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7 reasons to Visit Lubbock and the High Plains
Big horizons inspire a creative cultural scene in Lubbock
Though Lubbock is deeply rooted in our state’s history of ranching, it’s also part of defining modern Texas, a place where you enjoy a gourmet dinner after an afternoon visiting art galleries and attending a rodeo or football game. Try these activities when you find yourself out west.
1. Toast to Texas wine
Here’s a surprising fact about the hub of the High Plains: More than 85% of the state’s wine crop is grown here. The unique combination of the arid climate and nutrient-rich soil in the region closely resemble the conditions found in renowned grape-growing regions of Spain and Southern France. Exploring this thriving wine region can easily become a delightful day-long adventure, with ten wineries welcoming visitors for tastings and tours. To begin your journey, you can start in downtown Lubbock by visiting award-winning McPherson Cellars or drive out to the area’s first and most well-known winery, Llano Estacado Winery. Find a list of wineries and their specialties here.
2. Stay and play for family fun
Introducing Milestones Development and Play Park, opening in December 2023. This is Texas’ first indoor play park designed for children of all ages. Climb, slide, bounce and play in themed areas, inspired by adventures like a jungle safari or a whimsical candy land. This innovative facility is not only a hub for play but also a nurturing environment offering classes and events tailored to children of all abilities.
3. Go on a quest for the perfect Chilton
Discover Lubbock’s signature cocktail, the Chilton, a delightful bubbly, vodka-and-lemon-based beverage celebrated for its refreshing qualities. Start a sipping trip around the city by grabbing an interactive mobile pass for the Chilton Trail. The pass provides discounts at 11 of Lubbock’s finest local restaurants, bars and distilleries as you embark on a quest for your perfect Chilton. Local mixologists have crafted innovative variations of the Chilton, introducing flavors such as watermelon, grapefruit and fresh peppers. Which one will be your favorite?
4. Take to the trails
About a two-hour drive from Lubbock, Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway is a gem of a Texas State Park, with an extensive 90 miles of trails. You can camp, picnic, hike, bike, swim and cast a line for fishing adventures. Bring your horse or your boat or both to enjoy the riding trails and no-wake waters on Lake Theo. Keep a lookout for the park’s resident bison and bats that call the park home. Back in Lubbock, visit Buffalo Springs Lake, where you can fish, boat, camp, hike or ride your ATV off-road. The lake’s scenic loop trail is 5.6 miles. Find trails rated as easy or moderate at Dunbar Historical Lake and Lubbock Lake Landmark.
5. Be part of the action, from Broadway to boot stomps
The performing arts are center stage in Lubbock. The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences is the Hub City’s historic home to nationally touring musicians, comedians, Broadway shows and the Lubbock Symphony. Meanwhile, the Lonestar Amphitheater & Pavilion fits the bill as one of the largest indoor and outdoor venues in West Texas. An assortment of historic venues and honky-tonks, such as the Cactus Theater, Cook’s Garage and the Blue Light, give you plenty of space to practice your Texas two-stepping. Top musicals play in the open-air Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre during the summer months at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center.
6. Taste gourmet local dining
Lubbock is a city of passionate foodies, not unlike other major metros, in the blend of cuisines and the pursuit of a creatively delicious dinner. Local and independent restaurants thrive here, each contributing unique and inventive recipes to the city's culinary tapestry . From hyperlocal farm-to-table offerings at Claraboya Scratch Kitchen and Bar in the university district to fine French cuisine at Chez Sami in nearby Wolfforth, High Plains dining isn’t only barbecue. Mix visual art appreciation with culinary art at The West Table Kitchen and Bar in downtown, which showcases local artists. Rave On takes the rustic flavors of West Texas and pairs them perfectly with custom cocktails, wine and beer. Named one of Bon Appetit’s 50 Best New Restaurants in America in 2022, The Nicolett offers inspired creativity in combining regional flavors with globetrotting sophistication.
7. Stroll the Arts District
Pro tip: If you’re booking your trip to Lubbock and your dates are flexible, plan to visit on the first Friday of the month. This is when FFAT (First Friday Art Trail) comes alive. It's a must-do experience for both art enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike. A good starting point is the LHUCA, which serves as a gateway to the art trail with a free trolley service to the rest of the Arts District. Food trucks, craft restaurants and performance venues line the route, so you can grab dinner and see a show!
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