Stevenson - Tulsa, OK

Tulsa continued growing from the oil boom days of the 1920's, and by the 1950's, the city had expanded far enough east and south to create what is now Outer Midtown Tulsa. The core shopping centers, then Southland and Southroads, began the area's future as a destination for shopping. In the 80's and 90's, the area declined as Tulsa pushed farther south. Southroads all but died, but was resurrected in the late 90's and early 2000's. Southland became The Promenade Mall and Southroads gained new retailers and businesses, including an indoor trampoline park, and regained its reputation as a shopping hub in Tulsa.

For art enthusiasts, visit Lovett's Gallery, the oldest fine arts gallery in Oklahoma and host to exhibitions and demonstrations of nearly every genre and medium. Lovett's also provides museum-quality framing, original art for purchase and restoration or appraisal.

Whatever cuisine you'd like, you can find it in Outer Midtown South. From Bodean Seafood Market between Yale and Harvard on 51st to Villa Ravenna in The Farm at 61st and Sheridan, this neighborhood bursts with flavor. Restaurants are sprinkled throughout the area along with small clubs and bars.

Bodean Seafood Market serves fresh fish and seafood that's flown into Tulsa twice daily and served with breads baked daily in house. The menu changes often, so each visit brings a new taste bud adventure. Try the king crab stack for giant crab legs served with fried green tomatoes and roasted corn.

If Italian fine dining speaks to you, Villa Ravenna has some of the best. The restaurant features classic specialties from owner Sergio's home region in Italy. Osso Bucco, a traditional favorite, pairs nicely with fresh pasta. As anyone who has tasted it would advise, try the homemade limoncello — as a drink or in the cake, wow.

Nightlife in Outer Midtown South has a few stars. Market Pub in The Fontana Shopping Center at 51st and Memorial features nightly drink specials and bartenders reminiscent of characters in movies. Country music — with some rock/pop mixed in — and line dancing happens daily at The Caravan Cattle Company, which resides at 41st and Memorial. For two dance clubs in one, try the Haze Nightclub on 46th Street, east of Memorial.

The most common manner of transport around Outer Midtown Tulsa is a personal vehicle, but Tulsa Transit stops many places in the neighborhood. Taxis roam the area, especially the shopping centers, and just click on your smartphone or computer connects you with Uber or Lyft. Parking is free in all area shopping centers. Office buildings, apartments and grocery stores all provide ample parking as well.

Gain easy access to all parts of Tulsa and beyond by the expressways nearby. OK 51 and Interstate 44 intersect in Outer Midtown Tulsa, allowing travel in any direction via highway or access roads running along the highways. Few sidewalks are available in the area and no biking lanes are marked, so use caution when traveling in that manner.

LaFortune Park, one of the city's largest and most varied parks, lies along Yale between 51st and 61st. Spanning 270 acres, LaFortune has something for everyone. Walking and jogging trails, playground equipment, picnic tables and a summer concert series serve the Tulsa community at no charge. Championship golf and swimming are available for reasonable fees. Area baseball, basketball and tennis teams play on the fields scattered throughout the park.

The indoor basketball court hosts Zumba and Jazzercise classes. Recreational activities and summer camps abound during the year. Rent the Community Center for your event or gathering, or dine at the LaFortune Grill or Fairways Restaurant. During summer months, enjoy the Free Friday outdoor concert series.

Outer Midtown South has a lower cost of living than the Tulsa average. A one-bedroom apartment rents for a median rate of $537 a month. A one-day unlimited EZ Ride Pass on Tulsa Transit costs less than $5. Beers at The Market Pub are cheap, usually running less than $5 for both on-tap and bottled brew. Fuel prices in Tulsa generally fall below the national average by at least 20 percent. This allows for less expensive travel in and around the city, so go exploring.

Outer Midtown Tulsa became known as a shopping magnet from its beginning. The nearby Promenade Mall hosts department stores, such as Macy's and Dillard's. More upscale shopping can be found in the neighborhood at the Farm Shopping Center. This charming, tree-lined shopping center resembles a small town's Main Street. See the 90-year-old restored barn that serves as the Farm's landmark. Curb-side parking at each storefront separates this shopping center from others in the neighborhood. Find freshly-baked bread at the Great Harvest Bread Co., and have lunch at Margaret's German Restaurant and Deli.

B-Sew Inn Sewing & Software Center is ideal for those who enjoy creating. Pick up a new sewing machine or attend a quilting class. Fashionistas fill their style needs at The Farm by visiting Abelina's Boutique for ladies' couture or Pinpoint Resource for men's custom shirts.

Gather your weekly groceries at Reasor's, which is prominently located at 41st and Yale. Reasor's, a locally owned full-service grocery store, has all your food needs covered from fresh produce to bulk foods and an olive bar. If you're craving a more natural approach to grocery, Akins Natural Foods on 51st between Sheridan and Memorial meets your organic needs.

Farmer's markets pop up throughout Tulsa during the spring and summer months every Wednesday in Brookside and every Saturday on Cherry Street through October. A hidden find in Outer Midtown South, Shadow Mountain Honey Company features local food and honey year-round.