Wink, city in Winkler County, Texas, United States
Wink is a small city in Winkler County covering about 1.2 square miles and sitting at an elevation over 2,700 feet (820 meters). The streets are mostly quiet with local shops and houses lining the roads, while the landscape around the city is flat and open, with few trees and mostly grassland that stretches to the horizon.
Wink was founded in 1926 following the discovery of oil in the nearby Hendrick Oilfield, which sparked rapid population growth and development. The original name was Winkler, but in the late 1920s it was shortened to Wink, and in 1928 the settlement gained official city status, though the oil boom began to decline through the 1930s.
Wink got its name from a shortening decision in the late 1920s when residents discovered the original name was already taken elsewhere. The city holds a connection to music history, as Roy Orbison spent his teenage years here performing with the Wink Westerners band at local dance halls and on radio, linking the town to early American music culture.
The best way to get around Wink is by car, as public transportation options are limited and most travel involves driving through local roads to nearby areas. The climate is hot and dry, with summer temperatures often rising above 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), so it is wise to bring plenty of water and wear light clothing when exploring the city.
Roy Orbison, who later became a famous rock and roll singer, spent his teenage years in Wink performing with the local band Wink Westerners. His time here included playing at local honky-tonks and radio performances in nearby Kermit, forming a formative part of his early musical development.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
