Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 806-655-1132;
www.bestwestern.com
;
2801 4th Ave; r $70-180; )
As tidy inside as the
white paint is outside, this recently built 51-unit motel lacks any regional charm but is
convenient to the canyon and I-27. The pool, alas, is indoors away from the balmy Texas
air.
Eating
Canyon has good eats, but choices in the canyon itself are basic.
Ranch House Cafe
( 806-655-8785; 810 23rd St; mains from $6; 7am-9pm)
Look for the classic trapezoidal red sign
along the old US 87 strip. Chicken-fried steak and chicken-fried chicken(!) lead the long
list of diner specials. Ponder the posies on the spare yellow exterior and then enter a king-
dom of fresh north Texas chow.
AMERICAN
$
AMERICAN
$
Feldman's Wrong Way Diner
( 806-655-2700;
www.feldmansdiner.com
;
1701 5th Ave; mains from $7; 11am-9pm; )
As the menu
says, this classy diner is dedicated to anyone who has made a wrong turn, wrong decision
or wandered off the beaten path. Here, at least, you'll know you've done the right thing.
Steaks, chicken and burgers star and are supported by a cast of sides including perfect
okra and lovely broccoli. Lots of salads too.
Look for the windsock on the roof.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
At 120 miles long and about 5 miles wide, Palo Duro Canyon is second in size in the USA
only to the Grand Canyon. The cliffs striated in yellows, reds and oranges, rock towers
and other geologic oddities are a refreshing surprise among the seemingly endless flatness
of the plains, and are worth at least a gander.
The multihued canyon was created by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River, a
long name for a little river. The great gorge has sheltered and inspired people for a long
time. Prehistoric Indians lived in the canyon 12,000 years ago, and Coronado may have
stopped by in 1541. Palo Duro was the site of an 1874 battle between Comanche and
Kiowa warriors and the US Army. The over 26,000 acres that make up the
park
(
806-488-2227;
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
; 11450 Park Road 5; adult/child $5/free;
main gate 6am-8pm Mon-Thu, to
