t even realize until I read up on it later that the Prayer Tower is an abstract cross with the crown of thorns. There is a gas flame at the peak.prayer-tower

I mused to my son about mid century modern, the space age, the Jetsons, etc. As we walked to the next areas of campus, I made a mental note to myself to look up information later on the architect of this campus.oru-22

While other architects designed the 1963 master plan, most buildings were designed by Frank Wallace, a Tulsa architect.  The buildings were considered to be “sculptures”, rather than buildings. I found that very inspirational. I learned that the inspiration of Tulsa’s art deco heritage contributed to the design along with Bruce Goff’s creative style and use of materials. Some consider it a “perfect representation of popular modernistic architecture.” There was controversy and contention among several details and expenses, naturally. I was just focused on the other historic details, however.oru

Pylon-like columns and gold tinted windows  are some of the stylistic details that make the buildings notable. Reportedly, certain details are styled after King Solomon’s temple as well as the drape-like fashion echoing Oral Robert’s early tent revivals. I learned that the flags at the entrance by the praying hands represent the 60 plus nations of the students’ homelands.

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I found other Frank Wallace creations as well as photos of his own home. Although it is a style completely foreign to my taste, I find it fascinating. I remember our family taking visiting guests to see the campus back in the 60’s and 70’s but it has been decades since then. Usually, I only stop at the Mabee Center for graduations or other buildings for a son’s music recital. edit-8

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blog-oruThis fall day was perfect for touring the campus and it was serendipitous to discover that it is celebrating its 50 years as we saw 50th anniversary flags along the pathways. dgaf5exntok2orglhubw5q_thumb_14e8cBeing an almost-50 year old Tulsan myself, it was nice to rediscover another Tulsa landmark and try to see it from an outsider’s perspective rather than a local driving down 81st Lewis.ugwwyl4etsu4ycu3psp9qq_thumb_14e60 It was also a nice educational experience for my son and me on a day of driving lessons. Although he didn’t nail the parking lesson, he wowed me with his knowledge and vocabulary skills with his “geodesic” design comment.rzydcnhr1gixdk9i9utva_thumb_14e05

Vino Va-va-voom!

Veni. Vidi. Vici. Vino. Let’s conquer wine. Why are we passionate about wine? Let’s count all the ways: (and discuss our favorites, below)

  1. It gets better with age. Fine wines and aged cheddars, etc.
  2. Wine o’clock –it gives everyone permission to stop and relax.
  3. Tapas were invented because the Spaniards allegedly wanted to keep flies out of their wine glasses; hence, tapas were the small plates that they set on top of their goblets. Brilliance!
  4. Antioxidants. Flavanoids. Retinol….and …the buzz. 🙂
  5. Wine tasting parties. Another good excuse to get together.
  6. Perfect gifts for hosts, housewarmings and holidays. Triple H!
  7. Napa Valley and Sonoma. Wineries. Vineyards.
  8. Wine Spectator magazine is beautiful. You will become more interested in wine when you read it.
  9. The wine bottle labels. Admit it—you sometimes choose the bottle based on the pizzazz of the labels.
  10. You paint better at Pinot’s Palette because the wine loosens you up.
  11. Those cute little wine fridges. Or the shelves in your basement that you can call your wine cellar.IMG_7049

Here are a few of my favorite wines:

  • Earthquake Red Zinfandel
  • Predator
  • St. Supery
  • Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc
  • Pascual Toso Malbec
  • Seven Falls Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Coppola Claret
  • everything  Coppola
  • Saldo
  • Caymus

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Greek wine

Sangria –wine with a twist….requires its own blog. (on link below).

Sangria! Salud!

photos by Gina

For regular wine reviews, it’s free to subscribe to gypsyfamilytravel.com

Christmas Gift Ideas: Holiday Trunk Show

‘Tis the Season for Christmas gift shopping! Teacher gifts, neighbors, relatives, etc…..Here are some ideas you can get from local Tulsa artisans and vendors. We’ll be at CHOCS: Coffee House on Cherry Street on Dec. 8, Thurs. 5-8 p.m. but you can also contact greekmuse@cox.net to get in touch with any of the vendors or host a trunk show. We can gift wrap, too. For a break from scented candles and wine gifts….we’ll have a variety of items for a range of ages. Bring your friends and daughters….

Jewelry……

Lisa Swab's jewelry
Lisa Swab’s jewelry $20-$200

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Organic soaps and gift sets…..

Renee Wright's soaps etc organic soap gift sets
Renee Wright’s soaps etc organic soap gift sets

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Travel book with international  recipes included:

$10
Gina Kingsley’s book $10

https://www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Custom made suede clothing……cirtzcuqe2finy9mwq65w_thumb_144e2

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EQ Wear custom made suede clothing
EQ Wear custom made suede clothing

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Stationery and adult coloring book….

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Debbie Vinyard's stationery
Debbie Vinyard’s stationery
$12 notepads
$12 notepads

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Enjoy music, artisan coffee and decadent desserts….pie while you get your holiday shopping done and enjoy mingling with friends. See you at CHOCS on Dec. 8th, Thurs. 5-8 p.m.

 

The Christmas Girl

 

A darling and charismatic daughter of a lovely friend of mine  has the most unique hobby of being focused on all things Christmas. She is known as the “Christmas Girl” because of her passion for Christmas and her Deck the Halls Instagram account.  If the eyes are the window to the soul….her twinkling eyes reflect the sparkle of the Christmas spirit. In getting to know her, I was intrigued by her Christmas passion and decorating hobby so I asked if I could interview her for my blog. At such a young age, I was impressed to find her so detailed about her Christmas logistics and planning methods!orq2sceqs0wqpjcoexpbyw_thumb_14c77

How did all this get started?

Ever since I was little, I liked it because my family came to town and we all got to be together. I started to like the decor of it and the different outfits and the lights outside.  Then, I learned to love different aspects of it.

How old were you when you started to focus on it?

Around ten years old,….but I started to understand it around eight years old. It was about family.

What was your first project with Christmas planning?

When I was eight years old, I went upstairs and started labeling boxes and organizing everything and then I liked it and thought this would be fun to do all the time! I watched Christmas videos and DIY’s (do it yourselfs)  through the year and I have alot of things I made before. Those were the projects I started with….unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c7d

Does this delve into Christmas baking, too?

Yes. My dad taught me a recipe with corn flakes where you melt marshmallows and add green food coloring. We put cloves and red hots on it.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c84

Do you entertain at your home for Christmas or go to  relatives’ houses?

We switch off sometimes. Mostly, it’s at my grandparents house. (Her mother and her showed me their Christmas Keepsake book full of recipes, photos of grandmothers, etc…and other Christmas details.)fullsizerender

You kind of come by this genetically! 

(Her mother responded here) : The reason for the season. She loves God and Christ.

What ‘s in the file folder?

Each year is a different theme. I plan what’s it is going to be and I take photos of a sketch of where I want everything to be in the whole house. I know exactly what everything is and I label it with a number.  The frosted Christmas tree there, garland on the mantle, etc, numbered and labeled  —all done by summer.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c81

Do you see yourself having a future career as a holiday planner?

I’d do it on the side. I want to be either in medicine, law or a politician but I  also really like design.

You said the kids come up to you and call you the Christmas girl. Is that because you have an Instagram account?

When I started at my new school, everyone came up to me and knew I was obsessed with Christmas. I talk about it all the time. Upper classmen asked me, “Are you the Christmas girl?”blythe-7

What’s the name of your Instagram?

deck_the_halls_ _     ( 2 underscores at the end)

Will you make business cards to help people plan their holiday?

When I was little, I made a sign that I hung up in the neighborhood to help people start putting up decorations.

Like Christmas Consulting?

Yes, and helping them decorate if they don’t want to do it.

What is the meaning of Christmas to you?

Mostly just a time to spend with my family and experience all these traditions we have and the reason for the season for my religion.

What bugs you about how Christmas has become commercialized?

I’d be fine if there werent’t any presents! It doesn’t make up why I love the season. I love hot chocolate stands, lights and the fact that people are so much nicer during the holiday season.

People think more about philanthropic giving at that time. Do you have a favorite charity?

I have a hot chocolate stand and donate the proceeds go to a kids Cancer foundation or animal shelter.  I asked my whole class to make Christmas get well cards to the cancer foundation. They had cute notes in them.

When is your hot chocolate stand?

Sometime in December on a weekend; maybe the second weekend of December. This year it will be Dec. 17th. I usually have my hot chocolate stand  on the corner of 37th Wheeling.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c83

5,800 people follow my Instagram. Companies send me notifications through direct messaging about sending me products, etc.  so that I’ll cover them on my account but so far I’ve declined.

What foolproof theme would you suggest to a novice Christmas decorator?

I make collages of photos from Pinterest and I put them together to gather my design ideas.

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What would you instruct someone to do for their first attempt at this?

It depends on what theme you want— like Winter Wonderland, or Candy Cane theme…..I’d stick with the traditional red, green and gold colors  because that’s what you’ll see at most stores. You’ll have the most inspiration with those colors. Stick with garland, centerpieces and what your tree will look like. Stick with one theme; don’t overwhelm with lots of themes in different rooms.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c7e

What about the first Christmas feast to try?

A big ham. Ham, turkey, duck, —a traditional meat with different sides like mac and cheese, green beans, etc. and a homemade dessert, like a homemade pie.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c87

What’s your favorite gift to give to people?

Something homemade. The “Open When” cards I showed you—, open when [you’re in a certain mood] and different baskets with stocking stuffers.

Do you have a favorite Christmas candle scent to burn?

I go to Bath and Body Works for all of my candles…Twisted Peppermint or Vanilla Bean Noel are my favorite scents.

Do you have a mulling spice recipe?

We have a pine tree and I’ll combine that with cinnamon. I’ll contrast the two together—the balsam pine scent with pine cones and cinnamon stuff. Put them with boiling water and it scents your whole house.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c7f

Do you have a favorite store for Christmas shopping?

For decor mostly, I’ll find little boutiques in places and we’re going to Montreal, Canada where I’m excited to do Christmas shopping. Hobby Lobby is good for Christmas stuff.

What is your favorite Christmas movie?

I enjoy watching Hallmark movies. I record several that I watch non-stop. I like Home Alone, too.

What’s your favorite Christmas carol or song?

I like Cold, December Night by Michael Buble.

What’s your favorite book?

The traditional story of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. The cartoon movie. The Grinch and Buddy the Elf.  My favorite story is probably the night that Jesus was born. It’s a traditional thing my family reads so that’s where I get the most traditions from.

What’s the best gift you’ve received?

When I was 3 years old I asked Santa for a guitar with pink poodles painted on it and I got it.

What’s the best place to see Santa Claus?

Utica Square Santa House.blythe-13-jpg

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What’s the main thing you want people to enjoy about Christmas?

Christmas is a time that warms your heart and you feel loved by everyone. Everyone is calm and hangs out with their families and watches Christmas movies. It’s a fun time of year. It’s the coziest and most fun time of year. I had a Christmas week with my dad who took me on a Christmas lights helicopter tour and the Polar Express train.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c82

“Christmas is about doing things with family that celebrates the reason for the season—celebrating Jesus.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soulard Neighborhood in St. Louis

My fun and vivacious cousins introduced my relatives and me to a wonderful neighborhood of St. Louis called Soulard! After viewing the famous Arch again, we headed towards Soulard which peaked our curiosity with my cousin’s descriptions.

the nearby St. Louis Arch
the nearby St. Louis Arch

fullsizerenderLocated within 2 miles south of downtown St. Louis, we stopped in the enchanting and historic French neighborhood named for Antoine Soulard who developed the area. (read about him in link below).6kjwazcvs6ywxiiztlt3hw_thumb_14ba6On the way to a brunch at Soulard Coffee Garden,

Soulard Coffee Garden
Soulard Coffee Garden

we passed the historic Anheuser Busch St. Louis Brewery  (which I had toured during my twenties). The smell of  yeast was powerful as we drove passed it to the impressive row houses and apartments.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14bf9

hp2llkp8sgcxlmfupnrvg_thumb_14ba3Historic churches, restaurants, bars and the stately and noble architecture of Soulard conveyed the historic feel of the time period when this attractive area was built. unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c00The live music of jazz and blues happens in these bars but Soulard is most famous for its Farmers Market which is reportedly the oldest farmer’s market west of the Mississippi.azd0pqdyqnos1f9kdkwcyg_thumb_14b9e

It was lovely to slow down on a Saturday morning with out of town relatives having brunch in this alluring area. Highly recommended!xhdggrsdr0sul5klss5ag_thumb_14bbc

www.explorestlouis.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/soulard/

www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=20567

photos by Gina Kingsley

International travel recommendations (lodging, restaurants, excursions, etc) like this can be found in my book, A Magic Carpet Ride. Proceeds from the book are being donated to various charities. (available on Amazon or directly from me.) Link below.

www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

 

Kansas City Skyline

Straight down the Main Street of Kansas City, I always get the feeling of a big city without the congested traffic (usually) of a metropolis. The architecture stuns and the signage delights. Immediately, a tourist can sum up the history and nostalgia as well as the modern thrills.4hu6rkouqogfb9chzeamg_thumb_14ac8Do I look left or right? Or straight ahead? I don’t want to miss a thing! The proportions seem perfect and the culture and international flavor awaits around each corner. Whiskey distilleries, steakhouses, murals, trolleys, specialty grocery stores, boutiques, breweries, museums, live music and art galleries galore…..this is Kansas City.qu4yxk25romsgttqjjst2q_thumb_14ac5Just to name a few museums you can reach off of Main Street from the Country Club Plaza alone, there’s the Nelson-Atkins Museum, the Kemper Museum, the Money Museum, Union Station’s Science City museum (and planetarium inside) and the impressive World War I Museum. This panoramic view of KC reminds me of everything exciting on each side of town.45skgvpasrws5kkusfngkq_thumb_14ac4The city pride of the professional sports teams definitely contributes to the spirit here and this lawn was where throngs of KC Royals fans gathered when they won the World Series. Each time I visit, I learn about more of the eclectic districts: Power and Light, Westport, Crossroads Art District, City Market area, Brookside, Waldo, West Bottoms,  etc. Southwest Boulevard is a new favorite pocket for us to explore. On the way there—voila! We found the Boulevard Brewery. We are planning on going there for samples and a brewery tour next time.ionseccnqeek0jlbetmn1w_thumb_14ad6

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b0xk0ymqtdshxpgaw1wfuq_thumb_14ac6Years ago, most tourists associated the Plaza and Crown Center with KC’s highlights, (and they are worth visiting!) but each time I visit, I discover new favorites. I have to do it justice by focusing on one district at a time so I will stop here and just celebrate the skyline.

photos by Gina Kingsley

Saturated by saris

Whether we were at an opulent setting or the most rustic of fields, saris were a major focal point of our India experience. The celebration of color and femininity was something to admire in the India landscape.

India —a sea of colors. Whether it’s at a simple food stand or the resplendent Taj Mahal, a vibrant sari is around every corner. Is daily dressing a celebration for the Indian female? The combination of colors, the choice of sari, the bangles, the jewelry,…I took a photo of these ladies at the Amber Fort in Jaipur and was lucky enough to get in a photo with them. I wrote about what that moment revealed to me in my travel memoir.

Saris evolved from three piece garments and have changed throughout history.  There have been saris that exposed the navel and covered the navel. I was fascinated to learn that the reason for exposing the navel was because it represents the source of life and creativity. There is so much history and information about the history of the sari and I was impressed to learn that there are more than 80 ways to wear one!

Stories about India can be found in the book, A Magic Carpet Ride. Profits from the book go to various charities.

all photos by Gina Kingsley

www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

Follow this lesson plan to build trip itineraries with your family:

Travel Lesson Plan: Integrate the Concepts

 

The streets of India

Driving down the streets and highways of India took a Herculean strength of visual patience. Our eyes absorbed so much activity, so many details and so much new comprehension of lifestyles in a new land. The second most populated country in the world presented us with much to see and absorb.img_6142_1024  Food stands, shepherding, farming, outdoor barbershops and various other occupations were in co-existence on these hustle-bustle streets of India.img_6282_1024The lightweight fabric of mens’ clothing allowed them to spend long days in the heat, doing their rigorous tasks. The delicate, colorful and feminine fabrics of the ladies’ clothing were in juxtaposition to their hard labor. If fascinated me to see this duality.IMG_6172

img_6188_1024What irony to find in my photos a picture of a modernly dressed shepherd wearing a t-shirt titled “Highways”…as we drove past him on a highway between Agra and Jaipur.img_6183_1024img_6135_1024The colors were vibrant and popped out among the debris and pollution. The fields and shacks could never seem “simple” with such imagery.img_6181_1024Driving down the highway, we saw tuk-tuks and heard nonstop beeping of horns. I was astonished later to discover the ladies in this photo who were sitting so elegantly in the back of this truck. As I cropped in on the photo, I was desperately curious to know what their thoughts were on this truck ride. Their gaze penetrates me. Their scarves have now become the prettiest green I’ve ever seen…I’ve renamed it India- green and that’s how I’ll always think of that shade.thumb_img_6157_1024-2img_6157_1024A rusty old truck transporting these elegant ladies in their India-green scarves…..their jobs might be simple in reality but all I see is opulent hues and regal females.By far, my favorite visual memory of India (other than the Indian wedding I attended)  might be this food stand photo. A hot day, a cold shot of espresso (probably) and the succulence of fruits. All the imagery together is how I’ll remember India.  A kaleidoscope….tapestry….. mosaic….right there on the streets of India.

Photos by Gina Kingsley

Different and in-depth stories about India can be found in the book,  A Magic Carpet Ride. Profits from the book go to various charities.

www.amazon.com/dp/069271393X/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_UboHxbXESC34V

Follow this lesson plan to build trip itineraries with your family:

Travel Lesson Plan: Integrate the Concepts

 

Napa Valley and Sonoma

Grapes galore. As far as the eye can see…. vineyards, wine-tastings, a soothing landscape in a perfect climate. Napa Valley is the destination for a relaxing getaway, yet, it’s also an  informative and interactive trip experience!hwscbanfrdqnaqfitbwrlq_thumb_14c36

kaqsv43rqgyxlv4fyr3oa_thumb_14c35Napa and Sonoma, with their vineyards, resorts and cosmopolitan restaurants are close to the exciting San Francisco. When we went there ten years ago, our itinerary included San Francisco which is always worth revisiting again and again.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c50We stayed in a vineyard bed and breakfast, built in the gorgeous Spanish style architecture perfectly fitting for California. The pool and grounds made it a quiet retreat for us as this was our first trip leaving our three young sons back home with relatives.

 

an example of a Napa resort/lodge
an example of a Napa resort/lodge

All in all, I think we toured three wineries and tried to remember the words of others who advised us not to actually drink each swig of wine during a tasting….just sip, taste and spit. This was challenging to do so we were a bit drowsy on our first tasting.

It’s a good idea to visit a range of wineries—from simple to luxurious. Our wine tasting finale was at a luxurious winery  up a winding road to the fabulous estate where our names were listed on a welcome sign at the entrance gate. The private car collection in the garage was like a museum experience with its vintage cars, sports cars and minibus! When you look out onto the rolling hills, you can see why people have their weddings at wineries and vineyards of Napa Valley! It’s all the decor one would need for an elegant event.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14caf

unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c51We learned so much information about winemaking but also cheese tastings and pairings! We also toured the wine cellars and learned how some wineries blew out their spaces with dynamite to create thousands of square feet for their oak barrels.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c53Oakville Grocery was recommended to us by friends so we went looking for it and happily found it in both Napa but also again in San Francisco! HEAVENLY! A deli, a grocery, a bakery….rolled into one. We bought lunch and ate outside on the back patio of this other-worldly grocery store.

Oakville Grocery
Oakville Grocery

A drive to the neighboring Sonoma was utterly delightful because of the scenic landscape and the change in architecture and ambience. What Santa Fe is to Taos, Napa is to Sonoma (in my opinion). My husband preferred Sonoma. I may just have to go back to decide. The  historic significance of this region is conveyed in its Mexican colonial style. unadjustednonraw_thumb_14cb2We saw a building in the town square which used to be military barracks. Sonoma is charming and quaint and it’s popular to do bike tours of this fetching area.unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c54

www.sonomavalley.com/?utm_source=maddenmedia&utm_medium=googlecpc&utm_content=visit&utm_campaign=dmcasv17unadjustednonraw_thumb_14c56

Since we crave mass humanity and can only relax so much, we ventured onto San Francisco, a favorite of ours. We flew in and out of Oakland and it was a perfect, short amount of days away on our first trip sans children. For the expense of flying all that way, you might as well include another big city destination. The rental car we took between cities was a convertible. Driving through the mountains while singing oldies on the radio was a great way to start our first couples vacation. Napa and Sonoma are highly recommended American treasures!

Tulsa’s Greek Festival- new features and a little history

Tulsa’s oldest ethnic festival is one of our city’s  favorite weekend experiences. What a way to celebrate the culmination of summer while ushering in fall… all in the same weekend! (Sept. 19-22) Church tours, cuisine, shopping, and entertainment information is on our website (see link below).  While our festival traditions are always the cornerstone of our brand, we also bring new features to introduce to our Tulsans and visitors from all over the state.

New Additions to the Tulsa Greek Festival…

Get Your Kicks at Greek 66-  Best Lil Stop in OPAHOMA- Tulsa’s Greek Festival is located on Route 66 under our big tent and on our church and community center’s grounds. As the oldest ethnic festival in Tulsa, how nostalgic is it that our festival is located on such a historic route! Our marketing team likes to freshen up our brand with iconic state themes as a nod to our loyal Oklahoma customers who attend from far and wide within the state. Get your dance kicks at Greek 66!

In 2019, we are featuring a new Temple of Fire which is our Saganaki (Fried Cheese) booth. Like our Squid Shack, we now have a Saganaki Shack.

Every food area will have drinks and we’ll also have a stand alone frozen drinks area.

Another new feature in 2019 is our pre-packaged cheese, meatball and loukaniko for purchase at the Marketa. Loukaniko (sausage), keftedes (meatballs) and saganaki (fried cheese) are new food items since 2018.

Admission is $5 for adults after 6 p.m. on Thurs. and Fri, all day on Sat. and Sun. and kids are free all weekend.

Corporate lunches and catered lunches – information on website.

The “new-ish” logo ,“OPAHOMA”,  combines Greek pride with state pride. “OPA!” is a term which expresses passionate spirit, similar to “yahoo!” The term “opahoma” is designed in the shape of our state. It’s also a way to thank Oklahomans for the half-century of support for our festival.

“We’re bringing KEFI back!”- the street party vibe of decades past—we’re bringing it back this year and want you to help us! Plan to stay late or arrive late for this night party atmosphere : 8:00 p.m. on. We have adult dancers again this year who will perform and then invite the customers to join us in easy Greek dances.

History…

In the beginning there was no marketa, no loukoumathes, no formal entertainment….just dinner and baklava.  Eventually, through the years, Tulsa’s Greek Festival added special touches. Wine tricks, honey puffs, church tours, non-stop dancing on stage, bakery items, delicious Greek food and much more can all be found every September at 12th Guthrie in Tulsa. Tulsa’s oldest ethnic festival originated in 1961.  Ideas evolved from several parishioners with an innovative spirt.thumb_pastries-1_1024

Reportedly, in 1960, parishioners discussed a dinner idea with a fellow Greek who was the  manager of Tulsa Hotel.  Giving the church members a room in the hotel and use of the kitchen was the opportunity that became the first Greek Festival (in 1961, approximately). It was a one-night dinner and the customers were Greeks and their close friends. The committee was made up of chairmen, cooks, assistants and volunteers and they gave parishioners ten tickets each to sell.  Everything grew from there!

The original menu was lamb, rice, pastichio, Greek salad, dolmathes…..Pictured here are the original tickets.

original festival tickets
original festival tickets

The original ticket price was $2 . The outcome was a good start for the church members. At that time, the community was building a new church hall. They had two festivals a year with about 1,000 customers attending. They gauged this from the 1,000 kabobs (souvlakia) they served. The original festival was accomplished on one refrigerator, one sink, and one oven. The neophyte team was strong and full of energy and they continued to hold the festival  every year after 1962.

At that time, several female volunteers dressed up like Greek goddesses and served the dinners. Years later, some volunteers wore regional Greek costumes and accessories as their attire.  Two young boys, dressed as Greek Evzone soldiers, were the entertainers, dancing every hour.  The sight of the cooks in their aprons coming out to dance for the crowd is a favorite memory for many. This has remained a tradition  through the years, usually on the last night of the festival weekend.

The menu developed through the years, as well.  Kalamari (squid) and souvlakia  (kabobs) became favorite additions and one of the  most progressive developments to the festival was lamb. The cooks presented the idea and eventually it became accepted. It has been a tradition now for ten years or so. In 2016, a new item was introduced: “Greek fries” which is an appetizer topped with a  special seasoning, feta cheese and oregano.

The Greek dance groups are enjoyed not only  by the parishioners but also by the spectators who appreciate that the tradition of regional dancing is being preserved and passed down to the church youth. Lately, a live band and emcee have become worthwhile and engaging additions.

photo by Gina Kingsley


VIP NIGHT-
 The theme of “Santorini Night” beckons the customer to wear casual or dressy white attire and enjoy gourmet food, auctions and entertainment. Reservations must be made in advance for this event. – information also on website. (This event takes place on alternate years so check the website from year to year..)

Greek week–For the first time ever, in 2016, we offered almost an entire week of events with the festival itself being the finale.

Tulsans ask every year “when is the Greek Festival?”, “Did I miss it?”, etc.. so we came up with a poem to help you memorize the date….(except for the year of 2017)…

“Never forget; always remember, it’s the third week of every September.”

www.tulsagreekfestival.com