Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Most travelers on Route 66 through Amarillo, Texas only stop for two things:
Cadillac Ranch and The Big Texan.
But hidden along old Route 66 is something far more surprising - one of the best preserved and most active historic Route 66 downtown districts left anywhere in America.
In this Randomland adventure, we wake up beside the legendary Cadillac Ranch before heading into Amarillo’s historic 6th Avenue District - a remarkably intact stretch of old Route 66 packed with vintage storefronts, antique shops, classic neon, old gas stations, bookstores, tattoo parlors, restaurants, bars, comic shops, murals, galleries, and surviving roadside architecture from the golden age of the Mother Road.
Unlike so many Route 66 towns that faded away after Interstate 40 bypassed them, Amarillo’s 6th Avenue Historic District never completely died - and today it may be one of the closest surviving examples of what a living Route 66 town actually felt like during the highway’s heyday.
We explore the district from the historic Natatorium all the way to the famous water tower, stopping at old filling stations, vintage buildings, antique stores, murals, roadside relics, and local landmarks including The 806, Aunt Eek’s Books & Curiosities, and the legendary GoldenLight Cafe & Cantina.
We also step inside some of Amarillo’s most unusual Route 66 businesses including comic shops, art galleries, costume stores, tattoo shops, antique malls, and hidden roadside treasures still thriving nearly a century after Route 66 was created in 1926.
Then, of course, we finally head over to the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch - but not before stopping at the original location connected to Amarillo steakhouse history along old Route 66.
There, London attempts the world-famous 72-ounce steak challenge... and we quickly realize we may have made a massive mistake when we misunderstood the actual price.
It definitely was NOT $72.
Historic Route 66. Neon. Murals. Old gas stations. Steakhouse disasters. Vintage storefronts. Comics. Tattoos. Antique shops. Americana still alive in Texas.
This may be the closest thing left to a living Route 66 downtown.
Randomland merch shop:
randomland.com
If Randomland has ever inspired you, made you laugh, or brightened your day, this is your chance to keep it alive. Grab some epic merch at randomland.com and join on Patreon at patreon.com/justinscarred. Every bit of support fuels the travel, filming, and editing that make these adventures possible - it only exists because of you.
Most travelers on Route 66 through Amarillo, Texas only stop for two things:
Cadillac Ranch and The Big Texan.
But hidden along old Route 66 is something far more surprising - one of the best preserved and most active historic Route 66 downtown districts left anywhere in America.
In this Randomland adventure, we wake up beside the legendary Cadillac Ranch before heading into Amarillo’s historic 6th Avenue District - a remarkably intact stretch of old Route 66 packed with vintage storefronts, antique shops, classic neon, old gas stations, bookstores, tattoo parlors, restaurants, bars, comic shops, murals, galleries, and surviving roadside architecture from the golden age of the Mother Road.
Unlike so many Route 66 towns that faded away after Interstate 40 bypassed them, Amarillo’s 6th Avenue Historic District never completely died - and today it may be one of the closest surviving examples of what a living Route 66 town actually felt like during the highway’s heyday.
We explore the district from the historic Natatorium all the way to the famous water tower, stopping at old filling stations, vintage buildings, antique stores, murals, roadside relics, and local landmarks including The 806, Aunt Eek’s Books & Curiosities, and the legendary GoldenLight Cafe & Cantina.
We also step inside some of Amarillo’s most unusual Route 66 businesses including comic shops, art galleries, costume stores, tattoo shops, antique malls, and hidden roadside treasures still thriving nearly a century after Route 66 was created in 1926.
Then, of course, we finally head over to the legendary Big Texan Steak Ranch - but not before stopping at the original location connected to Amarillo steakhouse history along old Route 66.
There, London attempts the world-famous 72-ounce steak challenge... and we quickly realize we may have made a massive mistake when we misunderstood the actual price.
It definitely was NOT $72.
Historic Route 66. Neon. Murals. Old gas stations. Steakhouse disasters. Vintage storefronts. Comics. Tattoos. Antique shops. Americana still alive in Texas.
This may be the closest thing left to a living Route 66 downtown.
Randomland merch shop:
randomland.com
If Randomland has ever inspired you, made you laugh, or brightened your day, this is your chance to keep it alive. Grab some epic merch at randomland.com and join on Patreon at patreon.com/justinscarred. Every bit of support fuels the travel, filming, and editing that make these adventures possible - it only exists because of you.
