Halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso, Midland rests just off of I-20, neighboring Odessa. Known for its booming energy industry, Midland also harbors a fierce dedication to high school football, partially inspiring both the film and television adaptations of “Friday Night Lights.”

There’s a charming downtown district to explore in Midland, with a fierce barbecue scene that’s true to the Texas style. Midland is also home to a variety of museums, including the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, the Museum of the Southwest, and the Odessa Meteor Crater and Museum. Residents of Midland, often referred to as Midlanders, relish spending time in nature at the nearby Big Bend National Park and the I-20 Wildlife Preserve. There is also a burgeoning arts scene in Midland, punctuated by Midland College’s McCormick Gallery, the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center, and the Midland-Odessa Symphony and Chorale.