Well I have been to the Cadillac ranch! It's interesting. Must go to the local artist in town that makes beautiful jewelry from the chunks of multiple color paint that he picked off the Cadillacs! I have considered ordering from him. He's an interesting character. There's a show called the Texas bucket list that features cool places all around Texas and they did a great feature on him. Plus they tell you all the best food places. You might want to look at the bucket list show for Amarillo. Most of the times I have been there I was driving through. Not much time for fun.

https://thetexasbucketlist.com/2018/11/the-texas-bucket-list-yellow-city-street-food-in-amarillo/

https://thetexasbucketlist.com/2016/11/the-texas-bucket-list-coyote-bluff-cafe-in-amarillo/

https://thetexasbucketlist.com/2017/01/the-texas-bucket-list-bob-crocodile-lile-art-gallery-in-amarillo/

https://www.facebook.com/Cadilite/

Palo Duro Canyon is near Amarillo, and my parents went there on their second honeymoon, leaving us children with our grandmother. It's worth visiting, if you will be in the area. I've only passed through Amarillo myself, but my nephew lived in Dalhart (also in the Texas panhandle) for about a year and hated it.

Weather will be hot when you will be there, but not as bad as later in the summer.

I have a lot of relatives in Lubbock (somewhat south), and it is a pretty boring place as well, but at least it is a college town. I had an uncle (my grandfather's brother) who started a bank there when Lubbock was a small town, and he made enough money to make large donations to schools. There is an elementary school in Lubbock named after him and a dormitory at a university.

The good thing about Palo Duro Canyon is that hardly anyone goes there (like Big Bend), and so you won't have to deal with crowds.

Palo Duro Canyon is a must see.

In nearby Canyon, Tx, there is the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum which is definitely a good museum to check out.

If you like antique shopping, plan to spend a day on 6th Street, historic old route 66. There are a TON of antique shops, plus just seeing the old buildings is awesome. The Nat, which was a pool, then a dance hall that had such entertainers as Louis Armstrong, Buddy Holly and Tommy Dorsey preform is now an antique shop. It's on the national register of historic places. The artist that sells jewelry made from paint chips from Cadillac Ranch, he calls it Cadelite, he is also on 6th Street.

Wonderland Park is not a bad amusement park to check out. It isn't as big as Six Flags or Disney, but it has some good rides, including the Texas Tornado which is a double loop coaster.

The Air and Space Museum is good if you like that sort of thing.

Harrington House is a beautiful historic home you can tour.

There is a minor league baseball team- you could see a game if your interested in that.

Texas the musical- which is performed in Palo Duro Canyon is a great play.

Places to eat-

The Drunken Oyster, a restaurant owned and run by Rory Schepisi. I haven't been but I've heard it's good.

Joe Daddy's has good BBQ and the best onion rings you'll ever taste.

Abuelo's is a good Mexican restaurant, so is Jorge's.

Coyote Bluff is well known but be prepared to wait in line.

Golden Light Cantina is a hole in the wall place that serves great food.

575 Pizzeria

Tyler's Barbeque

I would NOT go to the Big Texan Steak Ranch. It's a tourist trap and the food is just not that good. The most interesting thing there is if someone is attempting the 72 ounce steak challenge while you are there and you get to watch.

Probably the best thing you will see is absolutely free. The cotton candy sunsets are, without a doubt, some of the most gorgeous sunsets you will ever see.

Raven and Lars, thank you for the quick responses and for the suggestions. I don't have time right now, but I will check out the links and information later this evening.

Raven, your remark about jewelry made out of paint from the Cadillacs made me sit up straighter! I've heard of and seen photos of the Cadillac ranch, but I didn't know there was anyone making jewelry from the paint. It reminds me of Fordite or Detroit Agate which is layers of baked enamel paint that has been scraped off of paint booths at automotive plants in Detroit. It's highly prized by jewelry makers and is becoming harder to obtain because cars are no longer painted in this manner. Because it is becoming scarce, the price of Fordite is also going up.

If anyone wants to see pictures of Fordite, here is a link with some beautiful examples. One of these days, I'm going to get a piece for myself to use in jewelry design or maybe I'll get a chunk from Amarillo!

Fordite Cabochons

I'll definitely check out that jewelry gallery if I end up going to Amarillo. I would love to see his work!

Texas Gem, we were posting at the same time. Thank you so much for the information. I will check it all out and point taken about the Big Texan Steak Ranch.

“Born and raised” in Amarillo. Moved to the big city 6 years ago! Agree with everything Texas Gem says. Maybe 6th Street has bloomed again but when I left it was dying.

I’ve only been back to see family so no sightseeing. Be sure to go see Texas in the Palo Duro Canyon. Check on tickets early as they do sell out. They used to be a dinner before but not sure if they still do. Go early enough to drive through the canyon. Take a light sweater for evenings as it gets cooler.

Go to the west edge of town to see beautiful sunsets. I do miss the sunsets and the cool evenings. Since you will be alone during the day the walking paths in the medical complex (Medi-Park) are nice and there is a Garden Center in the Park.

Be aware that there are dust storms you may be leaving before they start but drove into one in late June. Try not to drive during one or if you have to reduce your speed. You may be able to see the fine particles will do a number to your paint and headlights.

I don't know how interested in horses you are, but the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum is in Amarillo.

DawninCal - Texas_Gem and brendadallas have mentioned quite a few interesting places to see and some local eateries where you can certainly sample some good food. We live just a stone throw from Amarillo. I'll put together any other places I can think of tomorrow that you might be interested in seeing. I notice your "message" option is on, so I will just send you an email, if that's okay.

Thank you all - you guys are great for helping me out like this!

brendadallas, based on how many have mentioned it, it sounds like the canyon really is a must see. It's funny, I didn't see any mention of it on Trip Advisor, yet the locals have been pretty much unanimous in recommending it. Just goes to show why it's good to ask those in the know.

maifleur, I'll keep the possibility of dust storms in mind. Thank you.

Marilyn, I'm a life long lover of horses. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve horses. The museum would be a good thing for me to do on my own as I doubt, (no, I know) that it would be hubby's cup of tea.

gmax, that would be great, thank you! Yes, please do message me. I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks again, everyone!