Amarillo is the mid-point of The Mother Road (so named by John Steinbeck in “The Grapes of Wrath”)--the famous 2,448-mile road known as Route 66 that runs between Santa Monica and Chicago, crosses eight states, and passes through three time zones. It is also the largest Texas city on the route. Here, Route 66 is now Amarillo Boulevard. Do take time to get off the ol’ super-slab interstate freeway and check it out.
The U.S. Route 66 Historic District here is a mile-long stretch of the road that features clubs, shops, and restaurants. Favorites include the Nat Ballroom, which is presently an antique store, and the Golden Light Café, where you can get a good hamburger. Only three neon signs are left, and none work. The extended route along Amarillo Boulevard is almost all mom and pop motels now, along with plenty of good Thai restaurants (but also a few working girls and crack houses), and more than 40 languages are spoken along the route.
It is claimed that more people have recorded “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” than any other song.
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| Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas |
The U.S. Route 66 Historic District here is a mile-long stretch of the road that features clubs, shops, and restaurants. Favorites include the Nat Ballroom, which is presently an antique store, and the Golden Light Café, where you can get a good hamburger. Only three neon signs are left, and none work. The extended route along Amarillo Boulevard is almost all mom and pop motels now, along with plenty of good Thai restaurants (but also a few working girls and crack houses), and more than 40 languages are spoken along the route.
It is claimed that more people have recorded “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” than any other song.
Stops Along Route 66
2719 SW 6th Ave. (Old Route 66), (806) 664-3089.
The Life Art Gallery displays the work of local artists as well as owner Bob “Crocodile” Lile’s exclusive line of cadilite jewelry made from the paint layers that peel off the town’s famous Cadillacs. A lovely Australian Shepard, Lady, keeps watch at the door. Lady likes to greet people and is especially fond of little girls.
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| Bob "Crocodile" Lile and dog Lady in doorway of Lile Art Gallery on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas |
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| Bob "Crocodile" Lile's work table at Lile Art Gallery on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas |
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| cadilite jewelry at Lile Art Gallery on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas |
●Vega
●Magnolia Station
201 S. Main St. Free. This old-time gas station (known as a filling station in the good old days)--was restored by the city.
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| historic Magnolia Station on Route 66 Historic District in Vega, Texas |
●Milburn-Price Culture Museum
1005 Coke St. Free. Learn area history and view some interesting artifacts, including an original 1923 model T “Lizzy” parked out front.
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| longhorn statue outside Milburn-Price Culture Museum on Route 66 Historic District in Vega, Texas |
●Oldham County Courthouse
This classic revival building dates to 1915. The original hipped roof was removed in 1967.
●MidPoint Cafe and Gift Shop
305 W. Historic Route 66, in Adrian, (806) 538-6379. Daily 8:30am-5pm.
Located at the exact midpoint of the Route 66 journey, this cafe measures 1,139 miles to starting points in L.A. and Chicago and makes the perfect stop for refreshment. Because the pies are made fresh daily on site, they are really good--I had a chocolate cream that was divine. Patrons can help themselves to a coke from the fridge and pay at the counter. Comfy booths and a swivel-stool counter are among the seating options. And the gift shop is loaded with souvenir items that you might actually want.
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| midpoint photo op on Route 66 Historic District in Adrian, Texas |
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| sign in front of MidPoint Cafe on Route 66 Historic District in Adrian, Texas |
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| interior of MidPoint Cafe on Route 66 Historic District in Adrian, Texas |
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| chocolate cream pie at MidPoint Cafe on Route 66 Historic District in Adrian, Texas |
●Triangle Motel
7954 Amarillo Blvd. East.
This motel was constructed of hand-cut bricks in 1945. Before it closed in 1970, the center court once held a nice garden, picnic tables, and a children’s playground. Now it is just a dusty mess waiting for the new owners--Alan McNeil & his Mom Maryann McNeil--to bring it back to life.
More things to do in Amarillo.
images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
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| exterior of old Triangle Motel on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas |
More things to do in Amarillo.
More ideas for exploring the U.S.
images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
I've been through Amarillo a few times and never realized it is the midpoint of Route 66. How cool!
ReplyDeleteHaven't been to Amarillo, but the Route 66 sites look like places I need to get to! (Was that pie as good as it looks?) Someday I hope to drive the entire route, but until then I've been doing a piece at a time.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea Amarillo was on Route 66! I lived in Texas for five years but never made it to Amarillo. Thanks for introducing me to some of the things to see and do there!
ReplyDeleteRoute 66 sounds like a fascinating road. I hope they manage to get the Triangle Motel renovated - it could be a great place to stay.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful blast from the past!
ReplyDeleteSo funny that I am reading this while getting out of Santa Monica. But we are not headed to Chicago but San Francisco. Oh well, been to Amarillo and stopped at that Midpoint Cafe!
ReplyDeleteSo funny that I am reading this while getting out of Santa Monica. But we are not headed to Chicago but San Francisco. Oh well, been to Amarillo and stopped at that Midpoint Cafe!
ReplyDeleteI live in Texas -- East Texas. I have longed to get to Amarillo, so I really enjoyed reading about it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a classic road trip! The Midpoint Cafe looks like a set from a movie. Love it!
ReplyDelete