Slowing It Down in West Texas

Recently, I’ve found myself spending more time in West Texas, and I’ve completely fallen for its charm. There’s something about this corner of the state that invites you to slow down. I catch myself reaching for my camera to photograph longhorns grazing in a field, hand-painted signs outside little BBQ joints, beautiful sunrises, and the quiet moments in between.

This season of life has been a bit of a transition for me. After spending the last few years in a more demanding role, I’m now back in the classroom, embracing the pace of being a student again. It’s been a refreshing reminder that not every chapter has to be lived at full speed. It's also funny how life has a way of pulling you toward places you never expected, sometimes for reasons...or people...you never saw coming.

After moving home from Italy, I made a promise to myself to explore my own backyard with the same curiosity I had overseas. To romanticize an afternoon at a coffee shop, a scenic drive, a local winery, or a hidden restaurant I’d never noticed before. West Texas has been the perfect place to practice that.

If you ever find yourself wandering through Amarillo or Canyon, here are a few of my favorite spots.

📍Canyon

Palace Coffee

If you only have time for one stop in Canyon, make it Palace Coffee. It’s the perfect place to ease into your morning before exploring Palo Duro Canyon or simply spend a few hours with a good book or your laptop. I spent quite a bit of time here writing, checking emails, and reading. My favorite corner is tucked away in the back beneath the giant chandelier and colorful mural. The whole place feels warm, welcoming, and like the kind of place you’ll accidentally spend half your day. Plus, they make a really great iced latte.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

I’ve been here twice now, and each visit has left me just as impressed as the last. I haven’t tackled any of the hiking trails yet, but I’ve spent time soaking in the views from the overlooks and driving through the canyon, and honestly, that alone is worth the trip. If you can, set your alarm and catch the sunrise, it is absolutely worth the early wake-up call. As an East Coast girl, I hadn’t experienced anything like this before, and seeing the vast canyon open up in front of me was something I’ll never forget. If you’re passing through the area, I’d absolutely make Palo Duro part of your itinerary.

Sad Monkey Mercantile

We stopped into Sad Monkey for lunch and a beer after the Canyon, and it absolutely didn’t disappoint. If you go, do yourself a favor and order the grilled cheese board (it was one of my favorite meals of the trip). As someone who loves wandering through little shops and browsing every shelf, I had the best time here. The space is filled with work from local artists, unique gifts, and thoughtfully curated finds that make you want to take your time. It feels like one of those places that perfectly captures the creative spirit of Canyon.

Bar Z Winery

After catching the sunrise at Palo Duro Canyon, I spotted a billboard for Bar Z Winery on the drive back and decided to make an afternoon of it. It ended up being one of my favorite surprises in the area. With beautiful views, a laid-back atmosphere, and a great selection of Texas wines, it’s the perfect place to slow down after a morning of exploring.

📍Amarillo

(You’ll quickly realize I have hardly any photos of these spots… turns out I was too busy enjoying them to pull out my camera.)

Metropolitan Steak & Seafood

This was my first dinner in Amarillo! It is safe to say it set the bar pretty high. Between the espresso martinis, mezcal cocktails, perfectly cooked ribeye and filet, asparagus, and mashed potatoes, the meal was every bit as memorable as the evening itself. If you’re celebrating something special, this is the place. Or, grab a seat at the bar for a more relaxed night and enjoy some 10/10 cocktails.

O.H.M.S. Cafe & Bar

I really enjoyed this place. The drinks, appetizers, and entrees were all packed with flavor, and the atmosphere struck a great balance between lively and cozy. We spent part of dinner trying to figure out what “O.H.M.S.” stood for and were convinced it had something to do with the scientific unit of electrical resistance. Turns out, it’s actually a nod to Her Majesty’s Service, a little Queen-inspired reference.

Paramount Recreation Club

Hidden beneath The Barfield Hotel, Paramount Recreation Club is Amarillo’s speakeasy and absolutely worth seeking out. Dim lighting, crafted cocktails, and an intimate atmosphere make it one of the coolest spots in town.

Managed to snag a picture here! 😅

Crush Wine Bar & Grill

We popped up to the rooftop here after dinner for a drink, and it was the perfect way to start the evening out in downtown. The views of downtown Amarillo were beautiful, the cocktails were delicious, and there was a lively crowd without feeling too busy. The service was great, and after seeing all the food coming out to nearby tables, I’d definitely come back for dinner next time.

Spicy Mikes BBQ

If you’re craving classic Texas barbecue, make a stop at Spicy Mike’s. We grabbed lunch here and ordered the ribs, a pulled pork sandwich, mac and cheese, and the coleslaw and every bite hit the spot. It’s the kind of cozy, hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint packed with character, friendly faces, and the smoky aroma that lets you know you’re in the right place. Highly recommend!

Butler’s Martini Bar

Classic, cozy, and the perfect place to end an evening. Whether you’re a martini lover or simply looking for a relaxed cocktail bar, Butler’s has an intimate atmosphere that’s ideal for lingering over one more drink. My favorite part wasn’t even my cocktail, it was the table nearby, casually sipping martinis while playing a game of chess. Somehow, that little moment perfectly captured the vibe of the place.

GoldenLight Cafe & Cantina

This hidden gem is right along the city’s historic stretch of Route 66 (6th Avenue Historic District). It’s actually one of the oldest continuously operating restaurants in Amarillo, which adds to its charm. We stopped in for burgers before catching a William Clark Green show. Between the historic Route 66 location, live music, and laid-back atmosphere, it has that classic Texas charm that’s hard not to love. Even if there’s not a concert the night you’re in town, it’s worth stopping by for a burger and the experience.

Tommy Guns Speakeasy

Located beneath Putter & Pint, Tommy Guns is a cute little speakeasy with trivia, really good cocktails, shuffleboard, pool tables, and some surprisingly delicious cheese curds. We spent a Thursday evening here playing trivia, which I’m sad to say we did not win, but it was such a fun spot nonetheless. I also had my first “mini beer” here… which I absolutely loved. Haha.

Final Thoughts

Life has a funny way of introducing you to places you never expected to love. Amarillo and Canyon were exactly that for me. What started as a few trips to West Texas quickly turned into an appreciation for the slower pace, welcoming people, incredible sunrises, and the little moments that make a place memorable.

I’ve genuinely enjoyed my time here and, truthfully, I haven’t met a stranger yet. Everyone has been kind, inviting, and proud to share their corner of Texas and I can absolutely see why.

Whether you’re simply passing through on Route 66, planning a weekend getaway, or looking for a reason to explore a part of Texas you haven’t experienced before, I hope a few of these recommendations help you fall in love with the area the way I did.

Until next time,

TYWIL 🤠