Known in its early days for its expansive skyline and relentless western spirit, Lubbock, Texas, often referred to as the LBK, creates a backdrop for the best of the American West and pairs it with the indulgences of a thriving, modern city. People think they know what the “Hub City” is all about; yet, new and frequent visitors alike find the destination to be a place where the friendliness of the people is the primary constant. Lubbock is growing at an unprecedented rate; if you haven’t seen it for yourself, check out these things to do in the LBK and see why “the hub” is the talk of West Texas.
From house-roasted coffee beans to wine grapes of the Texas High Plains, Lubbock is seeing a culinary revolution in its palate for locally crafted pours and sourced dishes. Whether it’s the rise in locally crafted beer or the impressive lineup of homegrown culinary masters, the LBK is serving a dining scene second to none.
Make your way down Broadway to Monomyth Coffee, a local shop owned by two Lubbock brothers committed to quality in the product they serve and the way they serve people. Order a bar of ethically sourced chocolate, or one of their mouth-watering treats like a gluten-free chocolate chip banana muffin. Pair a sweet or savory pastry with a seasonal latte or classic cold brew. Regardless of what patrons choose from the menu, they are sure to find the company’s mission to aim high as a commitment emulated at this local favorite.
Just down the street in the heart of downtown Lubbock, a local legend and heir to Lubbock’s admiration, Chef Cameron West takes his own West Texan approach to upscale dishes at The West Table Kitchen & Bar located in the Pioneer Building. From his take on traditional pad thai to lamb loin chops, this Culinary Institute of America graduate brings global influences to American dishes in an open kitchen setting connecting with his patrons through shared toasts and palate-pleasing dishes.
Over at The Nicolett Lubbock’s very own Finn Walter, a 2022 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas, is catching the attention of the most prestigious food commentators. As a committed student of historical cooking techniques and a resume spanning kitchens from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Paris, France, Walter creates a dining experience that rivals any in the world with his approach to Texas High Plains cuisine including a wildflower salad, farro verde, and beef cheek “brisket”. Order a bottle of the house wine, made by Walter’s friend and Texas wine legend, Kim McPherson, and take in a night under the West Texas stars in the greenhouse.
Don’t let the prestigious cuisine fool you, there is still plenty of the wild west to be experienced in Lubbock. And, for those visitors looking to live out their dreams of saddling-up and channeling their inner cowboy, find just that in West Texas. Some of the largest ranches in the country in the late 1800s were headquartered here on the South Plains — the 6666, the Pitchfork, the Tongue River among others. Boasting historical buildings, exhibitions of archival photography and more, the National Ranching Heritage Center teaches western enthusiasts all about this honorable way of life called ranching. As an added bonus, visitors see first hand rotating exhibits like costumes and props from 1883, a prequel to the hit show Yellowstone as well as permanent structures such as a barn from the famed 6666 ranch.
Moving from the vast landscape of the South Plains to new frontiers of discovery at the Science Spectrum & Omni Theater, the young and seasoned at heart let their imagination soar with more than 250 hands-on interactive exhibits. With in-person science shows and educational screenings, curious minds feed on the creative and imaginative space at this family-friendly attraction.
Another way for visitors to feed their creativity is through the expansive cultural community of Lubbock. The focal point of the local art scene is a free public event the first Friday of every month called First Friday Art Trail. Here, artists and creative enthusiasts join with the community to peruse art galleries, spend the evening meeting with creators and dining from a wide selection of area food trucks. Just as notable of a stage is Lubbock’s live music scene attributed as the site where musical legends are born and a range of genres are showcased. Whether it’s JAB Fest, CASP Fest, Flatland Film Festival and more, visitors connect with their inner-creative in the cultural capital of West Texas.
From culinary crafts to the modern frontier and creative spaces, make plans to visit Lubbock and create an experience for yourself that brings together the iconic character of the “Hub City” with its unprecedented opportunities.
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