Texas | Exploring Cadillac Ranch & world famous Big Texan steaks

cadillac ranch

Are you caught up with all of my Road Trip America travel posts? Check them out here! 😊

I’ve always wanted to visit Texas. I’m not sure why, there’s just always been something otherworldly about it. Cowboys… ranches… country music… big open spaces… comfort food…  “y’all.” There’s nothing else quite like it!

During the 24 hours I was in Texas, I stayed in Amarillo, which is at the very top of the state. I visited the Cadillac Ranch and The Big Texan, and I highly recommend visiting both of these places! I only drove through the very top of Texas, but it left an impression on me and I know I’ll be back!

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Driving through the northern part of Texas and staying in Amarillo was beautiful. I was talking to a friend who lives in Texas and when I told him I was visiting Amarillo his response was: “Congratulations, you’re staying in the ugliest part of the state!”

But I thought it was beautiful. Granted, it was probably because I’ve never been there before and it was totally new to me, but in any event, I loved all these open spaces, golden colors and lots and lots of quiet. It reminded me a lot of Oklahoma!

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Where I stayed in Amarillo, there was a bright yellow restaurant with huge cows out front. I thought it was just a cheesy tourist trap, but it turns out, it’s a world-famous steakhouse and major celebrities and TV shows have filmed here! The Big Texan is known for their 72 ounce steak, and if you can finish it in under a certain amount of time, it’s free! A few years ago, a lady finished not one, but THREE of these steaks in 20 minutes… how? I have no idea.

I had a small ribeye, and it was delicious but I don’t need 72 ounces of it haha! 😂

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“Your comfort zone will kill you”

I love this. The entire time I’ve been on this road trip, I’ve kept thinking how much easier and better it would be if I just went back to my old life, or back to the comfort of a house and job. And while it IS what I want eventually, right now it is so nice being pushed out of my comfort zone. Every day, I’m faced with new challenges and emotions and instead of hiding from them or distracting myself with a job, I’m forced to face them head first.

I can’t wait to see the strong, resilient, amazing person I’ll become after this trip is over! 🙌🏼

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Visiting the Cadillac Ranch was incredible. I love quirky roadside attractions like these, and this one did not disappoint! Driving by, you can almost miss it. It’s just a huge empty field and out in the middle of it, is a group of Cadillacs half-buried in the dirt and covered with graffiti. The best part? It’s completely FREE! Woohoo!


What is your favorite quirky roadside attraction that I shouldn’t miss on my travels? 😊

14 responses to “Texas | Exploring Cadillac Ranch & world famous Big Texan steaks”

  1. Your comfort zone will kill you.

    Resonates with me right now as I’m on the verge of initiating change, which I do not enjoy. At least I think I don’t 🙂 Your adventure is inspiring, for sure.

    I lived in El Paso for a few years when I was young but always wanted to go to Austin and Houston. Texas is so dang big and has so many cities to see. I reckon I get enough desert here in Nevada, but Texas has a charm to it.

    Enjoying your photos and looking forward to your next post.

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    • I hope that whatever change you’re going through makes you stronger and wiser and happier! The toughest changes and seasons usually do 😊

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  2. Ah…you’re in my neck of the woods. If you like a Japanese steakhouse, you’ll love Kabuki Romanza with its kabuki drums, seats in a boat on an indoor river with rain showers. Its amazing!
    8130 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79106

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    • Oooh awesome! I was only there for the night, but if I ever decide to go back, I’ll check it out for sure! Thank you! 😊

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  3. Passed through there and ate at that place earlier this year. My first time in the panhandle. If you are continuing west through New Mexico and Arizona you are really going to see some beautiful stuff! Enjoy your travels!

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    • How awesome! Our travels are the same. After Texas, I did visit New Mexico, and I visited Arizona earlier this year as well. I absolutely love the desert, it’s so magical!

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  4. I lived in Amarillo some years ago. My ex wife went to school in Canyon Texas not far from there. Remember a few BBQ places in Amarillo we went to back then. One was Dyers and other was Dickies. I used to drive from Portales New Mexico to Amarillo Texas most weekends. Fun little fact I guess. We lived in a Ford Van in the college parking lot for a summer in Canyon Texas with two dogs. If you go through Portales and Clovis NM there are some interesting places to eat and a lot of peanuts! You should listen to this song if you are going through Amarillo I figure:

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    • How incredible! What a fun story you have! Your life is chock full of adventure.

      And, how’d you know George Strait is my favorite?! Love this song. 😊

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  5. You did say quirky so I am entitled to one more comment. Have you considered driving historic route 66? I have never done it but a friend did and posted the most wonderful photographs. The site i did find which defines the east to west journey is here;

    https://roadtripusa.com/route-66/

    If you do it, let me know if you got your kicks on route 66 🙂

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    • Yes, of course! I’m actually driving on bits and pieces of the Historic Route 66 throughout this journey! And fun fact: my ancestors traveled along Route 66 from Chicago to California during the Gold Rush! 👍🏼

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  6. Great post! Texas isn’t on my list of places to visit but hubby would even like to move there… though not here. 😊 It sounds interesting though, for a road trip.

    Comfort zone… It’s a trap, most probably, but some adventures are too scary. I’m currently in that space. My job is a comfort zone that distracts me from opportunities to grow more on a personal level, I guess. It was different when I was younger.

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