With a population over 200,000, the Amarillo area is an oasis in the Texas Panhandle. Visitors will find plenty of things to see and do, from mighty Palo Duro Canyon to the Big Texan Steak Ranch, home of the mighty 72 ounce steak. Amarillo hosts a thriving arts community with professional ballet, opera, symphony and theater companies. The Harrington Regional Medical Center is the largest medical center in the area. For more information on Amarillo, check the links section of this web site.

Fifteen acres of wet fun, Splash Amarillo is a relatively new summertime attraction. Speed slides, a large wave pool, a lazy river and a kiddie pool area make this a great place for all ages to cool off. The park also features a unique Sidewinder water ride, one of just a few in the country. The park is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 806-376-4477. www.splashamarillo.com.

What a dramatic setting! Over 80 singers, dancers and musicians performing the outdoor musical drama “TEXAS” about the settling of the Texas Panhandle with a 600-foot cliff in Palo Duro Canyon State Park as a backdrop. “TEXAS” is entering its 43^rd season in 2008. The show is performed nightly, except Monday, from early June through mid-August. The curtain goes up at 8:30 p.m. An optional steak dinner by the Big Texan Steak Ranch is available starting at 6:30. 806.655.2181 or www.texas-show.com

Wonderland Amusement Park is Amarillo’s home-grown entertainment park. A favorite ride is the steam train. Wonderland is located in the city’s Thompson Park, which is a few miles north of downtown Amarillo along US Highway 287. The park is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in early May and September. 800-383-4712. www.wonderlandpark.com.