Paycom Center is the premier venue in Oklahoma City for large events and entertainment. It is primarily known as the home of the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder, but it holds all kinds of other events as well. From major concerts with famous artists to arena shows like Disney on Ice and Walking with Dinosaurs, the Paycom Center has something for everyone.
This is OKC's primary destination for visitors seeking restaurants, bars, museums and places to entertain themselves. The historic district was formerly a place filled with warehouses and storage depots along the Bricktown Canal, however this industry has now departed and the buildings have been rehabbed and refurbished into stylish lofts and businesses. Highlights in the district include the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, the Tapwerks Ale House and it is just steps away from the Cox Convention Center and Chesapeake Arena. One of the coolest attributes of the neighborhood is the mode of transport; the water taxis zoom up-and-down the Bricktown Canal and drop visitors off at several stops along the way.
A great way to experience the beauty and grandeur of the Bricktown Canal is via water taxi. The flat-bottomed boats have narrators on board that tell visitors about the scenic points of interest in between the main dock on Mickey Mantle Drive and its end point at Bricktown River Walk Park. You can hop on-and-off along the route in order to shop, eat or just walk around in this historic neighborhood. The taxi is usually open throughout the year; the peak season is summer and it is open sporadically during the winter when weather permits.
The Bricktown Canal is one of Oklahoma City's most popular tourist destinations. Loosely modeled after San Antonio's River Walk, this man-made canal runs through the historic, yet revitalized Bricktown district and it evokes an experience reminiscent of that popular stroll in the Alamo city. There are restaurants and attractions on both sides of the canal, some include the Bricktown Brewery, the quirky American Banjo Museum, the Myriad Botanical Gardens and within the neighborhood you'll find Chesapeake Energy Arena, home to the NBA's Thunder. While you are here, don't forget to take a trip on a water taxi, no trip is complete without it!
Nothing is more exciting than a day at the races, especially when your horse is winning on the track. In addition to watching the ponies run, you can enjoy fine dining at the on-site Silks Restaurant or catch the show from your own personal box seat in the Club One lounge. Check out their 'Twilight Thursdays', where you can place bets, sample appetizers and drink for one great low price. This place is also popular for the after work crowd, where people come to the Bricktown Brewery and Henry Hudson's Pub, both perfect spots to have a drink and not necessarily gamble.
What started out as one of the first shopping districts in 1929 gradually evolved to become a haven for jazz musicians, students and small businesses by the end of the 1950s. The end of this era brought with it the counter-culture which determined the atmosphere of the Paseo in the 1960's, but it was only until the next decade that it became one of the country's finest art districts. It fell into some decay through the 80's, however today it has been revitalized and the shops host food, art and music festivals year-round. Don't forget the district's 'First Friday Art Walk', where everyone comes out to buy and sell local wares.
What started out as one of the first shopping districts in 1929 gradually evolved to become a haven for jazz musicians, students and small businesses by the end of the 1950s. The end of this era brought with it the counter-culture which determined the atmosphere of the Paseo in the 1960's, but it was only until the next decade that it became one of the country's finest art districts. It fell into some decay through the 80's, however today it has been revitalized and the shops host food, art and music festivals year-round. Don't forget the district's 'First Friday Art Walk', where everyone comes out to buy and sell local wares.
The Blue Door is a rustic music club in Oklahoma City. It is the brainchild of Greg Johnson, the founder of Blue Door. Guests are literally greeted with two big blue doors, which was the inspiration behind the name of this jaunt. The venue takes pride in encouraging new and upcoming songwriters as well as hosts prominent names from the music industry on their stage. The 100 seat venue follows the Bring Your Own Beer policy and is reckoned a must visit when in town.
This district of town, known as Stockyards City, is home to the largest cattle market in the world. In fact, it was these stock yards that provided the impetus for the state's first major industry. Over the last century, the area had fallen into decline and decay since its inception in 1910, however today the area has been revitalized without losing its authentic 'Old-West' feel. A highlight of the stockyard is a stroll over a walkway that hovers above some of the massive beasts. The shops primarily focus on a variety of western wear, from cowboy hats and boots to Bolo ties and even spurs! It's also pretty accurate to assume that the restaurants in the district serve some of the best steaks in the Midwest, don't forget Cattlemen's Steakhouse. While this area could be considered "touristy," it remains an essential place to visit to get a true picture of 'Ol' OKC'.