OKC Zoo

I know what you're thinking, "The Zoo? It's fall and Im not a kid."
Well readers, you'll be pleasantly surprised!  Like any OKC native, I've been going to the zoo ever since the dolphins were the main attraction (so for a while).  The zoo has become a mothers day tradition for my family, but it's also something that much like the rest of the city, I've come to progressively love more and more.
In the 90's, the zoo had the dolphin shows and had your usual animals: the lions, elephants, rhinos, and (my personal favorite) the aquarium.  But thanks to donations from such organizations like the Kirkpatrick Philanthropies and Chesapeake, it really has flourished.  When the weather is warm you can count on getting a tan and cooling off in the Oklahoma Exhibit, but did you know there's a ferry ride now?  The Asian Elephant section of the zoo is also a sight to see.  I love culture, and I love being able to see kids and adults alike being educated on these animals and where they originate from.  The OKC Zoo is now more than ever becoming a huge educational facility.  Or how about the Manta Ray exhibit?  As a girl who spent her childhood thinking she would become a marine biologist, I always enjoyed going to the Jenks Aquarium for the hands on experienced with the animals, and with a $1 million dollar donation thanks to the Kirkpatrick Foundation, the aquarium will undergo renovation as well as the building of a new hospital.
But the zoo isnt just a destination that should be on your list during the warm seasons, it's also a great place in the fall as well.

Now time for the other side!  I wasn't expecting the Oklahoma City Zoo to become one of my favorite places and yet, here we are, years later and I wish I could spend every single day there.  This may sound crazy for a 23 year old, but I've always loved animals, despite the negativity held over zoos, the treatment of animals is phenomenal, they have a wonderful enrichment program, and as mentioned above, thanks to generous donations, the zoo is beautiful, well managed, and well maintained.  My favorite exhibits are the Gorillas, Bears, and Elephants, but here are a few favorites from over the years!!

Days after Malee was born!

Two and a half years later (Malee is hiding!)

Elephant Habitat

Newest baby gorilla and his momma

Orangutan Exhibit

:)

Thank you for reading this weeks post on the Oklahoma City Zoo, we are thrilled to share all of favorite spots with you! 

To see more beautiful photos like these, go to http://kathrynbphotography.blogspot.com

(local photographer)

Keep looking for new local hot spots and keep loving local!

- Abby & Kate

Cuppies and Joe

Hello!

Here's your weekly dose of local!

Kate: 

This has been one of my favorite local spots in Oklahoma City since I first moved here. 

This hidden gem is in a cosy little refurbished house, nestled on 23rd street between Western Ave. and Hudson. 

Whether you're a stressed out med student, indie musician, starving artist, or a cupcake enthusiast with a hipster scarf and glasses, this is the place for you to come and unwind, relax and get whatever you need accomplished!   They also feature art from local artists on their walls that is up for sale to the public!

Owned and operated by Oklahoma local Elizabeth Diefenderfer, C&J is a local favorite and must have!

Personally, I come here to work on my drawings, writing, and any and all work I need to focus on (even this blog!).  Other coffee shops just don't do the trick for me, I need the comforting and peaceful atmosphere, something you just can't find at chains.  The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the staff is cheerful and friendly and the Cuppie goers are all respectful and add to the allure and charm of this local wonder. 

Let me ask you this, whats better than sitting down with a beautiful, fresh latte in a big cozy cup and a delicious cupcake to fuel your drive and motivation? If you can think of anything else, you're crazy!

My personal favorites include their delicious lattes and wide variety of syrup for the lattes, and a few cupcakes, my recomendation, if you're new to the cupcake world is to order a Sass-a-frass, which is their delicious red velvet cake with buttercream icing!

If you're like me and you LOVE chocolate, you can't go wrong with the Bangarang, a chocolate cupcake with mocha icing!

Not only do they have an amazing list of daily cupcakes, they also have weekly cupcakes and tons of other goodies!  Don't believe me? Check out their website!  http://www.cuppiesandjoe.com/

You will not regret a stop at this awesome shop! 

Check it out Tuesday-Saturday, 8-10 

Cuppies and Joe accepts the Keep it Local discount card, cards can also be purchased in this shop.  

Here are some pictures from my personal experiences enjoy and remember to always shop local and love local!!

The greatest place to focus on your work and reward yourself at the same time!

(pictured: Bangarang)

Great place to meet new and really cool friends! 

Does this one need a description?

(pictured: Irish Cream Latte)

What I enjoyed while writing this blog!

(pictured: Skinny Hazelnut Latte and Bangarang)

Abby:

If the hipster vibe just isn’t something that your interested in or feeling, Cuppies is still a place for you!  At it's core, Cuppies & Joe is exactly what it's name says: a place for a great coffee and cupcake/cookie.  They have seasonal baked goods and guest bakers, which always make it a place worth going to. Being located off of NW 23 also makes it a quick stop if you have a break in your day.  I took an attorney and court reporter there last week and they were pleasantly surprised.  Not only is this place perfect for students, but the busy professional as well.

So the next time you’re at work and are about to go on a coffee run, give this local place a shot.  Once you do, you can even become the office hero and bring back a dozen cookies.  I guarantee you'll like what you try.
So just to sum it up, Cuppies is one of those rare places that has something for everyone.  I went there for the first time a few years ago on a date, and it has become a place where I can go to for a pick-me-up treat, intense study session, casual hang out with friends and co workers, and even Friday nights when I want to catch some local music.  Like I said, it’s a place for everyone. 

Check them out guys!  You will have zero of the regrets!

Click from the selection below to tell us what you think of Cuppies and leave a comment below answering this question:

What's your go to local coffee shop?

Until next time guys!

Love Local. 

Welcome

Abby C.

Being an OKC native for my entire life, I remember growing up and feeling as though the city was too small to ever satisfy my big dreams.  Luckily, with the huge growth of the city, I find myself constantly wanting to check out the newest local opening, explore a new town, or just getting outside to experience Oklahoma’s natural beauty.  Some of my other favorites are the culture districts, baking, hiking, poodles, and crafting.  Im a big DIY girl.

Follow me on twitter and instagram!

Twitter @abbysi
Instagram @abbrogail


Kate B.

Being an adopted OKC native was not in the cards growing up.  I went from a fast, busy life traveling around the West Coast to horse and buggies and Tipis (or so I thought) Though I longed to explore places that made Oklahoma special, I had no companion to do this with, until just over a year ago, when I met Abby.  Since getting to know this amazing girl, we realized we had A LOT in common and endeavored to get to know the state we live in a little better and to spotlight local shops, small town secrets, and grow as friends.  I'm a photographer, I love to read and I am also very into crafting and learning new things!

Follow me on the twitter and Instagram:

Twitter: @katedebateokc
Instagram: @katedebate

Come back every Tuesday for a new entry in our adventure!