Here's our prescription for a bad economy, wars and all the other strife reported around the clock on the news:

Relax with a fine cigar and single-malt scotch in a nice friendly atmosphere.

It seems lots of people are already doing this. While many of us are watching our budgets these days,but it seems the recession hasn't had a strong effect on premium indulgences, like hand-made cigars and fine spirits.

Witness the opening of a second store for couples Russell and Kim Hurt, and Robert and Tami Foust, owners of Cigar Box in Oklahoma.

Just north of Bass Pro Shops, the second location of The Cigar Box, has a cigar bar and retail store. The smoking bar is located at 409 W. Stone Wood Drive, in The Village at Stone Hill in Broken Arrow. The original, at the RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks, opened in September 2005.

"Many of our regular customers that frequent the Jenks location live in the south Tulsa area," said Russell Hurt said in an e-mail interview. "We wanted to offer the same concept to the east Tulsa community."

"We have a comfortable lounge in which people can relax and enjoy a fine cigar and drink of their choice with friends."

When a customer enters the facility, Hurt said, the visitor will find a friendly, fun and relaxing yet lively environment. Soft leather furniture, flat-screen satellite televisions and a full-service bar add more to the experience.

"We offer a full-service bar featuring single-malt scotches, wine, martinis and a wide variety of beer as well as soft drinks and Java Dave's coffee," Hurt said.

On the retail side, a large, walk-in humidor features premium cigars from around the world including Padron, Ashton, Macanudo, CAO, Don Pepin Garcia and Partagas.

Any special blends?

"Most of our cigars are blended with tobaccos from around the world to achieve the desired balance and taste," Hurt said. The tobaccos primarily come from Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.

"We also offer pipes, along with cigar and pipe accessories including humidors, cases, cutters, lighters and unique ashtrays," he said. "In addition, we feature a line of martini and wine glasses from Lolita.

Hurt said these tough economic times scream for a business like his to open.

"Everyone needs a release and some form of entertainment," Hurt said. "We have put together a concept that offers a unique escape and a selection of cigars and drinks to accommodate everyone's budget."

Cigar Box Website

The Cigar Box
500 Riverwalk Terrace
Jenks, OK 74037
918-299-7110

The Cigar Box
406 Stone Wood Drive
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
918-355-0008