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Iconic Amarillo attraction Cadillac Ranch looks even better in the snow.
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Now that Houston’s scorching summer heat has started to feel like just a bad dream, the collective yearning for an escape from the sun has never been stronger. We all need a snowy vacation. Tucked away in the Panhandle and known for receiving the most snowfall in all of Texas, Amarillo is a great place to savor the joys of winter.
Unfortunately for those still traumatized by the recent heat dome, Amarillo suffers from another kind of dome—what some locals refer to as a “poop dome.” This aromatic surprise for travelers is a product of all the livestock yards and manure-fertilized grain fields in the area. But don’t let the unpleasant regional scent distract you from the city’s iconic attractions like Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon, or its snow-covered landscapes, thriving cultural hub, and vibrant food scene.
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Palo Duro Canyon State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas.”
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Admire Snowy Marvels
When it comes to experiencing snow in Amarillo, two destinations stand out: Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Cadillac Ranch is a peculiar yet fascinating roadside attraction that features a row of 10 half-buried Cadillac cars, nose-down in the ground. This quirky art installation is a must-visit during the winter months, when a blanket of snow creates a surreal and even more photogenic scene. Visitors are even encouraged to bring spray paint and leave their mark on the vintage automobiles.
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro is a majestic natural wonder about 30 miles southeast of Amarillo, and the second-largest canyon in the country. During the winter, the park takes on an entirely different character as the rugged red rock formations are adorned with a breathtaking layer of snow, making hiking and exploring the trails even more exhilarating.
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Shop and explore numerous local makers and artists at From 6th Collective.
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Explore Amarillo’s Cultural Scene
Beyond its natural attractions, Amarillo has an abundance of arts and culture. The city’s US Route 66–Sixth Street Historic District is a hub of activity, offering a blend of shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Enjoy world-class performances at the Amarillo Symphony, the Lone Star Ballet, and the Amarillo Opera, or a show at the renowned Amarillo Little Theatre, one of the oldest and most respected community theater organizations in the country.
Explore galleries showcasing local talent, such as From 6th Collective, a 15,000-square-foot retail space that houses an eclectic selection of artworks
from area makers. The Amarillo Museum of Art also curates an impressive collection of modern and contemporary American art and hosts special exhibitions during the winter. Make sure to visit the Amarillo Art Institute’s newly renovated Arts in the Sunset center, a group of more than 50 galleries and studios with art from more than 100 local artists. Don’t forget to check out the outdoor sculpture garden, and if you time your visit right, go to the monthly First Friday Art Walk, a free event of live music, food, and the chance to mingle with the artists themselves.
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Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery, known for its enormous steaks, is a tourist staple in Amarillo.
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Savor Amarillo’s Culinary Offerings
The Metropolitan, a speakeasy-style restaurant that originally opened in 2016, has been under new ownership since June and now has Nori Karimi, a classically trained chef with Michelin-starred restaurant experience, at the helm. Expect entrees like an Akashi New York strip and salmon with white truffle risotto. GoldenLight Café & Cantina is the oldest restaurant in Amarillo and one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants on Route 66. This iconic eatery offers a taste of history along with hearty American fare like burgers and sandwiches. Oishii Japanese Sushi and Sake is a new restaurant quickly becoming a local favorite, and for barbecue enthusiasts Tyler’s Barbeque is the place to be.
No winter getaway is complete without a stop at some of the Amarillo area’s finest watering holes. Hidden on the outskirts of the town of Canyon right by Palo Duro, Bar Z Winery is a gem that serves wines made on-site from 100 percent Texas-grown grapes. Back in Amarillo, the newest upscale bar on the block, Mesa Underground, is an ideal spot to unwind with craft cocktails in a vibey atmosphere. The adjoining Park at Mesa offers games like mini golf and go-karts, and a Mesa Bar & Grill is opening soon. Paramount Recreation Club is a recently revived speakeasy in the basement of the Barfield Autograph Hotel, perfect for those seeking a classic and intimate bar experience. Pondaseta Brewing offers a wide range of local beers to warm you up on a chilly winter evening. And you can’t visit Amarillo without going to Big Texan Steak Ranch and Brewery, known for its enormous steaks and the famous “Big Texan Challenge,” where you can attempt to eat a 72-ounce steak in one hour for free (or pay $72 if you fail).
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Courtyard by Marriott Downtown is in the historic 1920s Fisk Building.
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Stay at the Perfect Winter Retreat
To complete your winter adventure in Amarillo, you’ll need a cozy place to stay. The city offers a range of accommodations to suit all preferences, from charming bed-and-breakfasts to modern hotels. Some options to consider include Courtyard by Marriott Amarillo Downtown and the Barfield, an Autograph Collection Hotel.
How to Get There
United Airlines has nonstop flights from Houston (IAH) to Amarillo, and American and Southwest offer connecting flights through Dallas from IAH and Hobby, respectively. Or you can make it a road trip and brave the nine-hour drive.