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Saturday, August 29, 2015

On Route 66 and Cadillacs and Steaks

Jean Sexton muses:

Sometimes we get visitors in Amarillo. Of course, we are excited to show them the business, from entry to printing plant to warehouse. But what else is there in Amarillo? Over the next couple of months I'll be looking at some of the fun things to do in the area.

Route 66 ran from Chicago to Los Angeles and then to Santa Monica. It was created in 1926 and was officially decertified in 1985 when the interstate system took over the pathway, bypassing the cities and towns along the way. Still, there are maps that show how to follow the old path. Part of that goes through Amarillo. Along the 6th Street Historic District there are all sorts of boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants with something for nearly every traveler.

Cadillac Ranch inspired the Cadillac Range mountains in Cars. These 10 Cadillac cars, each buried halfway in the dirt of the field, display their fin art for all to see traveling west of Amarillo. Decorated with multiple layers of paints, this public art is often redecorated by people traveling by.

And then there is the Big Texas Steak Ranch. Have you seen Tex Dinoco in Cars?  He was inspired by the big stretch limousines at this restaurant. Probably most famous for the 72 ounce "eat it all in one hour and it is free" steak, the Big Texan is an over-the-top view of Texas.

There are many more things to see and do, but these are right at Amarillo and on Route 66. Stay tuned for the next post I write!