Immortalized in Bruce Springsteen's song of the same name, Amarillo Cadillac Ranch is a visually arresting attraction that has real Cadillacs seemingly growing out of the Texas soil.
Located just outside of town, 12 miles to the west on I-40, the site is the creation of Stanley Marsh 3, a land and broadcasting mogul and easily one of Amarillo's more powerful figures. Marsh's eccentricity and taste of the unusual, as well as his love for Cadillacs, fueled his ambition to create this memorable attraction and photo opportunity on the North Texas skyline.
Traveling back in time is easy when you're in Amarillo if you visit the majestic Harrington House. The home was the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Don D. Harrington who were philanthropists of the highest order, as they contributed to the arts and various other causes and projects in the area dating back to 1945.
Mr. Harrington rose to prominence in the oil business, and his philosophy of always giving back is what makes viewing this meticulously restored home all the more dramatic. This Neoclassical mansion has over 15,000 feet of floor space, 20 rooms, 8 bathrooms and 7 fireplaces spread out over 4 levels. The materials and workmanship of the structure echo a bygone era, and the crystal, art, furniture and paintings only underscore the fine taste and class of the original owners.
Visiting Kwahadi is much more than just a history lesson. The whole family will be drawn into the story of how these first inhabitants of our country were resourceful and creative.
See how they survived the North Texas elements to create beautiful art. An extension of that creativity is their custom of dancing as celebration and spiritual homage. Take in the bronze artwork on display by such renowned artists as Thomas E. Mails and Tom Knapp. The Kwahadi Dancers are officially Venture Crew 9 and perform most Friday and Saturday nights. Remember to stop at the gift store to purchase unique art pieces, statues, and other keepsakes.
Want to find a unique place to shop that offers some equally unique items? Then Lizzie Mae's Mercantile is where you need to be.
With an expansive 3,000 square feet of space, your special purchase awaits among the awe-inspiring selection of gifts and home décor. Choose from Western and cabin décor, wreaths, figurines, candles, Texas items, pillows, purses and so much more. There's so much to see, so plan on staying awhile to take it all in and take your time selecting your many purchases.
You can't visit Amarillo and not feel like a cowboy or cowgirl before too long. To help make that feeling all the more authentic, stop in to Oliver Saddle Shop for a truly rustic peek at something that every true cowboy needs-a saddle.
Even though the store is filled with custom made saddles, there's also an impressive selection of other fine leather items like saddle bags, headstalls and reins and lots more. Plus, check out their extensive selection of leather gift ideas like cell phone cases, photo albums, date minders, Kleenex boxes, trash cans and other personalized items. Plus, they also have jackets, vests and skirts, so you won't leave empty handed, even if you don't have a horse in need of a saddle!
If you want to find a variety of specialty shops while getting a taste of Amarillo's past, check out the Historic Route 66 downtown. The shops usually don't stay open late, so starting your shopping excursion either just after 10 am or before 5 pm is a good idea.
Aside from these great little stores, you'll enjoy the rustic architecture that harkens back to a time when there were horses in the streets instead of cars. Even with it's modern update this area has retained that dusty, old-time feeling and a lot of character that you'll enjoy while shopping the streets of this district.