Taste of Country Mornings With Wood & Nicole

Summer in Midland-Odessa means triple-digit heat, but these local spots—from snow cones to nitrogen ice cream—offer sweet relief from the West Texas sun.

West Odessa is getting its first new middle school in over 40 years. The project, part of ECISD's 2023 bond initiative, aims to ease overcrowding and bring educational growth to the area. Set to open in 2026, the school marks a major milestone for the community.

If you’ve ever driven southwest of Odessa, Texas, you may have passed by one of the most fascinating natural landmarks in the Permian Basin: the Odessa Meteor Crater. Estimated to be over 63,000 years old, this site marks the impact of a meteor that left a lasting impression—literally. Now home to a museum and self-guided trail, the crater has become both a scientific point of interest and a roadside attraction worth exploring.

In Texas, it's technically legal for a parent, guardian, or spouse to take a minor to a bar—and even allow them to drink under supervision. But don’t grab your kid’s barstool just yet—most establishments still won’t allow minors through the door.

One lucky bidder is gonna end up with an anemometer used by storm chaser Reed Timmer that was damaged during a recent Texas tornado chase.

Pizza is more than a food—it’s a lifestyle. In Midland-Odessa, there’s no shortage of spots to grab a perfect slice. From the specialty creations at Palio’s Pizza Café to the stone-baked goodness at Cork & Pig Tavern, the 432 has something to satisfy every pizza lover’s craving.

Paramount Plus’s hit show Landman might take place in Midland-Odessa, but most of it is filmed in Fort Worth—though recent TikToks show crews finally bringing some scenes home to the Permian Basin.

Casey’s General Store is expanding into Texas, sparking comparisons to Buc-ee’s. But can a 5,000-square-foot Casey’s really rival the 70,000-square-foot Buc-ee’s experience? Texans aren’t so sure.

Thanks to the fans in Texas, this flavor is set to return.

Moving from San Antonio to Midland-Odessa brought some surprises—especially the sheer number of grocery store options. For someone used to H-E-B or Walmart, the Permian Basin's variety was totally unexpected.