Exploring Oklahoma's Best-Kept Secrets
Since 2022, I’ve been lucky to freelance with Oklahoma Today, uncovering hidden gems for my “Off the Map” section and other features. From a 1928 mansion and a tranquil resort by the Illinois River to a Victorian experience and a vibrant skatepark, exploring these unique spots has been a joy. Subscribe to Oklahoma Today for the most up-to-date issues or check out the archives online!
Customer Service with a cherry on top
Liberty Drug in Chickasha, Oklahoma, combines traditional pharmacy service with a nostalgic soda fountain experience. Since 1920, the pharmacy has been a local favorite, serving classic treats like malts and floats. Owner Keith Neidy, who took over in 1991, cherishes the shop’s history and traditions, including its famous 5-cent coffee. Neidy reflects, “I thought this was the coolest place… I was pretty fortunate.”
For more on this charming local gem, see the full feature in Oklahoma Today.
A 1928 mansion in Northwest Oklahoma, built by a controversial oil baron, dazzles with European-inspired luxury and a scandalous history. Now a venue for tours and events, it continues to captivate visitors with its opulent details and storied past.
Shooting Star History in Hitchcock, Oklahoma, offers immersive experiences in Victorian and Edwardian life. Guests explore history through reenactments, crafting, period dressmaking, and traditional skills, all brought to life with storytelling and unique artifacts.
Nestled by the Illinois River, this Eastern Oklahoma resort is a peaceful haven for creatives and nature lovers. It offers gardens, a vibrant courtyard, and activities like fishing and kayaking. Revitalized by Jane Honiker in 2009, the resort features local art and music, creating memorable experiences for guests.
This skatepark near the Oklahoma City skyline features colorful murals and diverse ramps, including an 11-foot half-pipe. Located in Manuel Perez Park, it honors local artists and BMX legend Manuel Perez. The park, popular since the pandemic, is free to the public.
news coverage with Free Press OKC
I’ve written over 30 articles for Free Press OKC, covering everything from political news and human interest stories to community events and more!
The Outré West exhibit opened on August 22 at Oklahoma Contemporary, showcasing the University of Oklahoma’s American School of Architecture and its influence on California design. Featuring works by Bruce Goff and others, it includes interactive displays and a curator panel celebrating the school's creativity-driven approach. Running through January 27, 2025, the exhibit also offers special events.
The Oklahoma City Zoo celebrated its centennial with record attendance and new attractions, including the $35 million Expedition Africa. The zoo welcomed over 1.1 million visitors and showcased new animal births, like five African lion cubs and U.S. firsts in tortoise breeding. A $115-$230 million master plan will update exhibits and facilities, starting with the Shore to Sea habitat in 2027.
The 2024 Oklahoma State Fair ran from September 12–22, offering a blend of new activities and traditional favorites. Attendees enjoyed highlights like the towering Sky Eye Wheel, Disney On Ice, and fresh events such as OK!toberfest and interactive stargazing sessions. With a range of inventive fair foods and a new youth attendance policy to enhance safety, the fair created a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that helped kick off the fall season in style.
Brigitte Biffle is the new Chief Public Defender of Oklahoma County, succeeding Robert “Bob” Ravitz. With over 12 years at the Public Defender’s Office, Biffle focuses on expanding rehabilitation programs and improving client support. She aims to enhance fairness in the justice system and increase public awareness of available resources, believing in the potential for change and redemption for all clients.
PrideFest 2024 in downtown OKC featured electrifying performances by Naomi Smalls and Big Freedia, alongside vibrant community activities at Scissortail Park. Despite protests, the celebration thrived, culminating in a parade that honored LGBTQ+ identity and unity under the theme "Queer Justice: Colors of Change."
Oklahoma City's PrideFest in 2024 lost key sponsors, including Love's Travel Stops and OKCPS, due to a controversial OKPA social media post supporting Palestine. Despite the backlash, the event proceeded with other sponsors like Paycom and the OKC Zoo. This article was written in collaboration with Brett Dickerson of Free Press OKC.
In 2024, deadCenter University introduced two new film education tracks during the deadCenter Film Festival: one for high school students and one for teachers. The Youth Camp at OCCC, June 3-6, had 20 students create a short film, Lost and Found, which premiered at the festival. On June 6-7, the University for Educators at Oklahoma City University trained teachers to integrate film education into their classrooms.
In June 2024, Oklahoma Pride Alliance launched Pride Month with ceremonies at the Contemporary Arts Center, featuring Susan Stryker’s keynote and the announcement of PrideFest headliners and Grand Marshals. Despite some sponsor withdrawals, PrideFest at Scissortail Park, June 28-30, showcased performances by Naomi Smalls and Big Freedia.
On May 21, 2024, Councilwoman JoBeth Hamon hosted a town hall at the Downtown OKC Library to discuss OKC’s mental health crisis response. The event featured discussions on key programs like the 988 Lifeline and mobile crisis teams, focusing on improving crisis management and reducing stigma. The forum aimed to inform the public and enhance community collaboration in mental health support.
On May 2, 2024, the OKCPS Foundation celebrated five graduates from its Teacher Pipeline Program. This program supports paraprofessionals in becoming certified teachers, addressing teacher shortages and boosting diversity. The ceremony at the Clara Luper Center featured speeches from Foundation leaders and community partners like OG&E. Since 2016, 25 individuals have graduated from the program, with 71 more currently enrolled.
In April 2024, Oklahoma City Council members James Cooper and JoBeth Hamon held a public forum on a proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Classen Corridor. The initiative aims to revitalize the area, with residents, business owners, and community leaders contributing ideas on affordable housing, walkability, and infrastructure. Despite concerns about gentrification, Hamon and Cooper stressed the importance of community collaboration. The proposed TIF district focuses on enhancing the corridor’s livability and supporting inclusive development.
On March 26, 2024, the Oklahoma City Zoo unveiled "Expedition Africa," its largest expansion in a century. The 12-acre exhibit features over 60 African species and 200 animals, including a restored Pachyderm building, a giraffe barn, and an African-themed play area. Funded by donations, tax credits, and a city sales tax, this $35 million project offers interactive experiences and daily caretaker chats. The opening marked a major milestone for the zoo, with city officials and donors celebrating its impact.
In February 2024, ACOG and OKC hosted the Regional Safety Summit to address rising traffic crashes and fatalities in Central Oklahoma. Leaders discussed policy, education, and infrastructure improvements as part of ACOG’s Safety Action Plan and OKC’s Vision Zero, emphasizing collaboration and solutions like roundabouts and bike lanes.
On February 21, 2024, True Sky Credit Union and partners hosted an event in Oklahoma City to collect veterans' stories for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Veterans shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of preserving these voices for future generations.
The Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance presents the 10th annual Human Rights Awards
The Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance hosted its 10th annual Human Rights Awards on Dec. 9, 2023, at the State Capitol, celebrating those who have significantly impacted human rights in Oklahoma. Honorees included Chris Meyers, Cathy Cummings, and Cecilia Hernandez-Cromwel, recognized for their work in criminal justice reform, homelessness, mental health, and advocacy. A luncheon followed, focusing on human rights challenges, including conditions at the Oklahoma County Jail.
On a chilly day in December 2023, Sisu Youth Services opened its new campus in Oklahoma City, upgrading from a basement shelter to a dedicated facility. Funded by HUD grants, the new space includes 20 emergency shelter beds, 10 additional drop-in beds, and a 24-hour resource center. The move enhances Sisu’s support for unhoused youth, especially 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and paves the way for future expansions like a medical clinic and classrooms.
On November 4, 2023, the Oklahoma Pride Alliance held its first Rainbow Awards Gayla at Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City. The event recognized 2SLGBTQ+ leaders across eight categories, such as sex education, healing, and visibility. Winners included Mataia Blackwell, Dr. Russel Rooms, Shawnda Adams, and Representative Mauree Turner. The evening featured performances by Mae Lynn, Nikita, and Topatio, and concluded with Tony nominee Joshua Henry.
In October 2023, DeadCenter hosted "Pride, Support, and Acceptance" at the Paseo Arts Creativity Center. Curated by Representative Mauree Turner, the event featured short films on trans/non-binary themes, including "First Down," "Sparkle," and "Tank Fairy." Part of DeadCenter's year-round "Continuum" series, the free screening was supported by Allied Arts and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, aiming to make diverse film experiences accessible.
In October 2023, NewView Oklahoma unveiled a new community garden in Downtown OKC, funded by a $495,000 TSET grant. Replacing a smoking area, the garden features an ADA-accessible path and tactile sculptures, promoting wellness and healthy eating for those with low vision and blindness. The grand opening included a ribbon-cutting and community activities, emphasizing the garden's focus on health and accessibility.
The 24th Annual Plaza District Festival on September 30th in Oklahoma City celebrated the area's vibrant art, music, and community spirit. With live performances, local vendors, mural paintings, and food trucks, 16th Street became a creative hub. Running from noon to 10 p.m., the event drew a lively crowd, highlighted by a standout performance from local indie rock band stepmom.
The Oklahoma State Fair 2023, held from September 14 to 24, offered cool weather, new exhibits, carnival rides, live entertainment, and diverse food options. Highlights included 22 new food vendors, "Agtropolis," and the Oklahoma Frontier Experience, along with popular indoor events like Disney On Ice and the Hoofs & Horns rodeo, plus sensory-friendly hours on the final Sunday.
The article promoted the Asian Night Market Festival held on August 18-19 at Military Park. Featuring diverse Asian cuisine, cultural performances, and family-friendly activities, the event celebrated Asian culture and community engagement. It included live music, dance performances, and showcased various traditions, marking its first two-day span.
The Willa D. Johnson Recreation Center, opened in August 2023 in Oklahoma City, offers a pool, gym, fitness rooms, and spaces for community events. Named after former County Commissioner Willa D. Johnson, it serves as a hub for health, wellness, and community engagement.
PrideFest 2023 began with excitement in downtown OKC, drawing attendees despite the rain. The festival featured a Youth Zone, various vendors, a VIP booth, and a vibrant parade. Performances by Adore Delano and Aly & AJ energized the crowd, and the muddy conditions didn’t dampen the celebratory spirit. It was a true display of queer joy.
The 2023 OKC PrideFest, held from June 23-25, featured a vibrant parade and performances by Aly & AJ, Patrick Saint James, and Myylo. Other events included a panel, happy hour, and sober dance, with a year-long focus on wellness through soccer and volleyball games. This article highlighted the festival’s emphasis on joy as resistance against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Pride Month in Oklahoma City kicked off on June 1, 2023, with a vibrant OKCPA Opening Ceremony. The event featured grand marshalls Kelley Blair and Nicole McAfee and announced the PrideFest headliners: Aly & AJ, Patrick Saint James, Myylo, and Adore Delano. PrideFest, held June 23-25 at Scissortail Park, was a highlight of a month filled with diverse events.
In May 2023, the Paseo Arts Festival brought art, music, and family fun to Oklahoma City's Paseo Arts District. Featuring over 90 artists, live music, and food vendors, the festival celebrated local talent and created a vibrant, creative weekend for art lovers and families.
Oklahoma City residents are split on tall grass and weed rules. Some see them as necessary for keeping neighborhoods tidy, while others think they’re too harsh, especially for those with mobility or financial issues. The debate highlights concerns about balancing community standards with individual rights and responsibilities.
In April 2023, Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert held a "Coffee with Your Commissioner" event at Not Your Average Joe. Residents discussed mental health, infrastructure, and community engagement as part of Blumert's efforts to foster transparent, accessible local government.
The "Festival of the Arts," held every spring, took place in April 2023 in Oklahoma City. This annual event featured a vibrant mix of visual, culinary, and performance arts, showcasing local and national talent. Attendees enjoyed exhibits, food, and live performances, all while supporting and celebrating the local arts scene.
The 6th annual Steamroller Print Festival, held by ARTSPACE at Untitled in April 2023, showcased screen-printed art from 75 regional artists and 158 mentorship program participants. The event featured live steamroller printing, demonstrations, and over 200 artists selling unique prints and goods, fostering community engagement and supporting local artists.
In April 2023, the Oklahoma City Police Department launched Operation Keeping Oklahoma City Rails Safe (KORS) to address increasing railroad injuries and deaths, focusing on the homeless. The $120,000 federally funded initiative emphasizes education and outreach to reduce casualties and help individuals move away from tracks.
Not Your Average Joe (NYAJ) is a coffee shop in downtown OKC that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Opened in the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library on March 28, 2023, it's NYAJ's sixth location. Founded by Tim Herbel in 2019, the shop offers a variety of beverages, pastries, and local products in a welcoming environment.
In April 2023, Scissortail Park in Oklahoma City faced maintenance issues due to heavy use, affecting restrooms, splash pads, and water fountains. Managed by foundations and a company, the increased wear strained maintenance staff, leading to efforts to improve facilities.
FROM THE VAULTS
I interviewed five students at Edge Hill University about their experience abroad!
I wrote about my study abroad experience for the Edge Hill University blog, sharing the highs and lows.