Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma

 

While the name is deceiving the Wichita Mountains are filled with wonder and life. What is lacking in height is made up in surprise. After over a year in Lubbock we found ourselves traveling back to St. Louis for a funeral, with no time to prepare flights were unreasonable so we made the drive. On our return trip we stopped for the night in the Lawton OK are, about 30min from the Wichita Mountains. Needing a chance of pace and bit of exercise after several days of driving and eating we were happy to discover this area has great trails that are easy to navigate and designed for short 2 hour hikes.

As this is almost the same distance as Carlsbad NM I would not recommend this as a weekend trip from the Lubbock area unless you are really burnt out on the trails to the west. But I would highly recommend this if you are going on a road trip, I think I could have easily camped and spend several days in this area enjoying the unexpected beauty that makes up the Wichita Mountains.

 

 

As an aside, I have recently been reading quite a bit on Quanah Parker and had hoped while we were so close to get a chance to visit the star house. The man who owns the home is willing to let you see it however you need to time your visit with when he is closing up the restaurant (and that time depends on how many customers) We did not have ½ a day to wait for the restaurant to close so had to pass on this opportunity, if we are ever back I would like to see in person this incredible part of west Texas history.

Weekend in Lubbock Texas

We have been living in Lubbock Texas just shy of a year now and sometime folks say they would like to come visit us. I have been brainstorming on what I would suggest as the best weekend itinerary for a visitor.

Travel Time: Really anytime during the year with the exception of July and August when its unbearably hot.

the weekend that includes the First Friday of the month

Arrive on Friday: Preston Smith International Airport is incredibly easy to fly into. You will need to  rent a car.

Where to stay: Many great choices, a few that I suggest is the Overton by Texas Tech, The MCM Elegante and the Arbor hotel.

Evening Activity and Dinner: The first Friday of every month LHUCA offers an art trail. Starts at 6pm with a free trolly to all the activities.  Check out all the galleries around the LHUCA building than hop the trolly over to Giorgios Pizza for a slice, a salad and of course a sweet tea before jumping back on the trolly for another round of galleries. The event last until 9pm. The art scene in Lubbock is young, exciting and well priced. I would plan on brining home a few new pieces for your collection.

Saturday: Start your morning off right with a coffee at JB's coffee and than head over to Montolongos for breakfast. After breakfast I suggest a stroll around Texas Tech. The university is really the heart of our community and visitors should see it. Lunch at Freshii followed by some custard at Sheridan. For some it might be nap time, others might want to check out Hesters Used Books, visit the silent wings museum, play a round of golf or go jumping at our altitude trampoline park. Your evening plans are to head to Stars and Stripes Drive in for a movie. They have a full kitchen, this is a drive in like you have not seen since 1970.

Sunday: up early, swing by a stripes for some breakfast tacos and hit the road for a two hour drive to Paulo Duro Canyon. You will want to spend several hours hiking and exploring this park, so plan to fly out of Lubbock in the evening.

Come check out the friendliest city in america. We love visitors.