Big Texan Steak Ranch

The Big Texan Steak Ranch steakhouse, located southeast of Amarillo was established in 1960, by R.J. "Bob" Lee. Bob was inspired to build the restaurant after moving to the area from Kansas City and not finding a first-class, Texas-style steakhouse.

The restaurant and its towering Cowboy sign, soon became a landmark along Route 66. As early as the 1960s, the restaurant began advertising it's free 72oz Steak Dinner, to anyone that could eat it within one hour. That's four-and-a-half pounds of Texas beef.

Once Interstate 40 replaced Route 66, in the early 1970s, Bob built a new bigger restaurant, along the Interstate. The original Cowboy sign was moved from the original location, to the new restaurant. Travelers along Interstate 40 and north-south routes in the Texas Panhandle, will see the Big Texan Steakhouse billboards, enticing them to a challenge if they're up for it.

While at the restaurant, be sure to browse the gift shop to see the wonderful collection of Route 66 memorabilia, clothing, books, toys and even items made from rattlesnake skins. Stay close to this famous Texas restaurant, as a guest of Best Western hotels and enjoy your time in the Texas Panhandle.

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is one of Texas' most unique attractions. Drive along Interstate 40, west of Amarillo, to see the group of ten Cadillacs, from 1948 to 1963, half-way buried in the ground. In 1974, Stanley Marsh 3, created this art exhibit near old Route 66, with help from The Ant Farm, a San Francisco artist group.

The majority of the Cadillacs were bought from junk yards and they were buried nose-first into the ground. The cars' original paint color are covered with spray painted graffiti from visitors through out the years. The public is encouraged to leave their mark on the ever-changing sculpture. While visiting the Texas Panhandle region, rest comfortably with Best Western hotels.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

The nation’s second largest canyon, Palo Duro Canyon is a Texas state park set in the Lone Star State’s panhandle region.

Stretching 120 miles long and spanning up to 20 miles long, Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a quick drive from northern Texas towns like Canyon, Clarendon, and Amarillo. Housing the Prairie Dog Town Fork Red River, Palo Duro Canyon is a major Texas tourist attraction.

Also known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is a U.S. National Natural Landmark, and features plenty of activities for visitors.

Palo Duro visitors enjoy hikes to the iconic Lighthouse Peak, and a visit to the Palo Duro Canyon Interpretive Center – featuring a breathtaking view of the canyon. Other Palo Canyon activities include picnics, bike trails, and horseback riding.

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport

Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport encompasses 3,547 acres of land east of Amarillo. The airport was established as English Field in 1929, with its first commercial flight, through Transcontinental & Western Air. Many additional commercial airlines followed suit and started offering regularly scheduled flights to major cities across the United States. Once the adjacent Amarillo Air Force Base closed in 1968, the airport began using some of their buildings for terminal use.

The airport was renamed in 2003, after native Rick Husband, NASA astronaut, died in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. The airport was visited by the Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2007 and the Space Shuttle Discovery in 2009, while being transported to Florida. With four commercial airlines offering several non-stop flights to a majority of United States cities, traveling from Amarillo is a breeze. Terminal amenities include rental car agencies, convenient parking and concessions. Stay close to the airport in a comfortable Best Western guest room and enjoy your time in the Lone Star State.