DFW - Thinking about a ride to Amarillo this weekend to check out Route 66

[Big Ed]

Thinking about a possible ride to Amarillo this weekend to check out the Historic Route 66.

Any advice?

Definately will check out the Big Texan and their 72 oz steak.  

[Valker]

I've lived in Amarillo and surrounding area since 1967. Lots to do about 66. I-40 is NOT, nor has it ever been Route 66. "Amarillo Blvd" (aka N.E. 8th) was 66 from around 1940 until about 1970. Sixth St. was Route 66 prior to about 1940. There is a lot of 'nostalgia' on either of these streets. Sixth runs from near the center of downtown to where it goes by Amarillo Country Club (golf course) where it changes into W. 9th (no turning necessary) and runs into Amarillo Blvd. Lots of older shops on sixth (between Georgia St. and Western St.) that cater to bikers and Route 66 crowd now.
Big Texan is fun and touristy if a little over priced. If you try the 72 oz. steak dinner, you pay the nearly $100 up front, and they refund your money if it's gone in an hour by their rules. Most of their food is better than average. You can get rattlesnake and calf fries there.
If you are really interested in Route 66, I recommend you slowly travel both Sixth St. and Amarillo Blvd. Lots more older motels and stuff on the Blvd. As elsewhere, most of it is remodeled or closed down.
A stop in McLean (NOT a McDonald's meal) at the "Devil's Rope" museum is a worthwhile visit. It's about 80 miles east of Amarillo on I40. Good steakhouse there also (Red River).
You could come into TX on I40 near Oklahoma border and take a look at every small town between there and Amarillo to see lots of old 66 stuff. Shamrock has some nice old architecture. "Ramone's" paint shop from the movie "Cars" was one of the Shamrock buildings.
Adrian, TX (about 40 miles west of Amarillo on I40 is the "Halfway" point of 66 between Chicago and Santa Monica, CA. Cadillac Ranch is about 5 miles west of Amarillo.

[Big Ed]

Valker,

Thanks for the excellent info...!!

Is was thinking of riding back roads from DFW to Witchita Falls to Mclean then to Amarillo. Doing this over a couple days one way. I want to enjoy the sites and nostalgia..!!

Will definately check out Sixth St. and Amarillo Blvd.

Thanks again..!!

[Sundown]

Valker don't forget Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon.  The Canyon is not on Route  66 but nice to see.

[wa2cul]

If you take 283 north when you get to Vernon (about 45 miles west of Wichita Falls) you can cut up through Oklahoma to Clinton Ok and then west on I-40 to Elk City OK both of those cities have Route 66 museums.   From Elk City you can head west to Amarillo then return back through Palo Duro Canyon etc. From Vernon to Altus Ok it is about a 35 to 40 minute ride.  From Altus north to Clinton is about 90 min ride.