A recent post on Reddit led several of us down a rabbit hole chasing after the true story of the big green dino that calls The Big Texan home. The big question was, where exactly did it come from?

The Story According To The Big Texan

When you visit The Big Texan, and you mosey on up to the boot wearing dino, you'll see a sign. That sign has the story of how The Big Texan came to be on I-40.

You'll also read about the great appreciation that the owners of The Big Texan have for Route 66. On the sign it states that "Big Tex Rex" is dedicated to the "spirit" of the Mother Road.

So, Why A Big Green Dinosaur

The big cow you see at The Big Texan makes total sense without having to read anything at all about the history of the iconic restaurant. Big steaks have to come from big bovines, right?

The dinosaur is a little more...nuanced let's say.

The sign states that, as children, a family road trip on Route 66 had a lasting impact on the Lee brothers. One of the sights along the Mother Road that stuck with them the most was that of several large dinosaur statues.

With that in mind, Big Tex Rex serves as a massive reminder about the wonder and magic of old Route 66.

Which Is Neat And All...But WHERE Did It Come From

This is where things got interesting. A user on Reddit claimed to remember this same dino from another spot in the Lone Star State, and then dropped a link to what they believe is an old photo of the whiskered dino.

This is where the plot twists and then heads down to Dallas.

West End Marketplace

It was an old warehouse that had several stores, entertainment venues, and at one point Planet Hollywood; according to this website. Out front of West End Marketplace sat a dinosaur that looks awfully familiar.

Same green dino, on what looks like chopsticks, wearing a bandana and cowboy boots. One big exception is the Dallas Cowboys helmet resting atop its head.

West End Marketplace would eventually close, and later became Factory Six-03. Instead of all the shops, bars, and restaurants it would house mainly contemporary work spaces. It was furnished with contemporary furniture and a coffee bar.

Lame.

Is It Possible That Big Tex Rex Came From Dallas

That leads me to wonder...is the dino from The Big Texan, and the one from West End Marketplace, the same dinosaur? Or are these part of a series of root'n toot'n rowdy chopstick riding dinosaurs?

If they're the same, then hats off (or Dallas Cowboys helmet off) to whoever gave Big Tex Rex a facelift.

Here's a link to the article about West End Marketplace, the Tilt arcade, and the vintage photo of what could be a prehistoric Big Tex Rex.

Amarillo Landmarks: Negative Yelp Reviews

Yelp can be a strange and angry place. That's what I found out recently when I decided to sort the reviews by "lowest rating" first.

I was okay with the people upset over bad service and what not. But I came across a few reviews that, for lack of a better word, left me speechless in their scathing negative reviews on some of Amarillo's most iconic places. Prepare your self for plenty of head shaking and "I dunno" shrugs.

Ranchotel: The Forgotten Landmark of Old Route 66 in Amarillo, Texas

The Ranchotel, located at 2501 W. 6th St., is a product of Route 66's heyday.

When Americans first began long-distance automotive travel, they typically stayed in hotels or camped beside the road. In response, clever entrepreneurs began to build what were called tourist courts. The Ranchotel is one of these.

It was built in 1940 and until recently, it was considered one of the best preserved examples of Route 66's tourist facilities. It was placed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995 and was well maintained until 2020.

Even now, in spite of the building's fading beauty, there is still the nostalgic air held by many a historic landmark.

The Drive-In: Amarillo's Classic Drive-In Theaters, Past and Present

Any resident of Amarillo worth their salt knows about the Tascosa Drive-In movie theater.

But did you know about the other drive-in theaters?

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