Tour De Farm: Make The Most of Shopping and Eating in Tulsa
This post was made in partnership with The Farm Shopping Center! Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep Go French Yourself creating!
A weekend in Tulsa.
Think certain outdoor shopping areas are mostly all chain stores lately?!
Yeah me too! Yawn. Yawn. Yawn.
Want more of a unique shopping experience? Want to discover one-of-a-kind buys? Most of us have our usual shopping spots, so why not break the routine and experience some of Tulsa’s quaint and historic gems?! I personally love uncovering hidden treasures and I love the seeing more and more of the local movement!
Welcome to The Farm. An idea. An inspiration. But most importantly, an experience you can reach out and touch, hold in your hands, paint a picture in your mind, and wrap in pretty paper to take home. The Farm is a landmark Tulsa shopping and eating destination. They are home to more than 40 shops and restaurants, many of which you find only at The Farm. With tree-lined sidewalks and convenient curbside parking, you’ll always find something fresh and unique. Just strolling around in The Farm and you’re likely to see—and smell—the signs of a culinary boom. I love the foodie scene here! The avid eater can find some of the most toothsome and creative fare anywhere—at laid-back + fine-dining places alike. Some have pulled up roots elsewhere to come here, while others were Oklahoma-born-and-bred chefs who circled the world, then came back home. They could cook anywhere—in bustling hubs such as Chicago or New York, say—but they've decided to hang their aprons in Tulsa.
Anyhow…I am sooooooo thrilled to share my “Tour De Farm” with you today as I know it will be the perfect travel guide for folks visiting T-town and for folks even living here in Tulsa. The Farm is full of local merchants who go out of their way to make your visit special. And that uncanny feeling of timelessness you just don’t feel anywhere else—the unique-r the better!!!!
DAY 1
Let’s start at Cafe Yum because we are going to need some fuel to have a full day of shopping and fun, right?! When I visited Cafe Yum, I didn’t know that it would be love at fight sight and taste!!! Okay love at first smell too- as soon as you open the doors a generous, open-hearted spirit wafts through the air here(along with the warm scents of butter, cinnamon, and chocolate) Cafe Yum sources fruits, vegetables and dairy from local farmers to insure you get the freshest and most organic flavors. Offering everything from locally brewed Topeca coffee, smoothies and bubble teas to fresh smoothie bowls with yummy sorbets, granola, fruit and local honey, muffins, daily quiches, oatmeal, sandwiches, wraps and grab-and-go meals. Among many other yummy items.
Have a sweet tooth? There are cookies, pies, cakes, cupcakes, and even lollipops!!! Everything was so fresh + delicious plus they even have gluten-free items! Currently craving their generous slice of strawberry cake as I write this with the nitro cold brew coffee. They have incredible initiative too and donate every tip to a charity that their facebook followers chose! So be sure to check that out. I have a lot of coverage on my Insta Stories under The Farm Shopping Center hi-light!
But folks can’t live on cookies, cake, and morning buns alone. In The Farm Shopping Center, the only question is which of the exceptional eateries you’ll visit next. Take your time. There are plenty of days on the calendar to enjoy the year-round variety of tastes and flavors, from authentic ethnic to the farm table next door. I will be sharing them here in a bit!!! And save the date for the spring-summer farmers market too. It’s one of my faves because it is actually a shopping market and not a social “ to be seen” market!!
So after yumminess at YUM, walk a few doors down to H2O Oasis. I have written about them before in my Francophile Guide to Tulsa. They really are all about Wellness! And have some of the coolest (and often weirdest) wellness practices we’ve been hearing about. Many of their practices have been around for centuries, but Lin and I kicked off our little wellness report with a relatively new development in the wellness world: flotation therapy and Lucia Light Therapy. Our days are typically packed full with stimulation from our inboxes, social feeds, news, texts, not to mention real life interactions, so it’s safe to say most of us could use a time out that involves no stimulation at all. Flotation therapy is a method of blocking out stimuli by floating in a sound-proof, light-proof tank of skin temperature water filled with epsom salt. It got its start in the 1950’s as a way to study consciousness and has since been used as an alternative medicine and a path to deeper relaxation, without much scientific evidence to support its efficacy. Lin floated. I did the light therapy. Here are a few ?’s I asked him!
What was your first impression when you got in?
It was really peaceful – warm and dimly-lit, and closing the door to the orb felt kind of enveloping like a cocoon. At first, the time seemed to go by pretty slowly, and I questioned whether I’d be able to stay in there the entire 60 minutes without feeling antsy.
How did that change over the hour that you were in there?
After a little while, I lost all sense of the passage of time, and there was no sense of boredom; only total relaxation. I made a conscious effort to relax all the muscles in my body from my head and facial muscles down to the tips of my toes. Being able to float in a suspended space without having contact with any solid surfaces allows the body to relax in a way that it can’t when you’re lying in a bed. I was surprised to find myself wishing I could stay in even longer than my allotted time.
How did you feel immediately afterwards?
Relaxed, peaceful, and very much in the zone.
How did you feel for the rest of the day?
I thought I’d feel zen’d out – like I’d want to climb into bed at home – but I was surprised at how much energy I had!
Any tips for anyone interested in giving this a try?
Be intentional about using the hour to quiet your mind, meditate, pray, or do whatever helps you zone out and achieve a higher level of relaxation. I think that’s key to getting a lot out of your time. The only thing I would have done differently is to wear ear plugs because water got in my ears.
Now for the Lucia Light ! H20 is the only place in Oklahoma offering this BTW!!!! The Lucia Light provides a safe and effortless way to experience non-ordinary states of consciousness by stimulating your third eye while relaxing with your eyes closed under its light. This unique, meditative experience allows each person to experience expanded states of consciousness, sacred inner space, deep relaxation, overall sense of well- being and peace along with a clear, calm mind.
What is the Lucia Light?
Lucia Light is a neuro simulator, which combines a stroboscope (flickering light), flexible in both, speed and intensity, with a constant light, available in different degrees of brightness. The computer-controlled interaction of these light sources activates different ways of experiencing (seeing) intense world of colors and shapes. No two experiences with the light are the same. Lucia has a low voltage central halogen light and 8 LED lights. It is not recommended for epileptics, or people who are light sensitive. Otherwise, it is perfectly safe, as it is experienced with eyes closed. Light enters the retina, into the pineal gland, or 3rd eye.
Awakening the Third Eye
The pineal gland is a light receptor. A pea-sized, crystalline, pine-cone shaped structure, in the center of our brain. It regulates our hormonal, reproductive and sleep cycles. Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a natural occurring psychedelic compound, is found in all living plants (peyote, mesclun, Ayahuasca, magic mushrooms) and mammals. Shamans and indigenous healers use these plants to reach a dimension of light consciousness, where all healing begins. DMT is naturally manufactured and released by the pineal gland, and is an integral part of our dreams, birth, death, psychic and visionary experiences.
This was such a wild experience!! I definitely felt very stimulated but relaxed at the same time! I was much more clearer and generally just happier throughout the day! I look forward to trying it again and again to get the optimal benefits! I do highly recommend trying it. You can book a full hour or try it at their Friday happy hours from 2:30-5:30. They can offer a 15 minute session for $25. There are oxygen specials too. Be sure to treat yourself to something in their cafe too! The iced matcha is so good! And we love purchasing their sea salts for our baths at home!
After feeling all those good balancing vibes stroll down to Windsor Market. and get ready to really do some exploring here. Windsor Market encompasses all interior design styles under one roof. From European antiques- many of them being French- wonderful vintage items and popular reproduction pieces, their upscale store is a true destination shopping experience! Your shopping is never dampened by miserable weather and Windsor Market is one of these places, and should not be missed by anyone curious about antiques, or keen for unique pieces. We probably spent close to two hours here just taking it all in. We ended up finding some lovely lovely scarves, tea towels, and holiday decorations. There is something for everyone!
You will indeed work up an appetite after all that exploring so head to Helen of Troy. Sam Senjlawi is one of the kindest people I have ever met! And he has the most delicious Middle Eastern food! We kicked things off with Turkish tea and meat pies! And then followed that up with plenty of hummus and tabbouleh. The tabbouleh is always excellent, fresh and tangy, with perhaps a few tablespoons of burghul. And Sam’s falafel is the best in town!! Service is always gracious and on-point, with helpful tips, smart answers to questions, and none of the perfunctory questions interrupting the flow of dishes to and from the table. We enjoy eating here so much!
After lunch continue the “ Tour De Farm” and spend some time at Lovetts Gallery. I had actually never been here before and I am so glad to have made my way inside!!! Established in 1978 in Tulsa, Lovetts Gallery is the oldest Oklahoma fine art gallery specializing in vast artistic diversity, including local, regional, national and international artists working in nearly every genre and medium. Lovetts Gallery is committed to their clients and collectors by maintaining the highest standards for 2 & 3-dimensional art and by providing our unique brand of customer service. Lovetts Gallery is also the oldest Oklahoma custom frame shop with the largest selection of moulding in the Southwest. They offer unmatched experience and innovative conservation frame design to meet all of your custom framing needs. You should go visit! They are hosting an annual Holiday Open House for a dash of jingling and mingling and noshing of nibbles and nog on December 14th from 10-5p.m
Make sure to pop in HOWSE. You will most likely spend some time here too. There is much to explore! They have everything you need for your living area, bedroom, dining room, office area, and even your outdoor area. They have a great selection of lighting, art, and decor too! Custom upholstery options are made for you, designed by you too so the sky is the limit!
Lin and I fell in love with two tall vases for our entry way that we are still deciding on. They are over on stories and I desperately need your help! So weigh in and tell me your favorite. I think I need every pillow they carry too!! Loving the textures and contemporary designs!!! The Tulsa team were all so incredibly nice and helpful too. They gifted me their signature candle and I am in love with the clean aroma. These would make lovely Christmas presents, right?!
Sign up as a HOWSE guest too and get so many perks like 20% off everything (excludes custom orders), Complimentary design services, Pre-sale shopping opportunities, and preferred financing.
Your last stop of the day before dinner should be Backwoods. Backwoods is an outdoor gear and apparel company founded in 1973. The Backwoods Corporate office is located in Austin, Texas. Currently, Backwoods has four brick and mortar locations: Fort Worth, TX, Oklahoma City, OK, Omaha, NE and Tulsa, OK, as well as an online store: www.backwoods.com. Backwoods has been selling quality products through exceptional customer service for over 45 years. Backwoods offers clothing, equipment and expertise to help customers fulfill their needs for most of life’s great adventures: hiking, trekking, fishing, climbing, camping, kayaking, paddling, hunting, and adventure trips. In 2004, Backwoods took their mission a step further and created Backwoods Adventures, a travel company that provides unique, personal and first-rate experiences: www.backwoods.com/adventures.html. Backwoods Adventures organizes trips in all 7 continents. They would love to meet you!!! Amy is so knowledgeable about camping, hiking, fly fishing, among other things!! They will even help you pack for your trips!! I find this to be so fascinating as I would need so much help with proper weight requirements!
Another fabulous place for some unique gift giving for sure!!!
End the most perfect day with a cold beer at Margaret’s German Restaurant & Deli or a wonderful glass of wine. Enjoy authentic German Cuisine for lunch and dinner ! There is a complete deli too with many imported candies, cookies and chocolates, plus homemade desserts. Her German chocolate cake is the best you will ever have!!! Every dessert is actually hands down the best in Tulsa!!! Serving Tulsa, OK and surrounding areas since 1989 we provide great tasting food that's prepared daily with the highest quality of ingredients. At MGR you are sure to enjoy great food, casual atmosphere, friendly service and affordable prices. You don’t have to wait for Oktoberfest to come around every year because at Margaret’s it’s Oktoberfest everyday!! We love the Homemade Potato Pancakes & Applesauce. And I love the Bier Kaese Schnitzel! Lin loves the Reuben and all of Margaret’s homemade soups!!! Enjoy the accordion player on Friday nights and if you get lucky you might even have Margaret come out of the kitchen to do a little chicken dance!!!!!!
Day 2
Start your Day 2 Tour De Farm with a delish lunch at Great Harvest Bread Co.. Everything is baked fresh from scratch daily. They believe that a life of eating real food is a journey, not a destination. They’re proud of using whole grains and simple ingredients to bring great taste to the table. They love baking fresh whole wheat products for you. This month they're so excited to introduce you to Sonoma Bread! It is 100% whole grain and 100% delicious. Golden raisins, cranberries, and lemon and orange zest give it a bright and refreshing taste. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds add texture, a nutty flavor and crunch. There are many ways to enjoy Sonoma Bread. They slice it thin, toast it and serve it with an herbed goat cheese, fresh fruit and a favorite wine. It is divine!
Brian and Lacey Loveless are excited to be back in Tulsa and taking over the Great Harvest Bread Company here! They have been small animal veterinarians for the last ten years, but are excited to add baking to their skill set. They have a black lab named Kenai and a kitty named Bogey, and love anything outdoors.
Lin enjoyed a honey ham and cheese sandwich and I ordered the chicken salad and it truly is the best chicken salad I have ever had!!! They have different breads on different days and now I am going to have to go everyday! There is a gluten free option on Thursdays!
Oh an these Dylan cookies are life changing!!!!!!!!!
After lunch visit Ringmaker’s Fine Jewelry. At Ringmakers Fine Jewelry, it's about you. Their exquisite craftsmanship, matchless quality and one-on-one service provides the foundation for lasting relationships and satisfied customers. What's most important is how each piece makes you feel, in your heart and on your budget.
““It’s not just about opening a store and selling diamonds. We don’t have customers, we have friends. Every piece of jewelry we make, is designed specifically for what’s inside your heart.” ”
All across the world, jewelry is known as a precious, timeless gift. The combination of precious metals, precision-cut gemstones, and beautiful craftsmanship creates a beautiful accessory that functions as a linchpin to an outfit, a symbol of a strong relationship, or a family heirloom. Rings are particularly special, as they are used to signify everything from marriages to college graduations.
Custom rings are even more personal and significant. When the jewelry is designed in tandem by the client and the craftsman, the result is a one-of-a-kind piece of art that will bring joy for decades to come. If you’d like something special for you and your family to treasure, custom ring design by Ring Makers in Tulsa, OK, is just what you need.
Thousands of Possibilities
They offer many ring options for you to customize, including:
Multiple types of precious metal
Dozens of different precious stones
Hundreds of semi-precious stones
Hundreds of styles of cut
Additionally, you can specify the size, you can suggest specific details, and you can even upload your own design.
They’re happy to work with you to create whatever design you need, including a limited edition family coat of arms! They have two main design methods: the traditional carve, cast, and finish method, in which they carve a model of the ring by hand before creating a cast, and the CAD, cast, and finish method, where the ring is designed using 3D modelling software. They can create far more than just rings. Upon request, they can create any of the following types of jewelry:
Earrings
Pendants
Cuff links
Lapel pins
Bracelets
In short, if you have a piece of jewelry in mind, you can trust them to create it for you. Read about Massoud here.
Now it’s time for a beauty pit stop so visit Theraganics.
Their beauty products are …..
Sulfate Free
Paraben Free
Formaldehyde Free
Phthalate Free
Vegetarian Friendly
Theraganics was founded by sisters Stephanie & Jennifer of Tulsa, Oklahoma. They each had their own set of problems that were brought to the table, leading to their mission that continues to fuel their passion in what they do. Theraganics products are handcrafted by them from scratch using many organic luxury base oils and are 100% essential oil scented. The addition of clays, herbs, teas, and real fruits/veggies makes each product truly unique and purposeful. Stephanie suffered from facial and body acne for most of her pre-teen through adult life. It affected her self-esteem and she just about had given up with the idea of getting rid of her troubled skin after using everything in the main stream retail market. It wasn’t until she decided to make her own soap did she realize she had stumbled upon something wonderful that helped her skin like nothing else had before.
Her mission and focus became to help others and spread the word about using natural soap and minimizing the use of unnecessary ingredients. After perfecting her recipes over the course of several years, she took her products to market and has received nothing but rave reviews from loyal repeat customers. Jennifer gave birth to a wonderful baby boy named Luke in April of 2005. Luke developed normally until about 18 months when he stopped talking and started showing signs that something was wrong. He was later diagnosed with autism, which explained his many sensory problems. He was sensitive to sounds and smells, and had allergic reactions to many common bath products. Jennifer started using some of Stephanie’s soap on her son. Surprisingly, Luke enjoyed the scents and his skin did not have any bad reactions. Her mission then became to spread the word about the benefits of avoiding unnecessary chemicals in our everyday lives and to tell Luke’s story in an effort to help families affected by autism.
End your shopping part of The Tour De France at Ted’s Pipe Shoppe. They have a large selection of pipes, custom blended tobacco, cigars, humidors and many other smoking accessories including lighters and ashtrays. Another perfect holiday option for presents!!!!
And last not least…end the Tour De Farm grabbing some delish takeout from Villa Ravenna Italian Restaurant. They are an authentic Italian owned and operated restaurant offering fine dining. The menu offers a wonderful selection of homemade pastas, (even gluten free) game meats, seafood and daily specialties, as well as our traditional plates, in a romantic, low-lit dinning room with elegant table lines and impeccable service. Driven by their passion for Italian food and culture, The Orioli family has opened, owned and operated a total of eight successful restaurants in both latin America and the United States. The Orioli family moved to Houston in 1999 to open Via Emilia in Cypress Creek Parkway and later The Woodlands. Sergio made the move to Tulsa, OK in 2008 after visiting his daughter and falling in love with the ' beautiful green city'. More than five decades and three generations later, the Orioli family continues to share their passion for food and culture from northern Italy. Just take a look at this menu!!
The Farm also has a ton of boutiques too! I did not get to tour any this time but be sure to visit the Boutique Crawl this Thursday night from 6-8pm! Come sip some bubbles and shop, get in on HUGE giveaways and sweet swag bags and have fun with The Farm vendors and some of Tulsa’s favorite fashion bloggers!
I cannot wait to see what you find at The Farm Shopping Center! I so appreciated every DM telling me that you were so excited to fall in love with The Farm and all the vendors!! So tag me in your posts!!!!
Happy Tour De Farm to you!!!!!
