Owner Bio
Shelly Downing - Founder, Creator, & Owner
Hi, my name is Shelly Downing. I am the proud owner of Things to Do in Hochatown, OK, The Hochatowner Newspaper, and Last Minute Vacation Rentals (LMVR). I created these businesses 8–10 years ago because I saw a profound need in our community long before those phrases ever became a branded staple in our tourism market.
Before creating this website, and while serving our guests in and around Hochatown for nearly 20 years, for $3.50 + tips, while raising my children, I would look up a business's phone number in a physical, paper phone book. In between bringing out a guest's food order, I would call the business directly to get their hours. their last minute cabin availability for the night or weekend, or whatever information our guests wanted, write it down on a page in my ticket book, and send it with them on their happy way. Those were the days!
Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much our tourism industry has grown. I’m incredibly proud that these early ideas helped shape the way visitors discover Hochatown—and our entire state—to connect thousands of guests with the unique small businesses that make our community so special.
I’m excited to say I’m back online. Our platform still ranks exceptionally high on Google, which gives our local partners the massive, heavy-hitting visibility they deserve.
Although I’m still upgrading and updating, I want to formally invite all local businesses to participate—I don’t want to leave anyone out. I have a dedicated place for everyone. Yes—there's a permanent place for your free business listing. Having built everything from nothing, I deeply understand what it's like building a business entirely from the ground up.
With over 33,000 website hits alone, on our home landing page just for the month of June 2026, I'd say that is pretty incredible confirmation from our guests!
While AI can now answer basic questions, travelers still deeply value the human touch—and that’s something I will always continue to provide. Technology can easily help with basic information, but we create the experience. The more we work together to provide a great experience, the more our guests create good memories to share for years to come, and the more we all prosper as a community. And, that's always the goal.
Thank you for all your continued support, it means the world to me.
Shelly
Trail Map & Passport Update: Coming Soon‼️
Cabin Bucketlist
✨ Spotlight ✨
Northern Exposure
2 Bed | 3 Bath | Sleep 8
- Corn Hole 🏆
- Arcade Game 🕹️
- Fire Pit 🔥
- Hot Tub 💦
- Circle Drive 🚤
- Tesla Charger🔌
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