This Tour Along Historic Route 66 Shows You The Best Of The Texas Badlands
By Katie Lawrence|Published July 12, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Nostalgia is one of the world’s greatest feelings, and nothing evokes it quite like taking a drive that reminds you of childhood. For many of us here in Texas, riding down the historic Route 66 lets us reminisce on cherished memories more than any other place. If you aren’t sure where the best stops are or just want to meet awesome people and get the absolute most out of your trip, Cowgirls and Cowboys in the West has a tour all planned out. Here’s the itinerary:
Your day starts off at the most well-known and respected saddle-making shop in Amarillo: Oliver's. Since 1917, the family has been ensuring the most comfortable seat possible for cowboys, showmen, and casual horseback riders.
Learn about how the equipment is made and how they've evolved since Route 66's operative days, browse all the other Western gear, and pretend like you're "back in the saddle again" preparing for a duel at high noon. The little ones will have a blast playing cowboy for a day.
Now it's time for a trolley tour of all the best stops along the Texas portion of the highway - but first, lunch! You'll chow down at Cowboy Gelato, a smokehouse serving up burgers, BBQ, and, of course, delicious gelato to cool you off from the unrelenting heat.
Whether you're in the mood for a juicy burger, a brisket sandwich, or just a huge cup of one of 300+ creamy gelato flavors, whatever you decide on is sure to be the perfect fuel for a big day ahead.
Alley Katz is among the plethora of stores - although it's more like an antique mall. Located in a 12,000+ square-foot historic building with over 65 vendors, you're bound to find a treasure or two to commemorate your time in the badlands.
It's about time for dinner, and you're about to indulge in some of the best food in Amarillo. Big Texan Steak Ranch is so much more than a tourist attraction (although plenty of people come in just to marvel at the 72 oz. steak.)
You may not be able to stomach nearly five pounds of meat, but there are plenty of smaller cuts that you may find a bit more appetizing. The sides are just as scrumptious, and the rustic atmosphere is sure to take you right back to the Old West.
Cowboys and Cowgirls in the West also offers horseback riding tours complete with history, scenery, and plenty of adventure. You'll feel like the star of a Western movie as you gallop through the Texas desert with your cavalry! More information on that here.
