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. 10H AGO

    Road to the Hall of Fame: Honoring the Legends of Oklahoma Route 66

    While Route 66 stretches from Chicago to LA, the soul of the Mother Road lives in the hearts of those who preserved it. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're heading to Clinton, Oklahoma, to go inside the Oklahoma Route 66 Hall of Fame. As we look toward the massive 2026 Centennial, we explore the museum that serves as the ultimate shrine to the Will Rogers Highway and the icons who kept the neon buzzing. Inside the Episode The Hall of Fame: Honoring the Legends Every two years, the Oklahoma Route 66 Association inducts individuals who have dedicated their lives to the road. We dive into the stories of the legends whose plaques line the museum walls: Cyrus Avery: The visionary known as "The Father of Route 66." Lucille Hamons: The "Mother of the Mother Road" and her legacy in Hydro. The Russells: Harley and Annabelle of Erick—true Oklahoma "characters" who define the road's quirky spirit. Doc Mason: The 2003 Hall of Famer, owner of the Tradewinds Motel, and key consultant for Pixar's Cars. Save the Date: The 2026 Centennial Induction The upcoming Hall of Fame ceremony isn't just a local event—it's a national milestone. 2026 marks the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, and the induction ceremony will be the heart of the celebration. When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Event: Two new Oklahomans will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Join history buffs and preservationists as we honor the newest guardians of the road. The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum Experience The Hall of Fame is housed within a chronological journey of the highway. Before the ceremony, take time to explore: The Dust Bowl Era: Real stories of the "land of promise" during the drought years. The 1950s Diner: A fully immersive exhibit where you can sit in a booth and soak in the neon-soaked family vacation era. The Gift Shop: Support the mission! Proceeds from admission and the shop go directly toward the daily operations and preservation programs of the museum. Plan Your Trip to Clinton If you are attending the July 25th induction, plan to arrive early at the museum located at 2229 West Gary Boulevard. This is a landmark year and the building fills up fast! Website: okhistory.org/route66 Phone: 580-323-7866 Follow for Updates: Check the Oklahoma Route 66 Association for announcements on the 2026 inductees. Subscribe to the Only in OK Show to stay updated on all things Oklahoma history, travel, and the upcoming Route 66 Centennial celebrations! #OnlyInOKShow #Route66HallOfFame #OklahomaRoute66 #MotherRoadLegends #ClintonOK #Route66Centennial #WillRogersHighway #OklahomaHistory #Route66Museum #ExploreOklahoma

    45 min

  2. APR 27

    Tulsa's Route 66 Capital Cruise: Breaking a Guinness World Record

    Mark your calendars for May 30, 2026! Tulsa is officially claiming its title as the Capital of Route 66 with a historic attempt to shatter the Guinness World Record for the largest classic car parade. As part of the Route 66 Centennial (the Mother Road's 100th birthday), this isn't just a car show—it's a once-in-a-lifetime event. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we break down everything you need to know about the Capital Cruise. From the 5.5-mile route along historic 11th Street to the massive pre-party at Expo Square, we've got your guide to the ultimate Oklahoma road trip weekend. What's Happening at the Capital Cruise? The Record Attempt: The goal is to get 3,000 classic cars (model year 1996 or older) to cruise together. The Route: Starting at 11th and Yale, the parade travels west through the heart of Tulsa, passing Harvard, Lewis, and Peoria before finishing at 10th and Denver. The Crowd: Over 200,000 spectators are expected to line the "sea of chrome and neon." The Weekend Schedule (May 29–30, 2026): Friday, May 29: Pre-Cruise Tailgate at Expo Square featuring live music, food trucks, and vendors. Saturday morning, May 30: The engines roar to life at 8:00 AM for the official record attempt. Saturday Afternoon: The Capital Cruise Expo at Expo Square from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. How to Participate: Do you own a classic ride from 1996 or earlier? You can be a part of history! Registration: Only $15. Sign Up: Visit CapitalOfRoute66.com to register your vehicle or view the full spectator map. Whether you're a die-hard gearhead or just love a good Oklahoma festival, this is the biggest moment on the Mother Road in our lifetime. Don't miss the festivities happening all weekend, including the Blue Whale Grand Opening in Catoosa and the Vinita Route 66 Festival.   Also discussed:  Creative Machines, Oklahoma Arts Council, WellstonOK. #Route66 #Tulsa #CapitalCruise #Route66Centennial #OnlyInOK #ClassicCars #GuinnessWorldRecord #MotherRoad #VisitTulsa #OklahomaEvents #CarShow #TravelOK

    45 min

  3. APR 20

    Kickin' It on 66: The Route 66 Centennial Celebration at Scissortail Park

    Get ready for the "Main Event" of the century! In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we are diving into the massive Kickin' It on 66 festival happening May 30, 2026, at Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City. Oklahoma holds more miles of the historic Mother Road than any other state, and we are celebrating 100 years of the Main Street of America with a sunrise-to-sunset party you can't miss. From retro roller skating to a high-tech drone finale, this is how OKC honors the spirit of the road. In this episode, we cover: Morning Kickoff: Starting the day right at the OKC Farmers Market. Park Activities: Pedal boats, kayaks, and the Sky Rink roller skating experience. The Route 66 Travel Hub: Planning your next Oklahoma road trip. The OKC Kids Market: Fun for the youngest road trippers. The Centennial Concert Lineup: An all-Oklahoma powerhouse featuring Kaitlin Butts, Ricochet, Bailey Rae (The Voice), and OK3 (The Voice). Neon Nights Drone Show: A custom-scored, high-tech choreographed drone spectacle painting the history of Route 66 in the Oklahoma sky. Event Details: Date: May 30, 2026 Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St, OKC Cost: FREE! Travel Tip: Parking will be limited—we recommend taking the OKC Streetcar! Learn more and see the full schedule at: https://www.kickiniton66.com/ Also discussed the James Beard Triple Threat story from KOCO.    #OnlyInOK #Route66Centennial #KickinItOn66 #ScissortailPark #OKCEvents #MotherRoad #ExploreOKC #VisitOKC #KaitlinButts #Route66 #OklahomaCity #NeonNights

    38 min

  4. APR 13

    The Mother Road for Less: 10 Budget-Friendly Stops on Route 66

    Think a trip down the Mother Road requires a massive budget? Think again! In this episode of the Only In OK Show, we're proving that you can experience some of the most iconic sites in the world for basically the cost of a tank of gas. From vintage motorcycles and steam engines to public art and roadside oddities, Oklahoma's stretch of Route 66 is packed with high-memory, low-cost adventures. We're breaking down 10 incredible stops where admission is free (or very close to it), so you can enjoy the ultimate road trip without the "vacation debt" hangover. In this episode, we explore: Tulsa's Oil & Rail Roots: The Route 66 Historical Village and the massive Golden Driller. Two-Wheeled History: The Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick. Capitol Treasures: Why the Oklahoma State Capitol is actually the state's largest public art museum. Family Fun: Huge parks in OKC and Elk City, plus the kid-friendly Edmond History Museum. Mother Road Icons: The architectural marvel of the Arcadia Round Barn and the nostalgia of the Bristow Train Depot. Unique Collections: The world-class J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore. Roadside Oddities: Why you need to see a giant concrete totem pole and a quirky cuckoo clock. Whether you're a history buff, a gearhead, or just looking for a cheap weekend getaway with the kids, these stops offer the best of Oklahoma's Route 66 heritage.   #Route66 #Oklahoma #TravelOK #Mother Road #OnlyInOK #RoadTrip #BudgetTravel #ExploreOklahoma #OKCHistory #Tulsa #Route66Oklahoma #FreeTravel

    20 min

  5. APR 6

    The Mother Road 100: Tips and Tricks for the Route 66 Centennial in Oklahoma

    2026 isn't just another year in the Sooner State—it's the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, and Oklahoma is the undisputed heart of the journey. With over 400 drivable miles of the Mother Road, we have more history, neon, and kitsch than almost anywhere else on the map. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're breaking down everything you need to know to navigate the Route 66 Centennial like a pro. Whether you're piloting a vintage pink Cadillac or taking the "kitchen and bedroom on wheels" approach in an RV, we've got the tips to make your trip legendary. In this episode, we cover: The RV Advantage: Why an RV is the ultimate way to see the route (and why you must pay attention to that instructional demo!). Ditch the GPS: Why the "Yellow Brick Road" of America requires a paper map and a sense of adventure to avoid the pull of I-40. The Keychain Challenge: How to earn (never buy!) the exclusive Oklahoma Tourism keychains across the five major sections of the state. Must-See Icons: From the Blue Whale of Catoosa to the soda forests of POPS 66 and the cinematic history of the Rock Café. The Big 2026 Showdown: How to choose between the Guinness World Record attempt in Tulsa and the massive celebration at Scissortail Park in OKC on May 30th. Pro-Tips: Why you need to book your vintage motels now and where to find the best fried onion burgers to fuel your trek. Grab your Rand McNally Official Centennial Map, download your TravelOK brochures, and get ready to experience the "living museum" of the 20th century right here in Oklahoma. #Route66 #Route66Centennial #OnlyInOK #MotherRoad #ExploreOklahoma #TravelOK #RoadTrip #BlueWhale #Pops66 #OklahomaHistory #RVLife #Route66MainStreet #Tulsa #OKC

    48 min

  6. MAR 30

    El Reno Burger Day 2026: The 850lb Beast & Route 66 History

    It's the first Saturday in May, and the air in downtown El Reno, Oklahoma, doesn't just smell like spring—it smells like caramelized onions and nostalgia. In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're previewing the 38th Annual El Reno Burger Day Festival (May 2, 2026). As the "Official Birthplace of the Fried Onion Hamburger," El Reno turns a Great Depression-era necessity into a world-renowned delicacy. We dive deep into the history of how Ross Davis of the Hamburger Inn used paper-thin onions to stretch meat during the 1930s, creating a culinary icon in the process. What's on the menu for this episode: The 850-Pound Beast: Discover the engineering marvel behind the world's largest fried onion burger, featuring 250 lbs of beef, 150 lbs of onions, and a custom-baked 350 lb bun. The Science of Flavor: We talk the "Maillard reaction"—why smashing onions into beef fat creates the ultimate Oklahoma flavor profile. More than Just Meat: From the USTAF Sanctioned Bun Run to the massive car show on Rock Island and the Main Stage music, we cover the full festival experience. The Fried Onion Burger Holy Trinity: While at the fest, you have to visit the legends: Sid's Diner, Robert's Grill, and Johnnie's Hamburgers & Coneys. Route 66 News: We also discuss the neon glow returning to the Mother Road as the Cotton Boll Motel sign gets a new lease on life. Whether you're a foodie, a Route 66 road-tripper, or a local looking for a "Bun Run," this episode is your ultimate guide to El Reno Burger Day. Support the Community: Buy your burger from the official Foundation booth! Your $10 goes directly into grants for revitalizing El Reno's beautiful historic buildings. Links Mentioned: Official Festival Site: https://www.elrenoburgerday.com/ Follow the El Reno Main Street Program for updates. #ElRenoBurgerDay #FriedOnionBurger #Route66 #OnlyInOK #OklahomaFoodie #ElRenoOK #TravelOklahoma #GreatDepressionHistory #BunRun #OklahomaPodcast #ExploreOK #MotherRoad #CottonBollMotel

    42 min

  7. MAR 23

    Civil War Living History at Har-Ber Village & the New OKANA Resort in OKC

    From the 1860s to a $400 million modern oasis, we're covering the best of Oklahoma's "then and now" in this episode! Part 1: Step Back in Time at Har-Ber Village Museum We're heading to the shores of Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in Grove, OK, for Civil War Era Historical Days. Discover the fascinating history of Har-Ber Village, founded by Harvey and Bernice Jones, which evolved from a private retreat into a six-acre pioneer settlement with over 100 exhibits. Highlights include: Living History: Union and Confederate camps, blacksmithing, and open-hearth cooking. The Conflict in Indian Territory: Understanding the unique, local perspective of the Civil War in Oklahoma. Must-See Stops: The Bass Reeves-linked jail, the Mountain Home Schoolhouse, and the rhythmic mechanics of the 19th-century Print Shop. Nature & Food: The pet-friendly nature trail and the best comfort food at the on-site café. Part 2: Tropical Luxury at OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark Next, we shift gears to Oklahoma City's newest crown jewel: OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark. This Chickasaw Nation development is more than just a place to splash—it's a world-class cultural flagship. Why it's a game-changer for families: The "Elevated" Experience: Why it feels more like a high-end Caribbean resort than a standard theme park. Indigenous Art & Culture: From Mother Earth amenities to Bedré Fine Chocolate and proximity to the First Americans Museum. Family Sanity Hacks: The "Bunk Suites," the 100+ game "Okanarama" arcade, and the convenience of the wristband "purchasing power." Eat & Play: Virtual batting cages at Curveball Kitchen and an axe-throwing speakeasy at Bullseye. Whether you're looking for a quiet walk through history or a "land-locked cruise ship" vacation, this episode has your next Oklahoma road trip covered! Links Mentioned: Har-Ber Village Museum OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark #OnlyInOK #OklahomaTravel #HarBerVillage #GroveOK #GrandLake #CivilWarHistory #LivingHistory #OKANAResort #OKC #OklahomaCity #ChickasawNation #FamilyVacation #IndoorWaterpark #ExploreOklahoma #TravelOK

    43 min

  8. MAR 16

    Oklahoma Travel: Luxury Cabins in Broken Bow and Historic Dining at Carletti's OKC

    In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're traveling from the serene canopy of the Kiamichi Mountains to a revived 1930s speakeasy in Oklahoma City. First, we explore Mount Mirabelle, a luxury cabin in Hochatown that feels like a romantic movie set, complete with cathedral ceilings and sunset views. Then, we head to OKC to visit Carletti's, where a 200-year-old Bolognese recipe is being served inside a historic hillside building once known for its "shady" nightlife. Part 1: The Ultimate Romantic Getaway – Mount Mirabelle Looking for a "workcation" spot or a romantic escape? We're diving into the details of Mount Mirabelle, a Sababa Homes property that perfectly balances modern luxury with the rugged beauty of Broken Bow. The Vibe: 1,000 sq. ft. of massive glass windows, 18-foot ceilings, and dual fireplaces. The Amenities: A private hot tub, digital board game table, and even a Level 1 EV charger—a rare find in the mountains! Pro Tip: It's a pet-free zone and just 5 minutes from the "Big Three": Grateful Head Pizza, Girls Gone Wine, and Mountain Fork Brewery. Book Your Stay: Mount Mirabelle Property Page Part 2: An "Edible Museum" – Carletti's Italian Heritage After the break,  we discuss Carletti's in this weeks News 9, Flavor of Oklahoma.  The History: Originally the notorious Kentucky Club speakeasy in the 1930s, you can now dine inside original horse stalls converted into cozy booths. The Secret Sauce: Learn how Chef Becker had to "chase the matriarchs with a scale" to finally write down a Bolognese recipe that has been a family secret since the 1800s. The Experience: From a recreation of the 100-year-old C&R Grocery store to the moody, late-night speakeasy bar in the back, Carletti's is a love letter to the Italian coal miners of Krebs who shaped Oklahoma's food scene. Learn More: Flavor of Oklahoma: Carletti's Links Mentioned in This Episode Mount Mirabelle: https://sababahomes.com Carletti's OKC: News 9 Feature Only in OK Show: Facebook  #Oklahoma #OnlyInOK #Hochatown #BrokenBow #OKCEats #ItalianFood #Speakeasy #TravelOK #MountMirabelle #Carlettis #FlavorOfOklahoma #Podcast

    54 min
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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
    102
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Only in OKlahoma Show

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