cities

Amarillo

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WBP almanac

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From Wikipedia133 words

WBP editorial3

Why Amarillo feels like the crossroads of the Great Plains

Amarillo sits at the junction of two historic routes – the iconic Route 66 and the lesser‑known Texas Trail. The city’s layout mirrors that convergence, with wide boulevards that bleed into the surrounding prairie. This positioning gives travellers a sense of stepping into a living map: the open sky is punctuated by wheat fields to the east and the rugged Badlands to the west. Because of its flat terrain, sunrise and sunset drape the landscape in dramatic light, a subtle reminder of the region’s agricultural roots. The city’s rhythm is slower than a coastal hub but steadier than a frontier town, offering a unique blend of Mid‑western hospitality and the quiet confidence of a place built on the land.

Practical tips for a weekend in Amarillo

Book accommodation in the downtown district to stay within walking distance of the art museum and the historic district; parking is generally free after 6 pm, a rarity in comparable mid‑size US cities. The best way to explore the surrounding high plains is by renting a compact SUV – the roads can be gravelly and wind‑blasted, and a higher clearance spares you from occasional potholes. If you plan to taste the local barbecue, aim for the early evening; many popular pits close their doors by 9 pm. Finally, keep a reusable water bottle handy: the arid climate means the air is dry, and staying hydrated makes the long drives to nearby attractions, like the Palo Duro Canyon, far more comfortable.

Beyond the surface: Amarillo’s cultural undercurrents

While the city’s name evokes a bright hue, its cultural palette is surprisingly varied. Small galleries tucked into refurbished warehouses showcase work from regional Native American artists, often reflecting the symbolism of the endless sky and the mayan‑inspired patterns of local textile traditions. Monthly farmer’s markets double as informal music stages, where you’ll hear everything from Texas country duos to Latin‑influenced folk ensembles – a nod to the city’s historical ties to both the American Southwest and Spanish‑speaking settlers. Pay a visit to the community library’s oral‑history archive; the recordings reveal personal narratives of Dust Bowl migrants, oil‑field families, and recent immigrants, weaving a nuanced portrait of a city that continually rewrites its own story.

Music

[edit] Record labels[edit] Amarillo Records, a record label Songs[edit] "Amarillo" (Gorillaz song), 2011 "Amarillo" (J Balvin song), 2020 "Amarillo" (Shakira song), 2017 "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo", a 1971 song written and released by Neil Sedaka as "Amarillo" "Amarillo", a 1976 song co-written and performed by Emmylou Harris "Amarillo", a 1999 song from the album Escorpión de Primavera by Anasol