Get ready to be swept off your feet by Lubbock, a charming West Texas gem with its own unique flair! This delightful oasis offers a wealth of exciting activities – without the hefty price tag. Treat your senses with superb Texas wines, marvel at distinctive museums & art venues, and embark on a road trip adventure you won’t soon forget with these cool things to do in Lubbock, Texas

Lunch at Burklee Hill Vineyards
Get ready to ignite your taste buds at Burklee Hill Vineyards, nestled in the heart of downtown Lubbock’s Kress building! Boasting award-winning 100% Texas wines and a scrumptious menu of gourmet delights, this chic little bistro has your name on it.
While the artichoke schmear with a toasted baguette might be a guilty pleasure, it’s an irresistible starter you definitely can’t pass up. For Southern foodies, the Chicken Salad Croissant with cranberries, pineapple, and pecans is pure lunchtime bliss.

And let’s not forget the delicious options like Harvest Salad, pizzettes, and Torino sandwiches that your pals will dig into!
Fancy a little brunch action on the weekends? Swing by on Saturday mornings for a feast fit for royalty. Just remember, the bistro takes a break on Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. See you at Burklee Hill Vineyards, fellow travelers!

Take a Cooking Class at Hand of the Cook
Indulge in a scrumptious and enlightening adventure at Hand of the Cook, Lubbock’s delightful commercial kitchen rental. Keep an eye on their website for tempting cooking classes, like the fantastic pot de crème session I enjoyed with experts Kristi Clem and Lori Owen. These two culinary virtuosos offer oodles of tips, tools, and tricks for taking your parties and dinners to the next level.

Go to the Stars & Stripes Drive-In
Picture this: an epic road trip, visiting drive-in movie theaters across the US, starting with the Stars and Stripes Drive-in Theatre. They must have been around for years, as there’s a location in New Braunfels too.
Time to relive some nostalgia and catch the hottest films under the stars! Make it a cozy night by bringing your own treats, or indulge in the scrumptious variety at their concession stands, offering everything from burgers to corn dogs.
Each weekend, you’ll catch double features on three massive screens, regardless of the weather. So mark your calendar, grab your $9 ticket (ages 12 and up) and let’s hit the road for a cinematic adventure to remember!

The Buddy Holly Legend Lives in Lubbock
While you’re in town, don’t miss the lively Day the Music Died festival every February, celebrating Buddy Holly’s enduring legacy. The Buddy Holly Center is a treasure trove of memorabilia from the musician’s life, as gifted by friends, family, and fans, including his iconic glasses found at the tragic Clear Lake crash site.

For an intimate live performance experience, visit the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences on Mac Davis Lane. Revel in the magic of world-class performances and Broadway shows within this cozy 2200-seat theater, equipped with an exceptional NC-15 sound system.
In 2023, you can look forward to acts like Dear Evan Hansen, Jason Isbell, Tootsie, Madagascar: the Musical, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Lubbock truly has it all, so buckle up and let the good times roll!
Soak up the spirit of this legendary artist and elevate your taste buds with these unique Lubbock experiences! Fans can also pay respect at his gravesite in the Lubbock City Cemetery on 2011 E. 31st Street.

Sip Great Coffee
Lubbock is an untapped gold mine of incredible coffee, so why not taste your way through the local scene? J&B Coffee, Tumbleweed & Sage, Ninety-Two Bakery & Cafe, and Gold Stripe Coffee Roasters were amongst my favorite places to have a really good cup.
J&B Coffee
Check out J&B Coffee, a Lubbock staple since 1979, where you’ll find the most delicious Vietnamese iced coffee and scrumptious breakfast sandwiches waiting for you. They also have an exceptional variety of loose-leaf teas. The cafe is inviting and fun, and the menu streamlined and not too overwhelming.

Ninety-Two Bakery & Cafe
But if you’re craving a vibe that matches your brew, head on over to Ninety-Two Bakery & Cafe for some serious ambiance. Indulge in fresh, hand-crafted pastries and my personal favorite – the heavenly Croque Madame.
Just remember, they’re off on Sundays and Mondays, so plan ahead to ensure a sensorial experience that’ll keep you coming back for more. Happy sipping, fellow coffee enthusiasts!
GO RVing at Buffalo Springs Lake
As a seasoned RVer, I’ve discovered some truly amazing campgrounds across the nation! One unforgettable gem I found was Buffalo Springs Lake in Lubbock. Picture this: an almost private park in early spring, complete with full RV hook-ups and breathtaking lakeside views!

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Entertain the little ones at the adorable playground or explore nature trails, either on foot or ATV. Don’t forget to take advantage of the glistening lake, perfect for boating, swimming, or hanging out at the two pristine beaches.
Buffalo Springs Lake truly has something for everyone; fish, jet ski, or golf your way to a memorable getaway!
Quick Tip: The park does have day-use fees, even after securing an RV campsite.

Visit the National Ranching Heritage Center
Get ready to embark on a journey through ranching history and explore the legendary 6666 Ranch, recently featured in the hit TV show Yellowstone! At the National Ranching Heritage Center, 19 acres of captivating tales await you, as you stroll through 50 beautifully restored ranch buildings that span generations.
Inside its massive 44,000-square-foot museum, marvel at stunning art galleries, fascinating exhibits, and a breathtaking stained glass ceiling masterpiece.

But wait, there’s more! The National Ranching Heritage Center also hosts an array of engaging events, such as educational classes for enthusiasts, Living History Saturdays, eye-catching art shows, and the charming Candlelight at the Ranch during the holidays.
Come on down, and immerse yourself in this world-class museum experience that celebrates western life like never before.

Check Out LHUCA Center for the Arts
Get ready for a blast on First Fridays in Lubbock! From 6 to 9 PM, the Cultural District comes alive with art, music, food trucks, and loads of fun – no matter the weather. Locals and visitors alike flock to this monthly celebration, making it a must-attend event for anyone in town.
With free trolleys whisking you away to various galleries and businesses, you just can’t miss gems like the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, Bentley Arrow, Wild Lark Books and Glassalley Art Studio and Gallery.

Don’t have time to stick around for a group class at Glassalley? No worries! Pauline’s got your back with ready-to-make art kits you can take home and create at your leisure. These simple, beautiful projects (like a wooden cross mosaic) will add a dash of artistry to any space!
Plus, Glassalley can even ship kits to your door, making it easier to get your creative fix.
Embrace your inner artist and join the fun at Lubbock’s First Fridays!

Celebrate Lubbock’s Wine Contributions
Since Lubbock can pat itself on the back for growing 90% of the state’s wine crop, it’s only fitting that they showcase the bounty of delicious wines throughout the local wineries in town. The thriving West Texas wine scene includes McPherson Cellars, Burklee Hill (mentioned above), Llano Estacado, Pheasant Ridge, and English Newsom Cellars.
Eat the Best Chicken at Dirk’s
At Dirk’s Signature Chicken & Bar, each culinary experience is sure to be a memorable one! Not only will you enjoy some of the most unique flavors around, but also bask in the historic charm that honors grandpa Dirk West – former mayor and acclaimed cartoonist.

With mouthwatering dishes like Fried or Rotisserie Chicken, Shrimp & Grits and Gulf Oysters on half-shell (to name just few!), your taste buds will surely thank you for stopping by this quirky local joint.
Don’t forget about their signature dish–the savory yet zesty chicken fried steak fingers served with jalapeño cream gravy alongside two sides of green beans or cajun creamed corn (I highly recommend!).

Indulge in a Spa Day
Lubbock’s Woodhouse Day Spa is a great way to treat yourself to a day of pampering and relaxation. Whether you want to care for sore muscles, rid your body of toxins, experience a feel-good activity, clear your mind, or nourish your skin, you can do it all at Woodhouse Day Spa.
Enjoy services ranging from facials to pedicures, and massage to halotherapy in this luxury spa.

Feed the Prairie Dogs
Get ready to meet Lubbock’s most adorable locals at Mackenzie Park’s Prairie Dog Town, where these irresistible little critters have settled into their very own colony! You can bring carrots to feed them if you wish.

Follow the 806 Beer Trail
While you’re in the city, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in Lubbock’s finest brews as you explore the 806 Beer Trail, featuring six remarkable local breweries, each with its own unique flavor. Breweries include Mano Negra, Two Docs, Triple J, Auld Brewing, The Brewery LBK, and The Plains Brew Co.
I first read about this fun offering in the Visit Lubbock guidebook and have wanted to check it out since.

Stay at the Retro-Cool Cotton Court Hotel
To further elevate your Lubbock experience, book a stay at the charming Cotton Court Hotel, where you’ll enjoy luxuriously spacious rooms complete with chic decor, rustic barn doors, and pampering rainfall showers – all housed in a boutique-style, vintage cotton gin-inspired setting!

Cotton House amenities include yard games, oodles of seating areas, a picturesque outdoor pool, and onsite restaurant. Midnight Shift, said restaurant, has delicious food options for lunch and dinner, like Korean short rib tacos and burrata charcuterie, perfect while lounging by the gorgeous fire pit. They also create fun hand-crafted cocktails and have live music.
Enjoy Thursday nights out with your furry best friend, at Yappy Hour, 5 to 7 PM, with pet-friendly treats.

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