Get Your Kicks…

Of all the cities in the Lone Star State, Amarillo is the one that’s lucky enough to be situated on Historic Route 66. A bit of history: Route 66 is quite possibly the most famous road in America, serving as a path for those who migrated west in the 1930s, running from Chicago to Los Angeles.

Fast forward a few decades and Amarillo still sits along Route 66 even though the road has been realigned over its history. Sixth Avenue (which some residents call Sixth Street) between Georgia and Western Streets marks the original Route 66, and the surrounding area serves as Amarillo’s first and only historic district. Filled with local shops, bars and restaurants, the historic district is a shopper’s delight with more than 100 locally-owned antique shops, including Sixth Street Antique Mall, which is the longest-running store on the street.

Other highlights along Sixth Avenue include The Nat Bookstore, housed in a former dance hall; Blue Sage Pottery & Art Gallery, filled with works by local artists; and Barnaby’s Beanery, which has been serving up signature local fare like their cornbread cheeseburger for 39 years. The Golden Light Cantina is Amarillo’s first restaurant and features live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. And for a local coffee spot, you can’t beat the 806 Coffee + Lounge, a locally owned coffee house serving up the best coffee in town, plus live music.