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.
Birthplace of rock 'n' roll legend Buddy Holly. Home to award-winning wineries and more than 80% of Texas wine grape production. More music venues per capita than any other city in Texas. More neighborhood parks per capita than any other city in Texas.
Aside from being the home of Texas Tech University, Lubbock is famous for the musical acts that hail from the city like Buddy Holly or Waylon Jennings, fine dining, museums, a rich art and culture scene but also for its friendly, hospitable atmosphere.
Award-winning wineries, public golf courses, theaters, museums, art galleries, and outdoor attractions are among the myriad of what Lubbock has to offer. Take a look below at a few local favorite attractions to ensure the most out of your stay.
Lubbock is an urban oasis of the region, boasting great eats, a lively music and arts scene, and plenty of fun family activities. Lubbock is best known as the friendly hometown of Texas Tech University, legions of popular musicians, and High Plains wineries.
The 5 largest ethnic groups in Lubbock County, TX are White (Non-Hispanic) (51.4%), White (Hispanic) (18%), Two+ (Hispanic) (10.8%), Other (Hispanic) (6.82%), and Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) (6.51%).
Texas Tech University is Lubbock's most prominent public employer. The university has a significant impact on all aspects of the city's economy-food services, education, agriculture, health care, and research. Another TTU contribution to the area's economy is tourism.
For decades, the edifice, also known as the Steel House, has been a part of Lubbock folklore, a local curiosity that students at Texas Tech University learn about through word of mouth and make short pilgrimages to see.
For Lubbock residents and those looking to move into the area, there are some considerations. The cost of living is lower, transportation is cheap and easy, groceries are affordable and accessible, and the city is generally safer and more secure than larger metro areas in Texas.
Located right next to Adventure Park, the Lubbock Aquarium is West Texas' very own window into the big blue. With all kinds of species from all over the world, visitors can get an up close look at what kind of animals call our great oceans home.
Home to world-renowned artists, iconic musicians, state-of-the-art theaters, award-winning wineries and breweries, and a diverse selection of cuisine, Lubbock, Texas holds an unexpected find around every corner.
Living in Lubbock comes with all the benefits of city life (the activities, the bars, the thriving job market) and the best living in a rural area (the parks, land ownership, and lots of local food). As a fine mixture between the two, Lubbock has a lot to offer.
Lubbock's highly skilled and educated workforce, proximity and connection to major national and international markets, and affordable utility and living costs make it the ideal place to grow your business. As the 11th largest city in Texas, Lubbock's size provides a pipeline of personnel to fill your workforce needs.
The cattle boom in the late 1860s gave new motivation to settle this region and take advantage of the vast pastures and other abundant natural resources. The lure of vast open and cheap land brought many adventuresome settlers to this part of the country for a chance to colonize one of the final western frontiers.
With a unique blend of western heritage and community pride, Lubbock is called the "Hub City" because of its position as the economic, education and health care center of the south plains.
Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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