An escape for influential artists like Georgia O'Keeffe, Canyon, TX, is the perfect place for makers seeking the quiet and seclusion of the west. Surrounded by incredible landscapes, a warm community, and a vibrant local art scene, painters, photographers, and writers have long found inspiration in the wealth of scenic subjects of this Panhandle gem. Follow this 2-day artist's guide designed to spark your artistic soul in Canyon.
MORNING
Coffee & Pastries at Palace Coffee Company
Grab a morning coffee at Palace Coffee Company, known for its artisan brews and friendly atmosphere. Grab some pastries there or for a heartier breakfast visit local-gem, Buff’s.
Head to Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas,” Palo Duro Canyon is stunning, with vibrant rock formations and expansive views perfect for photographic or painting references. Arrive early to beat the heat and get a parking spot at your trailhead of choice.
Hike the Lighthouse Trail
This popular 5.7-mile round-trip hike takes you to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation. It’s a moderately challenging hike, but the breathtaking scenery and romantic photo opportunities make it worth the effort. Don’t forget plenty of water, sunscreen, and a camera.
LUNCH
Eat at the Sad Monkey Mercantile
Just outside Palo Duro Canyon’s entry gate is a local artist hang out, Sad Monkey Mercantile. They offer everything for the happy camper: food trucks, restaurant, bar, coffee shop, grocery store, camping gear, homewares, and “Panhandle Proud” merchandise. It’s dog friendly, and you might even get up close to an iconic Texas longhorn while listening to live music.
AFTERNOON
Unwind at Bar Z Winery
At the edge of Palo Duro Canyon, on the outskirts of Canyon, Texas you’ll find a hidden panhandle gem in Bar Z Winery. Not to be confused with a vineyard, Bar Z works with Texas High Plains vineyard owners and takes their high-quality Texas grown grapes and makes them into award-winning, full-bodied red wines. Schedule a tour of check their website for events.
EVENING
Dinner at Mickey’s Place
Known for it’s wine selection, pizza, and Italian food, Mickey’s Place is modern, upscale dining experience is perfect for a romantic evening.
Sunset Photography or Painting Session at Palo Duro Canyon
Stay in the canyon for the sunset, which fills the sky with warm, dramatic colors that enhance the canyon’s natural beauty. Bring your camera, watercolors, or acrylics to capture the glow of the “golden hour.” The shifting colors over the rock formations will take your breath away.
MORNING
Breakfast at Buenos Dias
This charming, locally owned gem has a great blend of Mexican and American breakfast served by the friendliest people around.
Visit the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum
Spend the morning at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in Texas. From Native American artifacts, Western art, modern art by famed artist Georgia O’Keeffe, to geology exhibits and historic recreations, there are endless subjects to inspire.
LUNCH
Lunch at Creek House Honey Farm
Creek House Honey Farm is a little slice of farmhouse heaven located down the road from the Texas Panhandle’s greatest wonder, Palo Duro Canyon State Park. It’s an elevated, rustic restaurant, winery, and shop offering locally-crafted products made using raw honey sourced directly from beehives we keep at our local apiary.
AFTERNOON
Explore Downtown Canyon Mural
This Jack Sorenson-inspired mural is an iconic tribute to the terrain, wildlife, and culture of the Texas Panhandle. Painted in 2023 by mural artist Bristen Lee Phillips, it’s part of a larger initiative to beautify the downtown area.
Downtown Canyon & Tex Randall Statue
Stroll through downtown Canyon and explore its charming shops, galleries, and dining. Be sure to stop in to the Friemel Fine Art, known for his Christian art, and Marsha Clements Art gallery, known for her Palo Duro Canyon-inspired art. The Dord Fitz Formal Gallery features rotating contemporary exhibitions on the campus of West Texas A&M University. Exhibitions showcase faculty, students, and other area artists that cover mediums like sculpture, graphic design, painting, and more.
The downtown square is lined with local stores and boutiques often showcasing handcrafted and Texas-themed goods that make great souvenirs. And of course, you can’t miss Tex Randall, the famous 47-foot cowboy statue—a quirky subject that’s fun to sketch or photograph.
EVENING
Dinner on the Square at Sayakomarn
Grab dinner at the locally-owned, Asian-fusion favorite Sayakomarn’s.
AFTER DINNER
Drive to Cadillac Ranch
Cadillac Ranch, just 20 miles north of Canyon, Texas, is a quirky and iconic roadside attraction featuring a row of vintage Cadillacs half-buried nose-first in the ground. Created in 1974 by the art collective Ant Farm, it’s a constantly evolving installation where visitors are encouraged to add their own spray paint designs, making it a vibrant, ever-changing piece of public art. This colorful landmark symbolizes both the creative spirit of the Texas Panhandle and America’s fascination with car culture and open-road freedom.
