General -
Commercial, cultural, and
recreational center for vast plains of Texas Panhandle.
World's leading helium producer; superb climate with air
rated cleanest in the nation for city of its size.
Fifty-six parks cover 2,300 acres including tennis
courts, swimming pools, fishing lakes, playgrounds, and
36-hole municipal golf course.
First settlement in 1887 was
buffalo-hide tent camp of railroad construction workers.
Today, excellent accommodations, spacious
convention/civic center, symphony, ballet, little
theater, dinner theater, and home of Amarillo College.
Amarillo Art Center -
Magnificent complex of three
buildings designed by Edward Stone (Kennedy Center,
Wash., DC.) devoted to the Fe arts, music and drama,
combining both exhibition space and teaching areas.
Excellent permanent collection of painting and sculpture,
plus regular performing arts. 2200 Van Buren St., on the
campus of Amarillo College. Open Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. -5
p.m.; Sat., Sun., 1 -5 p.m., and Wed. 7 - 9 p.m.
American Quarter Horse
Association -
Headquarters for world's largest
equine registry, more than 2.6 million horses registered
in 53 counties. Quarter Horse was the first American
horse breed still is favorite mount of cowboys. I-40 at
Nelson St. exit.
 Cowboy Morning/Dinner -
From Apr. 15 - Oct. 15 join groups
for Old West-style chuckwagon breakfast on the open range
- scrambled eggs, ranch sausage, sourdough biscuits,
brown gravy and campfire coffee. Dinner features steak or
hamburgers with all the trimmings; enjoy a wagon ride;
watch real cowboys roping and branding. Breakfast usually
at 8:30 a.m., dinner, 6:30 p.m. make reservations at the
city visitor center, 1000 Polk St.; (806)374-1497.
Don Harrington Discovery
Center -
In the center of a 51-acre park
with lake and picnic area, this museum offers a variety
of attractions. all exhibits encourage hands-on
activities. "Aquariums of the World" features
fish from exotic waters. There's the Black hole, giant
kaleidoscope, and more. The planetarium has star shows, a
night sky program, and specially produced 360-degree
films with spectacular visual effects. Center open Tues.
- Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Fri. 7 - 9:30 p.m.; Sat., Sun.
noon - 5 p.m. Planetarium shows Fri. evening, Sat., Sun.
1200 Steit Dr. Planetarium fee.
Garden Center -
Lavish floral displays edge
immaculate lawns, walkways and picnic areas in 51-acre
park adjacent to the Amarillo Medical Center on west side
of city. Includes touch and & smell garden for the
blind. 1400 Steit St.
Harrington House -
Decorative arts showcase. Fine
French and English furniture, porcelain, crystal, silver,
carpets and fine paintings. The 1914 Neoclassical house
reflects exquisite materials and workmanship. Free guided
tours on Tues. & Thurs. mornings and Sun. afternoon.
Groups limited to four, minimum age, 14. Advance
arrangements required; 806/374-5490. 1600 S. Polk St.
Helium Monument -
Six-story stainless steel Time
Column erected 1968 commemorates the unusual natural
element found near here in world's greatest quantity.
Adjacent to Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Steit
Dr.
Old San Jacinto Area-
Situated in Amarillo's first
downtown area, along the route of old U.S. 66, area is
now devoted to a variety of shops - antiques, art,
restaurants, crafts, intimate theaters and boutiques.
Sixth St. between Georgia and Mc Masters.
Storyland Zoo -
Playground and zoo with theme from
children's stories. Zoo's animals are those that appeal
to youngsters. Open daily in Thompson Park, NE 24th St.
at U.S. 287
Travel Information Center -
One of 12 centers provided by the
state at key highway entrances to Texas, in the State
Capitol, and at the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in
Langtry. Bureaus are operated daily throughout the year
except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and
New Year's. Staffed by uniformed, professional travel
counselors. Free services to all visitors include
information, maps, literature on every part of the state,
and expert assistance in charting routes. On I-40/U.S.
287 just east of Amarillo; operated by the State
Department of Highways and Public Transportation.
Wonderland Park -
Texas' 4th largest amusement park
with 21 rides, miniature golf, arcades, bumper cars, Big
Splash log flume. Fantastic Journey spook house, Raging
Rapids water slide, Texas Tornado double loop roller
coaster, food concessions, more. Open daily Memorial Day
to Labor Day; weekends Apr. - May. Off U.S. 287 north, on
NE 24th St. Admission.
World's Largest Livestock
Auction -
Amarillo is headquarters for an
immense ranch and cattle feed-lot area. By scientific
feed formulas, livestock are brought to precise weight
and grade requirements of meat packers. More than 600,000
cattle move through the auction ring at Western
Stockyards each year, bringing over $130 million.
auctions held Tues. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. 100 S. Manhattan.
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