The year is 2012, the place is SW 6^th, Amarillo, Texas. The street is bustling, a mix of old and new. As one watches the day's activities the mind mingles images of the past with the sights and sounds of the present.

In 1921, SW 6^th was part of a gravel road experiencing birthing pains as it became part of the Mother Road, Historic Route 66. Times were changing, cars were evolving and the need to move from the east coast to west coast had become a necessity as people moved to find work. In 1929 the road changed to asphalt and Route 66 became almost a living being as it was a heart throb for the ever changing needs of the United States economy. Gas stations pumped the gas, hotels housed the weary travelers, and diners feed the families. It took people to keep all of this going so communities formed with families that worked to feed the needs of this road.

On the corner of SW 6^th and Maryland Street (600 S Maryland) stands a beautiful home that is part of the Historical Registry. The original owner and builder of the home was Mr Nash. It was built in 1921, the same year as the Amarillo stretch of the road was opened . The neighborhood around this house grew as it served the needs of the community, but as the road changed so did the neighborhood's look and purpose. Major highways altered the flow of traffic, but the communities were left behind. Two choices remained, close the doors and move on, our alter the neighborhood to suit the needs of the present.

The Mother Road, Historic Route 66 now stands as a reminder of where we have been and hopefully a map to where we are going. The beautiful home now stands as a business, Maryland House Antiques, that houses antiques and vintage items. It is a peaceful place that allows the mind to imagine what it must have been like to live in those earlier years. The items it houses makes us stop and say “I remember when....” It is also a part of the community helping to maintain an economic strength that is still necessary to keep the Mother Road going.

Maryland House Antiques is just one of many businesses that give the American traveler and the local shopper a since of the past, with the excitement of the present. Just at the very corner of Historic Route 66 and Maryland Street one can enjoy a cold beer and burger at Wild Bill's on one corner while meeting their biker buddies or cross the street and have a hot dog at Moe Dogs while hollering at your friends that are still across the street. Go to the other corner and insure the bike at Americas, or come visit our store and shop for items of the past while enjoying the present.

Historic Route 66's heart still beats. European travelers know our Mother Road better than we as Americans. In Europe, they have groups that gather and plan trips just to experience America at a slower pace, the pace that we have a tendency to take for granted. These travelers see our country at it's heart and enjoy researching our past as they spend weeks crossing the countryside.

Amarillo has so much to offer. Travel down SW 6^th and take in the past while shopping at the local antique stores, and indulge the sense of taste with the culinary talents of local restaurants and the mix of international cuisine. The heart races and the pulse bounds as the bikers rev their engines and cruise the strip. Smiles can be seen as a vintage car is sighted decked out for show. Local Artisans regale us with their talents of, paintings, music, sculpture, acting, and so much more. Spend an evening having a cup of coffee and enjoying the talents of others, or step down the street and dance the night away. No one can leave out the need for fear whether it is a good haunting at the haunted house, or experiencing the ghosts of the past with the paranormal teams. Rent a costume and go to a party, or just be yourself, whoever that self is. From cowpokes to slowpokes, come see it all in our little stretch of the world. Visit the Mother Road, Historic Route 66, Amarillo style TODAY!!!