Amarillo, TX awaits you with Spray Paint at Cadillac Ranch and Sizzling Steaks at The Big Texan.
On our first leg of our summer road trip, we arrived in Amarillo. After 5 hours on the road, we were both tired and VERY hungry. We knew we only had a few hours before we called it a night, so we decided to make the most of it. (click here to view other items on our summer bucket list)
First stop: Big Texan Steak House
The Big Texan is located right off of I-40 right as you make your way into Amarillo. (Route 66). You honestly can’t miss it. It’s a big yellow building with a lot of cool things to see and do. Once we parked, we noticed a line. But we already knew this would be the case, since they don’t take reservations, and people really love this place as an attraction itself.
Before you go:
We had a 45 minute wait ahead of us, but we indulged in the gift shop, the arcade shooting game, and the live music in the back pavilion area. Oh and did I mention they have a rattle snake as a pet? (located in the gift shop)
My uncle was so excited to try the 72 oz steak dinner they’re famous for. It’s a competition type style of meal, where the eater has 60 minutes to eat the entire steak, shrimp, sides, etc and if they complete the challenge their meal is free. However, my uncle didn’t really want to do the challenge itself, he just ordered the meal, took photos of it’s humongous size, and shared it with my parents. My cousin made a super cute TIKTOK where my uncle pretends to be taken down by the steak. You should definitely watch it.
I opted out of steak and went for the Chicken Fried Chicken and it was good. But,f not as good as my husbands Ribeye. If you are going for a good steak dinner, choose the ribeye and save the 72 oz steak for the actual competitors. I think the idea of sharing it is great, but not at the cost of the taste, my parents and uncle both said it was definitely a little chewier than they had hoped. So, it really depends on how you take your steak. As for my picky daughter, she went for the mozzarella sticks, and chicken tender basket. It was served in a cowboy hat, and came with an adorable cowboy boot cup. (She’s 11 but she thought was fun, my dad was particularly fond of it, lol.)
Last stop: Cadillac Ranch
After dinner, we immersed ourselves in the artistic allure of Cadillac Ranch, an eccentric roadside attraction. There are ten vintage Cadillacs that are buried nose-first in the ground. Inviting visitors to spray paint and leave their creative mark on the cars.
A couple of things to note, wear a mask. There is a cow farm not to far up the road and the smell travels through when the wind picks up. It can be pretty stinky. Also, I would highly suggest wearing some sort of eye protection. Like sunglasses because when the wind picks up, the dust goes EVERYWHERE. Also, don’t forget your spray paint cans! And please, throw your spray paint cans in the trashcan once you’re done. I was so heartbroken to see so many thrown all over the ground.
So grab a can of spray paint, embrace your inner artist, and contribute to this ever-evolving masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
Next time you drive through Amarillo, make sure to capture colorful photos at Cadillac Ranch and indulge at Big Texan. These unique attractions will surely leave a lasting impression on you. Or at least be a highlight of your summer road trip. It’s definitely been one of mine! Stay tuned as I share with you, more of our summer road trip adventures. Until next time…
