Buddy Holly called it home

Depending on what makes you tick, Lubbock has a lot to offer. One stop would have to be The Ranching Heritage Center. The center is made up of a collection of homes, buildings, and memorabilia from when the cattle roamed the prairie and massive drives brought them to market. Tales from the settling of the sod busters, to the coming of the railroad are found here.
The next stop would be the Buddy Holly Museum, where Buddy's story is told, as well as other musicians from the area. After that, check out Texas Tech University and its events. From art and drama, to Big 12 sports action, Texas Tech has it. Also in town are Lubbock Christian University, Wayland Baptist University (Lubbock), and South Plains College (Lubbock Campus).
For hockey fans, The WPHL Cotton Kings are the hot ticket here in Lubbock. Tickets are inexpensive, so you can take in a hockey game without being taken.

Quick Tips:

Come in mid-September for the Crossroads Music Festival (formerly known as the Buddy Holly Festival), the National Cowboy Symposium, or in early October for the Farmer-Stockman Show.

Best Way To Get Around:

Having your own transportation would be the best. Lubbock is fairly spread out, but easy to navigate. The city is laid out in a grid. Lettered streets run north and south, while numbered streets run east and west. Loop 289 circles the city and I-27, and US Routes 62, 82, and 84 make like spokes to and through the city.

If you are looking for great Tex-Mex, look no further. Abuelo's has it all. The restaurant covers a wide range of taste tempting treats, from chimichangas and enchiladas, to fajitas and shrimp borracho. Abuelo's has a full line of Mexican seafood dishes, delectable avacado enchiladas, and green chili chicken enchiladas to die for. Try a combo platter big enough to make you cry uncle, or be a wimp and go for the taco salad. Your choice, but it's all good at Abuelo's

Great Bar-B-Que. That's what Wiley's is all about. Not ambiance, not decor, not curb appeal - just GREAT Bar-B-Que. The restaurant is small and clean with about 6 old Long John Silver booths and a couple other motley tables. The rough exterior with hand lettered signs may scare some off, but believe me, once you sink your teeth into 'Coach' Wiley's smoked masterpieces, you'll be hooked. Real Texas mesquite smoked meats, cooked slow are the featured items. Ribs, beef brisket, Lockhart link sausage, chopped beef - all done to perfection - tender and juicy will fill your plate and delight your palate. Accompanied with your choices of cole slaw, potato salad, and beans, this is a meal fit for a king. A family pack is available - for $16 you get portions of beef brisket, sausage, and ribs, plus potato salad, beans, and relish items (Pickles, onions, hot peppers, and cherry peppers)- that will easily feed 4 to 5 people. Drive out to Wiley's and get some Bar-B-Que. But remember, if you want decor and ambiance, take the food home and enjoy yours.

If your looking for an excellent steak, all the trimmings, and a nice atmosphere, try the 50 Yard Line restaurant in Lubbock. An impeccable wait staff is eager to serve you the finest steak consistantly for over 20 years. If you like it hot, I highly recommend the Peppered Ribeye. They encrust a 12oz ribeye with pepper and grill it to perfection, served with baked potato, onion soup, salad, a relish tray, cheese rolls, and blueberry muffins- it's sure to satisfy any appetite.

Joel's is a little hole in the wall cafe that is small on decor but scores big when it comes to the food! They serve some of the best homestyle Mexican food for just a few pesos. A basic 1 item burrito is under $2 and it only takes 2 of those wonders to fill most people. If you like it hot, try the Asado burrito (my favorite), filled with tender chunks of pork in a spicy red chili sauce. Be sure to have a cold drink handy! Or perhaps if you don't like to sweat while eating, try the Carne Guisada ( slow-cooked beef in a seasoned gravy) You can add other items into your burrito as well, such as potatoes, rice, beans or even mixed meats if you so choose. It's all good at Joel's! Pick up an egg, bacon and cheese burrito for a quick and tasty breakfast or go on a Thursday or Friday for the $5.99 all-you-can-eat buffet. I've tried most of what they serve and have yet to be disappointed. Not fancy by any stretch, but just the ticket for lunch.

The windmill, one of the keys in settling the west, brought glorious refreshment to many a parched and dry rancher. It is now a symbol, seen in many photos, paintings and drawings that depict the west. Here, at the American Wind Power Center, is probably the largest collection of windmills and wind-driven devices in the world. As you tour the museum, you can enjoy seeing over 60 restored windmills out of the over 250 that the center has in its collection. Thanks to donors and increased funding, the center is expanding its facilities with a new building slated to open in the spring of 2001.

This is a great place to get the gang together, drink a few cold ones and watch you favorite sports events. With a diverse menu and a variety of drink specials, Bleachers is a great choice for lunch, happy hour, or just hanging out with your friends. Located in the Depot District, it's near the Buddy Holly Museum, as well as other entertainment venues.

Looking for live music shows, try the Cactus Theater in the Depot District of Lubbock. Almost every week, the Cactus puts on a show, each with a different theme; with music ranging from country and western, to the hits of the '50s, 60's and 70's. Musical productions are also headlined at various times, including 'The Buddy Holly Story ', and other local favorites. Check ahead for upcoming shows and be sure to get your tickets early.