I'm finally going to Tulsa!

huthike · #1 03-08-2009, 08:28 PM

I've been trying to get to the big show in Tulsa for years, always seems like something gets in the way - kids, Final Four tickets, etc. - but I'm headed there in a few weeks. Anybody got good stories/advice for a newbie?

huthike · #2 03-08-2009, 08:28 PM

I've been trying to get to the big show in Tulsa for years, always seems like something gets in the way - kids, Final Four tickets, etc. - but I'm headed there in a few weeks. Anybody got good stories/advice for a newbie?

sipowicz · #3 03-08-2009, 08:36 PM

I don't have any good stories since I've never been to Tulsa, but my advice would be to show up early and walk around until you find something you want to buy or get tired and need to leave.

Farmer17 · #4 03-08-2009, 08:50 PM

Park in the neighborhood across the street on the South side of the building. You can usually get a lot closer than pulling in the parking lot, fighting the traffic, and ending up a 1/4 mile away from the building. Wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of cash. Also, for this show I would recommend bringing something to sell, cause I think prices are going to be sky high!

Mickey D · #5 03-08-2009, 09:25 PM

Be sure to stop in at Rosie's Diner for the best hotcakes in town. If you have time in the evening, there is a great little strip club on 7th St. across from the Earl's place.

Lenshappy · #6 03-08-2009, 10:24 PM

AS ACCORDING TO GATOR FARMER:
BRING SOMETHING OLD,
SOMETHING NEW,
SOMETHING BORROWED,
SOMETHING BLUE
SOMETHING WATERPROOF
SOMETHING LIKE MRE!

doublesharp · #7 03-09-2009, 05:35 AM

Never get in a poker game with a man named doc.

glypnir · #8 03-09-2009, 06:40 AM

Darn, I'm not going this year.

truckemup97 · #9 03-09-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Farmer17:
Park in the neighborhood across the street on the South side of the building.

Your car might not be there when you get back. The city has laws on the books concerning parking in the neighborhoods around the Fairgrounds. Sometimes they are not enforced, but sometimes they are. You decide how much of a risk you are willing to take. Also, there is a lot more parking available now that Bell's has been moved and the land turned into parking.

Stay in a hotel/motel AWAY from the fairgrounds. It will be nicer and the price will be better. Make reservations now!!! Several motels along I-44 have been closed/torn down for a widening project, so there aren't as many rooms in town now.

Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy yourself! If you have any specific questions about the city, e-mail me. I'd be happy to help.

truckemup97 · #10 03-09-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mickey D:
Be sure to stop in at Rosie's Diner for the best hotcakes in town. If you have time in the evening, there is a great little strip club on 7th St. across from the Earl's place.

I've lived in Tulsa for 20 years, and I've never been to Rosie's. I also didn't know about the strip club on 7th St. I guess it must be in one of those houses. Thanks for the advice, Mickey, I guess you learn something every day.

sipowicz · #11 03-09-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by truckemup97:

I've lived in Tulsa for 20 years, and I've never been to Rosie's. I also didn't know about the strip club on 7th St. I guess it must be in one of those houses. Thanks for the advice, Mickey, I guess you learn something every day.

I can't believe you can't find it...there's a big "Chippendale's" sign right out front. Anyway, Mickey is not allowed back but if you happen to stop in, say hi to Roger (aka"Lone Ranger") for me and tell him I'm sorry about damaging his mask.

truckemup97 · #12 03-09-2009, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sipowicz:

I can't believe you can't find it...there's a big "Chippendale's" sign right out front.

Oh, THAT place. Roger said to tell you "Hi" and that nickels are no longer an appropriate tip.

29aholic · #13 03-09-2009, 11:19 AM

wear comfortable shoes!!!

ndtish · #14 03-09-2009, 02:30 PM

Gotta eat at Ricardo's Mexican Rest. on 41st street between Yale and Sheridan. Wonderful food and staff. Say hello to Thomas, the owner from Minnesota Nikki! Every time I go back home, I have to eat there at least once! You won't regret it.

charlie sherrill · #15 03-10-2009, 07:04 PM

Last time we went we stayed at Mr. Patel's in Broken Arrow. Dogs are actually welcome and almost everyone there had one or more. The price was right and Mr. Patel had one room with three singles so Jr. didn't have to sleep with Leland. Comfy shoes are a plus and one of those little stroller looking things with the seat and basket for all the junk you're gonna buy is also a plus. You have to walk a mile to find somewhere to sit, and you're gonna get tired. Take a notebook to write down the row and table number for something you're interested in so you can find it again. It's gonna be gone when you get back so buy it the first time. It takes all day to see everything and two days to see it right.

Tom K · #16 03-10-2009, 07:44 PM

Here's some advice I posted in another thread:

They advertise it as the world's largest - I don't know if that's true or not but it's certainly close enough. The building is 11 acres under one roof. As someone said, wear comfortable shoes. The largest parking area is on the north side, and if you get there very late at all you'll have to park far away and ride a shuttle.

The dooors open at 8:00am and I recommend getting there no later than 7:00 for a decent place in line. I generally move along at a fair pace and don't stop to talk much, but it usually takes me until about 5:00 to get through it once - it closes at 6:00pm on Saturday. I wish they'd make it a three-day event.

Actually now that I think about it, you can buy tickets before Saturday at Oklahoma Police Supply at 5308 E Admiral Pl, a few blocks east of Yale Ave. Admiral is just on the north side of I-244 there.

Bring lots of money. There are plenty of tables with guns of which none are under four figures, and many into five. You won't necessarily find bargains - there are so many attendees that sellers figure somebody will bite. But as always you might get lucky, and you will see stuff that you won't see anywhere outside of a museum.

truckemup97 · #17 03-10-2009, 08:45 PM

Actually, you can skip the line and get in free. Just inside the door is the NRA booth. If you join or renew, you get in free.

Oh, and I thought everyone knew this, but get your hand stamped when you leave Saturday and you get in free Sunday.

huthike · #18 03-11-2009, 06:05 AM

Thanks for all the great advice, guys. For all the other advice, well...

Sorry I won't see you on 7th street, Mickey - sounds like I'll be too tired and won't have any nickels left after a day at the show.