There’s no summer like an Oklahoma Summer. The Uncovering Oklahoma Summer Fun Volume 1 features 20 amazing places worth visiting in Oklahoma, perfect for a summer escape. From thrilling outdoor adventures to food truck festivals to peaceful nature hikes, this collection highlights the joys of summer time in Oklahoma.
This collection features segments from the weekly show, remastered for this summer compilation, along with new adventures to be had. This 45 minute film is available on Amazon to Rent, Buy, or Stream for free with Amazon Prime.
In this week’s video, I visit Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails in Downtown Norman to hear from Brandy Sexton and Trey Reimer on what sets Scratch apart. Plus, Kristin Weddendorf shows how they make their exclusive Kat’s Eye cocktail.
Then in Oklahoma City’s Film Row District, I get to know the new 21c Museum Hotel with Steve Wilson, Matt Cowden, Molly Swyers, and Executive Chef of Mary Eddy’s OKC, Jason Campbell.
When my wife and I have been running the treadmills at the gym, I’ve been watching the Travel Channel (since it’s there and we don’t have cable). It’s been inspiring, giving me fresh ideas, and learning new techniques. For this episode, I made it a point to go inside the kitchens and get behind the scenes. I’m still trying to perfect showing the culinary process with only one camera, but this turned out well and with practice comes improvement. I asked Scratch to show how they make of their signature cocktails, which is the first time I did something like that segment. They actually showed how to make two cocktails, but I thought the pacing would be off if I showed both, so I’ll share the other as a stand-alone feature.
I’m hoping to share some news soon about a new project I’ve completed. Just waiting for it to be published…
Looking for a cool Summer Treat in Oklahoma? In this episode I traveled to Edmond, Oklahoma City, Norman, and Tulsa for delicious treats.
The episode starts with an interview with Raena Mutz on Roxy’s Ice Cream Social in Oklahoma City’s Plaza District. Named after their dog, Roxy’s specialize in making small batches of fresh ice cream in unique flavors and fresh baked cookie sandwiches.
Then it’s to Norman for a classic snow cone treat from Eskimo Sno. Husband and wife team, Adrian and Jennii Buendia have been making snow cones since 1999 with their signature sour straws. A family of five can be treated for less than $10.
In Downtown Edmond is the shaved ice and hot chocolate trailer, Katiebug’s Shaved Ice and Hot Chocolate. The Mom part of the Mother/Daughter team, Melissa Morgan, shares their fun summer treats, like the Frozen Hot Chocolate. Katiebug’s specialize in all natural shaved ice, hot chocolate, and organic artisan marshmallows.
Finally, in Tulsa Mike Bausch talks about Gelateria – STG. Mike fights the stigma of gelato not being the same as it is in Italy by sourcing the same machines and ingredients as them. Taste to believe!
This episode put a drain on me a bit by featuring four places from all over the state, but I needed to make a push to get out there more. I hope to travel to greater distances like this in the future when more funding for the series happens.
On my way home after doing an interview in Tulsa, I took Route 66 part way home and found the Stroud Spaceport. Created by Vernon (Craig) M. McGuire, the Flying Saucer of Stroud began back in 1994 when a friend gave him an eight foot satellite dish. He had planned on making an umbrella top for a table until another friend gave him another dish, thus having two identical dishes. At that point the creation of The Flying Saucer was born.
The top hat to the saucer consists of commercial dryer door, pool filter, small satellite dish, UHF antenna, and over 100 platinum coated aluminum hard drive disks.
Naturally, I had to open it. Naturally, I filmed it, of course.
If you’re traveling Route 66 through Stroud, check it out for yourself. You can see it on Main Street (Route 66) just west of N. 8th Ave. It’s a little west of Rock Cafe.
Run and ride your bike at Oklahoma City’s Myriad Botanical Gardens during their Full Moon Run and Ride event. Held on the evenings of full moons, this free event will take you through downtown. Join other runners in a 5K run, led by Ultramax Sports Oklahoma, through the scenic downtown area as the sun sets. Bring your bike and meet up a for a leisurely one hour ride. Downtown-area routes are specially planned by Schlegel Bicycles.
Then we go to the Plaza District to visit the art gallery, Graphite, who focuses on highlighting local artists.
While in the Plaza District, the counter-culture store, Dig It, shares their unique offerings you won’t find elsewhere.
Fun Facts: I filmed four segments in the same day while I was at the Plaza District: An Artist Statement Minute with AK Westerman, Graphite, Dig It, and finally Roxy’s Ice Cream Social.
