A new tour experience explores 10 Kendall Whittier establishments, the makers’ culture of the area, and the district’s unique history, centering around the historic Whittier Square on the corner of Admiral and Lewis.
The inaugural Meet the Makers tour is on May 1 with three different start times available. Guests will hear inside info from each business while outside on the sidewalk Along the tour, they’ll snack and sip and accumulate swag.
“This tour celebrates the small businesses and walkability that make Kendall Whittier so special,” said Jeffrey Tanenhaus, founder of Tulsa Tours. “It’s the perfect way to explore by learning about the history of the neighborhood and its current merchants, especially for those who moved to Tulsa during the pandemic.”
Every adult receives a tote bag to gather swag from stops along the tour, including some snacks and a beverage or two. Business owners, employees and makers will share their stories to give more context.
“That’s what makes this tour distinctive! It isn’t just a walk and listen thing. You’ll actually get to talk with various business owners and makers, and you’ll have a bag of goodies to take home,” said Jessica Jackson Seay, executive director of Kendall Whittier Main Street.
Tickets are $35 each. Tours are limited to fewer than 20 participants to ensure there’s plenty of room for social distancing. Ticket sales help support the locally-owned businesses. Purchase tickets online here.
“History buffs and makers, Tulsa lovers and new residents – this tour is fun for a wide range of folks,” Jackson Seay said. “It’s part Kendall Whittier history, part Route 66 history, part transformation story and mostly, a chance to connect with fellow Tulsans who own, operate and create in the district.”
Three tours will take place during the day, with the first starting at 11:30 a.m. Later tours will begin at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Each tour lasts about two hours.
While the walking portion will only be about a quarter-mile, the majority of the tour will be on foot and outside. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Masks will be required of attendees during the tour except while eating or drinking. Hand sanitizer will be provided.
Tour stops include:
🇲🇽 Pancho Anaya Bakery for a Mexican pastry
👕 Flash Flood Print Studios to learn about screen printing and pick up your tote bag
🧴 Jo & June to learn about sustainable self-care products
📚 Whitty Books for spring reading suggestions
☕ She Brews Coffee House for a sip of caffeine from a coffee shop with a mission
🖼 Ziegler Art & Frame for neighborhood perspective from this long-time merchant
🍿 Circle Cinema for popcorn and a short film about KW
🥤 Bar 473 for a pit stop at a former Phillips 66 gas station converted into an urban oasis
🗿 The Makerage to learn how to make beautiful pieces with concrete
🍺 Heirloom Rustic Ales for a brewery tour and taster-sized beer*
*The Heirloom stop will be unavailable for the 11:30 a.m. tour.
May 1 will be a busy day in Kendall Whittier with a Makers’ Market at The Studio from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Grand Opening for Anthousai all day, the 50th Anniversary Screening of Billy Jack at Circle Cinema at 2 p.m., plus the Tulsa Farmers’ Market in the morning from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Kendall Whittier Main Street is a nonprofit organization that inspires the ongoing revitalization and growth of a historic and cultural neighborhood in Tulsa, striving to transform it back to a thriving, walkable commercial district. KWMS is a 2020 Great American Main Street Award winner and an Oklahoma Certified Cultural District.
For more information about the Kendall Whittier Main Street, please call or text 918-633-1934 or email info@visitkendallwhittier.com. To learn more about Tulsa Tours, visit tulsa.tours.
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