EXPLORING BEYOND OKLAHOMA
TEXAS STATE BISON HERD AT CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK.
Fall Days & Starry Nights IN THE TEXAS PANHANDLE ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY DEBBIE MURNAN
Getting There Amarillo is just four hours from the OKC metro, a quick drive along I-40 that’s easily traversed over an evening so you can kick off your vacation the following day. This city offers a wide range of hotels and rental homes, but one of the most scenic stays is a cabin at Palo Duro Canyon State Park . The park offers several 4-person cabins along the rim of the canyon, not far from the Visitor Center, treating guests to spectacular overlooks and several amenities, including heat and air, linens and a private bathroom. Several newer glamping cabins also dot the floor of the canyon. These cabins are situated next to the Palo Duro Trading Post, which sells groceries and has a small restaurant serving breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers, ice cream and more. The glampsites include comfortable beds, air conditioning, games and a covered patio, with shared bathrooms just a short walk away. Plus, you’ll enjoy the unique experience of stargazing in the heart of the canyon. Keep in mind: all cabins book up quickly since only a few are available currently.
With cooler days around the corner, the big skies and wide-open spaces of the Texas Panhandle are ready to welcome Fall Break travelers. This often-overlooked region of the Lone Star State is a wonderland of colorful canyons, shortgrass prairies and thriving wildlife. And the stars truly shine big and bright across the night sky here as efforts are being made by Texas State Parks to limit light pollution. Historic Route 66 runs right through the heart of Amarillo, a perfect destination hub for this family vacay given its proximity to iconic roadside attractions and some incredible state parks. Amarillo’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving with creative chefs, international cuisine and farm-to-table fare. Beyond dining, so much history and adventure await in the Great Plains of Texas, where your family can watch bison roam, explore canyon trails and enjoy unmatched views of the Milky Way. Check out this long-weekend itinerary when planning your family’s next road trip.
58 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPT-OCT 2023
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