Travel Review by JORDAN GREEN, Editor-in-Chief
5 Thing to do in this West Texas town:
AMARILLO, Texas – We made it here by morning.
If you’re looking for big steaks, blue skies, classic cars and captivating scenery, Amarillo is just the place for you.
Over spring break, I went to Amarillo twice with some of my closest friends. Some folks might not think of a town just across the state line as being much of a spring break destination. But there’s more to the Yellow Rose of Texas than what meets the eye.
This list is just a small sampling of all the fun stuff to do in Amarillo. But on this list are some destinations you simply can’t miss if you’re going to the Panhandle.
- Palo Duro Canyon
Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest land formation of its size in the United States – and it’s certainly one of the most beautiful. Its hills, rocks and valleys illuminated by the setting sun, it’s a perfect spot for taking “selfies” and group shots. Just remember not to walk too far if you’re walking backwards. Jokes aside, it’s a remarkable piece of nature. Reservations are required, so make them soon. It’s worth it.
- Cadillac Ranch
You don’t have to be an artist to have fun with spray paint. Cadillac Ranch proves the point. Started several decades ago when an Amarillo man stuck Cadillacs nose-first into the ground, this public art installation provides a palette – albeit well-covered – for anyone wanting to make a mark on Amarillo. Take pictures with your work when you’re done. It’ll be covered over with more paint before long.
- Amarillo murals
All over downtown Amarillo, one can find bright, colorful, eye-catching murals on the sides of local businesses. They were put there for folks like you and me to take pictures by. So, get after it. These are easily some of the best “selfie” backgrounds around.
- Air & Space Museum
Feel like taking flight? You might not be able to fly into or out of Amarillo at this museum. But you can get a pretty good idea of what it felt like to fly in a vintage military plane or one of the first passenger airplanes. This is a good place to spend time between other destinations.
- The Big Texan
How can you go to Amarillo without eating steak? The answer is, you can’t. And no other place makes a steak quite like the world-famous Big Texan. If you’re brave enough – and if your belly is big enough – you can have a 72-oz. steak for free (if you eat the whole thing and all of the trimmings, that is). I’ve had many a prime rib in my day, but the Big Texan easily has the best. Be prepared to wait a little while for a table. Everyone wants to eat here. Once you sit down, you’ll be well taken care of by the friendly wait staff. It’s one of Amarillo’s finest family-owned establishments – and one of the best steakhouses in this part of the country, I’d say.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or an adventure-packed vacation stay, Amarillo should be at the top of your list.
You’ll just want to be there, as George Strait sang, by morning. You’ll have a lot to do.
