Spending the summer in Norman isn't so bad as it may seem.

Who knew that the local scene stays surprisingly popping in the dead summer months?

If you are reading this, it is likely that you are living in Norman or Oklahoma City for the summer.  Or, you are just really passionate about OU Greeks in the summer while abroad or interning.  If it is the latter, I am sorry, but this article may not be for you. You may continue reading if you like, but it will probably not make much difference to you unless you would like to admire my writing, in which case, please continue. To those of you who are a.) reading and b.) in Norman/OKC, then I am excited to tell you why it is okay, actually more than okay, to still be in the area for the summer.               

This is my 20th summer in Norman, and while the lack of football and many of my friends is lonesome at times, I am still happy to be here. Why? 

Why would I want to spend my summer in a deadbeat college town with hardly anything to do? Well, this is where you are wrong. Norman and Oklahoma City are both a wonderful mix of young and old, culture and opportunity. As they grow, so do their possibilities.  It is a nest of diversity in the middle of the flat plains of Oklahoma. Edmond also has some cool stuff, but Edmond people talk about Edmond enough, so I do not feel that it is necessary to give them any more credit for being a somewhat okay place.

Norman has some pretty cool people. There are artists, musicians and athletes, and everyone seems to have a work or medium about which they are passionate. Supporting local artists is one of Norman’s specialties. Musical displays can be seen at events such as Jazz n’ June and productions at the Sooner Theatre. Artists show their work at the Midsummer Nights’ Fair and at the Firehouse Art Center.

Unsurprisingly, Norman also takes pride in its athletes. OK Runner, Norman’s best store for athletes everywhere, always has a 5k and an active running club. Their employees are experts; one of them has even won the Memorial Marathon.  It is not unusual to see people running, walking, or biking on the weekends around Norman.                

Oklahoma City is a wonderful place to explore.  There is never a shortage of things to do; it is exciting to watch Oklahoma City grow into an urban area capable of enriching the lives of its citizens.  The downtown and midtown scenes are my favorite to explore. There are bakeries such as Prairie Thunder Bakery and Cuppies & Joe to satisfy any sweet tooth; both are delicious and locally owned.  Events like H&8th work to support local musicians and create a festive environment for both young and old.  Currently, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art has a fantastic exhibit called Gods and Heroes displaying work from the École des Beaux-Arts, a famous school of art in Paris since the 17th century.  And a walk around Bricktown, Midtown, or the Myriad Gardens could never be a bad idea.                        

There is no shortage of things to do and see while living at home this summer.  Whatever your interests and wherever you reside, the Norman and OKC areas are sensational places to live and thrive.