Take a Day Trip to This Historic Texas Gem Near Amarillo

As we are watching the days count down to back-to-school in Amarillo, we need a getaway. We just want to go somewhere. We may not have the money to take a weekend trip or even stretch it out further. We have to get creative.

The great thing about living in the Texas Panhandle is that we don't have to travel too far to see something new. We can take a short drive and discover and learn from our surroundings.

Why Vega, Texas Makes the Perfect Day Trip

Have you ever taken a day trip to Vega, Texas? A short drive outside of Amarillo can show you the true spirit of the Texas Panhandle. There are things to experience that can make you wonder why you haven't done this sooner.

Read More: Your Guide to Day Trips: Small-Town Gems Near Amarillo |

Finding Vega, just thirty minutes west of Amarillo on Historic Route 66, just leads you to know there are things you need to experience for yourself. Take a short drive in Texas this weekend.

Take a trip this weekend to Vega, Texas

• Magnolia Gas Station (904 S Main St) - It's unmanned, so you can just get out of your car and experience this 1920s-era gas station. Of course, this is a great photo op filled with many historic signs. You can learn a thing or two about the legacy of it being on Route 66. A free history lesson for the day.

• Milburn-Price Culture Museum (1005 Coke St) - Even more history will greet you at this Vega museum. Just checking out the best-kept photo archives of the Texas Panhandle will give you much to look at. You will spend a lot of time checking out the vintage clothing, the Route 66 exhibits, and the military memorabilia. You will leave knowing a lot about the Dust Bowl and Oldham County's ranching.

• Hickory Inn Cafe (1004 Vega Blvd) - Of course, all of this exploring is going to leave you hungry. You can eat like the locals at this cute cafe. Travelers and locals have been loving this location since the sixties. Grab a chicken fried steak, breakfast burrito, or finish it all with a homemade pie.

• Roadside Oddities (1005 Coke St) As you are exploring the museum in Vega, make sure you spend time outside. The photo ops are endless. From the world's largest branding iron and other iron sculptures. Check it out and get your Instagram account updated with photos.

More Reasons to Plan a Quick Getaway

Trips out of town do not have to be these long, elaborate vacations. Those quick day trips can be all that you need. A short trip to Vega can give you some much-needed relaxation, education, and help you get your steps in.