In a city where the cattle is king,you can find the kind of cowboy culture that knows the value of a good hard day’s work. This Texas Panhandle city has rough hands but soft hearts.
Take a trip down Route 66 to relive the past. The road is lined by historic buildings,and a number of restaurants that have a traditional Texan flare.
1. The Big Texan Steak Ranch
One of the more recognizable places to visit in Amarillo TX is The Big Texan Steak Ranch. Originally opened in 1960 along Route 66,this restaurant is known for offering free 72-ounce steak dinners to anyone who can finish it within an hour. The four-and-a-half pound beef is served with a baked potato,shrimp,salad and dinner roll. Only those who complete the challenge can dine free.
When you enter,it’s obvious that this is a tourist attraction. The restaurant is brightly painted yellow and has a huge Texas flag with a giant statue of a longhorn welcoming you. The restaurant has also been featured in a number of movies and TV shows,including Waking Up in Reno and Man vs. Food,where host Adam Richman completed the challenge.
Guests can play in the arcade,shop for souvenirs,try a few microbrews,or stay in the motel,which was designed to look like the main street of a western town.
2. The Don Harrington Discovery Center
Don Harrington Discovery Center provides interactive exhibits and programming that actively engages children,adolescents,and their families. It fosters inquiring minds and nurtures the individual genius within each of us.
The museum’s goal is to spark an interest that will last a lifetime in science and technology. The museum is located in the Medical District and has a variety of educational exhibits covering everything from space exploration to the human anatomy. The museum is also home to the Helium Centennial Time Columns monument and a digital planetarium called the Space Theater.
The Space Theater takes you on a journey that will take you from our nearest neighbors in the Solar System to the edge a blackhole in merely ten seconds. Space Theater shows are part of the general admission. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
3. The Space Theater
The Space Theater is one of the most interesting and educational attractions that you can visit with your kids in Amarillo. The museum has sixty different exhibits that allow kids to experiment,tinker,and play in order to learn. A digital planetarium is available that features a variety of light shows and astronomy programmes.
Amarillo,besides being known for its culinary scene and outdoor adventures,is also known for its arts and culture. Amarillo is home to a number of theatres and music venues,which host some the most acclaimed performances across the country.
There are also many museums in the area that showcase the city’s rich history and culture. Palo Duro Canyon,a popular hiking and biking destination,is located in the city. The city also has a variety of sporting teams including the AHAI Amarillo Wranglers Hockey team and the Amarillo Venom,an indoor football team. The Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts is located in the city.
4. Wonderland Park
This local amusement park offers family fun at a reasonable price since 1951. The park is located in Thompson Park and offers more than 30 rides for kids and adults alike. The merry-go round and carousel are great for little ones,while teens will love the Texas Tornado double loop coaster. Other thrills include the Shoot the Chute water ride and a log flume. The lineup is rounded out by minigolf and a video arcade.
The Park was founded by Paul and Aletha Roads and continues to be run by their children today. Their daughter,Paula,is a CPA and manages the Park with her husband,Paul Borchardt. The Park is run on the basis of family values,cleanliness and safety. The Borchardts’ commitment to the Park can be seen in how they treat their employees. The Borchardts believe their employees are their greatest asset,and treat them with respect.