Tag: Uncovering Oklahoma Page 58 of 77

Throughout the month of June on Uncovering Oklahoma, I’ll be highlighting art galleries and museums. To kick off the series is The Underground, which can be best described as a walk-through art installation. The Underground functions as a tunnel system, connecting Downtown Oklahoma City’s skyscrapers, while also containing a few restaurants, art, and historic photographs.

The Underground was the very first video I filmed for Uncovering Oklahoma, back on April 15, 2009. It wasn’t until June 2rd that I released it, uploading it to YouTube. Eight years later, here’s The Underground revisited! I’ve grown a great deal since then and if you’re curious to watch the original video, check it out here. I actually didn’t realize I was coming up on the release anniversary until I was editing the video and thought, “When did I release it?”

One of the biggest changes to the Underground is a rather subtle change: new management. Back when I did my first video on the Underground, people were not allowed to take pictures. When Ali and I went there to film it, security stopped us. They were at least cool enough to call the owner and get me permission on the spot. I made sure to highlight that people can freely take pictures in the tunnel system now.

In this video, I also highlighted sections throughout the whole tunnel as some areas are not as obviously connected, especially when trying to find the Golden Hour. There aren’t many restaurants or shops there. There are just no spaces for rent as it’s essentially a tunnel system. Still, The Underground is a work of art worth exploring.

Thank you to everyone who has watched Uncovering Oklahoma throughout the years!

In Downtown Oklahoma City, Clarity Coffee makes people happy by making coffee the best way they can. Steve Willingham and Tyler Roberts talk about the story of Clarity Coffee, what guests can expect, and how they make the shop inviting to people.

You may have seen Steve Willingham in my Short Order Poems documentary and now here he is again talking about his coffee shop. I’m not actively working on a Coffee of Oklahoma City series. This video just came into development with other projects.

I hope you enjoy this video and check out Clarity Coffee for yourself. Their mocha is in my personal top five.

If you loved this video, consider becoming a patron.

If you’re looking for an adventure featuring an activity you can’t do anywhere else in the state of Oklahoma, plan a road trip to the Great Salt Plains State Park where you can dig for selenite crystals.

Selenite crystal formations occur when the mineral gypsum mixes with the area’s moist, salt-saturated soils. An hourglass shape of sand, clay, and iron often develop inside the crystal. This is the only place in the world where selenite crystals with this unique hourglass shape can be found.

While digging for crystals in the southwest portion of the state park is the main attraction, it’s not the only one. There are many beautiful areas to visit and trails to traverse, including an auto tour route where you can view an abundance of wildlife.

Safety Precautions:
Once in the digging area, stay on the designated road. Shorebirds nest on the flats. Their nests are camouflaged to the soil so you may not see them. Additionally, the ground is much softer than expected off the road.

Due to the white salt surface, getting sunburned is easy. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective clothing are recommended. Due to the winds, it is best to bring sunscreen lotion and not spray. Drinking water is not available at the dig site so be sure to bring water and pack some snacks.

Be sure to thoroughly wash your car after leaving the flats as the salt can eat away at your paint.

Overall, the Great Salt Plains State Park is an adventure worth experiencing. My wife and I enjoy our time there and thought it was worth the drive.