November/December 2025

ON THE MAP
The Big Toy Museum in Sallisaw isn't just for kiddos; in south-central Oklahoma, The Peanut Shoppe in Calera is legendary for its legumes; and folks can get their fill of food, frozen treats, and fun in Madill.

ORDER UP
Sapori in Tulsa serves diners the warming comfort of Italian cuisine mingled with the fresh flavors of the greater Mediterranean; Watson's Chophouse on 3rd in Muskogee has the beef, and the chicken, and the fish; and how to celebrate Friendsgiving Greg Elwell-style.

ORIGINALS
The Woody at Home album gives insight into the folk artist; red foxes are creepy and cute; Paul Juhasz captures the time he "Heard a Woodpecker in Oklahoma City" in verse; The House of Clay celebrates seventy-five years in Oklahoma City; and Clarence Tinker died a hero.

IN EVERY ISSUE
Contributors, Point of View, Welcome, Feedback, Out There, Off The Map

FEATURES
Okies of the Year
What other event in the history of Oklahoma brought more than half a million people to one spot to celebrate? What story of community growth and redemption gripped the world more in 2025? And who made us scream ourselves hoarse and cry tears of joy when they clinched the NBA Championship title in June? For their ineffible contribution to Oklahoma culture and spirit, the Oklahoma City Thunder–and their intrepid chairman, Clay Bennett–are our Okies of the Year.

The Okie Awards
We got the experts together, we polled you , and here they are: the most Okie restaurant, musicians, destinations, and more for 2025!

Red Dirt Comes of Age
When more than 200,000 country music fans converged in Stillwater this past spring, they came for that Red Dirt sound. Is Oklahoma's homegrown country genre, born and raised in Stillwater, ready for its close-up?

Flying High
When the weather and the water get colder, outdoor-loving Okies of all ages–men and women, young and old–take up the zenlike sport of fly fishing. Here's how to get started.

Real Big Fish
The state has no coastline, but thanks to modern technology, these local chefs are bringing fresh, delicious seafood to the Heartland.

On the Cover
For the immense pride and community spirit the team–and its visionary chariman, Clay Bennett–have engendered, especially in the wake of its 2025 NBA Championship win, the Oklahoma City Thunder are our inaugural Okies of the Year. See "The Okie Awards" on page 44. Aaron Wiggins, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luguentz Dort were photographed by Jackson Augustus Adair at Thunder Media Day, September 29, 2025.

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