Did You Grow Up Here? 10 Signs You’re an Amarillo Lifer

Maybe you were born and raised in the Amarillo area. Good for you. Or maybe you are like me and have been here a very long time. I may not be a native, but I have been here since the late eighties. I feel that gives me honorary native status. Fight me if I am wrong.

Drive‑Ins, Malls, and Long‑Gone Landmarks

Being a native or close to one, you know things about the area. You can drive by certain things and reflect on when a drive-in theater used to be where the Georgia Street Walmart is now. You may call things certain names that the newbies don't get, it happens.

Read More: Navigating Amarillo: Local Lingo Explained |

We have the privilege of I-40 traveling right through our city. That brings a lot of people here. We have a lot of touristy places like The Big Texan, The Cadillac Ranch, and Palo Duro Canyon. Things like that bring people here, and some end up staying. It happens a lot.

Local Hotspots: Taco Villa & Cadillac Ranch

Whether you are a lifer or got here as soon as you could, here are the dead giveaways that you really know Amarillo:

• Western Plaza - You not only know exactly where the mall was once located, you have also done back-to-school shopping there. You may have even danced the night away there when Graham Central Station spent some time there. You can sing the Buffalo Nickel jingle. You also no doubt remember the Brian Deneke tragedy that happened nearby in the parking lot, and think about it every time you drive nearby.
• Amarillo Parks - Yes, you know some parks have had name changes. You know it is now John Stiff Park and John Ward Memorial Park. The sign can say whatever it wants, and yes, we want to honor these men, but they will always be Southwest Park and Medi Park to the long timers.
• Taco Villa - You bring most of your guests here, yes, it is fast food, but it is the one thing most people miss when they move away. We want everyone to understand our love for it.
• Cadillac Ranch - You have visited it once, when you were little. You even took spray paint. Now you only go when you have out-of-towners, and even then, you may let them enjoy it while you stay back in the car with the air conditioning. Also, bonus points if you know you don't need spray paint. There will be plenty of leftovers from the many tourists.
• The Weather - You know the wind is going to blow. That is a given. You are prepared with a jacket in the car and an umbrella. You know that you can get all four seasons in one day. It happens. You also know that if it rains, there is a good chance it is going to flood somewhere in town.
• The Long Gone Restaurants - Not only do you miss these restaurants but you jump on social media posts commenting about the ones you miss the most. You remember where they were located and even have a favorite missed menu item. RIP to Gardski's, Ruby Tequilas, Harrigans, Shakey's Pizza, Cattle Call, Grandy's, Panchos, Barnaby's Beanery, Country Pride, All the Fixins', Santa Fe, and Arnold's Burgers. (The list goes on and on)
• Westgate Mall - You remember all of the stores that have come and gone. You miss the likes of The Disney Store, Mervyn's, Deb, and KB Toy Store. You played at the Lights Off Golf. You went and ate at both San Antonio and Cattle Call. You remember being dropped off with ten dollars and running to Hastings to spend it. The guts of Westgate Mall have changed many times, and you remember it all.
• The Amarillo Sports Teams - Whether you remember heading to the Dilla Villa to cheer on the Dillas. Maybe you remember The Texans, The Sox, or the Amarillo Gold Sox. You have been to the Amarillo Civic Center and have witnessed the Amarillo Venom, the Amarillo Gorillas, the Amarillo Rattlers, and the Dusters. We have had many teams to cheer on long before the Amarillo Sod Poodles.

Amarillo has changed a lot over the years, but don't worry, there are those of us around who can tell you all of the things they miss.