MIDLAND, Texas: We Expected Rundown And Decrepit - What We Actually Saw

[@lolachapstique]

I've been in midland for 11 years now and yes it s a big oil money town. The houses are modest but there are neighborhoods with beautiful massive homes, mansions really. I grew up in Las Vegas, NV so I was surprised when I found out that there are hidden neighborhoods with massive homes. The locals know what neighborhoods they are. During the holidays people drive around neighborhoods to watch Christmas lights because Christmas is a massive thing here and people go all out on decorations 👏🏻 it's very pretty

[@doomplayer0423]

Don't forget about Tony's!!!!

[@mindibunch5232]

@@doomplayer0423 The bakery?

[@ramen6959]

Thanks for your positive outlook of Midland. It's greatly appreciated 😊👍🏽

[@doomplayer0423]

@@mindibunch5232 yes the bakery

[@MFnDahk]

Been stuck out here for about the same time, did insulation work for a while and the biggest home I did was like 8,000sq-ft with a garage/barn the size of a small grocery store.. took like 9 hours.. that stuff down mockingbird are tiny compared to some of the stuff on the north side.. 9 hours for the attics, took 3 days to do everything*.. you'd be suprised how many safe rooms and bunkers are here.

[@hawkdsl]

Recently discovered this channel, and what a breath of fresh air it is. Simple touring of towns without all the over produced, music laden nonsense. Subbed.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for that. 😃

[@jamesbasaldua100]

I enjoy watching your videos about Texas cities and country sites. Thank you sir and be safe on your adventures.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, James!

[@lilypad1213]

I lived in Midland as a child in the late 1960s. My father worked for Shell Oil. Some of the happiest years of my life. I saw Luigis downtown! And I remember the Yucca theater. Thank you so much for this tour.

[@williamzee7748]

Likewise….the center of Permian basin where life was good growing up in 60s with George Bush jr and Laura Welsh not a marriage thing yet as it was Charles Younger ( across street from Bushes…the house was yellow in 60s) that got them together and also with golf at country club life and visiting Hap Sharp on the Chaparral race track with little crime and good disciplined schools, although tough beating Odessa Permian in football, and rabbit hunting with the guys. So yea…those were the happiest days so different from today it almost seems like twilight rough zone as compared to todays schools and such to Midland today.. with oil business going south due to liberal administration, 12:28 Midland and surrounding towns may be hard pressed to survive…sad, but we had our day in the Midland sun at it is to be remember…for sure.

[@colleenhouse7869]

​@@williamzee7748I remember Permine Basin football, couldn't be beat, think most of those boys worked in the oil fields in the summertime, what an era!

[@williamzee7748]

@@colleenhouse7869 Odessa Permian was the football kingpin in the 1960s…the Movie “ Friday Night Lights” reflects those years. Midland Bulldogs had a tough time beating Permian then as they were the blue collar oil men whereas Midland was the pioneer white collar petroleum engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, and well to do ranchers along with Midland Country Club, Hap Sharp, race car driver, Ben Crenshaw, pro golfer, Robert Zonne jr., Westpoint hero of Vietnam, the George Bushes and Laura Welsh(Bush). Those were the years where Midland was the richest city per capa in the nation as oil was premium and its people were civil and honorable.

[@melvino7533]

I grew up in Midland and Odessa. I live in Nashville now but this video brought back memories specially during christmas. Thanks.

[@craigblakes5499]

I am related to half of Midland lol. You got to experience that good ol West Texas weather first hand. 80 degrees one day, 30 degrees and snowing the next day. But I love Midland. It's just a hour and ten minutes from Lubbock so it's a nice drive

[@mph7282]

When I lived there people used to tell me there was no way to get anywhere. Nonsense, I'd say. You can go anywhere in the world...just have to get to Dallas or Houston first.

[@Sealight007]

@@mph7282 LMAO

[@abrahamjackson6019]

Midland, TX is one of America best kept secrets. I'm from So. Cali if given the opportunity I would relocate there

[@tomneff7030]

It's never 80 degrees one day and snow the next.Thats so freakishly rare...that it should never be mentioned.

[@ef9723]

Lived here all my life and I like it! It’s quiet but not like a small town kind. People that live here say there’s nothing to do but thank God we can always make money somehow some way to travel and have fun to see other places! We’re definitely hard working people here 💪

[@onezoothree]

I absolutely enjoyed growing up in Midland. For a city its size, it punches above its weight class. Great folks in the area too.

[@seanhand1843]

I’m actually really excited to see this video this is my home born and raised appreciate the videos bud keep them coming

[@iantogriffin9928]

One of the best finds in 2022 , is your channel. I love all the videos. You do amazing work sharing your travels. I started with rural Texas and have joined you and your beloved wife on numerous travels around our amazing country. Thank you for sharing your video travel-journal. Love this channel!!!!

[@bettyboyne8531]

Bundle up, keep up the good work. Love the history you provide, and the stats. It provides me, as a nomad, possible travel routes.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome, Betty. :)

[@bettyboyne8531]

@@im_agine852 Yes I can but here I get a first hand visual as well. As a female that is a plus for safety concerns. Thanks for your input. 🖐🏼

[@geraldrodriguez1731]

I love watching the nomad life. 1 day I'll join.

[@bettyboyne8531]

@@geraldrodriguez1731 I'll look for you "on the road". 😊

[@fgb3126]

I'm a native of Midland. I cannot imagine why you thought it would be "rundown and decrepit". Makes me wonder if you are a Texan. Midland at one time in the 50's, 60's, etc. had the highest per capita income of any city in the USA. It'll be interesting to hear your demographic info on the Tall City in the Land of the High Sky. Well I don't know if you intentionally stayed in "old" Midland around the downtown - but you missed entirely the newer residential areas which are MUCH nicer than what you showed. Midland is a good sized city and you hardly saw a tenth of it.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

The last time I had been in Midland was the eighties. It was rundown then. I was surprised to see it wasn't when I saw it this time. I intentionally stayed in the downtown area. This is a city downtown exploration channel. I'm there mostly for the unique architecture, but other things as well - artwork and murals, homelessness, is it clean, unique businesses and pubs, how many people live there and are they walking in the streets. I'm not interested in seeing generic suburbia or anything else outside the city core.

[@JoseMartinez-zh1tk]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTripeven in the 90’s it was run down. Some people don’t remember.

[@Nelson-pi4iv]

Midland is a good place to live, if you can ignore 100 degrees Fahrenheit and also the dryness of the chihuahua dessert, also no fun and games here, because there's not an awful lot to do so it is boring.

[@brandonly27]

When I got to Midland in 2018, it was fairly run down, downtown. A lot of boarded up windows and abandoned buildings. Things seem to get better when oil prices go up, along with rents getting higher. There are still parts of Midland that are run down. Don't kid yourself.

[@curtisarnold9245]

You didn't even show the rundown house/man camp I used to live at....

[@darksiede]

Native Midlander here.. now in Kansas.. Haven't seen that place in 21 years, thanks for the show!

[@DeeMoback]

1970's

[@gahlmc]

I went to Alamo and Midland high school.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for watching, darksiede. :)

[@darksiede]

@@gahlmc Goddard & Lee high school for me.. and yeah, I've heard it ain't Lee any more..

[@willbass2869]

@@darksiede "they" did same to Lee H.S. in Houston....unpersoned.

[@olinwright7628]

What a great video to start the day with. Thanks!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for that, Olin!

[@reauxnbears]

The Tall City is a cool spot. Wild when the Permian is popping. Enjoyed my time there throughout the years. The Sun & wind hit different out there too.

[@reauxnbears]

Know a caterer in the area you should check out. Klassic Louisiana Catering!!! Hit them up. They will feed you!!! Great people.

[@walkwithme1690]

I have been in midland for over 18 years and to be honest this city has treat me so good , it’s a blessing to be part of this Petroleum industry

[@texaslifejulie8533]

🤠 Hat's off to you. Thanks for a nice review on Midland. I lived in both Midland & in Odessa in my early 20's and I'm back living in Midland for my retirement years. 🙂

[@denisesmith2745]

Thank you so much for this!! My son and I have driven the interstate back and forth from Tucson to Ft Worth when he went to U of A. I always told him that someday, I wanted us to take the time to see Midland. It’s almost impossible to imagine from the interstate that there’s really a town. I always commented that maybe there’s not one! Lol. You did it for me!! I love the city and everything you showed us. The Bar looked great as well as your food. Midland DOES exist and a thriving, successful city is there!!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Great comment, Denise! :)

[@carolkokx9638]

What a beautiful impressive place

[@leepassmore7032]

The Bar is as much an institution as anything in Midland. I lived there 13 years and it was around long before that and it's still the downtown "hot spot" another 13 years after I left. There's a definition division between the haves and have nots in Midland. There's a lot of Daddy's Money in town if you know what I mean.

[@justicevelasquez7611]

If you would have asked a local we could have shown you where the much bigger neighborhoods are and the more upscale houses are located. Hope you come back and visit again. Definitely need to try some local food next time.

[@jared_deraj]

Wow, the view at 9:40 is incredibly nostalgic for me; I had a multi-year internship for a drilling fluids company that worked out of the office directly behind this on the 2nd floor and my work area had a huge window looking directly this way, about 20 feet from where you were standing. It was a great experience tbh. I grew up in Midland but most people I meet haven't even heard of it before and I rarely ever hear about it outside local news, so it was cool to see these places that are so iconic to me from your perspective

[@DesertMav]

I stayed overnight in Odessa/Midland when I was moving across the country. They had a very nice hotel out there, but the Odessa side was a bit rough around the edges. I'd certainly visit that area again if I were to pass that area again.

[@DanNikon]

Sounds about right, Odessa is the rougher and worse part of the whole Midland-Odessa area.

[@JLee-bi4es]

You raise your kids in Midland and raise hell in Odessa

[@ellenlutz3526]

Midland is okay,Love the Weather here and the Money is wonderful! Rent is very high. And food is high too. Some of our businesses are going to close,Grams pharmacy and Long John's silver. Hate seeing all the old places go away.

[@gal2727]

Grams? Oooh that sucks.

[@elh1977]

Aww Long John's Silver closing too

[@tylerschmid6775]

I was born & raised in Midland. Watching the oil boom change the city over the years was unreal. Not too much going on in the downtown area, though some of the surrounding areas are very nice. Love the channel, looking forward to the Odessa video!

[@AENock]

The Yucca Theater is a beautiful turn-of-the-century two story theater. It is home to Summer Mummers, one of the wildest live shows you'd ever see. The improv comedy shows are also a hoot.

[@baylorgirl04]

Also Yuletide at the Yucca is a huge dance recital they have every December for Christmas! I danced in it when I was younger, very fun and festive!

[@CarlBird]

Hi Guys. Me and the wife came across your channel and are completely hooked on your journey. It’s been fascinating watching and listening to your commentary. We’re especially enjoying the Wyoming and Colorado videos as we love the massive wide open spaces with crisp blue skies. We’re planning a road trip across the USA and will be using your recommendations.

[@josemoyar1227]

Good job 👏 guys your videos are now part of my wake up call and it brings me back home for a while

[@ragnarsilverboard6803]

Beautiful town, thanks for sharing this. I like the barn house, if the owner sees this you picked a great home in a town full of unique and wonderful homes.

[@Beryllahawk]

What a lovely video. I grew up in Midland - not born, but spent the largest chunk of my childhood here. So many memories, especially with the Christmas decorations all put up in downtown. As a kid I never quite had to think about the stats and numbers, but I could practically SMELL that winter-chill air. Remember spending most every Christmas Eve driving around the city to see the biggest best Christmas lights, so many folks enjoyed the season to the hilt. It's almost painful to look at the house I lived in, since my grandmother passed and the family sold the place. Thank you for such a wonderful look at a place I still love even decades later!

[@Dld1985]

I have a friend that’s big in the oil business located in Midland. I’ve never been there but if he’s a indication of the people from there it’s a great friendly city. I’m very impressed.

[@infamousjonnyd265]

Hey glad to see you made it to us ❤ been following for awhile kinda weird to see your hometown through different eyes

[@kencramer1697]

Midland has a lot to offer. I have quite a bit of family there. The WWII air museum is neat. There are quite a few museum's there that are worth going to.

[@daydenbledsoe3660]

The air museum closed a few years back. Lost funding and I was told most of the exhibits moved to Dallas.

[@aliciafernandez7775]

My husband and I discovered your channel and enjoy the content very much since due to health issues we cannot

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That is awesome, Alicia. I'm glad the two of you are watching. :)

[@Bones-ph5pe]

That part of downtown is considered the “bad side of town.” It’s obviously still beautiful, but that’ll show you how much more there is in the rest of the city. It truly is a hidden gem. Downtown is great, but there’s so much more in the rest of the town

[@SP-ig3vs]

It is not either.

[@isaacreyes1181]

Downtown is not the bad side of town lmao

[@WorkingProgress17]

No it isn't.

[@frankscarborough1428]

Loved this video. It was fun to see the Bush's home. Thanks

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Glad you enjoyed it, Frank!!

[@donaldmilhoan6379]

One thing I noticed, along the residential streets, in front of each house, there is painted on the street curb, Texas state flag, might be the each house number with flag. Around the 18:37 time frame

[@amo23_99]

You are right. It's the number so the mail carrier or any delivery person can know what house it is. I live in odessa, and we have done that for as long as I've been alive.

[@Cdnguy703]

Hey now! Killer channel brother! I really enjoy all of the historical data which you prepare for us viewers. Gives us a little glimpse of what it's like and the vibes of each place you visit. I can tell you love that lifestyle of road gypsy along with your ride or die Mrs. Lord Spoda as it shows through in your videos. Man, I love what you do and am so thankful to you for showing us all this footage from the US of A!!! Cheers from Western Canada 🇨🇦

[@realessayog6947]

I am binge watching all these videos ! I'm glad I found this channel

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That is awesome. ;)

[@xXDeathXxXBringerXx]

I live here, lol. No wonder it was recommended to me. I have watched a few more of your Texas videos and absolutely love them. I am now subbed and eagerly awaiting more content.

[@BrentonO4fromOd]

I'm playing this while sitting in between Odessa and Midland working at my oilfield job. Lol

[@danebakiss]

I just love that kind of bar. Last time a went USA I drank a beer in every bar I pass by on the streets. Just loved that kind of stuff. Every detail, every piece has a history and motivation to be on the wall. Everything is well cared and the food looks amazing! Congratulations for the video.

[@45AMT]

Midland has always been in my mind as a money town. Rich in oil. All those homes might be modest but there's people with money in them. Awesome video! Never seen it in person but now I feel like I've been there!

[@lolachapstique]

I've been in midland for 11 years now and yes it s a big oil money town. The houses are modest but there are neighborhoods with beautiful massive homes, mansions really. I grew up in Las Vegas, NV so I was surprised when I found out that there are hidden neighborhoods with massive homes. The locals know what neighborhoods they are. During the holidays people drive around neighborhoods to watch Christmas lights because Christmas is a massive thing here and people go all out on decorations 👏🏻 it's very pretty

[@carolharmon4638]

Lord Spoda I have grown increasingly hooked on your videos. I would never get the chance to travel as you do but you have certainly widened my horizons. Thank you so much for all you do. Meanwhile I will travel with you no. matter where you go. I love your voice.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you, Carol!! :)

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

Midland has some great architecture. Love the Petroleum Building and theatre. Love the desert footage! Cool to see the Bush house! Thank you!

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

Very beautiful video.What a beautiful movie to start the day. I love Mindlat and Texas. I wish you a nice . Thank you very much for this beautiful video. God bless you in Mindland and throughout Texas.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the kind words, Zuzanna!

[@zuzannawisniewska4464]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip 👋 Merry Christmas in 2022.

[@curtiseggemeyer5681]

I grew up outside San Angelo, Texas, thankyou for such a great video.

[@jodyglover7429]

I've been living in Midland for a few years now and I have to say that there's nothing else like it! We love our home sweet home!

[@Steve-tn5ru]

Welcome to West Texas weather..I have lived in Odessa most of my life. It only pays that well if you are working the oil field. Bush was actually born in Odessa and moved to Midland as a young kid.

[@bartsmith3219]

Grew up there from summer of 1960 to summer of 1970. Back then, a great place to ride a 🚲 bike. Enjoying your videos.

[@mindibunch5232]

I grew up in Midland and my husband & I started our family there. We got married in the same chapel as Laura & George W. The Yucca Theatre is, indeed, still in operation. It's home to Summer Mummers, which is the longest running live melodrama in the country. The New York Times did a write-up on it several years back. The saying goes, "Mummers is not something that can be explained; it must be experienced." Midland is a place where one doesn't expect to find culture, but it's there. The Museum of the Southwest is housed in the Turner Mansion (which has its own dark history), and it boasts an impressive art collection. Good video. I saw a few buildings where I used to work in the oil & gas industry, which was pretty cool. Looking forward to your review of Odessa. The two cities are quite different from one another. We always used to say you raise your babies in Midland, and your hell in Odessa. Lol... Be safe out there!

[@cowboyschad5x778]

My mom and her side of my family are from west Texas, Best people on planet Earth IMO. That may change in the future with transplants moving in but in the 1980s and 90s you couldn’t find better people on this planet. They were real people and I loved them and I wish everyone could be like they were

[@010bobby]

Traveling by Greyhound from Long Beach to South Carolina, i passed these towns along I-20..amazing how big is Texas...

[@beckyvenero2527]

Midland has multiple organizations that help the homeless. They have 3 meals a day during the week served by non-profits catered to helping the homeless.

[@hikingwithjackieboy]

Cool tour of Midland. Thank you for sharing.

[@robertdoerr-rf1fz]

Really enjoyed your video. I have lived in Midland for over 28 years and planned to move back to my hometown, Tulsa, Oklahoma in retirement, except all of my children have moved back to the Midland/Odessa area. I believe I will not be going anywhere, but will stay in Midland with family. My wife grew up in Odessa and most of her family lives in this area as well.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That is awesome. :)

[@robertdoerr-rf1fz]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Wish we could have said "hello" when you were in Midland. My daughter and husband live in Odessa. He is the great eye doctor in Odessa. Wish you had more time in Midland to explore the sports fields in the Northwest and some of the big homes where the money is made in Midland. Somehow you overlooked these areas. Somewhat disappointing.

[@krl97a]

Midland's airport was the first with regular air service in the nation to receive a federal commercial spaceport license.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I saw that it's called a spaceport. Interesting.

[@JumperSig]

My entire family is out of Midland. My Uncle Bill was a bombadeir instructor at the air field. I attended first grade across the street from my grandmothers house, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Worked for Tom Brown Drilling in 72, and 73. Worked in the oil fields for ten years. M.F. Machen, and a few other outfits. Left in 80. It was a nice place to live. A lot of good family, and working memories.

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Great job! I made my visit there a few years ago. Saw the super petroleum museum…Watch that wind!

[@DillanWeems]

Welcome to Midland, glad you enjoyed your stay here! I'm happy the algorithm suggested your video, subbed

[@Whatisit_1999]

I love watching you both eat dinner! I am just like “ the wifey” I can’t eat all my food and a to go box is needed. You should add more restaurant clips in with your videos. I enjoy seeing the local food. Like small diners and little bbq places were they cook their ribs and briskets. Thank you!

[@geoffreybrooks1220]

I spent my childhood in Midland and graduated from high school there. It was a pretty safe place to grow up but there’s not much in the way of entertainment or nightlife. I still go back to visit my family but I would never ever move back. Too dull and dusty!

[@jamesshirley7194]

Thanks!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, James!

[@xSkittleBEASTx]

I think Texas overall is still growing. Towns like these will be populated soon. Nice video. Salute from Dallas TX!

[@TheCatMantle]

Well since Earl muted my reply, Odessa is actually only about 30 miles, I used to live in Midland and attended UTPB where I got my Bachelors degree. With two small children I would not have driven 130 miles each day. You can't mute this one, Earl. And it is considered West Texas!

[@Gods4Horsemen]

Haha Earl!!! I knew he’d show up some where

[@geraldrodriguez1731]

Awesome video. The Bar, Krista is My favorite Bartender.

[@jimmythecricket25]

Great job as usual, fun to travel with you on this journey. 👏

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Jimmy!

[@ramen6959]

FYI Odessa is the step sister city lol 😆 Im a born n raised native Midlander and tho I appreciate you spending time in the south side( as that's where I grew up ) you really missed out on some very really beautiful areas of Midland. If you're wanting to make videos of Midland then you should do as a series to really capture all Midland has to offer. The population is actually 157K plus btw...if you decide to come back contact me and I'll be happy to guide you around and take you to lunch in the best hole in the wall in town. You went to THE Bar, way overrated but glad you enjoyed. Thanks n God Bless and Merry Christmas 🎄☃️

[@CastSpoofTV]

As a midland-missouri transplant, this made me miss home and can’t wait to see what towns in MO you stop into.

[@maryrobin562]

There are some beautiful neighborhoods in Midland. There’s a home on a property that takes up the whole block! There’s also some really nice homes hidden around downtown.

[@justatxmom5790]

From Houston & travelled to Midland for work…loved every minute of it!

[@chance_of_grain]

Midland represent! Born and raised here. Not the most exciting place to live but definitely a good place to find work.

[@sputzelein]

Don´t people leave their houses there maybe walking with dogs? Why are the streets so depressingly empty?

[@DeeMoback]

There was a guy around there who I knew back then named Billy Weir .... ask about him....nice guy.... played great

[@chrispurse3931]

I used to work for a company out of Odessa. I always thought both cities were pretty nice.

[@AGripOBabys]

glad to hear from the audio that its still windy back home, and randomly cold.

[@ChandlerPruitt]

Yo this is where I’m from. My hometown, born & raised! I grew up in Midland in the 2000s and I have witnessed so much change during my lifetime when they tore down an old court house, right where you were standing in centennial park. And also, I remember the time when George W & Laura Bush flew over downtown Midland in Air Force One for the final time as president and came to speak that day! So many great memories.

[@mindibunch5232]

I grew up there, too. I was living in Houston when the plans were announced to demolish the beautiful courthouse. It was such a shame. But before they did it, I made the trip back to town and shared a bottle of champagne on the courthouse steps with a dear friend. It was a bittersweet night, but I'm so glad I did it.

[@ChandlerPruitt]

@@mindibunch5232 Cool, I bet those were fun memories to look back on! So where Midland is now, centennial park is a great place to not only hang out, but the city had moved the star spangled banner event from hogan park to centennial in downtown either last year or couple years ago, not too sure. And we just did the Christmas parade there this past Saturday night! That was a great time.

[@CaptainHowdy1969]

Yo Spoda...good video as always brother & "THE BAR" was def my kind of dive to experience,the place looked really cool and the food looked great but what sold me on the place was the tunes brother!...that house was a rockin' my friend!....my kinda music!

[@blankerism4189]

I was born in Odessa back in '81. my parents came from the Rio Grande Valley and followed job opportunities in the medical field towards the tail end of the of 70s oil boom. Odessa was known as a blue collar town where as Midland was known as the white collar city (reason why you see the skyline and none in Odessa) One of the downtown buildings that you showed i could of sworn was going to be demolished sometime this year. The Western United Life building, the one that had the marble siding on the ground level floor. When i visited Midland and Odessa in the 90s, downtown Midland looked in rough shape. Now with fracking going on throughout west and south Texas, downtown Midland looks like its been brought back to life from what i remember.

[@timadam3177]

It's funny that you mentioned how clean the city is. Even the leaves are cleaned up in the downtown area but I did see a large cup lying on the ground in a parking lot. Ya, probably only one little cup in the whole downtown area. I was always impressed with how clean the Texas towns were and the state itself. Now for the good part. I always wanted to travel to Big Spring to see how the town survived after the Air Force base closed but due to health reasons, that is not possible. Now if you intend to visit Big Spring in the future, you would sure make my day. I have some good memories of the town but it would be sad if it looked like Floydada and the other towns you visited. Ask the locals if they still have a yearly rattle snake roundup and maybe you could take a tour of what is left of the old air base. I think they have several attractions to visit. Glad I found your channel. Thanks for doing these videos and you and the wife stay safe!! Tim

[@indycharlie]

Yo brother . What AFB was at Big Springs ? I have been to Sam , Bullis and Sheppard in Tx.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I will be visiting Big Springs within the next 6 months. I've already done a quick scouting drive thru.

[@timadam3177]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I Googled Big Spring again and it appears to still be prospering. The museum on the old base might be worth checking out. Now I just have to view all your older videos and patiently wait for Big Spring. I'm curious about your handle "Lord Spoda" Adios Mr. and Mrs.

[@nyanilius8008]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip when you do big spring, which is only one spring NOT plural, please see if you can find any intact indigenous things left. I grew up between there and Midland, and people kept burning and destroying them... It's part of what makes me hurt so much about knowing the place, people talk way more about the former military base than about the former indigenous. If you can find artifacts, I'm sure they're town treasures.

[@brianward2509]

@@indycharlie Webb AFB, previously named Big Spring Air Force Base, operated from 1951 to 1977.

[@sabrinaramirez4699]

I never heard of this channel but I seen midland tx where I live and been my whole life and instantly clicked 😂

[@amo23_99]

Lol for real tho. I live in odessa and was like "ah damn. What did we do now" lol

[@vjay6667]

Please visit Pecos, Mentone and Orla. Would love to see how you discuss those places. Spent many years working on projects around that area.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Ok, I will. :)

[@jasonwilliamson713]

Orla? Nothing there

[@neutronnetwork]

MIDLAND TX BABY !!! So glad you visited my area

[@ldbrown6641]

Thanks for the information on my hometown of midland/Odessa Tx

[@gearmeister]

I'm really glad to find your channel. I'm a Texan & I appreciate what you're doing! I could tell you weren't from around these parts because of Hereford. It's pronounced (phonetically) Her-ferd... Keep up the great work

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you! :)

[@jerrycutright3267]

He's definitely not a Texan!!!

[@420BulletSponge]

There is really nothing to do here but El Paso, DFW, Austin and Houston are all within an easy, early mornings drive. New Mexico and Colorado vacation spots are all easily within a days drive of the Permian Basin.

[@tranquil14738]

Idk what you’re driving at but Houston is like 8 hours away

[@rotaryperfection]

I'm from this area. Since yall plan on going to Odessa, I HIGHLY recommend trying Tequeria Reynosa on the corner of University and N Grandview. The tacos quesadillas with bistec and those AMAZING beans our out of this world.

[@davipervenom9151]

I lived in Midland for 3 months 30 years ago. When I had a 12 week contract there. I really enjoyed my time there. It really is a nice little city.

[@jrbailey2652]

Born in Midland Tx. Yucca theater many Saturdays gandy milk Top was entrance to all day cartoons. Good job

[@gatorgogo2742]

Super nice town. Loved the old homes and seeing the "President's Place'! Your meals looked so good .. especially paired with Jack Daniels! yum!!

[@brianlong2436]

Cool video! I think you missed quite a bit of Midland though. I’ve been here 12 years and can say Midland definitely grows on one. Btw, it’s Theeeeee Bar. Happy New Year!

[@MoxieMike66]

I used to drive by Midland/Odessa when I was stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, while visiting my relatives in Big Springs. Never actually stopped there.

[@donnarumans5421]

My mom's family is from Middland/Odessa. My great grandparents Tisdale had a farm in Middland and some how oil became involved and the farm was sold. My mom grew up in Odessa.

[@STAR_WHITE313]

I lived here in Midland Texas for 13 years now,I came from Detroit Michigan,it was a huge change and I still can't believe I live here lol but you learn to love it! Oil field brought me here 💰

[@joonkwon9303]

Do you like living there? That's a huge change for sure, in almost every way. Coming from other Southern state, there wasn't much of a culture shock as far as settling down here in Central Texas, but coming from up north like yourself, I'm sure it's a hell of a transition. A few friends of mine who are originally from the rust belt region often complain about italian food, lack of true fall seasons, etc.

[@actionsub]

My mother's family relocated from southern Illinois to Midland after World War 2. Her father was a preacher who supported his family by working as a broadcast engineer. In that capacity, he designed and constructed the transmitters for the first television station in Midland, KMID, which signed on in 1953. Grandpa worked with a then-weatherman at KMID who moved on to Hollywood to pursue a successful acting career: Edward Platt.

[@stephenwilliamson1522]

I was raised in Midland Texas I would love to someone to go down Main Street they consider mean all the new modern buildings on the outside of Main Street and no one ever shows Main Street

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Australia.

[@jonathonhansen6005]

Another excellent video Lord Spoda.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Jonathon. :)

[@davidalcala5249]

Welcome to Midland! You forgot to mention the book/movie “Friday Night Lights”. Safe travels!

[@WhiteNucklin]

I love that you keep commenting on the wind. Haha welcome to Midland

[@colleenhouse7869]

Yes the wind can be a factor, maybe that's why George W is like he is wwhhaa

[@then8ivepatriot]

First off, great video! Second, I'm a student at Texas Tech about to finish my last year and basically, wherever I can find a job after graduation, I'll move. Been looking at Midland, staying in Lubbock or maybe Amarillo. Long story short, I lived in bigger cities like Albuquerque, Phoenix, San Diego and Los Angeles. I like the appeal of these smaller cities. Yeah they might not be the most fun, exciting or pretty but they're so much more affordable (yeah, I know midland is the most expensive of the 3) and there's no traffic! Anywho, thanks for the video!

[@sclm046]

Enjoyed your guided tour of Midland! From the 1970s to about 2018 my wife and I made numerous visits "clear across Texas" to visit Odessa. Many of my wife's family members lived there. Occasionally we would get off of Interstate 20 and drive through Midland. Quite a difference between the two cities.

[@chrishaas3160]

Very interesting . Another great tour.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Chris!!

[@rickystriglio]

I actually live near Midland and downtown is pretty nice but gets boring quickly. You should've traveled down wadley ave. And midkiff ave. A lot of business there and beautiful homes.