Toot'n Totum

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.

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.

In Texas everything is bigger, right? That holds true for museums, too, as the Amarillo Museum of Art stands as one of the largest facilities in the United States. With various collections both permanent and traveling, the museum celebrates the creation of art as well as invites it, as it offers classes in various mediums for both children and adults. The staff and supporters work hard to ensure that the venue's mission of providing quality visual arts programming to the residents of the Texas Panhandle is a continuous and successful one. If you appreciate art, this is an attraction you can't miss.