Amarillo   Pop. 173,627    Alt. 3,676

General -

Commercial, cultural, and recreational center for vast plains of Texas Panhandle. World's leading helium producer; superb climate with air rated cleanest in the nation for city of its size. Fifty-six parks cover 2,300 acres including tennis courts, swimming pools, fishing lakes, playgrounds, and 36-hole municipal golf course.

First settlement in 1887 was buffalo-hide tent camp of railroad construction workers. Today, excellent accommodations, spacious convention/civic center, symphony, ballet, little theater, dinner theater, and home of Amarillo College.

Amarillo Art Center -

Magnificent complex of three buildings designed by Edward Stone (Kennedy Center, Wash., DC.) devoted to the Fe arts, music and drama, combining both exhibition space and teaching areas. Excellent permanent collection of painting and sculpture, plus regular performing arts. 2200 Van Buren St., on the campus of Amarillo College. Open Tues. - Fri. 10 a.m. -5 p.m.; Sat., Sun., 1 -5 p.m., and Wed. 7 - 9 p.m.

American Quarter Horse Association -

Headquarters for world's largest equine registry, more than 2.6 million horses registered in 53 counties. Quarter Horse was the first American horse breed still is favorite mount of cowboys. I-40 at Nelson St. exit.

Old west style chuck wagon breakfastCowboy Morning/Dinner -

From Apr. 15 - Oct. 15 join groups for Old West-style chuckwagon breakfast on the open range - scrambled eggs, ranch sausage, sourdough biscuits, brown gravy and campfire coffee. Dinner features steak or hamburgers with all the trimmings; enjoy a wagon ride; watch real cowboys roping and branding. Breakfast usually at 8:30 a.m., dinner, 6:30 p.m. make reservations at the city visitor center, 1000 Polk St.; (806)374-1497.

 

Don Harrington Discovery Center -

In the center of a 51-acre park with lake and picnic area, this museum offers a variety of attractions. all exhibits encourage hands-on activities. "Aquariums of the World" features fish from exotic waters. There's the Black hole, giant kaleidoscope, and more. The planetarium has star shows, a night sky program, and specially produced 360-degree films with spectacular visual effects. Center open Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Fri. 7 - 9:30 p.m.; Sat., Sun. noon - 5 p.m. Planetarium shows Fri. evening, Sat., Sun. 1200 Steit Dr. Planetarium fee.

Garden Center -

Lavish floral displays edge immaculate lawns, walkways and picnic areas in 51-acre park adjacent to the Amarillo Medical Center on west side of city. Includes touch and & smell garden for the blind. 1400 Steit St.

Harrington House -

Decorative arts showcase. Fine French and English furniture, porcelain, crystal, silver, carpets and fine paintings. The 1914 Neoclassical house reflects exquisite materials and workmanship. Free guided tours on Tues. & Thurs. mornings and Sun. afternoon. Groups limited to four, minimum age, 14. Advance arrangements required; 806/374-5490. 1600 S. Polk St.

Helium Monument -

Six-story stainless steel Time Column erected 1968 commemorates the unusual natural element found near here in world's greatest quantity. Adjacent to Don Harrington Discovery Center, 1200 Steit Dr.

Old San Jacinto Area-

Situated in Amarillo's first downtown area, along the route of old U.S. 66, area is now devoted to a variety of shops - antiques, art, restaurants, crafts, intimate theaters and boutiques. Sixth St. between Georgia and Mc Masters.

Storyland Zoo -

Playground and zoo with theme from children's stories. Zoo's animals are those that appeal to youngsters. Open daily in Thompson Park, NE 24th St. at U.S. 287

Travel Information Center -

One of 12 centers provided by the state at key highway entrances to Texas, in the State Capitol, and at the Judge Roy Bean Visitor Center in Langtry. Bureaus are operated daily throughout the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's. Staffed by uniformed, professional travel counselors. Free services to all visitors include information, maps, literature on every part of the state, and expert assistance in charting routes. On I-40/U.S. 287 just east of Amarillo; operated by the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation.

Wonderland Park -

Texas' 4th largest amusement park with 21 rides, miniature golf, arcades, bumper cars, Big Splash log flume. Fantastic Journey spook house, Raging Rapids water slide, Texas Tornado double loop roller coaster, food concessions, more. Open daily Memorial Day to Labor Day; weekends Apr. - May. Off U.S. 287 north, on NE 24th St. Admission.

World's Largest Livestock Auction -

Amarillo is headquarters for an immense ranch and cattle feed-lot area. By scientific feed formulas, livestock are brought to precise weight and grade requirements of meat packers. More than 600,000 cattle move through the auction ring at Western Stockyards each year, bringing over $130 million. auctions held Tues. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. 100 S. Manhattan.

 

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