From premiere restaurants and buzzing clubs to quaint, small-town shops, Polk Street has something to offer just about every visitor. For families seeking out historic landmarks, Polk Street's Harrington House, a neo-classical mansion, is the perfect place to visit. Tourists staying in Amarillo in August should plan on attending the annual Polk Street Block Party benefiting the downtown revitalization project.

Route 66 is a part of America's identity. The birth of cars, Western freewheeling, traveling, Jack Kerouac and Route 66; these histories go hand-in-hand, and Amarillo features some truly iconic sections of the road. The Big Texan Restaurant has been offering diners its 72 oz. steak challenge since the 1970s. The Cowboy Motel can easily be recognized by its giant antique cowboy road sign in front. Route 66 is the perfect place for shopping, dining, and experiencing a legendary section of American history.

Built by local millionaire/philanthropist Stanley Marsh III, Cadillac Ranch is easily one of Texas' most recognizable attractions. Eleven rusted, gutted-out Cadillacs are lined up and photogenically planted hood-first in the dirt. Unlike the pyramids, Stonehenge and other cultural landmarks, visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and let loose on this monument. Every visitor to Amarillo should experience Caddy Ranch at least once.

Featuring three roller-coasters, five water-slides and a number of rides for children, the Wonder Land Amusement Park has been entertaining visitors in Amarillo for close to 50 years. The family-friendly park also has bumper cars and a miniature golf course. For an affordable price, guests can purchase a ride pass for a full day of experiencing almost any attraction in the park (discounts are available for children with a height under "42). The Wonderland Amusement Park is the perfect place to have fun on a summer's day.  Check website for seasonal hours.

The Amarillo Museum of Art has one of the largest collections of early American Modernist paintings, photography by Russell Lee, and textiles from the Middle East. Six galleries go along with 16 exhibitions per year in the intricate building designed by hailed architect Edward Durell Stone. For visitors looking for an educational experience, the museum offers tours, gallery lectures, films and publications. The museum has started a summer school for kids focused on developing creative abilities through painting, drawing, sculpting, mixed media and other mediums.

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum is dedicated to the quarter horse, a breed smaller than average that can run short distances faster than any other horse. The AQHA offers memberships for those interested in owning their own quarter horse or entering it in competitions. Equestrian classes, seminars and training courses are available at the AQHA. Popular events such as racing and horse sales are held regularly.

Residing on a 15-acre plot of forest land, the Amarillo Zoo allows guests to experience over 45 different species of animals, along with rare plant breeds. The zoo is constantly adding new animals, some of the most popular being the Bengal Tigers and Wallabies. The Amarillo Zoo is the perfect place for a fun family outing while on vacation. Admission to the zoo is free, although the zoo accepts (and depends on) donations.

The Amarillo Botanical Gardens is a great place to visit for families or individuals who want to have a fun, educational experience involving the outdoors and native plant life. New exhibits are regularly being added, such as the Palo Duro Canyon Garden which should be open in the fall. Guided tours are available by request if made a week in advance.  Be sure to find the tropical conservatory for a chance to investigate rare and exotic indoor plants.

Constructed in 1914 by wealthy cattlemen, the Harrington House is a registered historical site of Amarillo, Texas. The house was built in a neoclassic style and the original structures are almost completely intact. The house was purchased in 1940 by the Harringtons, who traveled extensively and brought back rare artifacts and art to the house. Today, the house is open to the public for tours and guided lectures. Appointments must be made a week in advance.

An official listing on the National Register of Historic Places, the Natatorium, or as locals call it, "The Nat", used to be an indoor swimming pool in the 20s. In later years, the Nat was transformed into a dance hall. The Nat was a major venue for bands traveling through Route 66, with such legendary musicians as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong gracing the stage. Today, the Nat is as popular as ever, although it re-opened to the public as a large antique mall.