Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 806-686-4452;
www.caprockwinery.com
;
408 E Woodrow Rd south of FM 1585, half a mile east of US 87;
10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 12:30-5pm Sun)
About 4 miles southwest of Llano Estacado, CapRock Win-
ery is worth a visit for its beautiful mission-style headquarters, a showplace both inside
and out. CapRock makes about a dozen wines.
Pheasant Ridge Winery
( 806-746-6033;
www.pheasantridgewinery.com
; 3507 E County Rd 5700; noon-6pm Fri & Sat, 1-5pm Sun)
Located 14 miles north of Lubbock near the town of New Deal, this winery is known for
its range of wines, including the expected cabs but also a zesty chenin blanc.
WINERY
Apple Country Hi-Plains Orchards
( 806-892-2961;
www.applecountryorchards.com
;
12206 E US 62/82; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 4pm Sun)
The
sweet smell of apple blossoms in spring perfumes the air as you head east of Lubbock on
US 62/82. Some 16 miles east of the city is this spot with pick-your-own apple orchards, a
popular lunch cafe and a shop that sells produce, including wild honey.
OUTDOORS
END OF THE COMANCHE TRAIL
Until 1871, the Comanches were the most feared of the Plains Indian tribes. While others had been beaten by the
US Army and forced into camps and reservations, the Comanches were undefeated and had actually expanded
their territory, Comancheria, which encompassed what is today everything in Texas and Oklahoma north and west
of Austin. Beginning that September, cavalry led by Colonel Ranald S Mackenzie fought a series of running skir-
mishes with bands of Comanches in and around the Blanco Canyon (other battles had taken place in Caprock and
Palo Duro Canyons). The conflict proved to be the beginning of the end for the Comanches, who lost much of
their goods and wealth in addition to having the heart of their territory invaded by the army for the first time. By
1875 the last free band of Comanches had surrendered.
The pivotal battles were fought in the Blanco Canyon, which can be easily seen just 3 miles east of Crosbyton
on US 82, itself 38 miles east of Lubbock. Various paved farm roads running north of here penetrate into the
canyon, which remains windy and largely desolate today. As you follow the White River, try to imagine Co-
manches and cavalry troops eyeing each other from the valley and escarpments.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Along Texas Hwy 70
Evocative small towns - some thriving, others nearly gone - are found throughout west
Texas. One little burg after another seems ripped from the pages of a Larry McMurty nov-
el. Texas Hwy 70 manages to link a string of these nearly forgotten places: a drive along
this road puts you further than simple geography from the 21st century.
