Travel to Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas – Episode 911

Hear about traveling to Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas, as the Amateur Traveler talks to Jill Robbins about her favorite part of the state she calls home. 

Why should you visit Lubbock and Amarillo?

Jill says, “Amarillo and Lubbock are both smaller cities. I don’t like the word off the beaten path or hidden gem, but these are just great little slices of Texas and they both really showcase the unique landscape of Texas.”

“Lubbock is in the high plains area. Amarillo is in the panhandle. They’re both known for different things, but both have some surprises, things you might not expect to see in a small town. They both have a lot of things to do. Amarillo is more focused on outdoor adventure and Americana that is the old Route 66”.

“Lubbock is known for music history and particularly being the birthplace of Buddy Holly. So that is what puts that on the map.”

Here’s the itinerary that Jill Robbins recommends for visiting Lubbock and Amarillo, Texas:

Day 1: Arrival in Lubbock

1. Explore Buddy Holly History
   • Buddy Holly Center: Begin your visit with the Buddy Holly Center, a must-see for anyone interested in music history. This small museum is dedicated to the life and career of Buddy Holly, who was born in Lubbock. The museum includes written exhibits, a short film, and some artifacts related to Buddy Holly. Don’t miss the movie that includes a young Mick Jagger discussing Holly’s influence on the Rolling Stones. Outside, you can find large Buddy Holly glasses and an 8-foot-tall statue of Buddy Holly with his guitar, perfect for photo opportunities.
   • Buddy Holly Hall: If you’re interested in performing arts or architecture, visit the Buddy Holly Hall. This performing arts center features interesting design elements, such as hidden guitar picks in the architecture. Check the events calendar ahead of time to see if any Buddy Holly-themed performances or other events coincide with your visit.
2. Visit Silent Wings Museum
   • Located near the airport, this museum focuses on the history of glider pilots during World War II. It’s a quick visit, typically taking about an hour, but offers a unique insight into a lesser-known aspect of aviation history.
3. National Ranching Heritage Center
   • Spend the afternoon at this indoor-outdoor museum and historical park. The center is dedicated to the history of ranching in Texas and includes indoor galleries with photos, sculptures, and artifacts. The outdoor park has about 40 historic buildings that have been transported from various locations around Lubbock to create a small village. It’s a great way to learn about the region’s history and enjoy a leisurely walk.

Day 2: Lubbock Art and Wine

1. Explore Lubbock’s Art Scene
   • Texas Tech University Public Art Collection: Start your day with a tour of Texas Tech University’s public art collection, which includes about 150 pieces of public art scattered around the campus. The campus is open to the public, and most of the sculptures are outdoors. You can explore on foot or take a guided golf cart tour with a docent from the art department.
   • First Friday Art Trail: If your visit coincides with the first Friday of the month, participate in the First Friday Art Trail in downtown Lubbock’s arts district. This monthly event features gallery openings, food trucks, music, and street performances, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
2. Wine Tasting
   • Llano Estacado Winery: Visit one of the oldest wineries in Texas, located just outside of Lubbock. Enjoy a tasting in their beautiful open-air tasting room with a patio.
   • McPherson Cellars: Head to downtown Lubbock for a tasting at McPherson Cellars, which offers a wide variety of wines and a nice patio for relaxing.
   • Pheasant Ridge Winery: If you prefer a more rustic and pastoral experience, drive about 15 minutes outside of town to Pheasant Ridge Winery. It’s a small estate winery with a focus on reds and a quieter atmosphere.

Day 3: Lubbock to Amarillo

1. Drive from Lubbock to Amarillo
   • The drive takes less than two hours, so it’s a good idea to leave Lubbock in the morning and head to Amarillo to maximize your time there.
2. Explore Amarillo’s Route 66 Historic District
   • Spend your first day in Amarillo exploring the Route 66 Historic District, which offers a blend of shops, quirky roadside attractions, and unique museums like the Devil’s Rope Museum, dedicated to barbed wire.
3. Cadillac Ranch
   • Visit the famous Cadillac Ranch, where you can see ten vintage Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. Bring some spray paint to leave your mark on this constantly evolving public art installation.

Day 4: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

1. Explore Palo Duro Canyon State Park
   • Dedicate a full day to exploring Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the United States. The park offers numerous hiking trails, including the popular Lighthouse Trail, which is about 6 miles round trip. The hike is relatively easy with minimal elevation gain and offers stunning views of the canyon and rock formations.
   • Scenic Drive: If hiking isn’t your thing, consider taking a scenic drive through the park to enjoy the views from the comfort of your car.
2. Texas Outdoor Musical
   • In the evening, enjoy a performance of the “Texas Outdoor Musical,” held in an outdoor amphitheater within Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This seasonal show, which runs from early June to early August, features fireworks, horses, and a celebration of Texas history.

Day 5: Explore More of Amarillo

1. Palo Duro Creek Ranch
   • If you have extra time and want a more secluded experience of Palo Duro Canyon, consider booking a Jeep tour at Palo Duro Creek Ranch, a privately owned section of the canyon. The tours offer a unique perspective of the canyon, away from the crowds.
2. Other Roadside Attractions
   • Spend the rest of the day exploring more quirky roadside attractions in and around Amarillo, such as the Leaning Tower of Britten, the Floating Mesa, and the “Big Texan Cowboy” statue.

Optional Side Trip: Caprock Canyons State Park

• If you have an extra day, consider taking a side trip to Caprock Canyons State Park, which is less than a two-hour drive from both Lubbock and Amarillo. The park is known for its red rock formations and is home to the Texas State Bison Herd. It’s a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, or just enjoying a scenic drive.

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Show Notes

Ripped Jeans & Bifocals
Jill Robbins Writes
Amarillo, Texas
Lubbock, Texas
Buddy Holly Hall
The Buddy Holly Story (1978)
Buddy Holly Center
Silent Wings Museum
Ranching Heritage Association
Texas Tech University
Public Art Collection – Texas Tech University System
First Friday Art Trail
Bluebonnet
Lubbock’s Art District: The Heart of Downtown – Lubbock EDA
Charles Adams Gallery
LHUCA – The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
Llano Estacado Winery
McPherson Cellars
Pheasant Ridge Winery
The Brewery LBK
The West Table
The Nicolett
Cast Iron Grill
Evie Mae’s Pit Barbeue
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Goodnight Peak and CCC Trail, Texas – 155 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
TEXAS Outdoor Musical
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Archives – Ripped Jeans & Bifocals
Guide to Exploring Route 66’s Texan Landmarks | Visit Amarillo
Devils Rope Barbed Wire Museum
Leaning Tower of Britten
Floating Mesa
Cadillac Ranch
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Big Texan Cowboy
Huge Pair of Legs
Prairie Dog Town

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