The state is full of good places, stories

By Judy J. Beasley Last updated Dec 17, 2022

After traveling across the state for the past 12 or so months, what stands out more than usual are the following characteristics of Oklahoma people: endurance, dedication, perseverance, and kindness. After reflecting on the past year, here is a list of some of the stories, people and destinations that our videographers and I were able to visit. Most of these stories have already aired while more will hit the airwaves very soon, but all fit the characteristics I listed above.

The enthusiasm and hard work that Jordan Crosier and Stevie Goad put into making sure their customers have fun at the parties that take place at The Candle Warehouse in Sand Springs.

Jacob Keyes, Founder and CEO of Skydance Brewery in Oklahoma City, and his determination to establish and open the brewery in memory of his father, as well as creating a variety of great tasting beers.

The incredibly talented artists whose work can be seen at 50 Penn Place Gallery in OKC.

The fun and dedication of the people whose purpose created the Elk City Bike Paths.

Danny Boy O’Connor whose passion for “The Outsiders” led him to devote so much time and his own money to establishing the Outsiders House Museum and now the Airbnb Greaser Hideout across from the museum.

One of the many joys of my job is visiting Oklahoma’s state parks. We shot a show from Great Plains State Park in southwestern Oklahoma earlier this year. It had been a while and I was reminded of the diverse terrain of the area, as well as the history surrounding the park, including the 100+ year old mine ruins.

Shooting a Greenwood Rising show in Tulsa was a humbling, rewarding and educational experience. Greenwood Rising is one of those destinations that everyone should visit!

I’m always excited and making stories from my hometown of McAlester. Last year I had fun making stories about The Yard Bird to see the commitment and energy that owner Joe Martin and his staff put into serving delicious food every day.

The same goes for the hard work and enthusiasm that BJ Howell and William Scott put into creating all of the different and tasty beers from the BierKraft brewery.

After:Discover Oklahoma: The Center of Cherokee Strip in Enid Tells the Story of Northwest Oklahoma

Visiting the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center in Enid, I am always reminded of how unique Oklahoma was and what a fascinating history the 1893 Land Run was for our state.

Really enjoyed visiting Godofredo’s Pizza and Tap Room in Cushing and the Dunkin Theater next door and learning how Geoffrey Beasley had a vision on how to pump energy into downtown Cushing by opening them both.

Shooting a show from the famous Czech Hall in the Yukon and all the hard work of the volunteers who put so much energy and enthusiasm into all the activities and keep their heritage alive, not to mention the volunteers who make all the kolaches!

What an incredible honor it was to make a story with Marti Rickman, originally from Colombia, whose love for this country abounds every day. By day, she runs the hair salon called “Clips n’ Hips,” and by night, her salon gets a makeover and makeover into a bouncing dance studio featuring everything from salsa to Zumba.

Restaurant stories remain one of our viewers’ favorite story types for “Discover Oklahoma.” Again, we staff members consider it an honor and a privilege to tell Oklahoma stories and meet the people who hold the state together. Three other examples that come to mind are Vicki Muhs, from Gabriella’s at Edmond; Candi and Walter Munaretto, from Little Venice to Sand Springs; and Frank and Tae Willis, of Alpha Grill in Tulsa. They, along with all the people mentioned in this article, and those I didn’t have enough space to write about, are all amazing examples of hardworking, dedicated, passionate, and talented individuals here in Oklahoma! To a successful year 2023 and to the discovery of other wonderful stories to tell!