Exploring the Heart of Tulsa: Downtown Tulsa

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya later
  [see yuh lay-tur]
• YesYep
  [yep]
• NoNah
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [pleez/yur welcome]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me
  [par-dun me]
• How are you?Howdy
  [haw-dee]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fine. and yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [ya speak ing-glish?]
• I don't understandI ain't catchin' on
  [eye-ent catch-in on]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I take a gander at the menu, please
  [kan eye tayk uh gan-der at the menu, pleez]
• I don't eat meatI ain't a meat eater
  [eye-ent uh meet ee-ter]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI reckon I'll settle up, please
  [eye ree-kun eye-ul set-ul up, pleez]

• Help!SOS!
  [es-oh-es!]
• Go away!Git!
  [git!]
• Call the Police!Ring up the coppers!
  [ring up the cop-pers!]
• Call a doctor!Get a healer on the horn!
  [get uh hee-ler on the horn!]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [eye-em turnd uh-round]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [eye-em feel-in poor-lee]

• I'd like to buy...I'm fixin' to purchase...
  [eye-em fix-in to pur-chess...]
• I'm just lookingI'm jest browsin'
  [eye-em jest brow-sin']
• How much is it?What's the damage?
  [whats the dam-ij?]
• That's too expensiveThat's a bit steep
  [thats uh bit steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya knock some off?
  [kan yuh nok sum off?]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten-thirty
  [ten-thur-tee]
• MorningMornin'
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [even-in]
• YesterdayYest'day
  [yes-t-duh]
• TodayToday
  [tuh-day]
• TomorrowTomorrer
  [tom-or-er]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [fore]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the add-ee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya point it out (on the map)?
  [kan yuh point it out (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [uh ticket (to ....)]

Downtown Tulsa's history began in the late 19th century with the establishment of the town in 1882. Originally a trading post, it quickly grew as the region became a hub for oil discovery in the 1900s, leading to rapid urbanization and economic prosperity. This foundational period saw the construction of key buildings that would define the skyline of Tulsa.

The discovery of oil in the early 1900s transformed Downtown Tulsa into a bustling center of commerce and finance. The neighborhood became known as the 'Oil Capital of the World,' attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and workers. This boom led to the construction of iconic Art Deco buildings, such as the Philtower and the Boston Avenue Methodist Church, which symbolize the wealth generated during this period.

One of the most tragic events in American history occurred in 1921 when the Tulsa Race Massacre devastated the Greenwood District, located just north of Downtown. The violence resulted in the destruction of a prosperous African American community and the loss of many lives. The event significantly impacted the social fabric of Tulsa and is an essential aspect of the city's historical narrative.

Following World War II, Downtown Tulsa experienced a period of renewal and growth. The construction of new office buildings, shopping centers, and cultural institutions took place during the 1950s and 1960s, reshaping the downtown landscape. This era also saw the establishment of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, enhancing the cultural offerings of the neighborhood.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Downtown Tulsa underwent significant revitalization efforts. Initiatives aimed at restoring historic buildings, creating public spaces, and promoting local businesses have transformed the area into a vibrant urban center. The resurgence of arts and culture, alongside events like the Tulsa Tough and the Blue Dome Arts Festival, have reinvigorated community engagement and tourism.

Downtown Tulsa is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in the city. If you're coming from the Tulsa International Airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or shuttle, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Public transportation options include the Tulsa Transit bus system, which connects various neighborhoods to Downtown Tulsa. If you are driving, major highways such as U.S. Route 169 and I-244 provide convenient access.

Downtown Tulsa is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. The Tulsa Transit bus system operates several routes throughout the area, and the Metro Transit’s electric trolley service is a fun way to navigate key points of interest. Bicycles are also a popular choice, with bike-sharing programs like Tulsa B-Cycle available for convenient rentals. For longer distances, rideshare services are widely available.

Downtown Tulsa is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Areas such as North Tulsa have higher crime rates, so avoid walking alone in poorly lit or unfamiliar parts of the district at night. Stick to well-trafficked areas and keep your belongings secure.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local hospitals, such as Saint Francis Hospital and Hillcrest Medical Center, are equipped to handle emergencies. It’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical costs, and familiarize yourself with the locations of nearby medical facilities upon arrival.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking. While casual attire is acceptable, avoid overly revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs; while there are no strict dress codes, modesty is appreciated in religious venues. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't make loud phone calls or eat on buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile or wave. A handshake is appropriate for introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties at restaurants. Don't waste food or be overly critical of local cuisines, as it may be seen as disrespectful.

To experience Downtown Tulsa like a local, explore the arts district and visit the Philbrook Downtown, which often features local artists. Attend local events, such as First Friday Art Crawl, to engage with the community. Consider dining at one of the many food trucks or local eateries to enjoy authentic Tulsa flavors. Additionally, check out the Tulsa Farmers' Market for fresh produce and local goods.