Monday, May 12, 2014

AMARILLO, TX & La Casita del Sol

Where to stay:    CASITA DEL SOL 
 
 

Look no further; this lovely inn near downtown Amarillo is the perfect place to spend a night or two!

Done in an eclectic southwest style, this historic residence maintains much of its original charm. The current owner has added her own special touches--featuring fun, bold colors and whimsical murals.















Bonnie, your seasoned innkeeper, has visited many Bed & Breakfasts over the years and draws from these travels to provide you with the most wonderful B&B experience.


Favorite part of the stay:  an incredible breakfast complete with fluffy biscuits and preserves made on-site! Raspberry Jalapeño gives just the right blend of sweet and spicy (other varieties available and many of the ingredients are grown in La Casita's organic garden). Bonus--take a few of Bonnie's home-made jams with you to enjoy later or gift to friends!


Breakfast starts with a plate of fruit--but nothing ordinary here! Broiled grapefruit, seasoned bananas, a shot of yogurt topped with homemade plum preserves... And then the famed eggs Casita (a savory salsa verde seasoned with bits of pork tenderloin gravy smothering two eggs cooked however you'd like) will have you returning to Amarillo for more!


Cozy up to the fire with a good book; you'll find plenty of options on the shelves in the living room.

(The painting above the fireplace is of Casita del Sol in winter--after a rare snow!)
 
Bonnie is a collector of local art.
 
Enjoy her diverse selection, and consider the option of purchasing one of these fine pieces of Amarillo art culture.


 

 
Rates from $105
   (includes a deluxe  breakfast)
 
 806-342-3444
 


Amarillo Adventures:

www.visitamarillo.com

Stop in at the amazing TRAVEL CENTER just off I-40 at exit 76. You'll find information on everything to see in Amarillo (and all of TX) in a beautiful, convenient setting.
 
 
Besides the Big Texan Steakhouse (see blog post), a few other fun finds in or near Amarillo are:

  •             Alibates Flint Quarries:  explore the land of ancient civilizations and admire the colorful Abilates flint, strong enough to be forged into arrowheads, tools and weapons. www.nps.gov/alfl/index.htm

  •       Palo Duro Canyon, America’s 2nd largest canyon:  this state park is one of the most scenic places in Texas. Formed by the Red River, this canyon was first discovered by early Spanish explorers. The name “Palo Duro” means “hard wood” in reference to the many mesquite and juniper trees in the area. On-site rental of cabins and horses available. www.palodurocanyon.com

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  •  Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian:  this site features the crafts and cultures of the Pueblo and Plains Indian people. A performance area hosts live dance performances. www.kwahadi.com

  •       American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum:  from the settling of the U.S. to westward expansion, much of it has been accomplished on the back of an American Quarter Horse. Visible from the interstate, this gorgeous facility is a celebration of America’s favorite horse and of the Western lifestyle.  www.aqha.com/foundation/museum

  •             Downtown Amarillo: 
    Amarillo touts a vibrant downtown with plenty to see and do! A beautifully restored area with cobblestone streets, brick buildings and ornamental marble facades that grace the sides of the historic buildings lies just north of I-40. Cruise Amarillo Blvd./Old Route 66 to get a feel for the city’s pulse.  www.downtownamarillo.com
  • Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum:

"From dinosaurs to conquistadors, you'll find it all in Texas' largest history museum.  Relive the stories of courage and hardship, victory and defeat over the past 14,000 years.  Step in and step back to the Old West in a life-size Pioneer Town, view one of the Southwest's finest art collections, experience the exciting history of the petroleum industry, and more." www.panhandleplains.org

  •                         Splash Amarillo:  It’s all in the name. For summer fun under the sun, you won’t find a better place to cool off! Huge slides and lazy rivers provide hours of refreshing enjoyment for the whole family.  www.splashamarillo.com
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  • Eat at ABUELOS,  the leading edge of Mexican cuisine, combining menu creativity, outstanding food and beverage quality, colorful plate presentations and superior service in an impressive Mexican courtyard-themed atmosphere. www.abuelos.com
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  • Coyote Bluff Café for killer burgers and a little old West appeal! www.coyotebluffcafe.com
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  • Still hungry? Stop in at SALTGRASS for one of the best steaks you'll every have! It is a Texas chain, and well worth the stop. www.saltgrass.com

*Heading West? Make sure you gas up in Amarillo. My experience is that prices go up as you head West, and opportunities become further and further apart.


 

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