FIFTY TWO THINGS YOU GOTTA DO IN THE TEXAS PLAINS TRAIL REGION!
No doubt, The Texas Plains Trail is BIG--50,000 Square miles at least. That would make it as big as Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and the islands of Maui and Oahu in Hawaii all put together. Don't believe it? Depending on your route and your speed, from the top of our region around Perryton driving north all the way down to Big Spring, it's about 346 miles or 5 1/2 hours. Wanna go from the West at Farwell on over to Chillicothe in the East of our region? Well, that's a short little drive of only 346 miles or roughly 4 hours. So we're talking ROAD TRIP DELUXE!
Within these miles and miles of Texas, you will find some of Texas's most secret treasures. It was Charles Kuralt who said, "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel from coast to coast without seeing anything." Well, the Texas Plains Trail Region doesn't boast of coasts, but we beg you to get off of that ol' Interstate and begin your quest for the part of Texas that will inspire you with its western and Native American history. There's many more must-see places, but to tip our hat to our 52-Counties....we'll start with these. Fill up your tank....it's gonna take a while!
1. EXPLORE PALO DURO CANYON--The Grand Canyon of Texas
We are proud as peacocks of our 120 mile long and 20 miles wide Palo Duro Canyon. Whether you are a hiker, biker, jogger, bird-watcher, horseback rider, camper, or just plain ol' lover of beauty, Palo Duro Canyon is the ideal place to take in the stunning colors and landscape that this treasure offers. It also is the perfect backdrop for the musical drama TEXAS which runs from June-August, telling the story of Charles Goodnight and the early Panhandle settlers. While there, don't miss one of the Big Texan's favorite steak dinners. Goosebumps are promised when the horseman carries the Lone Star flag across the rim of the canyon, and the fireworks begin.
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2. CRUISE ON OVER TO THE CADILLAC RANCH IN AMARILLO
Out in the middle of a cow pasture on the I-40 frontage road west of Amarillo, you can't miss the ten half-buried Cadillacs planted there by eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh 3. This unusual road art is a must for sight-seers who travel along historic Route 66. The Cadillac models ranging from 1949-1963 are regularly spray painted by all kinds of grafitti artists. Enjoy the simply amusing little sidestop that entertains travelers along the long stretch of road through the Plains Trail Region.
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3. ROCK n ROLL TO BUDDY HOLLY'S GRAVE IN LUBBOCK
Oh Boy! Texas Plains Trail Region continues to Rave On about the beloved and bespectacled rock legend from Lubbock, Texas. For those who can't get enough of Buddy Holly, you can visit the Buddy Holly Center and join those other dedicated fans who make trips to Buddy's grave each week to sing a few choruses from, "That'll Be the Day," "Every Day," or "True Love's Ways." The story of Buddy's short life- which was taken early by a plane crash in 1959 along with the Big Bopper and Richie Valens- can be found at the center. For those overly avid fans, Buddy's home, church, and school still stand. Have fun on your Buddy Hunt.
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4. CHOMP DOWN ON SOME CHEESEBURGERS IN FRIONA
Yep, It's officially the Cheeseburger Capital of Texas by resolution of the 80th Legislature of the State of Texas. Since 2006, gourmet cheeseburger lovers from all over have been flocking to get their slice of the grandest tasting cheeseburgers every July at the Cheeseburger Festival in Friona. For about $6 you can sample different cheese burger delicacies. Lots of family fun and opportunities. Say CHEESE, if you please!
Photos by Rick Vanderpool
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4. GAZE AT THE STARS AT THE THREE RIVERS FOUNDATION & KISS A LONGHORN AT COPPER BREAKS CANYON STATE PARK
The stars at night are big and bright-- deep in the Texas Plains Trail Region. Want to search the skies for the Big Dipper, the North Star, or the Bear? What better place to get in touch with the universe than at the Three Rivers Foundation Observatory outside of Crowell, Texas. Join the fun at the monthly Star Parties. While in Foard County, stop a while at Copper Breaks Canyon for some outdoor fun.
Photos By Holle Humphrees
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5. CAMP OUT WITH YOUR FAMILY AT WOLF CREEK PARK/LAKE FRYER
Take a journey into a historical past just outside Perryton on Hwy 83. You can escape from it all and enjoy the tranquility of nature's beauty while picnicking, camping out, fishing, swimming, or boating. There's jogging paths, children's playgrounds, tennis, and even a fine restaurant to make your day (or week) a perfect get-a-way.
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6. TAP YOUR TOES AT THE OLDHAM COUNTY BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL You want some pickin' and grinning all in one cozy spot on the road? Each July, Bluegrass lovers of all ages swarm upon the local park in Vega/Oldham County for some old-fashioned, toe-tapping fun. Bring a blanket, your family, and just relax at this two-day event where you'll experience small-town America at its best. The annual Comancheros de Vega County-wide garage sales, just happens to coincide with this event. Photos by Rick Vanderpool
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7. LET ER BUCK AT THE CAL FARLEY'S BOYS RANCH LABOR DAY RODEO This may not be your first rodeo, but it's definitely one to look forward to. The cowboys (and cowgirls) that perform at the Cal Farley Boys Ranch Rodeo are at-risk youth who attend school there. A 63-year tradition, brings folks from out of the woodwork to enjoy barbeque and the awesome talent of these youngsters. It's a sure-fire crowd pleaser.
Photo by Rick Vanderpool
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8. PIECE TOGETHER THE QUILT TRAIL IN BROWNFIELD/TERRY COUNTY
Quilters prepare to stitch your way to Brownfield, Texas to take the very unusual driving tour of quilts...yes, quilts! At last count, there were 10 gorgeous quilt pieces hung around Terry County. Plus, for the very avid quilting fans, Brownfield hosts a yearly quilt show where the question isn't are there quilts there. The question is, "Is it possible to count them all." Brownfield has many fun shops too. Photos by Rick Vanderpool
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9. GO BATTY IN CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK What? Bats in the Texas Plains Trail Region? We're not batting an eye when we tell you that the Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is home to a massive colony of Free-tailed Bats. Located near Quitaque and opened in 1982, you'll want to hike the 65 miles trail that was developed within the park in 1992. Keep your eyes open for these 3,000 bats that make their home along the Clarity Tunnel. __________________________________________________________________________
10. WANDER THE STREETS WHERE WOODY GUTHRIE LIVED Named after President Woodrow Wilson, singer/songwritier Woodie Guthrie spent several years in Pampa working, writing songs, and playing his music at dances. Pampa citizens' tribute to Woody Guthrie preserves his music and memory. You can visit the old Harris Drug Store building, where Woody worked during his time in Pampa, and according to legend, learned to play the guitar. This building is dedicated as “THE WOODY GUTHRIE FOLK MUSIC CENTER.” In addition to the center, there are several other Woody Guthrie sites including the “This Land” sculpture on Hobart Street, homes where Woody and his family lived in Pampa, and the Woody Guthrie Memorial Highway.
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photos by Rick Vanderpool |
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11. DIVE INTO THE POOL AT ROARING SPRINGS Way, way out there where you'd least expect it, you'll find the "Hidden Playground of West Texas." The Roaring Springs Ranch Club is proud of its crown jewel, which would have to be the springs and pool area. The springs cascade over the falls and flows through the pool. This keeps the pool at an average temperature of 63o. Visitors will find more than a pool--there's fishing, golfing, hiking, and wading in the Pease River. And really, it's not so far....only about 2 hours from Lubbock or Amarillo. Spread your arms, take a breath, and take the plunge.
photo by rick vanderpool
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12. SET OFF FOR A SUNDAY DRIVE ON HIGHWAY 207
Photography by Rick Vanderpool
You would have to go a lot of places to find a prettier, more scenic drive than Highway 207. You can hit 207 several places, but take the suggestion to drive it all the way from Claude to Silverton. It's a stop-the-car breath taking road trip that deserves a complete day to absorb the beauty of it all. Lake MacKenzie is on the road, so pack your fishing gear, a picnic lunch and be sure to bring your camera. A photographer's paradise for sure.
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13. BITE INTO SOME PASTRIES AT THE SLATON BAKERY Whether you are on your way to Abilene, Lubbock, or heck! Why do you have to be on your way anywhere? Make it a point to stop in at the Slaton Bakery for your sweet-tooth fix. It claims to be "West Texas's Best Kept Secret," but after 60 years of making delicious donuts, cookies, pastries, cakes, and more, I'd say the cat's out of the bag. As for me, my car literally won't go through Slaton without braking in their cute downtown area. Wanna stay all night? Can't beat the Harvey House.
Photo by Rick Vanderpool
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14. FIND YOUR WAY TO THE FALL FESTIVAL IN CANADIAN When Ol' Mr. Autumn begins to magically sprinkle the earth with hues of gold, yellow, and orange, it's time to head to Canadian, Texas. If you're itchin' for a quaint Fall festival, join the folks who have flocked here for over 50 years. On this weekend, tourists and locals get their fill of yellow cottonwoods and radiant red sumac while enjoying the Arts and Crafts Festival, historic museums, unique shops & eateries, and the Tour of Homes.
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15. LEARN THE HISTORY OF ADOBE WALLS...THEN GO
If you're looking for a great Texas history lesson, then all you have to do is drive about 90 miles from Amarillo to Stinnett to Adobe Walls. Stop by Hutchinson County Museum in Borger to get a map. (and maybe even a private tour guide.) Upon arrival you might not grasp the fullness of what this place is--it is where 2 of the most famous battles in our state's history took place. The likes of Kit Carson, Comanche Chief Quanah Parker, and Billy Dixon (said to have made a famous shot that killed an Indian off his horse from nearly a mile away. Photo by Deborah Sue McDonald
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16. SWING YOUR PARTNER AT THE BOB WILLS DAY CELEBRATION
Bob Wills may be dead but his legendary life and music are alive and well in Turkey, Texas. Each year, thousands gather in this small, quaint town to dance and sing along to his tunes. The town has honored his memory with a Bob Wills museum as well as placing numerous tributes to him around town. Just for fun and to take part in some good ol' fashioned swing dancing, head your car towards Turkey.
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17. READ AT LEAST THREE OF ERICKSON'S HANK THE COWDOG BOOKS
Life is too dang short to not take time out of your busy life to simply read one of Erickson's Hank books. You'll find life to be much more fun....and a lot less complicated when you wrap yourself into the seriously funny life of Hank the Cowdog. Grab a child, use your best coyote singing and menacing dog growl, block the world out.....and I guarantee you, it'll be a time of laughter for all. Photo by Rick Vanderpool
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18. ATTEND MASS AT THE RHINELAND CHAPEL IN KNOX COUNTY
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19. LINGER AROUND IN THE QUIET LUXURY OF LIPSCOMB There comes a time in everyone's life when you just need to get away, unwind, stop the fast moving world from spinning so fast. There's a place called Lipscomb County where you can hear the birds chirping, the gentle breeze flowing, walk with turkeys on the Courthouse lawn, and have your heart softened listening to Cowboy Poet JW Beeson in his simple saddleshop. Lipscomb County's history is alive and well at the Wolf Creek Heritage Museum...a small museum that has qualities of a huge one. Make it a point to see Virginia. Quite a gal. Quite a place. Sure to make the stress fall away.
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20. BEE BOP TO BIG SPRING FOR SOME BIG SURPRISES
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21. PEEK IN FOR AN HOUR (OR TWO) AT THE CARSON COUNTY SQUARE HOUSE MUSEUM
Photo by Rick Vanderpool
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22. SEEK OUT SOME FUN FINDS AT SEMINOLE'S TRADE DAYS
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23. TAKE IN TWO TREASURES IN TULIA
Treasures, you say? Absolutely. It would be hard to have lived in the Texas Panhandle and not know the "must" stops in Tulia. First Stop: Kenneth Wyatt Art Gallery. This renowned Western artist makes his home here. After buying your fill of art treasures (His family now has joined his business), then you can go fill up your tummies at the almost equally-famous El Camino Mexican food restaurant. On HWY 87, to some, it's the "King of Mexican Food Places." Taking words from David Nall, Tulia Musician, "Don't Let Tulia Fool Ya."
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24. HUNT DOWN THE SIGNIFICANCE OF QUANAH PARKER IN QUANAH
Photo by Rick Vanderpool
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25. GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR WILD SIDE AT THE MULESHOE WILDLIFE REFUGE
Heading out on the highway? Looking for adventure? If you are looking for a "born to be wild" place, the Muleshoe Wildlife Refuge is a sure cure for those gotta-get-out-of-the-city blues. It's a bird-watching paradise.
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Photos by Rick Vanderpool
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26. RACE INTO THE 6666 RANCH IN GUTHRIE
Photo by Rick Vanderpool
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