While some people think of Oklahoma as a flyover state, and Tulsa as a drive-through town, its residents and natives know that there's so much more to this city than that! With more character, more culture and more opportunity than most cities can offer, Tulsa is definitely more than just a roadstop. Even still, there's some things only residents and natives know. That said, you just might be a Tulsan if you've done some of these 24 things:
1. Posed with the statues at Philbrook
It's kind of hard to resist.
2. Taken a class at Tulsa Community College or Tulsa Tech
Good ol' TCC. And if you haven't, your kids or other family members probably have.
3. Been to a Drillers game
And gotten Hornsby's autograph. And possibly kissed by the Minor League team's mascot as well.
4. Ate something weird at the State Fair
Fried scorpion pizza, anyone? Also, we all know Rocky Mountain Oysters are NOT OYSTERS.
5. Had breakfast at Jimmy's Egg
Omelets, anyone?
6. Gone dancing at The Oklahoma Swing Syndicate
And if you haven't, you need to. Swing is super popular among Tulsa youth these days, but can be enjoyed by all ages!
7. Stared at the giant hands at Oral Roberts University
Are they praying? High fiving? Climbing out from under the ground?
8. Stood outside in the middle of a tornado warning/storm chased
While most outsiders freak out at the idea of tornadoes, Tulsans and other Oklahomans would rather chase them down for photo ops. Selfie, anyone?
9. Timed when the tornado sirens are tested
Every Wednesday, 12 PM. There they are!
10. Get excited when the Arkansas River actually looks like a river
We all know it's just a glorified mud puddle, anyway.
11. Couldn't choose between going to Sonic or QuikTrip
Both are native to Oklahoma, both have so many choices, and they always seem to be next to each other on every other intersection.
12. Seen a drug or gang bust while driving along Riverside
Both gangs and drugs are sadly serious problems in Oklahoma. It's not all that uncommon to see a chase or a hunt along the river!
13. Spent too much money at Utica Square
And also, you've probably tried to guess what songs the bells were playing when the clocks go off.
14. You can pronounce all of the surrounding towns' names
Mounds is easy. Oologah and Muskogee on the other hand...
15. You've seen someone on a horse going through the Taco Bueno drive through
They were probably in full cowperson garb, too.
16. You laugh when other states name things after Route 66 (which you probably drive on all the time)
Outsides have a weird fascination with Route 66. For us, it's just one of the roads.
17. Your #1 ice cream stop is Braum's
Cherries and pecans and cream, anyone?
18. You still don't know where the woods and hills are at Woodland Hills mall
I mean, there's some decorative little trees. I guess that counts.
19. And also where the turkeys and the mountains are at Turkey Mountain
It's a nice place to run, though!
20. Sung "Oklahoma" really loud at a sports event
"YOU'RE DOIN' FINE OKLAHOMA, OKLAHOMA, OK-LA-HO-MA, OKLAHOOOOOOMA, YAH!"
21. Filled your phone with awesome sunset pictures
Whether over the plains or the skyline, Tulsa's rosy gold sunsets are the best.
22. Stood at the Center of the Universe
23. Watched the Riverside Fireworks show on Fourth of July
While we may not be able to shoot off our own all the time (dadgum burn bans), the Freedom Fest always pulls through spectacularly!
24. Claimed your hometown is one of the best in the country
Because despite Tulsa's historical issues, it's a small city with a lot of heart and a lot of space. The arts and agriculture are rapidly returning, along with an environmental awareness, a plan to rebuild and improve, and a hope for a better future.
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