Begin your adventure at the Boot Hill Distillery, Dodge City’s exclusive craft distillery. As you step inside, you’ll discover the art of creating artisanal spirits and delve into the building’s rich history. Join a guided tour that unravels the secrets behind their craft while immersing yourself in the building’s past roles as City Hall, municipal courtroom, jail, fire department, and more. Afterward, indulge in the flavors of their remarkable “Soil to Sip” spirits in the tasting room. Expertly crafted cocktails highlight the distillery’s expertise. Boot Hill Distillery is a haven for spirits connoisseurs and history enthusiasts.

Next, venture into the immersive world of the Boot Hill Museum, where the legends of the Old West come alive. This captivating museum offers a journey through Dodge City’s past with meticulously curated exhibits and authentic reenactments. With an impressive collection of over 60,000 artifacts, the Boot Hill Museum serves as a beacon of Western heritage and culture. Witness daily gunfights that reenact the city’s notorious shootouts, which earned Dodge City its infamous moniker, the “Wickedest Little City in the West.” Be enthralled by the charm of the Long Branch Variety Show, where Miss Kitty, can-can dancers, and singing bartenders take the stage while you savor a delightful country-style dinner.

For those seeking a dose of excitement, the Boot Hill Casino and Resort await. This vibrant establishment caters to thrill-seekers with 16 table games and a wide array of slot machines (including high-limit machines). Sports enthusiasts need look no further than the DraftKings Sportsbook & Lounge, a haven to enjoy your favorite games. Indulge in delectable cuisine at the Firesides restaurant or unwind at the full-service bar and soak in the lively atmosphere.

Dodge City takes great pride in its place in Wild West history and celebrates the enduring significance of the cowboy in American culture. Legends like Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and the Masterson brothers once called this city home. Their stories live on through in Dodge City’s attractions and extensive collection of artifacts. Whether you visit during the peak season or the offseason, Dodge City warmly welcomes visitors.

Join us in Dodge City, where history, culture, and entertainment converge to create an extraordinary experience. Immerse yourself in the art of craft spirits at the Boot Hill Distillery, unravel the legends of the Old West at the Boot Hill Museum, and feel the thrill at the Boot Hill Casino and Resort. Let Dodge City be your gateway to an unforgettable encounter with the Wild West.

To plan an unforgettable journey and discover the timeless charm of the Wild West, contact the Dodge City Convention and Visitors Bureau at (620) 225-8186 or check out our website at www.visitdodgecity.org where you can request more information or subscribe to our newsletter. •

The post Experience the Spirit of the Wild West in Dodge City appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

The city of Amarillo is cut from a different cloth. It’s been home to countless cowhands and ranchers who forged their futures out of the red soil and sage brush, but it also received the quirk and colorful personality Route 66 brought through America’s heartland. Today, you can still clearly see the Old West’s footprint, but a New West is carving its own path through town. It’s not here to replace the Old West, rather to come alongside it, to pick up the mantle and continue expanding the city’s horizons. This fusion of Old West and New West has made Amarillo a must visit destination.

Break from the highway and experience true horsepower on a horseback ride through the stunning landscapes of Palo Duro Canyon. The ride starts in the shortgrass prairies, and descends into the red walls of the canyon to reveal a unique environment filled with trees, cacti, and fascinating rock formations. If the beautiful surroundings spark your artistic inspiration, head to any of the countless murals and public art instillations around Amarillo to find vibrant backdrops for that social media post.

There’s nothing better than finding that perfect something to take home from a trip filled with memories. Gone are the days of tired souvenirs, and tchotchkes bound for the junk drawer. Amarillo is full of amazing local artists, craftspeople, curators, and boutique stores. While you could spend days bouncing from one shop to the next, swinging through from the 6th Collective is a great way to explore a collection of local talent in one place. Grab a beautifully designed Amarillo themed shirt, stickers for your Hydroflask, home decor that would make Shea McGee proud, or a new flat brim hat to complete your Western-Chic ensemble.

Amarillo’s food scene reaches much further than a grilled steak and baked potato, and it continues to blossom into a must visit foodie destination. Yes, you’ll find your favorite cut of steak seared to perfection at places like The Big Texan or mouthwatering Texas BBQ at Tyler Barbecue. But, don’t be surprised to see drink menus in Amarillo filled with world class wines, local craft beers, and unique cocktails. One of the most diverse menus in town resides at Crush, which serves up plate after plate of jaw dropping fusion dishes that will impress visitors from any major metro. This rooftop dining experience is located in downtown Amarillo, where local historical preservation groups are bringing back the beautiful retro neon signs and marquees that once lined the streets.

There are plenty of tired itineraries and over-tried trips – plan a road trip that is extraordinary. Amarillo’s rich culture shaped how the entire country thinks about the Wild West, and a new contingent of creators are reintroducing the next generation to the beauty and creativity this place inspires. So come lean in it, embrace the history that shaped the Old West, and explore the trails being blazed by the New West.

The post Amarillo – Where Old West Meets New appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.