The art students at Holy Cross Catholic Academy have teamed up with Center City of Amarillo to create an 18-month calendar that will depict the history of Downtown Amarillo.  The calendars will start with September 2012 and end with February 2014. It is calendars like this that offer a one of a kind perspective of Old Amarillo. You will find featured historic places like the Silver Grill, Rainbow Garden Dance Hall, the old Paramount Theater, Fedway’s, Burger Barrel, Phillips 66 gas station, Levine’s, Amarillo Capitol, Kress and Amarillo Globe-News buildings, and the Herring hotels.  You will also find memorable scenes from the 1960s Peppermint Lane, the 1956 blizzard, the 1940s Amarillo Municipal Auditorium and the 1930s dance marathons. The historic calendars are the perfect way of ret... 08/20/2012

There will be some great events in Amarillo, TX for the whole family to enjoy this August.  Therefore, I have found a few of the most popular and affordable events that will guarantee you have a good time. Amarillo’s August Events America’s Horse in Art – An annual exhibit of over 30 artists that feature the horse that settled the West.  All proceeds will go to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. When: 8/11/2012 – 11/10/12 Time: 9am to 5pm Monday – Saturday Where: American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum Price: AQHA members are free, $2 ages 6-18, $6 adults, $5 seniors, and under 5 are free.] Purebred & Household Pet Show – The first annual cat show you don’t want to miss. When: 8/18/12 – 8/19/12 Time: Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 9am – 4pm Where: Amarillo Civic Center Regency... 08/13/2012

When you want fun destinations come visit Amarillo TX, which has several must see destinations that many people around the nation still don’t know about.  The ‘real’ Texas feel is still here.  Therefore, I am listing a few of Amarillo’s top destinations you may want to check out.  And, all these unique destinations are extremely affordable for the whole family.   Amarillo’s Top Destinations Cadillac Ranch – An upper class of roadside attractions have been raised along Route 66 west of Amarillo, TX.  This roadside attraction has been seen in calendars, photos, post cards and more over the years.  So, come see one of Amarillo’s hottest attractions at Cadillac Ranch. Big Texan Steak Ranch – You can’t miss the Big Texan along East Interstate 40 in Amarillo.  People come from all around to s... 08/06/2012

The Amarillo, TX VA opens a recovery and therapy center.  The center was recently dedicated to add to the center’s campus of programs for veterans and their families.  New programs will include single, couples, and family therapy services for veterans who are coming back from the war or from overseas conflict and are experiencing stress disorders.   The new center will also have programs that will help post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, marriage counseling and suicide prevention.  This is a much needed service since the VA has seen a 35% increase in veterans who need help with mental health issues across the nation. About the Amarillo VA Medical Center A division of the Southwest VA Health Care Network, the Amarillo VA Health Care Center provides offers primary specialty a... 07/16/2012

Amarillo, TX has several big events coming for the month of July.  Therefore, we have found some of the top events you may not want to miss out on.    Amarillo’s Top July 2012 Events: Legends of the Breed Bloodlines of the American Quarter Horse – You will learn all about the bloodlines of the 11 foundation horses as they show off their famous American Quarter Horse descendants.  Free admission into the Hall of Fame & Museum for all AQHA members and $2-$6 for everyone else.   Dates: Daily   Times: 9am to 5pm   Location: 2611 I-40 E, Amarillo, TX 79104 Starlight Theater – Enjoy weekly free concerts each Tuesday evening at Sam Houston Park.  This is a free event so bring your chairs or blankets and plan to have fun.   Dates: Each Tuesday   Times: 7pm to 9pm   Location: Sam Houston Park on... 07/09/2012

What to Do for the 4th of July In/Around Amarillo?!?!   Amarillo – Fireworks Festival at John S. Stiff Park located at 45th and Bell. Gates open at 4:30pm with food vendors, children’s rides and concerts.  The custom designed fireworks show will feature a live performance by the Amarillo Symphony.   Canyon – Vendor Fair at the downtown square, parade at 10am and Party in the Park starting at 6pm at Connor Park with a concert and fireworks.   “Texas” Musical Drama will be performing their nightly show.   Clarendon – Kid’s bicycle parade at 10 am, craft fair, Western Parade at 2pm, Junior Ranch Rodeo at 7:30pm and a dance at 9pm.   Canadian – Parade at 10am   Dumas – Mud volleyball tournament at 8am   Wheeler – Parade at 9am, Fireworks at dusk, Cajun Boil Dinner at 6pm with a concert and ... 07/03/2012

One of the biggest events in the Texas Panhandle is the AGN Media July 4th Fireworks Festival.  It has been the pride and joy of Amarillo since 1954. So, come on out and join in on the fun with your family and friends.  Gates open at 4:30pm at John Stiff Memorial Park. Some great attractions you will find at this 2012 fireworks festival is kids rides, food, concerts, hot air balloons and helicopters.  And, of course the peak of the celebration will begin just after dark.  The Amarillo Symphony will be playing while Western Enterprises puts on a fabulous display of fireworks. The Amarillo Zoo will kick off the Fourth of July on Saturday.  They will feature animal activities, live music, and more inside Thompson Park.  Solomon, the African lion, will try to break the record for eating a 7... 07/02/2012

A popular Amarillo, TX club is getting updates and transformations.  The Grill, located on the 30th floor of the Chase Tower is going to be more energetic than ever before.  The update plans are by Playa Design Studio and a Western Builders crew is doing all the work. The transformed Grill will have a young, up-to-date feel it.  And, the owners are hoping it will bring in a younger crowd.  So, if you still feel young, check out all the new additions you will find at the Grill.  Some of the more noticeable additions will be rich leather wall panels, frosted glass dividers, 60-inch flatscreens, halogen lightening and more.  You can also find the Wine Room that will feature a hundreds of wines to choose from.  And, the division of frosted glass will create a silhouette of wine bottles.   T... 06/26/2012

Getting around the City of Amarillo, TX just got a little easier.  As of early June, commuters will see several city transit improvements.  Many of the improvements will enhance the estimated departure times, bus routes and bus stop locations.  There will now be 8 additional bus stop locations. And, there will be a noticeable difference to stops along Routes 7 & 8. Route 7 has seven new stops in the areas of Coffee Memorial, Care Circle, the Atmos Call Center, Canyon Estate and more stops at Ellwood Park.  Route 8 will have even more changes with a new stop at Wallace Blvd and Gentry Dr.   Route 5 will now travel to the ADVO facility on 58th and Washington so the passengers that travel to Affiliated Foods will be 12 blocks closer than before. The new routes and schedules are designed to... 06/18/2012

Local Amarillo residents will have more chances to get in on the conversation about the Parks & Recreation master-plan in Amarillo, TX.  This discussion could drive the city’s parks and recreation priorities for up to five years.  Therefore, all discussions on new parks, park improvements, park maintenance and water conservation will be open to the public at 7:00pm on May 29 at Woodlands Elementary and again on June 5th at East Branch Library at 7:00pm. Amarillo needs to get your input about two of four master-planned parks. Discussions will include improvement to athletic fields, park security, playground equipment upgrades, and big ticket projects.  This is a great opportunity to give your input about what can be done and what needs to be done to the city’s public parks.  This opportu... 05/28/2012

Top Graduation Gifts   We always struggle with purchasing gifts for some people.  Will they like it? Did I spend enough money?  Will I look cheap?  Have they received multiple of this gift? It is even harder when you really do not know the person - a distant family member, a friend’s child.    Here are some top graduation gifts- some I know you have thought of, others might spark an idea for you!   You can always go with hot/popular gifts - ipad, ipod, laptop computer, kindle/nook or a digital camera. Not wanting to spend that much money, keep reading!   If you know where they are going to college, purchase some type of spirit gift.  Personalized products are always nice with their name, initials or just first or last name only. Google can be our friend to find these companies for these... 05/18/2012

There is a new trolley express on Route 66 in Amarillo, TX.  From the new trolley you will get to discover over a mile of antiques and collectibles along the historic Route 66, and since it’s the city’s first residential and business district, you will find more than you could hope for. Along the original stretch of historic Route 66 you will come across many features such as historic buildings that were once theaters, drug stores, and cafes.  Now, these buildings are specialty, craft and antique shops.  You will also find some of Amarillo’s most distinctive dining experiences along Route 66. Route 66 is Amarillo’s first and only historic district, which makes the experience more unique, and it was voted Amarillo’s best destination.  The whole strip features bars, restaurants, antique s... 05/07/2012

Amarillo’s first quarter housing reports show the best sales in the Amarillo housing market since 2008.  This makes the third consecutive quarter that results have exceeded the previous year’s performance.  Therefore, Amarillo is seeing healthy trend in real estate that hasn’t happened for several years.  Homes sales are up 10.3 percent over the last year according to some analysis of real estate data for Amarillo and Canyon, TX.  Other analysis show only 6 percent increase, but that is still a high increase.  In many cases the sales statistics derived from average home prices and median home prices in the area. There are also good signs on a national level.  It may not be perfect but it looks like the real estate market is getting better for everyone.  Realtors® are expecting April to ... 04/30/2012

There are many new establishments coming to Amarillo, TX this month and next.  You will find many ribbon cutting ceremonies to attend and get free treats while you welcome the new establishment to the neighborhood.  And, you there will be one ground breaking ceremony this month as well.  I have compiled a list of the events below. So, bring your family and friends and enjoy Amarillo’s new venues. Jay’s Café’s ribbon cutting ceremony is being held on April 24th at 11:00 a.m.  Jay’s is located at 320 S. Polk Suite 350, Amarillo.  Phone:  806-373-7800. Superior Health Plan’s ribbon cutting is on April 25th at 2:00 p.m. located at 7201 I-40 West, suite 316, Amarillo.  Phone: 806-632-1677. Springleaf Financial Services ribbon cutting will be held at 2808 South Soncy, Amarillo on May 1st at 1... 04/23/2012

In central Texas, they bring Bluebonnets!  Take a trip and see the state flower of Texas blooming all along the roadside. Start your trip at the state capital in Austin and drive on Highway 183 North to FM 1431 West to the Hill Country.  Be prepared for cars by the dozen pulled over and taking family pictures and just enjoying the air with their perfumed scent. Some people even say this is the biggest reason Texas highways were designed with shoulders. Remember to thank Lady Bird Johnson for these incredible wildflowers, as she was a big influence in the highway beautification program.  TXDOT scatters 30,000 pounds of wildflower seeds per year by the highways. While you are taking your pictures and you just have the urge to pick some to take them home, someone may tell you it is illegal... 04/12/2012

Spring events are hot this April in Amarillo, Texas.  There’s quite a few things happening this month so don’t miss out on the fun.  Bring your family and friends and enjoy… Spring 2012 Amarillo Job Fair – Come to the job fair at the Amarillo Civic Center South Exhibit Hall.  Vendors are also welcome for $100, which includes an 8 foot skirted table and two catered lunches.  For more information, visit www.AmarilloJobFair.org. Date: 4/10/12 Time: 10am to 4pm Location: 401 S Buchanan, Amarillo, TX 79101 Spring Fling Gifts and Crafts Show 2012 – Come for a day of shopping and fun at the Amarillo Civic Center in the North Exhibit Hall.  Admission is $3 for adults and children under 12 are free. Date: 4/21/12 Time: 10am to 6pm Location: 401 S Buchanan, Amarillo, TX 79101   Best of Texas Gala... 04/09/2012

We should see the new Amarillo restaurant, Cafe’ Marizon, open at the end of the month.  The owners are currently busy adding all the finishing touches to the new 3,700 square-foot location, which can be found on Hillside Rd.  The owners will be closing their Polk Street Café Marizon this month before opening the doors to the new location. If you’re a fan of the Polk Street Café Marizon and its open room concept, then you will enjoy the new location just as much.  The picture gallery of historical Amarillo will also drive the décor of the new location.   Amarillo’s historical pictures have been a staple of the restaurant since they opened 15 years ago.  They started out with just 15 pictures on the wall, but that quickly snowballed into many more as people began bringing their photos t... 03/19/2012

It’s important to keep your family and your home safe during the bad weather season.  Therefore, the City of Amarillo’s weather and emergency management officials are urging all Amarillo residents and those in surrounding towns to prepare for the upcoming storm season.  And, I have some storm spotter tips to help you do just that since meteorologists are predicting that Amarillo, TX will have an active storm season this year.  Storm Spotter Tips   * Remain calm during a storm so you can think clearly…If you are anxious you can make bad choices and you can upset those around you.   * Know where to go for safety during tornado weather…Storm shelters are the best place to be during a tornado.  You can also find shelter in the basement, under stairs and the center of your home as long as it... 03/12/2012

Amarillo, TX is the place to be this week for entertainment and sports.  Come out and enjoy Adam Faucet & The Tall Grass at The 806 located on 2812 SW Sixth Avenue.  There will be no cover charge, and for more information call 806-322-1806.  Or, you can join the Old Tascosa Cycling Club Ride which begins at 6:30pm in Gander Mountain at 10300 W Interstate 40.  For more information call 806-223-8328. Amarillo is also a community where your voice can be heard loud and clear by city leaders.  There will be many important public meetings this week where you can voice your opinions on what’s going on around Amarillo and its surrounding communities. Monday’s Public Meetings Potter County Commissioners Court at 9am in the commissioners Courtroom of the Santa Fe Building at 900 Polk St.  There w... 02/13/2012

Amarillo Texas is named #7 on the Top 10 Real Estate Markets to watch in 2012 put out by Inman News today!  Several factors were taken into consideration that made us rank high on the national list, including - job market, home affordability, low foreclosure and a low vacancy rate.  What a wonderful place to live, work and play!  Take a moment to read this article and let me know if you are ready to make this great city your home or ready to purchase a home now that you know you are living in this top city already!  It's a Good Life, Treat Yourself Right and Call Me Today! http://www.inman.com/reports/markets-watch2012#continueintro This information is presented by:   Connie Taylor Keller Williams ConnieTaylor@KW.com www.AmarilloDreamHomes.com   Information is deemed to be reliable, but... 01/31/2012