Away to AMARILLO

This north Texan city captures the charm and spirit of the old West

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Immortalised in the song by Tony Christie, Amarillo offers an authentic taste of cowboy culture, surrounded by sprawling working ranches and open plains that glow like a golden patchwork under the Texan sun. Its attractions include nature, music and history, along with the kind of hearty food that sustains a long day in the saddle.

Route 66

A dazzling neon sign heralds Amarillo's Historic Route 66 District, one of the first residential and business districts of the city. It boasts a mile of eclectic establishments and 'Mom & Pop' businesses, like The Handle Bar for bike repairs and Aunt Eek's for books. Then there's The Nat, a former dance palace and music venue where the likes of Duke Ellington, Buddy Holly and Elvis played. Don't miss the city's oldest cafe - the GoldenLight Cantina, established back in 1946, which hosts regular music events. Live music is part of the culture here, whether it's bands strumming on stage or performing in makeshift parking lots to an appreciative audience nodding their Stetsons and jingling their spurs.