Things to Do in Midland

With a playa lake essential to the local wildlife, the home of two former U.S. presidents, two state governors and a First Lady, and—to pluck a nostalgic chord—a drive-in theater, Midland has something to offer everyone. And when you’ve worked up a hearty appetite doing all there is to do in Midland, the Texas-style barbecue and Texas-sized burgers will leave you satisfied.

Wetland Wildlife

Located off of I-20, just 8 minutes north of downtown, the 99-acre Wildlife Preserve is one of Midland's best-kept secrets. You can follow its cottonwood-, pecan-, willow- and maple-shaded trails and boardwalk systems—11/2 miles of which are wheelchair accessible—around a 30-acre, rain-fed playa wetland. The seven viewing blinds and the hawk observation tower allow you to surreptitiously watch for waterfowl, wildlife and the birds of prey that hunt them. Beavers, porcupines, foxes, turtles, lizards, snakes, frogs and even bobcats all call the preserve home, along with dozens of different butterfly and dragonfly species.

House of History

You can step into American history at the George W. Bush Childhood Home, where the Bush family once gathered around a 1949 Hoffman TV in their knotty-pine-paneled front room. The eat-in kitchen's period cabinetry and appliances that are so familiar to both the 41st and 43rd U.S. Presidents will take you back to yesteryear, as will the ivy-patterned wallpaper—which matches the china. Primers on Midland's and the oil fields' histories are available; and the boyhood bedroom of George W. Bush has been restored to its original condition. The 25-minute guided tour is available on Tuesdays through Sundays.

Under the Texas Moon

Treat your movieplex set to something different at Midland's three-screen Big Sky drive-in movie theater, where each ticket buys you a double-feature of first-run flicks. Also included in the ticket price is access to the playground and picnic areas. You can bring your own food with you, or you can buy dinner and traditional movie fare at the full-service snack bar. Spice things up with a Chihuahua sandwich, which is taco meat topped with pimiento cheese, lettuce and a jalapeno. The drive-in's FM audio stream—available via car radio, Walkman or boom box—replaces old-fashioned standalone speakers. Pets are allowed--as long as they remain on a leash, and on Poor Boy Night Wednesdays, everyone gets in for under $5.00! The box office opens every night at 7 p.m.

Johnny and Michael

Johnny's BBQ and Diner (316 North Big Spring St., Midland) has dished out their scrumptious slow-smoked brisket and hand-rubbed ribs for more than six decades. Sausage, turkey, ham and pulled-meat sandwiches—accompanied by homemade pinto or butter beans, coleslaw or southern potato salad—round out Johnny's offerings, with half-sized portions available for smaller appetites. Both large and small plates are served at tables covered with iconic checkered tablecloths—this is true American dining at its best! Future aviators love Michael's Charcoal Grill (723 West Wadley Ave., Midland), where they can order from a six-item Junior Pilots menu while model jumbo jets soar overhead. Charcoal-grilled, ½ - to 2-pound burgers fill up hungry adults. Not wild about fried sides? You can substitute fried items with the extensive salad bar for a small up-charge, and anybody who still has room for dessert can order the moist and delicious chocolate mousse cake. Both Johnny's BBQ and Michael's Charcoal Grill are open for lunch and dinner every day of the week except Sunday.