|
Abilene, Texas
Travel Guide
Region: Panhandle Plains
Founded by cattlemen as a railroad shipping
point and named for Abilene, Kansas, this city has a long history
as a cattle producing area. Cattle gave way to oil and today both
form the backbone of the economy.
The city is home to Abilene Christian,
Hardin-Simmons, and McMurry universities.
An historic downtown district, which
includes several renovated turn-of-the-century buildings and one
of the original Paramount Theaters, is home to several arts organizations,
galleries, and museums.
Travel News
Panhandle Plains regional travel news
Abilene Attractions
Abilene State Park. This 529-acre
park includes camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and hiking.
Tucked in a grove of large pecan trees, this site was once a campground
for Native Americans. 15 miles southwest of Abilene on Rt. 89.
Abilene Zoo. Especially noted
for its Discover Center, this 13-acre zoo in Nelson Park is filled
with more than 800 animals covering over 200 species, from fish
and birds to small mammals from the Southwestern US and Africa.
There's also a special wetlands exhibit. Open daily.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village.
This historic village contains 20 buildings from the region's frontier
days, including the Old Taylor County Courthouse, a country store,
a blacksmith shop, and a bank. A short video introduces you to some
area history. Located at 133 N. William Street, Buffalo Gap. From
Abilene, take FM 89 (Buffalo Gap Rd.) to Buffalo Gap, turn right
on Elm and continue two blocks to 133 North William.
Frontier Texas!
Grace Museum. Located across
the street from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the former Grace
Hotel (built in 1909) now houses a fine arts museum, an historical
museum for the town of Abilene, and a children's museum. Located
at 102 Cypress St.
12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.
Recalls the World War II history of this brave division. Located
at 1289 N. 2nd.
Center for Contemporary Arts.
Comprised of a group of working artists with studios that are open
to the public, this arts venue displays rotating monthly exhibits
in mediums ranging from painting to sculpture to photos. The Center
also hosts ArtWalk on the second Thursday of each month, held from
5 to 8:30pm downtown. Located at 220 Cypress St.
National Center for Children's Illustrated
Literature. This free, unique museum showcases the works of
the world's best children's book illustrators. Located at 102 Cedar.
Paramount Theater. One of the
original few remaining, self-guided tours of this historic theater
are available on weekday afternoons. Located at 352 Cypress.
Dining
Perini Ranch Steakhouse. This
must-visit restaurant, the product of cowboy gourmet Tom Perini,
is located 13 miles south of Abilene. Partly built of old wooden
railroad ties, with painted wood and brick floors and lots of windows
overlooking oak trees and rolling hills, the restaurant is part
of the well-known Perini Ranch and has received accolades from magazines
ranging from Southern Living to Texas Monthly, serving a clientele
that's included President George W. Bush, Fess Parker, and others.
Try the signature beef tenderloin, rubbed in spices and cooked to
order over mesquite served with a horseradish sauce. You may also
want to try the fried chicken or catfish or the bread pudding and
jalapeño cheesecake. Located in Buffalo Gap at 3002 FM 89.
Hotels
Hotels in the Abilene area
Map
View Larger Map
For More Information:
|
Corpus Christi
