TRAVEL
Off the beaten path in Lubbock, Texas I’ve previously written a travel piece about visiting the Buddy Holly Centre in Lubbock, Texas, for this attraction was my main reason for wanting to visit this city located in the northwest part of the Lone Star State. However, once I arrived there, I discovered that Lubbock offered several other interesting attractions, too, so I’ve decided to mention six of these in today’s article: 1 National Ranching Heritage Centre: This museum and historical park preserves the history of the west’s ranching and pioneer life, but what makes it particularly special, to me, is its Los Corralitos, Sotol House, and its Blankenship Cow Chip House. This first structure was built in the 18th century and contains no windows and only one fortified door, along with some gun ports (it was obviously built to offer the ranching residents protection from enemy intruders). The second structure was built in 1904 using the yucca-like sotol plant, for early settlers found few building materials available – and its thatched roof was made from native grasses. The latter structure was built in 1907 and was used to store dry cow manure; these dried cow chips were burned for heat and cooking when wood was not readily available. 2 The American Wind Power Centre: This unusual museum houses the world’s largest collection of historic windmills. It details the history and importance of water collection in the west, and it’s the place to find out “everything you wanted to know about windmills but were afraid to ask”. I was particularly impressed by its collection of Iron Turbine Windmills, Halladay Windmills, its Aermotor Tilting Tower, and its display of a bird’s nest that was completely made out of barbed wire. 3 Robert Bruno Steel House: Architect, sculptor, and educator Robert Bruno began constructing a steel house in Lubbock in 1973. It was still not completed by the time of his death in 2008. This strangely shaped, unique, three storey structure is built on four hollow legs, weighs 110 tons, and overlooks Ransom Canyon. The walls are of welded rusted metal or stained glass creations, and they’re designed in such a way to optimize the light and emphasize the spectacular vistas. 4 Prairie Dog Town: Of-
ten looked upon elsewhere as an inconvenient pest, the prairie dog is actually protected here in a prairie dog colony. It was actually the first protected prairie dog colony in the entire nation. This is the place to go to see these creatures in their natural habitat, and you’ll be rewarded with several ‘photo ops’ of these playful creatures, fighting among themselves, burrowing, shrieking, or simply standing at attention on their back feet! It’s located within Mackenzie Park, and it’s free. 5 Eva Mae’s Pit Barbecue: This unusual and very popular dining experience is only available three days a week (Thurs., Fri., and Sat.) and only for a few hours (11 am until sold out). Therefore, people tend to form a long line quite early, for many brag that it’s “the best BBQ” – and it also offers FREE BEER with your meal! Yes, instead of getting a liquor license to sell it, the beer is simply giv-
This Sotol House is found at the National Ranch Heritage Centre. John M. Smith/Metroland
en away to its customers! This popular vendor used to sell out of a trailer, but there’s now an actual rented warehouse on the outskirts of Lubbock that’s used as the restaurant. I was
amazed at the crowd! Try their grits, baked beans, smoked brisket, green chili sausage, turkey, and ribs. 6 Cast Iron Grill: Yet another unique dining experience is to be found at Lubbock’s Cast Iron Grill, where “It’s all about the boots, pie, and chicken fry”. This restaurant features home cooking and is best known for its delectable pies - so much so that people have
pie for breakfast – before it’s sold out! My favourite was the strawberry banana split pie! This downtown restaurant also features some humorous signs that are sprinkled throughout. One read “There’s a skinny girl living inside me that’s trying to get out, but I can usually shut her up with cookies.” Another stated: “Seven days without chocolate makes one weak.” Yet another one was “If you want breakfast in bed, sleep in the kitchen.” There are, indeed, a number of interesting attractions to check out in Lubbock, Texas. For More Information: www. visitlubbock.org (Travel and accommodations provided by Visit Lubbock)
FRANKLIN COACH & TOURS
The Robert Bruno Steel House overlooks Ransom Canyon. John M. Smith/Metroland TICO#50007364
BY JOHN M. SMITH
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