Willie, Waylon & Buddy: Fort Worth, Fredericksburg & Lubbock

Destination: Fort Worth

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Accommodations: Stay in comfortable luxury in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards at the Springhill Suites. Chef Tim Love's rooftop bar Ático is a welcomed reprieve from a long days drive that boasts enviable views of downtown. Looking for a more intimate escape? Book The Stockyards Hotel for a boutique experience or the newly opened Hotel Drover for a night in luxury.

Cuisine: Tip your hat to the city's fine dining scene at institutions such as Lonesome Dove Western Bistro, H3 Ranch and Grace Restaurant. Enjoy finger-lickin' good barbecue by the state's top pitmasters at Panther City BBQSmoke-A-Holics and Goldee's Bar-B-Q.

Activities: Dance the night away at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, where Willie Nelson has played the venue 57 times! Waylon and Willie have both left their handprints on the “Wall of Fame,” a tradition by performers at the venue going back 20 years. 

New Tunes: Stomp your boot to a new tune by Grady Spencer & The Work. The band hails from Lubbock and plays local haunts in the vibrant West 7th neighborhood. Check out hot spots Lola’s Trailer Park, Wild Acre Live or Magnolia Motor Lounge for an upcoming show.

What to Drink: Whiskey was Willie Nelson's former drink of choice. And in Fort Worth, the whiskey river doesn't run dry. TX Whiskey produces four top-notch options: TX Blended Whiskey, TX Straight Bourbon, TX Bourbon Barrel Proof and TX Bourbon Single Barrel. Book a tour of Whiskey Ranch, a 112-acre whiskey wonderland, to see first-hand where to magic happens or belly up to the bar of any Fort Worth watering hole for a whiskey neat. 


Destination: Lubbock

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Accommodations: Book your room at Pioneer Pocket Hotel in the historic Pioneer Building located in downtown Lubbock. Just minutes away from the Arts District and live music venues, the Pioneer Pocket Hotel offers keyless entry with rooms that pay tribute to Lubbock such as the Vineyard Room and the Windmill Suite. Be sure to grab dinner and a craft cocktail at The West Table Kitchen and Bar, and a local, craft brew at The Brewery LBK located in the lobby of the Pioneer.

Check out the newly opened Cotton Court Hotel with 165 rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast, along with an outdoor swimming pool and live music on weekends. The property also is within proximity to the Arts District, Depot Entertainment District and Texas Tech University.  

Activities: Grab a Buddy Hoppy IPA at Two Docs Brewing Co. then visit the Buddy Holly Center where you can experience the life and music of Buddy through a permanent exhibition showcasing unique memorabilia donated by the family, friends and fans of Lubbock’s favorite son. When you are finished there, walk across the street to take a photo in front of the famed Buddy Holly statue at the West Texas Walk of Fame. Don’t forget to drive past the new Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences and make sure to book tickets to see the next Broadway-style show! 

New Tunes: Josh Abbott, an Idalou native and Texas Tech grad, and his band have climbed up the ranks and into the hearts of country music fans all over the country. Fortunately, Abbott has always been great to his fans in Lubbock. His annual JAB Fest in September is one concert you do not want to miss!

New Venue: Music lovers should check out the Depot Entertainment District! Start your evening with dinner at Triple J Chophouse & Brew Co. for a steak or La Diosa Cellars for tapas. Next, catch a live performance at the Cactus Theater or the Blue Light Live

What to Drink: Savor Lubbock’s famous Chilton, a refreshing cocktail made with lemon juice, club soda and vodka. This sip is perfect for summer nights on the patio! Also, make sure to stop by one of nine area wineries for a taste of the Texas High Plains, home to 90% of Texas’ wine grape production.


Destination: Fredericksburg

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Activities: Visit Luckenbach Texas, made famous by Willie, Waylon & The Boys’ legendary “Back to the Basics” hit song in 1977. Luckenbach is just a quick 10 minute drive from downtown Fredericksburg. Shop downtown Fredericksburg for the perfect memento of your visit: Get a pair of custom cowboy boots at L.M. Easterling Boot Company in downtown Fredericksburg and don’t forget the hat at Headquarters Hats, located on Main Street.

Accommodations: Live like a local while staying in any of the guests houses and B&Bs in Fredericksburg.

New Tunes: Fredericksburg may be a small town, but it is hopping with concerts and live music. Nearly every restaurant, patio, winery and brewery hosts live music nightly. Just take a stroll around downtown in the evening to get a taste of the local musical flavor. 

New Venues: Continue the Luckenbach, Texas, story with dinner and dancing at the casual local favorite, Hondo’s on Main. Named for the legendary Hondo Crouch, former mayor of Luckenbach, Texas – Hondo’s is home to live music, jalapeno margaritas and two-stepping fun. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Western Edge Kitchen & Cocktails, a popular musician hangout that hosts concert series and live music daily. 

What to Drink: Fredericksburg is home to more than 50 wineries and wine tasting rooms, making it the perfect addition to your musical adventure. If you’re looking for a local brew, try one from Altstadt Brewery, which brews up German-style beer. 

Visit Fort Worth partnered with Visit Lubbock and Visit Fredericksburg to create this tri-city itinerary. All three organizations encourage visitors practice social distancing while exploring the destinations. 

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