10 Ways Oklahomans Are Having The Best Summer Ever

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Let’s not kid ourselves, this spring was rough for us here in Oklahoma. I won’t get into details but take my word for it. But if you think we’re going to let that hold us down and keep us from having the best summer ever…honey, you’ve got another thing coming. Sit down, take a seat. You might learn a thing or two. Here’s how we’ve gotten ahead so far this summer:

Patio Play

Whether it is by weekend or week night; happy hour or brunch there is a local patio nearby to flock to. Sitting in the shade outdoors with the misters on there is nothing that defines summer like a time out at your favorite patio scene. Plans, money and budget can all be worked around someone suggesting some outdoor time.  The Mont in Norman is essential to summer (the swirls*!) but get there early for some prime seating under the misters.

River Floats

It is hard to argue a better way to spend a Saturday (or any day really) than on a river float. Almost as if it’s a rite of passage onto becoming a true Oklahoman, river floats are a summer staple. Make sure you have a good pair of water shoes of choice and a cooler packed (no glass, please). It’s an all-day affair and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Do yourself a favor and head out to Tahlequah for All American Floats where you can float for 4,9, or 15 miles. Time moves more slowly during the summer and a six-mile float can last all day if we want it to. It’s a good ol’ American time.

Plaza and Paseo Fridays

Food, art, music and drank? There is no better way to unwind from the work week than to head over to the art district for the perfect summer evening. Stroll slowly down the street with no plan of action for the next few hours. The setting sun pairs perfectly with local art anyway. The first Friday of the month head to the Paseo Arts District for a gallery walk and the next Friday is Live on the Plaza where you can find the elusive Big Truck Taco food truck. Mmm. *Bonus: The Plaza recently opened up a Free Little Library in an attempt to promote reading and literacy in the OKC metro.

Outdoor Activities Galore

I bet you didn’t know that in a recent compilation of Facebook data Oklahoma City was named one of the fittest cities in America? What? Really? Strange, I know. Especially after hearing about how fat and lazy we all are for years now. But it makes sense. The weather is awesome and there are some pretty cool biking and running paths tucked around, including a 9.1 mile paved trail around Lake Hefner. Let’s give ourselves some credit.

OKC Riversport

This little beauty just opened up in the Boathouse District. Don’t know what it is? Google it, it’s going to be awesome.

A mild summer (so far)

Last year’s droughts paired with record breaking temperatures (113 degrees on August 3, 2012) made any and every task to be done outside of an air conditioned home unbearable. This year, however we’ve been treated not only to rain but temperatures in the mid-eighties. Even in mid-July. There’s been rain and I’ve even turned off my A/C for a few days.  This is not something to be taken for granted. It’s the perfect kind of weather to hit the rooftop bars of Cafe do Brasil in OKC or El Guapo’s Cantina in Tulsa.

Concerts and Festivals and the Oklahoma City Airpark

As of July 15th there are 202 concerts scheduled in the OKC metro through September as well as 214 festivals scheduled from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Weezer, Kings of Leon and I’m pretty sure Beyonce is coming too. Bonus: A new concert pavilion: the Oklahoma City Airpark will hold its first concert at the end of the month.

Brunch

The thing is you could throw a quarter and hit five places that serve a great Sunday brunch.

Norman turns into a ghost town

Oh college kids. I love y’all but bye. You’re taking up all of my outside space. Now I can head off to my favorite local spots without having the pressure of trying to make it there before there’s an ungodly wait time to be seated outside. You mean I can head to The Library (not the one that has books) and get a parking space? Done deal.

5K’s All Day

Between now and Labor Day there are 26 5k’s, triathlons, fun runs and what have you scheduled. Run, race, volunteer and take advantage of this summer. And afterwards you can reward yourself with lunch on the patio. Don’t take off your race number, the more people recognize the better. We may just overthrow this stereotype of OK being fat and sweaty yet.

Day Trips

Oklahoma is divided up into six different regions: Red Carpet Country, Green Country, Great Plains Country, Frontier Country, Chickasaw Country and Kiamichi Country. Each boasting a different landscape than the next. You can hop on one section of Historic Route 66 and drive from one country to the next in just a few hours.

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*Swirls

Part frozen margarita, part frozen sangria. Together, as one. Today you can find a swirl at almost any cantina across the Sooner state but the original stems from The Mont (or so legend has it).

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The Patrón Summer content series is brought to you by The Patrón Social Club.

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