Only in OKlahoma Show

Oklahoma's most iconic, quirky Route 66 landmark is getting a massive upgrade! In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we are diving into the historic grand opening of the brand-new 4,000-square-foot Visitor Center at the Blue Whale of Catoosa. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 30, 2026, because Catoosa is throwing a massive, day-long celebration packed with fitness, food, live music, and fireworks. Whether you're a Route 66 road-tripper, a history buff, or looking for a perfect Oklahoma weekend day trip, this is a milestone event you won't want to miss as we head toward the Route 66 Centennial. In this episode, we cover: The Whalesome History: How a retired Tulsa Zoo zoologist named Hugh S. Davis built this 80-foot iron and concrete masterpiece in the 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift for his wife, Zelta. Then vs. Now: Moving from a bustling local family swimming hole to a global bucket-list photo op. The New Neon Sign: For the first time in its 50+ year history, see how a brand-new neon sign is lighting up the Catoosa skyline. The Upgraded Amenities: What travelers can expect inside the new facility, including a massive gift shop, historical photo galleries, local artwork, updated restrooms, concessions, and a community meeting hall. Grand Opening Schedule (May 30, 2026): Details on the Route 66 Blue Whale Run (1-Mile Fun Run & 5K) at 8:00 AM, the craft vendor market and food trucks at 12:00 PM, the official Ribbon Cutting at 2:00 PM, live music at 4:00 PM, and the grand finale fireworks show. Traveler & Visitor Information: Location: 2600–2680 N State Hwy 66, Catoosa, OK 74015 (Just east of Tulsa in Rogers County). Admission: Completely FREE! Open daily during daylight hours. Bonus Tip: While you're in town, don't forget to check out the nearby D.W. Correll Museum. Contact: 918-266-2505 or 918-857-0676 Also discussed: Think Ability Inc - OKC Thunder - Modern Berry Co - Bristow Route 66 Toy Museum – Misfit Pits BBQ – NYC Pizza South - Dados Pizza OKC Resources Mentioned: Official Website: City of Catoosa Blue Whale Page Check out our website for more Oklahoma hidden gems: Only in OKlahoma Show Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Only in OK Show wherever you listen to podcasts!

Discover a world of childhood wonder and Route 66 nostalgia right in the heart of Oklahoma! In this episode of the Only in OK Show, we're pulling over at a true hidden gem: The Bristow Vintage Toy Museum (located at 118 N Main St, Bristow, OK). This isn't your average corporate exhibit—it's a 50-year dream brought to life by owner Bret Fadely, featuring a massive, jaw-dropping collection where 99% of the items come straight from Bret's personal lifelong archive. Whether you're planning the ultimate Route 66 road trip or just looking for a nostalgic Sunday drive, this passion project is a must-visit. Following Bret's retirement, the museum is now his full-time gig, and it operates entirely on a donation basis with one simple mission: to share joy and make people happy. Episode Highlights: Meet "Howdy": Keep an eye out for the museum's official face—a beloved character Bret has been drawing for 45 years! Bells Amusement Park Relics: A massive hit for Tulsa locals, featuring an original airplane, pedal cars, and a classic bumper car with a hilarious backstory. TG&Y Nostalgia: A deep-cut Oklahoma throwback featuring a vintage TG&Y truck that every local gravitates toward. Photo Ops & Rare Finds: From a giant dragster kids can climb inside for the perfect Instagram moment, to 100-year-old tin cars, classic action figures, and vintage dolls. Plan Your Visit: Address: 118 N Main St, Bristow, OK 74010 Admission: By Donation (Labor of love!) Phone: 918-633-8209 Website: bristowtoymuseum.com Note: Be sure to check their Facebook page or website for the most up-to-date hours as Bret scales up operations! Also discussed: Friends of Nicoma Park - SIDS Diner - Southern Living Magazine - Heavy D's Pizzeria - Dicintio's - Misfit Pit BBQ #OnlyInOK #Route66 #BristowOK #VintageToyMuseum #OklahomaRoadTrip #BellsAmusement Park #TGYNostalgia #MotherRoad #ExploreOklahoma #TravelOK #HiddenGemOK #VintageToys

Welcome to Erick, Oklahoma—the "Town of Legends" that packs more history and "cool factor" per square foot than almost anywhere else on the Mother Road. In this episode of The Only in OK Show, we're stopping at the corner of Route 66 and Sheb Wooley Ave to explore the 100th Meridian Museum. Housed in a stunning 1907 bank building, this museum is the guardian of the "## Title: The 100th Meridian Museum: Where the West Begins (and Texas Ends?) Description Welcome to Erick, Oklahoma, the "Town of Legends" that packs a serious punch for its size. Known as the home of Roger Miller (King of the Road) and Sheb Wooley (The Purple People Eater), Erick is a must-visit stop for anyone cruising the Mother Road. In this episode of The Only in OK Show, we explore the 100th Meridian Museum. While many travelers pull off I-40 hoping to find the now-closed Roger Miller Museum, they actually discover something even more fascinating right across the street. What we cover in this episode: The Great Divide: What is the 100th Meridian? We dive into the "line in the sand" that separates the humid East from the arid West and the 166-year-old boundary dispute between Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. The Historic First National Bank: Housed in a stunning 1907 building on the corner of Route 66 and Sheb Wooley Ave, we look at the quirky architecture (and why the back 20 feet of the building is suspiciously plain). A Steward of Legends: Since the Roger Miller Museum closed, the 100th Meridian Museum has taken over his legacy. We talk about the memorabilia, prehistoric Native American artifacts, and the cowboy trail drive history housed within. The Personal Touch: Meet the storytellers! Volunteers like Curtis and C.R. provide guided tours that bring the "weird and wonderful" history of Erick to life. Pro-Tip: This museum isn't your typical 9-to-5. It is often open by appointment only! Call ahead at 580-799-5054 or 580-526-3221 to ensure you get the full tour. Admission is FREE, but don't forget to leave a donation to help these amazing local volunteers preserve Oklahoma history. After your tour, walk a block down to the Sandhills Curiosity Shop to keep the Erick vibes going! 100th Meridian Museum on Facebook Also discussed: Enid SOS - Rock Creek Entertainment District - Norman, OK - KOCO - Tacoville #OnlyInOK #Route66 #ErickOK #OklahomaHistory #100thMeridian #RogerMiller #KingOfTheRoad #TheMotherRoad #ExploreOklahoma #TravelOK #SmallTownLegends

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

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