Everythings Bigger and Better in Texas: Lubbock

Though not a huge city Lubbock has a lot to offer, but it won't just jump out at you. You have to be willing to look for it!

Lubbock is located about 1.75 hours South of Amarillo. The city is clean and has a nice atmosphere. During September-May it is filled with students from Texas Tech University. There are many resturants and cute little spots all over the city.

Of course the pride and joy of this city is Buddy Holly. This is the famous singers home town. Also from Lubbock is Natalie Maines, the singer from the big hit country band, the Dixie Chicks. Finally for you sports fans, Lubbock is the new home of basketball coach Bobby Knight.

Quick Tips:

The people of Lubbock are some of the friendliest people. Be prepared for drastic and strange weather! I'm not kidding, It will be 80 degrees one day and the very next day it will be snowing! I have even seen so much hail fall at one time that it built up a couple inches and looked like snow.

Best Way To Get Around:

No question about it, car. Of course if you prefer a taxi it will never be a problem. Basically the only form of public trnsportation is the city bus. I believe the city bus is reliable.

Spanky's is located directly across from Texas Tech University and almost exactly across the street from the football stadium. This is a cute little resturant with a very college like atmosphere. However you will see many other types of people inside eating as well. It is a nice quick and comfortable for students, faculty, staff, and employees from nearby to come to get a bit for lunch. The little building is very neat. You order your food downstairs and can go upstairs to eat. Your food will be brought to the second floor by "Food Elevator."

There is a varitey of food to get here. They specialty is hambugers and fries. Youc an however get sandwiches of all types, and salads as well. If you are a fan of onion rings or cheese sticks you can't miss out on the ones from Spanky's.

The day of a football game is typically when Spanky's get a crowd almost unimaginable. many people will come both before and after the game and even during the game for a meal.

The best part about Spanky's is you get a free souviner! The cups are hard plastic and have the spanky's mascot, a dog, on them and you get to keep it! If you want to see their menu, here you go Spanky's Homepage I would recommend Spanky's for anyone looking for a happy medium between fast food and simply dining.

A fun filled expirence for children and adults both. The science spectrum is a place for hands on activities that help the imagination and curiosity of children soar. There are several floors of all sorts of "cool" science exhibitions. There is a huge hot air balloon located in the middle of all of the floors. If you push a button on the bottom floor you can see the hot air ballon rise to the ceiling of the top floor. There are a few aquariums housing frogs, turtles, snakes, fish and even pirhannas.

Located here also is the Omnimax theatre. If you have time be sure to check out a movie that is playing. Usually about 3 different shows are playing. The omnimax is a big round screen that projects movies! It is similar to a planatarium, but not quite that big! Best part is, nobody elses head will get in your way!

If you are visiting Lubbock with children of any age this would be my suggestion to take them for a little fun. You will have the oppurtunity to interact with your children in an educating way.

Located just outside of the city limits, Lllano Estacado is a cute little place for wine lovers at all levels. Most people venture to the winery for a tour and wine tasting. Reservations are not necessary and most of the time a tour will begin about 5 minutes after your arrival. The tour consists of getting to view the machinary used to make the wine, the grapes and how they are processed and of course, the huge barrels that the wine must sit in for a couple years to become premium wine. The tour guide will also give you a little of the history about the winery itself.

At the end of the tour a wine tasting session is offered to anyone interested. Offered will be a large variety of Llano wines. One great thing about this particular winery is they are not stingy with the wine as some other wineries are! This is a place for new and experienced wine drinkers alike. For more information visit The Llano Estacado Homepage.

Texas Tech University is the home for over 25,000 students every year. Students come from very close from around the world. The diversity and the international population is very large. Texas Tech began its days as a univesity in 1925 when it opened its doors under the name of Texas technological College. It got its current name in 1969.

The campus is beautiful and streches about 1,839 acres. Every building has a unique Spanish-like architecture. Currenty it is under a massive amount of construction. As some projects reach the final stage other are just begining. Though many of the projects may take a good amount of time, when they are all finished the campus will be even more beautiful and appealing to others.

As a member of the Big 12 conference Texas Tech has trys to stay competitive among other major universities. Miami Dolphins player Zach Thomas once played football in the Texas Tech Stadium. As women's basketball player Sheryl Swoops of the Houston Comets once played in the basketball arena. Along with very talent players, Texas Tech is the home of two very well known basketball coaches, Marsha Sharp and Bobby Knight.

The newly built United Spirit Arena has brought much wanted attention to Lubbock Texas. The new 15,000-seat facility has brought new entertainment and stregthened athletic events, including Big XII Basketball and Volleyball contests, commencement ceremonies, concerts, and other types of events as well. Some of the big names that this arena has brought to Lubbock are the Dixie Chicks, Elton John, Creed, and soon to perform Britney Spears.

Texas Tech offers a wide range of academic departments. It is composed of 7 primary colleges which are broken down into departments. The Texas Tech faculty is made up of highly qualified professors that are an asset to the university. Texas Tech has so many things to offer to both those interested in the university and to those visiting Lubbock. The beautiful landscapes and design of Texas Tech should not be missed. Many visitors to Lubbock do not miss the oppurtunity to see Texas Tech. However young a university, Texas Tech has a lot to offer and is definitely worth a visit!