Was so blessed to see this right at the perfect time. Thank You Jesus…read more It's a big lovely cross that's easy to access from the highway and gives glory to our Lord, and reminds us of what He's done

This was such a humbling experience. And the cross is HUGE. A must see if you are in the area.read more

This historical marker in downtown Pampa recalls some of the youth of Woody Guthrie, folk music…read morelegend. If you're not familiar with the man, may I suggest this live recording of "This Land is My Land" - https://youtu.be/wxiMrvDbq3s The marker reads, "American folk musician Woodrow Wilson "Woody" Guthrie (1912-1967) moved to Pampa from his native Oklahoma at age 17. Here he learned to play the guitar and joined with other musicians to perform for area events. Guthrie briefly attended Pampa High School and, from 1930 until 1935, worked as a soda jerk at this site, home of the former Harris Drug Store. He also spent much time reading books in the Pampa city library, preparing him for his most productive years as a poet-lyricist and folk balladeer during the 1940s and early 1950s. He left Pampa for California in 1937 and in 1940 went to New York City, where he was recognized for his writings and performances. He died there in 1967. (2002)" There is street parking and yes, the Woody Guthrie Folk Music Center is nearby though it was closed for the day when I was here. [Review 16164 overall - 341 in Texas - 1670 of 2021.]

An absolutely beautiful old building!! It was built in the 30's and renovated completely in 2000…read more My niece had her Wedding Reception in the famous Auditorium on the 11th floor and it was wonderful! Many Kudos to Amarillo for preserving a part of their history instead of tearing it down!

The Amarillo Music Society holds concerts in the auditorium. The beautiful building is a wonderful…read morehistorical setting to hear classical music. I definitely think it enhanced the experience of a night out. I also though the acoustics of the room were great. I only wish more events were in the building so everyone could enjoy the preservation of something so lovely.

Stepping up to MadamQueen felt like meeting a queen in exile--towering, dignified, and still proud…read moredespite a few weathered edges. The steel-and-concrete engine looms large, and you can almost feel the echo of its whistle and the clatter of tracks beneath it. Reading the plaque, you learn this wasn't just any locomotive: she pulled essential cargo across the West, leaving an indelible mark on Amarillo's rail legacy. The best part? It's free, open day and night, and easy to reach. We lingered for about 15 minutes--enough time for photos, a glance at the plaque, and a quiet moment to imagine life in the steam age. That said, the chain‑link fence and lack of shelter made things feel a bit distant, physically and emotionally. A protective canopy and more interpretive signs would elevate the experience from a roadside curiosity to an immersive mini‑museum.

The Amarillo Railway Museum is worthy of a stop because of its unique equipment, some that probably…read morecannot be seen anywhere else. The "White Train" is a relic of the Cold War atomic age. It was used to transport nuclear weapons assembled at the nearby Pantex plant. The trains featured armored locomotives, guard cars and weapons cars. There is another piece of equipment unique to Amarillo- a helium transport car. Amarillo has historically been the "Helium Capital of the Nation." I stopped by on a day when the indoor museum was closed, but the outdoor exhibits are accessible to see. Walking ability required.Check out the Museum website for more fascinating details of the "White Train"

This marker stands in downtown Pampa near a small structure that was unfortunately closed a the…read moretime I visited. Still, it's worth checking out to see some of Texas Panhandle history and definitely come back during open hours. The cottage is in excellent condition, especially considering that it is over 100 years old. The marker reads, "Built in 1903, one year after county was organized, by settlers Wiley Vincent and wife Katie. This small early Texas cabin has 2 rooms. In 1907, huge prairie fire missed it by only 600 yards. The cabin was bought in 1920 by E. S. Carr, Pampa mayor, 1917-1918 and 1938-1940. He gave it as a wedding present to daughter Edna and her husband Clifford Vincent, a son of the builders. In 1963, the Cliff Vincents gave the cabin for use as a museum to the Pampa Genealogical and Historical Society. It has been furnished with period pieces and restored to original appearance. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1970." There is street parking. [Review 16165 overall - 342 in Texas - 1671 of 2021.]

Excellent historical museum and exhibit. If you loved the story of Lonesome Dove, you will love…read morelearning more about the life and contributions of the man who was the inspiration for Woodrow F. Call. Also, learn how Molly, his wife, saved the North American Bison from total extinction. Great staff and friendly, informative tour. Don't forget to stop by the cemetery across the highway to pay your respects at the gravesite of Charlie Goodnight. This is a Pure Texas destination!

This historical spot is so amazingly cool! The level of authenticity they have been able to…read moremaintain is nothing short of incredible. The guide is super friendly and just next door the Buffalo "Herd Wear" shop is chock full of one of a kind buffalo derived clothing, knives, moccasins, blankets, coats, vests etc. You name it and they probably have it. Using every bit of the animal, they really have found a way to meet every mountain man and fur lover's needs. Cecil and his wife make every visit a delight with their friendly service. Both of them go above and beyond for their customers and visitors. I was fitted for a buffalo hide coat and this is the result below! More than satisfied.

An alleged fragment of the Blarney castle that was brought to Texas in 1959 stands here in a…read moretheft-proof crash-proof cylinder, painted solid green. True? False? Someone did actually make the trip to Ireland and earn the gift of gab? I have no idea. As for "Kissing the Blarney Stone," I did not make physical contact. I did blow it a kiss because in 2021, we don't do such things. There is an official State Historical Marker here. It reads, "Early area settler George Nickel and his wife, Dora (Haggard), raised their family in a dugout home in Wheeler County. For his Irish Heritage and for its symbolism of luck and courage, George suggested "Shamrock" for a post office approved for their home in 1890. The name was retained when the town of Shamrock was platted along the Rock Island Railroad built through the county in 1902. Shamrock bandmaster Glenn A. Truax envisioned the town capitalizing on its Irish name by producing a one-day celebration to draw thousands of visitors to the "Irish city." With the help of the Shamrock Boosters Club, the first St. Patrick's Day festival was celebrated in 1938, linking the local celebration with the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland. The first observance featured such free attractions as a parade, street dance, matinees at the Liberty and Texas theaters, a massed band concert of five hundred pieces from twelve cities, and historical and dramatic presentations, attracting about 12,000 people to a town of less than 4,000. The following year attendance topped 30,000, with parade spectators positioned along streets and the roofs of downtown buildings. The annual event continued until it was suspended during World War II and again during the Korean War. The Chamber of Commerce took over sponsorship in 1952. Shamrock's St. Patrick's Day celebration has welcomed many state and national figures in politics, sports, music and entertainment. It has evolved to a multiple-day affair, retaining many original activities and adding several others that have become annual tradition and an important part of the economy. In 2013, the Texas Legislature adopted House Concurrent Resolution 83, proclaiming Shamrock's celebration the official St. Patrick's Day celebration for the state of Texas." Blarney Stone Plaza has the stone and some Irish and Saint Patrick themed items. Sláinte! [Review 16206 overall - 380 in Texas - 1712 of 2021.]

You can kiss a Blarney Stone without booking a flight to Ireland! My grandparents live in Shamrock…read moreand my Memaw took us on a little midnight tour of the town and this is one of the tourist "attractions" we stopped at. Fun, quick attraction along Route 66. If you're into unique and interesting stops on your road trip, I would suggest a short stop in Shamrock, TX. Not recommended for the germaphobe.

This is a beautiful old building built in 1910. The railroad went through Amarillo until 1979…read moreaccording to the guy I talk to at the Railroad Museum east of town. Actually the railroad still goes through because there was a train chugging past the train station as I was taking pictures, but the passenger service ended in 1979. Now all that is available are cargo trains going through. I would have loved to be able to get close to the building and see it, better yet to be able to go inside. I hope they turn this into a museum someday. It would be a shame for it to ever be torn down. How can we preserve our history and our heritage if we destroy it? I'm glad I heard that this building was still here so I could at least park in front and take pictures through the fence. If you like old trains there is a locomotive a couple blocks over called the Madame Queen, near the Civic Center. It is fenced-in also but still interesting to look at. And if you really want the scoop, go visit the Railroad Museum east of town, just off of Amarillo Boulevard. Those guys can tell you anything you want to know about the Amarillo railroad history. Be sure to check their hours before you drive out there. It's all volunteer so they are not open everyday.

Friendly welcoming staff. Very cool historic building. Will be stopping again when next on Route 66…read more Delicious coffee too.

I spent an extra day in Shamrock to recharge the batteries during a three week road trip that had…read moretaken me to Big Bend, Abilene, and Caprock Canyon. I'm glad I did because somehow I was unaware of the fact that I landed on Route 66 and at the best cafe anywhere between Amarillo and Tulsa. Riley and Leanne, the owner, spent considerable talking w me about all kinds of things and it was simply wonderful to connect w them on a human level. Which was really what my trip was about. Additionally, the banana bread pudding, which I started with, was just outstanding. Make sure you get the roasted almonds as well. Later I figured I had to try a sandwich so I got the BBQ Brisket sandwich which did not disappoint. And of course the classic landmark and trappings of the place made one feel they were actually plying the old route back in the day. A place not to be missed!