Colorado to Amarillo: cool signs, neat lunch, good dinner

Community Highlights North America Colorado to Amarillo: cool signs, neat lunch, good dinner

This was MOSTLY a long drive day, but, along the way, were some neat things to look at! There were probably a number of things that I would have liked to check out along the way, but I was mostly in drive mode.

My first stop, embracing my new hobby, was the Harley Davidson in Pueblo, Colorado. While I enjoy the HD branding and the people I interact with at the stores generally, the actual dealerships and shops are the best- and this was one. The lady behind the counter was nice and I enjoyed checking out the bikes. I found a few I liked though I really don't ever see myself (and certainly not Claire) on a bike. I liked one that matched my car color and some of the designs that were elegant in their simplicity. I've done a lot of looking at cars and bikes on this trip.

Two of these buses passed me and I liked the name of the school: "Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning." It's a mouthful, but a school of expeditions is cool!

As I passed through Trinidad with a rumbly tummy, this neat joint caught my eye: Hollywood Bar and Grill. I exited the freeway and wound over to it to take pictures... then decided that, on a drive day, I deserved a sit-down lunch! And I'm so glad that I stopped in. The place was a character as were the two dudes running it.

It's a bar, restaurant, game room, and performance space with tons of music, racing, and movie paraphernalia on the walls. While I was in there, the many TVs were playing some great old Elton John performances from the 70s- including a few songs from Dodger Stadium. This was the show where my dad hand-delivered a bottle of wine to Elton on stage during soundcheck.

The guy who was essentially the host was very nice and chatty. The owner/cook, Johnny Banning, for need of a description, was a beach bum/musician type who I'd not be surprised to run into in Kona or Venice. Also very nice and chatty. Both dudes were SO WELCOMING. They also are both Los Angeles ex-pats. We talked about some places in LA like Saugus Raceway where the cook's dad used to race and my dad used to take me. Just really nice conversation with two dudes who have been around.

A bunch of the guitars on the walls were handmade by Johnny.

My food WAS SO GOOD! The fries and sandwich were made to order AND HUGE.

They were set to shut down for the afternoon before reopening for dinner, but sat around with me talking about places they've been and the work they've put into the restaurant. Johnny made sure to give me his card and said I'm welcome back any time.

As I made my way through Trinidad to the freeway, I was really into the look of the town and the classic signs. I may need to spend more time in Colorado.

It was then into New Mexico. I pulled off in Raton to check out the old Santa Fe station there. Raton was an important point in Santa Fe history and Roosevelt stopped there AT LEAST once.. but I think more. At least the first time was when he was on his way to the first Rough Rider Reunion in Las Vegas, New Mexico. It was where a bunch of government reps, Santa Fe execs, and Rough Riders met up with him before approaching the event.

The little "downtown" area was very nice looking with a few cool shops, but obviously hurting. It would be so nice to see these areas all across the country thriving.

Then, on the way out of town, there were a number of neat hotel signs to see.

More driving to Oklahoma.

I was surprised to find myself a little emotional over seeing the Cimarron County sign.

First off, it's a neat look. Second, I only know about the county because I've had my class read Out of the Dust as the culminating unit for my class since we returned from COVID. It's been a much bigger success than I thought it would be and the kids have connected to it more than I thought they would- as have I, apparently. The story takes place in Cimarron Country during the Dust Bowl. As opposed to the other books we focus on, this place and the people in THIS book are essentially within reach. Amsterdam in WWII and a dystopian sci-fi future aren't places I've had the opportunity to visit. When I eventually get the chance to go to Amsterdam, it will be quite different from when Anne Frank was hiding there. Meanwhile, though there is now healthy grass and farming, the desolation and open spaces of the farmland are still very reminiscent to what it was like for the characters in this book.

After having read it for three years, I visited the area last summer and spent a little time in the real towns from the book seeing them for myself and visiting a few museums- EVEN TOUCHING DUST BOWL DUST. You can read about that here.. And, shoot, even looking at the county sigh at the top of that entry illustrates my point. I shot the the county sign in a different location last year and it looks essentially the same as this one.

Well, I made sure to pass through Guymon, OK again this year as I headed south. It didn't add too much time to my drive, fortunately, and I got to see a different side of the town than I did last year. But the reason was so that I could enjoy Eddie's Steakhouse! And enjoy I did!

As I wrote previously on this trip, my concept of the term "steakhouse" has been morphing as I've been to more small town steakhouses. Last year, this one seemed kinda quaint to me, and it still is, but it's actually more like the steakhouses I'm familiar with at home than most of the others I've visited recently. The lights are dimmed and they put on a bit of classy. I was here on a weeknight, so the sweetness of cowboys dressing up and taking their dates out on the weekend that I got to witness last year was replaced with more families and retired people. I fear it sounds like I'm talking down about this place. I AM NOT. I love it. I drove out of my way to eat there and I probably will again. I'm a huge fan.

I love that they welcome you with a bowl of veggies and ranch dressing when you arrive. Every staff member I've interacted with the the nicest person ever. I ordered garlic bread served with au jus as an appetizer, remembering that I got too much food last year. I did again this year. The garlic bread was essentially a pile that could have built a lincoln log house. I hadn't had it served with au jus before. That was a distinct touch that I enjoyed.

My steak came with two BIG sides. So much food! I swear I tried to not order too much. AND IT WAS ALL SO GOOD. I was stuffed and very happy and sad that I'd have to wait a year or more to visit again. I like those people and their food (and the price!)

Alright, well, stuffed and happy, I hit the road to Amarillo. Apparently, there wasn't anything very exciting to take photos of as I went the rest of the way.

For a long drive day, this was delicious and I liked what I saw.

This featured blog entry was written by JustinRiner from the blog Riner Road Trip.
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