Wide, Open Spaces
If you're not from here, thoughts of Amarillo conjure up images of the infamous Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan restaurant as the lyrics from George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning" linger in your mind. For the rest of us, Amarillo is God's country.
With a mild climate providing four distinct seasons, some folks say it's the weather that makes Amarillo great -- especially if you enjoy the constant breeze offered up by the vast, open countryside. Perhaps the best part, though, is the lack of much humidity.
One thing Amarillo doesn't lack is diversity. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, located just 20 minutes south of Amarillo in Canyon, is the largest history museum in Texas. It has one of the country's best collections of Western art and artifacts. And speaking of canyons, the Palo Duro Canyon State Park offers more than 25,000 magical acres in the country's second-largest canyons.
At the canyon park, you can enjoy one of the nation's best outdoor productions -- "TEXAS" -- or you can take your entertainment to the skies at the Don Harrington Discovery Center, which now features a Digital Space Theater. Plus, Amarillo plays host to America's favorite road, historic Route 66 -- with quaint antique shops and unique dining experiences.
And it's not all cowboys and ropin' cattle in the Panhandle, either. Amarillo is now home to the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, where locals and tourists alike can enjoy ballet, opera and symphony (though they might come decked out in their fanciest Western wear.) Did I mention intriguing art museums and delightful botanical gardens?
Wait, there is a lot of cowboys and ropin' and stuff like that. How about the American Quarter Horse Association's museum, which is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation? Plus, the Amarillo Civic Center and Amarillo National Center support conventions, sports shows, entertainment and semi-pro sports as well as world and national rodeos.
Then there's the economy. The health-care industry represents 25 percent of the local economy and accounts for about 6,000 jobs. Plus, the Panhandle is the largest cattle-feeding region in America and annually markets more than 7 million fed cattle -- 30 percent of the nation's fed-cattle production, making it a significant part of the region's economy. Gas, petroleum and agriculture are the other principal sources of business.
All of the history, the sightseeing, the shopping, the dining are wonderful, but do you really want to know what makes Amarillo great? I'm here to tell you it's the people. You won't find friendlier faces anywhere, guaranteed.
This information is presented by:
Connie Taylor
Keller Williams
Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.
Comments(0)