Longview Lake Tulsa, OK

As Tulsa grew in the early 1900s, it expanded eastward into the Utica Square area. Originally considered by city planners as "far out in the country," the neighborhood now forms the edge of Downtown Tulsa.

Many of the homes still in the area provide exquisite examples of Art Deco, Italianate and classically molded stonework. Philbrook, once the home of oilman Waite Phillips, houses one of only five museums in the United States to combine historical residence, art museum and gardens. Philbrook hosts classes and events for all ages to encourage interest in the arts for Tulsans.

Driving through the neighborhoods in Utica Square, beautiful, historical homes sit alongside other examples of architecture periods. Frank Lloyd Wright's influence remains visible, as do examples of Craftsman bungalows and Tudor mansions, an art, photography or architect student's dream. The homes in the area stand as silent testaments to Tulsa's oil boom.

Utica Square balances the trendy and unique with quality chain restaurants. Stonehorse Cafe and Market serves flavorful, scratch-made delicacies for lunch, dinner, Tulsa Tea (served Tuesday through Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) and a Saturday brunch. Homemade ice cream, prime burgers ground in house and arguably the best mussels ever in a land-locked state make Stonehorse Cafe a go-to destination in the neighborhood.

Goldie's Patio Grill, across 21st Street from Utica Square shopping center, offers the perfect, down-home burger and fries, and don't forget to hit the pickle bar. No wonder Goldie's serves as a Tulsa institution, as it features several locations throughout the city. Dine in or order to go, as Goldie's casual setting makes it a great place to drop in for lunch or dinner. Add the chili-cheese fries to your cooked-to-order burger, and enjoy a hearty meal that keeps you coming back for more.

Prefer a high-end steak? Try McGill's for tender, cooked-to-perfection meat and a cozy, romantic setting. McGill's serves more than just a mean steak; try the halibut, mahi-mahi or chef's special, red snapper, and enjoy the surf. Give McGill's a call, place a reservation for two or 20 food-loving friends, and bask in the dark, moody ambiance.

If you crave a nightcap or a neighborhood pub to hang out in, look no further than Cherry Street, the moniker for 15th Street between Peoria and Lewis. Drake's Tavern fits the bill, or drop into Kilkenny's Irish Pub for a pint or a Dublin Apple.

Around Utica Square, you can walk or bike along some sidewalks or streets. Use care, as biking lanes are not marked, and not all streets have sidewalks. Tulsa Transit provides bus transportation to and from the shopping centers and hospitals in the area. Yellow Cab has a visible presence, and Uber remains available to residents in the neighborhood. Public parking proves to be free curbside in the neighborhoods, at the parks, hospital and for area shopping. Some office and professional buildings have meter-based parking along the major streets.

With access to OK 51 nearby, you can easily maneuver from one side of Tulsa to the other or out to eastern suburbs. Likewise, suburbs to the north, west and south can be reached via US 75; travel west through Downtown Tulsa to reach the interstate.

Woodward Park, located at 21st and Peoria, has 45 acres of wooded walking trails, natural streams and waterfalls, and a footbridge. A favorite among photographers for wedding portraits and senior pictures, Woodward Park also acts as home to the Tulsa Garden Center and the Municipal Rose Garden. Impish statues and bronze sculptures cavort in the rock garden, while seasonal flowers bloom; the azaleas flame with vibrant color from mid-March to mid-April.

Be sure to visit the park for its annual Easter Egg Hunt or other events throughout the year, including the Renaissance Faire. Woodward Park landscapers host classes and seminars to help would-be Tulsa gardeners a glimpse into their skills and secrets. All Tulsa Parks offer free entry, and while nature remains the star at Woodward Park, a swing set beckons small children and young-at-heart visitors.

Utica Square has a higher cost of living than the Tulsa average. Expect rent rates for a one-bedroom apartment to start around $497 per month. Local gas prices often fall well below the national average, by 20 percent or more. A single-day unlimited EZ Ride Pass is available for travel in Tulsa for less than $5. Bus routes remain available throughout the city from Monday through Saturday. Nearby bars, in the popular Cherry Street area, have pricier costs than other parts of the city, with a beer starting at $6 on tap.

Utica Square Shopping Center offers the premier shopping destination for upscale department stores and boutiques. Tulsa's only Saks 5th Avenue, Banana Republic and Chico's call Utica Square home. Looking for snazzy home decorating ideas or the perfect kitchen gadget? Try Pottery Barn or Williams Sonoma, spots that also prove to be only available in Utica Square.

Utica Square Shopping Center consists of a town center design, short interior streets and custom facades for the shops. The shop windows offer the only true "window shopping" destination in Tulsa. The many outdoor benches and cafes make people-watching a popular diversion.

During late spring and summer, farmers markets can be found just down the road north on Cherry Street or in Brookside at 41st and Peoria.