Lubbock, Texas for Buddy Holly and Wine

Today on GoNomad, we join travel writer Sara Arksey as she takes a three hour flight to Lubbock, Texas from her home in Winnipeg. The final flight took two hours just to reach the other side of Texas from Houston, a true testament to the state's enormous size.

A major focus of the trip to Lubbock was Texas wine, something the author admittedly had no clue existed before her visit. It turns out that Texas was actually the site of the first American vineyard established nearly 400 years ago by Franciscan monks.

Today, Texas ranks fifth in wine production by American state after Oregon, New York, Washington and of course, California, which produces an overwhelming 81% of all US wine. Sarah visited two wineries during a visit to Lubbock.

McPherson Cellars Liano Estesado The McPherson family has been producing Texas wine for the better half of a century, as explained by owner Kim as he guided the group through an array of delicious samples. Sarah's favorite was his crown jewel, a Roussanne that was awarded double Gold and Best in Class at the San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Llano Estacado lays an impressive claim. The winery is the birthplace of West Texas wine, founded by a group of hopeful investors way back in 1976.

Among these investors was a Texas Tech horticulturist who was convinced that West Texan soil could produce quality wine in a time when most had their doubts. Sarah left with a now treasured souvenir, a T-shirt that reads Brave Texans didn't die at the Alamo so we could sip California wine.

Lubbock is a hub of culture and creativity as reflected in the scores of public art found on its streets.

The city's largest university, Texas Tech, has an impressive collection of public art dotting the campus, and visitors can condense their tour of the sprawling property by booking a free ride on the art cart, a 12-person trolley that makes stops at several outdoor sculptures. Plan to visit after sunset for the best view of the installations that contain illuminated components.

Lubbock's art scene was explored at the Charles Adams Studio project, called CASP for short. CASP is home to the Helen Devitt Jones Print Studio, where she had the opportunity to create her own tote bag using a printing press.

One of CASP's most unique features is its Live and Work Studio complex, which provides full-time residences for professional artists and gives them ample opportunities to exhibit their work, such as the popular First Friday Art Trail, which boasts pop up exhibitions at several locations in downtown Lubbock along with food trucks and live music. Like visual art, Music has a long history of importance in Lubbock. The city is the birthplace of rock and roll legend Buddy Holly.

Holly fans can tour the Buddy Holly center to learn little-known facts about the singer and view memorabilia, including his instantly recognizable thick-frame glasses. You can't miss the museum. It has a pair of those giant Holly spectacles right out front.

Whether you're looking for a traditional Southern Texas barbecue or eclectic fine dining, Lubbock's restaurant scene offers a wide array of tastes.

Evie May's Pit BBQ in Lubbock, renowned for smoked meat and Dirks, named for the cartoonist and former mayor Dirk west, is well-loved for its crispy fried chicken.

On the final night in Lubbock, Sarah included a visit to the Nicolette, where chef Finn Walter showcased ingredients native to the High Plains using techniques he's picked up through his long career between the Napa Valley, Austin, Paris, and Santa Fe. The three-course dinner began with caviar and smoked antelope, perfectly cooked and dressed with a sweet and savory sauce.

Unsurprisingly, antelope was another first for Sarah from Canada, and Lubbock seemed to be the perfect place to give it a try. The animals are commonly found roaming the American High Plains in Texas and beyond and are not endangered.

If you find yourself craving a trip to the American South, don't overlook Lubbock, Texas. Come with an appetite for unique wine, nourishing meals, and art in all its forms.

Find out more about Lubbock on GoNomad, where we also do a deep dive into the Buddy Holley Museum.