Jane's Guide to Amarillo

Amarillo, Texas, population 170,000

Set in the Texas Panhandle, right off Interstate I-40, Amarillo serves as a convenient stopping point for many cross-country travelers. Most people don't stray far from the Interstate, but if you take a little time, you'll find that there's a lot more to Amarillo than just gas stations and restaurant chains.

Things to Do

• Palo Duro Canyon- While it's not the Grand Canyon, the Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. Only 20 miles outside of Amarillo,the Palo Duro Canyon offers incredible scenery as well as many great hiking and biking trails.
• The Cadillac Ranch- I can not explain why someone would plant ten large cars into the ground, but the Cadillac ranch stands as one of the most beloved pieces of artwork in Amarillo.
• The Panhandle Plains Museum- This museum is the best history museum in the Texas Panhandle, and it might even be one of the best history museums in the state. Don't miss the museum's collection of cowboy art and Georgia O'Keefe paintings.
• Historic Route 66- Take a little time to stroll down this historic roadway. The strip between Georgia and Western Street boasts a number of antique stores and beer joints.

Great Local Restaurants

• BL Bistro, 2916 Wolflin Avenue, (806)355-7838- This restaurant may look like a square, concrete box on top of grey asphault, but once inside, you'll be welcomed by an elegant interior, soft lighting and fine dining.
• Blackstone Cafe, 202 West 10th Avenue, (806)372-7700-
Amarillo has a number of good Thai restaurants, but this one is my favorite.
• Eat Rite Health Promotion Center & Deli, 2425 West Interstate 40, (806)353-7476- This is one of the few restaurants in town offering organic produce, a great salad bar, healthy snacks and sandwiches, and yummy fruit smoothies.
• Frank's Bakery, 1923 South Western Street, (806)352-8089- If you're in the mood for French pastries or French food, you should stop by Frank's.
• Lone Star Bar & Grill, F M 1151, (806)622-9827- This restaurant might look more like a honky-tonk bar than a place to eat, but people swear by its steaks. It also has a nice view of the plains.
• OHMS Cafe & Catering, 619 South Tyler Street, (806)373-3233- Originally opened by an English man, OHMS is the only place in Amarillo where you'll find Shephard's Pie. Served buffet style for lunch and dinner, all entrees are delicious. If you're going for lunch, get there early, because food often runs out.
• Tejavan, 38011 East Interstate 40, (806)372-5250- First opened as a convenience store, Tejavan has steadily gained popularity for its well-prepared Mexican cuisine. Today, Tejavan only operates as a restaurant and serves many hard to find Mexican specialties. Be sure to try the oxtail soup and the tortas (sandwiches).

Curiosities

• The Big Texan-I have to admit that I don't frequent this tourist attraction, but any restaurant that advertises a free 72 oz steak if you eat it in under an hour deserves a visit. If you are feeling experimental, the menu also offers rattlesnake and calf fries.
• The Amarillo Signs, Scattered around the city are a number of random road signs displaying either artwork or messages. My favorite is the one that reads 'The Road Does Not End.'

last updated, September 9, 2004