Tucked away in Medi Park at 1400 Streit Dr., the Amarillo Botanical Gardens boast an impressive 4.4 acres that feature thousands of luscious flowers, plants and trees. The Gardens’ humble beginning takes us back to a small garden club in 1929. The environment tested the knowledge of the founding women, who needed to find plants that could survive the area’s drought, wind and extensive sun.

By 1945, a thriving Amarillo Garden Club had 125 members. Over the next 10 years, it divided into numerous clubs and societies with varied interests and goals. Amarillo’s first Garden Center was formed in 1954 to be used by the multiple clubs in Memorial Park. The Amarillo Botanical Gardens we know today was established in 1968 after years of fundraising for a larger space.

The Gardens features a tropical conservatory, greenhouse, amphitheater, and extensive gardens of all types. You’ll find themed areas such as butterfly, fragrance, Japanese, and xeric gardens. Special events, classes, exhibits, and rental facilities are also available. Visit amarillobotanicalgardens.org or call (806) 352-6513 for more information.

Longtime Amarillo residents Bill and Linda Pratt run one of the most unique museums around. After selling his successful business in 2012, Bill found himself ready for a new project. A collector of vintage vehicles, Bill decided to expand and showcase his collection in a permanent, family centered exhibit. Bill’s Backyard Classics opened its doors in 2015 and continues to attract visitors from near and far who are looking to take a trip back in time.

Bill’s Backyard Classics features over 100 cars of all makes and models from 1920 to 2012. From Model A’s and Street Rods, to Military Jeeps and Power Wagons, each car has its own unique personality. Included in the museum is a 1961 Pontiac Catalina Convertible that previously belonged to American singer-songwriter Bob Seger. The Catalina has been named “Night Moves” after Seger’s hit record.

Another showstopper is the 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Series Limousine that was once owned and driven by Roy Hofheinz, popularly known as “The Judge.” Hofheinz served in the Texas House of Representatives, as a Harris County judge, and as mayor of Houston. He was also instrumental in developing the Houston Astrodome, the world's first domed stadium and home of the Houston Astros. Throughout his life, The Judge was well known for his taste in cars, which is evident in the beauty of this Cadillac Fleetwood.

Each hot rod and classic at Bill’s Backyard Classics holds a special place in history. Bill is passionate about preserving these treasures and sharing them with the old and young alike. Whether you’re a car enthusiast yourself or simply looking for a fun activity for the whole family, Bill’s Backyard Classics, located at 5309 S. Washington St., is the perfect place to visit. The inventory is even rotated randomly so each visit can be a unique experience. For more information, call (806) 373-8194, or visit bbcamatx.com.

Located at 1200 Streit Dr., the Don Harrington Discovery Center makes science exciting for visitors of all ages. With interactive exhibits, educational programs, special events, and the only planetarium in the Texas Panhandle, the Discover Center sparks curiosity and inspires lifelong learning.

Permanent exhibits explore a multitude fascinating topics. Interactive displays explore weather conditions on Earth and beyond in the Space Gallery. Meet some furry and scaly friends in Critter Row, or explore the life of an ant in the Giant Ant Crawler. For young scientists, the Kinderstudio encourages imaginative play with climbing structures, tumbling space, a performance stage, and hands-on toys. The newest permanent exhibit, the Outdoor Science Park, features a fossil dig pit, engineering marvels, animatronic dinosaurs, and more. Additional seasonal exhibits rotate every fall, spring and summer, so there are always new learning opportunities at DHDC.

The Center’s full-dome planetarium transports visitors across space and time in a variety of amazing adventures. Examine black holes, stars and planets, dive into the deepest parts of our oceans, or travel back in time to investigate ancient civilizations. Plan your visit for a Saturday or Sunday for an extra special experience: Science Live! explores science through captivating experiments and audience participation. 

Visit discoverycenteramarillo.org, or call (806) 355-9547 for more information. An engaging adventure for the whole family awaits!

After hearing the name “Dynamite Museum,” you might be envisioning a brick-and-mortar institution dedicated to teaching the history of explosives, and while that’s a great guess, it's not what we’re talking about here. In Amarillo, Dynamite Museum is often used to refer to an art installation made up of thousands of painted-over road signs scattered all across town, although Dynamite Museum is actually the name of the artist collective behind this project.

The sign project, which was carried out in the 1990s, was once one of the largest urban art projects in the world. The signs were created with no rhyme or reason; the people behind the project would simply come up with message or artwork ideas, then install their favorites randomly. Keep your eyes peeled for signs throughout all of Amarillo. While there’s no specific number on record, it is estimated that around 3,000 signs were made and installed. Only about 1,000 still stand, and finding them feels like being part of a scavenger hunt.

Even if you aren’t in the market for a new RV, Jack Sisemore Traveland is worth a visit. Just walk into the main showroom at 4341 Canyon Dr. and tell the friendly staff you want to see the RV Museum, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the progression of the RV industry from its inception until now. The best part? It’s free!

The Sisemore family began restoring and collecting unusual vintage RVs in 1986. The museum showcases motorhomes from the 1930s to the 1970s, including the Flexible Bus from the movie RV, the first Itasca motor home ever built and the oldest Fleetwood in existence. While some of the motorhomes are strictly for looking and not touching, others are interactive. Guests are encouraged to step inside and pretend they’re living an open road dream, vintage style! The Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum provides a nostalgic, enjoyable and educational glimpse into the origins of recreational vehicles.

Founded in 1992, Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, located at 2301 N. Soncy Rd., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nature, conservation and education. With over 640 acres of rolling prairie and bluffs, Wildcat Bluff is a great place to hike, bird watch, and enjoy the local flora and fauna. 

Over 5 miles of hiking trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset, including a handicapped-accessible trail and a branch of the historic Santa Fe Trail where wagon ruts are still visible today. The center also includes the Gilvin Science Education Building, as well as a dig pit for learning about Panhandle prehistory. To promote a sense of personal responsibility for the environment, Wildcat Bluff offers educational programs for pre-k through university-level school groups. They offer guided or solo hikes, as well as hands-on learning programs related to the animals, plants, geology, and human history of the high plains. 

A living museum, Wildcat Bluff fosters true appreciation for the Texas Panhandle. For a relaxing and fascinating experience immersed in nature, look no further. Visit wildcatbluff.org, or call (806) 352-6007 for more information.