Amarillo, Texas: Route 66 Historic District; things to do

Route 66 Historic District  

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.

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

●Lile Art Gallery  

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.

Bob "Crocodile" Lile and dog Lady in doorway of Lile Art Gallery
on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas

Bob "Crocodile" Lile's work table at Lile Art Gallery
on Route 66 Historic District in Amarillo, Texas

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.

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.

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.

midpoint photo op on Route 66 Historic District
in Adrian, Texas

sign in front of MidPoint Cafe on Route 66 Historic District
in Adrian, Texas

interior of MidPoint Cafe on Route 66 Historic District
in Adrian, Texas

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.

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 

Amarillo, Texas: Amarillo Museum of Art; things to do

Amarillo Museum of Art  

2200 S Van Buren St., on Amarillo College campus, (806) 371-5050.  Tu-F 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 1-5pm.  Free.

exterior of Amarillo Museum of Art in Amarillo, Texas

Featuring art exhibits from many different genres and time periods, the Amarillo Museum of Art often hosts art shows and exhibits produced by local artists and/or inspired by Texas.  Collection highlights include four Georgia O'Keeffe watercolors and several works by John Marin.  The “Double Standard” serigraph by Ed Ruscha and “Ubu Aux Baleares” lithograph by Joan Miro are also of particular interest.  Sculpture is displayed outside.  In addition, the museum also hosts educational talks, lectures, and programs throughout the year, and the gift shop sells a wide selection of art-related gifts, books, apparel, and souvenirs.

"Roof with Snow" watercolor by Georgia O'Keeffe at Amarillo Museum of Art
in Amarillo, Texas

“Double Standard” serigraph by Ed Ruscha at Amarillo Museum of Art
in Amarillo, Texas

“Ubu Aux Baleares” lithograph by Joan Miro at Amarillo Museum of Art
in Amarillo, Texas

More things to do in Amarillo.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Amarillo, Texas: Big Art Tour; things to do

Big Art Tour of Amarillo, Texas 

Amarillo has developed a sizable portfolio of large outdoor art, or macro art.  The wide open spaces available here allow for big art and for vast expanses between the artworks.  This is, after all, big sky country even though it isn't Montana.  Expect to do some searching and sleuthing to find these out-of-the way installations.

●Ozymandias  

Located just off I-27 south.  

This installation was crafted by Lightnin’ McDuff in the mid-1990s.  Situated in a private cow pasture protected by barbed wire, these two giant legs pay homage to the namesake Egyptian king.  Ozymandias is popular with local teens, who come out here to make out, and with vandals who like to paint socks on the legs (the socks have been sandblasted off many times, only to reappear).

Ozymandias Big Art installation in Amarillo, Texas

●Signs Project by the Dynamite Museum  

6 mi. from downtown.  

Though it appears that the original Signs Project is defunct, a new version exists in Mariposa eco village, a 1-square-mile off-the-grid community with five structures.  One of them--a house painted in yellow-and-purple patterns and featuring an outline of Texas in cinder blocks in its front yard--is available for Air B&B stays.  And it is in this community that local artist Jon Revett resides in his rammed-earth house.

Signs Project by the Dynamite Museum Big Art installation in Amarillo, Texas

yellow-and-purple patterned house at Mariposa eco village in Amarillo, Texas

Big Art installation at Mariposa eco village in Amarillo, Texas

●Floating Mesa  

Located a short drive NW of town, just E of the junction of State Hwy. 1061 & State Hwy. 2381.  

The highway leading to Floating Mesa, this 1981 installation by Stanley Marsh 3, continues on to Colorado and was the original trail used by cowboys herding their cattle there.  An illusion that the top portion of the mesa is floating occurs when the sun reflects just so, which happens whenever the sky is clear--with no overcast and with just the right amount of white.  Then, the line of white plywood that was inserted appears to blend in with the sky behind the mesa, and the mesa appears to be floating.

Floating Mesa Big Art installation in Amarillo, Texas

side view of Floating Mesa Big Art installation in Amarillo, Texas

●Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

More things to do in Amarillo.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Amarillo Texas: Cadillac Ranch; things to do

Cadillac Ranch  

West of town, on old Route 66, south of I-40 between exits 60 and 62. 

The Cadillac Ranch is one of the most famous art installations in the United States.

overview of Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

Cadillac Ranch was created along the iconic Route 66 in 1974 by Stanley Marsh 3 in collaboration with Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez, and Doug Michels--who were a part of the Ant Farm art group in San Francisco.  A tribute to the Golden Age of American automobiles, it consists of ten Cadillacs (1948 to 1963 models) that are nose-dived bottoms up into the ground and partially buried.  It reminds me of the moai statues on Easter Island.  Because it is so dramatic, this installation has been featured in a variety of music videos and movies, including “Rockin' the Caddy at Cadillac Ranch, TX.”  The installation was moved in 1997 from its original cow pasture location, but is still out in a cow pasture.  People park their cars along the road and walk in.

entrance to Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

dirt road leading to Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

Over the years, visitors started adding their own flair to the buried cars with spray paint.  This can be a problem when the wind is blowing, because you and your clothing can also wind up more colorful.  If you’re going to indulge, bring plastic gloves and maybe even a plastic rain cover or garbage bag to protect your clothing.  I wound up getting nauseous from the paint can fumes, so it isn’t a bad idea to also bring along a respirator mask to protect you from the aerosol fumes--it also winds up making you look like you are a serious graffiti artist.  At least one guy in town collects the peeling paint and turns it into souvenir jewelry.

overview of Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

visitor taking a picture at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

visitor working with spray can at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

visitor working with spray can at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

visitor taking a selfie at Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas

More things to do in Amarillo.

Great ideas for travel adventures in California and the U.S. and around the world.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Amarillo Texas: Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM); things to do

Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM)  

2503 4th Ave., in Canyon, 15 mi. S of town, (806) 651-2244.  $10, 65+ $9, 4-12 $5. 

Located on the West Texas A&M University campus in an Art Deco building, the state’s oldest and largest history museum covers petroleum, archaeology, and costumes and textiles, but the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (PPHM) also holds a surprising fine arts collection and paleontology treasures.

front entrance to Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas

One indoor gallery holds a large--if dark--little Pioneer Town, and it is the first museum in the U.S. to provide art for the sight impaired by displaying in its lobby a 3-D version of the museum’s “Red Landscape” by Georgia O'Keeffe.  Another treasure is "The Approaching Herd" by Frank Reaugh, which hung in the White House behind the desk of George W. Bush.  The museum was built with donations in 1921 at the height of the Depression and is often called “The Smithsonian with a Texas accent.”

dinosaur skeletons at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas

petroleum gallery at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas

“Red Landscape” by Georgia O'Keeffe at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
in Canyon, Texas

"Cow-Man" by Russell Vernon Hunter at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
in Canyon, Texas

"The Approaching Herd" by Frank Reaugh at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, Texas

More things to do in Amarillo.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Amarillo, Texas: American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum; things to do

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum  

2601 East I-40, (806) 376-5181.

exterior of American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
in Amarillo, Texas

Unleash your inner cowboy at this very focused museum dedicated to the heritage of the horse that is so vital to the American West.  Some say that our country was built on its back, and that it is “the horse that settled the west.”  The quarter horse got its name from being the fastest horse at running the quarter mile, and with its long legs and a long lean body it is the ballerina of the horse world.  This largest equine museum in the world is designed to preserve and display the history and modern uses of the quarter horse breed as well as to cultivate future enthusiasts.  The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum showcases the people that have changed and shaped the breed and the horses that have brought it fame.  Well-staged exhibits explore the link between American and Mexican horse culture, a video includes demonstrations and relevant cowboy culture, and a children’s gallery has an old-time kiddie horse ride.  An arena outside sometimes schedules demonstrations with real horses.  When I visited, artist Sarah Harless was in the massive Entry Hall, engaged in making a horse painting.  She was almost finished when I left.

honor posted for "Traveler" at American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
in Amarillo, Texas

photo of actor John Wayne with his quarter horse Tip Top
at American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
in Amarillo, Texas

How to tie up a horse exhibit at American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas

old-time horsie kiddie ride at American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum
in Amarillo, Texas

artist Sarah Harless making a horse painting in Entry Hall
at American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas

artist Sarah Harless beginning a horse painting in Entry Hall
at American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas

artist Sarah Harless completing a horse painting in Entry Hall
at American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas

Visit photo gallery with more kiddie rides.

More things to do in Amarillo.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Amarillo, Texas: Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo and Polk Street Cattle Drive; things to do

Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo and Polk Street Cattle Drive

The traditional Polk Street Cattle Drive and Parade begins annually at 10th and Polk streets, kicking things off for the June Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo.  More than 60 longhorns mosey along downtown Amarillo’s main thoroughfare, encouraged by cowboys and evoking the idea of an old-time cattle drive.  The steers don’t come near stampeding, though their horns do sometimes scratch parked cars that didn’t vacate in time.

Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo  

1st weekend in June.  At Tri-State Fairgrounds.  $17, 7-12 $7.  

The Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo is different from some in that it features only cowpokes from local ranches.  They ride bucking broncos and herd groups of longhorn steers.  The kids competition involves riding sheep.  It’s BIG time Texas fun for everyone.  The local aspect was driven home for me when I sat up at the top of the arena next to a couple who seemed to know everyone.  It was non-stop chatter throughout, in a good way.  Informal stalls selling things like saddles and boots set up around the area walkway at the top, allowing you to do a little shopping for some cowboy goods.

More things to do in Amarillo.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

videos ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers 

Amarillo, Texas: Palo Duro Canyon State Park; things to do

Palo Duro Canyon State Park  

11450 Park Road 5, 25 mi. SE of Amarillo, in Canyon, (806) 488-2227.  Daily 7am-10pm.  $5, under 13 free.  Camping:  (512) 389-8900.

overlook at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

Located just 30 minutes from town, this “Grand Canyon of Texas” is the second largest canyon (based on length) in the country.  The canyon is 120 miles long and 600 to 800 feet deep, and 10% of it is state park land.  Palo Duro Canyon State Park features red sandstone soil, features a 300-foot-tall “hoodoo” rock formation that resembles a lighthouse, and is covered with mesquite and cottonwoods.  Visitors can explore the more than 16 miles of paved roadway and 30 miles of hiking trails by foot, horse, car, or mountain bike, and campsites are available.  Because it gets so hot here in summer--over 100 degrees--each trail has a thermometer at the trailhead along with warnings to carry plenty of water.  A small Visitor Center on the canyon rim contains educational exhibits, and The Trading Post on the canyon floor has a cafe with a good burger.

overlook at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

visitor center at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

The Big Cave at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

bark house at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

trail thermometer registers 110 at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

●Texas--The Musical  

(806) 655-2181.  Tu-Sun, early June-mid-August. $16.95 to $30.95.

entrance to Texas--The Musical at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

"Texas--The Musical" has been running for 53 years!  Viewing a performance of the extravaganza in the canyon’s outdoor amphitheater as dusk falls and the canyon cools off is a lot of fun.  With young performers--they are mostly college kids--enthusiastically strutting and swinging colorful skirts, the storyline manages to cover a long past that includes the area’s early settlers, cowboys, and Native Americans.  It is over the top, with real horses and a fireworks show at the end.  An optional pre-show barbecue dinner is available.

before performance actors on horses at Texas--The Musical
at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

open-air stage at Texas--The Musical
at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas

More things to do in Amarillo.

More ideas for exploring the U.S.

images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers