The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Amarillo, Texas Now
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Amarillo, Texas is a unique and history-rich area located where the southern plains meet the desert. They say that if you wear out a single pair of boots here, you’ll never want to leave. With all the things to do in Amarillo, you’ll wear them out pretty fast. Explore Amarillo’s wide-open spaces in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.
Source: Visit Amarillo
Amarillo and the surrounding Panhandle area are a unique blend of two American eras: working western ranches and a vibrant twenty-first-century economy—making Amarillo the perfect mix of old and new Texas traditions. If you’re looking for authentic cowboy culture, stop by the American Quarter Horse Association Museum to discover the horse that tamed the American West or check out Historic Route 66, along with the one and only Cadillac Ranch, as seen above. These are the top five reasons why Amarillo, Texas should be on your bucket list.
1. Where to Eat in Amarillo: The Cuisine + Cocktails
For an upscale taste of Texas with international flair, Toscana Italian Steakhouse delivers with a classic Italian menu of steakhouse fare. When it's time to relax and unwind, the speakeasy-style bar serves vintage spirits, handcrafted cocktails, and an impressive wine selection. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying two of their signature cocktails, the Classic Whiskey Sour—concocted with Kentucky bourbon, fresh-squeezed lemon, Demerara syrup, and egg white for a silky, timeless indulgence or the Bomb City Cosmo with Amarillo's own Bomb City Vodka, harmonized with cranberry, elderflower liqueur, fresh-squeezed lime, and muddled cucumber. A local twist on a classic favorite.
West Texas is well-known for its saloon-and steak-filled culinary history, and Amarillo is no exception. Led by Executive Chef Anthony Gonzales, the menu at Toscana Italian Steakhouse features plenty of ranches and farms in the Texas Panhandle, highlighting local, thoughtfully sourced farm-to-fork cuisine. Favorite dishes include Rustic Mozzarella with housemade marinara, peperoncino peppers and lemon basil aioli, Braised Beef Gemelli with handmade charcoal gemelli noodles, tender braised beef, vibrant kale, cherry tomatoes; crowned with a perfect poached egg, broiled torn crostini, and drizzled with smoked garlic butter and white wine reduction, Skillet al Formaggio with Italian sausage, creamy cheese and spinach blend, grilled crostini and garden herbs, as well as Blueberry Mascarpone French Toast with egg-washed Texas Toast grilled to perfection and accompanied with housemade blueberry mascarpone and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
For dessert indulge on their decadent Pistachio & Chocolate Dipped Cannoli filled with chocolate chip mascarpone, served with tangy raspberry compote and a dusting of powdered sugar. Located on Polk Street in historic downtown Amarillo, just moments from vibrant hotspots and nightlife, Toscana Italian Steakhouse embraces the cattle-ranching culture of West Texas while welcoming you with authentic Southern hospitality.
2. Artistic Vibrancy: Galleries + Public Murals
Housed in an Edward Durrell Stone-designed, three-story museum, the Amarillo Museum of Art primarily focuses on rotating exhibitions and education. Each year the museum presents approximately fifteen art exhibitions representing original works in all media, periods, and styles, ranging from cutting edge to traditional.
Source: Amarillo Museum of Art
Collections include American Photography, Paintings, Prints, Drawings, and Sculptures; the Price Collection of Asian Art; Tibetan Tsakli and Manuscripts, and European paintings. Temporary exhibits have featured Grace Hartigan, Dante Maroni, Jasper Johns, and George Rouault, and many other artists.
You know the saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” the arts are no exception to this saying in Amarillo. Many larger-than-life art installations and murals can be found throughout the city, with Cadillac Ranch, an iconic art installation features a row of half-buried Cadillac cars that visitors are encouraged to graffiti and paint, being the most well-known. Each year muralists from around the country contribute new murals to downtown Amarillo as part of an urban beautification project. Once the murals are complete there's a huge celebration in downtown Amarillo featuring big-name music artists.
3. Luxury Shopping: Westgate Mall + Boutique Finds
Whether you're looking for unique boutiques, well-known retailers, antiques, or local crafts—Amarillo, Texas has something for you. Westgate Mall is the largest shopping mall in Amarillo, featuring a mix of major department stores such as Dillard’s, national retail chains and specialty shops like Kendra Scott, making it a convenient one-stop shopping destination.
Source: Visit Amarillo
Explore the historic district along Route 66 in Amarillo, which is lined with antique shops, vintage stores, and quirky souvenir shops. You can find unique collectibles and gifts along this iconic highway. Keep an eye out for local artisan markets and craft fairs, where you can discover handmade jewelry, artwork, home decor, and other unique items created by local artists and craftsmen.
Source: Visit Amarillo
Given its location in Texas, Amarillo has several stores specializing in western wear, cowboy boots, and western-themed clothing and accessories. You’ll also want to explore the downtown area, where you can find a mix of shops, boutiques, and art galleries. It's a great place to support local businesses.
4. Botanic Beauty: Amarillo Botanical Gardens
Experience the sights, sounds and floral fragrances of the Mary E. Bivins Conservatory, an indoor tropical garden bursting with a collection of unique and exotic plants at Amarillo Botanical Gardens. Explore four-acres of seasonal outdoor themed plantings such as fragrance, butterfly, Japanese and xeric gardens.
Botanical gardens often change with the seasons, so you may see different flowers and plants in bloom depending on when you visit. Spring and summer are typically the most vibrant seasons. Don’t miss this truly one-of-a-kind oasis of lush landscaped gardens in the middle of the Texas Panhandle.
5. Architectural Gems: Cadillac Ranch + Historic Districts
The turn of the century saw rapid development in the Texas Panhandle, ranging from the growth of the cattle industry to the discovery of oil and gas. Harrington House represents both eras. Built by cattlemen John and Pat Landergin, the house was completed and occupied by the summer of 1914, but by 1929 all members of the Landergin family were deceased. This fine Neoclassical mansion has over 15,000 square feet, 20 rooms, 8 bathrooms, and 7 fireplaces on 4 levels—attention to detail captures the visitor’s eye at every turn.
Source: Harrington House
Harrington House is a fine example of the Neoclassical style, with exquisite materials and workmanship prevalent throughout the home. The reception hall is resplendent with original tapestry wall covering, 18th-century parquet de Versailles flooring and a circa 1697 relief-carved pine mirror. Architectural details abound throughout Harrington House, including the fireplace and mantel, which serve as a dramatic focal point in the drawing room.
Where to Stay in Amarillo, Texas
Welcome to a West Texas elevated experience at Amarillo's only luxury, boutique hotel located moments from everything there is to see and do in Amarillo, Texas. As an Autograph Collection hotel you can use your Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay at one of the best boutique hotels in Texas, The Barfield, Autograph Collection. Fueled by good-ol' Texas grit and friendly service, the hotel is located in the historic Barfield building within the heart of downtown Amarillo.
At The Barfield, Autograph Collection, style meets substance in each guest room or suite—featuring custom designed furnishings and luxurious finishes. Residentially inspired with all the amenities you need, make yourself at home. For an upscale taste of Texas with international flair, Toscana Italian Steakhouse delivers with a classic Italian menu of steakhouse fare. When it's time to relax and unwind, the speakeasy-style bar serves vintage spirits, handcrafted cocktails, and an impressive wine selection. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
