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One of our favorite summer activities is exploring towns outside of Lubbock! (Check out Crosbyton and Snyder!) We’ve met some great people & learned the history of these West Texas towns. Looking for a summer adventure? Here are some suggestions around the Plainview area:
- Hale County Farm & Ranch Museum: On the way to Plainview, stop in Hale Center at this awesome museum. We were so surprised with how many artifacts this museum has on display. Explore the original Hale Center Santa Fe train depot, a 1907 historical home, and restored tractors. Plus, see artifacts such as a train car, old medical equipment, farm tools, engines, pedal cars, World War II uniforms, cameras, & so much more. By appointment only. It is free, but we encourage you to give a donation. Contact them here.
- Explore Downtown: The downtown Plainview area has several boutiques including It’s a Girl Thing, Betty Faye Beauty Bar, Santa’s Mercantile (fudge & Christmas items), Hello Baby, Babe & Me Boutique, Kari’s Boutique, The Rusty Rose, Frontier Market, antique shops, & several other shops. We visited Broadway Brew for some coffee, vanilla Italian sodas and delicious sandwiches. The area is walkable so check out the courthouse and take pictures with the longhorns. The Fair theater is downtown and be sure to check out The Granada Theater. They’re both classic theaters & great for photos.
- Mabee Regional Heritage Center: Located on the campus of Wayland Baptist, Mabee is home to THREE museums. 1. Flying Queens: Opened just this year, this museum showcases the historical women’s basketball program at Wayland. 2. Llano Estacado: Learn the history of the area from prehistoric times to present. Many artifacts from the area plus a replica general store, doctor’s office, Victorian home, etc. 3. Jimmy Dean: Learn all about Jimmy’s early life in Plainview including his rise to fame with his song “Big Bad John.” You will also learn how Jimmy Dean’s sausage company got started. All museums are free, but we encourage you to leave a donation.
- The Creamery Coffee Barn: This is a super cute coffee shop right across from campus. They have all sorts of iced/hot/blended coffee drinks, ice cream, Italian ice, and sandwiches. Really nice environment & they have a mural right outside which is great for photos.
- Historical Fun: We love history! The Plainview area has many historical markers. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Plainview Point: An 8000-9000 year old site full of artifacts, points, & bison remains. The U.S Dept of Interior also named this spot a National Landmark due to its “exceptional value”. Quanah Parker & the Comanches also frequented the area. Take a picture of the buffalo & large arrow.
- Schick Opera House: Located in downtown Plainview, check out the old Schick Opera House building that opened in 1909.
- Pearce Chapel-Strip Cemetery: This cemetery is located south of Plainview closer to Abernathy. It is literally in the middle of nowhere. Many 1800s-1900s veterans are buried here. Please be extremely respectful if you visit.
- Becton Cemetery: Southeast of Abernathy. An active cemetery where the area’s veterans were laid to rest. The cemetery is surrounded by an active farm. You can really feel how it would have felt back in the day. Please be extremely respectful if you visit.
- So much more: Here are some of the places we weren’t able to visit but the locals highly suggested:
- Table on 10th (restaurant)
- Season’s Way Tea Room
- Frisco Bakery
- Dose Jefes
- Yvette’s Bakery
- El Taco Taco
- Plainview LimeLite: Family-friendly entertainment and local artists (comedy shows, open mic, craft shows, plays, laser tag, etc.)
- Plainview Bowling Center
- Bonnes Amies
- Flatland Collective
- Haven Gifts
- Plainview Furniture Exchange
- McDonald Trading Post
- Radiant Lily Venue
- Evalene’s Gifts & More
- Heart’s Desire
