Miami, Oklahoma to Amarillo

Drive I44 southwest to I40 and stop at a Super 8 in Amarillo, Texas

Another long driving day – Oklahoma is certainly long. Thankfully, the SuburbanShip was behaving beautifully.

When looking for a destination for the night, we usually try to check in at least by 5:00, so we have time to relax a bit before figuring out how to feed ourselves. Amarillo, Texas seemed just about right.

Since the fitness center in the Econo Lodge back in Illinois gave me the opportunity to burn off some pent-up energy, I used “fitness center” as one of my criteria when using the Trip Advisor app to find a motel in Amarillo. Another criteria that we were looking for was walking distance to a restaurant, so that we wouldn’t have to face another Subway hero. That was a little more difficult in that I had to use Google Maps, zoom in on motels, and then see what was nearby.

The Super 8 Amarillo West looked like it would do the trick.

I will always remember this motel for the interesting exchange I had with the proprietor. While checking in, I asked her where the fitness center was. Much to my chagrin, she said, “About 4 miles away. We have free passes for you to use.” When she saw the disappointed look on my face, she said, “Why do you need a fitness center. You already look fit.” Herb and I tried not to crack up. I don’t think she really got this fitness thing.

After a shower and a drink in the room, we walked to nearby Joe Daddy’s, which was a pretty loud and rowdy local establishment, with Texas BBQ, “adult” drinks, and a live band. It was just the kind of place I would have pictured in Amarillo, Texas.