living room with dark couch and chair and two end tables with lamps
father and daughter picking apples

Harvest Summer’s Freshest Fruits

July 06,2020

Bite into a crisp and juicy apple, sample a spoonful of local honey, sip a glass of freshly pressed cider, or savor a slice of German apple cake. 

Bite into a crisp and juicy apple, sample a spoonful of local honey, sip a glass of freshly pressed cider, or savor a slice of German apple cake. All the foods at The Orchard are locally grown or made on the premises. The fruit is always freshly picked, which means it retains not only its flavor but more nutrients and antioxidants as well. The Orchard grows cherries, peaches, and ten different varieties of apples, including Red and Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Winesap, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady.

Visit the Crawford family at their store at The Orchard, or shop their products from their booth at the Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market. They welcome folks who want to pick their own fruit and offer tours of the grounds and hayrides for kids. Don’t forget to take home one of their famous German apple cakes among other irresistible baked goods. For additional information on orchard tours, hayrides, or apple picking, visit them online or give them a ring at (806) 892-2961.

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mother and daughter looking into glass case at museum

Lubbock History: Three of the Best

March 02,2020

When it comes to cool places to go and exciting things to do, Lubbock offers an assortment of interesting attractions all year round.

When it comes to cool places to go and exciting things to do, Lubbock offers an assortment of interesting attractions all year round. Check out the list below for a few of our favorites.

Buddy Holly Center

Chock full of photos and artifacts of Lubbock’s hometown boy and his band before his life was tragically cut short. Get the most of your visit by exploring all of the center, as well as the Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza and the West Texas Walk of Fame, home of the Buddy Holly statue. Additionally, the center hosts special events throughout the year, including concerts, summer camps, and more.

Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark

Explore the evidence of more than 12,000 years of occupation by human life at one of the primary sites in North America for natural history and Archeology.

National Ranching Heritage Center

Get an idea of what the Wild West was really like with examples of genuine ranch life. This timber and stone building offers rotating exhibits that feature everything from farm machinery to firearms.

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Fun Valentine’s Day Ideas

February 03,2020

One terrific thing about Lubbock is that there is always an abundance of fun and interesting things to do.

One terrific thing about Lubbock is that there is always an abundance of fun and interesting things to do. With that in mind, why not focus on making this Valentine’s Day more about having a wonderful time? You and your sweetie can always do the candy and flowers, but be sure to throw in a large dash of fun. Check the list below for some ideas.

Cactus Alley

This little gem features a colorful fishpond in a serene courtyard and nearby shops. A trip to Gold Stripe Coffee Roasters is always a great stop for fabulous coffee, and don’t miss a visit to Walter’s World of Pets for a look at lemurs, lizards, monkeys, snakes, turtles, and much more.

Trapped! Escape the Room

Test your nerve, your skills, and get your adrenaline pumping with a selection of four exciting rooms: The Fortune Teller, The Backyard, The Clinical Trial, and The Penitentiary.

First Friday Art Trail

Food, music, and an amazing array of art on display and for sale. Another plus here is that the trolleys take you directly to the Art District.

 

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red theater seats

A Playbill for all Seasons

January 06,2020

When Texas Tech University voice teacher and former opera performer Gerald Dolter had an idea in 2005 for Moonlight Musicals, he had no idea it would become a reality so soon.

When Texas Tech University voice teacher and former opera performer Gerald Dolter had an idea in 2005 for Moonlight Musicals, he had no idea it would become a reality so soon. The idea was to find a way for voice students to add valuable on-stage experience to their resumes, preferably at a nearby venue. It would only be a year later when MM would present their inaugural performance of Oklahoma! at the Mackenzie Park Amphitheatre, which has since been the setting for more than 30 additional MM productions. Over the years, Moonlight Musicals has also garnered a reputation for charming, audience-pleasing, and professional-quality performances.

Additionally, a new series of productions was later begun and performed indoors due to incidents of inclement weather. Les Miserables was performed at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center as the inaugural production of Moonlight Broadway, followed by CATS, Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and others. Since then, MM has added a new series for more mature theatergoers entitled Moonlight After Dark, while the Moonlight Musicals series continue to provide top-quality theatrical entertainment all year round.

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The Art of First Fridays

December 02,2019

Art and culture mavens will be thrilled to discover the Lubbock Cultural District, along with the many gems that can be discovered during the First Friday Art Trail every month.

Art and culture mavens will be thrilled to discover the Lubbock Cultural District, along with the many gems that can be discovered during the First Friday Art Trail every month. In addition to the art, the trail features a myriad of live entertainment and fabulous fun. This public art tour is self-guided, and most folks pick up a map and explore the trail at their own pace, either solo or in small groups. The trail leads to a collection of galleries, art centers, museums, and businesses scattered throughout the Lubbock Cultural District.

Each of these features a variety of artwork and exhibits created by an assortment of artists in a myriad of media. These monthly trail tours attract an eclectic mix of collectors, artists, visitors, friends, and members of the community, and are always vibrant and exciting—no two First Fridays are ever the same. Visitors and Lubbock newbies will find that one of the best ways to learn more about Lubbock’s Cultural District is by riding on one of the First Friday Art Trail Trolleys. Free of charge, these trolleys take the downtown route and are particularly convenient during inclement weather.

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children in theater

Science Spectrum Plus OMNI Equals Fabulous Fun

November 04,2019

For educational, family-friendly, and amazingly fun activities, it’s hard to beat the Science Spectrum and OMNI Theater.

For educational, family-friendly, and amazingly fun activities, it’s hard to beat the Science Spectrum and OMNI Theater. Come wander, explore, and learn at this complex which features Lubbock’s only public aquarium, three floors full of exhibits and experiments, daily live science shows, and the giant-screened OMNI Theater. Also, the Science Spectrum frequently plays host to a variety of traveling exhibits throughout the year. It’s easy to see why they have become the Hub City’s main destination for fun facts and scientific knowledge.

The Science Spectrum is also popular with families for its entertaining public events, such as BubbleFest and the Creative Learners Reading Fair. The OMNI Theater is one of the primary attractions in the region, and with good reason. With a domed screen that measures almost 60 feet and 18,000 watts of crisp, pure, digital sound, the OMNI offers a movie-going experience unlike any other. Come out and see for yourself what the Science Spectrum and OMNI Theater have to offer—whether you’re in elementary school or a senior citizen, you’re sure to have a blast!

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wwii plane

Courageous Pilots with Silent Wings

October 07,2019

Glider planes, fragile and engineless, flying one-way missions laden with cargo, troops, and explosives; towed behind military planes and landing at any available open space, and piloted by some of the bravest and best in the history of World War II.

Glider planes, fragile and engineless, flying one-way missions laden with cargo, troops, and explosives; towed behind military planes and landing at any available open space, and piloted by some of the bravest and best in the history of World War II. Both aircraft frequently took the flak, and the towing pilot often released the gliders too early and of course. As landings were often fatal, the gliders came to be known as “flying coffins.”

Crucial to the war effort in Europe, these aircraft were flown by American and Allied pilots, and Lubbock, Texas became a vital training center for these pilots. The brave men who flew these delicate aircraft may not be as familiar to us as bomber pilots, but their contribution to victory in Europe is unrivaled. In their honor, the Silent Wings Museum was opened in Lubbock and is dedicated to their memory. Here, guests can view exhibits detailing the history of the pilots and the Glider Program, including a restored WWII glider and C-47, visit the museum’s theater, and attend special events such as Model Rocket Workshops, a Spirit of '45 Day, Veteran’s Day, and more.

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children at science museum

One Heck of a Museum

September 02,2019

Folks who have never visited Lubbock’s Texas Tech University Museum are often surprised to find out just how much space it covers, but the thing to remember is that a lot of room is essential when you’re housing over six million exhibits in the humanities, arts, and sciences.

Folks who have never visited Lubbock’s Texas Tech University Museum are often surprised to find out just how much space it covers, but the thing to remember is that a lot of room is essential when you’re housing over six million exhibits in the humanities, arts, and sciences. And, although the place is huge, it’s actually a total of several different entities, including the renowned Moody Planetarium, which hosts laser shows as well as daily star-gazing shows. Others include the Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium and Sculpture Court, the Natural Science Research Laboratory, the Diamond M Gallery, and the Museum of TTU.

With a unique collection of sculpture and other artwork in a variety of mediums, including paintings by such famous artists as Monet, the museum is able to offer gallery showings and unique educational programs with a focus on a particular period in art history. Additional educational offerings include Reel to Reel, a film-oriented offering, and such specialty programs such as Hack the Museum, and the I Wanna Be an Astronaut series. No matter your age or level of interest, our museum is sure to have something just for you.

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girls on roller coaster

The Joys of Mackenzie Park

August 05,2019

Spread out over 248 acres, Mackenzie Park is one of Lubbock’s most popular attractions and offers so much for so many.

Spread out over 248 acres, Mackenzie Park is one of Lubbock’s most popular attractions and offers so much for so many. Check out the area’s cutest inhabitants at Prairie Dog Town, indulge yourself with a round of golf on one of the city’s best golf courses, or explore the equestrian trails, hiking trails, and some of the loveliest gardens you’ll ever see. We suggest you make a day of it, beginning with Prairie Dog Town and finishing at Joyland Amusement Park

Located in the heart of Mackenzie Park, Joyland is considered not only a Lubbock institution but one of the most popular such parks in the region. They offer 30 different rides that are suited to kids of all ages so that even the youngest toddler can still enjoy the thrill of riding. For the older kids and adults, the log flumes and roller coasters offer a bit more excitement—just don’t skip the carousels or the wonderful arcade games. Traditional park food, drinks, and snacks are also available, so you don’t have to leave the park until you’re ready to call it a day.

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planetarium

Welcome Stargazers

July 01,2019

Whether you’re a newbie to stargazing or an enthusiastic amateur astronomer, you’ll find the stars really are big and bright in Texas, especially at Texas Tech University’s Moody Planetarium.

Whether you’re a newbie to stargazing or an enthusiastic amateur astronomer, you’ll find the stars really are big and bright in Texas, especially at Texas Tech University’s Moody Planetarium. They welcome stargazers at every level of skill and interest, and offer a special program every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday, for those interested in viewing the daily transitions of the stars and planets. Various programs such as “Astrobreak,” “Black Holes,” “Laser Queen,” and “Wildest Weather in the Universe” are featured, along with seasonal stargazing offerings.

While “Astrobreak” and “Black Holes” offer straightforward science, the hour-long “Laser Queen” uses the accompaniment of Freddie Mercury and Queen’s biggest hits to entertain and educate. Don’t forget to include the entire family for the showing of “Wildest Weather in the Universe,” which features a visual trek through the heavens to show us such phenomena as a 400-year-old hurricane, a massive dust tempest capable of encompassing a planet, and a storm as big as a 100-megaton hydrogen bomb. The Moody Planetarium’s shows change seasonally, so be sure to check back for the latest programs and schedules.

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map of lubbock texas

Lubbock’s Own Walk of Fame

June 03,2019

Texas is renowned for its thriving music scene, and hundreds of musicians, entertainers, and other industry artists were actually born right here in Lubbock and nearby areas.

Texas is renowned for its thriving music scene, and hundreds of musicians, entertainers, and other industry artists were actually born right here in Lubbock and nearby areas. While other local and regional stellar musicians may not have been born here, they began to call West Texas home during their long and impressive music careers. In honor of these artists and their achievements, the city of Lubbock established the West Texas Walk of Fame.

The idea was broached in the late 1970s, during a discussion between Waylon Jennings, Jerry Coleman, and Larry Corbin, about an appropriate way to commemorate the late Buddy Holly. Enthusiasm for the notion grew and even expanded to include tributes to significant musical artists with roots in West Texas. In addition to the life-size statue of Holly, plaques denote the induction into the Walk of Fame by such industry luminaries as Mac Davis, Waylon Jennings, Josh Abbott, Donnie Allison, Bob Livingston, Garland A. Weeks, and many more. So far, more than 60 honorees’ plaques grace the West Texas Walk of Fame, and plans are ongoing for additional inductees.

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guitar players

In Memory of Buddy Holly

May 06,2019

In 1959, Buddy Holly was riding high with a hit single that had just reached number one on the charts.

In 1959, Buddy Holly was riding high with a hit single that had just reached number one on the charts. “That’ll be the Day,” was a breakthrough for Holly and the Crickets after a rapidly-skyrocketing career that included opening for Elvis Presley in 1955, and previous hits such as “Peggy Sue,” and “Maybe Baby.” Holly’s inimitable style, a mix of rockabilly, country, and rhythm and blues combined with his distinctive vocals and teen-love lyrics to make him an adolescent heart-throb. Later, Holly would be recognized as a musical pioneer, performing with his iconic 1958 Fender Stratocaster and inspiring the many artists who arrived on the music scene after his death.

Holly was the focus of many musical tributes, but perhaps the most notable of these was Don McLean’s famous 1971 release “American Pie,” which refers to the date of the plane crash in which Holly, Ritchie Valens, and "The Big Bopper" J. P. Richardson died, along with pilot Roger Peterson. Holly’s legacy lives on at Lubbock’s renowned Buddy Holly Center, whose mission is to promote this legacy, preserve his music, and maintain the exhibits on Contemporary Visual Arts and Music.

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woman in front of mural

Lubbock’s Thriving Arts Scene

April 01,2019

Lubbock loves its artists and performers, and the city is justifiably proud of its arts and cultural heritage.

Lubbock loves its artists and performers, and the city is justifiably proud of its arts and cultural heritage. A popular downtown cultural district is one of the primary locations for artists and art-related events. Additionally, Texas Tech boasts an impressive array of public art and commissioned works by famous artists on exhibited campus-wide. One of the city’s most popular events is the First Friday Art Trail. This self-guided art tour showcases art, artists, and galleries, along with musicians, vendors, and collectors of all stripes.

Lubbock also features live shows and concerts at such venues as the Cactus Theater, the Buddy Holly Center, and Texas Tech University’s (TTU) United Supermarkets Arena in addition to music at TTU’s Hemmle Recital Hall, and the Lubbock Symphony concerts at First United Methodist Church. Theater aficionados won’t be disappointed here – the Hub City offers a plethora of local and touring talent at such venues as TTU’s School of Theatre & Dance, Lubbock Community Theatre, the C.A.T.S. Playhouse, the Lubbock Christian University Theatre, and the glorious summer productions that make up the season of Lubbock Moonlight Musicals.

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blackandwhiteguitar

Songs that Speak of Lubbock

March 04,2019

Ever since Buddy Holly and the Crickets hit the charts with such hits as “Peggy Sue,” Lubbock has become known as a haven for musicians of every stripe, and the music they created.

Ever since Buddy Holly and the Crickets hit the charts with such hits as “Peggy Sue,” Lubbock has become known as a haven for musicians of every stripe, and the music they created. Over the years, the Hub City has become as famous for being mentioned in songs as it has been for the artists that call Lubbock home. An abundant array of country, rock, and other genres of music can claim song titles and/or lyrics that include “Lubbock” or “Lubbock, Texas.” One of the most renowned is Lubbock’s own singer/songwriter Mac Davis’ “Texas In My Rear View Window,” which reached number nine on 1980’s country charts.

Other terrific examples of songs that speak of Lubbock include Terry Allen’s “Lubbock Woman,” Aaron Watson’s “Lonely Lubbock Lights,” and Tommy Newsom’s “Lucky Me, I Live in Lubbock.” And, don’t forget the Dixie Chicks “Lubbock or Leave It,” and Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Got Lucky Last Night,” which, although it doesn’t have the city’s name in the title, is acclaimed for being penned as “a song about Lubbock, Texas and how much fun you can have with no money and no brains.”

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Fun Times in the Hub City

February 04,2019

No matter what time of year you visit Lubbock, there is always something fun and interesting going on.

No matter what time of year you visit Lubbock, there is always something fun and interesting going on. The City offers a variety of events and attractions that appeal to all ages, types, and tastes. First, check out Cactus Alley. One of the Lubbock’s little-known gems, the Alley is an urban oasis that features a small courtyard with a colorful fish pond, along with numerous shops, including La Sirena, Gold Stripe Coffee Roasters, and more. Next, for a more exotic experience, head over to Walter’s World of Pets to see lemurs, snakes, turtles, lizards, monkeys, and more. They also sell food, cages, and other related supplies.

 In the mood to get your adrenaline pumping? Test your stress levels at Trapped! Escape the room. You and your team can choose from four exciting rooms: The Fortune Teller, The Backyard, The Clinical Trial, and The Penitentiary. Art lovers will appreciate the First Friday Art Trail, with art, food, music, and trolleys to convey guests to the Art District. Lastly, de-stress yourself at the Escape Your Body Float Center, and indulge yourself in a unique and thoroughly relaxing experience.  

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It’s All Happening at the Arena

January 07,2019

Basketball, volleyball, shows, concerts, and ceremonies – it’s all happening here at the United Supermarkets Arena.

Basketball, volleyball, shows, concerts, and ceremonies – it’s all happening here at the United Supermarkets Arena. Formerly known as the United Spirit Arena, the Arena seats 15,000 and is located on the campus of Texas Tech University. Ten permanent concession stands on the concourse level provide a variety of eats, along with a food court for all-conference play during Red Raider and Lady Raider basketball games. While all of the University’s athletic games are popular with locals and visitors alike, the USA hosts an impressive array of musical entertainers.

Previous performers have included such country and western luminaries Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, along with many other local favorites. Upcoming performances include Metallica on their World-Wired Tour, the Harlem Globetrotters, Reel Big Fish, and many more musical and entertainment heavy-hitters. Some acts provide a pre-show party and live performance prefacing the main act, while others entertain audiences with a DJ before the show. Many of these shows sell out fast, so snag your tickets soon.

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