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If you're moving from a big city to Plainview, Texas, you might wonder: what is there to do here? It’s a common question for new students, but hopefully this article will shed some light on the fun places you can explore in a small town like Plainview.

The first major hangout spot where you’ll almost always find college students is The Broadway Brew. This fun coffee shop, located on Broadway Street downtown, is a favorite for its calm atmosphere and some of the best coffee around. Many students also enjoy lunch here—the chicken salad, the Italian, and the Smokey Jack sandwiches are especially popular. Owner Bradley Sell, a WBU alumnus shared, “We always love to have college students at our coffee shop and offer a 10% discount to all of our students so they can enjoy good, affordable coffee.”

Speaking of coffee, The Creamery is another great option—conveniently located right across from campus. Students love its proximity, as well as the ice cream and drinks the shop has to offer. It’s another great place to relax and recharge.

IHOP may not be known for its coffee, but it’s a go-to late-night hangout for 51³Ô¹ÏÍøÊÓƵ students. Open 24/7, it’s a popular spot to study, especially during finals. One student said, “IHOP is the best place to go during finals week. It’s quiet at night and open the entire time.” Another late-night option coming soon to Plainview is a brand-new Whataburger, which will also be open 24/7—perfect for grabbing food and finishing up last-minute assignments.

A lesser-known but fun off-campus spot is LimeLight, a local entertainment venue. Limelight hosts a variety of events, including game nights, art showcases, live music, comedy shows, open mic nights, dinner theater, and more. One popular event in May, Where’s the Beef, featured great food paired with a live performance. If you enjoy the creative arts, LimeLight will likely become a favorite.

If you’re more into staying active, there are plenty of great places for that too. One of the most popular is the bowling alley on Quincy Street. Locally owned, it includes an arcade and offers hours of fun for students—whether you’re a serious bowler or just hanging out with friends.

Another fun active option is the skating rink, perfect for rollerblading in a retro “blast from the past” environment. It also has an arcade where you can relax and have a good time. Many students visit the rink to blow off steam and take a break from the stress of college life.

And finally, Plainview’s outdoor spaces are worth exploring. Despite being a small town, Plainview has a surprising number of parks. One of the most popular is Kidsville, a massive park located at Ennis and 4th Street. It features a disc golf course, playground, and walking/running trails—ideal for getting some exercise. There’s also a well-lit bike trail on 4th Street, frequently used by students to stay active or take peaceful walks.

There are several other parks around town that offer a variety of activities. If you ever have free time, hop in the car and drive around—you just might discover a new favorite spot that deserves to be on this list.

Plainview might be a small town, but with a little exploring, you’ll find plenty of fun, food, and hangouts to make your college years memorable.