Whenever I tell people I’m going to a city that isn’t typically seen as a tourist destination, I get the same question: “Why?!” In the case of my return trip to Lubbock, Texas, I was repeatedly asked “Why are you going there – again?” “Because it’s surprisingly awesome and I can’t wait to see what’s new and revisit what I saw before,” was my response. Lubbock is a destination with a passion for the arts, its food and beverage scene and with surprises at every turn. In this Editor’s Pick article, I’ll reveal some of what Lubbock has awaiting visitors so you can tell people, “Lubbock? I’ll tell you why Lubbock!”

Save this article about things to do in Lubbock, Texas to Pinterest to keep it handy. Sculpture: Texas Rising by Joe O’Connell and Blessing Hancock on the Texas Tech campus. Photo and graphic by Real Food Traveler.

Things to do in Lubbock

WHERE TO STAY

Homebase for a Lubbock exploration starts with the place to hang your hat during a stay. Opened in 2020, The Cotton Court Hotel has personality to spare. Located conveniently in the heart of Downtown Lubbock, the design, and name, are influenced by Lubbock’s history in the cotton industry.

The place looks like it has been around for decades in that it has a motor lodge vibe with retro accents everywhere. But fresh and new-ish it is, with deliberately planned elements everywhere, from the music-inspired lobby (Buddy Holly was born in Lubbock) to the large courtyard that encourages sociability around the firepits, yard games and swimming pool, to the expansive front porch on both levels with rocking chairs. Sit a spell outside of your room and you’re likely to strike up a conversation with your neighbors. It’s a very different feeling than most hotels where you rush to your door and shut the world away.

The Cotton Court Hotel in Lubbock, Texas encourages getting to know your fellow travelers and the city.

Inside the rooms, it’s kitsch, comfort and convenience. There are better-than-most snacks, a SMEG fridge, black and white tile in the huge bathroom with an inlaid “CC,” and lots of homages to the cotton industry. Note the seat of the couch which looks like an old-fashioned mattress and the “spools” the bedside lights are strung along. Or the “closet” that looks like lockers for workers.

Grab a bite throughout the day at the Midnight Shift Restaurant & Bar. Not just a spot for hotel guests, it’s a destination in its own right for the city, serving American classics, cocktails and live music Thursday-Saturday.

A nod to Lubbock’ love of music, the Cotton Court Hotel’s welcome/information booklet is in the form of LP singles.

PLACES TO SIP IN LUBBOCK

In a curvy, groovy building that used to be a Coca-Cola Bottling Plant is McPherson Cellars. Owner and Winemaker Kim McPherson restored the historic building in the Depot Entertainment District into a winery that celebrates his family’s 40+ years as Texas winemakers. McPherson Cellars has won more than 600 state, national and international competitions over the years. Visit for tastings and to shop for wine and fun wine-related merchandise.

A trip to McPherson Cellars is a glimpse into the long history of winemaking in Lubbock.

Given the opportunity to speak to Kim, it’s easy to get totally wrapped up in his stories and his passion for what he does. Bonus: If you go to Fredericksburg, Texas, visit the Texas Wine Collective where McPherson Cellars is one of the three partners, along with Brennan Vineyards and Lost Oak Winery. Read more about that in the bar below.

Hungry for more? See how Lubbock’s wine scene extends to Fredericksburg TX.

Winemaker Kim McPherson, owner of McPherson Cellars, is passionate about what he does and about Lubbock’s wine legacy.

Monomyth Coffee, located in a charmer of an old house, was started by brothers Randall and Trenton Jackson. The word “monomyth” means “one story,” referencing the “Hero’s Journey.” It harkens to facing obstacles and overcoming them with the help of friends or a strength within us. Stop in for coffee, a nibble, or to catch up on emails for a few. Love what you’re sipping? Buy a bag of coffee to take home.

Stop into the cozy house that is Monomyth Coffee while enjoying all the things to do in Lubbock.

Reddy Vineyards, worth the drive through the pastoral, agricultural areas of Lubbock, has such an interesting story – and great wines. The origins of the business have made the long and circuitous route from South India to the High Plains of West Texas. Dr. Vijay Reddy, a fifth-generation farmer, came to the U.S. in 1971 to pursue a graduate degree in soil and plant science, obtaining his doctorate in 1975. Along with his wife Subada, Dr. Reddy established and ran a soil consulting laboratory while farming cotton and peanuts. Fascinating already, right?

Then, in 1997, after discovering the high quality of grapes from the area, Dr. Reddy planted the family’s first grape vines which have now grown into an operation of more than 400 acres with 38 different varietals, making it one of the most diverse vineyards in Texas. The family, which includes Proprietor & CEO (and the couple’s son), Akhil Reddy, makes their own wines, supplies grapes to other wineries and bottles for some of them too. While we were there, a couple of winemakers came in, and it was evident that there is a cooperative, mutually respectful and supportive relationship among the winemakers of Lubbock (and beyond) – which makes for better wine for all of us to drink. The Reddy Vineyards tasting room is slated to open in early 2025.

The father-son team of Dr. Vijay Reddy (right) and Dr. Akhil Reddy (left) have taken an expert’s look at soils and growing practices to create a massive vineyard and wine making- and bottling business, Reddy Vineyards. 

Two Docs Brewing Co., in the Cultural Arts District, is a prime example of downtown Lubbock’s efforts to attract new business to help revitalize the downtown effort after a massive tornado destroyed much of the area back in 1970. Doctors and also cousins, Eric Cunningham and Tyson Purdy, turned their hobby for homebrewing in Tyson’s garage into a full-fledged brewery. I got a kick out of the names of some of their beers including Buddy Hoppy IPA, Pils For the People, and Prairie Dog Porter.

Two Docs Brewing Co., owned by two cousins, has fun with the names of the beers they create.

PLACES TO EAT IN LUBBOCK

When I found out my group of travel writers was going to get to dine at La Diosa Cellars, I was thrilled. I’d been there on my first trip to Lubbock and probably spent as much time looking around at the fun décor as I did looking at the selections of delicious tapas on our table. La Diosa is located just across the street from McPherson Cellars and that’s no coincidence – the owner, Sylvia, is Kim’s wife.

The atmosphere is eclectic, filled with paintings, knick knacks and furniture that has no apparent rhyme or reason for being under one roof except that it’s all whimsical, delightful, interesting and fun. I can just imagine Sylvia happening upon things she’d like to get for the restaurant, simply because it pleases her. It certainly pleases guests who are encouraged to get a multitude of tapas and drinks to share. We saw people on dates, groups of friends, and, for our group of new-to-each-other writers, it was the ideal way to break the ice on our first evening together.

La Diosa Cellars offers delicious Spanish cuisine in an eclectic atmosphere.

The first time I ate at Evie Mae’s BBQ, I loved the casual atmosphere, hearty portions and delicious food. I also loved the story of how Arnis and Mallory Robbins built their first smoker which they called The Black Pearl, started up in an empty parking lot, moved to Lubbock to start their dreams and got their big break when Texas Monthly gave them a positive write-up. I also love that the place is named after their daughter who, according to Arnis, never much cared for having a restaurant named after her.

At Evie Mae’s, they smoke more than 700 lbs of meat a day. They serve up all the sides and fixin’s you’d expect so don’t skimp on ordering any of it (I recommend getting a combo plate and don’t miss the baked potato casserole). Also don’t forget to get a slice of classic Texas Sheet Cake if they have it – or any of the desserts, frankly. As with any BBQ restaurant worth their salt (or smoke), get there early because when quantities are sold out, they’re done for the day.

A meal at Evie Mae’s BBQ is one of the things visitors must do when visiting Lubbock, Texas.

Dining at The Nicolett is a special experience. Named after the first hotel in Lubbock, it is described as focusing on High Plains Cuisine, with an elegant menu that showcases the best of what’s local and seasonal. Behind it is Chef Finn Walter who brings his experience working in Paris, Santa Fe, Napa Valley and Austin.

We sat outside in the enclosed courtyard and had a chef’s tasting menu that was absolutely delicious, with each item bringing surprises in textures and flavors that all worked together beautifully. Examples of the overall menu include caviar served on a corn churro, Pozole, Farm Cheese Ravioli, Hill Country Antelope, and Ribeye for Two. This last item was incredible, Wagyu accompanied by duck fat-confit mushroom, red wine shallot, whole roasted garlic and horseradish. There is only a limited quantity of this dish so get their early in the evening and get your order in pronto. We’d gotten the last order of the night and, had we been inside in the main dining room, there surely would have been some “death stares” as the platter was paraded through to our table.

The Nicolett restaurant in Lubbock serves upscale, creative food and drink.

Cast Iron Grill couldn’t be more different than The Nicolett – and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Vibe-wise, they are miles apart – Nicolett is elegant and Cast Iron Grill is super-casual. Yet both restaurants are committed to putting out the best meals possible.

If you don’t get the chance to meet the lovely spitfire that is Teresa, the owner of Cast Iron Grill, you’ll have to settle for reading the About page on the website. I won’t spoil it for you.

The menu’s as big as the heart of the place (and of Teresa) from Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs for breakfast to a Brisket Burger, Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese, or Cast Iron Club the rest of the day. Don’t worry, if you don’t want to have to let out your belt a bit, there’s also Lemon Peppered Salmon, a variety of salads and a veggie plate. But save room for dessert because pie is queen at Cast Iron Grill – you’ll see them being made as soon as you walk in.

Do like the locals do and eat at the Cast Iron Skillet in Lubbock. Don’t forget the pie!

Located just off the lobby of the historic Pioneer Building, The West Table Kitchen & Bar is in the heart of downtown (and, therefore, easy to get to from the hotel).

Their menus are so locally-focused, they change daily but examples include Crispy Goat Cheese Croquettes with raspberry jalapeno jam, Roasted Beet Salad, and Cast Iron Seared Duck Breast with charred corn succotash, Andouille sausage and a thyme-white wine demi glaze. They are also known for their creative cocktails. I can vouch for the fact that they are excellent and worth blocking out the din of conversation in the place to focus on it. If you’re a fan of Old Fashioneds, get the Fig Walnut version with toasted walnut and fig bourbon with demerara-walnut bitters, I implore you.

The West Table Kitchen and Bar prides itself on hyper-local food and drink.

 PLACES AND WAYS TO TAKE IN THE ART SCENE

In preparation for your immersion into Lubbock’s arts scene, start with the Lubbock Cultural District’s website to learn more about all of the arts and culture venues under their purview which encompass art, music, dance and history. I love what is front and center on their About page: “Never Flat.” That’s a cheeky nod to Lubbock’s terrain and a salute to the vibrant arts and culture scene in the city.

Some of the venues that are part of the Lubbock Cultural District include:

CASP and LHUCAleft an artistic mark on me when I visited Lubbock previously so I couldn’t wait to see what they were up to now. CASP stands for the Charles Adams Studio Project and LHUCA is the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts. Both a mouthful (thus the acronyms), the organizations are part of downtown Lubbock’s revitalization and are a core for the development, encouragement and enjoyment of the city’s arts scene.

CASP is a privately-owned, non-profit in the Lubbock Cultural District that has four live/work studios regularly open during the monthly First Friday Art Trail which enables visitors to meet and interact with the artists and buy from them too. There are also opportunities for people to sign up for various art classes including printmaking and to see live demonstrations.

LHUCA is a visual and performing arts center that hosts rotating exhibits.

I hear the First Friday Art Walks are a kick and a half, with live music, food trucks, artist demos, hands-on opportunities and more. It’s something the locals look forward to every month. That makes it a great thing for visitors to do too.

Lubbock has a strong commitment to sharing the love of and creation of art including at CASP.

The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, which opened in 2021, is a stunning, state-of-the-art campus with two theaters, an event space, full-service café and a ballet academy. Both of the theatres have an acoustic value of NC15 which makes it a very desirable place for performers from all over the world. When you plan your visit to Lubbock, be sure to check out the schedule in advance and purchase tickets to a performance or two. You’ll find Broadway shows, internationally known concert performers, magic shows, comedy acts and local favorites, the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra and Ballet Lubbock. Be sure to grab lunch at Rave On, the Hall’s restaurant that pays homage to the 1958 Buddy Holly hit.

The Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts is beautiful with high quality sound, dramatic architecture, art and even food in their restaurant. Note the bricks on the behind-the-scenes wall where performers are encouraged to write and draw when their show is in town.

Lubbock Ranching Heritage Center preserves and interprets Texas ranching history. With 53 historic structures, all between 100-200 years old, visitors get a real sense of what ranch life was like. It’s so interesting to see the variety of structures across the 27-acre museum, from tremendously rustic to very elegant. It’s testament to the real lives of people who went through the hardships and rewards of decades upon decades of ranching life. Visit the website when planning your trip to see what events and activities coincide with your time there.

There are many opportunities for people of all ages to learn and special kids activities. It’s a great way to show kids what an “unplugged” life was like back in the day. Be sure to check out the new Cash Family Ranch Life Learning Center.

Learn about ranching life through history at the Lubbock Ranching Heritage Center.

Hungry for more? See what’s in store in 2025 in Galveston, TX.

Texas Tech University System has a first-class public art collection that has been named one of the top 10 public art collections in the U.S. by the Public Art Review. The students are so fortunate to pass stunning and varied works of art on their way between classes and dorms. The public can view it all too because it’s free to view. See their website to learn more about the collection, how you can tour it from the Art Cart, in your own vehicle, on foot and by using their ArtTrek app.

Throughout the Texas Tech campus, you’ll find a huge variety of art pieces that are in their impressive collection.

As I mentioned, Buddy Holly was born in Lubbock and he is beloved to this day, despite his short life but because of his everlasting, musical impact. The Buddy Holly Center pays tribute to the life of Lubbock’s native son with displays and a documentary film that chronicle the life of the entertainer. You’ll see the influence he had on the Rolling Stones, the Beatles and on so many in the music world – to this day. The exhibits, which contain personal memorabilia of Holly’s tell the story of his life and music in moving and entertaining ways. You’ll end up learning a lot about the music industry as a whole, too, while strolling the exhibit. Stop in the gift shop for some fun, musically-themed gifts to take home. And, of course, get that selfie with the giant sculpture of Buddy Holly’s iconic eyeglasses out front or his statue next door.

Get the requisite picture with the way-larger-than-life, iconic Buddy Holly eyeglasses at the Buddy Holly Center.

Yes, Lubbock may be flat as a pancake. And people may question you about why you’re going. But let it all be our little secret about how varied, vibrant and interesting it is – that is, until you return and regale them with your stories and pictures of why everyone should love Lubbock.

To learn more about Lubbock, check out the Visit Lubbock website.

-Story and photos by Courtney Drake-McDonough, Publisher and Managing Editor of Real Food Traveler

Please note, as is common practice in this industry, this was a hosted visit, however, all opinions are honest and based on the author’s opinion for the purpose of informing our readers.