A CITY denounced as America’s dullest because of limited Saturday night entertainment has been championed as an adventure for all.
Fans are adamant there is a secret side to this area in Texas - despite it being scorned as a “snoozefest and tedious.”
Multiple derogatory reports over the past decade have sniped at Lubbock.
For example, back in 2014, a much-publicised survey by Movoto Real Estate declared it as America's most boring place to live.
Movoto pinned its findings on the shortage of music venues and restaurants.
Lubbock was sneered at as a perfect place for older college students who were not a fan of art and happy to live on fast food and cheap drinks.
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"Obviously they've never been to Lubbock," said a Lubbock Restaurant Association spokesman.
However, people echoed these findings on Facebook, saying the "snoozefest" title was appropriate, as Lubbock is "very boring."
"SNOREFEST"
Business Insider said the findings — the result of a mix of statistical analysis based on cold, hard data we call Saturday Night Science" - suggested that Lubbock was a so-called snorefest.
In 2020, Discovery Channel host Mo Mandel visited Lubbock for the Small Town Throwdown show, to learn about the intercollegiate sport of “meat judging” for students interested in developing their knowledge of the meat industry.
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The Canadian comedian said: “A lot of the time, the writers that are trashing these towns have never even bothered to pay them a visit.
"So I’m showing up, and giving the towns a chance to show how unique and awesome they really are."
And as recently as January this year, the Travelling Apples blog said: "There are a couple of cities where you will feel bored, colorless, and no presence of new things.
"Lubbock in Texas is considered the most tedious city in America."
The blog said Lubbock and other boring cities were not seen as attractive as other areas to visit as they are less lively.
FRIENDLY CITY
However, officials - and Lubbock residents - continue to hit back by promoting it as an ideal area to visit for adventure, culture, entertainment, and the friendliness of locals.
The city even installed multiple billboards pushing hotels, wineries, and restaurants, said The Hub.
A writer for local radio station KFMX challenged readers: "Do you think Lubbock is boring? Personally, I think anyone who sees Lubbock as boring is really just looking in the mirror. Lubbock is what you make it."
And the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal pointed out that the city is where Paul McCartney launched his North American Tour in 2014.
The publication also said that as a result of the negative publicity, Lubbock has actually attracted more people: "Visitors come for all sorts of reasons.
"It turns out one reason is to see what’s so boring about the most boring city in America."
SECRET ATTRACTIONS
Visit Lubbock weighed in, too, saying the city offers attractions for the whole family.
But you have to know where to look.
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Tourist officials suggest seeing the "rushing waters of Lubbock Water Rampage, or the thrilling rides of Joyland Amusement Park, the world’s largest windmill museum and the National Ranching Heritage Center."
Lubbock is a "place where rich western history meets a thriving metropolitan hub, and where creative expression meets fine wine, eclectic food, craft beer, lively events, world-class art and serene outdoor spaces," it added.
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