For many students, boredom is a sickness that cannot be remedied. Between the hours of intensive studying or stacks of homework, students can find themselves wondering, “What can I do to catch a break?” For those who are new to the area and even some who have been here for a while, the choices for off-campus activities seem to be limited. Even students who have lived here all their lives often say, “There is nothing to do here.” However, both Amarillo and Canyon are homes to historical sites, sporting events, live music, and other events.
“Historic Route 66 has a bunch of funky little shops, great hamburger joints and restaurants.” Eric Miller, director of Communication at the Amarillo Convention and Visitor Council, said.
Most of spots are located on Sixth Street between Western and Georgia.
“Sixth Street is also the center of our live music scene and you can almost always catch a show on Thursday, Friday and Saturday,” Miller said.
Those who decide to explore historic Route 66 in Amarillo can also take a trolley car ride. Route 66 Trolley Express is a fairly new addition. It is an actual trolley car that is available for people to ride down the main part of Sixth Street, allowing them to see what the area has to offer and get on and off the car at certain stops.
The trolley also travels to downtown Amarillo’s Polk Street.
“Polk Street is also a popular place for college age students and a great place to find some good eats and live music,” Miller said.
For people who are looking for a great place to watch a movie, Miller suggested trying one of the two large movie theaters in Amarillo. Hollywood 16 is located off of Canyon Drive and is about ten miles from Canyon.
“And don’t forget about the Tascosa Drive-in Movie Theater,” Miller said. “They show first run movies and it is very affordable.”
Miller also suggested the Amarillo Museum of Art for people who are on a limited budget, because it is free.
“Right now they have a really cool exhibit called Blue Dog in Texas,” Miller said.
Another historical landmark, Cadillac Ranch, is also free to visit and people are encouraged to spray paint on half-buried cars.
For those who enjoy science, the Don Harrington Discovery Center has interactive exhibits of all types for all ages. Sports enthusiasts will have a variety of sporting events to choose from in the upcoming months including baseball, football and hockey games, motor races, arena cross, MMA fights and roller derby.
For artsy types, The Botanical Gardens hosts “Music in the Gardens” every Thursday. The Lonestar Ballet will kick off their season with “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” showing on October 26 and 27.
As far as Canyon goes, Shanna Carnes, an administrative assistant at the Canyon Chamber of Commerce, suggests people take part in Tailgate Palooza on the Square on September 29.
“People will set all of their stuff out in the square and it’s a really cool tailgating atmosphere,” Carnes said. “There will be drawings where people can win things from the retailers, and the big prize is a basket with one item from each retailer.”
Keegan King, an Advertising and Public Relations major, said even though she’s lived in Amarillo most of her life, it can be difficult to think of something to do, but if you just ask around a bit, you are sure to find something worth doing.
“The fair is just around the corner and I’ve always loved the fair no matter what age I was,” King said.
The Tri-State Fair and Rodeo will begin September 14 and run through September 22. For more information about things going on in Amarillo, Miller said people can check out www.visitamarillotx.com.
