Tulsa bed and breakfast blog

Great Guests

2011-06-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

The number one best thing about being an innkeeper is all the interesting people I get to meet. I have a short list of people that I will not accept repeat reservations from. Those are folks who have been disrespectful either to me, my property or other guests. As I said it is a very short list. I have a long list of wonderful people that I look forward to seeing again. You know how some people you instantly feel a connection with. You think to yourself, "This person could be my friend." Or "I want to learn more about this person." I am so lucky, I get to meet lots of those.

I have met women from Japan, New Zealand, Russia to name a few places. I think they are so brave to travel to another country all by themselves. Often, it is just that person and myself at breakfast. Usually by the time they leave, we are best buds. We have had a lot of interesting male guests, too. Some that come to mind are a mystic, a Jewish cantor, a Native American artist, a West Indies author and so forth.

Last week I had the pleasure of having a retired member of the theater here for 5 days. I don't name names for privacy sake. Let's call him Mr. Sweetheart. He arrived dressed in a seersucker jacket and bow tie and had lovely silver hair. My first contact with him was an email from him that was quite chatty. I actually thought it might be a scam. Usually when the email shares way more information than you need to make a reservation, it is a scam. I replied with a short "Yes, that room is available on those dates." Then Mr. Sweetheart called to make the reservation and we talked for some time just like old friends. He had once lived in Tulsa and was returning for a memorial service. He had some special requests, which I was glad to honor. He was just a joy to be around. He did not eat breakfast, but every day he and I found time to have a chat between his comings and goings.

He just loved our Tulsa bed and breakfast and has promised to return. When he left, we hugged and I almost cried. He told me he had left some treats outside on the private balcony and in his room. I thought maybe a plant or something. Oh no, he bought new cushions for the outside furniture. The cushions I'm sure were more expensive than the previous ones and went perfectly with the room's decor. He also left some red wine and dark chocolate. Favorites of my husband and myself. I do not expect anyone to leave such gifts. I really wanted to cry then.

Visit a B&B soon and make yourself some wonderful new friends.

Summer in the city

2011-06-02T08:32:00.001-07:00

I am in this crowd somewhere. This is the place to be every Thursday night May through August in Tulsa. Utica Square Shopping Center blocks off part of the parking lot and has a sound stage with live music from 7-9pm. Folding chairs are provided, but alot of folks bring their own. Families and friends and dogs all congregate with food, and drinks to enjoy the evening. There is an area for dancing in front of the stage. People of all ages get up and dance. Even if it is 90 plus degrees!

Most of the shops and restuarants stay open late that night. If you want a seat on one of the restuarant patios, get there early.

There is a variety of music played from light opera to jazz to country to rock. A schedule can be viewed at uticasquare.com. There is a drawing during a break in the music for different Utica Square merchandise and gift certificates.

My husband and I attend as often as we can. Parking is not a problem for us as we can walk the block and a half from our Tulsa B&B. I like to go a little early and get an outside table at the Wild Fork. I order an appetizer and their signature sparkling cosmo. We wave to folks we know as we people watch and enjoy our light dinner. Sometimes we take our own folding chairs and a picnic. After we eat, we wander around visiting with people or find an empty chair. But we usually don't sit for long. We like to get out there and dance with the rest of them.

Tonight is my favorite group, Mid-life Crisis. They are my age or older and play rock music from my teens and 20s. Brown eyed Girl, Magic Carpet Ride, Twist and Shout to name a few. I hope they close with the traditional Shout! by the Blues Brothers. It is so much fun to be in the middle of a crown of all ages singing "Shout, Throw your hands up and Shout!" and throwing your hands up all together.

I hope you can join us there. Book your night stay on a Thursday night here at the Inn at Woodward Park and start your long weekend out right.

Stormy weather

2011-04-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

Wow, it has been a stormy April here in the midwest and the south this spring. Knock on wood, nothing like this picture has come close to our Tulsa bed and breakfast.
The Inn at Woodward Park does have a disaster plan in place. During storm season upon check-in, I show guests where the door to the basement is located. I inform them if the sirens sound at any time day or night that they may go there. We have emergency lights throughout the Inn that are plugged in to outlets in the hallways and guest rooms. These lights come on if the power goes out or they are unplugged. Guests can use them to light the way if necessary. These lights are inexpensive and can be found at any home improvement store.
In the basement, I keep bottled water, individually wrapped snack crackers, a first aid kit, a battery operated radio and a flashlight. A charged cell phone is a good thing to have also. The laundry is down in the basement, so there are plenty of blankets. I have a lot of pictures albums of my kids growing up down there that we could entertain ourselves with. I have some great pictures of me with the big hair of the 80s.
The Inn at Woodward Park is located about a mile from the Council Oak Tree that was a meeting place of the Creek Indians and ,according to legend, blessed ground. The oak tree still stands and is over 100 years old. It survived the ice storm several years ago without losing a limb while trees all over Tulsa crashed down. I am hoping we are close enough that we are protected here as well.
If you don't have a disaster plan at your home or place of business, make one now. The Red Cross can help you with that. My sons were Boy Scouts and I believe in the motto "Be Prepared."

Girlfriend weekend

2011-04-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

I recently had the pleasure of being one of the girls at a girlfriend getaway weekend at my own Tulsa bed and breakfast. Four of us are pictured here. I'm the second from the right. One had a plane delay and didn't make it for lunch. We all attended high school together but had lost touch over the years. Thanks to facebook we have connected again. Some of us had not seen each other for many years. I'm not going to even tell you how many years! But we had a blast catching up and all those years just melted away. The ladies showed up around noon, parked the car in the driveway of the B&B. After unloading their bags and picking their rooms, we walked 6 blocks through the Swan Lake neighborhood to an area known as Cherry Street.
We had a pleasant walk enjoying the varied style of homes on our way. Swan Lake neighborhood is a historically protected neighborhood with homes dating from 1907. You can find small Arts and Crafts bungalows to grand Italiante Revival Mansions here. Spring had sprung and many yards were in full bloom. Arriving at Cherry Street, located on 15th Street between Peoria Ave and Harvard Ave; we had a wide choice of places to eat. We chose the Full Moon Cafe with the outside patio. Two of us had their famous tortilla soup which is cheese based and unique and yummy. On our walk back, we visited Swan Lake. Swan Lake is a spring fed pond home to a pair of white swans. It is fenced with a walkway all the way around. We saw the swans, geese, ducks, turtles, fish and a heron.
Then it was off to the airport to pick up the late arrival. We returned to the Inn at Woodward Park and sat upstairs in the sunroom overlooking Woodward Park. We opened a bottle of wine and had a great visit. Later that evening we walked back to Cherry Street for dinner. We could have gone to Utica Square, an upscale shopping and restaurant area, which is just two blocks away. One friend is of Irish descent so we decided to have dinner at Kilkenney's Irish Pub. We let my husband join us for dinner. Kilkenney's really seems like an Irish Pub. It is always crowded and loud and fun.
We returned to the Inn and set outside on the covered side patio, drinking more wine and telling remember when stories.
The next morning I served us all hash brown casserole, bacon, blueberry scones, fruit salad, OJ and coffee. My husband was so thoughtful. He cleaned up after breakfast so the girls and I could walk across the street to Woodward Park. The park was gorgeous. The azaleas, redbuds, tulips, and dogwoods were all in bloom. We took a lot of pictures of each other with the park as background. We enjoyed seeing families there taking pictures of their children and got to experience a dog's first meet up with a brave squirrel.
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. My friends all packed up to leave and we all hugged and said our good-byes vowing not to wait so long to see each other again. I think we will keep that promise. It was such a heart warming experience. I hope you can get together with your girlfriends soon and do the same thing. You will be glad you did.

Feng shui the front door

2011-04-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

I can't say I am a master of feng shui but I do enjoy learning about it and putting in place some of the practices. I feel anything that helps me to live a more positive, enjoyable life is a good thing. Here are some things I have learned about feng shui and the front door. The front door of our Tulsa bed and breakfast is right in the center. This means we are inviting in positive career opportunities, fitting since this is my career. The orange color stands for enthusiasm, joy, interaction and fun. All things I want my guests to experience at the Inn at Woodward Park. Feng shui teaches that the front entrance is the first impression of yourself that others see and. as such it should reflect you. I hope that my front entrance does give the impression of being a warm and welcoming entrance to a fun place to stay. Would you like to know what the color of your front door means? A red front door is very fortunate. It uplifts the energy and opportunities coming through your door. A gold door calls in prosperity. A green door symbolizes money and health. Purple calls in spiritual energies. A blue door stands for calmness and serenity. Brown is stability and warmth. Black is strength and elegance. White is purity, honesty and faith. Do you need to paint your front door to reflect who you are or want you want to invite in?

Bunny dishes.

2011-03-30T06:47:00.001-07:00

Owning a bed and breakfast gives me a good excuse to indulge my passion for dishware. I have different table settings for almost every month. I am always stopping at garage sales or estate sales and love to poke around in thrift shops on the hunt for more. This is my March and April theme. Green and white plates with bunnies on them and green bowls that look like cabbages are pictured here. Note the little bunny place card holders. Those I gave as gifts to the guests last Easter morning. I have plates with snowmen on them. I have heart shaped plates. I have plates with pumpkins. I have red, white and blue plates with stars. I have several different flower patterns. My favorite ones have bees and ladybugs on them. Of course, then I have to have serving pieces, fruit dishes, bread plates, etc. to mix and match with everything. I do own plain white dishes, too. They are great to layer different patterns on. I enjoy making breakfast time for my guests an experience. I use local, organic, in season produce as much as possible. The eggs and breakfast meat are from local farmers. I play soft jazz music in the background, although I like it better when guest laughter drowns it out. I want breakfast to excite all 5 of your senses and start your day off right. My wish is for my guests to leave the table full of good food and good memories.

Spring gardening

2011-03-22T11:57:00.001-07:00

Pictured is the golden currant bush, also known as spicebush or clove currant. I have two in full bloom right now and they do smell like cloves. One is planted by the kitchen door and one is by the front door. That way everyone gets a big whiff of them as they come and go. I purchased them as little bitty bushes from a wildflower nursery in Missouri about 4 years ago and they are doing great here in Oklahoma. They have grown to about 4 1/2 feet tall and about that wide.
My gardening style is very casual. The "Let's plant this here and see how it does" style. Which means, I lose some things and move things around some. When we bought the property that would become our Tulsa bed and breakfast, there was no landscaping. There was a big holly bush that hid the house from the street and blocked the view to beautiful Woodward Park. That had to go even though I hated to cut it down. The backyard was a jungle of vines that tooks weeks to remove.
My husband prefers structured formal gardens. We compromised by hiring a landscape company to do the front and along the drive four years ago. I get to do whatever I want with the side and backyard. A few things have shown up in the front that weren't part of the landscaper's plan. I don't know how that happened. A squirrel must have put that there. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I hope you can take some time to visit the Inn at Woodward Park this spring or summer. You can see my gardens, then walk across the street to see the spectacular gardens of Woodward Park and the Philbrook Museum.

March Madness

2011-03-09T12:07:00.001-08:00

Mardi gras, St. Patrick's Day, NCAA basketball, Fiddler Hall of Fame Concert and the Tulsa Ballet performing Exceptional Synergy are just a few of the events going on in the mad month of March.

Mardi Gras just passed with a great parade downtown in the Blue Dome District. Tulsa is not New Orleans but we still did it up good with cajun food specialities at several restaurants.

Pictured is the Jazz Room in our Tulsa bed and breakfast. I thought that fit in with Mardi Gras. The Jazz Room is a cozy room with a queen size bed, desk area, flat screen TV with DVD player. The private bathroom was put in under the eaves with a shower. There is a tuba in one corner that several guests have tried to play.

St. Patrick's Day is always a fun time in Tulsa. Kilkenny's Irish Pub & Restaurant, located within walking distance of the Inn, will set up a tent and have live music. The food is very good there. My favorite is an appetizer, the rueben rolls. Mc Nellie's and Arnie's downtown will also have live music, tents and drink specials like Gusinness. Green beer for everyone! Aren't we all Irish on St. Patrick's Day.

The NCAA basketball tournament will bring lots of folks to Tulsa. The Inn is sold out for that and for the last weekend in March when the Tulsa Ballet is performing.

With the price of gas rising, I predict we will be filling up fast for most weekends. Weekdays are also popular with our business travelers. A couple of summers back, when the gas prices were high, we had many visitors that took short getaways a few hours travel from their homes. We love to show Tulsa off to folks from Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Kansas and the rest of the state of Oklahoma too. Plan your next getaway soon and give us a call.

Mancation

2011-02-25T06:12:00.001-08:00

We have all heard of chick trips. A group of girlfriends get away for a weekend of shopping and fun. Our Tulsa bed and breakfast has hosted many of those. Now there is a new buzz work in the travel industry. The mancation. This is for the guys to get together for a weekend of manly stuff. The Inn at Woodward Park has one of those coming up in March. The NCAA basketball tournament 2nd and 3rd rounds will be played here in Tulsa at the BOK event center. The whole Inn is booked by just guys to attend.
Now a B&B is probably not the first place that comes to mind for a mancation. Why not? They are going to have a comfortable, quiet place to stay and be served a hearty breakfast each morning. They will be able to walk to nearby restaurants and sports bars. They can play cards in the sunroom and it is a 6 minute drive to the BOK event center.
Some guys may be leery of staying at a B&B envisioning death by doilies at grandma's house. Just do your homework first. Visit the website to check out the pictures and read on line reviews to get an idea of the feel of the place. Some B&Bs are very frilly with lace curtains and teddy bears, but many are not.
There is a B&B down in Broken Bow that is very man friendly with a pool table, big screen TV and open bar in the common area. There are several Oklahoma B&Bs that offer fishing and hunting packages. Visit okbba.com or travleok.com to find a B&B that will meet the needs of your next getaway.

Cure for the Winter Blues

2011-02-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

Are you starting to feel like this guy? It has been a long, harsh winter for most of the country. Here in Tulsa we have broken records; both for amount of snow in one winter and record low temperatures. I was housebound , or should I say B&B bound, for days on end. I did a lot of baking, both familiar recipes and some new ones to treat our Tulsa bed and breakfast guests. We did have guests over the course of the snowstorm. They were able to entertain themselves with DVDs, card games and a Scrabble tournament.
I think we have finally turned a corner and are headed toward spring. It won't be long before we see daffodils starting to bloom out, followed by the redbuds, dogwoods, tulips and azaleas. Being located right across the street from the lovely Woodward Park, I usually get the first peek of spring blooms.
Until then there are still plenty of indoors activities going on in T town. The roads are clear and the restaurants are open.
Some upcoming events downtown are Cirque de Soleil Alegria, Sugarland, World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions, James Taylor, and the opera Don Giovanni. We have several casinos in and around Tulsa that are bringing in some great acts. In the next couple of months Kenny Loggins, Montgomery Gentry, Pat Benatar, Randy Travis, Heart, George Thorogood, and Blake Shelton will all be at the Hard Rock Cafe in Catoosa a 10 minute drive from the Inn. I have noticed there are some deep discount sales at many area shops, too.
Many of you have been trapped in your house with the kids out of school, and the dogs, and have been mopping the floor 100 times. (I quit counting here) Tell your spouse that the two of you need a little break to restore your sanity and get over here.

Oklahoma weather

2011-02-04T09:32:00.001-08:00

Oklahoma enjoys four seasons, sometimes all in one week. Less than one week ago today it was 76 degrees. People were wearing shorts and t-shirts, joggers and bicyclists were out on the Riverpark trails, and the outdoor patio seating was packed at Utica Square. Two days later a big winter storm came in. We had thunder sleet (sounds like the name of a heavy metal band to me). Seriously, it was lightning, thundering and sleet was pouring out of the sky. The following day we had a record snow fall of 14 inches. To all you Northerners that sounds like nothin. We Okies are not prepared for that kind of thing and think we can drive in it. We can't. Before the day was through, the street in front of our Tulsa bed and breakfast was blocked with stuck cars and trucks. A medical delivery truck jack knifed about a quarter mile from us. Thankfully he had already delivered the supplies. After 10 hours of waiting for a tow truck, he decided to stay at our Inn for the night. We were glad to be able to offer him a room with a warm bed and shower.
My husband finally got the drive and parking area cleared yesterday and wouldn't you know it; it is snowing again.
My car has not left the garage in 5 days and I don't know when it will. There are 3 foot drifts against the door. Our Inn was built in 1920 and the garage is a detached building built sometime later. I recently learned the reason garges were built away from the houses when automobiles were first being bought. People just never knew when those new fangled horseless carriages might decide to blow up and didn't want to burn the house down.
Despite the inconveniences of the snow, it is very beautiful and the perfect weather to snuggle up with your honey in a B&B.
Next week is Valentine's Day. Have you made your plans yet?

Hooray for Hollywood

2011-01-26T08:57:00.000-08:00

The winter months are usually slow for the bed and breakfast industry. Many B&Bs offer special rates for this time of year. What better time to snuggle in a soft featherbed with your sweetie and watch some DVDs than a cold wintery night like we have been having.
There are still lots of activities going on in Tulsa throughout the winter season. The Gilcrease and Philbrook Museums are open Tuesday through Sunday. Jason Aldean is in concert this month at the BOK and Ozzy Osbourne is there in early February. The Tulsa Ballet is performing The Taming of the Shrew and Cirque de Soliel Alegria is coming next month also. All the restaurants are open and serving wonderful meals. Mods Coffee and Crepes really hits the spot with wonderful lattes and warm crepes before or after a downtown event.
I had a four day stretch without guests. The first day I slept in and set around in my pjs until noon. Then I started making plans. All three of our guest rooms had queen size beds. I often would get calls from folks who said they could only sleep in a king size. I can understand that. A few years ago I spent a miserable night trying to sleep out of town in a double bed trapped between a wall on one side and a snoring lump of husband on the other. On the other hand, I felt queen size beds were perfect for cuddling.
I had recently acquired some furniture that included a king size head board. I enlisted the help of my tall, dark, and handsome and single going to be 30 this year oldest son (All you single ladies take note) to help me move everything out of the Hollywood Room. I cleaned the room from top to bottom, taking extra time to shine up the hardwood floors. Then we set up the king size bed. Safety note to all. Do not stand on the metal bed rails while taking them apart. You will fall and get a big bruise where you sit down.
The Hollywood Room is truly fit for a star now. Chocolate velvet curtains and lacy sheers cover the windows that overlook Woodward Park. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling. A faux fur throw lays across the silky bedspread. The room also has a chaise lounge and flat screen TV with DVD player. The attached private bathroom has a deep soaking tub and a stand alone shower with a rainfall showerhead.
Give us a call toll free 1-888-712-9770 to book the Hollywood Room, mention this blog and I will serve you breakfast in bed, no room service charge.

2nd best thing

2011-01-12T11:38:00.001-08:00

The second best thing about being an innkeeper is I work at home. Today there is light snow on the ground and it is cold. No, it is worse than cold. It is f,f,f, freezing. The tempature was 12 with a wind chill of minus 5 this morning. Now that is unusual for Tulsa. Last week it was in the fifties. Working at home, I did not have to get up, dress in at least 3 layers, go out, warm up the car, scrape ice off the windshield, drive across town, park out in the north 40 of a parking lot and race across the frozen tundra to get to work. Nope, all I did was go from my nice warm bedroom to my nice, warm, cozy, smelling like coffee kitchen. I did get dressed, but just one layer.
My kitchen smells like coffee because I got a new coffeepot at a post holiday sale. It is one that you add the coffee beans and water the night before, set it and it grinds and brews the coffee before you get up. The grinding process is pretty loud, though. The first time I heard it, I thought a jet plane was taking off somewhere nearby. Thank goodness the guest rooms are all upstairs and it doesn't disturb them.
We have guests here this week from up state New York. They say it's not that cold out today. Well, I'm a Southern gal and I prefer the heat and humidity any ole time. I probably won't leave the house until it gets above freezing or I run out of Diet Coke, whichever comes first. Maybe I can talk my husband into stopping for the Coke. He works outside our Tulsa bed and breakfast as an accountant.
Were you wondering what the number one best thing about being an innkeeper is? It is you and all the other wonderful people I get to meet. Come by and stay awhile, 'cause I am NOT going out there.

Bird watching at the B&B

2011-01-06T13:09:00.000-08:00

This cute little guy is called a yellow rumped warbler. I saw him first last year in February and he has returned to the birdfeeder right outside my kitchen again this year. He is only 4 inches tall and not shy. The weather is 50 degrees today but an artic blast is predicted for next week. He may be on his way to Mexico by then.
We are blessed to have an abundance of birdlife here at our Tulsa bed and breakfast. Right now I see starlings, mournig doves, cardinals, sparrows and a downy woodpecker at the feeders. This morning I saw some juncos and a wren. We have robins, mockingbirds and blue jays in the neighborhood also. Occasionally, a bigger woodpecker, the red bellied woodpecker would visit. Last year my neighborhood had to cut down a big old dead tree and I think that it where that woodpecker lived. I have not seen that bird recently and I miss him. The red tailed hawk from the song "Oklahoma" can be seen flying overheard once in a while. They are more common around open fields. This time of year we start to see the Bald Eagle around the Arkansas River, just two miles from here. They like to fish in the waters coming off the Keystone Dam.
I keep my copy of the book "The Backyard Bird-Lover's Guide" and a pair of binoculars upstairs in the sunroom so guests can enjoy watching and identifying our littlest visitors, too. I would love for you to come for a visit and perhaps you might spy a new bird while you are here.

New Year Resolutions

2010-12-28T07:02:00.001-08:00

Every year, like hundreds of others, I make a resolution to lose weight. I often succeed, but somehow that weight always finds me again. Of course, cooking scrumptious breakfasts every morning at our Tulsa bed and breakfast doesn't help. If there is a biscuit or two left over, I have to eat it. We can't waste food now, can we? There are starving children in Africa.
This year make a resolution that you will enjoy. Make the resolution to slow down, enjoy life and spend more time with the ones you love. A great way to spend some quality time with a loved one is to book a couple of nights at a B&B. Whether it is your spouse, your sister, your mother, your daughter or your best friend; there are many activites near the Inn at Woodward Park for you to enjoy. Shopping and restaurants are within walking distance; as well as two museums. The Philbrook Museum is renowned for it's beautiful gardens and art. The Tulsa Historical Museum has great history about the oil discovery days. It also has changing exhibits all the time. Right now there is a great exhibit about Tulsa in the 40s and some interesting artwork about the Tulsa Race Riot. The lovely Woodward Park is right across the street. With 40 acres of azaelas, redbud trees, dogwoods, roses, iris and squirrels; there is always something wonderful to see. Downtown Tulsa is just a few minutes away. Tulsa has the ballet, operas, musicals, concerts and festivals going on all the time. Of couse, just chilling out at the B&B is always an option. Watch a DVD in your room while snacking off a fruit and cheese tray or play a game of Scrabble or Yahtzee in the sunroom. We also have a certified, licensed massage therapist who can give you a hot stone massage right here at the Inn. So make that resolution and that reservation today.

To all a good night

2010-12-23T06:34:00.000-08:00

Our goal at the Inn at Woodward Park is to provide each guest with a good night's experience. It starts at check-in. I give each guest a quick tour starting with the parlor pictured here. The parlor is open to guests except when our wonderful massage therapist, Cady Pryse, is giving one of her relaxing massages. The hot stone massage is heavenly.The parlor has a reading nook, a seating group centered around the fireplace and a pub table. Once a group of women on a girl's getaway sat in the parlor knitting, drinking wine and laughing till past their bedtime!
Breakfast is served in the dining room off the parlor. I am flexible about serving hours and ask the night before what time to have breakfast hot and ready.
Upstairs is another common area. I call it the sunroom. It is a favorite of guests. Windows are on 3 walls allowing lots of natural light into the room and beautiful views out each. Business travelers like to sit in this room with their laptops. Wi fi is available throughout the Inn, and outside on the covered side porch. The sunroom is furnished with vintage rattan furniture covered with bright colored fabric with monkeys on it. Guest also enjoy playing games on the two tables in this room. One family here for a wedding had a mahjong tournament going on between festivites. Jigsaw puzzles have been put together over family reunion weekends.
Each guestroom provides a relaxing night. Each bed has thick featherbed toppers and 4 pillows and feels like sleeping on a cloud. The Moroccan room has the Jacuzzi tub, where a couple can relax together before climbing in the bed and pulling the sheers closed around them. The Hollywood room has a deep tub that can be filled to the top with luxurious bubbles. A perfect place to soak away the stresses of the day before retiring to a bed covered with silk and faux fur. The Jazz room is a cozy place that will make you feel like you are back at Grandma's house.
I would like to invite you to our Tulsa bed and breakfast and experience your good night.

Celebrate

2010-12-15T06:16:00.000-08:00

A Jew, a lesbian and a Baptist minister walk into the dining room. What sounds like the first line of a joke is a typical morning at our Tulsa bed and breakfast. I used to worry when I had a diverse group sitting down together at the table. I thought there would be akwardness or stoney silences. Now I have more faith in the goodness of human nature. Somehow, over a plate piled high with pancakes, people reach out to one another to share smiles, stories and laughter. Common ground is always found. It may be children, or parents, or pets, or sports. The most lively discussions, however, involve our differences. Think about it. Wouldn't it be a boring world if we were all exactly alike? Guests at the Inn at Woodward Park have come from all over the world and every state in the nation. Some of my favorite breakfast memories have been trying to convince the young man from London to eat biscuits and gravy, the Yiddish lesson from the Al Pacino look alike from Manhattan, the young lady from New Zealand calling herself a kiwi girl, the Canadians teasing us about freaking out over 6 inches of snow and many more. Breakfast at a B&B is always an experience and not just for the good food. This holiday season embrace your traditions, celebrate our differences and practice goodwill towards men. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannakah or Kwanzaa, I wish you peace, love and yummy breakfasts.

Tulsa Ballet presents the Nutcracker

2010-12-08T06:55:00.000-08:00

The Nutcracker presented by the Tulsa Ballet runs from December 11 through the 23rd this year. This exciting Broadway production is great for the whole family. I took my boys, now in their late twenties, when they were in grade school. I thought they would get bored, but they were mesmerized and sat still in their seats for the whole thing. Now when they or I hear the haunting melodies from the Nutcracker it brings back wonderful memories.
This year's performance sounds spectacular with difficult choreography and stunning visuals with a nod to Tulsa's Art Deco heritage. 120 local children and dance students will play mice, toy soldiers and children at a party. The story is set in 1920 Paris and soloist Soo Youn Cho is making her debut in the lead role. One of the ballerina's in the 2nd company has parents that stay at our Tulsa bed and breakfast for all her performances.
An evening spent at the Tulsa PAC for the Nutcracker and the night spent at the Inn at Woodward Park with breakfast in bed the next morning would be a magical early Christmas gift.

O Christmas Tree

2010-12-02T14:35:00.001-08:00

The Philbrook Museum of Art has it's Festival of Trees exhibit open now through December 12th. The museum is located 8 blocks south of our Tulsa bed and breakfast. The Philbrook is mentioned in the book "1001 Places to See Before You Die" and is a treat in itself. Built in 1926, this Italian Renaissance villa was built for the Waite Phillips family of the Phillips 66 oil company. It was donated to the city of Tulsa in 1938.
The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the museum featuring over 100 one-of-a-kind trees decorated by local designers, students and other groups. The themes are everything from recycling to Lady GaGa. That I have to see. There are also gingerbread houses decorated by youth groups such as scouts.
If the gingerbread houses make you hungry, the LaVilla Restaurant in the museum is open for lunch. The beautiful gardens are lit for the holidays and Santa is stopping by on weekends for pictures.
The Philbrook is closed on Mondays, open the rest of the week 10-5, until 8 on Thursdays. General admission is $7.50 less for seniors and students. The Festival of Trees is an additional $8.50. Saturday, December the 12th is free Saturday, no admission fee.
Take a break from shopping, grab your favorite person and go take a look. It is a one-of-a kind experience.

The B&B Cats

2010-11-23T10:27:00.000-08:00

We have two cats here at our Tulsa bed and breakfast. Pictured is Holly. She showed up as a stray weighing 4 pounds and nearly bald. Of course, I had to feed her and now she is a fat and happy. In fact, she has a little eating disorder. If there is no food in her bowl, she starts pulling her hair out. The vet suggested putting her on an antianxiety medication, but I opted on no kitty Xanax.

You may or may not see Holly on your visit to the Inn at Woodward Park. She is a little shy.

Not so with our other cat, Miss Kitty, the queen of the cats. Miss Kitty feels that everyone that enters the Inn wants to see her. She runs to the door whenever anyone new arrives and sits there waiting for her royal subjects to pet her. Miss Kitty is a silky Maine Coon that we adopted from the shelter a few years before we opened.

I realize some folks don't care for cats and some people are allergic. I do state that we have pets on the premesis on our website. We have hardwood floors and I vacumn and dust daily. The cats and guests are told the cats are not allowed in the guestrooms. I regret that we miss some business because of the cats, but I don't want anyone to be miserable during their stay.

Most people love having the cats around. They say they have cats and our pets make them feel more at home. Guest leave comments in the journals for the cats, take their pictures and one guest even drew Miss Kitty's portrait.

So come see us. Miss Kitty is waiting for you.

The perfect gift

2010-11-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

It is the week before Thanksgiving and some people have all their holiday gifts bought, wrapped and hidden away. Well, I am not one of those people.

If you are not one of those people either, book a stay at the Inn at Woodward Park and get a start on that holiday shopping at one of the many shopping areas in Midtown Tulsa.

The closest and most chic shopping area is Utica Square. Located less than two blocks away you could walk there. But then again, you might need a vehicle to haul all your great finds back to our Tulsa bed and breakfast. Utica Square has over 50 shops, some are well known names and some are unique locally owned shops. Clothing stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Chicos, Gap, Ann Taylor, A Pea in a Pod, Miss Jackson's and many, many more. There are jewerly stores, kitchen stores, furniture stores, candy stores, a pipe shop and on and on. If you get hungry with all that shopping, there are many dining options. Queenies offers great sandwiches, the egg salad is legendary. Wild Fork and the Stone Horse Cafe are two other locally owned wonderful restaurants. The chains are well represented with P F Changs and the Olive Garden.

I keep a well stocked supply of gift wrap, ribbons and bows for guests to use. It is great fun to sit at the dining room table with friends while wrapping the perfect gift, sipping on hot tea or cocoa and nibbling on cookies.

Brookside and Cherry Street are just blocks away and also offer some unique, one of a kind, shopping experiences. Tulsa has several malls if you prefer that. Make your reservation today and I will happily supply you with a map of Tulsa with all the shopping areas circled in red.

Oh, and the absolute perfect gift, a gift certificate to the Inn at Woodward Park, of course.

Have you always dreaming of owning a B&B

2010-11-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

This is a question I hear often from guests. I have to answer, "No, it was the house's idea."
My husband and I stumbled across this property when we were hunting for investment real estate. We were intrigued by the low cost per square foot for a house in this historic neighborhood. We made an appointment with a realtor who met us there but set in her car as we toured the place.
It was a dreary winter day and inside it was even worse. The first floor windows were boarded up, the walls were cracked. The second floor had ivy growing in the windows and squirrel's nests in the corners. There was no way I was going in the basement.
My husband and I didn't have much to say to each other as we make our way through, but the house was whispering in my ear. I turned to my husband and said, "This would make a great bed and breakfast!' He looked at me as if I had lost my mind and said, "We are not buying this place."
I dropped the subject and we left. Three months later I saw the house advertised as a tear down. I couldn't bear the thought and convinced my husband to go back for another look. I had been thinking of changing careers after 30 years in the health care field and this seemed like the perfect opportunity.
A different realtor was there, very nice woman that would become our neighbor. The boards had been removed from the windows and the dirty carpet pulled up to reveal hardwood floors. As we toured the house this time, I was excitedly sharing suggestions with my husband of all the things we could do to make it a successful B&B.
The clincher was when we stood on the front lawn gazing across the street at Woodward Park just starting to bloom out in all it's spring glory. My husband turned to me and said "Let's do it."
Today the house has been transformed from a sad, neglected dump to a happy, loved home filled with people and fun.
And sometimes I hear the house whisper, "Thank you."

Downtown Tulsa on an Autumn afternoon

2010-11-05T12:19:00.000-07:00

I just spent a couples of hours in downtown Tulsa this afternoon. It is only a 6 minute drive from our Tulsa bed and breakfast. My first stop was Mod's coffee and crepes for just that. I sat at one of the outside cafe tables located at 507 S. Boston while enjoying a pumpkin pie crepe filled with pumpkin, pecans, graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream. I sipped a freshly brewed cup of peaberry coffee and did some people watching. I then took a stroll around the surrounding blocks being careful not to step off the curb because I was looking up to see the beautiful art deco architecture. I wandered over to the Mayo Hotel to peek in at the lobby. It was gorgeous with marble walls and gigantical chandeliers. I felt as if I were in Paris what with people watching, crepes and that lobby.
Back to my car to make sure I hadn't gone over my 75 cents for an hour and a half parking meter and drove a few blocks to Dwelling Spaces. Located at 119 S. Detroit, Dwelling Spaces is everything Okie, from T shirts to local art to greeting cards to Christmas ornaments. If you need a Tulsa souvenir, this is the place to go. I was after a long sleeve T shirt now that the weather has cooled off. It was a hard decision between the big foot sighting and the blue whale.
Next time you are in Tulsa, stay at the Inn at Woodward Park and go explore downtown Tulsa.

Something wicked this way comes

2010-11-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

Wicked, the musical is returning to Tulsa at the Performing Arts Center located at 3rd and Cincinnati, a short 6 minute drive from this Tulsa bed & breakfast. The dates for this performance are November 17th through the 28th.

Wicked was here last year and we had several guests and friends who attended. Everyone raves about it. I didn't see it before. I am going this time for sure. The Inn has some rooms available for some of the dates. You may check availability on our website www.innatwoodwardpark.com

Tickets to a musical, a delicious dinner downtown, a night at a B&B with breakfast in bed the next morning. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?

If country music is more your thing, that cutie Brad Paisley will be playing at the BOK event center downtown Saturday November the 20th. The next day, Sunday, the 21st is the Route 66 marathon. The runners go through Woodward Park and we watch them from our front yard. The Tulsa Run was last weekend and thousands of runners went right in front of the Inn. Not a runner myself (unless something that bites or stings is chasing me) but I certainly admire them.

I'm more into eating and Thanksgiving is coming up. I have already ordered my free range turkey from the organic food co-op that I belong to. Although I only fix breakfast for my guests, I will be glad to share left overs.

A couple of years ago, we had a couple here from South Africa during the Thanksgiving holiday. They had never expereniced the holiday before and really enjoyed it. The Inn was filled with good smells and family and guests and laughter that day. Well, that is everyday but turned up a couple of notches on Thanksgiving.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with good smells, family, friends and laughter from the Inn at Woodward Park.

You can check in but...

2010-10-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought I was going to sing the Hotel California song didn't you? No instead I would like to talk about B&B check in times.
Time management for innkeepers can be very challenging. Most of us have little to no staff and have to fit all our jobs into a long day. Having a set check in time window and guests that respect that can help tremendously.
Here at the Inn at Woodward Park check in is 3pm to 7pm. Check out is 11am. I have had guests show up at noon wanting to check in. I understand they are excited to stay at the B&B and want to have as much time as possible here; but there is no way I am going to have the room ready by then.
I have had guests wanting to check in late at night and suggest I just leave a key outside for them. I want to welcome each and every guest to the Inn, give them a quick tour, show them where they can get coffee and water and DVDs. I also like to give a quick orientation of the room, closets, thermostat, outlets, safety lights, etc. then I get out of their hair and let them enjoy themselves.
I am always happy to see you when you get here, happier if it is between 3-7.

Breakfast at the B&B

2010-10-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

What's for breakfast? This particular morning a couple is having breakfast in bed, one wanted waffles and one wanted french toast.
Not all breakfasts are the same at all B&Bs. Some give you a choice and some have a set menu. One B&B may do a sit down three course candlelit breakfast and the next may have a continental spread set out as a buffet.
To avoid disappointment or surprises, I would suggest you ask when you make your reservation.
I try to accommodate every one's preferences. If I have just one couple and that want different things, I can do that. If I have a full house and everyone is eating at the same time, then it will probably be all the same meal. Of course, I make exceptions for special dietary needs such as gluten-free, diabetic, vegetarian or any allergies.
Some folks want to eat in the privacy of their rooms, but personally, I feel people enjoy the B&B experience more if they all eat at the breakfast table together. The most lively, fun and interesting conversations happen when you get people together from different places. It is amazing how people find a common ground to relate to each other.
It is fun to see how people react to food they are not familiar with. I have had a woman from Japan that would eat anything I put in front of her. She did not recognize sausage patties as she had only had sausage links. Another time I had a gentleman from London who would not touch the biscuits and gravy. It takes all kinds and I respect every one's food choices; but he sure missed out on a delicious southern treat.
So stealing a line from Paula Deen (and I use several of her recipes, too) Best Dishes, y'all.

Elton John at Tulsa BOK Center

2010-10-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

From Elton John to Larry the Cable Guy, from Oklahoma's own Carrie Underwood to Lady GaGa; the BOK Event Center has it covered in the upcoming months.
The BOK Event Center at 3rd and Denver in downtown Tulsa is a 6 minute drive from the Inn at Woodward Park. A trolley can be taken from the nearby Cherry Street District if one didn't want to bother with parking downtown. Although, there is plenty of parking and other things to see and do downtown.
But let me tell you of some of the great acts coming to Tulsa. We'll start with Carrie this Sunday night, October 10th, Maroon 5, Oct. 19th, Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy, Oct 23, Elton John and Tulsa native Leon Russell, November 12, Brad Paisley, Nov 20, the Trans Siberian Orchestra Dec 16 and Lady GaGa April 4th, 2011. Wow, what a list.
I saw Elton John right here in Tulsa back in the late 70s. We were both a lot younger then, but it was one of the most entertaining and memorable concerts I have ever been to. Sir Elton made several costume changes, once coming out on stage in a Donald Duck suit. And when he played Saturday Nights all right for fighting and kicked the piano bench off the stage; the crowd went wild, it was great!
I hope you can make it to one of these great concerts, enjoy our beautiful downtown and perhaps stay at the Inn. Some dates we are already sold out. For reservations visit www.innatwoodwardpark.com

Going Green

2010-09-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Green Travel is a fast growing trend in the tourism industry and I am proud to say I just recieved my ECO certification from the Oklahoma Department of Enviromental Quality. But I didn't start out that way when I opened my B&B 6 years ago.

Like most I ordered amenity sized soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc. from an online vendor and went to the local warehouse club to buy a case of 5000 sugar packets. I wanted to do things by the book, you know, the way things had always been done.

I had been going to the local Farmer's Market and buying things for my own personal use. One day I was visiting with Linda, the owner of Hilltop Honeyand a beekeeper. Linda makes soaps and lotions from her honey, olive oil and other organic products. I mentioned I wished she had amenity sizes I could use in my B&B. "Honey" She exclaimed. (She calls everyone Honey, isn't that cute?) I can do that!" Thus began a friendship and my quest to use local products.

I think Natural Farms was my next step. I joined their weekly food co-op. I get a bag of orgainc locally raised meat, a produce bag and the rise n shine bag. The rise n shine always includes local eggs, orgainc milk, a grain product which could be a cereal or bread and locally made jams, etc. The produce bag is always a surprise and includes 3 recipes using some of the in season produce for that week. I have learned to use vegatables I would normally not use. It is like an adventure every week.

You, too, can start small by making little changes and exploring your community for local products. It is fun, you make new friends and you are doing a good thing for you planet.

Tulsa State Fair

2010-09-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Tulsa State Fair starts on Thursday, Sept. 30th and runs until Sunday Oct. 10th. The Tulsa Fairgrounds are located only 3 miles from the Inn at Woodward Park. Any fairgoing guests will be fed a nutritious breakfast of local eggs and produce before heading out for a fun filled day or evening of fried anything you can think of on a stick.
The midway is great for people watching, game playing and all the thrilling rides. Don't miss all the great booths inside the buildings. The weather should be perfect, too.
Make your reservations now at www.innatwoodwardpark.com and experience this once a year event.

Babymoon

2009-12-03T08:37:00.000-08:00

You may be wondering what the heck is a babymoon? Well, here at our Tulsa bed and breakfast, Inn at Woodward Park; we offer the mother-to-be a unique experience. A babymoon is a time for the expectant parents to have a special time for just the two of them before the special delivery. Book a night or weekend with the babymoon package. This includes a soft comfortable bed with special pillows, a deep tub to take a relaxing bath in, a prenatal massage, plenty of DVDs to watch and breakfast in bed. Lots of pampering and relaxation is just what every pregnant woman needs.

Winterfest in Tulsa

2009-11-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

Arvest Winterfest starts Friday with a 60 by 150 foot outdoor ice skating rink in front of the BOK Center which is 6 minutes from our Tulsa bed and breakfast. The ice rink is flanked by a warming tent at one end for spectators to watch skaters in climate-controlled comfort. Live entertainment is slated for Fridays and Saturdays on the ONEOK Stage. There will be concessions like gingerbread lattes, eggnog, apple cider and polish sausage. Old-fashioned horse and carriage rides through the streets of downtown are also available.
Wouldn't it be fun to take a carriage ride downtown to admire the cool art deco buildings. Then try your luck at ice skating. Reserve the Moroccan Room here at the Inn at Woodward Park so you can come back to soak your sore muscles in the Jacuzzi Tub for two.

Lights On Thanksgiving Night

2009-11-19T15:20:00.000-08:00

Two Lights On events occur on Thanksgiving night both within 2 blocks of our Tulsa bed and breakfast, Inn at Woodward Park.
This picture is of Utica Square Shopping Center that has been doing this event for over 40 years. There will be refreshments, caroling, you can do some shopping and, of course, Santa Claus. I have a precious picture of my two sons and a nephew taken there on Santa's knee 25 years ago when they were 3 and 2.
The lights will be turned on at Swan Lake the same evening. You could stay here at the Inn at Woodward Park that night and walk off some of Thanksgiving dinner by visiting both. Then get up early the next morning, have some muffins and hit the stores for Black Friday specials.
From Thanksgiving until Christmas I provide wrapping paper and bows for guests to wrap gifts purchased at any of the nearby shopping areas. Just gather at the dining room table with hot cocoa, tea or cider, some cookies, listen to holiday music and wrap those gifts. Bring your girlfriends, rent the whole Inn and shop till you drop.

Tulsa BOK Center Events

2009-11-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

The Tulsa BOK Center is a 7 minute drive from the Inn at Woodward Park. Guest also have the option of walking 6 blocks to Cherry Street to catch a trolly that drops them off at the door to the BOK Center.

TheBOK Center was recently named as No. 5 in ticket sales in the nation. We get really great concerts such as the cutie patootie Jon Bon Jovi coming April 13th, 2010. Tickets go on sale soon. Other upcoming concerts are Kiss, Daughtry, Fireflight, Tim McGraw, George Strait and Reba McIntire.

Other events at theBOK Center include Tulsa Oilers Hockey, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and the Harlem Globetrotters.

Gentlemen, I am here to tell you your sweetheart would love tickets to a concert and a night at the Inn at Woodward Park as a Holiday, birthday or anniversary gift.

Choosing a bed and breakfast theme

2009-10-19T11:42:00.001-07:00

Oklahoma bed and breakfast inns come in all sizes and themes. You can stay in a Victorian Inn, a country cottage, a rustic lodge or even a Native American teepee.
For our Tulsa B&B, we decided on the roaring twenties. The house was built in 1920 and that is when Tulsa was in it's oil boom heyday.
We have three guest rooms at this Tulsa bed and breakfast, each with a private bath. Pictured here is the Jazz Room. This room is cozy and comfortable with a queen size bed, warm welcoming colors and even a tuba.
Our other two rooms are the Hollywood Room and the Moroccan Room. The Hollywood Room harkens back to the days of the silver screen. The Moroccan Room is reminisent of when wealthy Americans would visit the Orient and bring back exotic mementoes.
Travel to Tulsa and travel back in time while spending a night or two here at the Inn at Woodward Park.

Risky Business

2009-10-13T06:56:00.000-07:00

A recent survey by Professional Association of Innkeepers International asked people who had never visited a B&B why they had not. One reason given was they didn't know what they would get.

If you are visiting Oklahoma, check out the Oklahoma Bed & Breakfast Association website http://www.okbba.com/. All member inns are inspected assuring you a comfortable, clean and safe stay. Most Inns have a website where you can view rooms. Also check online reviews at bedandbreakfast.com or Tripadvisor. Innkeepers are emotionally invested in their properties and really care that the guests enjoy their stay.

Beds are usually the most comfortable around. This is the bed in the Moroccan Room here at the Inn at Woodward Park. All beds have a featherbed topper on top of the mattress. These featherbed toppers are 2 inches of goose feathers topped with 1/2 inch of down. We use 600 count Egpytian cotton sheets. It is like sleeping on a cloud. I provide 4 pillows, 2 soft down filled and 2 firm fiberfilled.

Come visit this Tulsa bed and breakfast and sleep like a baby.

What to wear to the theater.

2009-10-08T14:29:00.001-07:00

The Tulsa Performing Arts center, home to the Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Symphony Orchestra and Celebrity Attractions is an easy 6 minute drive from this front door of the Inn at Woodward Park, a Tulsa bed and breakfast. We have many guests stay with us when attending a theater attraction, an opera or ballet.
Have you ever wondered what to wear to such an event? According to the director of marketing for the PAC there is no dress code. Live theater has become a more casual affair that it was 50 years ago. Opening night performances tend to see the more fromal attire such as jackets and ties and cocktail dresses. But even jeans are acceptable, maybe with a sports coat. Women can dress up jeans a little with a funky scarf, earrings or a unique, artisty blouse.
Some upcoming events are "Lucia di Lammermoor" with Oklahoman Sarah Coburn on the Tulsa Opera Stage. Celebrity Attractions has some great musicals coming up. The Little House on the Prarie with Melissa Gilbert as Ma and Legally Blonde. I wonder if the chihuahua will sing?
Come stay with us at the Inn at Woodward Park, bring your comfortable clothes and get cultured.

Fall at the Inn at Woodward Park B&B

2009-10-05T14:56:00.000-07:00

Fall is a great time to visit this Tulsa Bed and Breakfast. Directly across the street in the 40 acre Woodward Park. A walk through the park is delightful with the trees turning red and gold. Located within the park is the Tulsa Rose Garden. There are some roses getting their last bloom on. The Linneaus teaching garden is open from 10-4 with volunteers ready to answer your questions about the many native plants displayed there. There are 2 1920s mansion on the grounds, the Tulsa Garden Center and the Tulsa Historical Society Musuem to explore.

Located 2 blocks to the east is Utica Square Shopping Center with many unique shopping and dining options. 6 blocks north of this Tulsa B&B is the Cherry Street District with more shopping and resturants.

One mile west is the Arkansas River where you may jog, rollerblade, rent a bike or just take a leisurely walk on the Riverparks jogging and bike trails. Oktoberfest, October 15-18, is on the west bank of the river, a 5 minute drive from this Oklahoma bed and breakfast. Beer, bratwurst and doing the chicken dance is always a good time!

Come visit us this fall, take a walk in the crisp, cool air and enjoy the beauty of the changing season.