Our Travels

Posts on our travels, including episodes and specials

Gift Guide: Blue 7

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November 13, 2011
by Dennis Spielman in


Next up on the gift Gift Guide series is the ever-so-famous Blue 7 (7518 N. May Ave, Oklahoma City). If you’ve never been to Blue 7 before, they carry an eclectic blend of clothing, gifts, jewelry and home furnishings. Save yourself some money by bringing your Keep It Local OK card for a 10% discount (excluding local artist items).

Oklahoma Shirts – $25


For family that lives out of state, consider the Someone in Oklahoma Loves Me shirt. Let him/her know that someone in Oklahoma loves them. Blue 7 has a wall full of Oklahoma themed shirts.

TOMS – Around $55


Multi-gift giving with TOMS! With every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shows to a child in need.

iPad Cases – Around $35


With iPads being a popular gift, get that made in China iPad owner a made in Oklahoma case.

Lomography Cameras – Around $90


From lomography.com, a “Lomograph holds a charm all of its own. Somehow, everything is amplified, making ordinary objects stand out, enhancing details that would normally go unnoticed. Characterised by ever-changing variables such as the mysterious vignettes that frame the shot, light leaks, lo-fi grain, beautiful blurs, the magical balance of contrast and saturation – just to name a few.”

Note: All prices and item availability are subject to change. Be sure to visit Blue 7 yourself for these and many other great gifts, such as the ones I’ve snapped below.

Gift Guide: Route 66

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November 11, 2011
by Dennis Spielman in

Throughout November and December, I’m writing a series of gift guides from local businesses. The first comes from Route 66 (5000 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City just inside 50 Penn Place Mall). Shop owner, Jeanette Koenig, shared her favorite gift ideas with me. Bonus Tip: Route 66 also does amazing gift wrapping for you.

Oklahoma License Plate Photo Album $25


These photo albums recycle old Oklahoma license plates (the older metal style plates, not the cheap plastic ones we have now). A fun and creative way to share memories, crazy adventures, and your favorite cat pictures.

Graffiti Bridge Jewelry $30 – $50


Local artist, Randy Powers, has been making art from the bridge’s rubble since it came down. Jeanette has been carrying Powers’ hand-crafted jewelry since 1991. NewsOK did this in-depth story on the “colorful” history of the bridge. (Word play!)

On The Rocks $20 – $38


Keep drinks cold without having to worry about the melting ice change the drink. Take that ice! You’re so last year.

Jewelry by Becky Bayleff $40 – $400


High-end designer jewelry by Oklahoman artist, Becky Bayleff, for someone really special.

Designs with Light $45


These hand-made night lights were crafted with care by Lella Luz in her Seattle studio. Go Seattle! These lights sure to brighten someone’s night. ;) Lights come with a design card and a beautiful box. Jeanette’s even convinced people that were on the edge about buying these just by showing off the box.

Raku Rattles $24 – $26


Shake away the negativity in life and shake in the positive with these Raku Rattles. Just be cautious as to who receives these rattles.

The Johnny Appie Feeder $24


Made in Oklahoma, you can feed a wide variety of fruit-eating birds with this easy to use feeder. just spiral the fruit onto the “corkscrew” using slight pressure, then slice off part of the feel to allow birds access to the pulp. Many birds feed heavily during nesting months are apples are their favorite. Orioles love oranges. During winter months, Cardinals love to feed on pomegranates cut in life. Even hard dinner rolls can be used to feed other birds.

Vinyl Clock $34


Tick-tock! The rock is rocking around the clock? Yeah, let’s go with that one.

Note: All prices and item availability are subject to change. Visit Route 66 yourself for these and many other great gifts.

More Scares

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October 13, 2011
by Dennis Spielman in


New video today! I briefly speak with some “survivors” of the Terror on 10th Street Haunted House in Oklahoma City.

The Halloween Guide with updated information on the Bricktown Haunted Warehouse, a new listing on the Trail of Terror, and of course pictures and video from the visit to Terror on 10th Street.

Pinkitzel Video

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September 15, 2011
by Dennis Spielman in


Uncovering Oklahoma’s first HD video is sweet! I’ve been wanting to do this show in HD for a years and now my first HD video is online. For the latest video, I interviewed Cher Casso of the fairy tale inspired candy shop, Pinkitzel. Watch the HD video to find what treats Pinkitzel offers, what makes the shop special, and the meaning of Pinkitzel’s name. More information and pictures can be found on the Pinkitzel page.

Later today I will be out filming again in HD (did I mention the show is in HD now?) a daring activity that you won’t believe Oklahoma offers.

I’ll also be working on my massive Halloween guide for this year, so expect that soon.

LIVE on the Plaza video is live!

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September 5, 2011
by Dennis Spielman in


Brand New Video!

LIVE on the Plaza is a monthly art walk event, held on the second friday of every month (hey, that’s this week!), which promotes emerging artistic talent in Oklahoma City. Plaza District businesses open their doors with monthly visual artists, performing artists and live musicians. Many special events also take place during LIVE on the Plaza, such as Lyric Theater performances, CD releases, private parties, holiday retail events and so much more. LIVE on the Plaza provides the community an opportunity to view emerging talent each month, as well as socialize with a diverse mix of artists, professionals, neighborhood residents and families.

In our video I speak with Plaza District Association’s Executive Director, Kristen Vails, along with Shannon Primeau of Everything Goes Dance Studio, Nathan Lawson of Gallery 1612, Lindsay Zodrow of Collected Thread, Jonathan Fowler of Fowler Volkswagen, Dylan Bradway of DNA Galleries, and Jason Duncan of Cafe Evoke.

This month’s LIVE is happening Friday, September 9. Here’s a quick peek of what to expect:

DNAgalleries: exhibiting works by Swiss artist Mizzo
Convergence: From 6 to 8: kids self portrait At 9 Porch Mice will be playing; a country/folk group that is a local favorite.
Collected Thread: Third year anniversary!!! T-shirt and tote giveaways printed by Tree & Leaf, gift baskets, goodies and cupcakes from Cuppies and Joe. Plus this party will continue all weekend!
Lyric Theatre: FREE Improv Workshop with Brenda Williams from 7:30 to 8:30
No Regrets Tattoo: Live music by Tastebuds
The Society: The studios will be open with art by Jerrod Smith, Phillip Danner, Tommy Poole, and Joe Garcia
Matt Joseff Studio: Showing of a music video by Cornelius, public art wall on display and SoonerCon
Bad Granny’s Bazaar: accoustic performance by Ronnie Jay Wheeler with Jack Ardis. Also big bargains and discounts throughout store
Midwest Media & Marketing @1614: exhibiting works by Dylan Bradway

Open Houses: Chaparney, Curiouser & Curiouser, RetroOKC, Gallery 1612, Paula & Co, PhotoArt Studios, Lyric Theatre, Saints Restaurant/Pub, Warpaint Clothing Co and Velvet Monkey Salon Monkey Shines, Wildflower and
URBAN WINEWORKS.

The big event this month is the celebration of Collected Thread turning 3! Since 2008 when Collected Thread opened its doors by owner Lindsay Zodrow, it has been dedicated to not only make Collected Thread thrive, but also to make the entire Plaza district and local artists.

“Just like the artists we wanted to promote, the Plaza District had not yet become established back in 2008—so there was a great opportunity to create something entirely new,” Zodrow said. “Thanks to the hard work and vision of the Plaza District Association and local entrepreneurs, the district is now lined with restored buildings and unique, energetic, locally owned businesses. Over the next 5 years, I see the district becoming a tourist attraction and something that our city proudly boasts of.”

Zodrow encourages handmade local art and ensures more than 50 percent of her merchandise is handmade locally. Collected Thread carries a wide range of art, clothes for adults, baby clothes, home décor, jewelry and accessories. They also offer creative classes by talented local artists including the owner of Collected Thread, the beautiful Zodrow. Come learn how to blog, make vintage inspired jewelry, improve your photography skills, maybe even learn to knit.

Learn more about Collected Thread from our interview. For pictures and more information on LIVE, visit our LIVE on the Plaza page on Activities and under Entertainment. Then check out LIVE for yourself this Friday.

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