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.
One of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States,the Tech campus features Spanish design characteristics. 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. Ronny White is the legendary coach of the Red Raiders,who has led them 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,located at 1801 Crickets Avenue in Fort Worth and Denver South Plains Railway Depot,is a renovated historic depot. 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 is a reflection of the culture and traditions of the area,with a blend of 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 is shaped like a guitar and leads visitors through an extensive collection of musical memorabilia. Two theaters,multi-purpose rooms,a full service restaurant and Ballet Lubbock are all on the same property.
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. Find out more about this talent by visiting the Charles Adams Gallery Tornado Gallery LHUCA Museums and the First Friday Art Trail. This popular gathering of art galleries and local food trucks supports small businesses downtown and stimulates the economy. FFAT also offers the opportunity to try Two Docs Brewing Company’s smooth and flavorful bock,spirited IPA,or refreshing light ale.
Wine Tours
When people think of Lubbock,two things usually spring to mind: cotton and Buddy Holly. However,wine may soon eclipse both as the West Texas city’s newest claim to fame.
You can enjoy tastings and tours of area wineries,such as Llano Estacado Vineyard. This vineyard was founded by Clinton “Doc” McPherson in 1966,along with his wife,so that they could test grape varieties suitable for 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. You can also visit Pheasant Ridge Winery in Smyer,which offers seven varieties,including Pinot Noir.
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 is a popular local produce and grocery store in the Lubbock area. They are committed to ethical land and water stewardship and use organic practices. Also,they provide locally-grown produce and grass-fed beef.