Wake up, babe, it’s time for Oktoberfest! Does the idea of going west of the Arkansas River exactly once a year sound familiar? If so, you’re probably a stuck-up midtowner, in which case I am here to kindly but firmly suggest you leave your bubble more often – it’s for your own good. To be honest, I didn’t realize how much there was to do in West Tulsa until my boss gave me this assignment (thanks, Matt), and I got out to connect the dots for myself.
West Tulsa has historically served as an industrial corridor, and still does, but these days, there’s a new creative and expansive buzz about the area. Warehouse buildings are being repurposed into wild new business concepts and old favorites like Turkey Mountain are being revitalized. I know the siren’s song of beer, bratwurst, and barrel racing is strong, but if you can spare some time during your Oktoberfest trip (or perhaps, at a later date) consider these seven suggestions for exploring West Tulsa.
Get Dreamy At WOMPA
3306 Charles Page Blvd.
If WOMPA was a person, she’d be a cool girl for sure. Smokes cigarettes, eats pizza, is tough but kind, doesn’t care what other people think about her. A massive compound along the railroad tracks curling across Charles Page Boulevard, WOMPA is part-creative coworking space, part-RV park, part-event venue and all things funky. Repurposed from an old industrial tire warehouse, and decorated to the hilt,there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else in Tulsa.
Inside is the total opposite of a stuffy office experience. The decor has clearly been sourced from years of junk store shopping and antique sales. Long hallways, big throw rugs and cute furnishings abound. Wall-to-wall windows wash WOMPA in the sort of sunlight that will fully restore your natural circadian rhythm. And if that doesn’t wake you up, there’s coffee in the communal kitchens. When it comes to, y’know, actually getting work done, you’ve got options. Outdoor patios, cozy little nooks, and multiple shared coworking spaces are all available to the dreamy creative or wandering remote worker.
WOMPA is also homebase for several local businesses and hosts the Westside Market every other Wednesday, which is a great opportunity to wander around the place. The Market features anything from locally-produced merch, soap, vintage stuff and more.
Guide Yourself Through Tulsa History At Daniel Webster High School
1919 W. 40th St.