Since we were little kids, We’ve always wanted to go to Texas. We remember watching black and white tv shows that were filmed in Texas. I love big shiny belt buckles, cowboy hats and boots. Both were enamored watching gunslingin’ heroes with big shiny revolvers. Equally, we love all things Texas; cactus, armadillos, cowboys (not the Dallas team) and the big stars in the big Texas sky. Oh, and let’s not forget my favorite, the King of Country, George Strait.
And then we finally got to go 40 some years later…to Amarillo!
Through our many years in both of our military careers, every shipmate who was from Texas always bragged about what fantastic state…er….’country’ it was.
We never got that privilege to be stationed at or visit, so we just had to take their word for it…until our visit. We planned to go to Texas for the winter (2015) was a no-brainer. The fact that it’s warmer and closer to the equator just delighted us all the way to the big Lone Star.
Where we stayed in Amarillo…
Our first stop in Texas was Amarillo at Oasis RV Resort where we had reservations for three nights. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. It had long concrete-pad sites, it was quiet and had an in-ground hot tub so close to Amarillo. We loved it so much that stayed three more nights to enjoy it. There was so much to see and do in Amarillo. Straight off of I-40, you can’t miss the huge high-poled sign.
Where we visited first…
Less than two miles down the road from Oasis RV Resort is the infamous Cadillac Ranch. Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation and sculpture on I-40’s Frontage Road only miles from Amarillo. It was completed in 1974 as part of an art exhibit.
All of the Caddy’s were partially buried nose down. Cadillac Ranch has been seen in a few movies and music videos. To be quite honest, we were a bit disappointed because it was so small compared to how its portrayed in magazines and television. But hey, we still enjoyed seeing it in person. Dan seemingly had a good time checking out all of the graffiti and adding his own. Bucket list item #4139…CHECK!
The Texas Sky…
We had such great weather all the days were were in Amarillo. Every night, we walked down to the resort entrance to across the road to watch the beautiful Texas sky light up with yellows, oranges and reds. The sunsets were absolutely spectacular.
RV Museum?
It was great to see how campers evolved into the beautiful RV’s of today. Such a great nostalgic collection of 15 campers which were staged with vintage camping items.
Notably, there was the actual 1948 Flxible Clipper (Gornike bus) that was used in the movie ‘RV’ that actor Robin Williams starred in. This is a definite Amarillo ‘must see’ when you visit, especially if you’re a nomadic traveler, vintage glamper or high-test RV’er.
Some good eats…
Upon leaving, we asked an employee where he recommended a good hearty lunch. While we love to check out all of the tourist dining places, we’ve learned to always ask the locals where the best eats are. Calico County Restaurant is where its at in Amarillo! It was comfort food at it’s best just like Momma used to make. We’re suckers for home-cooking like this and apparently a lot of Country Music singers and celebrities were as well by looking at all the signed photo frames.
Paid homage…
Once we were finished with our late lunch, we found the Texas Panhandle Veteran’s Park and just had to stop to pay our respects and appreciate this wonderful dedicated property. This park was well displayed and landscaped.
A big ole steak dinner…
One of the highlights of our visit Amarillo was having dinner at the Big Texan! Neither hides the fact that we are carnivores; we love meat. Both of us were raised on good hearty meat. We love beef that is prepared and cooked perfectly and the Big Texan scored big time. We heard about the Big Texan from the tv series ‘Man vs. Food’ but never in a million years did we ever think we’d actually GO there.
The meal was spectacular…and no, we didn’t have the 72 oz. steak; my 24 oz. was way too much but made for a killer go-box to take home for steak and eggs the next day. (Pssssst, we always do that…order big steaks and take home go-boxes). Dan had the ribs and ate every morsel. The Big Texan also has a spectacular gift shop that had everything Texas. I was in my glory while Dan sat patiently on the man-bench outside with the other men.
So, if you’re ever in the Amarillo area, here’s just a small sample of cool places to visit and chow down. As we found through our journey across this great state, everything’s big as Texas; so much to see and do (and eat!) that you need a whole lifetime to enjoy this huge country…I mean ‘state’.
