[diskman]

Originally Posted by dillywho

If you come I-40 thru Amarillo, stop at the Big Texan Steak Ranch. It is the home of the 72 oz. steak that is free if you can eat it in an hour. The Big Texan has been featured in several movies. We moved here from Amarillo, so I am familiar with it. Some of the time they have a band or a melodrama. (Just google it for more information.) I'm not a big fan of the food (as a local), but great if just passing through. They also have a small motel there as well.

During the summer months, the Texas Dept. of Public Safety has what they call a "Texas Hold Up". They will turn on their flashing lights and pull over a car (most usually with a family on board) and instead of a ticket, treat them to overnight accommodations, a dinner and/or a trip to Palo Duro Canyon to see the outdoor play Texas, and then often a real cowboy breakfast at a real ranch off a real chuck wagon. This is all compliments of the State of Texas.

If you have time during this time of year, go to Palo Duro Canyon to see the aforementioned play Texas. Palo Duro Canyon is located some 20-25 miles southeast of Amarillo. People come from all corners of the US and the world to see it and the play. You can also eat some Texas cooking before the show starts. (Google this one, too.) It is a real treat and all done by locals. You just have to see it to believe it. You might want to check ahead depending on when you might want to go as it often sells out (you can purchase tickets in advance). We haven't been in about six years (been here 5), but it was very reasonably priced. My husband and I had a small bus business and would use our buses for churches, scouts, etc. to go there. Great sight, too, after the play to see all the headlights winding their way out of the canyon.

To get that steak for free you have to finish it (72 oz) and all the trimmings that come with it, leave something over and you pay the bill. I am a big guy and I could not finish it. I stopped there when I drove from N Y to Calif.