In Odessa, some people believe there is nothing to do and nowhere to go. Well, with the help of the There's Nothing to do In West Texas Facebook page and my own personal knowledge of my hometown, I'm here to share with you some of the coolest places to go in Odessa!
15. Ratliff Stadium
Seen Friday Night Lights? This is where it all happened, folks. Ratliff Stadium. The massive stadium is designed for high school football teams to battle it out under the lights. Ratliff is also the location of high school graduations, marching band competitions, and soccer games, as well as track and field tournaments. Think Odessa sports? Think Ratliff Stadium.
14: Rosa's Cafe
Rosa's Cafe originated in San Angelo, TX and came to Odessa through Bobby Cox Companies in the mid-1990s. Rosa's has become a symbol for Odessa with its fresh, made-to-order tortillas, tasty queso, and delicious sopapillas. Rosa's is also a social hub for Odessans from all backgrounds, and it is not uncommon to see the mayor, police officers, and other city officials dining in at Rosa's Cafe.
13: White-Pool House
The White-Pool House has been a cornerstone of Odessa history since 1887. The White family had come to Odessa via railroad in the 1880s, expecting it to be a "health spa," but what they found was dirt. Charles White died of being kicked by a horse. The Pool family bought the house in the 1920s and donated it to the city of Odessa in the 1970s as a historic site for preservation.
12: Ector County Coliseum
Ector County Coliseum is the home of the Jackalopes Hockey Team, the Permian Basin Fair, high school prom, Comic Con, rodeos, Merry Market Place, and more. The Coliseum is at the center of much of the activity going on in Odessa.
11: Permian Playhouse
The Permian Playhouse, originally opened in 1957, has been a centerpiece in Odessa theatre. From having activities for kids and teenagers such as Tadpoles, Kaleidoscope Company, and summer and spring break camps, to hosting a series of adult dramas or comedies, the Playhouse is definitely recognized as a key theatre in the Permian Basin. I first attended the Playhouse when I was about 6 months old and after performing and being a part of the theatre for 15 years, it will always be embedded into my personal history and into the history of Odessa.
10. Ector County Library
The foundation of every great city has to be its library. However, our library is something special. Opening in 1938 as a refurbished jail, this library has been a focal point for children and teenagers for as long as we can remember. Between its awesome children's programs and summer reading clubs, it also hosts online book clubs for teens and family open mic nights in conjunction with West Texas Talent.
9. Sports 10 Bar and Grill, Music City Mall
The Sports 10 Bar and Grill is located inside Music City Mall and hosts comedy and karaoke nights, as well as open mic nights. The age is 21+, but it is definitely a place filled with fun, music, art, and comedy. Even if you don't go for the food, stop in on Wednesday nights for a good laugh.
8. Sherwood Park
Growing up in Odessa as a child meant definitely going to Sherwood and climbing on the Sherwood octopus. Sherwood Park has featured many events for children and teens for as long as I can remember. This summer the park is hosting a Movies in the Park event. On May 14th, the park will be showing the popular new movie, "Inside Out." This park is a staple of growing up in Odessa.
7. Buffalo Wallow
Memorial Garden Park, or as it is more commonly known to natives, Buffalo Wallow, is located near Albertson's and the Music City Mall. Every September for the 9/11 memorial, flags are placed the entire way around the pond to remember those who were lost. This park has become a beautiful symbol of remembrance and is a great family activity on a nice sunny day.
6. Ector Theatre
The Ector Theatre is known as a vintage movie/stage theatre that hosts a variety of events from classic movie nights to legendary tribute artists. Ector Theatre is known for once hosting Elvis on tour. The theatre originally opened in 1951 as a 1-screen movie theatre and reopened in 2001 after renovations as a movie and live stage theatre.
5. Ellen Noel Art Museum
The Ellen Noel Art Museum is definitely the most prominent art museum in Odessa and features various art classes, art openings, and even movies in their sensory art garden. Originally opened in 1985, Ellen Noel had a vision to produce a fine arts facility to help Odessans engage in the beauty of art and the culture surrounding it. Now, the museum, thanks to Ellen Noel's charitable donations, is free and open to the public.
4. Presidential Museum
Just across the street from the Ellen Noel Art Museum sits the Presidential Museum. While the original Presidential Museum has been around since the 1960's, the new location as shown above opened in 2002. Not only is this museum dedicated to the office of the President, but it also features the house of George W. Bush on the side of the museum so visitors can see a former president's home.
3. Parker Ranch House
Once the home to Jim Parker in 1935, it has become a historical museum celebrating the history of Odessa and what it looked like when the railroad came into town. It represents the history around what a wealthy ranch family would've had in the mid-1930's.
2. Stonehenge
Stonehenge sits on the University of Texas at the Permian Basin (UTPB) campus and overlooks part of the city and campus. It was unveiled in 2004 as a replica to that in England. While the original stonehenge in England is fenced off with chain in order to keep people from messing with the stones, this replica is a perfect place to take fun pictures, record music, and relax.
1. Globe Theatre
I grew up performing in plays, seeing plays, and doing theatre workshops at the Globe. Originating as Marjorie Morris's brainchild in 1948, the Globe also has an Anne Hathaway cottage, replicating the house of Shakespeare's wife located in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. The Globe Theatre's current season features plays, such as Fiddler on the Roof, Romeo and Juliet and more!
While this Globe Theatre has been directed by many over the years, two unforgettable directors were Kathryn Graybill and Anthony Ridley. Anthony passed away last summer and this theatre will always be a memory of him for those who knew him.
Now, you can't say there's nothing to do in Odessa, TX! Get out there this summer, celebrate the art and culture in the city, and have some fun in the good ole West Texas sun!
