Exploring the Scenic Road Trip from Amarillo to Tucumcari

Setting Off from Amarillo

Road trips are always an adventure, and the journey from Amarillo to Tucumcari is no exception. As you drive away from Amarillo, one of your first quirky stops should definitely be the famous Bug Ranch. The guide books describe this as a smaller, insect-themed counterpart to the Cadillac Ranch, but just as fascinating. However, when we compared we felt this was better than the Cadillac one as more to see. Get ready for some great photo ops!

Wind Farms and the Changing Scenery

As you continue your drive, you'll notice a remarkable shift in the scenery. One of the most striking features is the numerous wind farms that dot the landscape. We were disappointed not to see lots of oil wells but apparently the wrong part of Texas. The sight of endless windmills spinning in unison over the flat plains is mesmerizing and quite different from what you might expect in Texas.

Although we had seen ghost towns before today we drove through Glenrio, which seems the saddest of them all with several buildings in various stages of decay. We didn't stop as previous comments on the internet suggested the last remaining resident can come out and shout at tourists. The only new building is a cannabis shop, which we guessed is something to do with the town being in the New Mexico border, whereas cannabis can still be illegal in Texas.

The Peculiar Smell of Wildorado

If you have a keen sense of smell (no not cannabis), you might catch a whiff of something peculiar as you pass through Wildorado. Matt told me about this about 5 minutes too late and after I'd accused him of causing the offensive smells. This small Texas town has a unique odour that's hard to miss. Some say it's a mix of agriculture and the open landscapes, contributing to the overall eclectic experience of the trip. It adds a layer of authenticity to the Texan road adventure.

A Change in Scenery

As you head closer to Tucumcari, you might notice a subtle change in the scenery. We spotted one iconic tumbleweeds but we may see more if the wind picks up. It's almost as if you're stepping into a classic Western movie scene. Make sure to have your camera ready to capture these quintessential desert plants rolling across the highway.

Essential Road Trip Eats

No road trip is complete without sampling some local flavours. One of the must-try dishes in this part of Texas is refried beans. They look like cat vomit but taste great. We found a fab little Mexican for Sunday dinner. Looked a dive from the outside but probably the best meal we have had so far!

We arrived in Tucumcari and we are spending the night at the Blue Swallow Motel - an absolute classic route 66 motel.

So, if you're planning a road trip from Amarillo to Tucumcari, buckle up for an adventure filled with Wind Farms, quirky roadside attractions, and unique local flavours. This journey promises an authentic Texan experience that's hard to forget.