As I exited onto N.W. 36th street from the Broadway Extension, I was unmistakably in Oklahoma City. A few miles to my right, the Devon and Chase towers stood tall. To my left, the dome of the Oklahoma State Capitol pierced high into the sky. 1940’s and 1950’s midwestern style homes dotted the residential streets.
Upon parking my car and walking into the Paseo District a few minutes later, it felt as if I’d been transported to a small European village.
Located along a winding, half-mile of Paseo avenue, the Paseo District is filled with art galleries, small cafes and theaters. Spanish architecture, with its bright colors and clay roof tiles, dominates the region.
The history of the Paseo begins in 1929, when Oklahoman G.A. Nichols developed the Paseo as the first shopping district north of downtown. By the 1950’s, the area was filled with thriving jazz clubs, art galleries and other small businesses.
After efforts to the transform the area into an official arts district in the 1970’s proved successful, the Paseo Arts Association was born in 1982. Today, the area is home to annual arts festivals, as well as weekly farmers markets and artistic gatherings.
To get here from Oklahoma Christian, head south on the Broadway Extension and exit at N.W. 36th street. Turn right, and then quickly turn left at Walker avenue. Drive until you reach N.W. 30th street, then turn left. The Paseo will be directly on your left.
Pros:
-Despite its relatively small size, it’s impossible to experience all the Paseo has to offer in one visit. Every art gallery is filled with hundreds, perhaps thousands, of original pieces. There are seven unique restaurants with different cuisines. There are even more entertainment options if you come on days where the farmer’s market is open, or when the arts festival is in session.
-Similar to the Plaza district, every business is small, local and creative minded. The restaurants offer everything from American, to Italian, to late night comfort foods. The art galleries are filled with paintings, sculptures and modern mixed media.
-The Paseo is easily walkable. You won’t have to drive from art gallery to restaurant, or restaurant to theater. This is especially valuable during busy periods, when parking becomes a premium.
Cons:
-If you aren’t a fan of the arts, you may find the area lacking in entertainment options. Some may also feel priced out of the area’s more upscale restaurants and art galleries.
-With no major parking lots in the area, you may find yourself having to walk a significant distance if there’s a major event happening.
-During my Saturday afternoon walk, I encountered fewer pedestrians than my walks through Midtown, Bricktown and the Plaza. That may be a good thing if you’re looking for peace and quiet, but the lack of foot traffic may also be interpreted as a sign the area’s popularity isn’t trending as high as other districts in the area.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re looking for a night out on the town or just an afternoon stroll, the Paseo has several interesting places and people packed into a small geographic location. The creativity of the people and businesses is evident as you walk by, and even more present as you step foot inside the art galleries and restaurants. Compared to other districts in Oklahoma City, the drawbacks seem minimal. If you’ve never been before, you should make it a point to stop by.
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