Day 6 of the Road Trip
A Strong Start: Breakfast at Cloud Puncher
Another morning, another hotel gym workout followed by an amazing breakfast at Cloud Puncher, the on-property restaurant at The Lively Hotel. After burning some calories, we happily indulged in an incredible meal: I decided on shakshuka, a rich and flavorful dish of poached eggs in spiced tomato sauce, while Tina opted for a hearty breakfast burrito packed with all the good stuff. Safe to say, we were both thoroughly pleased with our choices and ready to take on work for the day.
Fun fact: The Unauthorized Secret Art Society sculptures at Lively Hotel offer a hidden, interactive art experience. Six small-scale sculptures are discreetly placed throughout the hotel, blending seamlessly into its modern design. Guests are encouraged to explore and discover these subtle surprises, adding an element of adventure and discovery to their stay.
Hitting the Road to Amarillo
With a relatively short 3.5-hour drive from Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX, we decided to power through with just a quick gas stop before heading straight to our destination: The Big Texan Steak Ranch.
A Taste of Texas at The Big Texan Steak Ranch
For those unfamiliar with The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Brewery, it is a Route 66 landmark dating back to 1960. The Western-themed steakhouse is best known for its "72oz Steak Challenge," where participants attempt to consume a 72-ounce steak along with accompanying sides within an hour to receive the meal for free. The challenge has been featured on several TV shows, including Man v. Food, where host Adam Richman successfully conquered the challenge in the show’s very first episode.
Sorry to disappoint, but neither Tina nor I attempted the challenge. I tend to steer clear of red meat, so my meal of choice was a chicken sandwich loaded with sautéed onions and mushrooms, with a side of mac and cheese. Tina, feeling a little more adventurous, ordered the chicken-fried steak. Of course, I had to try at least one bite and, I have to admit, it was pretty delicious.
To complete the experience, we grabbed a couple of beers from the on-site brewery and enjoyed them at the saloon-style bar, which felt straight out of an old Western movie. The cowboy hats, mounted longhorns, and lively atmosphere made it the perfect place to sit back, take it all in, and embrace the Texas vibes.
Spending the Night in a Covered Wagon
But our Big Texan adventure wasn’t over yet—because instead of checking into a traditional hotel, we were spending the night in a covered wagon at The Big Texan RV Ranch.
Along with RV hookups, the property offers cabins and covered wagons as unique overnight stays. As someone who loves a good glamping experience, I was beyond excited when I first discovered this option and was hoping Tina would be down for the experience—and lucky for me, she was!
As we approached our covered wagon, I couldn't help but be reminded of playing Oregon Trail in elementary school—except this version was far more high-tech, complete with electricity, heat, and a proper door. Once inside the wagon, it was also rather spacious and cozy with bunk beds, a queen-sized bed, a small table with two chairs and a small refrigerator. The fully equipped private bathroom was just a short walk away, located near a shared area with rocking chairs and hammocks.
I was so excited to call this unique lodging experience home for the night and to see what wagon life was all about!
Final Thoughts on Day 6
Lying in my bunk that night, I was grateful not only for the heat (Texas nights can get pretty chilly!), but also for how this trip had brought such a variety of experiences—each day feeling entirely different from the last.
Looking back on Day 6, from a delicious breakfast in OKC to an iconic Route 66 restaurant experience to glamping in a covered wagon, it was the perfect blend of adventure, novelty and nostalgia.
Bonus Photos: Previous Glamping Experiences - Eastwind in Oliverea Valley, NY & Terramor in Bar Harbor, Maine
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