Why go there

Tulsa is a mix of Southern charm, Eastern elegance and Western flair, according to the 2010 Tulsa Visitors Guide. Known for its art deco architecture, the city of 800,000 is home to the former mansions of oil barons and the birthplace of Route 66.

What to do there

Tulsa has the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum and the Oklahoma Aquarium, which has the largest bull sharks in captivity. Check out the Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Ballet or the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Or take a trip to Discoveryland!, the designated home of the musical “Oklahoma!” Tulsa is home to a minor league baseball team, a CHL hockey team and two arena football teams.

Must see

Two of the city’s cultural jewels are the Philbrook Museum of Art, with more than 8,500 works of art featuring European collections and Native American artifacts, and the Gilcrease Museum, with the most comprehensive gathering of art and artifacts from the American West.

Save this date

For those with a liking for German drink and food, make sure to plan your visit around Oktoberfest. The festival is ranked as one of the top 10 Oktoberfest celebrations in the world and includes German polka bands, carnival rides and arts and crafts. This year the four-day event starts Oct. 21.