How to Enjoy Abilene, Texas

You will find Abilene,Texas near the center of Texas just 150 miles west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.The spirit of the American west gallops in Abilene. In a century, Abilene has gone from a tent city to a cultural center and college town, but kept its Texas Frontier heritage intact. When you start planning a vacation, Abilene, Texas probably does not immediately come to mind. You know it is in Texas, out west somewhere. And it is. But taking a second look at Abilene as a vacation destination can be well worth it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comfortable shoes
• Map

Vacationing in Abilene

1. Stop first at Frontier Texas! This interactive museum also houses a regional visitor center. Frontier Texas! introduces you to the region's rich history. You will be entertained with tales “first-hand” from historical characters,experience a prairie thunderstorm and a buffalo stampede. Find Frontier Texas! in Downtown Abilene, 625 North 1st Street.

2. Feed Giraffes at the Abilene Zoo, a small zoo that allows visitors to get great views of the animals and their habitats. One of the residents is an elephant known for her abstract paintings. Find the zoo at Highway 36 & Loop 322.

3. Bite into a juicy steak at one of these locally owned spots. On the east side of town, try Sharon Riley’s Lytle Land & Cattle Company, Copper Creek, or Joe Allen’s Pit Barbecue.Try Perini Ranch in nearby Buffalo Gap. Other great eateries are Cypress Street Station or the Beehive Saloon in Abilene’s fabulous downtown.

4. Enjoy the Grace Museum, a restored 1909 hotel housing three museums. The Mallouf Boot Shop highlights the unique craft of custom cowboy boots, while the musical sculpture “Grace Notes” is a delight for all ages. Find it in downtown Abilene - 102 Cypress Street.

5. Visit the Paramount theater, a restored 1930s art deco movie theatre hosting classic films, ballet, opera, live musicals, and concerts. Find it in downtown Abilene at 352 Cypress Street.

6. Learn history at Buffalo Gap Historic Village. As you walk the grounds, learn the story of a new civilization on the western US frontier. Buffalo Gap is at 133 N. William St., Buffalo Gap, Texas.

7. Visit the WWII 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum. The 12th Armored proudly freed many concentration camp victims after the war.Find it in downtown Abilene at 1289 N. 2nd Street.