Amarillo, TX
My husband and I moved from Louisiana to Washington state in February. We turned our move into a roadtrip and made quite a few stops along the way! Follow along for all of our stops and recommendations! 🫶🏼
Amarillo, TX was technically our day two, but day one was spent driving. So it was our day one of sightseeing!
We only spent a couple hours in Amarillo, and we were basic tourists the whole time! 😂
We had to stop at the visitor’s center to get a picture next to the “Welcome to Amarillo Texas” wall 💁🏼♀️
Got some pictures at Cadillac Ranch. (It’s free to walk up to!) There were other people there spray painting the cars as well!
We had lunch at The Big Texan, and let me tell you, the portions were huge! We were stuffed! We most definitely did not attempt the 72oz steak dinner challenge 😂
If you want to attempt the challenge, it is for one person to finish a 72oz steak dinner (72oz steak, baked potato, shrimp cocktail, salad, and a roll) within 1 hour and your meal is free! If you fail, you pay $72. Give it a try! 😉
Lastly, my husband is a big car guy, so we went to Bill’s Backyard Classics. It was $12 each to enter, and this sweet old man walked us around and discussed the history and features of over 100 classic cars.
Our plan was not to stay long, but I think if you are wanting to visit the area, a day or two will be plenty!
#amarillo #amarillotexas #roadtrip #pcs #travel #route66 #roadtripitinerary #roadtripmemories
Continuing our epic road trip, Amarillo, Texas, truly surprised us with its vibrant collection of quirky and historic Route 66 roadside attractions! While our initial plan was just a quick stop, we quickly fell in love with the unique charm of this city, especially its connection to the Mother Road. If you're planning a drive through the Texas Panhandle, make sure to carve out enough time for these unforgettable spots. First up, Cadillac Ranch isn't just a photo op; it's an interactive art experience that perfectly embodies the free spirit of Route 66. Seeing those iconic, graffiti-covered Cadillac cars half-buried in the ground was something else! I’d definitely recommend bringing your own can of spray paint – we saw so many people leaving their mark, and it adds to the ever-evolving canvas. It’s totally free to walk up to, and honestly, standing in that vast field with cars poking out of the earth under the big Texas sky gave us some serious vintage road trip vibes. We went in the late afternoon, and the light was perfect for capturing some truly unique shots. Then there’s The Big Texan Steak Ranch, which is more than just a restaurant; it’s a full-blown spectacle! From the moment you pull up to its bright yellow exterior, you know you’re in for a classic Route 66 experience. While we definitely passed on the famous 72oz steak challenge (we valued our digestive systems too much! 😂), watching others attempt it was pure entertainment. The atmosphere is loud, fun, and exactly what you'd expect from a legendary Texas eatery. Beyond the challenge, their menu, which even features unique concoctions like "RJ's Old Fashion" and various "Big Texan Tea" flavors, offers huge portions of delicious, hearty Texas fare. It's a must-stop for a taste of authentic Western hospitality and some serious people-watching. For any car enthusiast or anyone who appreciates history, Bill's Backyard Classics was an absolute highlight. This place is a treasure trove of vintage and classic cars, each with its own story. What truly made it special was the friendly, knowledgeable owner who personally guided us, sharing fascinating details about each vehicle. We saw everything from gleaming muscle cars to older models and even a robust military-style vehicle. It wasn't just a collection; it was a passion project. The subtle Route 66 signs on the walls and unique touches like the red bench made from the back of a classic car added to the authentic, nostalgic feel. It felt like stepping back in time to the golden age of motoring. Before heading out, don't forget to snap a picture at the "Welcome to Amarillo, Texas" mural. With its vibrant colors and clear Route 66 signage, it’s the perfect spot to commemorate your visit. As you drive around Amarillo, you'll also notice the expansive desert landscape dotted with towering wind turbines, a picturesque backdrop to your Route 66 journey. We found that dedicating a full day, or even a relaxed two days, allowed us to truly soak in these incredible roadside attractions without feeling rushed. Amarillo truly offers a memorable slice of classic Americana.