Our next stop was just outside of Tulsa, OK. We were at an amazing State Park in Sand Springs called Keystone Lake. The location was beautiful and just a short drive from Tulsa. It was a perfect place to spend 3 nights, giving us 2 days to explore the two locations we picked in Tulsa.
Keystone Lake is a wonderful space. They had trails throughout the park, which we thoroughly enjoyed. They also had a marina⎯it was covered! I had never seen a marina that was entirely covered.
We also finally had time to finish our mini-reno! We received the package of linens that I ordered in NOLA on our way out of Hot Springs. They are exactly as I imagined. We are now super comfy in our camper and in Maryland style. 😎
Thanks to a suggestion from our friend, Karen, the first location we visited is called The Gathering Place. It was the most amazing park/playground spot I’ve ever been to – and I have been to some amazing park/playgrounds (like Clemyjontri Park in McLean and Annie’s Playground in Fallston). We spent hours there! We completed a scavenger hunt and got a prize. The prize was a very cool family connection game of sorts, like a conversation starter with emphasis on gratitude. Then we roamed the park, moving from section to section with the kids enjoying each spot. They climbed, zipped, slid, and giggled the day away.
The next day we went to the Greenwood District and visited the Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center. The History Center did a wonderful job telling the horrific story of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. They had displays of documents, images, and objects as well as two immersive experiences, one in a barbershop and one on the streets of Greenwood during the massacre of total destruction perpetrated upon the residents. It was moving. Each of us had an emotional response to what we saw and learned.
After the History Center, we walked around the Greenwood District. It is a wonderful place to be, full of vibrant shops and business, surrounded by colorful murals. Jackson and Phoebe were very taken with Tee’s Barbershop; it very closely resembled the barbershop that was one of the immersive experiences at the History Center. They wanted to solidify their connection with this wonderful section of Tulsa and get their hair cut by Willie, the owner of the shop. It is an experience we will never forget. They walked away with smiles on their faces and with Mr. Willie laughing at their stories.
I’m so glad that we were able to visit Tulsa! It was a fantastic mix of fun and learning.
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