Amarillo, Texas, the Star of the Panhandle

By Pamela Swain

WHY GO?

The biggest town in Texas along the world-famous Route 66, Amarillo is close to everywhere and on the way to anywhere. Stop off for a rest and enjoy the relaxed ways of a small city — with Big Texan flavor — on the Texas Plains (or in the Panhandle, as it’s called here!). Catch one of our sunsets in the canyons and you won’t forget it.

WHEN TO GO

Spring to Fall…Summer for the outdoor play

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Amarillo is on Interstate 40. There is an International Airport and the town is also accessible via Greyhound and other bus companies, and Amtrak.

You’ll want to rent a car to get around as west Texas is a BIG place and public transport is not common.

BEST ATTRACTIONS

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Like the Grand Canyon only smaller, Palo Duro is 1,000 feet deep and over 100 miles long. There’s a great summer outdoor live stage production seen by people from all over the world. Make a point of having one of the real chuckwagon suppers or breakfasts at the canyon rims…great sunrises and sunsets.

Caprock State Park

Awesome canyon views, and beautiful red rock and earth. Get close to nature and the quiet of it.

BEST UNUSUAL ATTRACTION

Stanley Marsh’s “Cadillac Ranch”

Site-specific art at it’s funkiest. Marsh buried a number of Cadillac cars nose down in a previously productive wheat field.

BEST ACTIVITY/ LOCAL GUIDE

Go hiking in Palo Duro Canyon State Park and stick around for one of the chuckwagon meals. Many ranches offer wagon tours and chuckwagon dinners. There are numerous local outfitters that can arrange hiking/camping and meals.

BEST ALTERNATIVE

Shopping and eating out at Arnold’s Burgers on Washington St., home of the Texas Size and Shaped Hamburger.

BEST LODGINGS

The Big Texan Motel (at the Big Texan Steak Ranch)
Tel: 800-657-7177
Old West decor, cowboy poet’s breakfast, shooting gallery, Texas-shaped heated pool. Home of the giant bicycle seat-sized steak you may or may not be able to finish!

Cheesy, but fun! Camping at the Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Open year-round.

BEST EATS

Arnold’s Burgers on Washington.

Tacos Garcia — homemade Mexican.

Scott’s Oyster Bar

Catfish Shack

Cattle Call

Calico County

Big Texan Steak Ranch — home of the 72 oz steak competition. If you can eat it all in an hour (with all the fixins), it’s free!

Harrigan’s — for the best steaks

David’s Seafood

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Amarillo Little Theatre and Opry at the Big Texan Steak Ranch

Sixth Street (Historic Route 66) also has a number of clubs for nightlife

BEST LOCAL HAUNTS

Route 66 Pub

Golden Light Cafe

Brewster’s Pub

OHMS Cafe

BEST SHOPPING

Numerous antique shops on Sixth Street (Historic Route 66) for some real, old Texas memorabilia

BEST RESOURCES

Amarillo Convention and Visitor’s Bureau
Tel: 800-692-1338
amarillo-cvb.org/

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