27 minute read
Visitor Guide
You will find characters of every kind in the downtown cultural district, home to the largest public collection of storybook characters. With 25 sculptures (and counting), these characters brand Abilene as the Official Storybook Capital of America.
Picture yourself with the six iconic Dr. Seuss sculptures; make friends with William Joyce’s “Guardians of Childhood”; search for Walter Wick’s beloved character, Seymour; and fall in love with David Shannon’s, "David & Fergus."
Come back year after year and watch our treasured collection grow. The annual Children’s Art and Literacy Festival is a three-day family friendly event celebrating art, children and literacy and transforms downtown into a magical storybook land. During the event new sculptures are unveiled each year. It’s a must see! © Steve Butman Photography
Visit Abilene and know you’ll live happily ever after.
Frontier Texas! 625 N. 1st St. 325-437-2800 Experience the big picture of the Texas frontier as the story comes to life in this multimedia facility. Frontier Texas! is one of only a few museums in the world featuring life-sized holographic figures. Visitors can meet — at least figuratively— some of the real people who lived and died on the Texas frontier. See the "Guns of the West" exhibit featuring a large collection of historic firearms. The Abilene and Forts Trail Visitor Center, located inside Frontier Texas!, offers free information and the General Store features Texas-themed gifts. Mon. - Sat., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun., 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day $10-Adults; $7-Ages 60+ and Military; $6-Students and Teachers; $5-Ages 3 to 12; Free-Ages 2 & younger
Abilene Zoo 2070 Zoo Ln. 325-676-6085 The outstanding Abilene Zoo boasts more than 1,000 animals of 250 species.
n Animals include: giraffes, lions, a black rhino, monkeys, bears, reptiles, birds and amphibians n Educational children programs, camps and the Zoo Store.
n Exhibits to take in: Giraffe Safari, the Wetlands Boardwalk, Reptile House, Elm Creek Backyard and Caribbean Cove.
n Safari Express Train, Wildlife Carousel, Swan Paddle Boats and the Watering Hole concession stand. Mon. - Sun., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gates close at 4 p.m. Thursdays in June, July, August: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day $8-Ages 13 to 59; $7-Ages 60+; $5.50-Ages 3 to 12
Located in the heart of downtown in a historic building, The Grace is an American-Alliance of Museums accredited museum. Featuring the best of Texas art, past and present. The Children’s Museum offers hands-on learning activities. The Grace offers a variety of educational programs for all ages and builds connections through experiences in art, science and history. This versatile facility can be rented for special events. © The Grace Museum
Tues.- Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Thursday, closes at 8 p.m.) Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays $6-Adults; $3-Senior Citizen, Students, Non-Active Duty Military; Free-Ages 3 and younger; Free-Active Duty Military and their families; Free-Thursday, 5-8 p.m.
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature n 102 Cedar St. n 325-673-4586
The NCCIL celebrates the artistic achievements of children’s book illustrators through exhibits of their original artwork. Educational programming is designed to stimulate creativity, promote literacy and increase appreciation for the arts. With the opening of each exhibit, the museum offers gallery artist talks and special events.
© Steve Butman Photography
Free activities for children each Saturday. For exact dates visit: www.abilenevisitors.com/calendar Tues. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Free Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays
Experience World War II through the eyes of the12th Armored Division “Hellcats” as you explore the three floors of this remarkable museum. Artifacts, photographs, oral histories, vehicles, weapons, uniforms, dioramas and a Holocaust
memorial bring the story to life and honor the sacrifice of the great men and women who comprised the12th. The Hellcat PX gift shop offers books, t-shirts, collectibles and children’s toys.
Tues. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Last ticket sales at 4 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays
$3-Ages 7 to 12 Free-Children 6 or younger and WWII veterans
The Center for Contemporary Arts 220 Cypress St. n 325-677-8389
The Center has five galleries featuring original, contemporary art by local and other Texas artists working in a variety of media, as well as a photo gallery that exhibits work by local, national and international photographers.
The Center is home to more than 60 artist members and 10 working studios and also hosts ArtWalk, a celebration of the visual and performing arts, the second Thursday of each month, 5 to 8 p.m.
Tues. - Sat., 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thurs., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Free Closed Sunday, Monday, and major holidays
Paramount Theatre 352 Cypress St. 325-676-9620 This fully restored 1930s theatre features two grand staircases, hand-blown glass chandeliers and Pueblo-Deco artwork ceilings. The 1,200-seat auditorium has twin-domed turrets and a velvet blue ceiling with drifting clouds and twinkling stars. Abilene’s landmark theatre is home to:
Concerts, live theater and touring shows
Classic, art house and special event films
24fps International Short Film Festival
Free self-guided tours during operating hours.
Dyess Air Force Base Memorial Center Museum & Linear Park Abilene is proud to serve as home to DAFB, housing the 7th Bomb Wing with two B-1B Lancer squadrons and the 317th Airlift Group with two C-130 squadrons. The museum features many exciting artifacts regarding the life of Lt. Col. Dyess and the history of Dyess Air Force Base and Abilene Army Airfield. The Air Park has 34 US Air Force and Army Air Corps historic aircraft on static display along a linear path that will take you through SAC aircraft, cargo planes, fighters and more.
Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Closed holidays Free admission Air park tours: 325-696-2863 Memorial Center Museum & Park: 325-793-2199
Taylor County History Center 133 William St. Buffalo Gap,TX 325-572-3365 Explore the West Texas frontier from 1875 to 1925:
Rich collection of Native American artifacts & frontier firearms More than 20 historic frontier buildings Gallery with historic maps and art by area artists Interactive audio tours Rental Facilities: Chapel, meeting rooms and reception space and two historically restored guesthouses, and a courthouse Go wild ...
Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Last tour begins at 4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day $7-Adults; $6-Ages 65+ & Military; $4-Grades K-12 & college students with ID; Free-Ages 5 & younger *Hours and pricing subject to change.
PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center 4541 Loop 322 325-690-5555 Open Daily! PrimeTime, your source of family fun, features:
24 bowling lanes Laser tag X-D theater Escape Game Bumper cars Café Indoor soccer field
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80+ arcade games
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36-hole miniature golf Electric go-karts Batting cages Billiards Meeting/Party rooms Indoor softplay
Fort Phantom Hill 10818 FM 600 325-677-1309 Visit the ruins of this 1851 Army post. As you walk among the dozen chimneys and three buildings, you can almost hear the soldiers going about their daily routines. An interpretive center and restrooms are on-site. To explore the ruins, from I-20, go north on FM 600 (West Lake Rd.) for approximately 11 miles. Open daily from dawn to dusk. Free
This scenic park covers 1,612 acres along Elm Creek. Once a resting place for the Comanche Indians, visitors now find:
Modern camping and recreational facilities with hiking, biking & nature trails Picnic sites, outdoor games and playground
© Texas Parks & Wildlife
Large swimming pool and children’s pool - open Memorial Day to Mid-August (Wed. - Sun., 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. & 4 - 7 p.m.) *Hours subject to change. Kayaking and canoeing at Lake Abilene
The park features 39 wheeled camper/tent sites; 35 group trailer sites; 12 water only tent sites; 3 full hook-ups; 5 screened shelters; 2 air conditioned recreation halls; 6 yurts; and a dump station. $5-Ages 13 & over; Free-Ages 12 & younger Campsites and RV fees vary by site selected.
Day 1: Begin an Abilene tour at Frontier Texas!, home to the Forts Trail Visitor Center. Frontier Texas! is one of the few storytelling museums in the world featuring life-sized holograms who tell the real tales of the Texas frontier.
Continue at the Grace Museum, a beautifully restored 1909 hotel housing three distinct museums under-one-roof. Stroll to the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. The NCCIL exhibits work by premier children’s book authors and award-winning illustrators.
Next, scout out local characters. Abilene is home to the largest public collection of storybook sculptures, giving the city bragging rights as the Official Storybook Capital of America. ®
For lunch, grab a bite at The Beehive, Cypress Street Station, Bogie’s, The Local, Vagabond or many other downtown options. After lunch, see artists in action at The Center for Contemporary Arts. Catch a star with a self-guided tour of the Paramount Theatre. Reflect on WWII at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum. Before leaving downtown, treat yourself to a hand-crafted chocolate at Candies by Vletas. Buy a unique Texas gift at Texas Star Trading Company. Find local flavor at abilenevisitors.com Day 2: Abilene’s “mane” attraction can be found at the Abilene Zoo. Ride the Safari Express Train and see more than 1,000 animals of 250 species. Drive south to Taylor County History Center for the story of the West Texas frontier from 1875 to 1925. Top off your time in Buffalo Gap at Perini Ranch Steakhouse, a true destination restaurant serving a real Texas experience (reservations strongly suggested).
For more itineraries visit: abilenevisitors.com
ARTS Abilene Ballet Theatre 325-675-0303 Abilene Community Band 325-695-2422 Abilene Cultural Affairs Council 325-677-1161 Abilene Music Teachers Association 325-673-0197 Abilene Philharmonic 325-677-6710 Abilene Opera Association 325-676-7372 Chorus Abilene 325-673-7464 Elks Art Center - Abilene Preservation League 325-676-3775
BIKING - MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL Buck Creek Trails 325-677-2453 Abilene Bike Club membership is required to access the trails: $30 per year per family. Visit Biketown, 1789 Industrial Blvd., for directions.
BILLIARDS Billiards Plus 5495 S. 7th St. 325-698-5495 Breakers Sports Bar 1874 S. Clack St. 325-692-2980 Primetime Family Entertainment 4541 Loop 322 325-690-5555 BIRD WATCHING AND NATURE TRAILS Abilene State Park 150 Park Rd. 32 325-572-3204 Tuscola, TX Lake Kirby Nature Trail 5650 Maple St. 979-324-4960 BOWLING Abilene Bowling Lanes 279 Ruidosa Ave. #A 325-692-5100 Dyess Lanes Dyess AFB 325-696-4166 PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center 4541 Loop 322 325-690-5555 DISC GOLF Cal Young Park 950 T & P Ln. 325-676-6217 Johnson Park 273 Johnson Rd. 325-676-6217 Wildcat Disc Golf Course Cedar Crest & E.N. 10th 325-674-2016 Will Hair Park 101 Ambler Ave. 325-676-6217
GOLF Public: Diamondback 1510 E. Industrial Blvd. 325-690-9190 Maxwell Municipal 1002 S. 32nd St. 325-692-2737 Mesquite Grove Dyess Air Force Base 325-696-4384 Mulligans Golf, Grill & Bar 1166 Ben Richey Dr. 325-691-0909 Private: Abilene Country Club North Club Course 4039 S. TreadawayBlvd. 325-692-2583 South Club Course 34 Fairway Oaks Blvd. 325-695-1800
GO-KARTS PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center 4541 Loop 322 325-690-5555
HORSEBACK RIDING Shockey Stables 1049 CR 337 325-690-0585 Trail rides, riding lessons, boarding & summer camps. Appointment only.
MINIATURE GOLF Play Faire Park 2300 N. 2nd St. 325-672-2977 Play Faire is one of the oldest continuous operating miniature golf courses in Texas, having served the area since 1947. PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center 4541 Loop 322 325-690-5555 Putt Putt 201 S. Danville Dr. 325-692-7596
MOTORSPORTS Abilene Speedway 6825 W. Hwy 80 325-603-2704 Big Country Raceway 5601 W. Stamford St. 325-721-2021 Mesquite Hills MX Park 8150 E. Hwy. 80 325-691-9036
MOVIES Century 12 Theaters 3818 John Knox Dr. 325-793-9292 Cinemark XD 672 E. Overland Trl. 325-670-0097 Paramount Theatre 352 Cypress St. 325-676-9620 Premiere Lux Cine 10 Mall of Abilene, 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. 325-695-2122 Town & Country Drive-In 2902 Vogel St. 325-677-9899
SHOPPING CENTERS, MALLS & MORE Abilene Village 3500 S. Clack & Curry Ln. Chimney Plaza S. 27th & S. Willis St. Crossroads 4102 Buffalo Gap Rd. Mall of Abilene 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. Plaza at Park Central 4150 Southwest Dr. River Oaks 3301 S. 14th St. Shops at Abilene 3517 Catclaw Dr. Shops at Abilene Village 3550 S. Clack St. Woodhaven 4700 S. 14th St. For antique and historic downtown shopping guides visit: www.abilenevisitors.com/Things-to-Do
SKATING Oscar Rose Skate Park 2609 Oscar Rose Park Primal Skate Park 200 Kirkwood St. 325-829-4429 The Skatin’ Place 1930 S. Clack St. 325-695-4713 TENNIS Public: Rose Park Tennis Center 810 Portland Ave. 325-676-6292 Private: Abilene Country Club
Main Court 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd. 325-692-2583
THEATRE (LIVE & DINNER) Abilene Community Theatre 809 Barrow St. 325-673-6271 Amy Graves Ryan Little Theatre, McMurry University 1642 Sayles Blvd. 325-793-3889 Ball Ranch, 525 S. Hwy. 83/84 325-698-2186 Chuckwagon dinner & western show Paramount Theatre 352 Cypress St. 325-676-9620 Sewell Theatre and Williams Performing Arts Center Abilene Christian University, 1600 Campus Ct. 325-674-2787 Van Ellis Theatre Hardin-Simmons University 2200 Hickory St. 325-670-1405
TRAMPOLINE & OBSTACLE PARK Maxx Air 949 S. Judge Ely Blvd. 325-704-2547 FISHING Fort Phantom Hill Lake 10818 FM 600 325-677-1309 Johnson Park 273 Johnson Rd. 325-676-3217 Lake Abilene 150 Park Rd. 32, Tuscola 325-692-0921
Airport - Airlines: The Abilene Regional Airport is serviced by American Airlines offering 7 arrivals and departures daily. Find flights at iflyabi.com.
Auto Rental: Arrow Ford 325-692-9500 Avis 325-677-9240 Budget 325-677-7777 Enterprise 325-670-0194 Hertz 325-673-6774
Bus Service: CityLink 325-676-6287 Greyhound 325-677-8127
Taxi, Limo, Shuttle Service, & Ride Sharing Apps: ABI Taxi 325-721-8244 Black Tie Limo 325-701-7011 City and Rural Rides 325-625-4491 Serving the counties of: Brown, Callahan, Coleman, Comanche, Eastland, Erath, Nolan, Runnels, Shackelford, Stephens, rural Taylor Classic Cab Inc. 325-677-8294 Longhorn Limo 325-677-5466 Lyft App Store/Google Play RoadRunner Taxi 325-232-3295 Uber App Store/Google Play VIP Sports Getaway 325-676-1199
Abilene Convention Center 1100 N. 6th St. n 325-676-6211
Book your next event at this outstanding cultural complex!
Auditorium: 2,091 plush continental seats, full stage, complete lighting and sound systems © Steve Butman Photography
Foyer: 9,000 sq. ft. - serves as reception or registration area, exhibition hall or 550-seat banquet hall Exhibit Hall: 20,000 sq. ft. - seats up to 2,000 for meetings, banquets or accommodates 100 (10’ x 10’) exhibit booths Conference Center: 13,400 sq. ft. - seats 1,000 as a banquet hall, 200-500 capacity can be divided into two or four rooms Eight additional meeting rooms and VIP room
Dodge Jones Youth Sports Center 1042 Loop 322 325-692-2972 A state-of-the-art, 55,500 sq. ft., multipurpose indoor sports complex with 4 regulation size basketball courts and 8 regulation volleyball courts. Other amenities: n Audio/visual technology
Multipurpose room for meetings Professional hardwood court flooring Automated swing-down equipment and draping Concessions, dining and pro-shop areas
Taylor County Expo Center 1700 Hwy. 36 n 325-677-4376 One of the most outstanding equestrian centers in the Southwest hosts concerts, livestock and farm shows, and conventions. n Coliseum: 30,000 sq. ft. exhibit area with 5,000 seats
Horse barn: 24,000 sq. ft. arena with 1,800 seats Covered outdoor arena: 45,000 sq. ft. with 2,000 seats Covered horse stalls: 968 including wash rack areas Entertainment pavilion: 1,000 seats
ASIAN Hashi Teppan Grill 3388 Rebecca Ln. 325-704-5388 1020 Morrow Ln. 325-704-4229 Szechuan Chinese 3425 S. 1st St. 325-673-9100 COFFEE-DELIS-BAKERIES-DESSERTS 1708’ Coffee Lounge 421 Pine St. 325-201-7881 AM Donuts & Croissants 202 S. Willis St. 325-677-9878 Becker’s Loft 244 Pine St. 325-673-1309 Bogie’s Deli 241 Cypress St. 325-672-3296 Candies by Vletas 1201 N. 1st St. 325-673-2005 Creative Cakes 3388 N. 1st St. 325-672-8600 Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins 2901 S. 14th St. 325-261-4918 Firehouse Subs 3858 Ridgemont Dr. 325-695-5700 Frios Gourmet Pops 6442 Buffalo Gap Rd. 806-224-3484 The Flipping Egg 4138 Ridgemont Dr. 325-232-7840 The Gap Café 2709 FM 89, Buffalo Gap 325-572-3334 Hickory St. Cafe 644 Hickory St. 325-675-0465 Jason’s Deli 3490 Catclaw Dr. 325-692-1975 Jason’s Deli North 1772 Hwy. 351 325-672-4232 Life of Pie Bistro 3386 Rebecca Ln. 325-232-8042 Monks Coffee Shop 233 Cypress St. 325-437-2984 Nothing Bundt Cakes 3810 Buffalo Gap Rd. 325-232-8550 Shipley Do-Nuts 4001 Buffalo Gap Rd. 254-366-7011 Smoothie King 3115 S. 14th St. 325-704-5555 Texas Doughboys Facebook:texasdoughboys 325-669-9961 MEXICAN Abuelo’s 4782 S. 14th St. 325-692-4776 Casa Herrera 4109 Ridgemont Dr. 325-692-7065 El Chico 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. 325-695-2875 Farolito Restaurant 209 Cottonwood 325-672-0002 The Local 250 Cypress St. 325-232-6463 Los Arcos 1902 Ambler Ave. 325-670-9801 Miguel’s Mex-Tex Café 3001 S. Danville Dr. 325-698-8100 Rosa’s Café 3333 Catclaw Dr. 325-692-6569 1026 N. Judge Ely Blvd. 325-675-6520 TaMolly’s 4400 Ridgemont Dr. 325-698-2000 STEAK-SEAFOOD-BARBECUE Al’s Mesquite Grill 4801 Buffalo Gap Rd. 325-692-4797 Ball Ranch 525 S. US Hwy. 83 325-698-2186 Betty Rose’s Little Brisket 2588 E. Lake Rd. 325-672-3500 3934 Catclaw 325-698-8000 Copper Creek 4401 Loop 322 325-692-4424 Deutschlander Freshwater 502 Houston St. Catfish Co. Buffalo Gap, TX 325-572-3486 Jay’s BBQ Shack 602 S. 11th St. 325-829-6401 Joe Allen’s Pit Barbecue 301 S. 11th St. 325-672-6082 Lytle Land & Cattle Co. 1150 E.S. 11th St. 325-677-1925 Perini Ranch Steakhouse 3002 Hwy. 89 325-572-3339 Sharon’s Barbecue & Catering 849 E. Hwy. 80 325-672-3330 2050 Antilley Rd. 325-704-4352 Texas Roadhouse 1381 S. Danville Dr. 325-690-0145 The Shed Market 6382 Buffalo Gap Rd. 325-692-7433
VARIETY Beehive Restaurant & Saloon 442 Cedar St. 325-675-0600 The Bistro-Courtyard Mall 4350 Ridgemont Dr. 325-695-9600 The Bistro-TownePlace 2141 Scottish Rd. 325-673-0400 Blue Sky Texas 3602 Catclaw Dr. 325-704-2563 Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill 4401 Ridgemont Dr. 325-695-9464 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen 3502 S. Clack St. 325-793-7106 Chili’s Grill & Bar 4302 S. Clack St. 325-698-1660 Chili’s Grill & Bar North 1702 Hwy. 351 325-672-1424 Cotton Patch Café 3302 S. Clack St. 325-691-0509 Cypress St. Station 158 Cypress St. 325-676-3463 Golden Corral 4357 S. Danville Dr. 325-692-4592 Garden Grill & Bar-Hilton 4449 Ridgemont Dr. 325-690-6432 Grumps Burgers 3533 N. 1st St. 325-232-6753 Let’s Eat 840 E. Hwy. 80 325-677-8100 Maxx’s Bar & Grill - Holiday Inn 3525 W. Lake Rd. 325-673-1400 The Mill Wine Bar 239 Locust St. 325-788-0360 Mulligans Bar & Grill 1166 Ben Richey Dr. 325-691-0909 R Sports Bar & Grill 721 S. 1st St. 325-437-9892 Remington’s-MCM Eleganté 4250 Ridgemont Dr. 325-698-1234 Taylor County Taphouse 4002 Catclaw Dr. 325-704-2500
FAST FOOD Arby’s 125 S. Pioneer Dr. 325-695-4491 Chick-fil-A 3130 S. Clack St. 325-691-0414 Dairy Queen 1626 Hwy. 351 325-677-0406 942 N. Mockingbird Ln. 325-673-0896 5110 Hwy. 277 S. 325-695-0332 McDonald’s 4302 Buffalo Gap Rd. 325-695-2616 1201 N. Judge Ely Blvd. 325-672-1271 3602 N. 1st St. 325-673-6564 3147 S. 14th St. 325-691-5902 PrimeTime Café 4541 Loop 322 325-690-5555 Raising Cane’s 1602 E. Overland Trl. 325-670-9941 3218 S. Clack St. 325-691-8855 Schlotzsky’s Deli/Cinnabon Exp. 1018 N. Judge Ely Blvd. 325-672-9500 4518 S. 14th St. 325-695-2021 Subway 1650 Hwy. 351 325-675-8818 Taco Bell 4165 S. Danville Dr. 325-695-4900 Taco Casa 1402 E. Overland Tr. 325-676-8226 6517 Buffalo Gap Rd. 325-232-6061
FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE OR TAKE-OUT ONLY Menu Runners menurunners.com
MOBILE FOOD VENDORS 5-C Smokehouse 325-864-4999 5csmokehouse.com The Sweet & Savory Side 325-267-7471 Facebook: The Sweet & Savory Side The Toasted Traveler 970-901-3473 abilenefoodtruck.com
ITALIAN Black Box Pizza 4001 John Knox Dr. 325-692-5555 Bosses Pizza 2801 S. 1st St. 325-704-4242 Ci Ci’s Pizza 3366 Turner Plaza Dr. 325-692-1660 Gatti’s Pizza 2665 Buffalo Gap Rd. 325-692-6326 Little Italy 620 Ambler Ave. 325-672-7715 Vagabond Pizza 1056 N. 2nd St. 325-268-4321
JANUARY • Martin Luther King Dinner • West Texas Rehab Telethon FEBRUARY • West Texas Sports-Fitness Expo • DRI Celebrity Ultimate Hunt • Texas Farm-Ranch-Wildlife Expo MARCH • Rattlesnake Round-up Sweetwater Texas • Outlaws & Legends Music Fest APRIL • Central Texas Gem & Mineral • Jewelry Show MAY • Cinco de Mayo Celebration • Western Heritage Classic Ranch Rodeo JUNE • Stars Over Abilene Regional Quilt Show • Children’s Art and Literacy Festival - C.A.L.F. Festival Featuring Loren Long in 2020.
JULY • Freedom Festival & Parade SEPTEMBER • Chili Super Bowl • West Texas Fair & Rodeo • Big Country Balloon Fest OCTOBER • West Texas Book Festival NOVEMBER • 24fps International Short Film Festival • Junior League Christmas Carousel • Christmas in November • “The Nutcracker” - Classic Ballet DECEMBER • Winter Lightfest • City Sidewalks - Holiday fun complete with shopping, parade and community tree lighting. • Christmas Lane
For a complete listing of events, visit our website or download the MyABI Mobile App: abilenevisitors.com/calendar
Places to Stay
UPSCALE Courtyard Marriott Mall South 4350 Ridgemont Dr. - 325-695-9600 - 800-321-2211 Courtyard Marriott Northeast 2141 Scottish Rd. - 325-673-0400 - 800-627-7468 Hilton Garden Inn 4449 Ridgemont Dr. - 325-690-6432 - 877-782-9444 Home2 Suites by Hilton 2109 Scottish Rd. - 325-677-1100 - 877-6Home02 MCM Eleganté Suites 4250 Ridgemont Dr. - 325-698-1234 - 888-897-9644 Residence Inn by Marriott 1641 Musgrave Blvd. - 325-677-8700 - 800-331-3131 TownePlace Suites Northeast 2141 Scottish Rd. - 325-673-0400 - 800-627-7468 UPPER MIDSCALE
Comfort Inn & Suites Regional Medical Center 6350 Directors Pkwy. - 325-232-8801 - 800-4Choice Hampton Inn 3917 Ridgemont Dr. - 325-695-0044 - 800-426-7866 Hampton Inn & Suites 3526 West Lake Rd.- 325-673-4400 - 800-426-7866 Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites I-20 1802 E. Overland Trail - 325-675-9800 - 800-Holiday Holiday Inn Abilene N. College Area 3525 W. Lake Rd. - 325-673-1400 - 800-Holiday Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Mall South 3112 S. Clack St. - 325-695-0500 - 800-Holiday
# of Rooms Restaurant Lounge Airport Shuttle Pool Kitchenettes Handicap Accessible Pet Friendly WiFi Continental Breakfast Hot Breakfast Chamber Member
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$109 - $199 Heated pool, daily happy hour 5 to 7 p.m. $104 - $199 Top shelf bar and grill available nightly
$109 - $159 Heated pool, kitchenettes in all rooms $104 - $349 Free beverages nightly, breakfast buffet with cooked-to-order eggs
$89 - $299 Reception 3 nights per week, full kitchens in all suites $104 - $199 Full kitchens in suites, complimentary breakfast, heated pool, daily happy hour 5 to 7 p.m.
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Best Western Abilene Inn & Suites 350 W. Overland Tr. - 325-672-5501 - 866-672-5501 Days Inn by Wyndham 3950 Ridgemont Dr. - 325-695-1262 - 800-346-1574 Candlewood Suites 3050 Catclaw Dr.- 325-437-4741 - 877-660-8543
Comfort Suites 3225 S. Danville Dr. - 325-437-1525 - 800-4Choice Comfort Suites University 1902 E Overland Trail - 325-672-0338- 800-4Choice Fairfield Inn & Suites 3902 Turner Plaza Dr. - 325-695-2448 - 800-228-2800 La Quinta Inn 3501 West Lake Rd. - 325-676-1676 - 800-531-5900 La Quinta Inn & Suites Mall 3018 Catclaw Dr. - 325-437-4832 - 800-531-5900 Quality Inn 1758 E. Overland Tr. - 325-676-0203 - 800-228-5150 Sleep Inn & Suites University 250 Killough Cove - 325-437-9601 - 877-424-6423 Big Country Hotel & Suites 3010 Catclaw Dr. - 325-690-6400 - 800-228-1000
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Places to Stay
ECONOMY/EXTENDED STAY
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites - Abilene Mall 3165 S. Danville Dr. - 325-795-8500 Antilley Inn, 6550 Hwy. 83 325-695-3330 - 800-959-1001 Emerald Inn Expo, 840 E. Hwy. 80 325-677-8100 - 800-880-7666 Kiva Hotel 5203 S. 1st St. - 325-795-8888 Motel 6, 4951 W. Stamford St. 325-672-8462 - 800-466-8356 Motel 6 East, 1702 E. Overland Trl. 325-672-6433- 800-466-8356 Royal Inn, 5695 South 1st St. 325-692-3022 - 800-588-4Fun Super 8 North, 1525 E. Stamford St. 325-673-5251 - 800-454-3213 Super 8 South, 4397 Sayles Blvd. 325-701-4779 - 800-454-3213 The Inn & Suites at 34 Fifty 3450 Clack St. - 325-695-7700 WoodSpring Suites, 4266 Oil Belt Ln. 325-232-8710 Whitten Inn University, 1625 Hwy. 351 325-673-5271 - 800-588-5050 LUXURY GUESTHOUSES
# of Rooms Restaurant Lounge Airport Shuttle Pool Kitchenettes Handicap Accessible Pet Friendly WiFi Continental Breakfast Hot Breakfast Chamber Member
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• • • • $60 - $90 • • • $40 - $110 • • • • $50 - $99 • • • • $50 - $85 • • • • $40 - $75 • • • $55 - $99 • • $45 - $80 • • • • • $55 - $90 • • • • $65 - $159 • • • • • • $63 - $85 • • • • Daily: $55 & up Weekly: $309 & up • • • • • $69 - $159
Sayles Ranch Guesthouses - 325-669-6856; An enclave of beautifully decorated houses located in one of Abilene’s historic districts. > Downton Abbey, 1511 Yeomans Rd. - 2 bedroom, 2 bath - $295/Sleeps 4 > Mad Men, 1509 Yeomans Rd. - 2 bedroom, 2 bath - $295/Sleeps 4 > Cottage Clare, 942 Amarillo St. - 3 bedroom, 2 bath - $495/Sleeps 6 > The Hay Loft, 1918 S. 9th St. - 2 bedroom, 1 bath - $295/Sleeps 4 > The Dance Hall, 1918 S. 9th St. - 2 bedroom, 1 bath - $295/Sleeps 4 > Hide-Out, 1002 Amarillo St. - 1 bedroom, 1 bath cabin - $195/Sleeps 2 > Falling Star Lodge, 1002 Amarillo St. - 3 bedroom, 2 bath - $495/Sleeps 6 > Sayles Ranch, 1001 Sayles Blvd. - 4 bedroom, 2 bath, bunkhouse & pool - $595/Sleeps 10 Eleven09, A Fine Guest Experience, 1109 Highland Ave. - 806-438-0086 - A family friendly, curated historic cottage vacation rental. 4 bedrooms. 1 King, 1 Queen and 1 room with 2 Twins. Upstairs apartment featuring a King bed, sofa bed, kitchenette and full bath. Main house features kitchen, dining room, washer/dryer, WIFI and cable. $450/Sleeps 10 Ten33 House -- An Authentic Texas Experience, 1033 Highland Ave. - 806-438-0086 - Walk into a Texas treasure, blending design elements from Abilene’s early days with modern luxury appointments. 3 bedrooms, 1 king bed, 1 queen, 2 twins, sofa/aero bed and 2 bath. $350/Sleeps 8 Perini Ranch Guest Houses, 1-800-367-1721; With relaxing, rustic scenery and natural wildlife viewing, The Guest Quarters are the ideal respite for anyone traveling for either relaxation or business. Featuring a two bedroom Main House and a one bedroom Camp House. BED & BREAKFAST
Cedar Cottage Bed & Breakfast, 1618 Cedar Crest Dr. - 325-261-3175 - Private apartment includes a queen-size bed with pillow-top mattress, sitting area, private kitchen, living area, bathroom with slate shower, flat screen TV with cable. $150 Single/Double Lazy Cactus Bed & Breakfast, 400 Riverside Blvd. - 325-665-3532 - This separate guest house sits between the 1937 rock home and Elm Creek. It is surrounded by gardens and is a bird sanctuary. $135 Single/Double RV/CAMPING
Abilene State Park, 150 Park Road 32 - Tuscola, TX - 325-572-3204 - Reservations: 512-389-8900 - 37 wheeled camper/tent sites; 35 group trailer sites; 12 water only tent sites; 3 full hook-ups; 5 screened shelters; 2 air conditioned recreation halls; 6 yurts ; dump station Abilene KOA Kampground, I-20 @ Exit 282 - 4851 W. Stamford St. - 325-672-3681 - Full hook-ups, pull-thrus/back-ins, tents, cabins, pool, WiFi, digital cable, laundry, store, security Abilene RV Park, 6195 E. I-20 @ Exit 292-B - 325-672-2212 - Full hook-ups 30/50 amps, pull-thrus/back-ins, WiFi, laundry/shower house, club house with kitchen, pool
Buck Creek RV Park, I-20 @ Exit 294 - 12445 Buck Creek Rd. - 325-672-2825 - Full hook-ups, laundry, bathroom with shower Lake Ft. Phantom, 325-676-6217 - Johnson Park (five sites) and Seabee Park (four sites) Primitive camping; no fee or reservations (48-hour limit) Tye RV Park, I-20 at Exit 278 - 441 N. Access Rd. # A - 325-691-0398 - Full hook-ups, pull-thrus, laundry, and lake Whistle Stop RV Resort, 695 E. Stamford St. - 325-704-5252 - Full hook-ups, pull through, pull in and back in sites, large clubhouse, store, WiFi, swimming pool, playground, tv/cable, bath and laundry facilities, horse stalls, dog park and lighted pickleball courts Jim Ned Creek RV, 200 Sayles Ave. -Tuscola, TX - 325-232-3232 - Spaces covered on 40'x24' concrete pads, 30/50 amp service, sewer and water hook-ups A listing in this guide does not equal a recommendation. All rates subject to change.
Miscellaneous: Area Code: 325 Elevation: 1,719 feet City Size: 112 sq. miles Estimated Population: 122,999 County: Taylor
Age Groups: 0-21 30% 21-44 36% 45-64 20% 65+ 14%
# of Households: 46,225
Median Age: 32.2
Averages: Annual Rainfall: 24.4 in. Relative Humidity: 64.5% Coldest Month: January, 30.8° Hottest Month: July, 95.2° Average Wind Speed: 11.9 mph
Economy: Travel Trade $ 498.0 million Dyess AFB $ 448.0 million Agriculture: Farm Products $ 472.0 million Livestock $ 539.0 million Oil & Gas (District 7-B) $ 1.22 billion Retail Sales $ 1.83 billion Hospitals: Abilene Regional Medical Center 325-428-1000 Hendrick Health System 325-670-2000 Hendrick Health System South Abilene 325-307-6351 HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 325-691-1600
Higher Education: Abilene Christian University 325-674-2000 Cisco College - Abilene Campus 325-794-4400 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ., DAFB 325-692-2007 Hardin-Simmons University 325-670-1000 McMurry University 325-793-3800 Patty Hanks Shelton School of Nursing 325-671-2399 Texas State Technical College 325-672-7091 Texas Tech Univ. - Health Sciences Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences 325-696-0476 School of Nursing 325-676-0500 School of Pharmacy 325-696-0474
Library: Abilene Public Library Main Branch, 202 Cedar St. 325-677-2474 South Branch, 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd. (Inside Mall of Abilene) 325-698-7565 Mockingbird Branch, 1214 N. Mockingbird Ln. 325-437-7323
Newcomer Information: Abilene Chamber of Commerce 325-677-7241
elcome to Abilene The Official Storybook Capital of Texas
Hotels / Motels 1. Americas Best Value Inn - Mall (D6) 2. Antilley Inn (E7) 3. Best Western Abilene Inn & Suites (F2) 4. Days Inn (E6) 5. Candlewood Suites (D6) 6. Comfort Inn & Suites RMC (E7) 7. Comfort Suites (D6) 8. Comfort Suites University (H3) 9. Courtyard Marriott Mall S. (E6) 10. Courtyard Marriott NE (H3) 11. Emerald Inn Expo (G4) 12. Fairfield Inn & Suites (E6) 13. Hampton Inn (E6) 14. Hampton Inn & Suites (F2) 15. Hilton Garden Inn (E6) 16. Holiday Inn Express I-20 (H3) 17. Holiday Inn Express S. (D6) 18. Holiday Inn North College (F2)
Hotels / Motels 19. Home2 Suites by Hilton (H3) 20. Kiva Hotel (D4) 21. La Quinta Inn (F2) 22. La Quinta Inn & Suites (D6) 23. MCM Eleganté Suites (E6) 24. Motel 6 (D3) 25. Motel 6 East (H3) 26. Quality Inn (H3) 27. Residence Inn (H3) 28. Royal Inn (C4) 29. Sleep Inn & Suites Univ. (F2) 30. Super 8 North (G3) 31. Super 8 South (E6) 32. The Inn & Suites at 34 Fifty (D6) 33. TownePlace Suites NE (H3) 34. Woodspring Suites (E6) 35. Whitten Inn University (H3) 36. Big Country Hotel & Suites (D6)
Guesthouses 37. Eleven09 Guest House (E5) 38. Sayles Ranch (E4) 39. Ten33 Guest House (E4) 40. Perini Ranch Guest Houses (D8)
Bed & Breakfast 41. Cedar Cottage (G3) 42. Lazy Cactus (D4)
