Sometimes the best places to travel turn out to be the ones that take you by surprise. We’ve partnered with Arizona-based Susan Lanier-Graham, of Wander With Wonder, who recently discovered that Lubbock, Texas — in the West Texas panhandle — offers up some great unexpected treasures.

I travel often and I’ve crossed some amazing things off my bucket list. So when I had an opportunity to visit West Texas, I had a lot of people ask, “Why do you want to visit Lubbock?” Honestly, I wasn’t really sure before my trip. No, Lubbock wasn’t on my bucket list, but I love seeing what U.S. destinations have to offer.

So, would I find cowboys with spurs and tumbleweeds blowing down the streets? When I arrived in Lubbock, I discovered a vibrant city that embraces its Western heritage, filled with food, wine, art and fun. With an average of 263 days of sunshine every year, there’s something for everyone who visits Lubbock, Texas.

Getting to Know Lubbock

Lubbock is called the “Hub City” because it’s an economic, educational and health care hub in the Northwest Texas plains. It is also home to Texas Tech University and the city of about 250,000 people has some of the best schools in the U.S.

See public art on the Texas Tech University campus. Photo courtesy of Visit Lubbock

Gnational Gnomad Tip: Explore two dozen pieces of public art on the Texas Tech University campus. The collection is designated as one of the top ten in the U.S.

The Lubbock area is the world’s largest cotton-growing region and the Texas high plains are filled with cotton fields. Find out more about that agricultural background at Bayer Museum of Agriculture, where exhibits include not only actual farm implements, but a collection of 700 toy tractors.

History of Lubbock

Lubbock is proud of its ranching history. One of the best first stops when you arrive is the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech University.

The National Ranching Heritage Center. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

This 19-acre historical park and museum offers a unique look at American history. The museum features various galleries showcasing Western art, photography and artifacts.

Outdoors, there are authentic, restored structures dating back to 1780, telling the story of Texas ranchers. There is a 1.5-mile paved pathway, perfect for both wheelchairs and strollers, showcasing everything from an 1830s one-room cabin to the 1909 Queen Anne-style Barton House.

The 1909 Barton House. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Lubbock’s Music Culture

Another major part of Lubbock is its musical culture. Charles Hardin Holley, or Buddy Holly, was born here in 1936. Buddy Holly and his boyhood friends formed Buddy Holly and The Crickets and went on to record “That’ll Be The Day” in 1957. Today, you can visit the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock to learn about his life and “The Day the Music Died” when Holly died in a plane crash at just 22 years old.

Visit the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

In his short two-year career, Holly had 25 hit songs. Artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Elton John credit him as a major influence. In The Buddy Holly Center, you can see photographs and memorabilia from his life.

Delicious Eats in Lubbock

Who knew that Lubbock is a foodie destination? It’s one of those surprises that awaits when you start exploring destinations you might typically pass through. Everything is so good, you really must explore Lubbock and all its foodie goodness.

You’re going to want a real Texas breakfast while you’re in Lubbock, and the best place for that is Cast Iron Grill. Open for breakfast and lunch, it serves up some of the best biscuits and gravy I’ve ever eaten — and I’m from the South, so I’ve eaten my share of biscuits and gravy.

But don’t fill up on biscuits. Cast Iron Grill specializes in pies — Southern Pecan, Chocolate Chess like my grandmother used to make, luscious Chocolate Cream…

Save room for pie at Cast Iron Grill. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

If you want a Texas-style family steakhouse, head to Cagle Steaks & BBQ. This family-owned business is known for its fun, Western-themed setting and some big Texas steaks.

Cagle Steaks and BBQ. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Of course, you can’t go to Texas without trying the barbecue. You’re going to want to drive a few miles out of the city to nearby Wolfforth to try Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeque. Owners Arnis and Mallory Robbins started the business in a trailer after they moved from Tucson. This is seriously some of the best brisket I’ve ever eaten. It’s not overly smoked, but filled with flavor.

Evie Mae’s is only open Thursday through Saturday and they usually sell out early. Oh, and save room for the dessert. Everything on the menu, including dessert, is gluten free.

The best barbecue in Lubbock is at Evie Mae’s. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Gnational Gnomad Tip: For a fun dessert option, check out Pie Bar Lubbock. Sort of like an ice cream bar, but with pie fillings — dark chocolate mousse, warm rocky road, death by chocolate, oh my! 

Build your own pie in a cup at Pie Bar Lubbock. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Lubbock gets good food. Other options include La Diosa Cellars in downtown Lubbock, where you can sample Spanish tapas as if you were exploring in Spain. Or, check out The West Table Kitchen and Bar in downtown, where husband and wife team Cameron and Rachel West invite you to share their table. The menu changes daily, but you should order the crab hush puppies if they’re on the appetizer list. Trust me.

Wine Tasting in Lubbock

Texas has a huge wine industry and was the site of the first North American vineyard back in 1662, established by Franciscan priests. Lubbock is home of the Texas High Plains American Viticulture Area (AVA) and grows more than 80% of all grapes used in Texas wines.

Make your first stop The Wine Nest, where you can get an orientation of Texas wines. They can point you in the direction of nearby wineries.

Check out Texas wines at The Wine Nest. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

I enjoyed visiting the tasting room of Llano Estacado Winery, located about 15 minutes south of downtown Lubbock. They have guided tours of the facilities and a nice selection of tasting options. I enjoyed the Mataró, which is only available in the tasting room.

Llano Estacado Winery in Lubbock, Texas. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Gnational Gnomad Tip: For a unique way to taste a variety of wines, stop by The Funky Door Bistro & Wine Room. Purchase a wine card and then treat yourself to tastes from the Enomatic, which keeps wines at the right temperature and pours on demand.

McPherson Cellars, housed in a converted 1930s era Coca-Cola bottling plant in downtown Lubbock, is under the watchful guidance of winemaker and owner Kim McPherson. He is passionate about his wines and it shows in every glass. The 2016 Les Copains Rosé was a true, French-style dry rosé.

McPherson Cellars in downtown Lubbock. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Winding Down in Lubbock

After all that food and wine tasting, it’s good to get out and walk. Head to the Lubbock Lake Landmark for a night hike through Yellow House Canyon. This is a great spot to catch the sunset.

Sunset at Lubbock Lake Landmark. Photo courtesy Kristin Caliendo

There is evidence here of the first Americans. Although signs of human life from 12,000 years ago have been uncovered, you’re likely to find beautiful wildflowers and the occasional critter on your hike.

Lubbock Lake Landmark. Photo courtesy Kristin Caliendo

Where to Stay in Lubbock

I found two fabulous hotels I recommend in Lubbock. If you want to stay close to Texas Tech University, I suggest Overton Hotel & Conference Center. This 15-story hotel opened in 2009 and sits on the edge of the campus. Book a room on the Preferred Level in the top three floors and get complimentary breakfast buffet, evening wine reception and turndown service.

The new, locally owned Arbor Hotel and Conference Center offers a sleek, modern stay in Lubbock. I really enjoyed this hotel’s luxury accommodations. They say little things matter, and they really do in a hotel room — huge bathrooms, amazing mattresses and big soaking tubs.

Arbor Hotel and Conference Center. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Great people and a rich history make up West Texas. But Lubbock is also a foodie’s delight and several Texas wines had me kicking up my heels. Why visit Lubbock? Because you might just fall in love as well.

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Susan Lanier-Graham

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