RELAXING STAY: A stay at the Crowne Plaza keeps guests close to many exciting opportunities in downtown Tulsa, such as the BOK Center, the Performing Arts Center and Cain’s Ballroom. And there is always the Crowne Plaza pool for relaxation and the enjoyment of life.
DANIEL C. CAMERON for GTR Newspapers

With summer approaching most people think about going on a vacation. In these challenging economic times a long-term far away vacation may not be realistic. A great alternative is a “staycation,” a vacation taken while staying in your hometown. Vacationing in your hometown has several benefits: saving money, avoiding the stress of travel and, for most people, not worrying about getting lost.

As far as a staycation in greater Tulsa, downtown Tulsa has wonderful opportunities for relaxation and entertainment. The Crowne Plaza is an excellent choice as the base from which to venture out to all downtown Tulsa has to offer. Guests can settle into a well-appointed room, suite or luxury penthouse, depending on taste, and explore the variety of ways to relax and have fun within the hotel and in the vicinity.

After a refreshing night’s rest, a good start on the day with a latte or cappuccino and one of the many delectable pastry options at Starbucks in the Crowne Plaza lobby is regular fare. Or, for those who require a heartier breakfast, the Daily Grill offers omelettes, French toast, smoked bacon, sausage, eggs benedict and more. Breakfast on the patio in the fresh morning air is enjoyable as downtown Tulsa comes to life.

Leaving the hotel to explore and enjoy the surroundings doesn’t require a car; it can be left in the Crowne Plaza garage. A worthwhile, fun, educational and budget-friendly excursion is simply walking around downtown. Downtown Tulsa is home to one of the largest concentrations of Art Deco architecture in the country. Three types of Art Deco, all found in downtown Tulsa, represent the early boom days.

It is enjoyable to stroll around and enjoy a bit of Tulsa’s rich history. Some of the Tulsa Art Deco downtown treasures include the Public Service Company Building, built in the Zigzag style, located at 1301 S. Boston Ave. It was named a National Landmark by the Secretary of Interior in 1999. The Philcade building at Fifth Street and Boston Avenue is on the National Register of Historic Places. Another example of Zigzag style is the Gillette Terrell/Pythian Building at Fifth Street and Boulder Avenue.

The MTTA Terminal at 319 S. Denver Ave. is an excellent example of the Streamline Style and the Tulsa Union Depot at First Street and Boston Avenue is an equally fine example of the PWA style. The Tulsa Union Depot is a good place to end an art deco tour and begin a tour of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame and discover Tulsa’s place, both past and present, in the world of Jazz.

After discovering more about Jazz, guests can stroll over to the 35-block Greenwood Cultural District. Known for being a hotbed for jazz and blues, it’s the site where Count Basie first encountered big-band jazz. The Greenwood Historical District showcases its heritage through the Greenwood Cultural Center at 322 N. Greenwood Ave., and the Mabel B. Little Heritage House, both definitely worth visiting. Wind back through the Blue Dome District at First and Second Streets at Elgin and Detroit and enjoy the bohemian atmosphere and galleries and grab a drink and a snack at the Blue Dome Diner.

After spending a good deal of the day walking, taking in the sights and enjoying the culture of downtown Tulsa (and getting some excellent exercise along the way), the best way to get refreshed and re-energized for an evening of entertainment is to head back to the Crowne Plaza for a spa treatment at Elements. The Hydro Pool, a massage, a facial or any of the other professional spa treatments offered provide absolute relaxation.
For dinner, the Daily Grill offers a variety of dishes ranging from prime rib to pan-seared Idaho trout to California turkey melts to meatloaf. There’s something for every taste and it’s all prepared with the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a classic martini, handcrafted cocktail or glass of wine from the extensive list and sit back and relax in the quiet, tasteful surroundings. Going out after dinner is convenient and the options are endless. The T-town Trolley is the ideal way to get around, and it’s free. It runs from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday in Tulsa’s five entertainment districts: Cherry Street, Brookside, 18th and Boston, downtown and Brady district and the Osage Casino. It also provides free shuttle service during BOK Center events.

The Brady Arts District, home to the Brady Arts Theater and Cain’s Ballroom, has a variety of restaurants with late night hours, bars and dance clubs. The Tulsa PAC has lots of entertainment options including upcoming June performances of “My Fair Lady,” “The Gondoliers,” ‘“The Drowsy Chaperone” and from July 15 through August 9, Broadway’s spellbinding musical ‘Wicked.

The BOK Center also has something for everyone throughout the summer. The Jonas Brothers will be in concert at the BOK Center June 22, followed by American Idols Live, Aerosmith, The Wiggles, Keith Urban, Def Leppard, Rod Stewart in July and August.

With so much to do and see in Tulsa, a staycation this summer is a perfect solution to balancing the need for relaxation and staying within a budget. Expedia.com is offering great deals on hotel stays for bookings made between June 1 and June 30. A 15 percent discount will be applied for a one-night stay, 20 percent discount for a two-night stay and a 40 percent discount will be applied for a stay of three or more nights. Discounts apply from June 1 through July 30.