LUBBOCK, TX — Needing a moment to slow down while road-tripping across the United States?  Fold Lubbock into your next grand Texas adventure as an easy-going break from the buzz of bigger cities. As an easy drive from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport Houston, Lubbock represents the true Texas country archetype with Americana at every corner. 

Think West Texas wine country, desert-washed sunsets, and plenty of breathing room. An unexpected pause that feels both vast and warmly personal. It's the kind of stop where you linger over a tasting flight, share stories you've not told in years, and let the wide-open sky remind you why you came away together in the first place. In Lubbock, you can slip into a slower rhythm before the open road calls again. 

Coffee and conversation, first 

To start your trip, let coffee and conversation take centre stage. Start your morning at one of Lubbock's newest additions, Lit Brews, where the aroma of freshly roasted coffee mingles with the scent of new books, sip lattes and catch up while browsing local authors' works. Alternately, visit Nashwell Café, to browse local artists' work across its walls all eligible for purchase. Later, wander over to Ninety-Two Bakery & Cafe for a French-inspired treat that are local favourites. Between the warm drinks, cozy nooks, and the joy of sharing moments together, Lubbock has endless cafes to start the perfect mornings.  

Patio Days & Pour Decisions 

Lubbock is home to award-winning wineries and the birthplace of the Texas High Plains Wine Region, a treasure trove of grapes and patios which produces over 90% of the state's wine grapes. The area is home to a collection of award-winning wineries that blend heritage, innovation, and unmistakable West Texas charm. To offer a sample of wineries and tasting rooms, Llano Estacado Winery, the state's oldest and largest, has paved the way for Texas wine since 1976, setting the standard for quality and experimentation. Nearby, McPherson Cellars carries forward a legacy of pioneering viticulture; its founder, Kim McPherson, is widely recognized as one of the driving forces behind the Texas wine movement. English Newsom Cellars combines family tradition and sustainable practices that celebrates both craftsmanship and hospitality. Downtown, the artistic flair of La Diosa Cellars adds a creative twist to the local wine scene, pairing fine wines with Mediterranean-inspired fare and live music. With patio lounges, live music, and curated flights, all promise perfect lazy afternoon where friendship feels eternal. 

Shopping That Actually Feels Fun 
Forget the cookie-cutter mall, Lubbock's shopping scene is full of character and local charm. Cactus Alley Courtyard is known locally as “Lubbock's best-kept secret,” offering an eclectic enclave of small businesses that is tucked away on Salem Avenue, just south of the Marsha Sharp Freeway. This enclave of creativity is packed with handmade jewellery, artisanal crafts, and quirky finds that let both you and your home stand out. For an extra layer of local culture, plan your trip around the First Friday Art Trail (FFAT), held the first weekend of every month. This free event offers art lovers and foodies alike a chance to explore galleries, studios, and culinary delights. After spending the day including in a few leisurely tastings, hop on the complimentary trolley running form 6:15pm to 9:15pm to get around with ease. 

A Bonding Activity or Two  

Need a day to recalibrate? There's nothing like a little pampering to remind you how good it feels to just be. Woodhouse Spa and Renaissance European Spa have everything you need to feel human again with an hefty menu of massages, facials, and all the quiet moments in between. Friends who spa together, after all, stay together. 

For those craving a little friendly competition, tee off at The Rawls Course, Lubbock's nationally ranked gem. Golf Week calls it the #2 Course to Play in Texas and #3 Best Campus Course in the country. 

Feeling more adventurous? Slip on your best cowboy boots and head to the National Ranching Heritage Center (NRHC) at Texas Tech University. This 27-acre living history park lets you step back in time, wander through log cabins and blacksmith shops, and try your hand at classic crafts like leatherworking, bootmaking, or saddle crafting. You can even test your roping skills, just don't blame your friends if you get a little competitive!  

Music is in Lubbock's DNA. As Buddy Holly's birthplace, live tunes and rooftop cocktails are never in short supply. The Depot Entertainment District is the headquarters to Lubbock's thriving nightlife and social scene, this downtown area offers diverse entertainment options that are expanding rapidly. With new additions to the bar scene and the same classic spots loved for years, two-step the night away to live music, eat and drink some of the city's finest selections or watch a show at an iconic theatre. 

Texas is known for wide-open spaces, but few places capture its untamed spirit quite like Palo Duro Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Texas.” Just under two hours from Lubbock, its Lighthouse Trail offers a 5.8-mile round-trip through towering red rock formations and desert wildlife, including the elusive Texas Horned Toad. Another short drive away, Caprock Canyons State Park is home to the official Texas State Bison Herd, a direct genetic link to the millions of bison that once roamed the plains. If you're lucky, you might find yourself stuck in a "bison traffic jam" 

Dining 
During every trip, dinner it's an experience to savour. For barbecue lovers, Evie Mae's serves generous portions of savoury ribs and brisket alongside green chili cheese grits and cornbread, perfect for sharing and lingering over laughs. Alternatively, Dirk's offers fried chicken, and sides like gumbo and fried okra that are ideal for passing around the table. And of course, no getaway is complete without a sweet stop at Holly Hop Ice Cream Shop, a 50s-inspired diner where traditional and seasonal flavours make the perfect midday or afternoon indulgence.