The Curious Loft

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.

The Don Harrington Discovery Center is more than just a museum. It's an interactive playground where kids (and adults) can engage in various exhibits. Watch as dinosaurs watch you, or maybe check out an awesome movie about sea monsters in the Space Theater. This attraction features several specialized areas for the younger visitors, including a new preschoolers gallery that is designed exclusively for children 6 years old and younger. Summer camps, specialized classes and other special events make the Don Harrington Discover Center a must-see when you're in Amarillo.

Amarillo's natural beauty is all around you when you're in this part of the world, but in order to get the big picture of this area's rustic beauty, make plans to visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This majestic haven occupies more than 20,000 acres in Armstrong and Randall Counties just south of Amarillo. While you're here enjoying the numerous scenic lookout points, you can take advantage of the various activities that are available that include camping, horseback riding, hiking, nature study, bird watching and mountain biking. And whether you're on your way in or out, the scenic drive to the area is nothing short of breathtaking.