Editor's note: This story is featured in OU Daily's Best of Norman Guide, which will be available in print beginning Sept. 30. Racks can be found around Norman and campus. Check out the other featured stories at the bottom of this article.

Downtown Norman is a hub for dining, shopping and entertainment, offering visitors a mix of local restaurants, specialty shops and cultural experiences.

Dining

Bison Witches Bar & Deli

Bison Witches is a self-proclaimed nontraditional bar that houses a deli offering bread soup bowls and gourmet sandwiches. The menu boasts many sandwich options including vegetarian sandwiches. Drop by on Tuesday and Thursday to participate in the deli’s special and buy up to five sandwiches at half price.

Food is not the only thing on the menu as this establishment also hosts live music, karaoke and occasional viewing parties.

Bison Witches is open 11 a.m. to midnight Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The kitchen closes each day at 9 p.m. at 211 E. Main St.

The Custard Factory

Originally opened as Rusty’s Custard Factory in 2001 by founder Russell “Rusty” Rasmussen, The Custard Factory has been serving made-daily frozen custard for more than two decades.

Customers can choose from over 20 toppings to create their own treat or choose from classics like concretes, sundaes, malts, shakes, floats and frozen custard sandwiches. Employees, known as Custard Connoisseurs, are available to help inspire new combinations.

The Custard Factory is open 12:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 12:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 301 E. Main St.

Rosa Mezcal

Rosa Mezcal is a culinary sanctuary, where each dish embodies the warmth of Mexican hospitality, traditional recipes and lively tastes. Rosa Mezcal offers cantina-style food for brunch, lunch and dinner along with a selection of handcrafted cocktails.

From signature guacamoles to classic tacos, Rosa Mezcal has something for everyone. Specialty milkshakes are also offered for those with a sweet tooth.

Rosa Mezcal is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday at 214 E. Main St.

Shopping

Norman Stamp & Seal

Norman Stamp & Seal has served the community for decades, offering custom engraving and personalized gifts. Items include Yeti tumblers, cutting boards, specialty shot glasses, keychains and more. Purchases can be made in-store and online.

Norman Stamp & Seal is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 110 S. University Blvd.

Sandalwood and Sage

Sandalwood and Sage is a fun shopping spot for those looking for something a bit mystical, with crystals, incense, candles, clothing and more. The self-proclaimed metaphysical gift store also hosts psychic readings and performances.

Sandalwood and Sage is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 322 E. Main St.

Guestroom Records

Guestroom Records has become a staple of Norman’s music scene, offering a vast collection of new and used vinyl records alongside CDs, cassettes and music accessories. Customers can sell or trade their own records and explore Guestroom’s online inventory for harder-to-find gems. The store also regularly hosts listening parties and album release events. The event schedule is available on the store’s Facebook and Instagram.

Guestroom Records is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at 125 E. Main St.

Activities

The Crucible Art Foundry & Gallery

The Crucible Art Foundry & Gallery is a full-service art foundry, gallery and sculpture garden located in the historic Carey Lumber building, built in 1887. The gallery features rotating collections of bronze sculptures and other works created at the foundry. The outdoor sculpture garden displays larger pieces. Visitors are given the opportunity to watch an informative film about the casting process and have their questions answered by knowledgeable staff.

The Crucible is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 110 E. Tonhawa St.

The Depot

Built in 1909 as a train station, The Depot has transformed into a performing arts studio. With rotating galleries, exhibits, events, concerts and workshops, The Depot strives to highlight Norman culture and support local artists.

One of the ongoing galleries is the Entangled Voices exhibit, which is open until Nov. 1. The exhibit features vibrant fiber artwork, depicting embroidered scenes of nature, from artists Irmgard Geul and Darci Lenker.

The Depot is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 200 S. Jones Ave.

MAINSITE Contemporary Art

MAINSITE Contemporary Art has been home to the Norman Arts Council since 2012, serving as the city’s hub for exhibitions, performances and cultural events. The gallery is housed in a renovated, century-old building with 4,000 square feet of exhibition space and a glass front that opens up to Main Street.

The movable gallery walls allow the space to host multiple shows, with four exhibitions scheduled each year. MAINSITE also features the Library Gallery, a smaller venue within the gallery dedicated to experimental and emerging artists.

MAINSITE Contemporary Art is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 122 E. Main St.

This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Chelsea Low, Gretchen Schultz, Sophie Hemker and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.