In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're exploring the "public art gallery without walls" in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Discover the story behind the Painted Horses, a collection of nearly 40 life-sized fiberglass masterpieces scattered throughout the city. We talk about the project's origins with former Mayor Chuck Mills, the impact of the 2023 Shawnee tornado on the herd, and where you can find fan favorites like "Indian Blanket" and "Evening Star." It's the perfect DIY scavenger hunt for your next Oklahoma road trip!

After the break: We're shifting gears to road safety. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is launching a major statewide crackdown on distracted driving for the remainder of January 2026. Learn about the new enforcement rules, the $100 fine for holding a phone, and why Col. Joe Williams says putting your phone down is a matter of life and death.

We're also highlighting the incredible work of Enid SOS (Street Outreach Services), a non-profit dedicated to providing food, shelter, and medical advocacy to the unsheltered community in Enid.

Resources Mentioned:

• Find the horse map at VisitShawnee.com

• Support local outreach at EnidSOS.org

• Pick up a physical map at the Visit Shawnee office: 2820 N Kickapoo.

#OnlyInOK #VisitShawnee #ShawneeOK #PaintedHorses #OklahomaRoadTrip #OHP #DriveSafeOK #EnidSOS #OklahomaPublicArt #ExploreOklahoma #Route66Safety

Is there a secret kingdom hidden in the heart of Oklahoma City? This week, Brett and Harley are tracking down the "Gnome on the Range" at the historic Will Rogers Gardens. We dive into the magical world of fairy houses and gnome homes handcrafted by Robert Trobaugh of the OKC Parks Department. From "turtle traffic jams" to Easter Island-style sculptures, discover why this 30-acre oasis is the ultimate "Oklahoma Disney movie."

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Fairy Kingdom of 405: How Robert Trobaugh uses salvaged materials to build a five-star resort for mythological creatures.

• Will Rogers Gardens Gems: The Ed Lycan Conservatory's massive cacti collection and the historic WPA-era red stone shelters.

• Garden Bouncers: Why the "gazillion" turtles and koi are the real bosses of the park.

• Family Magic: Tips for starting your own fairy garden (and how to save your bank account from "miniature furniture" debt).

We spotlight Think Ability Inc., a Duncan-based non-profit providing independent living support for people with developmental disabilities.

• Visit: Think Ability Garden Cafe at 805 West Main, Duncan, OK.

After the break, we're talking high-end eats! Choctaw Casinos & Resorts is bringing the heat this winter with exclusive celebrity chef restaurant takeovers.

• Alex Guarnaschelli: Jan 23–24 (Grant, OK)

• Scott Conant: Feb 13–14 (Pocola, OK)

• Jet Tila: Feb 27–28 (Choctaw Landing)

Links Mentioned:

• Finding the Fairies at Will Rogers Gardens (MetroFamily Magazine)

• Choctaw Casino Events

#OnlyInOK #OklahomaCity #WillRogersGardens #OKCParks #FairyGarden #GnomeLife #ChoctawCasinos #AlexGuarnaschelli #ScottConant #JetTila #OklahomaFoodie #VisitOKC #ThinkAbility #ExploreOklahoma

Get your kicks! 🛣️ In 2026, the legendary Route 66 turns 100, and Oklahoma is the heart of the celebration. Join Brett and Harley as they break down everything you need to know to navigate the "Mother Road" during its historic centennial year.

Oklahoma boasts over 400 miles of driveable pavement—the longest stretch in the nation. From world-record car parades in Tulsa to the neon glow of OKC, we're covering the festivals, the vintage races, and the hidden gems you can't miss.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Big Events: The National Kickoff, The Great Race, and Route 66 Bike Week.

• Oklahoma's "Big Three" Festivals: Massive celebrations in Tulsa, OKC, and Vinita.

• Must-See Museums: Diving deep into Clinton, Elk City, and Chandler.

• Hidden Gems: Darryl Starbird's Rod & Custom Show and small-town magic in Sayre.

• 2025 Year in Review: Celebrating our 20 million views and 60k new followers!

• 2026 Sneak Peek: Pizza tours, Black Mesa road trips, and more.

Special Shoutout: Today's show is brought to you by Friends of Nicoma Park. Support their mission to build a 60-acre community hub with soccer fields, splash pads, and dog parks! 🔗 Follow them here: https://www.facebook.com/friendsofnicomapark

Resources Mentioned:

• Official Centennial Info: https://route66centennial.org/

• Get your Route 66 Supporter Pack: https://oklahomaroute66.com/news/centennial-supporter-pack

Timecodes: 0:00 - Intro: The Mother Road turns 100 2:15 - Why Oklahoma is the Heart of Route 66 5:30 - National Kickoff & The Great Race 9:45 - The Oklahoma Museum Trail 14:20 - Tulsa vs. OKC: The May 30th Showdown 18:10 - Small Town Magic: Sayre & Vinita 22:00 - Ad: Friends of Nicoma Park 25:30 - 2025 Year in Review: 20 Million Views! 28:45 - 2026 Preview: Pizza & Black Mesa 31:15 - The Feedbag: Mall Nostalgia

#Route66 #Oklahoma #Route66Centennial #MotherRoad #TravelOklahoma #OnlyInOK #ClassicCars #RoadTrip #ExploreOK #OKC #Tulsa #Route66Experience

Discover the "Gold Standard" of the Great Plains.

In this episode of the Only in OK Show, Brett and Harley take you to the furthest corner of the Panhandle to celebrate a historic milestone: Black Mesa State Park has officially become Oklahoma's first International Dark Sky Park.

We dive into what it took to achieve this prestigious designation from DarkSky International and why "nocturnal heritage" is the next big thing for Oklahoma tourism. From removing "islands of light" to protecting the biological rhythms of bighorn sheep and mountain lions, we explore why Black Mesa is now a premier global destination for astrotourism.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The 5-Year Transformation: How the park retrofitted lighting to eliminate light pollution.

• Where the Rockies Meet the Prairie: The unique geology of the 30-million-year-old black lava rock.

• The High Point Trail: Navigating the nature preserve and the famous Okie-Tex Star Party.

• Astrotourism's Economic Impact: How the village of Kenton and the OKC Astronomy Club put Oklahoma on the celestial map.

Stick around after the break: We're heading to Midwest City because Tinker Air Force Base is getting a "Glow Up." Learn about the latest developments and what it means for the community.

Plan your visit: https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/black-mesa-state-park-nature-preserve

Also discussed: Chickasha Christmas Lights, Yukon Christmas Lights, Ralphie's Restaurant, Tinker AFB and Midwest City

#OnlyInOK #BlackMesa #DarkSkyPark #Stargazing #OklahomaTravel #ExploreOK #Astrotourism #TinkerAFB #OklahomaStateParks #KeepTheDark

In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we discuss our plans for Christmas this year.

We also give a festive review of Ralphie's in downtown Chickasha, located in the historic El Chedos/The Outpost building.

Highlights of this episode include:

• The 2026 Outlook: Why 2026 is set to be the "Year of the Only in OK Show" and a potential million-dollar milestone.

• Ralphie's Restaurant Review: A deep dive into the A Christmas Story themed menu.

• Chickasha Tourism: Insights into the Ralphie's Airbnb and how the town is "on to something" with its holiday transformations.

#OnlyInOK #ChickashaOK #OklahomaPodcast #RalphiesChickasha #AChristmasStory #VisitOklahoma #OklahomaEats #ChickashaChristmas #2026Vision #OklahomaTourism

Welcome to "The Only in OK Show" definitive guide to Christmas time in Oklahoma! Hosts Brett and Harley take you on a festive journey through the Sooner State's unique holiday customs, events, and traditions.

What Makes Oklahoma's Christmas Unique?

Discover why Oklahoma holds a distinct reputation for its exceptional holiday celebrations:

• Christmas Customs & Traditions: Learn about widespread traditions like horse-drawn carriages featuring Santa and the unique, booming tradition of Christmas Gun Shooting (especially around Fort Reno), a custom inherited from German immigrants meant to dispel evil spirits. We discuss the historical significance and the importance of safety (ear protection advised!).

• Festive Performances: Explore where to catch the holiday classic "The Nutcracker," with performances by the Oklahoma City and Tulsa ballet companies, often featuring family treats like gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. We also touch on other holiday-themed shows, including the famous Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

• Dazzling Light Displays: We cover the must-see holiday lights across the state, including the famous Chickasha Festival of Light (over 3 million lights!), Christmas in the Park in Elk City, Holiday Lights Spectacular in Midwest City, and the Garden of Lights in Muskogee.

• A Taste of Christmas Past: Step back in time with events like the Guthrie Territorial Christmas Celebration, which showcases ancient cultures and traditions in one of the largest historic preservation districts, and the Victorian Christmas in Claremore, featuring Victorian-garbed shopkeepers and living window displays.

• Holiday Shopping & Activities: We cover where to shop, from malls to downtown small towns and the "NorthPole city." Find out where to go ice skating in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Tulsa, and Chickasha.

• Oklahoma Holiday Staples: Dive into iconic Oklahoma Christmas experiences, from hearing the legendary BC Clark Jingle to sipping on Braum's Premium Egg Nog. We also mention Polar Express rides, and finding the perfect holiday centerpiece at Christmas Tree Farms and Lots.

• A Historic Christmas Dinner: Hear about how abundant game historically made meats like venison, buffalo, wild turkey, and more common choices for Christmas dinner, alongside popular modern options like roasted pig or ham.

And stick around until after the break... where we talk about Oklahoma building a really big bridge!

Tune in for the ultimate guide to celebrating the most wonderful time of the year, Oklahoma style!

#OklahomaChristmas #OKC #Tulsa #ChickashaFestivalOfLight #Oklahoma #OKCChristmas #ChristmasTraditions #HolidayLights #TheNutcracker #TransSiberianOrchestra #BCClarkJingle #Braum's #OKTravel #OnlyInOK #OklahomaHistory #ChristmasInOklahoma #TravelPodcast

Forget generic holiday shows! Join the "Only in OK Show" as we reveal the 10 must-see Christmas towns across Oklahoma that will fill your entire season with cheer. From globally famous light displays to charming historic walks, we've found the best of the Sooner State's winter magic.

We break down the national-caliber light shows that rival Vegas:

• The Chickasha Festival of Lights (172-foot tree, $3.5M+$ lights)

• Rhema Lights in Broken Arrow

• Midwest City's "Dancing Forest" drive-through

• Muskogee's stunning natural park display

We cover the ultimate urban winter wonders:

• Tulsa Winterfest (the state's largest Christmas tree and urban ice skating)

• OKC Downtown in December (snow tubing and free water taxis)

Plus, step back in time with the unique charm of Guthrie's Territorial Christmas and Tonkawa's classic celebrations. Find out where to pose inside a giant snow globe in Enid, walk the magnificent lighted bridge, and find out which city offers free snow tubing. Your ultimate Oklahoma Christmas travel guide starts here!

#OnlyInOKShow #OklahomaChristmas #OKCChristmas #TulsaWinterfest #ChickashaFestivalofLights #RhemaLights #OklahomaTravel #ChristmasLights #GuthrieOK #HolidayTravel #OKCPodcast #ExploreOklahoma #SnowTubing

Today, we talk with Connor Quinn, the unmistakable voice you know from Braum's commercials, OETA public television, and regular appearances on the Howard Stern Show! Connor's amazing career began as a child actor on shows like Little House on the Prairie and Sesame Street before transitioning to voice-over work. Hear how he became the voice behind Star Trek, Disney, Visa, KFC, and countless other iconic brands and projects. This is a must-listen for Oklahoma fans!

Also discussed: Enid Street Outreach Services, Business Facilities, Tinker Air Force Base, FAA, and The Oklahoma Air & Space Port

#VoiceOfBraums #ConnorQuinn #OnlyInOKShow #OklahomaPodcast #VoiceActor #Braums #OETA #HowardSternShow #PodcastInterview #VoiceOverArtist #oklahomaspaceport #spaceport