University of Oklahoma
May I first make one thing very clear? I am a Sooner born and bred. So please excuse me when I say, I love Norman, Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma. Being back on campus this weekend was amazing: the leaves were starting to fall, the wind was sweeping down the plain (do I have any Broadway fans out there?), and college football is in full swing. The Sooners took on the Baylor Bears in the opening of conference play and for the Sooners that just meant it was time to get down to business, but for me, it was time to indulge in some of my favorite eateries that I’ve loved since I was a freshman in Nompton (that’s Norman for those of you not in the know) and college football.
Kitchen No. 324 in Oklahoma City, OK
Saturday morning before heading down to Norman, I had brunch with my girlfriends at Kitchen No. 324 in Oklahoma City. This place is so charming and the pastries are to die for. I’m pretty sure I saw a pancake three inches thick and took up an entire plate. That definitely would have to be shareable. But I opted for an apple fritter, fresh berries, and a cocktail. I had a rose mojito that was fresh and not overly sweet. I went back and forth between the rose mojito and a lavender mule, but it worked out perfectly that my friend Amanda got the lavender mule so I just drank hers. I mean what are friends for?! If you’re ever in the OKC area, I definitely recommend Kitchen No. 324 for every meal. I promise it’s that good.
A short journey down I-35 lead us to Norman and instantly the buzz of college football was all around. Tailgates lineup from the front of the stadium on Lindsey Street all at the way to the back past the Student Union leading to Campus Corner. The first stop for me was Campus Corner where the streets are shut down and you are free to roam. One of my favorite pre and post-game stops is Louie’s for a spiked lemonada and crispy tender wrap. The lemonada is both refreshing and dangerous. Another good drink is the Boomer Punch at Louie’s all while enjoying a game on one of the several TVs before the game starts. Also on The Corner is Diamond Dogs, Hideaway Pizza (an absolute must-have when in Norman) Baked Bear, O’Connell’s (a place I visited more than you need to know when I was an undergrad), Seven 47 in addition to many other quick eateries like Chipotle, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, and Cool Greens. In addition to all of the food and drinks, there is some pretty good shopping for all the OU gear and regular fashion. One of my favorite places to shop is Blueberi Lane. Tara is the sweetest and they have some of the cutest clothes and more fashionable OU tees and sweaters. In addition to Blueberi Lane, you’ll find Opolis Clothing – they are hands down my favorite for apparel that supports all things Oklahoma. My Saturdays is Norman tee is one of many I have purchased from Opolis. PS – my bag and tassel are from the CTSXGiGi line you can shop it here!
Saturdays in Norman; CTSXGiGi Leigh Ann bag
In the stadium, there are also good food options from Chik Fil A, Pizza Hut, corn dogs, and regular stadium food stands all over the place with the general pretzels, popcorn the like. The Baked Bear also has a stand in the stadium as well in case you didn’t get your ice cream sandwich before. I had pretty good seats in the end zone right behind the famous Oklahoma Ruf/Neks and their insanely loud guns. I honestly don’t remember them being that loud, but I also was in the student section and not that close to them. The Sooners won the game 66-33 to open up conference play and will take on the Texas Longhorns on October 6th while Baylor will play Kansas State in Waco.
Campus Corner
Between the Ruf/Neks, the atmosphere, and of course being the home of a storied football program Memorial Stadium is definitely a fun place for college football and I hope you get to experience it soon!