Though many people might overlook Lubbock for romance, hear us out: The home turf of one of the best balladeers of our time (Buddy Holly) has probably changed since your last visit, and the town is starting to come into its own as a haven of creativity. In short, it’s easy to fall in love here.
You may recognize Fredericksburg as the official “wine country” of Texas, but Lubbock’s surrounding farmland is responsible for a good portion of the wine made in the state. As a result, many tasting rooms have opened their doors in Lubbock, serving award-winning wines and paired bites. A favorite is Burklee Hill Vineyards, which has a chic, bright, open dining area where local singers frequently serenade diners.
While in Lubbock, see if there’s a show at the new Buddy Holly Hall, a palatial space with several theaters and multipurpose rooms suitable for comedy, opera, and more. First Friday Art Trail events are great opportunities to mingle with local artists, and there are free trolleys to help you hop from gallery to gallery. Pick out a new book at Wild Lark Books, a cute new space that helps support local authors with a companion on-site publishing company.