Scenes from Shamrock, Texas

With a nickname like “The Road To Nowhere,” it’s fair to expect the drive on U.S. 83 from Canada to Mexico to be quite boring.  And I can attest that, at times, it is exactly that. 

But the drive also delivers its share of pleasant surprises.  And one of the stops along my drive that I felt most rewarded by was my overnight stay in Shamrock, Texas.

The best way I can describe Shamrock is to picture an old Texas cattle town, add a dose of Irish heritage and finish it with enough Route 66 nostalgia to remind you of the animated movie, “Cars.”  That’s Shamrock, in a nutshell. 

Fittingly enough, I had booked my stay at the Western Motel, near the corner of U.S. 83 and historic U.S. 66.  

The sign didn’t lie.  There were plenty of lean rooms – and clean rooms – available.    

And the hotel receptionist was happy to have someone to wait on.  Or perhaps disappointed that I showed up?  I couldn’t exactly tell.  Nonetheless, I was cheerfully checked in, and happy to be staying away from the interstate that had unfortunately left so much of this town behind. 

As for the accommodations, I had no complaints.  Everything I could hope for from an independently owned and operated motel was provided.  The bed was comfy and certainly looked like it belonged in a place with a western name to it.   

A nice window-side sitting area offered a sunset view once the curtains were pulled back.

And a lengthy sitting area, coffee station, mini fridge and microwave completed the room’s amenities. 

Speaking of sunset, I knew time was short if I was going to roam the town.  I got my second wind and made a beeline to the other side of the street. 

Conveniently, the symbolic heart of town -- and a must-stop for any fan of Route 66 retro – was directly in sight.  There, in a converted gas station straight out of the 1950s, was the Shamrock Visitor Information Center.  And it was still open.

There weren’t exactly any “don’t miss” items at the welcome center, but the staff was friendly, and I did find this banner quite ... ummm ... welcoming.

The real reason to stop here, of course, is to admire the building itself.  From the antique gas pumps ...

... to the Conoco tower atop the storefront ...

... to the Mater lookalike tow truck in the back of the lot. 

The visitor’s center alone is worth catching, but something told me there was more to see in Shamrock than just Route 66 callbacks.  I took off walking down U.S. 83 (quite literally Main Street) to see what else I could find.

Not long into my walk, I noticed this mural spanning the entire side of a brick building.  I had never heard of Bill Mack beforehand, but as I like to say, everybody must be from somewhere.  I thought the mural was a nice tribute to the many things Shamrock is apparently known for, though.  The water tower in the center of the mural also captured my curiosity.  I could see it easily from a distance, so I decided to walk on and check it out.

Sure enough, this tower has more historical significance than you might assume at first glance.  It was also a convenient turnaround point for my walk, but not before I studied the displays around it.

A historical marker near the base of the tower summarized its importance to the town and notes it remains as one of the largest water towers still standing in Texas.

Beside the plaque rested an original concrete horse trough and water pump which no doubt quenched the thirst of many horses and cowboys through the years.

On my way back to the hotel, I paused for a moment to admire this storefront for the Oldham Trading Company.  You just don’t see many places advertising land, cattle, guns and ammo all in one place in Illinois. 

And beyond that, I was drawn to a small park designated as Blarney Stone Plaza. 

Apparently, Ireland isn’t the only place where you can kiss a piece of the blarney stone.  Then again, this site may be a bit of blarney itself.

I finished my walk back at the hotel, but I didn’t stay put for long.  I had finally developed an appetite for dinner.  Unfortunately, the options in downtown Shamrock at the time were almost non-existent. 

Fortunately, I recalled passing the Mesquite Canyon Steakhouse on the north end of town earlier, and what sounds more appropriate for a dinner in Texas than steak?  I made the short drive and was seated in no time. 

I ordered the steak trimmings because, frankly, I like the description on the menu ... the leftover pieces from all the sirloins, ribeyes and New York strips cut by the restaurant, grilled with onions and bell pepper and served over rice.  Getting two sides with it sealed the deal.  The fried okra was especially pleasing. 

All in all, the meal was a decent end to my tour of Shamrock, Texas.  I even got to overhear a table of locals sharing their COVID-19 conspiracy theories all over again while I ate.  There’s nothing like a free side of entertainment. 

If you find yourself in Shamrock, Texas, by happenstance like I did, I suggest taking some time to check out the surroundings.  The history and nostalgia are fun and worth the effort.