1. Tulsans All Pledge Allegiance To Barry Switzer...
Barry Switzer has one of the highest winning records in college coaching history and for that, among other reasons, Tulsans love him. So much so that if his name ever appeared on the presidential ballot, they would totally vote for him.
Switzer came up through the coaching ranks with Oklahoma University and went on to set record after record for the Sooners. He has the distinction of being one of only three coaches to win both a college national football championship and a Super Bowl. Switzer actually ended his coaching career resigning amidst some minor scandals but he would totally carry the state of Oklahoma in the primaries, you know, should he ever decide to run.
2. But They’ve Really Got To Hand It To Oral Roberts
As in the gigantic praying hands that serve to anchor Oral Roberts University. Weighing in at 30 tons, the hands were commissioned by evangelist Oral Roberts in the ’80s and have since remained a steady favorite on the list of bizarre American roadside attractions.
Regardless of religious disposition or aversion to quirkiness, Tulsans are proud of these hands. Some are genuinely proud of their spiritual symbolism, while others are proud of the oddity the hands represent. They are reportedly as the largest bronze sculpture in the world and are most certainly the world’s largest praying hands.
3. Folks In Tulsa Make Way For Biker Fox And His Two Wheeled Antics
Everyone in town knows Frank P. DeLarzelere, III, a.k.a. Biker Fox. He the local stunt-biking personality and Internet celebrity who rides around Tulsa advocating biking for healthy living in a rather unusual manner. He is as much known for his Jheri curl mullet, impossibly short biking shorts, and eccentric antics as he is for his biking and equal right-of-way advocacy. He is reportedly the oldest person to do an “extreme front flip,” over the handlebars.
Biker Fox is also the subject of a documentary by local filmmaker Jeremy Lamberton that has quickly gained the respect of film critic overlords and developed a solid cult following. When asked to describe the film, no one really can, but they all agree that it’s like nothing you will ever see again in your life. Ever.
4. Ron’s Hamburgers Are Sinful But Totally Worth It
This local chain makes the best hamburgers in Tulsa, and the best chili in the world.
The burgers feature big beef patties loaded with melted cheesy goodness, and served with a wide range of toppings, such as Cure 81 ham, bacon, or sausage, as if the ginormous patty wasn’t enough meat. The chili is mind-blowing. With options like Frito pie, spaghetti and chili, or chili with Polish sausage, your taste buds will thank you, even if your waistline doesn’t.
5. Folks In Tulsa Always Make Time For A QuickTrip
Tulsa-based QuikTrip has the most amazing condiment selection ever. That alone earns it accolades as the best. But the amazement doesn’t stop there.
Upon walking into the chilled interior of the convenience wonderland, you are greeted by the savory scents of crispy taquitos and pigs in a blanket rotating on the spit. Flaky doughnuts and sugary pastries beckon as an endless array of sandwiches and wraps tantalize.
The impressive and extensive soda fountain and frozen drink station promises ambrosia of the gods. And you get a free doughnut with the purchase of any hot drink—it just doesn’t get any better than that.
6. Winter Is Coming And Tulsans Are Ready
Forget Winterfell, winter storms are the real deal here. They almost make tornadoes look like a joke. But Tulsans have weathered the storm enough times to know how to be prepared... As prepared as one can be in the face of ice and snow and power outages for days—sometimes weeks—on end. And that means lots of candles, flashlights, batteries of all sizes, canned food, bottled water and blankets galore.
7. That The World Can Thank Tulsa For Gary Busey, MMMBop And SNL’s Stephan
Tulsa has fostered and nurtured several musical and acting greats (and some not-so-greats who still managed to make it big).
Garth Brooks and David Gates both hail from T-town, as do those wholesome boys from Hanson who will forever remain gangly kids in our minds. Comic Bill Hader and actor Jeanne Tripplehorn also called Tulsa home at one point. S.E. Hinton was born in Tulsa and so was that crazy coot Gary Busey.
8. That Riverside Drive Is Where Tulsans Of All Ages Go To Play
The trails along the River Parks are some of the most spectacular views of the city. They run 26 miles throughout town, with paved paths for urban athletes and some more rugged, wooded terrain for off-roaders.
The parks also contain areas for Tulsans to fish and row, play disc golf, and picnic. There are several restaurants and bars that offer beautiful waterside views and make for popular hangouts, especially in the spring and summer. The park is also home to several outdoor festivals that occur throughout the year for friends and family to mingle.
9. Tulsans Keep It Classy At Utica Square
Utica Square is the “it” place for high end shopping. It’s an outdoor shopping center with beautifully coiffed grounds and parking lots full of Lexuses, Mercedes and Beamers. It’s a one-stop shop for the perfect afternoon with Tulsan gal pals. After a full morning of shopping (Coach, Saks, Pottery Barn), locals take a load off at one of the restaurants housed in the Square to unwind with a snack and a cocktail. Then off for more shop til they drop, into a salon chair for a restorative mani-pedi. And that is a successful day, ladies.
10. That Tulsa Has A Small Town Vibe But Is Doing Big Things
Tulsans are naturally good-natured, warm people—very inviting and neighborly. They give this city its quintessential small-town feel. But don’t mistake them for country bumpkins. They thrive on maintaining a wholesome, salt-of-the-earth reputation while still excelling in the arts, music, culinary prowess and cultural diversification. As a result, Tulsa also has a very edgy, hip contingent.
It’s interesting to see all of the pierced body parts and tattooed skin intermingling with the blue hairs, shirts tucked in, and belt buckles, but it works.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you think is unique about Tulsa in the comments below! 
