<p style="text-align: center;"><a rel="attachment wp-att-4921" href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/03/pioneer-woman-mardi-gras-and-general-liveliness-tonight-its-all-about-downtown/dsc_2020/"><img class="size-full wp-image-4921 aligncenter" title="Atlas Life" src="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DSC_2020.jpg" alt="Atlas Life" width="425" height="640" /></a></p>
If I were you, if you plan to be anywhere downtown for an event tonight, I'd like to humbly suggest that you plan to arrive by 2:30 p.m. And that you carpool or ride the bus or take a cab.

Ha! Just kidding about the 2:30 p.m. thing. But seriously, between the craziness that is <a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/03/mardi-gras-parade-blue-dome-district-food-wine-specials-2011/">the Mardi Gras celebration in the Blue Dome District</a> and the throng of Pioneer Woman lovers invading the stairwells and loading the elevators to capacity at the Mayo Hotel, all in a scramble to see <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183721778316015">blogger Ree Drummond sign books in the Crystal Ballroom</a>, not to mention <a href="http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/03/things-to-do-in-tulsa-today-mardi-gras-edition/">the events that will keep the BOK Center and the Jazz Hall of Fame full and bustling</a>, the heart of our city is going to be just a little busy this evening.

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Some things to keep in mind if you're headed that way:
<ul>
	<li><strong>First and foremost</strong>, nearly 40,000 people drive into and find parking in downtown Tulsa for work each and every morning. So yes, there will absolutely be enough parking. Be still and take comfort in that fact.</li>
	<li>Meter parking in downtown Tulsa is free after 5 p.m. Maybe practice your parallel parking skills once or twice before you leave the house and you'll be good to go.</li>
	<li>There are lots of parking options in the lots downtown, both open and covered, if you're willing to part if a fiver or, in unusual cases, more. So, bring a little extra cash.</li>
	<li>Just like life in any midsized downtown area, it's wise to get around early and to allow plenty of time to get parked and to walk to your event. Look at it as time to relish the fact that you're walking through a living museum of art deco architecture and Tulsa history.</li>
	<li>Don't wear stilettos. Flats are your friend.</li>
	<li>If you don't like the idea of having to drive and park, take the bus. If you don't want the hassle of figuring out your route, call (918) 582-2100 and they'll do it for you. No, really. Just tell them where you'll catch the bus, where you want to end up and at what time and they'll tell you exactly what you need to do. And in a really friendly, soothing voice, too. It's nice.</li>
	<li>Valet parking will be available at the Pioneer Woman book signing for $10.</li>
	<li>Eat at a downtown restaurant before or after your chosen event. Doing so supports independent, locally owned businesses, and it saves you a trip. Think of it as your investment in the continued revitalization of the heart and soul of your city. Park strategically so you can walk between dinner and your event.</li>
	<li>Bring an umbrella.</li>
	<li>Don't drink and drive. That's a duh.</li>
</ul>
Have fun tonight! And don't hesitate to get a little crazy. That's what Fat Tuesday is for.