Fun things to do in Amarillo

It is located to the far eastern section of town, and on the frontage road; across from the visitor center. it was not open when I was there, and is said to be open Wed-Sunday form 1-5PM. Charge is $5. It states it has some art works and artifacts.

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This is a nice, but a bit small facility; yet again good for the city to view. Fee to enter may be $3, but sometimes it is free. There is a main building that is administrative, and the hot house holding the tropical vegetation.

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Even if you don't stop to eat at the Country Barn Steakhouse restaurant, stop and see the very big Texan. It reminds me and still is part of good old Route 66. Now, there is another place called the "The Big Texan Steakhouse", which looks really neat. I didn't want someone to get it confused with the other.

Elkins Ranch offers you a chance to see quite a bit more of Palo Duro Canyon than you can do in your own vehicle -- or even with a mountain bike or horse unless you are very fit. Numerous jeep tours explore the rim, walls, and floor of the canyon. You can choose what works best for you and your family. The one hour tour includes a waterfall and various lookout points. Hidden Spring Canyon tour lasts over two hours and takes you to a hidden finger of the canyon. The big kahuna is a 3 hour circuit combining the shorter tours and adding some features. Rates range from $25 (1 hour) to $65 (3 hours) per person; children's rates are less.

The ranch also has both a chuckwagon breakfast and a ranch supper, depending on your time of tour, which although expensive looked pretty appetizing.

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Normally, I wouldn't think that eating challenges are note-worthy as "earned", but then again, I had never witnessed someone try to put down a 72 oz. piece of beef, while also being required to consume a salad, piece of bread, baked potato, and also a shrimp cocktail.

I thought I would face this challenge myself when I walked into the Big Texan in Amarillo, and until I sat down at the table, I was mentally preparing. Luckily, my wife talked me out of it, as it was $72 USD, and my commitment to eating was wavering. Almost minutes after I gave up, a brave soul did enter the arena to do battle with this bull. Here are a couple pictures of the challenge.

Just a quick update. We were just in Amarillo in Feb and the American Quarter Horse Association is closed for at least a couple of months for remodeling. You can look at the statues outside but everything else is currently closed. Was really looking forward to seeing this when we were out there.

Ten half-buried cadillac cars make for a nice stop for people traveling along I-40. Cars are always covered with graffiti but I believe they get repainted every year.

Great picture-taking opportunity

To the west of Hydro is a great 66 address: Lucille Hamon's Gas Station and Store, which the flamboyant Lucille has owned for over 50 years. Lucille has loads of tales to tell and she does so at length, so take your time.