Illustrations by Kayla Morris
Photos by Gunnar McConlogue
In conversations with local people, I am always surprised when someone speaks aloud a sentence I personally wouldn’t care to broadcast. There are several of these, like: “Oh, I haven’t gone downtown in years.”
Also this: “What’s the Golden Light?”
There’s a certain kind of Amarillo resident who has lived here for decades and never once hiked the Lighthouse Trail. Never caught a show at the Tascosa Drive-In. Never dined on a Polk Street patio. Life gets busy, and somehow the city you call home becomes the place you keep meaning to explore—but you never get around to it.
Consider this your permission slip.
Compiled by the Brick & Elm team, the Amarillo Bucket List isn’t about checking off the major tourist attractions. What it is about are the experiences that make Amarillo and Canyon places worth living. Once you’ve done these things, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Some take an afternoon. Some take five minutes. All are worth experiencing at least once. Most are worth doing again and again.
These aren’t in any particular order, so there’s not a right place to start. All we ask is that you actually do start.
Hike the Lighthouse Trail at Palo Duro Canyon
I was a PDC regular as a kid but somehow didn’t hike to the Lighthouse until adulthood. And once I got there, craning my neck after having climbed to the platform base of the 310-foot hoodoo, I felt like I had only then truly met Palo Duro.
The trail is about six miles round trip and, until the climb, is manageable for most fitness levels. But please plan accordingly. Apply sunscreen. Don’t try it on a day over 85 degrees, or any summer day after 10 a.m. Bring water—
a lot more water than you think you need. (Experts recommend at least a gallon per person.)
“It’s the most dangerous of the PDC trails because it’s so hot and so popular,” says Darla Blackburn Wright, a frequent hiker. “I’ve never hiked Lighthouse and not seen someone hiking with too little water, at best. At worst, I’ve given away water to people who were so dehydrated they were disoriented and stumbling.”
But the payoff is definitely worth it, supplying one of the most dramatic and iconic views in the Panhandle. “The vast majority of the hike is flat and easy, but the last quarter mile up to the Lighthouse formation will get your heart pumping,” she says. “You’ll need your hands—and arms, knees and possibly rear end—to help push yourself up to and onto the Lighthouse saddle. But it’s just the right amount of challenge for folks who enjoy a playful scramble before they take their iconic hoodoo pic.”
Once you’ve hiked the Lighthouse trail, explore the rest of the park. The Rock Garden trail is epic, as is the CCC trail from the rim to the canyon floor.
Ride Horseback at Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West
People from all over the world travel through the Texas Panhandle for an authentic Western experience, and there simply aren’t that many places left where you can saddle up and ride through a genuine West Texas landscape. But that’s exactly what you do at Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West. Owner Phyllis Nickum Golden has a background in hospitality and that’s one reason this adventure tour is regularly the region’s top attraction on TripAdvisor.
In explaining that appeal, Phyllis asks, “What could be more enjoyable, or authentically Texan, than riding a beautiful American Quarter Horse on an amazing Texas ranch?” That ranch, Los Cedros, is located on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. The horses are well-trained, and her tour guides always impress with their knowledge of the region’s Western history.
“Guests come from all over the world to enjoy our horses, our history, our hospitality and our beautiful views,” Phyllis adds. “We are truly grateful to share our Western way of life with them.”
If you live in Amarillo and you’ve never ridden a horse, you’re already breaking a well-established stereotype. Get out there and rectify that, partner.
Explore Historic Route 66
This year is the centennial anniversary of America’s Mother Road, and that history runs right through Amarillo—the largest city on the Texas portion of one of the world’s most mythologized highways. Route 66 through the Panhandle is lined with neon signs, vintage motels, classic diners and the particular kind of nostalgia that only exists on roads that have been traveled by millions of people.
And right in the center of town, the Route 66–Sixth Street Historic District represents the best of that nostalgia.
“I love being a business owner on Historic Route 66,” says Amy Von Lintel, West Texas A&M University professor of art history and co-owner of Old Tascosa Brewery. Old Tascosa has plenty of local fans, but you’re likely to hear more than a West Texas drawl while inside. “It’s amazing to be in Amarillo, Texas, and hear someone order a beer or a sandwich with an Australian, English, French, German or Portuguese accent—which actually happens all the time,” she says. “I think it is such a privilege that Amarillo welcomes so many tourists because of Route 66.”
There’s a reason those tourists love this district, so if it’s not on your radar, drive on over this summer. If you haven’t been to Sixth Street lately, spend a weekend afternoon there. Walk it slowly. Stop at places that look like they haven’t changed since 1962. It’s entirely possible they haven’t, and that’s kind of the point.
Take a Downtown Mural Crawl
Amarillo’s art history is deep and vibrant, but one of its biggest stories is a relatively recent one: The arrival of public art, thanks to the City of Amarillo’s Mural Art Grant and the Hoodoo Mural Festival. Our downtown has turned into a gallery without a roof, as local and visiting artists—some with international reputations—have transformed brick facades into full-scale works of art.
Keep an eye out for photographers while you’re exploring. “People are always documenting their day or experience somewhere,” says Shanda Fletcher, cofounder and project director of Blank Spaces Murals. This public arts internship program is responsible for more than 120 local murals, including several downtown. “I learned early in my career that people are drawn to color, pattern and a perfect Instagram-able photo. Murals not only bring vibrancy and commerce, but a positive energy that ignites creativity and joy in people,” she adds.
Fletcher refuses to pick a favorite, but admits that Hiero Veiga’s mural on the north wall of the ACTS Community building is in her top three. “His techniques and color palettes are incredible,” she says. Fletcher and the Blank Spaces crew met the Florida-based artist when he participated in Hoodoo in 2024.
If it’s been too long since you’ve explored downtown on foot, that’s the perfect way to see these murals. Park the car, take a walk, and don’t be surprised when you turn a corner and catch your breath.
Drink a Cocktail in the Barfield Speakeasy
As Amarillo’s first true skyscraper, The Barfield Hotel holds secrets. The best one is behind a basement door you have to find first. It leads to a speakeasy tucked inside this historic downtown landmark, and it’s exactly the kind of place that makes Amarillo feel more interesting than you may have expected.
It might be the dim lighting. Or the upscale Western decor. Or the fact that you might walk in and see Beth and Rip from Yellowstone sipping a whiskey. (Yes, the Taylor Sheridan series filmed here, and the team at The Barfield has definitely taken advantage of that international spotlight.)
Even so, the original 1927 building was built by Amarillo legend Melissa Dora “The Duchess” Oliver-Eakle, and that building hosted a true, hidden speakeasy: The Paramount Recreation Club. It stayed quiet because The Duchess was associated with Amarillo’s temperance culture. Sipping a drink here is a way to connect with Amarillo from a century ago.
That makes it worth the find. Head inside, go downstairs, look for the double revolvers, and follow the path marked by bullets in the floor. We recommend the Julius. And cheers to The Duchess.
Enjoy a Meal on a Polk Street Patio
On the right evening—meaning, “when it’s not windy”—few places in Amarillo can compete with a Polk Street patio. This includes Crush Wine Bar & Grill, Six Car Pub & Brewery, Nomad Napoletana and The Barfield. And, sure, we’ll go ahead and include the small covered patio of O.H.M.S., even though it’s not technically on Polk. Call it literary license.
“My favorites are Six Car for a burger and dog-watching, or a fancy cocktail upstairs at Crush,” says Laci Scott, a program manager for community health for the City of Amarillo. “The patios downtown often feature music, a family- and pet-friendly atmosphere, and a fun place to hang out before other events downtown. Amarillo is a big small town, so it’s almost guaranteed you’ll see someone you know while you’re there!”
Each of these restaurants brings their own personality to one of the best stretches of downtown, but what they share is the simple pleasure of being outside in a city that’s beginning to do outdoor dining really, really well. (At least, when the weather cooperates.)
Visit the AQHA Hall of Fame & Museum
Amarillo is home to the American Quarter Horse Association, which means it’s home to the definitive museum dedicated to the most popular horse breed in the world—and the horse that settled the West. This brings the national and international equine community to our doorstep, but even non-equestrians tend to walk out impressed.
“I think everyone, regardless of whether you own a horse, is curious and often hungry to learn about horses because they are such magnificent and intuitive creatures,” explains Chris Sitz, chief foundation officer for the American Quarter Horse Foundation. “We want to share this story with the Panhandle community
and inspire Amarillo-area residents to feel the connection with the American Quarter Horse.”
She also points out that AQHA represents the largest breed registry in the world, with more than 7 million horses worldwide and more than 200,000 members.
The Museum is in the middle of a multi-stage renovation, but its exhibits are beautifully done and there’s something genuinely moving about understanding how central the Quarter Horse has been to life in this region. This is a legitimately world-class institution. If your city has one, then it’s definitely worth a visit.
Eat a Meal on Amarillo Boulevard
Amarillo Boulevard doesn’t ask for your approval. It just exists. There are wild stories here, and occasionally odd people afoot, and buildings that have most certainly seen better days. But this multi-mile stretch in north Amarillo also features the most authentic and interesting food in the city.
This is where you find the real Amarillo, the one that’s been here longer than the new construction and the downtown revitalization. Want Somali food? A dozen different Thai options? Exotic ethnic markets? Around 30 different taco trucks? Welcome to the Boulevard.
“I love visiting the Boulevard for its authentic Mexican food that hasn’t been diluted into Tex-Mex,” says Jessica Higgins, owner of Girasol Cafe & Bakery. “One of my favorite places is Tacos Garcia—Betty and her team know me well.” She also cites El Manantial and Flamingos Latin Bar & Grill as dependable destinations.
Those are excellent recommendations, and here’s another one: Drive down the Boulevard around dusk on a summer night, or after a shift lets out at the packing plants. Look for a line of people at a food truck. Find a place to park, get in line and order something you’ve never tried.
See a Concert at the Golden Light Cantina
Joe Ely. Cross Canadian Ragweed. Cooder Graw. Band of Heathens. Uncle Lucius. Ben Kweller. They’ve all performed at the Golden Light. Located on historic Sixth, the original GL is one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on Route 66, and the Golden Light Cantina next door has been pouring drinks and hosting live music for decades. It is, very simply, one of Amarillo’s most essential institutions.
Wes Reeves says the Route 66 vibe is a big part of the appeal, but so is the intimacy of the space. “I can sit on a bench for a while, then go stand right by the stage just feet away from the performers, and nobody cares,” he says. “Then there’s the option of stepping out the back door to chat up whoever is playing next. There just aren’t many rules there. No space is off limits.”
Reeves recalls a particularly memorable Hayden Pedigo show right before the local guitarist’s career took off. “Most of the performances at GLC are loud with a lot of people talking over the music. Some in the audience are focused on who’s playing, but a lot of people are just catching up. But at one point during Hayden’s performance, I realized everyone had stopped talking and moving around. It was dark with a single spotlight on him as I remember it, and everyone there was sitting or standing with their ears open and their eyes on stage, intensely focused on his captivating music. It was just one of those beautiful moments in time.”
That’s why live music exists, and those moments are common at the Golden Light.
Watch a Movie at the Tascosa Drive-In
These are tough days for Big Cinema. But Small Cinema experiences like Tascosa Drive-In are having somewhat of a renaissance. There’s a charm to watching a movie from your car—windows down, speakers crackling, the big Panhandle sky visible over the screen—that no multiplex can replicate.
“You’re under the Texas sky with family or friends, and it feels more like an event than just going to the movies,” says Candy Dewitz, who owns and operates Tascosa with her husband, Jim. “There’s something special that you just can’t get in a regular theater.”
The Dewitz family have lovingly repaired and restored Tascosa Drive-In, and seem to be continuously looking for ways to elevate the experience. Still, it is a genuine relic in the best sense of the word. Catching a double feature there on a warm Panhandle night, perhaps with lightning dancing on the horizon, is the kind of experience that younger generations didn’t know they were missing until they tried it.
Also, Big Jim and Candy are restaurant people, so the snacks are always good.
Slow Down at the Jack Sisemore RV Museum
This one surprises locals. Older generations definitely know the Sisemore name, but still may not have any idea this museum exists. That’s what makes it great. The Jack Sisemore RV Museum is open limited hours—definitely check rvmuseum.net before you go—but it is home to a remarkable collection of vintage recreational vehicles. It’s a pure blast of road-trip nostalgia.
“The RV Museum is a hidden gem that even many locals don’t know about,” says Jackie Phommahaxay Murguia, marketing manager for Visit Amarillo. Astonishingly, the RV Museum actually lets visitors climb inside most of the attractions. “It’s a glimpse into a slower era of road-tripping, when everything nowadays feels so rushed. You can tell travelers really took their time exploring, and that care shows in the thoughtful details, the belongings they packed, and the craftsmanship of the RVs themselves.”
Also, and this is important: IT’S FREE, courtesy of the Sisemore family’s passion for preserving the history that gave them career success. “It’s not just a fun thing to do in town, it’s also a chance to step into a different era of travel before smartphones and the constant rush of modern life,” Jackie says.
This is the kind of place local residents drive past for years until someone finally drags them inside. You can be that someone this summer. Tell your friends Brick & Elm sent you.
Take a Ride at Wonderland
For multiple generations of locals, there is no more nostalgic Amarillo aesthetic than the sounds and smells and sensory stimulations of dusk turning to night at Wonderland Amusement Park. If you grew up here, this local institution is embedded into your childhood memories in a specific and vivid way.
“I remember Wonderland feeling very dreamlike when I was a child. I have definitely had dreams about it as an adult for reasons unknown to me,” says musician Hayden Pedigo, who grew up in Amarillo. (In fact, we photographed him at Wonderland for a Brick & Elm feature in 2023. Those visions, at least, were not a dream.)
“There is something about it being this long alley of an amusement park, tucked on the side of the most forested, woodsy city park in Amarillo,” he continues. “I think Wonderland always had a strange feeling floating around it.” Pedigo identifies the Rainbow as his favorite childhood ride. “During the summers at night when it was dark, you could get to the top [of the Rainbow] and see the movie playing at the drive-in. I don’t need to explain why that is magical.”
Sadly, the Rainbow left the park a couple of seasons ago, and after decades in business, so did the Borchardt family. This year, Wonderland has new owners. So if you haven’t returned as an adult, it’s time. Bring the kids. Some things about Amarillo don’t need to change, and this is one of them.
Visit Bill’s Backyard Classics
The Route 66 centennial will bring multitudes of motorists through Amarillo this year, and if it lands on their radar, Bill’s Backyard Classics will be one of their favorite Amarillo destinations. It should be on your radar as well.
This classic car museum was founded by Bill and Linda Pratt after Bill sold his business more than a decade ago. The Pratts have since passed, but their legacy lives on in this showroom built around Bill’s passion for vintage vehicles. It’s now managed by the next generation.
“We’re surrounded by my late father’s passion for the classics and for living,” says Glen Pratt, who counts a 1957 Cadillac Coupe DeVille as one of his favorites among the more than 100 classic vehicles on display. That Caddy, known as “The Yellow Rose,” will serve as the official car of the Texas Route 66 Festival. It boasts those legendary tail fins along with Route 66 logos and the signatures of Bill and Linda Pratt.
The museum calls attention to the vehicles as well as to Bill Pratt’s impact on the local agriculture community, including the beef business. “It’s not just for tourists,” Glen says. “Locals can get a hometown dose of the heyday of Route 66 right here in Amarillo at Bill’s.”
Other vehicles on display include Bob Seger’s 1961 Pontiac Catalina convertible and World War II-era military Jeeps. Given the number of Cadillacs on display, he suggests Bill’s is the “real Cadillac Ranch.” Whether you agree with that or not, it’s definitely the perfect amount of chrome and tailfins in one place.
Explore the Amarillo Botanical Gardens
Tucked into Medi-Park, the Amarillo Botanical Gardens is a very literal oasis: four-plus acres of cultivated beauty in a landscape that’s, well, not always associated with greenery. The seasonal displays shift throughout the year, making it worth multiple visits. Even during the winter, the conservatory offers a humid, tropical contrast to the dry Panhandle air outside.
“The Gardens are the premier garden center in the Texas Panhandle, as well as extending into our neighboring states,” says Elaine Hazlewood of the North Plains Iris Society. That group has had a close relationship with the Gardens for decades and supports it financially. “It is an invaluable asset to the community,” she adds.
The Dusty McGuire Japanese Garden stands out as something truly surprising on the High Plains, but the entire grounds are worth a quiet walk on a calm summer morning when blooms are at the seasonal peak. Watch the birds and butterflies. Breathe deep. Despite its position near the bustling hospital district, the Gardens are quieter than you expect, and worth slowing down for.
Go to an Outdoor Concert
Whether it’s a tight jazz ensemble or a tribute act for an ’80s-era hair band, Amarillo has no shortage of outdoor music options during the warmer months. Here’s a short and not-at-all-comprehensive list: June Jazz, High Noon on the Square, Music at Wellington Square, Starlight Theater, and June Jams in Canyon. The Amarillo Botanical Gardens hosts an outdoor concert series. Also venues like the Lumberyard and Shark Beach. And, of course, the outdoor musical TEXAS at the Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
“The best part of seeing live music in Amarillo under an open sky is when the sun dips down just enough to look like a church postcard and the cicadas start pulsing that hypnotic drone, sometimes in time with the band,” says Jenny Inzerillo, music director of High Plains Public Radio. She points to summer series like indie folk-rock shows on the back gravel lot at Caliche Co. or the concerts at Starlight Canyon Bed & Breakfast in the Palisades. “It’s so peaceful and relaxed, but intimate, and there are always two or three kids shooting through the space like feral rabbits, to and from the cookie table.”
So pick a venue. Apply mosquito spray and grab a blanket. There is something particular about live music under an open sky in this part of the world, with the horizon stretching out behind the music, that earns its place on any honest bucket list.
Whether you’ve lived here for five months or 50 years, we imagine you’ll find something among these 15 experiences that you haven’t yet tried. For us, they remind us why we choose to live on the High Plains in the first place. So take the hike. Hit the Boulevard. Catch the sunset from a downtown patio, in view of a handful of murals. Your city is waiting for you to show up, and we promise the view is better in person than it is on a screen.
