Lubbock TX,a city of vast open spaces,high-arching skys and breathtaking vistas is home to Texas Tech University and many popular musicians. It’s also the center of the High Plains Wineries. We visited this vibrant city in the west of Texas to experience the local culture,taste the local cuisine and enjoy kid-friendly activities.
Texas Tech University
Known for its cutting-edge research,Tech also educates future doctors,nurses,pharmacists and health care professionals. The Health Sciences Center of the university includes schools for Allied Health Sciences (Allied Health Sciences),Biomedical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences),Medicine,Nursing,and Pharmacy.
The Tech campus is one of the most beautiful colleges in the United States. It features Spanish design elements. The campus is populated with trees,lush green lawns and red brick buildings.
Its students are known as Red Raiders and cheer on the school’s 15 men’s and women’s athletic teams. The Red Raiders are led by legendary coach Ronny White,who has guided the team to two national championships. Tech alumni are leaders in government,business,science,medicine and sports. Tech’s influence is felt around the globe,as Rick Husband,alumnus and final commander of Space Shuttle Columbia,has shown.
Buddy Holly Center
The Buddy Holly Center is housed in the renovated historic Fort Worth and Denver South Plains Railway depot at 1801 Crickets Avenue. Dedicated to the world-famous Lubbock native son and his impact on rock n’ roll and West Texas music,it is also home to an impressive array of art exhibits.
The campus reflects the unique culture of the region,blending modern and traditional elements. The facades of the building use overhangs and angled fins made from concrete,as well as deep-set,ribbon-shaped windows,to provide shade,filter light and cool it.
The main gallery,shaped as a guitar,leads visitors through a collection of musical memorabilia. The facility is a hub of cultural activity with two theaters,multiple multi-purpose spaces,a full-service restaurant,and Ballet Lubbock all located on the same site.
Museums
The museum scene in Lubbock is as dynamic as the city itself. This West Texas hub has a wide range of science and arts.
The Talkington Gallery of Art has artifacts dating back to the Ice Age. The Buddy Holly Center houses a collection of memorabilia. And the Lubbock Lake Landmark archeological preserve offers a unique perspective on West Texas’ history.
The “Hub City”,home to world-class artists,is known for its glassblowing,painting and illustration. Discover this talent at the Charles Adams Gallery,Tornado Gallery and LHUCA museums and at the monthly First Friday Art Trail event. This gathering of local food trucks and art galleries supports downtown small businesses and stimulates the economic. FFAT also offers the opportunity to try Two Docs Brewing Company’s smooth and flavorful bock,spirited IPA,or refreshing light ale.
Wine Tours
Two things come to mind when people think about Lubbock: Buddy Holly and cotton. Wine may soon surpass both as West Texas’ newest claim of fame.
Enjoy tastings and tours at area wineries like Llano Estacado Vineyard,which was founded in 1966 by Clinton ‘Doc’ McPherson and his wife,to test out grape varieties suitable for the High Plains climate. The winery’s tasting room in downtown Lubbock,a converted Coca-Cola factory,offers Tempranillo,Sangiovese,and other wines.
Bolen Winery,a family-owned winery,offers a variety of wines including 18 Malbec as well as ‘The Queen’ which is a dry Viognier that’s made with grapes fermented inside their golden skins. This method is usually used to make red wine. Or,check out Pheasant Ridge Winery,where you can taste seven varietals including Pinot Noir at 3507 E County Road 5700,Smyer.
Farms & Ranches
You can find a variety of farm and ranch properties for sale in the Lubbock area. These are ideal for raising livestock and horticulture. The South Plains or Llano Estacado is one of the most intensively farmed regions in North America and serves as a major migration pathway for waterfowl.
Sunburst Market,a local grocery and produce store in Lubbock is very popular. They are committed to ethical land and water stewardship and use organic practices. Also,they provide locally-grown produce and grass-fed beef.