Visiting Yellow
Known for its cattle and cowboys, Amarillo is a city located in the far north of Texas, and it is a city worth spending some time in. The city offers excellent restaurants, museums and state parks nearby. The world famous Big Texan Steak Ranch built in 1960 on Route 66 soon became famous across the country, the long-legged cowboy sign has become a national landmark. Another landmark just west of Amarillo, right on Route 66 off Interstate 40, is Cadillac Ranch. Ten Caddies were buried nose deep into the earth aligned west to east. Cars have been on the ground as art longer than they have been on the road. Seven days a week, rain or shine, people trudge through cow pastures to put their brand on cars.
What better place than Amarillo to have the Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Here you can read the plaques on the wall of fame for the people and horses that have shaped America. Also, one can learn about the different types of horses in many other countries, as well as the proper care, feeding, and care of the American Quarter Horse. Touring this facility is very rewarding and educational. The RV Museum showcases the technological changes that have occurred over the years in the camping industry. In addition, you can see exhibits of vintage motorcycles, bicycles, a model of a 1950s gas station, and vending machines. Everything that Jack Sisemores Traveland RV Museum has on display has been restored to its original condition, quite amazing. While you’re here, take a look at some of the smallest travel trailers on the market today, large fifth wheels, as well as all kinds of drivable motorhomes.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, just thirty miles south of Amarillo, is the second largest canyon in the country. The canyon is about 120 miles long and 20 miles wide. The deepest point is about 800 feet. The road leading into the canyon is about eighteen miles round trip. Driving down the canyon road allows you to see the colorful and rugged beauty of the canyon walls up close. Throughout the canyon there are RV campgrounds as well as tent camping spots. What better way to experience life in a canyon than by camping? Within the canyon more than thirty miles of trails can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, or on horseback. The canyon is home to wildlife such as turkeys, deer, coyotes, roadrunners, and many species of snakes and lizards. To really experience what the canyon has to offer, one must spend a week in the canyon. To experience the heart of the canyon, take the Texas 207 scenic drive from Claude to Silverton. This quiet 48-mile stretch of road passes where the 1963 Paul Newman Classic Hud was filmed.
If time permits, take a road trip to Liberal Kansas. On the journey, the landscape will transition from flat terrain to large rolling hills and back to open plains. On Liberal tour Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz. The Land of Oz is an animated 5,000 square foot building depicting the Dortheys’ journey along the yellow brick road back to Kansas. The house is a replica of Dorothy’s house from the movie The Wizard of Oz. To experience a bit of history, head to the Liberal Airport and tour the Mid-America Air Museum. Marvel at World War II fighters along with planes from the Korean and Vietnam wars.