We want to thank Visit Amarillo and all of the local businesses for hosting this amazing visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Girasol Cafe & Bakery

There’s no better place to start than with breakfast. An early morning stop at Girasol Cafe & Bakery had us going green. Their dedication to fresh ingredients and wholesome touches on their dishes made our morning meal special. It is worth noting that breakfast is not the only meal that they serve. Rumor has it that they bring out the “Wow” factor at lunchtime, as well. We have perused pictures of some of their midday meals and wish we had taken an opportunity to drop back by for a second meal. Oh well, we will just let you all tell us about it. Drop a note in the comments section below, if you’ve had lunch at Girasol Cafe.

Youngblood’s Cafe

While not every place that we visit will end up with its article, we still like to bring attention to them in these overviews. A case in point was Youngblood’s Cafe, which we visited the morning we were leaving Amarillo. The life stories we find in each city we visit never cease to amaze us. The owner of this eatery is an Amarillo native who has worked in the restaurant business for decades. Wanting to increase his knowledge and culinary skills, he enrolled in the Culinary Institute of America after 20 years in the industry. For us, that says a lot about his determination to always be his best.

Texas Eats

After working at some upscale establishments in New York City, he finally returned to his hometown to bring his knowledge to bear for his neighbors. The return to town gave him a chance to go back to creating delectable Texas-style dishes that fill up hungry guests. Dining on the Panhandle means enjoying down-home meals served by people who care. Their location in the stockyards means you may see people in cowboy hats and spurs at the next table. Welcome to Texas!

Calico County

It was clear that many of the restaurants we visited had a long history in their community. A morning meal at Calico County proved that even after 35 years, people still flock to a good breakfast stop. From the moment we approached the barn-red structure, we had an overwhelming sense of down-home country food. Once our meal was served, we were not disappointed. From the freshly baked cinnamon rolls to the mason jar-shaped waffles, it was all delightful. Just the kind of filling meal we needed to fuel a day full of exploring.

Bracero’s Mexican Grill

One of our reasons for starting our Texas travels in Amarillo is their history of residing on Route 66. The Mother Road has been part of our lives since our youngest days, so we just had to explore some of the most notable sights. On the inner-city stretch of America’s first Highway, we had a chance to stop for lunch at Braceros Mexican Grill & Cantina. What a delicious way to brighten our day. The use of color in their dishes made for a memorable meal. It was also a chance to sample a dish that we had never seen before.

Coyote Bluff Cafe

Dining on the Panhandle will offer plenty of opportunities to meet the locals. It was not unusual to be sitting next to a table filled with high plains cowboys. Coyote Bluff Cafe would be the kind of place that many would pass by without giving a second look. Unfortunately, they don’t know what they would be missing. Inside this tiny eatery, we found some massive burgers that come with a variety of toppings. The menu is designed to satisfy Texas-sized appetites, after the morning of riding the range.

Dining Outdoors

In Amarillo, we discovered that not every meal needs to be eaten indoors. During our day at Palo Duro Canyon, we had a chance to visit the Texas Outdoor Musical. Before the show, they offer up a chuckwagon-style meal that will satisfy even the biggest appetite. After passing through the serving line, we joined our new friends at the outdoor picnic tables for a meal under the Texas sky. If you have never tasted Texas-style barbecue then you are in for a real treat. They do it up right at this event and even throw in a serving of cobbler to top it all off.

The Big Texan

Maybe your idea of dining on the Panhandle would include challenging yourself to finish off the 72 oz. Steak Challenge at The Big Texan. If so, you would be in good company, if you can accomplish the task. Suffice to say, there was no way that either of us was going to attempt this gut-busting trial. Even though no one was up for the task during our visit, we still found the ambiance of the place to be amazing. If you enjoy having plenty to see, while you dine, then this place should be at the top of your list. Make sure you save some time to explore the common areas outside of the dining room, as well.

Public House

With all of those engaging dining opportunities making your minds rush, perhaps there will be a moment that you just want to unwind. Might we suggest taking in a meal at Public House? This upscale eatery has a relaxed atmosphere that’s the perfect fit for a break from the rush of exploring. With an eclectic assortment of menu items, it’s easy to find plenty that sounds scrumptious. We also found that they are quite adept at creating craft cocktails.

Dining On The Panhandle

While it may seem that we spent our entire visit eating, we realize that we missed lots of other dining options. Amarillo has lots of eateries across a broad spectrum of cuisines. Discriminating diners will find upscale chophouses and even a fun speakeasy. Families can find a variety of restaurants that have something to offer everyone in the group. While we hope that you test out some of the places we have shared in this article, we’d also love to hear about other eateries you uncover. Drop us a note in the comment section, so that we can begin creating our list for the next time we are dining on the Panhandle. Bon Apetit!

The post Dining On The Panhandle – Amarillo Eats appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and all of the businesses we visited for hosting us. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Alibates Flint Quarries

Visiting Amarillo in the summertime is a great opportunity to enjoy some outdoor activities. The landscape of this region is fun to explore and offers some beautiful views. We found that playing in the Panhandle can include some interesting lessons. On our way into the city, we made a stop at the Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument. Located north of Amarillo, it sits beside Lake Meredith. The visitors center has exhibits that walk visitors through the lives of early inhabitants in the area. After examining the displays, and watching a short video, it was time to explore the grounds. Hiking trails of various lengths are available for exploration and they even have ranger-guided tours.

Amarillo Botanical Gardens

Experiencing high plains means seeing a lot of native grasses and flowers. Of course, there is also plenty of cactus to be found. The growing conditions in this region can be difficult, but not impossible. When we visited the Amarillo Botanical Gardens we found plenty of species that were flourishing under the care of local volunteers. As we wandered the tranquil gardens, it gave us a few moments to take in their peaceful setting.

Sod Poodles Baseball

While the peaceful setting is beautiful to behold, it’s fun to balance it with a little excitement. Watching a baseball game can be quite a lot of fun, and finding out that it is the first season for a new team made it extra special. It didn’t seem like it could be topped, but a behind-the-scenes tour took it to a whole new level. While you may not get one of those, you can still enjoy watching the Amarillo Sod Poodles playing in the Panhandle. Bring the whole family and make an evening of it!

Wonderland Park

Speaking of family fun, how about a day at the amusement park? When we discovered that Wonderland Park was located in Amarillo, we knew a visit would be required. Their mixture of thrill, water, and kid rides means that there will be plenty to keep every family member occupied. Don’t forget to challenge each other to a round of mini-golf, before scoping out great views of the city on their sky-high overhead tram.

Panhandle-Plains Museum

A visit to the Panhandle is also a good chance to learn more about this unique portion of America. The history of the lands and the people who have settled it is filled with memorable stories. Many of these can be found by exploring the Panhandle-Plains Museum. In Texas’ largest history museum, you will find exhibits from the age of dinosaurs, through the western migration, and right up to the present. We couldn’t believe just how large this place is until we tried covering it all in half of a day. Big mistake! You will want to block off longer if you really want to explore.

Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo has the distinction of sitting squarely on the old Route 66 path. This historic tie brings thousands of Mother Road travelers through town every year. For those familiar with the history of “America’s first highway”, you know that it was lined with unique stops and oddities. These days there are still plenty of fun spots to see and explore. The Cadillac Ranch has to be near the top of unusual places to leave your mark on the world. Be sure to bring a can of spray paint and some gloves. (Just make sure you haul your trash back out with you.)

Jack Sisemore RV Museum

With such a famous roadway in the area, travel is obviously an important subject. Would you believe there is even a place to see vintage camping vehicles? When we dropped by the Jack Sisemore RV Museum we weren’t sure what we would find. It was actually a very interesting place to wander through. It’s filled with classic campers and recreational vehicles that we remember from our youth. As we explored the space we could imagine how many kids spent their youths playing in the Panhandle during family vacations.

Palo Duro Canyon

If you are going camping in the Panhandle, there isn’t a better destination than Palo Duro Canyon. Just south of Amarillo, travelers will find the second-largest canyon in America. While the photos show beautiful countryside filled with remarkable landscapes, they still lack in showing the absolute wonder. Visitors will find an abundance of hiking trails that help them get back to nature. campsites are available inside the park, so you can really immerse yourself in the Panhandle-Plains.

Palo Duro Creek Ranch

While RV’s offer a comfortable lodging option, they won’t get you up and down some of the wild roads found in the backwoods portion of the canyon. For that, we visited Palo Duro Creek Ranch. This locally-owned company offers jeep tours through the heart of the landscape. With such a large canyon area, some of the property is privately owned. This means you can have an amazing adventure under the watchful eyes of an experienced guide. It is a memory that we will not soon forget.

Palo Duro Canyon Adventure Park

Speaking of memorable activities. Would you be willing to zip-line across part of the canyon? While Crystal chose to keep her feet firmly planted on the ground, I made the climb up the tower. Once I was all strapped in, it was time to whoosh across the great divide that laid out below me. The feeling of exhilaration is amazing, and almost matches the views from this angle. Now we have heard that they added a bigger and longer zip-line option. Looks like we need to return to take on that challenge.

Texas Outdoor Musical

Are you a live theater lover? Would you believe that Palo Duro Canyon even has this covered? The canyon is home to Texas Outdoor Musical, which is a long-running live performance. Imagine all of the grandeur that can be accomplished when you have the great outdoors as your stage. The staff at this unique attraction have embraced nature and use it to help tell the story of life on the Panhandle-Plains. Once the lone rider gallops across the bluff behind the stage, it’s time to settle in for an evening of entertainment. We are betting you will find yourself toe-tapping along with the rousing score that accompanies this fun event.

Playing in the Panhandle

As you can see, there are plenty of things to fill a family vacation. The options are limitless and include: sports, theater, history or just spending time in nature. Our late July visit found us playing in the Panhandle during the summer heat, but the lower humidity makes it much more manageable. With all of these choices, (and more that we didn’t have time to visit) you are sure to build an itinerary that will have the whole family engaged. Now that we have cracked the seal on Texas cities, look for additional destinations to be covered in the future.

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hen we plan out our trips, it seems that breakfast can be some of the most difficult stops to pick. While we enjoy a good down-home breakfast as much as the next person, those types of places don’t make for very interesting articles. Since we want to offer plenty of options, finding an eatery that allows us the ability to showcase some unique dishes is a bonus. When we stopped at Girasol Cafe & Bakery, in Amarillo, we found ourselves going green for breakfast. Their use of fresh vegetables, fruits, and seasonings added a pop of color and loads of flavor to our morning routine.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Girasol Cafe & Bakery for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Local Love

We enjoy rooting out the places that are frequented by locals. These are usually off the beaten path and can be found in strip malls, markets, or near residential neighborhoods. It’s not that we completely avoid chains, but do we really need to tell you what they have at a place found in every city across North America? Visiting places like Girasol Cafe opens up a world of options that you may not realize even exists. When we arrived at the bakery, it was obvious that most people were stopping in to get something on their way to work. Before long, we were joined by some groups who had the time to sit for a spell.

Daily Variety

What fascinates us about restaurants of this type is the ever-changing menu. While they will have a handful of dishes that become the base offerings, each day and week will bring new items. This allows the locals plenty of options, so it doesn’t become stale. Of course, with so many fresh ingredients, becoming stale isn’t an issue at Girasol Cafe. Just breathing in the delightful aromas that filled the bakery had us wanting to try everything. Obviously we weren’t going to be able to do that, but we did decide to try something new.

Protein Nibble

Our plans for the day included plenty of physical activity at Palo Duro Canyon. This meant that we could start with a little extra protein (and calories), and still be able to burn it off. When we spotted the Love Bar, we knew that it just had to be sampled. The texture reminded us of a blondie bar, and it was packed with the same type of sweet flavor. This version had a delicious assortment of nuts and berries for some added zest. We could have eaten these all day long.

New Take on Favorites

Obviously, we needed to add some variety to our meals, so I ordered up Brioche French Toast. These airy triangles were cooked perfectly. They also include two eggs prepared however you wish and a side of avocado. This was unexpected since I can’t remember ever having it served up like this. Their willingness to offer fresh produce had me going green for breakfast, which was not my usual approach. I have to admit it was a pleasant experience that I have continued to seek out since this visit. It must be true that you can teach old dogs new tricks.

Going Green for Breakfast

Crystal has always been a fan of avocado, so the menu at Girasol Cafe fit her perfectly. She selected the Vegetable Omelette and found that they served her avocado right on top. It certainly made for a pleasing plate presentation, which is important at Girasol Cafe. A side of their crispy potatoes added some starch that would stay with her while we hiked. Going green for breakfast was definitely agreeing with us.

Capturing the Moment

The morning sun was moving up in the sky, so we knew our time was precious. Late July in the Panhandle-Plains can bring some unpredictable weather. One thing was a sure bet and that was it would be toasty. Of course, we enjoy the warm weather much more than the cold, so this was the perfect time of year for our visit. Still, we wanted to get to the canyon before the sun was too far overhead. Our hope was to see a little wildlife before they all went into hiding from the sun. Time to dig in and devour these delectable bites laid out in front of us.

A Little for Later

With our bellies full and our coffee needs fulfilled, it was time to make our way to our attraction destination. Girasol Cafe & Bakery had been such a great choice that we hated to leave all of this deliciousness behind. Fortunately, they still had plenty of sweet bites to choose from that would work perfectly as a quick energy boost during a day of exploring. After all, who would blame us for wanting to extend their yummy flavors farther into our day? See anything you’d like to try?

 

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Amarillo Sod Poodles for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Mobile Mascot

We found a parking spot close to the stadium and made our way to the gate. The new park has been named Hodgetown in honor of Jerry Hodge, a local businessman who happened to be the city’s 26th mayor. The team had spotted us a seat in the section behind the home plate, so we had a bird’s eye view of the evening’s festivities. As the players warmed up on the field, the team’s mascot arrived in a four-wheeler. The name for the team was determined from a local contest. Other names, like Boot Scooters, Bronc Busters, and Long Haulers were passed up in favor of Sod Poodles. Soddies, as they are called, are a reference to prairie dogs, which are a common sight in the Panhandle-Plains.

Play Ball!

Now that the mascot had whipped us all into a frenzy, it was time to play ball. In days gone by, I was a huge fan of Major League baseball. Since we began our travel blogging adventure, it is hard to find enough time to follow any team. We still enjoy a day at the park, they are just too infrequent. The Amarillo Sod Poodles are a minor league team that belongs to the Texas League. The eight teams that make up two divisions are located in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. It is interesting to note that the Texas League has existed in some fashion since its founding in 1888. Amarillo became the newest city when it was awarded the franchise of a team relocating from San Antonio.

Audience Participation

Now before you think that a Sod Poodles game is exactly like an MLB version, let’s note some differences. The park is smaller, so it offers a more intimate setting to enjoy the game. Hodgetown seats about 6630 fans, but with an outfield terrace and other areas, it has seen numbers swell to over 7100. While the main attraction is the baseball game being played out for admiring fans, there are plenty of secondary events to keep the throng engaged between innings. The people in the stands watched one hilarious episode unfold, as a cluster of audience volunteers bounced each other to the ground.

Fun for All Ages

While many of the between-inning games are designed to be played by young adults, there are some that include the younger fans. We watched as a youngster pitched bean bags through a cut-out stand. Each game ends with someone winning a consolation prize, even if they didn’t quite get the results they were hoping for. This makes good entertainment for everyone and the crowd’s cheers make the contestant’s evening memorable.

Tour Time

With the game progressing well for the home team, it was time to take a little closer look at Hodgetown. We met up with Tess Bloom, the Director of Marketing, for a tour behind the scenes. After introducing us to the life-size bobblehead of the mascot, we made our way into the area that holds the suites. Here is where many of the local businesses will host company outings and special events. After all, who doesn’t enjoy an evening at the ballpark?

Behind the Scenes

Even though our visit was in late July, the weather was perfect for attending the new game in town. As we made our way through the facility, we were introduced to a wide range of staff members. Everyone was so friendly, but that is something we always find in Texas. It was apparent that these fans were excited to have a minor league baseball team in Amarillo. The team was showing its thanks by having a solid first season.

Fan Encounters

We came out of the upper level and followed Tess, as she led us through the park. As we said before, this park is designed to offer every fan an intimate experience. Seating options include the regular stadium seats, as well as a huge outfield lawn area. In this part of the park, we noticed lots of fans laid out on picnic blankets, soaking up the last rays of the day. We continued around the outfield and came to a patio area that had hightop style seats above the outfielders. This was a popular place for home run balls to be caught, and we saw a few kids hanging around with their gloves at the ready.

Up Close & Personal

Now that we had seen the views from above, it was time to get down to the field level. Tess led us down to an area near the home team’s dugout. We noticed the addition of an outside seating area that mimicked small suites. It was made up of clusters where groups of four to six fans could congregate around a table to watch the game. This was the first time we had seen this type of outdoor seating, and it seemed like a great idea. The game was really heating up into a nailbiter, so we decided to hang out in this area for a while.

The New Game in Town

Heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, the visiting team was carrying a 4 to 2 lead. The Sod Poodles tied the game and sent it into extra innings. The fans were certainly getting their money’s worth tonight. The tenth inning had both teams scoring another run, which led to the need for another inning. At the top of the eleventh, the visitors scored three runs, which sent some of the fans heading toward the gates. Those that stayed behind were treated to a four-run half, that had the Sod Poodles staging a come from behind victory.

Taking It All!

The fun and excitement of that evening would be played out over and over at Hodgetown. In their first season in Amarillo, the Sod Poodles would end up making it to the playoffs. As they say in sports, once you are in the playoffs, its anybody’s game to win. In true underdog fashion, the Sod Poodles would go on to capture the Texas league Championship and set themselves up for a 2020 season as defending champs. This is just some of the excitement that can happen when you are the new game in town.

Share with a Baseball Fan!

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When we are traveling, we try to incorporate plenty of dining options that are family-friendly. While it is almost always just the two of us, we realize that many of you may have a wide range of ages in your party. We also want to explore a variety of cuisine options, so that you have plenty of choices to pick from when planning your own itinerary. Tossing in an upscale spot can take a vacation from memorable to unforgettable.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Early Birds get Great Seating

Since we are early risers, our timetable runs earlier than many others. We can still hang into the night but like to get our eating done with time for our bodies to burn up the extra calories that come from restaurant foods. The added bonus with this type of schedule is that we usually beat the most crowded periods, and we catch a lot of happy hours. Upscale dining spots, like Public House, will run specials during the late afternoons, in an effort to draw in early diners.

During our visit, we noticed that most of the customers were taking advantage of this and were grouped in the bar area. This allowed us to have the dining room almost to ourselves. There was a family with children nearby, which allowed us to see how parents handle a visit to a spot like this.

Hey there, Romeo!

After a day of exploring, we were ready to unwind a bit. Of course, we had more stops planned for the evening, but for now, we were just taking in some peaceful moments. This seemed like a good time to sample a couple of the cocktails off of their menu. I chose to try one that was completely new to me, The Romeo. My spirit preference usually leans toward gin, and this drink uses that as the base. The addition of Aperol adds notes of mandarin orange, and a splash of St. Germaine brings a complementary flavor combination.

Crystal decided to go a different direction and ordered a Pimm’s Cup. Made with gin, a lemony soda, mint, and fruit flavors, this sweet drink just screams summertime. These smooth cocktails were the perfect partner for an appetizer plate.

Steak Egg Rolls

We decided to start our meal with a little appetizer, so an order of Steak Egg Rolls looked like a good option. A blend of Teriyaki steak and mixed veggies are stuffed inside of two egg rolls. These are cut on the bias, so the presentation really gets your appetite going. The addition of the Spicy Ranch dipping sauce kicks the flavor (and heat) up a notch. This dish certainly does a great job of representing comfortable elegance, much like you would find at any tapas restaurant.

Chicken Goat Cheese Salad

When it came time to order our main dishes, Crystal decided to sample one of their special salads. Our server walked her through the options and she finally landed on the Chicken Goat Cheese Salad. Her choice brought plenty of color to the table. This comes from the fresh strawberries and pickled red onion.  Plenty of grilled chicken chunks, candied walnuts, and goat cheese crumbles add flavor depth to the dish. Once she tossed on the raspberry vinaigrette, the dish was as delicious as it was beautiful. You know, I might just become a fan of salads, as long as they are as flavorful as this one was.

The Cubano

Let’s be real. When I saw that they serve The Cubano, there was no way that I was going to settle for salad. The thought of a hoagie roll piled high with pulled pork, smoked ham, pickles, and Swiss cheese was enough for me to stop perusing the menu. Their use of coriander grain mustard gave the Public Houses’ version a nutty aroma with a slightly citrus flavor. An accompaniment of curly Public House Fries paired perfectly for a hearty dinner. No way was I leaving this place hungry.

Comfortable Elegance At Public House

Our evening meal at Public House was the perfect diversion from our busy day. The comfortable elegance of this upscale eatery really helped us unwind. During our meal, we noticed an increase in customers. It was obvious that our timing had been perfect and allowed us some quiet time before the evening rush. Now that our appetites had been satisfied, it was time to get back to exploring Amarillo. An evening of thrill rides was awaiting us at Wonderland Park. With so much to see and do, we knew there was no way we would see it all, even with the boost of energy we got from our delectable meals.

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High in the Panhandle-Plains of Texas, people carve out a life from the rugged landscape. Driving across this flat terrain reminded us of traveling across the western half of our home state of Kansas. This perspective changed when we arrived at Palo Duro Canyon. Laid out before us we saw only glimpses of the 120-mile long canyon system. As the second-largest canyon in the United States, it has earned the nickname of “The Grand Canyon of Texas”.

Part of the Palo Duro Canyon is home to a state park. This area is popular with hikers, campers, and nature lovers from all around the world. Admission to Palo Duro State Park is $8.00 per adult, with children 12 & under get in for free. Traveling to the park is about a 25-minute drive from Amarillo. After exiting the interstate, the final 10 miles were filled with anticipation. Having scouted out the area on Google maps, we were spotting landmarks that showed our progress.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Palo Duro Adventure Park for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Dropping Elevation

The funny thing about canyons are they sneak up on you. Since they are basically holes in the ground, you don’t see them from miles away. The same applies to Palo Duro Canyon. With each new landmark, our anticipation grew. Passing the zip-lines and jeep tours were tell-tale signs that we had finally arrived. (More about those places in a minute.) With an average depth of around 800 feet, the floor of the canyon offers a different experience than the one found on the rim. As we stood on the lip looking out at the canyon, our minds struggled to imagine that so much wonder and beauty could be created by erosion.

Getting Oriented at Palo Duro Canyon

Our first stop, inside the park, was at the El Coronado Lodge Visitors Center. It’s a good place to get oriented, before heading out to explore. A small museum helps visitors paint a picture of the history of Palo Duro Canyon. As we explored the displays, we noticed mention of the people who were hunters/gatherers long before the land was settled. We had visited a site north of Amarillo that had introduced us to these early inhabitants. Of course, during those times the landscape would have been filled with herds of bison.

Get in Touch with Nature

Now that we had our bearings, it was time to get in touch with nature. Completing the drive to the floor of the canyon brought a new perspective. From here we could see the walls surrounding us. The colorful bands that signify eons of time are like rings that line the land. Rocky outcroppings are scattered across the landscape, as remnants from centuries of erosion. These hoodoos (also called fairy chimneys or earth pyramids) are formed by the erosion of soft soil around a hard stone. One of the most notable examples of this is Lighthouse Rock, which is the picture at the top of this page.

Photo Opps

Throughout Palo Duro Canyon you will find perfect backdrops for family photos. Many of these are short hikes from the road and are accessible by most travelers. After navigating the decline at the entrance, we found ourselves passing a large parking lot. We noticed a group of people had pulled in for a closer look. Following their lead, we pulled in. What we found was a serene setting where we could get our first taste of the landscape.

After the group finished their photos, we took the opportunity to pose for a few. This rocky outcropping sits in front of a 1/2 mile nature trail, which is a good way to warm up for some of the longer hikes that are found in Palo Duro Canyon. Ever since our visit to Yellowstone National Park, we know to keep our eyes peeled for gatherings of tourists. Not only does this usually mark a possible wildlife sighting, but also helps us find interesting sights.

Above the Ridge

Obviously, we don’t always rely on others for picturesque sightings. Our visit to the canyon included plenty of time where we were the only two around. Of course, there were plenty of others in the park at the same time, but with all of this open space, you feel like you are solitary explorers. As the heat of the July summer sun increased, we began to spot more raptors riding the upward spiraling thermals. Seeing this sight above one of the colorfully banded canyon walls left us staring in wonder.

Stopping for Sights

We continued our drive along the park loop. After passing a series of campgrounds, we came upon The Big Cave. Another formation that has been created by erosion are caves. While there are many smaller ones dotting the landscape, one is the most visited in Palo Duro Canyon. The cave is visible from the main road and can be reached by a short hike of about 600 feet. The climb up requires navigating a rocky slide area, which was stable but still requires paying attention. During our visit, we were joined by another group of hikers.

Bird’s Eye View of Palo Duro Canyon

Once we reached the cave entrance, we took a few minutes to look around. Unlike the massive cave formations found in the Midwest (like this one in Dubuque), these are fairly simple. Still, it offered a break from the sun and an interesting perspective of the canyon. After a few minutes, we all decided to head back down to the main road. Checking the time, we discovered it was time for us to head out of the park for a couple of excursions.

Back-road Rides

Palo Duro Canyon is huge! We learned that only a portion of the canyon is part of the state park. Other areas are privately owned and include opportunities for visitors to have exciting experiences. We doubled back out of the park to check out a couple of places close to the entrance. (Be sure to hang on to your entrance receipt for reentry.) Hiking can lead to overlooks, which have amazing views of the canyon below. We learned that there are other ways to get a firsthand look at nature.

At Palo Duro Creek Ranch, guests can take a jeep ride down into the canyon. This wild ride had us hanging onto the rails, as the landscape opened up before our eyes. With 1, 2, or 3-hour options, guests can pick the length of their visit. Once we arrived at the floor of the canyon, we were treated to some special moments exploring the formations. It was definitely an experience that Crystal and I will long remember.

Aerial Views Abound

With a trip up and down the canyon wall under our belt, I was in the mood for a little more adventure. Just across the street, we found our next destination. At Palo Duro Canyon Adventure Park they have unique ways to get a birds-eye view of the landscape. Having the opportunity to zip-line across one of the canyon gorges seemed like a fun way to get some air time. During the research portion of our trip, I had made contact with the owner, who invited us in for a ride. While I was all in on it, Crystal chose to stay grounded for this part of the trip. That put her behind the camera for a change.

Show No Fear

After strapping into the safety gear, we headed out to the tower. Here, we traversed the swinging bridges up to the platform where we would launch. There were two others in my group, so it gave me time to survey the surroundings. The view from up there gave me a better sense of the breadth of the canyon. Once my turn came, I hooked up to the line (including some redundant safety lines) and launched off the platform. While the 300-foot ride takes a while, time passes quickly. Once I arrived on the other side, it was time to unhook and across a 300-foot bridge to where we started our journey.

Since our visit, they have completed a new thrill ride that takes guests on an even longer ride. On this new version, riders zip 800 feet and then back to the starting point. I’m hoping we make it back to Amarillo so that I can give this ride a whirl. How many of you would be up for that challenge?

Evening Entertainment

With our adrenaline pumping activities complete, it was time to bring our heartbeats back to normal. We made our way back into the park and had time for another drive. The beauty of the landscape just kept impressing us. Our final activity, in Palo Duro Canyon, was a visit to the Texas Outdoor Musical. The evening entertainment included a chuckwagon dinner, a backstage tour, and a rousing outdoor performance that is as big as the whole outdoors. After the show, we even had time to meet some of the performers who gladly mingled with guests. What a perfect way to cap off an adventurous day in the wild.

Palo Duro Canyon Experiences

It is hard to really express just how amazing Palo Duro Canyon was to see in person. We wish we would have had time to take advantage of more of the hiking trails, but I suppose these will have to wait for a future visit. It should also be noted that there are places that offer horseback riding. While we did spot the occasional raptor circling overhead, the hot summer day most likely forced many of the other inhabitants into the shade. Of course, spotting lizards and roadrunners can be easy around this region. Whether you want to pitch a tent, bring an RV, or just drive in from one of the nearby cities, Palo Duro Canyon is a great place to explore.

 

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The beauty of Palo Duro Canyon makes the perfect backdrop for this show. Earlier in the day, a thrill ride up and down the canyon wall had given us a firsthand understanding of the height of the canyon walls. Exploring more of the canyon had included zip-lining and hiking, so we were looking forward to a relaxing evening of entertainment.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Texas Outdoor Musical for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Panhandle Performance

During the preparation for our Amarillo trip, we had made contact with Matt McComas. He is the new Marketing Director for Texas Outdoor Musical. We discovered that in the past, the theatrical performances had a strict policy about cameras. After some back-and-forth, we were granted permission to photograph the performance. This was an amazing honor for us, and we arrived at the theater with the intention of enjoying ourselves to the fullest. Being set in this beautiful park adds to the wonder of the experience, and we found ourselves admiring the landscape during quieter moments.

Chuck Wagon Dinner

Matt wanted to make sure that we had a complete experience, and had arranged all of our evening’s activities. We wanted to make sure anyone could enjoy the same things that we did. All of our activities are available to the general public (except for taking photos).  After parking our car at 6:00, we made our way through the gate and into the ticketing area. We popped into the gift shop to check out the available souvenirs and found they also sell refreshments during the show. On a hot Texas summer night, this is important to remember.

Texas Outdoor Musical offers a Chuck Wagon BBQ Dinner that can be added to your tickets. We found that many of the patrons were joining us for dinner that evening. Guests pass through a line where they serve up barbecue brisket, sausage and pulled pork. Toss in some Coleslaw, potato salad, and beans for the sides. In case you still have a little room left, dessert is the choice of a couple of flavors of cobbler. Now that we had full bellies, it was time to dive into some Texas-sized fun.

Quanah Parker

We had time to kill before the amphitheater seating opened, so we decided to walk around. Behind the gift shop, we found a pavilion where many of the guests were gathered. We also found that Benny Tahmahkera Jr. had set up a display that showcased Native Indian art and culture. At about that time, Matt showed up and introduced us to Benny, who plays the part of Quanah Parker in the show. An interesting fact is that Benny is actually the great-great-grandson of Parker and a member of the Comanche Nation.

Backstage Tour

Matt led us to where the backstage tours begin, and along the way, we ran into David Yirak, the Managing Artistic Director for Texas Outdoor Musical. His pride in the show became immediately apparent during our conversation. Here was a reinforcement that we really needed to deliver on our request to create an article about the show.

We had missed the tour, so Matt offered to give us one himself. Behind the scenes, we saw many of the props that would be used for the evening’s production. As we passed one of the rehearsal stages, we saw some of the cast practicing their steps. We stepped out onto the amphitheater floor and looked up at the seating. The sun had fallen behind the canyon walls, which signaled that the doors would soon be opening for people to find their seats.

Ready to Roll

Being deep in the heart of the Panhandle, in July, means that sundown comes late. With the stage being at the base of a 600-foot canyon wall, the shadows of dusk grow quickly. The crowd filtered into the theater and found their seats. Matt had reserved a section of seats that would afford us a direct line for photography. To our left, the band appeared out of one of the rotating stage doors that line the sides of the stage. Matt made a few announcements prior to the start of the show, as the crowd settled in for an evening of Texas-sized fun.

Kicking Into Action

At 8:30, a trumpet played a short tune while a lone rider appeared on the lip of the canyon. The audience’s attention is drawn to this solitary figure who gallops across the ridge with the Texas flag waving behind him. This signals the start of what has become the best-attended outdoor theater event in America. As the performers sing and dance to the well-choreographed script, we found ourselves toe-tapping along with the beat.

Well-Versed Cast

It is hard to imagine that for each season they must assemble the entourage in about one month. Fortunately, many of the performers are returning from previous seasons, which helps in the process. There are still a lot of moving pieces, and auditions are held as far away as Tennessee. It takes lots of commitment to be willing to sign up for the 65 performances, that will take place over a season. Needless to say, many life-long friendships will spring from this experience.

The Story of Panhandle

As the darkness slowly grew around us, the story unfolded across the stage. Stagehands quickly moved props to keep the storyline flowing. While the tale is very loosely based on historical events in the Panhandle, it replicates an atmosphere that was repeated all across the western frontier. After his parent’s death, Calvin Armstrong returns to his childhood homestead. He brought with him plans to move the Panhandle forward, by bringing the railroad to town.

My Land

Calvin’s ideas don’t sit well with Col. Charles Goodnight, a local rancher. Goodnight has spent far too long building his empire, to see it divided by railroad tracks. Tensions are increased by Col. Goodnight’s niece’s feelings for Calvin. While the main plotline rotates around ranchers versus homesteaders, various love interests swirl into the mix.

Lighthearted Accents

An assortment of supporting characters flush out the cast. Tucker Yelldell befriends Calvin Armstrong and even comes to his aid during a serious illness. Kate Lucas is the love interest of Tucker and adds some lighthearted accents to the script. As with any good story, there is a mix of angst, conflict, desperation, and eventually cooperation. By presenting it with a musical score and charming entertainers, it makes for a delightful evening of entertainment.

Diorama Based Sets

With a wide array of scenes to be played out, Texas Outdoor Musical has developed an inventive solution to scenery changes. Impromptu stages are set on the right and left of the main stage. These rotate to make the changing of scenery pieces occur seamlessly backstage. While the audience’s attention is drawn to one of these sub-stages, the crew can reorganize the main stage for the next act. Not only does this keep the action moving along, but it actually focuses the audience on the storyline.

Parker Returns

In the midst of the squabbling between rancher and farmer, Quanah Parker appears. Parker was considered by many to be the last chief of the Quahadi Comanche. His resistance to white settlers in the Panhandle is well documented. His tribe was the last to leave the Staked Plains and move to a reservation in Oklahoma. When he was finally forced onto a reservation, he quickly adapted. While he never truly assimilated into the white culture, he taught the younger generation of Comanche the importance of learning their ways.

Texas-sized Fun

As the story wrapped up, the performers moved into a patriotic piece. Behind them, a choreographed fountain creates a moving screen. This was added in 2011, due to an excessive period of drought. Fortunately for us, 2019 had brought plenty of rain, which was apparent in the greenery found throughout Palo Duro Canyon. As the music grew, fireworks appeared over the canyon ridge. What an amazing finish to a grand evening of entertainment.

Meet & Greet

As the last fireworks faded away, the performers took their final bows. The lights returned to the amphitheater and the crowd began filing out. While we waited for the crowd to thin, we had a short conversation with the staff nearby. The pride that everyone has in the performance is easily visible. They all have plenty to be proud of, as the show is a memorable event. After all, when was the last time you have had the opportunity to see so much in one sitting?

As we made our way back to the entrance, we found that the main characters had assembled for an impromptu meet-and-greet. For us, this was just frosting on a delicious cake. It was obvious that the performers truly enjoy what they do. After some short conversations, we decided it was time to head back to Amarillo. During our drive back, we enjoyed a star-filled sky away from the city lights.

An Evening Under The Stars

What began as an idea of having a relaxing evening of entertainment turned into something much greater. That evening we met people, heard stories, and saw Texas pride in a way that was new to us. We have traveled to Texas plenty of times in the past, but this was our first excursion into the Panhandle. Life in this region is unpredictable and forces the residents to become resourceful. Their ability to withstand untold issues has made them resilient, but it has not broken their spirits. Texas Outdoor Musical has bottled this spirit and uncorks it each night for an eager crowd. Isn’t it time for you to make plans to see this extravaganza firsthand?

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While Wonderland Park started with just three rides, over time the family has expanded the site to include plenty of entertaining options. The original owners have handed off the responsibility to their kids. Paul and Paula Borchardt, and their family, now operate the park and keep everything running. When the opportunity to add this attraction to our itinerary presented itself, we jumped on it. After all, who doesn’t like to explore a park that they have never visited? A day filled with indoor exploration had us eager to enjoy some outdoor activity.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Wonderland Amusement Park for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

High Flying Fun

What is three stories tall 500 feet long and one of only three in the country? We’re talking about the Cyclone. Each car holds one or two riders and takes them on a back and forth journey. We first spotted this ride as we traversed the park on the Sky Ride. As we passed by, we could see the laughing riders enjoying this unusual coaster. With a top speed of around 17 miles per hour, it wasn’t burning up the tracks. Still, a series of switchbacks and drops make this an entertaining ride.

Getting Trapped

Across from the Cyclone, we spotted Mouse Trap. This steel coaster was built in 1972, so it uses the chain lift to get the cars to the top of the first plunge. With four riders per car, they can propel 12 people at a time. This helps the line move fairly quickly. Mouse Trap is over five stories tall and more than three times as long as Cyclone. With a good series of turns and drops, it kicks up the thrill level. Be sure to take a spin after dark to get an added level of excitement.

Taking a Spin

For those who like to go in circles, they have some options at Wonderland Park. The owners wanted to make sure they were bringing fun to the Panhandle for all types of riders. The Rainbow reminded us of taking a ride on a platform. It rotates from side-to-side until it is spinning the platform (and it’s riders) around in full loops. It reminded us of rides we have seen at various carnivals, except this one remains on-site. Nearby we found the Wonder Wheel, which is their version of a Ferris wheel. With 16 cars, it can certainly keep up with a crowd. This is another ride to enjoy after dark, as it offers great views of the whole park.

Slowing the Pace

Trying to fit all of the fun possible in a limited space would normally limit a park’s ability to offer variety. This is not the case at Wonderland Park. They are bringing the fun to the Panhandle in the air, on land, and even on the water. For those in the know, Amarillo sits close to Palo Duro Canyon. Being such a huge attraction, the 2nd largest canyon in America, it only seems appropriate that there would be a ride fashioned after it. Sure enough, hop aboard the Rattlesnake River Raft Ride and you float through the changing landscape. Bonus that it offers a chance to cool off from the hot Texas sunshine.

Hydro Therapy

Now if you make it through your raft ride without getting soaked, perhaps you need to press your luck a little more. We have experienced a variety of log flume rides, but this one has a distinction that no other can claim. The Big Splash Log Flume was designed as the prototype for log-rides all over the world. It is a short ride, measuring less than 600 feet long. That won’t matter when you tell your friends about your experience on this first-of-its-kind ride in the heart of the Panhandle of Texas.

Nightfall

As the sun set to the west, we watched a car full of riders whoosh by on the Hornet. Like many other amusement parks, some of the rides at Wonderland had a previous life elsewhere. This one came from Houston, where it had been kept indoors. Now that it was freed from its cage, it was entertaining riders of all ages under the Texas sky. Being a more modern steel coaster, it gets riders moving quicker than some of the older rides.

Historic Rides

All of this excitement had worn us out a little, so we decided to investigate the southern end of the park. Here we found that they are bringing fun to the Panhandle in a different way. While many of the thrill rides have height limits, the kiddie section is filled with attractions for all ages. There are even a couple of rides that we were too big to ride. One that is perfect for everyone is the Merry-Go-Round. When we discovered that there are 10 special “Parker” horses onboard, well we just had to check it out. After all, we had the fortune of visiting the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Playing a Round

During our sky-high ride earlier in the day, we had spotted a miniature golf course. If you remember our mini-golf escapades in Gatlinburg, then you know that it’s hard for us to pass up a chance to compete.

To be honest, we don’t keep track of our scores, but we certainly recognize which one of us is on target during a round. We were impressed at the variety of obstacles that they had on their course in Amarillo. By the way, for those wanting to just play miniature golf, there is a separate entrance just for this attraction.

Color Our World

As dusk faded and the darkness grew, it was a good time to enjoy another trip on the Sky Ride. The peaceful pace allowed us to take in the whole park laid out at our feet. We could also see part of the surrounding city lights. All around us families were enjoying an evening of fun. The screams of excitement echoed through the night and soon we were anxious to return to exploring the other rides.

Don’t Rock the Boat

As we walked along the main path of the park, we spotted The Pirate Ship. These gondola style rides make for a good diversion from the nearby rollercoasters. Watching from a distance, the ride seems rather docile. Once you climb aboard, you gain a completely different perspective.  As the ride is propelled higher and higher, you find the butterflies in your stomach become more active. The screams of delight fill your ears and confident laughs are heard more as it slows down than when it was gaining momentum.

Closing Time

Our evening of fun was drawing to an end, but we still had time for one more ride. Fantastic Journey is the epitome of a one-of-a-kind ride. The founder of Wonderland Park built this ride himself. We wonder if it was just coincidence that Paul Roads hailed from the state of Kansas. Learning welding skills while working at Cessna, in Wichita, helped him in later life as he designed and built rides at his park. Amusement park owners are a small group and many form lasting friendships. They will share ideas and help each other out, when possible. These friends provided the spark to help get this funhouse-type ride operating.

As we slid into the car, we were anxious to see what was waiting for us inside. We found a variety of gags inside, but we’ll keep some of the suspense a secret. Do watch out for the run-away truck. As you pass through the rotating barrel, remember that this was designed and built by the original owner of Wonderland Park. Paul certainly knew a few things about bringing fun to the Panhandle of Texas.

Bringing Fun to the Panhandle

Our time at Wonderland Park had come to an end, and it was time to say our goodbyes. We had met some wonderful people and enjoyed an evening of entertainment. The Borchardt’s had been so welcoming to us that we felt like part of the family. They say things are bigger in Texas and that certainly applies to friendship. Keep Wonderland Park in mind for your next family vacation. After all, this place knows a thing or two about bringing fun to the Panhandle.

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While a picture paints a thousand words. it still leaves much to be discerned. To ensure that the places we choose offer a pleasing experience for an entire family of travelers, I may end up crossing dozens of potential stops off my list. The goal is to root out those locally-owned eateries that are destined to become a landmark. Of course, sometimes they just fall in our lap, like finding Coyote Bluff Cafe in Amarillo, Texas.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Coyote Bluff Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Soaking Up The Sun

Life in the Panhandle-Plains can be hard, and it’s easy to work up an appetite. After a morning of exploring, we were ready to chow down on some delicious Texas beef. We had arranged to have lunch with Braley Hand, who was our primary contact at Visit Amarillo. This would be our second meal with someone from the tourism bureau. We always feel honored when they are willing to take time out of their busy schedules to meet up. It’s a chance to learn more about the city that they call home.

We arrived a couple of minutes before Braley and took the momentary pause to soak up some Texas sunshine. Some people may think we are crazy to travel south in the summer, but we love it. We have found that preparation makes all the difference, and it begins with your mindset. We watched as groups of locals came and went, and it seemed like cowboy hats and baseball caps were the fashion statement of the day. Glad I had my Baylor University cap.

Hanging With the Locals

When Braley arrived, we made our way inside the diminutive dining establishment. Space is a premium inside, and we could immediately see that this place is a hit with the locals. That is exactly what we look for when exploring. The tables were filled with groups of diners engaging in conversation. Coyote Bluff Cafe is one of those places where there is a constant murmur of talking in the background. It makes the atmosphere feel so alive.

Our server found us a table and we sat down to scan the menu. This is easy to do, as the bulk of the dishes revolve around their half-pound burgers. Yeah, that’s right. A full half-pound of lean Texas beef. If you leave this place hungry, well you just didn’t try hard enough. It didn’t take long for us to decide, and we all found our favorites.

Prairie Patties

Before you think that Coyote Bluff Cafe is just a simple burger joint, let me point out that they have options. There are nine different topping combinations just on the burgers. Diners can choose from a smoky barbecue experience or kick it up a notch with some mild green chilies. For the adventurous, you can select the Burger From Hell that includes jalapenos, Tabasco, and their special Coyote Hell Sauce. Needless to say, no one at our table chose to burn out their taste buds on this occasion.

We did end up selecting three different flavor combinations without even meaning to. Braley suggested we split a Basket of Fries, which ended up being more than enough for three adults. Crystal’s choice surprised me, since I noticed a few chicken based choices on the menu. I guess she decided to adapt the Texas philosophy of ‘Go Big or Go Home‘.

Cowboy Up For Lunch

After placing our order, we spent a few minutes chatting with Braley. Having been a long-time Amarillo resident, she was able to provide plenty of background for our visit. Her passionate descriptions were building our anticipation to explore this Route 66 metropolis. Being our first visit to the Panhandle of Texas, we had no idea what the landscape would look like. During our drive from the Alibates Flint Quarries, we scanned the horizon checking out the Amarillo cityscape. We were surprised at the similarities to our home state of Kansas.

Sitting in a crowded restaurant, in the heart of Amarillo, we knew we were in cowboy territory. Looking around the dining room, we noted lots of people who were obviously on a lunch break. It was obvious that Coyote Bluff Cafe is a local haunt. We were feeling pretty confident with our dining choice by now. As our server laid out our bounty before us, I knew that we would all want to dig in, but first I needed to capture the moment.

Piling It On

By now, Crystal has become quite familiar with the routine. We arrive, find a seat, I take photos, and then we order. Then I take more photos, the food arrives, I take more photos, and finally we get to eat. Her patience is commendable, and sometimes I take it for granted. On the occasions that we dine with someone from a city’s tourism bureau, I have to remind myself that they may not be familiar with the routine. Fortunately, Braley was a well-seasoned professional who made sure that I had everything I needed for the article, before starting to eat. We love working with professionals.

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Since our trip was a continuation of our Route 66 explorations, visiting this attraction made a lot of sense. After all, the golden age of auto-touring also happened to be the prime period for recreational vehicles. We can remember the days of riding in the backseat and watching the various pull-behind campers glide by. Our young minds would imagine the wonderful destinations that the people would see during their travels. Little did we realize, but our visit to Traveland Museum would open a floodgate of nostalgic memories of back road camping.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Jack Sisemore Traveland for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Going Back in Time

The Siseland Traveland RV Museum was not visible when we first arrived. The museum is located behind an RV dealership but is easy to find. We stepped through the dealership door and asked the receptionist for directions. They actually have a painted line that leads straight to the attraction. Of course, as we approached the building, the huge painted sign on the side kind of gave away its location. Before we even crossed the threshold, we were already being whisked back to our youth.

One of the first displays we spotted was an El Camino loaded up for a day at the lake. It was parked in a replica of an old A&W restaurant drive-thru line. So many fun memories began flowing. We could remember the smell of the exhaust from dirt bikes, and the splash of the waves on the front of the boat. Another great memory was the frosty mugs of root beer that we would get at A&W. This was one of those special treats that seemed so extravagant to a child.

Early Days of Camping

We moved into the main exhibit of trailers and RVs to examine some of the ones from before our time. The Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is the proud owner of a 1935 Airstream, which was produced in the second year of the company’s history. The founder of Airstream, Wally Byam, had spent his youth traveling. Much of it included sleeping outdoors. The idea of making it a comfortable experience was close to his heart. We can imagine him spending nights in a sleeping bag but dreaming of being indoors.

His earliest trailer versions were constructed with plywood and masonite. The addition of amenities began piling up, and by 1934, he introduced the Airstream line. The idea of an enclosed kitchen and bedroom struck a chord with Americans. They were an expensive luxury, especially during the Depression. Still, the demand was so high, that they struggled to keep up with demand. Many Americans associated the riveted aluminum with the burgeoning airplane industry. Camping would never be the same.

Amazing Finds

Have you ever seen a display that really caught your attention? When we spotted this 1936 Alma trailer, we were shocked at how well it had been preserved. Of course, learning that it had spent the last 64 years in storage would certainly keep the aging process minimized. We had no recollection of the Alma Trailer lines, but evidently they were pretty big stuff in their time. They started in Alma, Michigan, and produced models from 1934 to 1957. During the 1940’s they were the largest trailer factory in the United States. This 25′ Silvermoon model was cutting edge in its day.

Tight Spots

While the Alma may have passed away in history, there are still some big names in the RV industry. The Sisemore Traveland RV Museum has a 1953 Fleetwood trailer on display. Fleetwood trailers got their modest start in 1950. Created by a company that made window blinds for travel trailers, they saw the possibilities of moving into the RV business. In 1953 Fleetwood Trailer Company began to release travel trailers designed for the growing American population. With personal income increasing after World War II, people were looking for recreational opportunities.

The country was primed for outdoor activities, and owning a recreational vehicle or travel trailer were signs of a successful career. Soon, families all across the country were packing up the station wagon and hitching up the trailer for family vacations. National parks saw a surge in attendance, as Americans scrambled to make the most of their time away from work.

Stay Aware

As we walked through the Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, we were amazed at how many artifacts they had assembled. There were so many recreational vehicles that they even had some suspended from the ceiling. Seeing the row of motorcycles took us back to the beginning of our relationship together. In my teenage years, I rode a motorcycle, and Crystal would join me at times for rides. Hitting the open road was an amazing experience. We loved having the wind in our faces and getting to be more connected with the world.

These days, we have chosen the path of riding in cars. I would say that a lot of this is for the comfort level. Much like the early trailers had minimal amenities, over time this has changed dramatically. The newer models we saw at Jack Sisemore’s have all of the bells and whistles. Of course, when we were kids it was an awesome experience just getting to sleep indoors when we were at a campsite.

Hollywood Camping

All of this nostalgia was starting to make us wonder if those days were really as amazing as we remembered. You know how the mind can be selective about memories. Is it possible that we were just seeing the good things, and overlooking some of the issues that went with RVing in the ’60s and ’70s. This is the kind of thing that goes along with a Hollywood movie script. A good idea goes south for a bit, but it all ends up well in the end.

During our tour, we found that even RVing has a footnote in Hollywood history. In 2006, the movie RV showed that a dysfunctional family can find new bonds, after a series of mishaps. Traveland RV Museum has a vehicle that was used in the filming of Robin William’s movie. You know that you are mainstream when Hollywood picks your industry to highlight in a movie. I just don’t remember any of those hilarious maladies happening during our family trips.

Sisemore Traveland RV Museum

It was quite apparent that the Sisemore Traveland RV Museum is designed to elicit feelings of nostalgia. This may be a little difficult for those too young to have experienced the use of these historic vehicles. To be honest, many of the items on display predated us, as well. At least we were well aware of most of them. Hitting the open road, with a travel trailer in tow was a memory that did not elude us. We could even remember the days of full-service filling stations, even though neither of us was driving.

We were now in full nostalgia mode, and I started to think back to many of the various styles of camping we had done. Some of my earliest memories were my parents towing a Starcraft pop-up camper behind the Galaxy 500. We would head off to a lake area, where us kids would spend time imagining life as pioneers. Of course, we never thought about all of the modern amenities that we had brought with us. To us, it was all about being out in nature.

Tight Living

As we grew, the versions of camping changed. During a short period, my parents owned a VW Microbus. Trips made with this unique vehicle were a little tighter but required less fuel. This was important during the gas shortages of the 1970s. For us kids, it was still a chance to get out of town and explore new areas. It wasn’t until I was older that I learned about the Hippie culture that embraced this interesting vehicle. We certainly never sat around a campfire singing Kum-ba-yah, but we did get back to nature.

Some summers, nature even got in contact with us. We dealt with unbearable heat waves, biting mosquitoes, tick checks, and those strange noises in the middle of the night. I’m guessing I wasn’t the only kid that imagined some wild beast making its way into our camp to check out the burrito shaped packages of children sleeping by the campfire. Of course, in all of those campouts, I was never nibbled on, even by a mildly ferocious beast. Probably because I positioned my sleeping bag so that one of my brothers would get eaten first.

Take a Walk Down Memory Lane

As we ducked in and out of the recreational vehicles, at Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, so many of the items inside evoked fun memories. It was like taking a walk down memory lane, except it was focused on just RV’s. The colors and patterns of the fabrics are so memorable. Crystal remarked about how today’s styles are starting to incorporate some of these very designs. While we fondly remember this period of our lives, I’m not sure I am ready to return to the leisure suit era. I did leave with a renewed interest in RV’s. Maybe an overnight visit to Palo Duro Canyon. It certainly has some amazing sights to explore up close. Who’s up for a camping trip?

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Palo Duro Creek Ranch for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

The Ranch

During our research for this visit, we had the opportunity to connect with a bunch of people from the region, through Facebook. When we surveyed them on places that were “must-sees”, Palo Duro Canyon was at the top of the list. To be honest, we had never heard of it. After Googling it, we were dumbfounded that such a natural wonder could stay so well hidden from public knowledge. We knew that we had to help get the word out about this fantastic destination. One day earlier, we had been in Canyon, Texas to tour the Panhandle-Plains Museum.

Being so close to the canyon, we expected to see it. Obviously, we were completely wrong. After all, the canyon is lower than the ground around you, so it doesn’t show on the horizon as mountains would. It was apparent we would have to wait. After a quick run down the interstate, we jumped on Highway 217, which leads to Palo Duro. It was still about 10 miles to our destination, so the anticipation was really building. While the elevation is greater on the high plains, the flatness reminded us of our home state of Kansas.

By the time we saw the dirt road turn-off for Palo Duro Jeep Tours, our anticipation had grown to peak levels. To think that we would have the chance to spend two hours seeing the canyon up close was so thrilling. Oh wait, now we had to traverse the dirt road to the ranch. Oh well, it just meant that it built the suspense even more. Soon enough, we turned a bend in the road, and the ranch came into view. It reminded us of something right out of the Old West, and we could hardly wait to meet the staff of Palo Duro Creek Ranch.

John Knows

Our arrival was quite timely, as our guide was all ready to get going. After brief introductions, we loaded into the dust-covered Hummer. John would be leading us out into the field, and we were assured that he really knew his stuff. Our group included another couple with their son in tow. With John in the driver’s seat, there was plenty of room for the five us in the open back. As the instructions were given, we made note of the various handles and bars that would become much-needed supports for our excursion.

The tour started easy enough, with a short run to the edge of the canyon. During our tour, John would take periodic stops to tell us some of the histories behind Palo Duro Canyon. He would also serve as the staff photographer for the group, as he was happy to take pictures for everyone. Let me tell you, he knew all the good places to pose us, as long as we were willing to stand near a canyon edge.

Palo Duro Canyon was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, as it flowed across the land. The erosion has left an assortment of canyons, bluffs, caves, and exposed the colorful layers to the naked eye. His descriptions of what we were going to see just made us that much more anxious for the experience.

Steep Descent

As we arrived at the lip of the first descent, all of us were taken back with the beauty that unfolded before us. It is hard to imagine how one stream could do so much work. We held on, as John edged the jeep down the steep ravine. In places, the tires must have been skirting the edge, but it quickly became apparent that John knew this path like the back of his hand. Of course, he didn’t mind peppering in a little humor at the perfect times. We were barely into the tour, and we were already warming up to our guide at Palo Duro Creek Ranch. Let’s just hope that he kept his cool under the hot Texas sun.

Natural Beauty

After this first round of drop-offs, we arrived at an area that was used by cattle for grazing. While the first inhabitants of the canyon had been native Indians, European explorers would not discover these lands until Coronado came through in 1541. His group would meet the Apache tribe, who would eventually be uprooted by others. Once horses became part of everyday life for the Indians, the Kiowa and Comanche were able to force the Apache out of the canyon.

In 1852, a military group was assigned the task of finding the source of the Red River. This would lead to the rediscovery of Palo Duro Canyon. By 1874, the military had begun an operation to remove the native Indians from the area and move them to the reservations in Oklahoma territory. We had learned quite a bit about the Indian relocation from a visit to the Oklahoma History Center. With the land cleared, it was prime time for new settlers to move in.

Charles Goodnight would be one of the first, when he established his JA Ranch, in 1876. It was hard to imagine the idea of cattle grazing on this hilly terrain, but it reminded us just how hardy the Texas longhorn can be. John informed us that we were coming to an area that would be prime for some photo opportunities. That was good news, as we were all just getting over our white knuckle experience of the first descent.

Pit Stop

John came to a stop along the trail and invited us to get out and stretch our legs. He continued our history lesson, as he told us about how the native Indians were brought to submission. In the late summer of 1874, members of four tribes had sought refuge in the canyon. With a stockpile of supplies, it looked like they were set to hold out through the winter. Twelve companies of cavalry were sent in to root them out. Splitting into three columns, the cavalry was able to force the Indians to abandon their supplies and retreat.

By capturing nearly 2000 of the Indian’s horses, it left them mostly on foot. This dealt a blow that they would not recover from. The Indians would eventually return to their Fort Sill reservation, as they no longer had the ability to survive the winter. After finishing his tale, John escorted us to the edge of the bluff, which overlooked the canyon floor. Of course, first, we posed for a few photos with the horsepower that brought us to this point.

Height Awareness

The edge of the bluff offered some unique viewing opportunities. What we discovered was that I was the only one who didn’t mind the height. Seeing this box canyon firsthand made it easy to understand why the native Indians had chosen this area to hole up. There are so many points that people could hide, and navigating them looked rather difficult. Since my co-participants wouldn’t hazard the approach, I decided to record some video for them to see the drop-off. Our visit to Palo Duro Creek ranch was turning out to be quite an experience.

Untold Beauty

When we reached the edge of the bluff, we found that the valley laid out before our eyes. All of the colors, found in the various layers of soil, were so amazing. Here and there we could make out small geological formations, which John promised we would be seeing up close later in the tour. Even in the hot July summer, the greens were popping all over the canyon floor. Time to get back to the jeep and continue our journey.

Who Do Hoodoo?

Once we made it to the canyon floor, the amazement just kept getting bigger. Here and there we would spot a skink or lizard sunning itself on a formation. While we had seen a few caves that were eroded in the hillside, now we were up close with some hoodoos. These fascinating formations are created when a hard rock sits atop a softer under-surface. Over time, erosion from the elements will wear away the surrounding soil. What is left is these chimney-like structures. Sometimes referred to as tent rocks, these are commonly found in canyon settings.

The layers of color we were seeing are created from the various ages where new material was deposited. From our visit to the Panhandle-Plains Museum, we knew that this region had been a swamp at one time. This is the section where the red coloring is found. It comes from the oxidation created in the tidal pools that would have been found long ago. Seeing the color bands from this angle made it easier to understand the passing of time.

Finding Shade

With our tour now passing the two-hour point, we knew our time was limited. John was happy to make some suggestions for more photo opportunities. Posing under one of the hoodoos allowed us a brief break in the rare shade found in Palo Duro Canyon. A few more minutes exploring this unique landscape, and it was time to load back into our all-terrain chariot. This was one of those experiences that began forming as an article in my mind, even as we were still in the canyon. We knew that we had to pass along this amazing destination to all of you so that you could see it for yourself.

Heading Back Up

As we made our way back up the bluffs, we found ourselves back in white knuckle situations. It seemed easier to accept driving along drop-offs when you are moving away from them. While Crystal focused on watching where we were headed, I took the opportunity to look back at where we had been. It still amazes me, when I watch this video, at just how steep the climb was that we had just made.

Happy Campers

Looking back at our experience at Palo Duro Creek Ranch, it ranks as one of those unforgettable memories. While the amount of our exertion was low, it had still offered a few heartbeat racing moments. In the end, we had made some new friends, including our amazing tour guide. John had made our journey memorable by making sure to take the time to show us all of the nooks and crannies that he has discovered over his time driving guests through the canyon. His capable driving skills, great backstories, and friendly humor had endeared all of us to him. You can bet we highly recommend him for a tour guide when you visit Palo Duro Creek Ranch. Now which of you would be brave enough to peek over the edge of the cliff?

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Longevity is one of the main goals in the restaurant business. Many struggle to make it through the first couple of years, as they fight to build a consistent following. If they make it to five years, then they face the next issue, which is to prevent their menu from becoming stale to their regular customers. Finding a dining destination with long term staying power is usually a sign of consistent dishes being served with exceptional service. This was certainly the case, when we discovered 35 years of Panhandle Pride at Calico County.

We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Calico County for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

It Takes All Kinds

Stopping at Calico County for breakfast on a weekday gave us a good idea of the local crowd who frequent the restaurant. It became quickly apparent that the food they serve is accepted by a wide range of clientele. Within the span of a few minutes, we were joined by business people who looked to be on their way to the office. Nearby, there sat others who could easily be factory workers. Servicemen, as well as another regular working “Joes”, dotted the landscape inside of the restaurant. It is reassuring to see that such a wide range of appetites find solace in the meals at one location.

The seating options are simple enough, with a choice between booths and tables. Of course, there is a place that Crystal and I differ. I have always been a fan of table dining since it offers chairs that move in and out of the space. Crystal is a booth person and tells me it is because she finds them to be more comfortable. At Calico County, you have your choice, but in this instance, I was able to win out and pick a table.  As we waited for our morning coffee service, we scanned the menus to see what yummy bites they offered.

Spiral Delight

When our server returned with our coffee, he brought with him a basket of freshly made cinnamon rolls. This was not something we expected, but it was certainly welcomed. These delicious little spirals of goodness gave us something to nibble on, while we perused the menu. We have to admit that this was not the first time we had been surprised by cinnamon rolls during a Route 66 trip. During a visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma, we had been served up an enormous pastry treat at Tally’s Good Food cafe. (You can read about Tally’s here.) While the rolls at Calico County were more of normal size, they were still a delicious treat.

Simple and Fresh

Our plan for the day would have us spending the first half exploring the Panhandle-Plains Museum. We know it is the largest history museum in Texas, so we wanted to be sure to pack on some protein to keep us going. Crystal had started the visit with the intention of getting an omelet, and Calico County has a nice variety to choose from. She decided to keep it simple and just go with the sausage version. The scrambles are made with sour cream and American cheese, which makes them silky smooth. The addition of the Whole Hog sausage added a delightful flavor punch to the dish.

A side order of their crispy bacon would help add an additional protein boost. Of course, she washed it all down with a few cups of their coffee. You know we had to start our day with a cup of Joe. She was kind enough to offer to share her bacon with me, so that allowed me to dive deeper into the menu for my main dish.

Syrup Pockets

I’m not really a heavy breakfast eater, in general. For me, lunch or dinner is my preferred meal, but I know the importance of fueling up for exploring. That being said, I don’t focus nearly as heavily on the protein side. Knowing that Crystal was sharing her bacon offered plenty for me, so it opened up my options. This morning, I was feeling a bit on the sweet side, so I thought about my traditional go-to of pancakes or French toast. After all, it’s hard to go wrong with either of those choices.

As I reviewed the menu, my eyes spotted the Chicken & Waffles. This southern dish is one that I have enjoyed many times, but it sounded too heavy for this particular morning. The server arrived back at our table, and I hadn’t yet decided. When I explained my indecision, he suggested I just go with a serving of the house waffles. Little did I realize that they came in the shape of the restaurant’s logo. That was a bonus I didn’t expect. It ended up being a perfect choice and had me wondering why I don’t choose waffles more often. After all, they have those perfect little syrup pockets that help keep each bite sweet and moist.

35 Years of Panhandle Pride

Our visit to Amarillo, Texas reminded us of a few important lessons that we have learned along the road.

#1) Longevity is usually a sign of consistency. If you want to serve delicious bites to customers, they need to know that each visit will yield similar results. Discovering that Calico County has over 35 years of Panhandle Pride, under their belts, was a sure sign of this.

#2) Be open to suggestions. When you find yourself waffling about what to order, ask your server what the restaurant is known for. When you put their pride on the line, it will almost always result in a fantastic meal. Besides, it can also lead to rediscovering a dish you forgot you enjoyed.

#3) Keep your eyes peeled. You never know exactly what you may find when exploring Route 66. These crazy legs are exactly the kind of oddity you will find when exploring America’s Mother Road. So, when is your next Route 66 road trip?

 

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.  

Early Life in the Staked Plains

Obviously, the lands were occupied long before humans arrived. Over the eras, life in the Staked Plains has had to adapt. During a portion of time, the region was actually part of a swampy rainforest. Fossils show that many types of dinosaurs once roamed the area. We love seeing the variety of creatures, and seeing the giant phytosaur (Similar to a crocodile), is just amazing. As we followed the displays through time, we came to the period where mammals became the dominant beings. One of the exhibits shows the visible changes to the American bison over time.

Mammals Come to the Forefront

As the sea levels continued to drop, the swamps receded. The rivers were still commonplace, so animal life in the Staked Plains flourished. Early ancestors of wild horses roamed what would eventually become the southern high plains. Over the centuries, the species changed, but their numbers still flourished. Millions of buffalo, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, and prairie dogs would find life in the Staked Plains to be favorable. This would be the environment that the first humans discovered when they arrived in this region.

Finding Shelter

Strewn throughout the Panhandle are rock outcroppings. Many of these provide overhangs that create shelter. Not quite the scale of underground caves, they were still useful to get out of the harsh weather that would strike the region. For thousands of years, native Indians and nomads alike would utilize these spaces. Scientists are able to uncover artifacts that have been protected from the elements and shed light on these early inhabitants.

Supporting Life in the Staked Plains

With all of the wildlife, it was sure to draw a variety of hunting tribes of native Indians. During a visit to the Alibates Flint Quarries, we learned about the use of handcrafted tools by these early people. (You can read about Alibates here.) Some of these tribes decided to make the area their permanent home and faced the ever-changing weather. Archeological finds from the region tell the story of these dedicated people. A combination of hunting and farming helped support their semi-permanent villages.

Nomadic Visitors

While some tribes took up a more permanent residence, others preferred the nomadic life. Comanches followed the buffalo herds, that frequented the region. Life on the Staked Plains meant navigating the grasslands, as well as the canyons. This includes Palo Duro Canyon, which is the second-largest canyon system in the United States. The Comanche were a fierce people who defended their hunting grounds with vigor, which continued until after the Civil War. The slaughtering of the buffalo removed their main food source leading to the downfall of the Comanche.

Changing Life in the Staked Plains

With the buffalo mostly obliterated, the grasslands were opened up for domesticated herds. The first to come were sheep, followed shortly by cattle. As more and more ranchers arrived, the sheep herds gave way to the increasing cattle stock. Soon, barbed wire fences began cordoning off sections of the Llano Estacado.

Commerce Comes to Town

When enough cowboys and ranchers had populated the region, it was sure to draw others. Many of these were business owners who looked to profit from supplying the ranch hands and owners. The railroad’s arrival would bring additional speculators, and soon families would follow. Towns sprung up with the hope of attracting a railroad depot. Commerce had come to the Staked Plains.

Harnessing the Wind

Life in the Staked Plains meant dealing with lots of wind. Dust devils are whipped up by the fast-moving breezes. With a nearly constant supply of free power available, the use of windmills became integral in the Texas Panhandle. We can honestly say that this was the first museum we visited that had an entire gallery filled with windmill parts. We can just imagine a worker staked out on the plains, as they assembled a windmill.

Drilling for Gold

It is estimated that there is oil or gas under two-thirds of the state of Texas. Life in the Staked Plains these days includes plenty of fields, but it hasn’t always been that way. In the early 1900s, an expedition was organized to trace the Canadian River, which flows through the Panhandle. During the exploration, it was noted that the region was favorable for rich oil fields. The report was forgotten for over a decade until it was finally used to determine the location of the first test well.

Treasures of the Staked Plains

This initial well would end up discovering one of the greatest oil and gas fields in the world. A variety of petroleum products have been mined from the formations located under the Panhandle Plains. This is just one more of the treasures that make up life in the Staked Plains. With all of this rich history, it’s easy to understand why the people who inhabit this region are so eager to show off their corner of the world. This museum is amazingly large, so plan plenty of time for your visit. (We didn’t.) They will even allow you to leave for lunch and return for more, just let them know in the gift shop.

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Braceros Mexican Grill for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Heading South of the Border

When we discovered that Braceros has been in business for over 15 years, we knew that they had to be solid. In the restaurant business, 10 years is a magical number that many never achieve. For this visit, we were excited to have lunch with Kashion Smith, who is Deputy Director at Visit Amarillo. After our greetings, I headed off to get photos of the restaurant, while Kashion and Crystal had a chat. It sure is handy being a traveling couple, since we can cover two tasks at once. Crystal was able to make note of some details that she learned from this life-long Amarillo resident.

Brightening Up the Table

I returned to the table to find them in deep conversation. We snacked on some chips and salsa, while we perused the menus. Soon, our server returned to see what we had decided. Kashion led off the ordering with a dish we had never seen. Her Veggie Plate was filled with an assortment of grilled vegetables. Toss in some grilled shrimp and you have a color wheel of deliciousness. The smell of the freshly grilled ingredients was intoxicating. Kashion assured us that it tasted as good as it looked. Obviously, she was no rookie when it came to getting her Tex-Mex fix on Route 66.

Going Old School

Braceros has some pretty good looking lunch specials, that had caught our attention. Crystal likes to stick to the tried-and-true dishes, that she can easily recognize. Of course, sharing bites has opened her eyes to some new tastes. Today she would choose to go mainstream with the Chicken Enchilada & Chicken Taco plate. The addition of refried beans (or Charro if you prefer) and Arroz Mexicano (Spanish rice) round out this lunch special. It definitely equates to a filling meal that had a nice assortment of flavors and allowed Crystal to get her Tex-Mex fix on Route 66.

Sizzling and Savory

The lunch special menu was calling out to me, as well. When I spotted the Soft Fajita Tacos plate, my mind was made up. With a choice of chicken or beef, I decided to sample their steak version. Once again, my plate was accompanied with a choice of beans and their delectable rice. The tacos were absolutely spot on. The steak had a nice flavor, which was accented by the perfectly caramelized onions and grilled peppers. Excellent lunch choice.

A Sneak Peek

Being travel bloggers does come with a few perks. Most visits we make will land us a chance to meet the owners of the restaurants we choose. On this particular visit, we were greeted by Jaime Santillán, who hails from Zacatecas, Mexico. After a short conversation, he asked if we would like to sample a dish that he was considering adding to the menu. When he delivered the plate of tacos, they made a striking presentation. The blue corn tortillas are stuffed with Huitlacoche (also called Mexican truffles), which is an edible corn mushroom. This delicacy is accented with a deliciously tangy cheese. Since Crystal doesn’t like mushrooms of any sort, it fell on me to enjoy, err… sample this dish for the team. I already wish that this was available at a restaurant in our hometown.

Get Your Tex-Mex Fix on Route 66

Braceros Mexican Grill is certainly a notable landmark on the old Route 66 path. What our visit showed us was that places like this have a menu so large, it would take weeks of visits to even make a dent. If you visit their website (Link in the first paragraph), you will find that their menu is layered with amazing culinary creations. Toss in one of their specialty drinks, from their in-house bar, and you can easily create your own fiesta. We now understand why they had a steady crowd in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday.

Spending Time with the Mother Road

Now that we had our Tex-Mex fix on Route 66, it was time to check out some of the other businesses along this section of the Mother Road. We bid our goodbyes to Jaime and Kashion, and headed back out into the bright Amarillo day. The food and conversation had been so enjoyable that we were a tad bit behind schedule. Never mind a few minutes, we were not going to miss this opportunity. We spent about an hour exploring the shops and conversing with locals. When the demands of our next stop became a reality, we bid our farewells, for now. It looks like further exploration will have to be done on a future visit.

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Color on the Panhandle

The Cadillac Ranch will certainly catch the eye of passing motorists. The backstory is just as impressive as the monument. A local Texas millionaire, named Stanley Marsh 3, invited an artist collective to create an intriguing installation on his ranch. Marsh’s goal was to have something so unique that it would baffle the minds of locals. The artists, known as the Ant Farm, hailed from San Francisco. With the permission and financial backing of Marsh, they came up with a plan for the Cadillac Ranch.

Our Path to Paint

In 1974, the plan went into effect. The idea behind the art installation was to show the evolution of the Cadillac’s tail fins, from 1949 to 1963. To accomplish this, they planted ten automobiles nose down in the Texas Panhandle. All of the Caddies are angled toward the west in a straight line. Since the piece was accessible by the public, it didn’t take long for change to occur. It began with visitors removing pieces from the cars. The glass was broken out, and much of the chrome was stripped off.

Ever-Changing Landscape

The next step, in the evolution of the ever-changing landscape, came in the form of spray paint. It began simply as tagging the cars with a name. Visitors looked for any unaltered spaces to claim for their own tag, and soon all of the cars were covered. With every inch plastered, it was only logical that old tags would soon become covered with fresh paint. Fast forward forty years, and what we found was a field of nearly unrecognizable autos.

Hands-On Approach

While the original finish is long since been covered, the tail fins still show through the layers of paint. Not to be left out, we came prepared with our own can, as well as some gloves. The biggest challenge was finding a spot where our short-lived markings would survive. It seemed like each of the ten cars had its own little group, and there was an almost unending line of new arrivals.

Fame is Fleeting

Soon we found our spot and prepared to make our mark in the ever-changing landscape. With the wind whipping all around, we were a little nervous about the spray. Fortunately, our spot was on the eastern side of the last Cadillac on the eastern edge of the art installation. Within minutes, our legacy was complete and left a permanent record of our visit. Of course, the layer upon layer of paint suggested that it would be covered up by the end of the day.

Time to Fly

We looked around at the scene around the Cadillac Ranch in amazement. It was obvious that visitors were not satisfied with just painting the cars. Nearby, the parched Texas soil was covered in brightly colored shapes and designs. The hot July sun was sliding across the horizon, so it signaled the time for our departure. With all of the running we had been doing, we were looking forward to a little relaxed time. (We found it here at the Botanical Gardens.) With our addiction to this Route 66 landmark complete, we made the walk back to our car. Along the way, we passed other travelers who made the pilgrimage to leave their mark on the ever-changing landscape. It made us realize that the one constant at this site is change.

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and the Amarillo Botanical Gardens for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Growing the High Plains

The first gardening club was organized in Amarillo, Texas in 1929. Some probably doubted the ability to cultivate delicate plants in the high plains region. After all, this area is known for some of the toughest conditions in the country. Drought, bright sunlight, and stiff winds can challenge even native vegetation. It took determination, and plenty of amended soil, to succeed. As the ladies of this group gained experience, they were able to implement various city beautification projects.

Bring it Together

Over the years, the city would grow to include 13 garden clubs, each doing diligent work in their respective areas. In 1954, they banded together to form the Garden Center, which would help add synergy to their efforts. After many years of fundraising, they moved into their new home in 1968. With plenty of space to fill, it took lots of cuttings to fill the gardens. Of course, many of the original plantings were offshoots of plants that the members brought from their own homes.

Tranquil Setting

Over the years, the gardens took shape, and the name would eventually change to the Amarillo Botanical Gardens. As with most growing enterprises, expansion has taken place at the gardens. A tropical conservatory is a focal point the visitors see as the approach. The large indoor atrium is packed full of tropical examples, as well as a family of ducks. The lush vegetation and calming sound of a waterfall make this a relaxing space to explore.

At the Water’s Edge

As we made our way through the gardens, we saw other groups enjoying the spaces. A butterfly garden looked very entertaining to some children, who’s parents watched from a shady spot nearby. Following the path through the park-like setting, we came upon a Japanese Garden area. Water spilled over boulders that sat along the edge of a small pond. Lilies opened their beautiful blooms in the mid-day sunshine. We could feel our hurried pace subsiding.

Have a Seat

A nearby pavilion offered seating out of the warm sunshine. Relaxing for a bit, was bringing us peace in the panhandle. We just sat and listened to the rushing water and birds singing in the nearby trees. Even though our next stop would eventually be calling, for now we were wrapped up in these moments.

Fall in Love with the High Plains

After a few moments of rest, we resumed our exploration of the gardens. Just a few steps away from our resting stop, we moved into a new section of the park. Here we found more seating options, where we could view plants more suited for the challenging environment of the high plains. Everything seemed so lush and vibrant. It was clear that even in this formidable landscape, beauty can not only survive, but thrive.

Peace in the Panhandle

Our time to move along was quickly approaching, but we still needed a few more minutes to recharge. The tranquility of the gardens was washing away our need to rush. All of the surrounding beauty was allowing us to gain peace in the Panhandle. We knew from our visit to the Alibates Flint Quarries, that there were plenty of native flowers that exist in the high plains. (You can read about Alibates here.) As we rested in the shade, at the Amarillo Botanical Gardens, it became clear that with a little love many non-native plants can also thrive. This gave us hope for our own yard, so many miles away. Perhaps some of these high plains natives would enjoy a home in lower elevations. Do you like to incorporate plants from other regions in your landscape?

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and The Big Texan for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Kansas City Connection

R.J. “Bob” Lee had his roots in the Midwest. After spending time at the Savoy Grill, a Kansas City landmark steakhouse, he knew what it takes to make a great steak. Like many of us, he grew up watching westerns and listening to stories of the cowboy spirit on the high plains. The urge to see the land firsthand forced him to move his wife and kids to Amarillo, Texas. Here in the Panhandle region, he would get a hankering for a first-class steakhouse. Since he couldn’t find one to please his expectations, he decided to create his own. It was important to him that it not only fed the body but offered a taste of the old west. His desire was to keep the spirit of the cowboy alive, and it certainly looks like he built a lasting shrine.

The Early Days

When Bob Lee opened The Big Texan it was a welcome sight to travelers along Route 66. Drivers would see the huge cowboy sign from a distance and knew they were about to arrive. It wouldn’t be long before Big Texan signs were erected all along the Mother Road. Much like the old Burma Shave signs, only these hinted of the FREE 72 oz. steak dinner. Of course, we all know nothing is truly free, so there was a price to be paid. Even without the huge steak offer, people would still flock to the restaurant to experience some true Texas hospitality.

Game On!

So why such a big steak? The story has it that Bob Lee held a contest to see which local cowboy could eat the most steak in one hour. While a few took him up on it, one stood out above the crowd. That cowboy devoured four and a half pounds of steak, a baked potato, one dinner roll, a salad, and a shrimp cocktail. To top it off, he accomplished this feat in one hour. (We’re guessing he didn’t go bronc busting immediately afterward.) Bob Lee decided then and there that anyone who can match that accomplishment gets their meal for free. As I stood there looking at the massive slab of beef, along with the sides, I knew that this was a challenge meant for someone besides me.

Going Fowl

As we nestled into our booth, we could feel the history around us. As we explored the menu, I wondered if Crystal would step up to the challenge. Lol, Of course, she wouldn’t! Her dinner choice was exactly what she imagined. Picking from the Big Sandwiches portion of the menu, she landed on the Char-Broiled Chicken Sandwich. An over-sized grilled chicken breast is served up with all the fixings. She offered me a taste, but this is a steak house, so I had to decline. I was saving my appetite for a juicy slab of beef.

The Big Texan Vegetarian Plate?

While I may not be stepping up to the 72 oz. steak, I was pretty pleased with my order of the Big Texan Center Cut 8 oz. Sirloin. Sure, it would take nine of these to match the slab I saw on display, but it was plenty for my appetite and would satisfy my cowboy spirit. Besides, it comes with a baked sweet potato and a side of Coleslaw. While we were dining, Bob Lee Jr. dropped by our table to welcome us to his restaurant. When he spotted my meal, he noted that he likes to call this dish the “vegetarian plate”. Okay, maybe an 8 oz. steak isn’t Texas-size after all. No matter, it was still delicious, and I ate every bite!

Welcome to Texas

While we dined, we watched strolling musicians playing for the crowd. Afterward, we found Bob Lee Jr. sitting out in the bar area, along with his craft brew-master. We joined them for a chat and listened to the stories of how The Big Texan has changed over the years. This family ran business is just that, a family business designed for families. By keeping to this basic principle, they have seen a consistent stream of satisfied customers. Every aspect of the business screams Texas and the old west cowboy spirit. This isn’t just a restaurant, it is an experience. Even without the 72 oz. steak challenge, this place would still be a landmark. But since they have it anyway, would you be willing to take the challenge?

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We want to thank Visit Amarillo and Alibates Flint Quarries for their hospitality. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Panhandle-Plains

Coming from a recent visit to Lindsborg, Kansas provided us with a chance to approach Amarillo from the north. (You can read about our Lindsborg visit here.) The Alibates Flint Quarries are open seven days a week, except holidays. As we explored the grounds around the visitor’s center, we made note of the vegetation. Some of the shrubs and flowers were familiar to us. Others were clearly native to this part of our world, and probably wouldn’t be happy in our neck of the woods. Everywhere we looked, the rocky hillsides dominated the landscape. Peeking out from below, we would catch glimpses of the familiar red soil of the Canadian River valley.

Early Explorers

When the staff noticed us meandering, they opened the doors and invited us inside. We started our visit by watching a short video about the native Indians who originally excavated this site. After this introduction, it was time to explore the on-site museum. It is estimated that the Clovis people were the first to excavate the flint that is common to this region. In many places, the flint outcroppings have been exposed, and pieces can be seen without digging. This would probably have been how the flint was originally discovered.

What’s So Special?

What drove us to stop at this particular site? When we read some background on the quarries, we were wondering what made this flint so special. It was apparent that a visit would be required to get answers to our questions about the people and uses of this special kind of rock. Flint is a hard form of quartz that is usually found with limestone. The appearance is most commonly gray, black or brown. Clearly, the color variations found at the Alibates Flint Quarries must have made for some prized pieces. This amazing mineral can be chipped to produce sharp-edged tools and weapons, in a process known as “knapping”.

Alibates Flint Quarries Products

As we explored the exhibits at the museum, we found that flint was used for a wide range of tools. Most of us would immediately think of arrowheads, which were an important aspect of hunting. Using the same design, except on a larger scale, would produce spearpoints. Flint also had an important role in other aspects of life for the native Indians. Spokeshaves could be formed, which were used to shape wooden rods and staffs. Most commonly these would be the shafts of arrows. This versatile mineral could also be shaped into awls and drills.

Trade Value

The value of the flint pulled from the Alibates Flint Quarries would spread across much of southern North America. While the first native Indians to discover it was probably nomadic, later tribes would settle in the area. Around 1000 years ago, there were villages of tradespeople who trafficked in this versatile material. Dotted across the Canadian River valley, are quarry pits that tell the tales of previous excavations. Pieces made from this area have been found as far north as Montana, to the south in Central Mexico, and to the east up to the Mississippi River. It is safe to assume that the tools crafted from the Alibates Flint Quarries were used for trade among various tribes.

Take a Hike at the Alibates Flint Quarries!

Our visit had given us a better understanding of the significance of this site. The timing of our visit didn’t allow for one of the FREE ranger-led hikes, but the staff told us about a nearby trail that we could fit into our visit. As we hiked through the high plains terrain, we imagined what the area meant to those first explorers. Along the path, we could spot shards and pieces of the local flint lying on the ground. The unique coloring of the stones is certainly entrancing. It made us think back to our childhood when we watched the ground for the chance to find an arrowhead. While we only found a handful over all of those years, we now have to wonder if any had come from one of these quarries. Did you collect arrowheads as a youth?

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