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I was first introduced to Bama Pies when I tasted my first McDonald's cherry pie back in the early 1970s. Today the products of The Bama Companies, are sold all over the world - with three of their four facilities located right here in Tulsa. That's why I have chosen them as one of the key Tulsa area attractions on ThisIsTulsa.com.

The Bama Companies, Inc. story goes all the way back to 1927, when Paula Marshall's grandmother, Cornillia Alabama "Bama" Marshall began making pies in her kitchen. Paula learned early in life that there were two key ingrediants in life that would preserve her family's business - those being "quality" and "people." As a result, The Bama Companies mission is "People Helping People Be Successful."

I'm not certain whether The Bama Companies conduct tours of their facilities. However, you may wish to contact them at (800) 756-2262 to find out for sure. Still, even if you can't tour their facilities, it is every bit worth a drive by to see where those world famous pies are manufactured.

The Bass Pro Shops in Broken Arrrow offers the best in hunting and fishing gear. You'll find that Bass Pro Shops has something for everyone - it's a museum, art gallery, educational facility, conservation center and entertainment - all in one location. So think Bass Pro Shops for all of your outdoor needs!

Big Splash Water Park offers a great day of fun and water entertainment for the entire family. Plus, it is a terrific place to have birthday parties for children or just a fun day for your group or organization.

There is plenty of good times in store for you at Big Splash Water Park from the thrills of the Silver Bullet to just relaxing in the Lazy River. Make sure you check out Big Splash this summer for fun that you won't find anywhere else!

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Blue Bell produces some of the best tasting ice cream that I have ever had. In addition, their facility in Broken Arrow conducts tours, Monday through Friday, from 9 am to 1 pm by appointment. Please take a look at their website for their phone number and admission fees. Once you have booked your tour, show up early and have a great time.

The best concert that I've ever attended was when Sir Paul McCartney rocked  the BoK Center on August 17, 2009.

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The BoK Center seats over 19,000 people for many events, especially concerts, indoor football, hockey, and basketball. Construction began shortly after breaking ground in August 2005.

The structure, designed by world renowned architect, Cesar Pelli, is named for the Bank of Oklahoma, who purchased the name for $11 million.

On August 30, 2008, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place involving Tulsa musicians Garth Brooks and the Hanson brothers, along with former Mayor Kathy Taylor and other city and county officials on hand.

The Eagles were billed as the first major attraction in August 2008, with Sir Paul McCartney performing on the first anniversary in August 2009, being the biggest selling event to date.

The Brady Theater has seen some of the greatest names in show business perform in their facility.

Completed in 1914, the Brady Theater was originally designed as a municipal auditorium and convention hall -known as Convention Hall for the first 40 years of its life and was billed as the largest hall between Kansas City and Houston. The building became listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 -the architectural design of its time referred to as Western Classic Revival.

Cain's Ballroom was built in 1924 by Tate Brady. It has gone from being a garage, a dime-a-dance hangout and a dancing academy until it finally became a world renowned venue location for top entertainment. The ballroom's walls are decorated with large photos of various artists that have played there, notably Bob Wills, Johnnie Lee Wills, Ernest Tubb, Ted Williams, Tex Ritter, Kay Starr and Tennessee Ernie Ford.

On New Year’s Night 1935, Bob Wills (known as the "King of Western Swing") made his debut at Cain’s and, thus Cain's Ballroom Dancing soon became known as “The Home of Bob Wills” and is also referred to as the "Carnegie Hall of Western Swing."

Discoveryland, which has received several different awards is the "National Home of Rodgers and Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA!"

From June through mid- August of each year, you can take in a performance of "Oklahoma" in a great outdoor family, fun filled atmosphere. You not only get to see a show, but they will feed you a sensational meal too! Be a part of discovering Discoveryland this summer! 

Expo Square is a large events center that is located at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds in midtown Tulsa. In front of Expo Square stands a 76 foot tall replica of a mighty oilman, known as the "Tulsa Driller." In addition, Expo Square hosts over 400 events each year, ranging from farm shows, home shows, auto events, arts and crafts fairs, livestock events and especially fun during the Tulsa State Fair. Come live the fun that you'll find at an event at Expo Square.

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Gilcrease Museum is named after Thomas Gilcrease, who was a leading oil man back during the vast discovery of oil in the Tulsa area. Through Gilcreases' love of art, he founded a museum that has one of the world's largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West. Gilcrease Museum also has a vast amount of Native American art and artifacts, as well as a wealth of historical manuscripts, documents and maps.

More info on Mayfest coming soon!

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The Oklahoma Aquarium opened its doors on May 28, 2003 and features a 500,000 gallon shark tank with an observation area where visitors can view many different  sharks swimming around inside. It houses many different species of marine life and has the largest antique fishing tackle collection in the world. The Oklahoma Aquarium is one of the best Tulsa area attractions that is well worth your visit.

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The Mary K. Oxley Nature Center is located near the Tulsa Zoo and houses hands-on exhibits, a classroom, a small library and wildlife viewing area. The Oxley Nature Center is so named for John T. Oxley's wife, Mary K. John Oxley was the executive of a company that also bore the Oxley name (Oxley Petroleum Company) who decided that he would rather be recognized by the love he shared with nature..

Pearl Gallery is owned by Janet and Douglas Edwards who specialize in Fine Art, Handmade Masks, Sculpture, Jewelry and Art Glass products. Pearl Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday and by appointment too. Check them out and let them know that you found them on ThisIsTulsa.com.

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Click to watch a video - kangaroo

Safari's Interactive Animal Sanctuary is Broken Arrow's own little hidden secret. Founded in 1995, Lori Ensign-Scroggins took her love of animals to a great level by opening Safari's Interactive Animal Sanctuary, which is just a short drive from downtown Tulsa and not all that far from the Bass Pro Shops.

Lori and her staff work to rescue all kinds of wildlife - from big cats, wolves, bears, primates, hoof stock, birds, reptiles and other animal species. They currently house over 200 animals on 12 acres of land. If you truly love animals, Lori knows that you'll be addicted to Safari's. Stop in for a visit today! 

The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art was established in Tulsa in 1966. At that time, it was first known as the Gershon and Rebecca Fenster Museum of Jewish Art, but local Jewish families made an effort to have the name changed to the Sherwin Miller Museum - the museum's first curator. The main purpose of the museum was to grant the local Jewish community a greater understanding of its heritage through artifacts, as well as a resource center for non-Jews to learn about Jewish history and culture.

The Tulsa Air and Space Museum holds a vast array of works from the beginning of the Tulsa Municipal Airport, local work performed by some of the major airlines, along with documents kept by the first Tulsa airport manager. If you are an aviation and/or space buff, the Tulsa Air and Space Museum is a must see!

The Tulsa Artist's Coalition (TAC) hosts a gallery in downtown Tulsa within the Brady District. It is a non-profit organization of artists and art supporters who work to foster new forms of creative work in and around the Tulsa area. 

The Tulsa Glassblowing Studio is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a very safe environment for anyone interested in learning about glass art. The Tulsa Glassblowing Studio is the only open-access glassblowing facility in Tulsa and they offer many educational and recreational opportunities. Stop by to see the pride they have in showing you how glassblowing is really done!

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The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum is owned by the City of Tulsa and is part of the Tulsa Parks Department. It is located on 84 acres within Mohawk Park, which is the third largest municipal park in the United States. The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum attracts nearly 600,000 visitors each year and has more than 2,800 animals are on exhibit - with many of them being rare and endangered.