Region: Panhandle Plains
Amarillo, which means "yellow" in Spanish, is the center of the Texas
Panhandle, at the edge of the Great Plains. It offers a true Western heritage
and a unique geographical area with wide, open spaces and breathtaking sunrises
and sunsets. Amarillo also is the gateway to Palo Duro Canyon, America's second
largest canyon. With its relatively mild climate, the city is rated as having
some of the cleanest air in the country.
Native Americans, conquistadors, buffalo hunters, settlers, cowboys,
adventurers, lawmen, gunfighters and the railroad all contributed in many ways
to the development and growth of the area. That heritage is still felt here,
where "cowboy" is still an honorable profession. Here you can enjoy the best of
the Old and New West.
Founded in 1887, the city charter was adopted in 1913. Amarillo is one of the
first cities in the nation to use the city commissioner-city manager form of
government.
Today, the city features excellent accommodations, a spacious
convention/civic center, symphony, ballet, theater, opera and Amarillo
College.
Inquire locally about Big Texan Steak Ranch. Known nationwide for a 72-ounce
steak dinner offered free to anyone who can eat the entire meal in one hour.
More than 50,000 people have taken the challenge and 8,700 have succeeded. Open
7:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. daily. 7700 I-40 at Lakeside.
806/372-6000.