About the Area – Lubbocks Home and Family Magazine

Falling For You

Courtney Dietz — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:01:00 +0000

Local Date Nights

Kara Hyden

Fall means cooler weather, boots and sweaters, cozying up by a fire, and enjoying things flavored with pumpkin. Fall is also a great time to go out with that special someone to explore all the fun that only the fall season brings. We’ve cultivated a list of local date night activities for you and your date to enjoy.

For fans of local artists, musicians, craftsmen, and locally grown produce, these first few are great places to check out in the open air.

First Friday Art Trail

511 Avenue K, Lubbock

www.lhuca.org/ffat

The First Friday Art Trail is a “free, self-guided art tour in the Lubbock Cultural District held in partnership with a variety of art centers, museums, galleries and businesses.” Visit the website for more information and also download a map of different locations available to tour.

The great thing about this date night idea is that it’s free! There are food trucks each month during the event. The art trail is held monthly, rain or shine, from 6:00pm–9:00pm.

Lubbock Downtown Farmers Market

5th Street & Avenue J, Lubbock

www.lubbockdowntownfarmersmarket.com

The farmers’ market in Lubbock is held every Saturday, May 27th through October 14th. Located in downtown Lubbock, the event was created to “provide Lubbock and surrounding areas with locally grown foods and farm products.” Be sure to check out their website each week to see the different vendors that will be onsite that week.

The market is open 9:00am–1:00pm.

Wolfforth Farmers Market

8924 County Road 7100, Wolfforth

(Located ½ mile west of Frenship High School on West 82nd Street)

www.wolfforthfarmersmarket.com

Another great local market is in Wolfforth. The Wolfforth Farmers Market “provides a conveniently located, year-round, farmers’ market for area residents to purchase quality foods grown, baked, or produced locally, as well as some local handmade crafts, jewelry, and woodwork.”

They are open every Saturday 10:00am–2:00pm.

For those that like a bit more action or using their athletic skills, be sure to check out a few of these places and put those muscles to work. Has anyone tried Axe Throwing? Lubbock has two different businesses to test your skills.

Raider’s Axe Gallery

1408 Avenue F, Lubbock

www.raidersaxe.com

Raider’s Axe has over 70 weapons to choose from, including antique axes, knives, spears, metal cards and more. They have 6 throwing lanes available. Don’t be intimidated to give it a try! They have staff to instruct you on safe and effective throwing techniques.

The cost is $25/person/hour. Make it a double date and share the lane with some friends. Be sure to check out their website for hours and groups rates for 10 or more people.

Grab Axxes

12213 University Avenue, Lubbock

www.grabaxxes.com

This location offers axe throwing, pool tables, darts and other activities. They’re also a great place for live music events, birthdays, or any family-type event. Reservations are required for the axe throwing lanes.

The cost is $27.50/person/hour. Check out their website for hours and reserve your lane.

For couples looking for a unique date night, here are a few places to try…

Bookstores

Lubbock has several bookstores around town. They are great places for perusing books to read together, magazines to check out future vacation spots, or grabbing some warm pumpkin-spiced drinks and just sitting together. A few locations in the Lubbock area to check out are:

Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 6002 Slide Road, Suite 68203, www.barnesandnoble.com

2nd & Charles, 6066 Marsha Sharp Freeway West, www.2ndandcharles.com

2nd Chance Books, 4206 50th Street, www.2ndchancebooks.com

Don’t just think of date nights as the same old dinner and a movie. Get out and explore, try new things, new activities, and make lots of memories. Whether it’s a first date or a 50th date, check out these local businesses and go have some fun!

Local Fall Fun

Courtney Dietz — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 05:01:00 +0000

Lubbock Area Fun

Kara Hyden

The fall season usually brings thoughts of bonfires, football, cooler temperatures, and almost anything made with pumpkin. Whether you’re a sports fan, a carnival fan, or just a fan of hanging with family, Lubbock has something for everyone. We’ve searched high and low to bring you a list of fun things to do in and around Lubbock this fall. Below are activities for fall family fun.

At’l Do Farms

6323 FM 1294

If you like corn mazes, good food and pumpkins, be sure your fall plans include At’l Do Farms. They are celebrating their 21st season this year by hosting the corn maze and many other fun activities for families with kids of all ages. Open September 17 through November 5.

Tickets: $12/adults & kids 5+; kids 4 & younger are free

Visit during the week (Tuesday–Thursday) and tickets are only $8 each.

Admission includes the corn maze and fairy tale trail, the cow train, hayride, pumpkin patch (pumpkins range from $1-$20), pumpkin hollow and the barnyard. They also have food and beverages available for purchase.

Another local favorite is the Panhandle-South Plains Fair. For 2023, the fair is open September 22-30.

Panhandle-South Plains Fairgrounds

105 East Broadway

Lubbock, Texas

(806) 763-2833

www.southplainsfair.com

Every year, the South Plains Fair draws thousands during the nine days they are open; and they truly have something for everyone. Whether you want to gorge on the amazing fair food, get your thrills on carnival rides, check out some great entertainment, or see the sights, the South Plains Fair is the place to be.

Tickets: $10/adults & youth, 13+; $5/kids 2-12; kids 1 & younger are free

Parking: $5/car

Open 8:00am–11:00pm (Sunday–Thursday) & until Midnight (Friday & Saturday).

There is so much to see and do at the fair, so be sure to check out their website for specifics on vendors, carnival times and shows.

Now if you’re a fan of pumpkin patches, homemade goodies and photo booths, stop by the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church Pumpkin Patch, also known as “The Pumpkin Patch Church”.

First Cumberland Presbyterian Church

7702 Indiana Avenue

Lubbock, Texas 79423

(806) 792-3553

www.cpclubbock.com

The 21st annual pumpkin patch opens September 23 and will remain open through October 31, unless they sell out of pumpkins. Pumpkins come from the Navajo Indian Reservation in the Four Corners’ area of New Mexico. Besides pumpkins, church members provide handcrafted items available for purchase. Let’s also not forget about their world-famous pumpkin bread home-baked by the ladies in the church.

Open Monday–Friday 3:00pm–7:00pm; Saturdays 10:00am–7:00pm; and Sundays 12:30pm–7:00pm. No charge to visit the patch or take some great pictures with your friends and family at various photo booths. Pumpkin prices range from $.50 up to $50+, depending on size. The church typically sells between 8,000 to 10,000 pumpkins during this event. Stop by and have some fall fun with your family!

Last, another place for families to visit is the Pumpkin Trail, hosted by the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum. The Arboretum receives various donations of carved pumpkins from different organizations around town.

Pumpkin Trail

Lubbock Memorial Arboretum

4111 University Avenue

Lubbock, Texas

(806) 767-3706

www.lubbockarboretum.org

Open October 26–29 during the day and early evenings. The trail is free of charge, and a place for families to take a leisurely stroll to view pumpkins.

These are just a few highlights of annual events held in the Lubbock area during the fall. Be sure to visit these with your family. Take lots of pictures, eat some great food and make lasting memories. Happy Fall Y’all!

The 806 Explorer: Tahoka

Courtney Dietz — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 17:00:00 +0000

The 806 Explorer: Tahoka

Alice Briggs

Love to travel and experience new things? Has the economy and inflation put a crimp in your budget? There are fun and interesting things to do and see outside of Lubbock, but close enough that a hotel stay is not required. Welcome to The 806 Explorer, where we find the fabulous things to do a short distance from Lubbock.

Tahoka is a town south of Lubbock that at one time was one of the largest cattle shipping cities in the nation. It is the county seat of Lynn County, which is often one of the top cotton producing counties in the nation.

If you head south out of Lubbock on I-27, you’ll find yourself on US 87 just south of the Loop. In about 30 minutes, depending on traffic, construction, and how fast you drive, you’ll see 3 exits for Tahoka. Take the first one, and you’ll see the welcome sign and, if your eyes are really good, the courthouse in the distance.

Follow the Y to the right, and if you’re here Tuesday – Saturday between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm, you’ll see the Big Dog food truck on your left. If you’re hungry, locals recommend The Mary Special. At the time of writing, it includes a burrito, chalupa, taco, enchilada, rice, beans, chips, and salsa for $9.

A few blocks closer to downtown, you’ll see Crushers 40 Weight and George’s also on your left. Both have inside dining as well as a drive through.

Crushers is a coffee shop par excellence with coffee, teas, pastries and more. Grab a quick bite from the drive through, or, if one of your party needs to do some work while the rest of you explore, come inside and grab a table and sit down. They’ve brilliantly planned the seating so recharging your devices is easy and free Wi-Fi makes this the perfect place for a bit of remote work. Crushers 40 Weight gets its name from the owner’s father, who owned the property as a gas and tire station. Steve Braddock’s nickname was Crusher and he always asked for a cup of 40 weight coffee with 1 sugar cube at his brother’s mechanic shop in Post. Strong black coffee is their family tradition, but they also have fabulous tea. I can recommend their chai latte. On pleasant evenings, they also have live music out back, check with them for their schedule.

Next door is George’s, a long-standing local favorite diner. Call ahead for to-go orders, swing by for a coke and a smile at the drive-through, or go inside and sit a spell over your meal. Their burgers, chicken fried steak, and enchiladas are favorites with the locals. And, they have specials during happy hour from 2 to 5 if you need an afternoon snack. They don’t take credit or debit cards, so bring some cash or use their ATM inside.

As you continue South on Main street, you’ll want to stop in at The Home Place. The Home Place is owned by a local family and opened in 2016. They have a wide range of items from clothing, home decor, as well as other TX and small business made items. They love to work with other small businesses just like them, especially if they have fabulous creations their customers love. They host ladies’ nights and other events occasionally, check out their social media for details. They are open Wednesday-Friday 11-5:30 and every third Saturday 10-noon. If you’ll need a quick dinner the day after your visit, check out the selection of P.D.Q meal mixes produced here in Texas!

Next door is Tahoka Drug, and while it is a good place to get a prescription filled, or purchase necessary items, what you’ll want to check out is the Pharmstead Boutique. The front half or so of the building has a great selection of trending items that they keep updated so there’s always something new to see and find. They also sell some locally produced items such as Wizard coffee roasted in Post. You can pick up a copy of “Lynn County News” here or across the street at their offices and get the info on anything happening in the area you might want to know about and take advantage of during your visit.

At the end of the block, you’ll have seen the courthouse. It was built in 1916 and replaced a smaller wood structure. The jail was on the 4th floor and it has beautiful marble staircases and marble slab wainscoting through the building. On the northwest corner of the property is a veterans’ memorial the city is justifiably proud of.

Around the square to the west, you’ll find Designs & Daisies. Many people come from the surrounding areas for their screen printing and embroidery services as they do a fabulous job. They are also a full service florist, produce promotional items, create gift baskets and have some of their sport shirt designs and some unique decor items for sale at the front of the shop.

On the south side of the courthouse is Planted Roots. It’s open during the summers Wednesday-Friday 9-5:30 and Saturday 9-1. They always have a great selection of summer bedding plants and yard decor. There’s always something new, so be sure and stop by every time you come.

If you’re interested in history, head back out to Lockwood, and visit the Tahoka Pioneer Museum. It has a well-curated history of the area. Did you know it was bigger than Lubbock once upon a time? And that there’s a Tahoka Daisy? If the kids need some playtime, there’s a cute park just behind the museum with a picnic area under a gazebo for the adults to relax in the shade while the kids play.

Across the street from the museum, you’ll find the old hotel. The first Saturday of every month, Tahoka Trade Days are hosted there. See what fabulous things you can find!

Next, head west, and you’ll find Maxtique’s. Stop in if you’re an antiques fan and see what she has found for you lately. Or what fresh flowers she has in stock.

Further down Lockwood to the West, you’ll find Tio’s Mexican Restaurant and More, a new restaurant locals are excited about. And, if some in your party aren’t fans of the spicier side of life, not to worry, there are many American food options to choose from. Locals love their tacos, catfish, and be sure and try their carne guisada smothered burrito. They are open Tuesday-Saturday 11 to 9 and Sunday from 11 to 4. Dine in, or pick up an order to go at the drive through window on the East side of the building. We’re sure you’ll find something you’ll love in Tahoka, when the wanderlust hits, head South and enjoy an adventure in this historic town.

Local Spring Fun

Courtney Dietz — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Local Spring Fun

Maggi Gallaspy

The sun is shining; the flowers are blooming and the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the spring weather is knocking at your door! Thankfully, Lubbock is home to an amazing variety of activities that are family-friendly and allow you to try something new or pick up an old hobby.

First up on the list is SUP LBK. Located at Dunbar Historical Lake, this premier paddleboarding experience is a great way to spend your day on the water. With many services to choose from, everyone in your party can find something to suit them. Kayak and paddleboards are available to rent. Parties of up to 8 can try out the Armada Party Board! If you’re looking for more of a unique experience, check out the SUP LBK paddleboard yoga and fitness classes or see if there’s a Kids SUP Day Camp that fits into your schedule!

It’s time to hit The Range! Bring the family out for wood-fired pizza and yard games while you enjoy access to a bar, lighted driving range, washer pits and golden tee machines. Perfect for a morning, afternoon or evening out. The Range is located on 122nd St. and you can find weekly specials on their website.

You can’t welcome spring without a trip to Lubbock’s famous Prairie Dog Town! Bring some carrots and get ready to watch your furry friends chomp away, run through the field and do a dance. While you’re in the area, bring your bikes, scooters or any other outdoor activity to enjoy at Mackenzie Park.

First Friday Art Trail is a great experience and way to support local artists. With multiple vendors and local artists set up as well as an array of food trucks to choose from, this activity is a nice change in pace! Stroll through rows of unique creations and try Lubbock’s best eats while taking in the downtown area. First Friday Art Trail occurs the first Friday of every month at the LHUCA.

Lubbock’s Favorite Mexican Food

Courtney Dietz — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Lubbock's Favorite Mexican Food

Maggi Gallaspy

Take a break from cooking and indulge in Lubbock’s rich culinary scene. From downtown gems to hot spots on Milwaukee, there are endless opportunities to make taco Tuesday every day.

Whether you’re in the mood for a strawberry margarita, chips & salsa or a pile of steaming hot fajitas, you’re in luck because Lubbock is home to some of the best Mexican food in West Texas! The next time you’re planning a date, girls’ night or family outing, consider trying one of these local dives.

Taqueria Jalisco

Known for its breakfast tacos and traditional approach to Mexican classics, Taqueria Jalisco is an Avenue Q favorite. Nestled in the heart of Lubbock, this dive serves well-loved margaritas and Micheladas. The habanero salsa is also a fan favorite. With several 5-star ratings, it’s no wonder Taqueria Jalisco has become a Lubbock local love.

The Plaza Restaurant

When it comes to enchiladas, there’s no one doing it better than The Plaza. Whether you want your enchiladas rolled or in a stack, topped with cream sauce or queso, or filled with shrimp or fajita meat, the options for mixing and matching your enchilada ingredients are endless. This Tex-Mex bar and grill serves family-style salsa and chips, swirled margaritas bigger than your face and a menu so long you’ll have to keep going back for more! With locations across West Texas, The Plaza has become a fan-favorite far and wide.

Albarran's

You know you’ve arrived at the right place when you see the giant cactus sign out front and the neon green lights brightening the building for all who drive by to see. Voted best nachos in Lubbock by the Lubbock Avalanche Journal in 2019, Albarran’s is home to some of the best Tex-Mex in Hub City. With lunch specials Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., this local spot is perfect for lunch with coworkers or an afternoon treat. Try the stuffed sopas or chicken fajita pita for something different.

Food Trucks

Lubbock’s Food Truck scene has grown tremendously over the last few years, and it is home to some of the best Mexican food in the city. Tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, nachos and more are served from these restaurants on wheels:

Angel Star Food Truck

Carlitos Way

Dos Hermanas

Estillo Mexico

La Picosita

Mi Kocina

Native Texan Tacos

Now We Taco’N

Raspados Colima

Taqueria Y Panaderia Guadalajara

Where to find Lubbock Food Trucks:

Wolfforth Farmers Market
Midnight Cravings
Food Truck Alley
Check each truck’s website or Facebook page for schedule updates

Spring Family Fun

Courtney Dietz — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Spring Family Fun

Maggi Gallaspy

Walk through a pasture of steel giants, see Lubbock’s most iconic glasses, sit back and relax while children explore a whole new imaginative world, allow butterflies to rest gently on your shoulders, step into the wild West and experience the life of a World War II fighter pilot. These one-of-a-kind experiences are available with a trip to one of Lubbock’s premier museums.

Whether you’re searching for a place to spend a rainy day, just want to get out of the house or have a few history buffs around, taking advantage of the cultural exhibits in these six museums is a great way to spend a spring or summer day.

An extensive look at Lubbock’s museum scene, this list features family-friendly museums with activities for every age.

American Windmill Museum

The largest windmill museum in the world, this plot of Lubbock land is filled with refurbished structures as far as the eyes can see. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., choose between a leisurely stroll through the property and a guided tour if you have a group of 6 or more.

According to the American Windmill Museum website, admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for children 5 to 12 years old, under 5 free, $6.00 for seniors 60+ and veterans, $20.00 for a family of 4 (2 adults & 2 children). Active Duty Military and their household family are admitted free with a Military I.D.

For a unique summer experience, the American Windmill Museum will host a summer art camp from June 5th to July 28th. Kids aged 5 and up are welcome and registration is $130 per week, per student if you are a member of the museum, $150 for non-members.

Buddy Holly Center

Known as the place where art and music collide, the Buddy Holly Center displays and interprets artifacts that pay tribute to musicians of West Texas, most notably Lubbock’s most famous native son, Buddy Holly. Before you step inside, check out the iconic statue of the music legend outside the museum.

Entry into the museum is $10 for general admission, $8 for senior citizens (60+), $5 for children 7-17, $5 for college students with an ID and free to children six and under, museum members and active duty military. If you’re just stopping by for the Fine Arts Gallery, admission is free to all.

This summer, the Buddy Holly Center is hosting a showcase concert series! Every Thursday from May 18 to August 17, local and regional bands will perform across many genres. The concerts will run from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are free for all to enjoy. Access to food trucks, a cash bar and free children’s activities will be available! A full concert lineup can be found on the Buddy Holly Center website.

Play Street Museum

This educational play space is a great way to keep your kids entertained during the summer! With a town square and interactive exhibits, kids are free to use their imaginations and creatively play, discover and problem-solve.

Located on Slide road, this museum is in a great location to catch lunch at Blue Sky Texas and fill up on homemade burgers, house-cut fries and perfectly breaded mozzarella sticks. When you leave, swing by another local favorite, J’s Creamery for a sweet treat for you and the kiddos!

Before heading over for a day of adventure, make a reservation ahead of time. Slots are available Monday to Friday 8:30 – 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 pm, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Book on the PSM Lubbock website.

Science Spectrum

The Science Spectrum and Omni Theater have amazing activities for families with younger kids, and the museum features many interactive exhibits, including the Butterflies Alive! event returning March 11 and running through the end of June.

Learn about the magic of bubbles, explore the Children’s Museum, visit the Gallery of Flight, watch a live animal show and more with entry to the museum.

For combo tickets to the museum and theater, prices are $14.50 for adults, $12 for children and seniors and $6.50 for members.

The museum is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

Be on the lookout for special summer camp details coming soon to their website.

National Ranching Heritage Center

For all things wild west, travel back in time with a stop by the National Ranching Heritage Center. This 27-acre museum and the historical park can be toured by a trolley every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

With educational programs and exhibits about ranching history and contemporary ranching issues, the museum is home to over 50 historical structures that were once in use.

The NRHC is always cooking up something new, and a comprehensive list of events can be found on its website. This summer, they are hosting a Summer Stampede. An art and gear show showcasing western artists and gear makers, tickets are now available to purchase. The event includes live music by Jake Hooker and the opportunity to view and purchase art. Proceeds benefit the museum!

Even though we covered five of Lubbock’s top-tier museums, this list is only the beginning. We hope this serves as an inspiration to help you research and decide which Lubbock treasure you want to explore!

Embracing the Stay-Cation

Courtney Dietz — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Embracing the Stay-Cation

Coco Dietz

With winter fully setting in, things can seem pretty dark and dim after all of the fun winter festivities of the last couple months have come to an end. It is easy to slip into a winter complacency with no end in sight. But planning ahead with things to look forward to is just the thing to pull you from that wintery funk!

You don’t need a large fancy trip to have a nice and well-celebrated Spring Break vacation. Sometimes just having a nice change of place or location can be enough to bring the spark of excitement back! Consider this year having a stay-cation where you can rent a hotel room in the town you live in and explore the parts of the city that you do not see often or, if need be, hop on over to the unexplored neighboring town. There is a lot to explore in our own backyards. There might be wonderous things just waiting to be discovered by you.

If you are wanting to save a little money this Spring Break but still wanting to have the feel of a vacation, consider staying at your house but treating it more like a hotel room instead of the place you stay day in and day out. Hotel rooms are not generally used for much more than a place to sleep until the next day of activities. So get out and see the parts of the town that you have not been to since you first moved in or have not seen at all. Vacation can be just a state of mind instead of an expensive and lengthy trip out of the country or state.

There’s a Table for Everyone

Courtney Dietz — Sat, 31 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

There's a Table for Everyone

Kristin Rodin

There are few things as enjoyable and exciting as food. It brings people together, plays a big role in communities, and just simply tastes amazing. If you’re looking for a new food experience, check out these five Lubbock restaurants – there’s something for everyone here!

The Farmhouse ($)

Start your day off right without breaking the bank at The Farmhouse. Enjoy classic breakfast and lunch dishes made with fresh ingredients and served by friendly staff eager to give you a great experience. Stop by either of their two locations, or place an order online, and you’ll have a fresh, easy meal to keep you going the rest of your day.

Triple J Chophouse and Brew Co. ($$)

Nothing beats well-crafted beer and dang good food at Lubbock’s Texas-themed brew pub, Triple J Chophouse. Specializing in high quality steaks and local brews on tap, their extensive menu also offers a variety of options to satisfy every guest. You won’t find a better pecan cheesecake than at this local favorite, too.

Raspados Colima ($)

The best street tacos won’t be found in any Tex-Mex spots, but at little hole-in-the-wall Raspados Colima. With two locations in Lubbock, you won’t be waiting long for classic Mexican dishes, street foods, and desserts. These family-owned restaurants are only open on specific days, but the fast, friendly atmosphere and flavorful food will keep you coming back every time.

The Nicolett ($$$)

There’s more to West Texas than beef and beer. The Nicolett brings a unique fine dining experience to downtown Lubbock with its refined menu, featuring regional ingredients and unique, exceptional flavors rarely found elsewhere. This modern gem is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or to enjoy their casual cocktail hour.

Vizo’s African Bar and Restaurant ($$)

More than one thing makes Vizo’s African Bar and Restaurant special in the Lubbock community. Owned by two Texas Tech University alums, Vizo’s was the first African restaurant to open in West Texas. Featuring authentic African foods and drinks, you’ll be able to try delicious dishes and connect with a new culture all in one place.

While there are so many places to try, these five restaurants are sure to give you a great experience and satisfy all your cravings!

4 Fun Facts About Lubbock

Alice Briggs — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 05:03:00 +0000

4 Fun Facts About Lubbock

Alice Briggs

Did you know that Roswell, NM isn’t the only town in the region with close encounters with UFOs? You can research the “Lubbock Lights” for more information, but in August of 1951 three professors at Texas Technical College (the early version of Texas Tech University) observed a cluster of lights moving rapidly across the night sky. The lights were observed multiple times by these scientists and their colleagues as well as members of the community. No explanation was ever found.

Lubbock is home to the Cult of the Dead Cow – an infamous hacker group started in 1984. According to the description in a book written about the group, it’s “the oldest, most respected, and most famous American hacking group of all time. Though until now it has remained mostly anonymous, its members invented the concept of hacktivism, released the top tool for testing password security, and created what was for years the best technique for controlling computers from afar”. You can find the book on Amazon, here: https://amzn.to/3KEVKSC

The South Plains is, according to Texas A&M, the largest cotton producing region in the world with up to 3 million acres in cotton a year. Cotton is either irrigated and you’ll see the large center pivot irrigation systems in the fields. Or dry land farmed, without irrigation. Cotton needs warm soil to germinate and a long growing season of frost-free days, ideal for this area. Other major crops you’ll notice if you’re out and about are peanuts, corn, grain sorghum, and wheat.

Lubbock has a prairie dog town. Prairie dogs are native to the area, and as Lubbock grew, Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy N. Clapp set aside an area now east of I-27 in the 1930s for the cute creatures to live and thrive. Now part of Mackenzie park, Prairie Dog Town is a fun place for young and old.