Lubbock, But Don't Leave It

In response to one of my blog followers (I know who you are=), Lubbock, Texas truly deserves a closer look. Not a city you'd choose as a destination necessarily (unless you are a university student or cotton farmer), this mid-size West Texas city has much to tout.

Known as the hub city (just look at a map and you'll see what I mean), Lubbock is circumferenced by farm towns and lies 6 hours from Dallas, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Oklahoma City, El Paso, and Austin. Bigger population-wise than Amarillo, Lubbock is the destination for thousands of smaller town residents in the vicinity. In fact, South Plains Mall sees hundreds of thousands of visitors every year...more than half of which are not from Lubbock.

But for those not depending on Lubbock for its close-by "big city" amenities, Lubbock is still worth the trek. Home to the Texas Tech University campus, the intellectual community (and college party mentality) is well honed. For those wanting a bit more sophistication than the local bar, we have Lubbock to thank for Texas' budding wine industry. Being ideal grape growing conditions that are duplicated in few other Texas cities, Lubbock's wineries are some of the best in Texas and provide the fruits of their labor to other wineries throughout the Lone Star State.

Recognize the names Buddy Holly, Mac Davis, or Dixie Chick Natalie Maines? All are from Lubbock. Harry Connick, Jr. even shows up from time to time: his wife is a Lubbockite, and his mother-in-law is famed sculptor Glenna Goodacre.

A word of warning, though...if you're running from the law do not go to Lubbock. Lubbock is the biggest small town you'll ever visit. Boasting over 200,000 residents, those who call Lubbock home know a little bit about almost everyone who lives there. Case in point: my husband just bought a duplex in southwest Lubbock. One of his tenants was his aunt's first-grade teacher and also worked with his stepfather for a time. The other tenant knows his best friend's dad, both being in the dermatological industry.

Big in size with a small-town attitude, Lubbock is an anomaly in its own right making both country bumpkins and city slickers feel right at home. And for those unable or unwilling to make the a trip toward the Texas panhandle, here's just a taste of what you'll be missing: http://lizzymcglynn.com/video/video.html

***Special thanks to Lizzy McGlynn for the use of her video!