During our Texas and New Mexico journey, the spirit of Buddy Holly (figuratively, of course!) guided us to Lubbock. While initially seeking a deep dive into rock & roll history, what awaited us surpassed mere musical exploration. Lubbock revealed itself as a lively family haven, offering more than just melodic tunes. Brace yourself to amplify the excitement as we uncover the concealed treasures of Lubbock — from history-packed museums to vibrant murals adorning the town in hues of orange and white!
Lubbock Breakfast – Cast Iron Grill
We kicked off our day at the Cast Iron Grill, drawn in by its stellar reputation on Google Maps boasting an impressive 4.7 rating from over 1700 reviews. To our delight, we realized it was conveniently situated next to the Buddy Holly Center. Upon entering, we were greeted by the tempting sight of freshly displayed pies in their pie cases, setting the stage for a warm welcome as our table was being prepared. The restaurant is renowned for its waitresses sporting cowboy boots and serving up Texas-sized portions, making it a culinary experience not to be missed.
Despite our eagerness for a breakfast feast, we arrived just past the cutoff time as breakfast service concludes sharply at 10:45 am. Undeterred, we transitioned into lunch mode. My wife and I opted to share the chicken salad sandwich on wheatberry bread and a Queso burger – a notable mention being that all burgers on the menu boast a generous half-pound size. Meanwhile, the boys indulged in chicken tenders, and collectively, we relished the goodness of the large onion rings.
Don’t overlook Cast Iron Grill when seeking a meal in Lubbock. Additionally, consider using a credit card with a restaurant bonus category, such as the American Express Gold card, to earn 4x points, translating to a valuable 8% back in travel rewards.
Buddy Holly Center
Buddy Holly, the iconic Rock & Roll star who brought Lubbock into the limelight, was the primary reason for my visit, driven by the allure of the Buddy Holly Center museum. Following a satisfying lunch at the Cast Iron Grill, we eagerly strolled across the parking lot to the museum, only to be met with disappointment – it was closed on Mondays, coincidentally, our sole day in town.
The museum holds captivating exhibits that chronicle Buddy Holly’s journey from a small-town West Texas kid to an international music icon with the Crickets. Notably, it houses the J.I. Allison House, where drummer J.I. Allison of “The Crickets” lived as a teenager, and where he, along with Buddy Holly, penned numerous hits, including the timeless “That’ll Be the Day.” Despite being unable to explore the interiors, we seized the opportunity to capture numerous photos outside and in the Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza park located across the street, setting the stage for our next venture – a mural-hunting escapade. If you plan to visit this museum, it’s advisable to check their operating hours in advance.
Our disappointment at the museum’s closure led us to an unexpected but delightful pursuit – discovering and capturing the vibrant murals scattered throughout the city. Stay tuned for the colorful tales of our mural-chasing adventure!
Lubbock Murals
While exploring the Buddy and Maria Elena Holly Plaza, my attention was drawn across the street to a captivating mural of Buddy Holly, enticing me to capture the moment with a photograph. This impromptu discovery triggered our family tradition of mural-chasing in cities we visit, igniting our collective enthusiasm. Without hesitation, I delved into researching additional mural locations and stumbled upon the Avenue J & 5th Street district, a haven for art enthusiasts. Spanning four blocks, this area boasted over 10 striking murals and 3D art displays, providing a vibrant canvas for our family photos. It’s always a special keepsake to have our family portraits against these artistic backdrops. Lubbock even facilitates mural exploration by providing a convenient link on their official website for locating these creative gems [link].
Prairie Dog Town
Concluding our day’s explorations, we made our way to Mackenzie Park, the residence of Prairie Dog Town. Originating with just four dogs and two burrows, this site marked the inception of the first protected prairie dog colony of its kind. In 1935, the colony found its current home within Mackenzie Park when it transitioned into a state park.
Prairie Dogs, with their endearing demeanor, captivated the entire family as we observed them darting across the field between burrows. Their above-ground activities allowed us to witness fascinating moments, including their distinctive “talk” as they communicated with each other. A visit to Prairie Dog Town in Mackenzie Park is a delightful and memorable experience that guarantees enjoyment for the entire family!
Overall Impressions
Our time in Lubbock was a delightful blend of delectable cuisine, captivating murals, and the charming antics of prairie dogs. Despite not being able to explore the interior of the Buddy Holly Center, our day was still thoroughly enjoyable and filled with memorable moments!
While we missed the chance to explore the inside of the Buddy Holly Center, our time in Lubbock was still thoroughly enjoyable. If we were to revisit, top places on our list would include:
- Buddy Holly Center: To delve into the life and times of the iconic Rock & Roll star.
- Silent Wings Museum: A tribute to WW2 glider pilots.
- National Ranching Heritage Center: To learn about cowboy culture and the history of ranching in the West.
Lubbock indeed offers a rich tapestry of experiences, making it an ideal destination for a fulfilling two-day exploration of this West Texas town.
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