Only in OKlahoma Show

Harley Covington and Brett Manzer
  • 4.9 (29)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Howdy Y'all…just kidding! Welcome to our page. We are the Only in Oklahoma Show, where you can hear about travel and entertainment in the Great State of Oklahoma. Our sole purpose is to shine a light on some of the people, places and stories that make Oklahoma, more than just "OK". In fact, Oklahoma is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the country even by some of the locals. Powered by award winning podcasters (2018 Podcast Award – Society and Culture), Harley C. and Brett Manzer. Tune into the Only in Oklahoma Show to hear interviews, news and reviews about Oklahoma's best restaurants, hotels, festivals, museums, outdoor activities, breweries, rodeos, concerts, casinos, Route 66, and more (literally this list is endless). If it's fun and in Oklahoma, we will be talking about it. We will also be covering some not so topics, like bureaucrats, bridges, toll booths and taxes. If it affects your bottom line or your lake time, we will be cussin' and discussin'. If you are joining us from the Odd Pod, some things never change. Manzer and Harley will be trying to make you laugh while dropping some knowledge about the places we cover. Don't worry, we will still be covering the occasional red-dirt ghost story, cryptid, and UFO conspiracy…as long as it is north of the Red River (BOOMER!). Boots and straps and cowboy hats are optional. Welcome to the Only in Oklahoma Show!

  1. 2d ago

    A Deep-Fried Culinary Tour of the 2026 OK State Fair

    Agriculture, manufacturing, carnival rides, and games are great—but let's be real: we're here for the unapologetic, deep-fried culinary breakdown! On this episode of the Only in OK Show, we take a deep dive into the delicious, decadent, and downright wild eats coming to the 2026 Oklahoma State Fair running September 17–27 at Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. From classic golden staples to global street food fusion and insider budget tips, here is your ultimate guide to eating your way through the fairgrounds: Golden & Deep-Fried Cornerstones Brown's Corndogs & Cheese On a Stick: Jumbo, batter-dipped perfection. Wade Shows Funnel Cake: Crispy, golden, and smothered in powdered sugar. Salty & Savory Handhelds: Giant smoked turkey legs, roasted corn on the cob, bacon-wrapped treats from The Bacon Habit, and Swain's Pizza On-a-Stick. Sweet Indulgences: Deep-fried Oreos, Granny's Cheesecake, and Rodney & Lisa's Fancy Caramel Apples. Global & Specialty Eats African Flavors (Afrikan Delights): Egusi + Fufu plates (chicken, beef, goat, or vegan), smoky skewers, and jollof rice. Southwestern & Street Food Fusion: Birria street corn, Carne Asada street corn, and Dan's famous Indian Tacos. Cajun & Southern Comfort: Big G's Cajun shrimp, crawfish boils, and Eli's Soul Food. Wild Desserts & Drinks: Cobbler in a Cone, Mochi donuts, Turkish Delights, Waffle Chix, and cold refreshing Agua Fresca, Horchata, or Sunrise Boba. Insider Tips for Foodies on a Budget Taste of the Fair Tuesday (Sept 22): The absolute best day for food lovers! Gate admission drops to $4, and vendors across the fairgrounds offer select $4 menu items for sampling. The "Little Book of BIG DEAL$": Pick one up at the gate or the Made in Oklahoma Store (Bennett Event Center) for over 60 coupons and $250+ in food and fun savings. Pro-Tip Strategy: Use the fair's official online Food Finder tool beforehand to plot a strategic route across vendor rows so you don't miss key spots like Mac Me Crazy or Wondervan Pops. Event Logistics & Discount Days Location: Oklahoma State Fair Park (3001 General Pershing Blvd, OKC) Early Savings: Buy gate admission and carnival armbands before September 17 to lock in advance discount pricing. Thrifty Thursdays (Sept 17 & 24): $10 gate admission, $25 ride armbands. Military Monday (Sept 21): Free admission for active duty, veterans, and spouses. Senior Day (Sept 23): Free admission for 55+ with free shuttle access. College Day (Sept 24): $5 admission with college ID. Important Policies: Minors under 18 require an adult chaperone (25+) after 5:00 PM. Paid parking is cashless (credit/debit required). Links: Oklahoma State Fair Ticket Info & Advance Savings Interactive OK State Fair Food Finder Map Question for the listeners: If you could only eat ONE fair food for the rest of your life—are you picking a giant corn dog, an Indian taco, or a hot funnel cake? Let us know! Also discussed:  Misfit Pits BBQ, Enid SOS, HeyDey Entertainment, OTA, Visit Norman #OnlyInOKShow #OKStateFair #OklahomaStateFair #OKCFoodie #OKCFood #OklahomaCity #FairFood #DeepFried #TasteOfTheFair #ExploreOklahoma #OKEvents #OKC #IndianTacos #FunnelCake

  2. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: A Better Way to Money

    Introducing Financial Curveballs: How to Take a Hit, Make a Plan, and Come Back Stronger from A Better Way to Money. Follow the show: A Better Way to Money Most people dealing with debt don’t talk about it. They rationalize, minimize, or wait for a “better time” that never seems to arrive. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox did the same—reporting on personal finance for a living the whole time—before she confronted it, paid it all off, and built the kind of financial stability she now helps others find. Host Jennifer Borget sits down with  New York Times bestselling author of Bounce Back: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Resilience to explain how anyone can recover from a financial curveball. Lynnette shares how debt creeps in and takes over, why the standard advice doesn’t always work, what it takes to get out, and ways to build a better financial future. And debt is just one thing that can knock people off course. Lynnette’s Dreaded D’s cover the full list—divorce, death, disability, downsizing, and more. Listen here to get a game plan for when life takes a turn.  Download your free Family Finances workbook and start building a plan that holds up when life knocks you off course TODAY: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/podcast/ Connect With Lynnette Khalfani-Cox Lynnette’s website: https://lynnettekhalfanicox.com/about/Lynnette’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Bounce-Back-Ultimate-Financial-Resilience/dp/1394205163/ Connect With Northwestern Mutual Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwesternmutualInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwesternmutual/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/northwestern-mutual/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northwesternmutual Episode Page: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/life-and-money/how-to-pay-off-debt-and-recover-from-financial-setbacks Digital Asset: 29-5697-10 Getting Family Finances Right: A Workbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a-better-way-to-money-podcast/ DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: A Better Way to Money

  3. Aug 10

    Up, Up, and Away in Muskogee: Hot Air Balloons

    The Muskogee Hot Air Balloon Festival (formerly the Oklahoma Festival of Ballooning) is back, and it's kicking off a whole new chapter! Join us as we break down everything you need to know about this action-packed weekend at Hatbox Event Park. Muskogee Tourism Director Justin O'Neal highlights a massive focus on live music this year—pairing top-tier concerts with all the classic, high-flying family favorites you love. Whether you're taking to the skies, running a 5K among the balloons, or rocking out to Oklahoma's own country star Kaitlin Butts, this is an August weekend you won't want to miss! 📍 Event Details At-A-Glance When: Friday, August 21 & Saturday, August 22, 2026 Where: Hatbox Event Park (4000 Border Ave / 640 S 40th St, Muskogee, OK) Gates Open: 5:00 PM nightly | Live Music: 7:00 PM nightly 🎈 Sky-High Attractions Nightly Balloon Glow & Fireworks: Watch the evening sky light up with colorful, glowing hot air balloons, followed by a grand finale fireworks display every single night! Tethered Balloon Rides: Take a mini-flight on-site during the festival for a bird's-eye view of the grounds (no reservations needed!). Chartered Rides: Want the ultimate adventure? Full-charter flights are available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (call ahead to book). Up Up & Away 5K: Saturday morning (Aug 22) at 7:30 AM—run a scenic course surrounded by hot air balloons! 🎵 Live Music Lineup Friday Night (Aug 21): Oklahoma's own Kaitlin Butts headlining, with special guests The Red Dirt Rangers. Saturday Night (Aug 22): New Orleans legends Dirty Dozen Brass Band, with special guests The Full Flava Kings. 🍔 Family Fun & Admission Free Kid Zone: Loaded with activities to keep the little ones entertained. Food & Shopping: Local food trucks and artisan vendors packed throughout the park. Admission: FREE! General Parking: $20 per vehicle (cash/card at the gate). Premium Parking: $30 per night or $55 for a Weekend Combo Pass (purchase online or at the Muskogee Civic Center Box Office). 🔗 Connect & Learn More Website: VisitMuskogee.com Phone: 918-684-6302 #OnlyInOK #VisitMuskogee #MuskogeeOK #OklahomaEvents #HotAirBalloonFestival #HatboxEventPark #KaitlinButts #RedDirtRangers #DirtyDozenBrassBand #ExploreOklahoma #OKTourism #FamilyFunOK

  4. Aug 3

    Hidden Ozark Paradise: The Ultimate Spring-Fed Hideaway in Eucha, OK!

    Welcome back to the Only in OK Show! Today, we are taking a trip down a bumpy dirt road to New Eucha, Oklahoma (pronounced YOU-chee!), tucked right at the edge of the Ozarks in the heart of Green Country. We're exploring a Top 5% Airbnb guest favorite that sits on a breathtaking 1-acre, spring-fed pond where you can literally watch natural spring water gush right out of the hillside! Join us as we break down this incredible Oklahoma escape, including: The Bumpy Arrival: Why getting there is half the fun (and why you'll want a truck!). The Ultimate Water Setup: Free access to paddle boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and stocked pond fishing. Cozy Cottage Vibes: The unique floor-bunk setup, rustic-meets-modern layout, and that famous step-up bathroom quirk. Pure Seclusion: Morning coffee on the deck, string-lit evenings, s'mores by the campfire, and why 166 reviews gave it a nearly perfect 4.99-star rating. Grab your fishing poles, turn up the volume, and find out why this hidden spring-fed oasis is a must-visit Oklahoma destination! Also discussed:  Lake Eucha Park, Natural Falls State Park, Grand Lake O' the Cherokees & Ruzycki Farms. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/53540683?guests=1&adults=1&s=67&unique_share_id=719d02c9-2b72-4b43-b8d0-0463bc9c7cfe https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/oklahoma-named-doe-finalist-for-proposed-nuclear-innovation-campus #OnlyInOKShow #OklahomaTravel #DiscoverOklahoma #GreenCountryOK #EuchaOklahoma #OklahomaAirbnb #Ozarks #SpringFedPond #OKCabinRentals #VisitOK #OklahomaPodcasts #ExploreOklahoma #TravelOK

  5. Jul 28

    Sulphur's Grand Oasis: The Artesian Hotel, Spa & Casino (Plus Local Coffee & Mountain Finds!)

    This week on the Only in OK Show, we're heading down to Sulphur, Oklahoma, to explore a true landmark: The Artesian Hotel, Spa & Casino! Originally built in 1906 as a hot spot for celebrities and politicians before a devastating fire in 1962, this historic jewel was reimagined in 2013 to blend vintage charm with high-end modern luxury. Sitting right across from the stunning Chickasaw National Recreation Area, The Artesian features 81 luxuriously appointed rooms, world-class amenities, and so much more. Here's a look at what we cover in this episode: Luxe Accommodations: From window-seat Standard Kings to the extravagant Art Deco Hollywood Suite and multi-room Governor's Suite—complete with plush linens and Bedré Fine Chocolates on your pillow. Elevated Dining & Treats: High-end comfort food and craft cocktails at The Fountain Club, fresh lunches at Bedré Café, sweet frozen yogurt at Sweet Swirlz & More, and custom tea blends from The Spice & Tea Exchange. Relaxation & Fun: Why Sole'renity Spa earned a Top 100 ranking in America (plus their BHG-recognized "Little Soles" kids spa!), unique boutique shopping, and late-night entertainment at The Artesian Casino. The Real Star of the Show & Local Finds: You know we run on caffeine and local love! We hit the jackpot on Broadway Avenue at Cup & Crumb (2002 West Broadway), where we sampled everything from Caramel White Mocha and Lotus Energy drinks to homemade Grandma's Thumbprint cookies and grilled Chicken Bacon Avocado Paninis. Plus, we took a stroll down historic Muskogee Street to check out Bromide Mountain Co. for outdoor gear, Patagonia apparel, and unique Arbuckle Mountain gifts. Whether you're looking for the ultimate southern Oklahoma weekend getaway or the best local coffee in town, Sulphur is definitely worth the drive! #OnlyInOKShow #OklahomaTravel #SulphurOK #ArtesianHotel #DiscoverOklahoma #OklahomaTourism #ChickasawNation #SoleRenitySpa #CupAndCrumb #BromideMountainCo #TravelOK #OklahomaCoffee #WeekendGetaway #ExploreOK

  6. Jul 20

    Tishomingo's Hidden 5-Star Luxury | The Stay Golden Inn

    Think you have to be in OKC or Tulsa to find ultra-luxury lodging? Think again! This week, we are heading down to Tishomingo, Oklahoma—a charming small town hiding one of the most stunning, five-star boutique stays in the state: The Stay Golden Inn. Located in a historic late-1800s brick building that once housed the town's local newspaper, this stay seamlessly blends historical grit with modern glam. We're breaking down why this romantic, urban-loft experience in the heart of Johnston County deserves a spot at the top of your Oklahoma bucket list. Inside the Episode: The Suites: Whether you are booking a couples' getaway in the "Gold Digger" Suite (featuring a plush King bed and cozy fireplace) or a friends' trip in the "Gold Rush" Suite (equipped with two Queen beds), you are in for total comfort. The Spa Bathrooms: These bathrooms rival any major luxury hotel. We're talking freestanding soaking tubs, double vanities, and a massive glass walk-in shower with dual shower heads plus an overhead rainfall shower. The Private Patio: Step outside to a colorful outdoor oasis decked out with a vibrant mural, string lights, and your own private hot tub perfect for soaking under the Oklahoma stars. Show Insider Tip: Booking a group trip? If you book both suites together, the hot tub setup can accommodate up to 6 people! You can also ask the amazing host, Carrie, about adding in-room massages or kayak rentals. Walkable Tishomingo: You are literally just steps away from Blake Shelton's famous Ole Red restaurant and music venue. Plus, you can easily walk to downtown boutiques, a local wine bar, and a local five-star spa. Nature Breaks: If you want to get outside, the gorgeous Blue River is just a few miles away—famous for trout fishing, kayaking, and stunning scenery. With a 4.96 out of 5-star rating on Airbnb and over 200 reviews, guests consistently rave that this place rivals the best luxury hotels in the country. If you're looking for a luxurious weekend escape without leaving the state, look up the Stay Golden Inn in Tishomingo. Trust us, it's pure gold. Also discuss:  Ol' Red, Blake Shelton, Tishamingo, Love's, Enid SOS, KTUL, Redbud Tiny Home and RV Resort, Wild County Meats and Big Cabin OK. #OklahomaTourism #TravelOK #TishomingoOK #StayGoldenInn #OnlyInOK #BoutiqueHotel #LuxuryTravel #ExploreOklahoma #OleRed #Blue River #OklahomaGetaway

  7. Jul 13

    The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival with Queen Bailie Heston

    Oklahoma summers are legendary, but there is one tradition that makes the August heat entirely worth it. This week on the Only in OK Show, we are breaking down one of the state's most iconic, longest-running summer traditions: The Rush Springs Watermelon Festival! Drawing over 30,000 visitors annually and serving up tens of thousands of pounds of free, ice-cold watermelon, this massive community celebration is an absolute must-visit. We outline the entire August 2026 schedule, share essential insider tips for surviving the heat, and sit down for an exclusive interview with the newly crowned 2026 Watermelon Queen, Bailie Heston. 📅 The 2026 Festival Schedule: Mark Your Calendars! The main festival always takes over the town on the second Saturday of August, but the action kicks off early: Thursday, Aug 6 & Friday, Aug 7: The Pre-Festival Rodeo & Carnival – Local and regional competitors kick things off with classic, fast-paced rodeo action. Saturday, Aug 8: The Main Watermelon Festival Morning: Opening ceremonies get things started bright and early. All Day: Free Watermelon Tasting starts at 4 PM, live local entertainment, carnival rides, games, and an Arts & Crafts Fair featuring over 125 handmade vendor booths. Early Afternoon: The massive, fan-favorite Seed-Spitting Contest finals, the Largest Watermelon Contest, and the official crowning of the Watermelon Queen. 👑 Behind the Crown: Interview with Watermelon Queen Bailie Heston We sit down with Bailie Heston to discuss what it truly means to be the face of a festival that expands her hometown's population by 30,000 people in a single weekend. In this episode, Bailie shares: The Ultimate Debate: Her go-to defense for why Oklahoma legally considers watermelon a vegetable. What she learned about Rush Springs' rich agricultural heritage and the local farmers working through the brutal summer heat. Bonus: Her pro-tips for a winning strategy in the seed-spitting contest! ☀️ Insider Tips for Visiting Rush Springs Beat the Heat: August in Oklahoma is intense. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and plenty of water. Beat the Traffic: Arrive early in the morning on Saturday for prime parking and to bypass peak afternoon congestion. Get the Gear: Don't miss out on the memorabilia—pre-order official festival T-shirts and tank tops online before your size sells out! Also discussed: Countrymen BBQ & Mustang OK. Official Rush Springs Watermelon Festival Website: Rush Springs Watermelon FB Page Be sure to subscribe, rate, and leave a review if you love exploring the best hidden gems and historic traditions across Oklahoma!

  8. Jul 6

    Oklahoma's Legendary Stuart Ranch: Chisholm Trail Roots to Modern Luxury Lodging

    Take a trip down to southwestern Oklahoma as we explore Waurika to highlight Stuart Ranch—one of the state's oldest and most legendary ranches under continuous family ownership! With roots stretching all the way back to 1868 (long before Oklahoma statehood), Stuart Ranch has evolved from Chisholm Trail-era cattle driving to a thriving 21st-century powerhouse. Today, we trace their incredible journey from first-generation pioneer Robert Clay Freeny arriving in Indian Territory in 1838, all the way to current sixth-generation operator, Clay Forst. Stuart Ranch isn't just historic; it's award-winning. They took home the prestigious AQHA Best Remuda Award in 1995, and ranch manager Terry Stuart Forst was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame in 2007. The Evolution Beyond Just Cattle How does a historic ranch stay vibrant today? By diversifying! In this episode, we dive into how the family expanded into the Stuart Ranch Quarter Horse program, Stuart Ranch Meat Co., and Stuart Ranch Outfitters. We also take a deep dive into their massive recent addition: The Lodge at Stuart Ranch. Originally built as a full-service, luxury experience for hunting clients, this stunning modern building—featuring a wooden frame and stone accents—has evolved into a premier mid-size event venue and corporate retreat destination. What You'll Learn In This Episode: The Accommodations: A look inside the Lodge, which accommodates up to 12 guests across 6 bedrooms with private baths. Learn about the cowboy-inspired Bunkroom and the regal Colonel Room. The Gathering Spaces: Discover the Smokehouse Room, the expansive living area (complete with a piano), and the outdoor fire pit perfect for nights under the Oklahoma stars. The Ultimate Oklahoma Hustle: How the Lodge's rustic-yet-refined interior led to a collaboration with Arcadia-based design firm Designer's Brew and Company (designer Brett McPherson). You can actually buy their custom, fully customizable furniture line online! True Oklahoma Hospitality: The Stuart Ranch philosophy: "We'll call you ma'am/sir, look you in the eye, greet you with a firm handshake, and welcome you into the family." Connect with Stuart Ranch Ready to book a corporate retreat, family reunion, or hunting trip? Websites: Visit stuartranch.com or stuartranchoutfitters.com to fill out their online contact form. Custom Furniture: Check out the Stuart Ranch collection at designersbrew.com . Listener Question: Are you more of a "roughing it in the cowboy bunkroom" type of traveler, or are you booking the luxury Colonel Room? Let us know in the comments! Also discussed:     #OnlyInOK #OklahomaHistory #StuartRanch #WaurikaOK #ExploreOklahoma #OklahomaRanch #ChisholmTrail #CowgirlHallOfFame #AQHA #OklahomaTourism #TravelOK #CorporateRetreats #LuxuryLodge #DesignersBrew #OklahomaHustle

See All (103)

4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Howdy Y'all…just kidding! Welcome to our page. We are the Only in Oklahoma Show, where you can hear about travel and entertainment in the Great State of Oklahoma. Our sole purpose is to shine a light on some of the people, places and stories that make Oklahoma, more than just "OK". In fact, Oklahoma is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the country even by some of the locals. Powered by award winning podcasters (2018 Podcast Award – Society and Culture), Harley C. and Brett Manzer. Tune into the Only in Oklahoma Show to hear interviews, news and reviews about Oklahoma's best restaurants, hotels, festivals, museums, outdoor activities, breweries, rodeos, concerts, casinos, Route 66, and more (literally this list is endless). If it's fun and in Oklahoma, we will be talking about it. We will also be covering some not so topics, like bureaucrats, bridges, toll booths and taxes. If it affects your bottom line or your lake time, we will be cussin' and discussin'. If you are joining us from the Odd Pod, some things never change. Manzer and Harley will be trying to make you laugh while dropping some knowledge about the places we cover. Don't worry, we will still be covering the occasional red-dirt ghost story, cryptid, and UFO conspiracy…as long as it is north of the Red River (BOOMER!). Boots and straps and cowboy hats are optional. Welcome to the Only in Oklahoma Show!

Information

  • Creator
    Harley Covington and Brett Manzer
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Only in OKlahoma Show