Northern Texas

Sponsored by:
Fort Amarillo RV Resort
www.fortrvparks.com
(866)431-7866
[email protected]
Texas. The name itself conjures up images of adventure and pioneer spirit. We all know Texas is the biggest state in the Union, leading to the notion that “everything’s bigger in Texas.” The state’s name is derived from an Indian word meaning “friends,” and the state takes this concept seriously. We’d be hard pressed to find a region with a warmer, friendlier population and environment than the Lone Star State.
Starting off in Lubbock, we should catch one of the fascinating presentations at the Moody Planetarium, located on the grounds of Texas Tech University. This state-of-the-art facility features projected views of the heavens on its massive domed ceiling, along with high-tech laser and light shows with varied themes. Recent shows have included the holiday-themed Winter Wonders, and Ancient Wonders, which spotlights the pyramids of Egypt and several other wonders of the world, and has hosted the sold-out Pink Floyd’s “The Wall” laser show.
Lubbock is also the birthplace of the late musician Buddy Holly and shows its pride in its favorite son by hosting the Buddy Holly Center, a facility devoted to showcasing programs and exhibitions not just about Holly himself, but about Texas music and the performing arts as well. Exhibits change regularly, and guided tours are available. It’s well worth checking out for even the most casual music fan.
Heading due nouth on the I-27 brings us to Amarillo, a city with events and attractions to suit visitors of all ages. From the Western history enthusiast to the patron of the arts, Amarillo has something to keep us well-entertained. For starters, there’s the 25,000 acre Palo Duro State Park, known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” Apache Indians once dwelled within its boundaries, followed by the Kiowa and Comanche tribes. Currently, the 20-mile wide park is a perfect place for hiking and mountain biking. Horseback riding is also an option; the park even provides convenient onsite horse rentals. Or, we can just pull out a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely repast at one of the park’s many campsites.
If we’re feeling especially hungry, we should head on over to the Big Texan Steak Ranch which sits on old Route 66. The Big Texan has been in operation since the 1950s, and offers a free 72-ounce steak to anyone who can polish it off in an hour. Hmmm…that’s four-and-a-half pounds of meat, which breaks down to a little over one pound being consumed every fifteen minutes. Just how hungry were we when we came in? Check out this colorful place’s website at www.bigtexan.com
The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum is also located in Amarillo; the newly-renovated facility features a majestic Grand Hall, where visitors can learn more about the American Quarter Horse breed and the people who helped shape the breed into what it is today. The Champion’s Gallery features digital video presentations about the World Champion quarter horses past and present, and even provides footage of the last races they ran. For the horse enthusiast, this is a definite don’t-miss stop on our one tank trip through Texas.
One of the quirkiest attractions in Amarillo is the Cadillac Museum, located along old Route 66. The place’s name comes from ten Cadillac automobiles – models from the 40s through the 60s – whose graffiti-splattered bodies are half-buried nose-down in the desert sand. Visitors are encouraged to visit this museum in the middle of a cow pasture, and admission, strangely enough, is free.
A fifteen minute drive south on the I-17 takes us to the city of Canyon, which is home to the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, West Texas A&M University, and the St. Benedict monastery. Local eateries range from the sit-down dinner house to on-the-go fast food joints, and there’s even a large RV park for us to pull over and rest a spell. Maybe on the way back to Lubbock, we can stop and take another crack at that 72-ounce steak at the Big Texan!
Other Area Sponsors in Texas: Parkview Riverside RV Park