Sandwiched Between Amarillo And Lubbock Is A Charming Texas City With A Quaint Downtown And Museums

The Texas Panhandle is no stranger to cowboy culture, cool arts, and vast plains, with countless scenic towns perfect for a getaway. Whenever you find yourself in Amarillo viewing kitschy roadside attractions with vintage Americana oddities, consider extending your trip to include Plainview. Nestled in Hale County, this charming city is located at the crossroads of the South Plains and the Panhandle. While an unassuming destination at first glance, Plainview is a lovely place to decompress with just a couple of things on your itinerary. There are several unique museums worth exploring — whether you're interested in women's basketball, country music, or Llano Estacado history. The atmosphere is quite low-key, ideal for a laid-back escape.

Established in 1888, Plainview has a rich agricultural history, which led to its exponential growth in a short amount of time — in fact, it was dubbed the "Athens of West Texas." It's also home to the Plainview Point Monument, where Boy Scouts found spearpoints dating back 8,000 years. Archaeology enthusiasts can learn more about these tools and their significance at the Museum of the Llano Estacado. Plainview also helped pioneer the Texas Main Street Program as part of its founding cohort in 1981. Nowadays, you can stroll along the quaint streets, where you'll come across over 20 colorful murals. Get yourself a bite to eat, visit boutiques and antique stores, all while immersing yourself in the local downtown community.

Plainview is situated a little over an hour from Amarillo, while the underrated city of Lubbock, with music, art, and cowboy charm, is 45 minutes away. You have plenty of options for accommodation, like Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Comfort Suites, and Super 8 by Wyndham. RV travelers can stay at The Hitchin' Post RV Park and Cabins.

Museum-goers are in for a treat in Plainview, with the Mabee Regional Heritage Center being your one-stop shop. This center houses three museums, catering to varying interests. Start at the Museum of the Llano Estacado to discover the region's history. You'll see fossils, Native American weapons, bison, a mammoth skull, and other artifacts. There are rocks and minerals on display, too, that depict the mesa's geology. The museum also has exhibits on the settlement of the Llano Estacado, complete with a jailhouse, blacksmith shop, and store.

After completing the tour, browse the exhibits at the Jimmy Dean Museum, also located within the center. Open to the public since 2016, this museum is dedicated to the life and achievements of country music icon Jimmy Dean. The exhibits not only showcase his upbringing and rise to stardom, but also his career as a successful sausage company owner. You'll see a life-sized statue of Dean, vintage photographs, vinyl records, his piano, signature looks (including his legendary embroidered pink suit), and more items. The last stop at the heritage center is the Flying Queens Museum. Here, you'll learn about the Flying Queens, Wayland Baptist's women's collegiate basketball team. The Flying Queens had an unprecedented 131-game undefeated streak in the 1950s, and their wins are documented at the museum.

As for your art fix, make your way to the Contemporary Art Museum Plainview. This free museum displays works by local and international artists, as well as members of the organization. Past exhibits include mixed media art by the Wheeler Brothers, rural-themed sculptures and photography by Buster Graybill, and Yellow City Art curated by Jon Revett. Check out their calendar to see what's currently on display — you can even attend one of their classes or programs.

As wonderful as it is to visit the museums, Downtown Plainview offers just as delightful an experience. Lined with cafes, restaurants, and stores, this area is where most find themselves meandering. The bright murals make every walk a lovely stroll — don't be surprised if you come across vibrant cow statues, a public art project that pays homage to the city's ranching history. As you're walking, stop by Broadway Brew to get yourself a cup of coffee. If this place seems a little familiar, you may have seen it on the silver screen — the coffee shop was featured in the 1992 comedy-drama, "Leap of Faith." The 4.7 Tripadvisor-rated spot serves coffee, baked goods, and a variety of sandwiches.

Downtown Plainview is also a great area for shopping, whether you prefer brand-new purchases or pre-loved items. Head to The Rusty Rose for women's apparel, accessories, jewelry, and more. With products boasting fun colors and patterns, their collection is thoughtfully arranged for a relaxed shopping experience. Those who'd like to shop for a cause can swing by Broadway Treasures. This thrift store has everything from glassware to clothing, with every purchase helping fund advocacy and protection for domestic violence victims.

When your stomach is growling, Bill's Jumbo Burger is the place to be. Rated 4.7 on Google Reviews, this downtown eatery serves not only burgers, but also hot dogs, sandwiches, Mexican meals, and other dishes. The food here is highly recommended, and the service has also received positive reviews. One customer said they're "[g]lad to see restaurants like this [are] still around." Plainview is one of many idyllic destinations in the Texas Panhandle — just an hour away is the state's newest internationally-recognized dark sky haven, Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway.