The Hidden Stops You’re Missing Between Amarillo and Lubbock
If you travel between Amarillo and Lubbock without stopping, you're missing out on all these hidden gems. Many of us travel this stretch of road all the time; however, if you're not stopping at the small towns in between, you are missing out on some great history, food, and fun.
Quick Cash in Happy, Texas
You've hit the road, made it through construction, and are cruising past Canyon when you realize, aww man, you forgot to grab some cash.
No worries, Happy, Texas is the birthplace of Happy State Bank, and just off I-27 you will find a random Happy State Bank ATM. Just make sure you take the Happy exit and drive down the access road.
Tulia's Historic Ozark Trail Obelisk
Tulia is one of the few Texas towns that still has the obelisk from the Ozark Auto Trail. Tall concrete monuments would mark the trail and the distance. Before the federal highway system, the Ozark Trail was a series of locally maintained roads and highways created in 1913 that connected St. Louis to El Paso and Santa Fe, stretching four states. The routes were marked by these obelisks. The group was dissolved in 1925, but the obelisks remain in many of the towns today.
You must stop at El Camino, a popular Mexican restaurant in Tulia.
Plainview: Worth a Full Stop
About an hour south of Amarillo, you will pull into Plainview. Plainview has quite a few places you'll want to stop, so you'll want to plan to stay for a while. First of all, on the east side of the road when pulling into the town, you'll see the remnants of Amarillo's Splash Waterpark. The giant taco slide was relocated to Plainview, and the steps to the top were erected, but that's where it stopped.
If you were a fan of Leal's Mexican Restaurant, you'll need to make plans to go and enjoy some of your favorites, because there is a Leal's in Plainview.
Also, if you shopped Frontier Market when they were at the Canyon Farmers Market, they are based in Plainview, so you'll need to stop by their store and stock up on your favorite meat and produce, plus other great products. Then walk around the square.
Read More: Frontier Market Launches Delivery for Amarillo, Canyon & Lubbock
Plainview is also the home of Jimmy Dean, so make some time to stop into the museum and learn all about the life of this country artist, actor, and sausage king. It's located in the Mabee Regional Heritage Center on the Wayland Baptist University campus. If you are a history buff, make sure to visit the Flying Queens Museum and the Museum of the Llano Estacado located there as well.
Much like the Hoofprints Art Project in Amarillo, Plainview has the Stampede; look for bull statues all over the city.
Hale Center's Murals and the Mystery Clock
Hale Center is just past Plainview; it has the Hale Center Heritage Ranch Museum. Take a drive through downtown and check out the beautiful murals.
Just outside Hale Center is the famous Cone grain elevator; it is believed there is a clock on its face. However, with age and fading, it is harder to see.
Read More: The Mysterious Clock In The Hale Center Cone Elevator
Last Stops Before Lubbock: Abernathy and New Deal
Soon you'll pull up to Abernathy. If you need to stop to stretch your legs or you need a bathroom, you'll find a rest stop just 8 miles south of Hale Center, just before Abernathy at mile marker 29.
As you're pulling into Abernathy, you'll want to watch out for that curve; it's tight, and the speed limit drops by 20 mph. Take the first exit into this small town, stay on the access road, and you'll see a beautiful statue of Jesus, known as Jesus in a Box.
This life-size crucifix is on display at the St. Isidore Catholic Church.
You'll soon pass through New Deal. If you like to visit historical markers, then you'll want to visit 404 S. Monroe and learn about the history of New Deal and why the city changed its name from Monroe to New Deal.
After passing through New Deal, you are just a few minutes away from Lubbock and your destination.
These are just a few of the places you'll want to stop on your way to make your road trip to Lubbock more interesting.
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