Abilene Texas Living

Great Activities for Kids in Abilene

admin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

If you’ve been looking for a great place to take the kids this summer, take another look at Abilene! If you don’t have home internet go to http://www.wildbluedeals.com/recovery-act-pro and get it quick so you can book a car or flight and get to this tiny haven of culture in the middle of Texas
Grace Cultural Center: This three story museum right in the heart of town has something for everyone, including the kids! The exhibits range from artistic to interactive and it’s a great way to spend one of those rare rainy days in Abilene.
Abilene Zoo: If your kids like animals, this is the place. Skip the crowded and overpriced Dallas Zoo and head straight to Abilene – it’s a small spot but there are tons of species and there’s a whole day of fun to be had here if you plan it out.
Town and Country Drive-In: Show your kids the movie era of yesteryear when you scrunch together as a family in the back of the SUV for a matinee. Drive in movies are quickly becoming a thing of the past but you’ve got to check one of the last classics out here.

How the Railroad Helped Build Abilene

admin — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Built by design as a result of the Texas & Pacific Railroad’s expansion efforts, Abilene Texas sprang up in the early 1880′s. From its beginning, Abilene was a successful railroad town becoming incorporated in 1882, and also becoming the county seat of Taylor County in the same year.

In the 1880′s the Texas & Pacific was pushing its way steadily through Texas. There was a desire for the line to extend west from Fort Worth deeper into Texas, but in order to do so, there had to be towns along the line to support the railroad with stock yards and businesses. So, in 1881 the T & P decided to build Abilene. The railroad sponsored an elaborate advertising campaign that culminated with a special train trip on March 14, 1881 to show off the future location of what it called “A Great Western City”. The next day, city lots were put up for sale and Abilene Texas was officially born.

Today, railroad tracks bisect Abilene, serving as a reminder of the town’s heritage, but what was once a railroad stop has become much more. With a population of 150,000, several universities, thriving businesses and an excellent educational system Abilene is a successful and modern Texas city.

Abilene, Texas–Gateway to the Wide Open West

admin — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Sate your appetite for history and culture while in Abilene, Texas; the gateway to the wide open west. Over 100,000 residences and visitors alike choose the destination because of the town’s historic and cultural appeal. You can attend one of the annual events or visit museums and music halls. Restaurants, shops and entertainment are situated in downtown Abilene.

Events that draw in travelers and locals alike include the Western Heritage Classic, the West Texas Fair and Rodeo. Both events celebrate Aniline-s rich history relating to oil, acres of ranches and railroads that allowed for transportation out to the old west. The Western Heritage Classic runs for three days in May and features events including the Ranch Rodeo; a major crowd drawer. Eleven area ranches make up the Ranch Rodeo. You can watch a parade march through downtown Abilene or take part in a chuck wagon cook off. The West Texas Fair and Rodeo, a 10-day September event, gives visitors the chance to ride rides and explore exhibits that tell of old, west Texas.

Add a a bit of culture while you’re exploring Abilene by attending one of the shows held at Paramount theater. The theater’s decorations of unique art and painted ceiling draw in visitors who watch classic movies, listen to concerts and see plays.

Cool Conventions Coming to Abilene, Texas

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Some very exciting events and conventions are coming to Abilene in the not so distant future. Here are some of them. From September 8th to 17th, 2011. The West Texas Fair and Rodeo hits the Taylor County Expo Center, 1700 Hwy.36. The event will feature a PCRA rodeo. A mid-way filled with nerve curling rides, varied events for children of all ages, and a horse and livestock show. An arts and crafts exhibit will also be on display. There will also be a wide array of food for purchase available.

From September 9th to 11th, 2011, The Peddler Show, hits the Abilene Civic Center.Want more? Click here/tag 1100 N. 6th Street, Abilene.
This shopping extravaganza offers visitors a unique shopping experience, with wares from very trendy to contemporary and classic. The shopper is sure to be able to find a one of kind gift for that special person that is hard to buy gifts for. Shoppers may even be able to find that hard to locate item at the Peddler Show.

The Texas Independent Film Network brings the ‘Happy Poet’ to the Abilene’s Historic Paramount Theatre. The film will be shown on September 8th, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. Theatre location: 352 Cypress Street, Abilene

Canine Cadets enjoy Camp Barkeley

insideabilene — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Abilene is a great place to live, not just for its two legged residents, but their much furrier best friends as well. The Camp Barkeley Dog Park, named after the old Civil War fort located 11 miles southwest of Abilene (since renamed Dyess Air Force Base), and in homage to every dog’s favorite word, opened in late November, giving the city a new pet-friendly resource on top of its already very walkable cityscape.

When the original Camp Barkeley was built, it was only meant to be a temporary encampment, now not only does the original structure still function in a military capacity, but the name will live in four-legged lore. The new Camp Barkeley is located next to the Abilene Zoo, but don’t worry, your pet will be neither caged nor on display, rather privy plenty of controlled walking space and an acre of leash free land on which they can run wild wild within reason, of course. In order to ensure the safety of all dogs and their owners, there are rules in place regarding proper conduct and park use. Abiding by these simple sixteen do’s and don’ts will keep the city’s newest recreational resource fun for the whole family from the ground up:

The dog park is open dawn to dusk.
Dogs must be licensed and have current rabies vaccinations on their tags or the owner
must have a current rabies vaccination certificate in their possession while using the park.
Dogs belonging to City of Abilene residents must display city license tags.
Dogs must remain on leash while entering and exiting the park gates. Both the small dog
and large dog areas are double gated and the exterior gate must be closed before opening
the interior gate. Dogs should be unleashed while they are between the inner and outer
gates before they are allowed to enter the park.
Owners must remain inside the enclosures at all times while their dog is in the park
Any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior must be removed immediately.
Owners are responsible for damage or injury inflicted by their dogs.
Owners must have a visible leash with them at all times.
Owners are responsible for removal and proper disposal of feces of their pets.
All children must be under strict supervision and children under 12 must be accompanied
by an adult.
There is a limit of two dogs per person per visit.
Puppies under 4 months are not allowed.
Dogs in heat are not allowed.
The small dog area is for dogs less than thirty (30) pounds only.
Food is not allowed in the park area. Dog treats are not allowed in the park area.
Spiked collars are not allowed in the park.

New Standard of Success for West Texas Fair and Rodeo

insideabilene — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 21:25:24 +0000

While the national economy may be struggling, the West Texas Fair and Rodeo, housed at the Taylor County Expo Center, hauled in a windfall of revenue like it hasn’t seen in two full years, though it might be more related to the weekend’s perfect weather than a sign of financial recovery. Still, after two consecutive years of rain, patrons were glad to see the sun was out and spirits were high, raking in thousands more dollars than the previously dampened festivities. Rain or shine, the numbers were impressive, as the Fair improved upon its 2007 numbers as well, though the blue Texas sky was equally pristine.Fair officials aren’t ready to write off the banner weekend as the end of their problems. After all, anyone familiar with the Abilene area knows the Taylor County Expo Center is well versed on the facility’s recent history of budgetary issues. Despite the past several months of monetary shortcomings, signs of hope like the Fair and Rodeo are the direct result of a concern effort and diligent planning to drive interest in events housed at the Expo Center, especially at a time of year when college football is top dog in the state of Texas. The Fair and Rodeo’s success is particularly impressive when you consider the competition it faced on the entertainment front, highlighted by the University of Texas Longhorns squaring off against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on the event’s final Saturday night.The West Texas Fair and Rodeo actually packed in full days of fun just over a full week, starting at 11:00 a.m. on September 10^th and coming to a close late in the evening of September 18^th, entertaining kids and adults of all ages with a wide selection of activities from parades to tractor-pulls to calf-roping to karaoke, all complemented with traditional Texas style meat and sides. A great time for the entire family, be sure to check out the West Texas Fair and Rodeo when it sets up shop again in Abilene next fall.

The Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:20:05 +0000

The southwest corner of Abilene is home to the Dyess Air Force Base where loyal American citizens dedicate their time and effort to serving our nation. The base contains the 7^th Bomb wing, which operates B-1B Bombers and is completed by the only B-1B combat crew training squadron. The facility is also equipped with two combat squadrons, a weapons school, and a B-1B test and evaluation squadron. Their mission is to “provide world class Airmen and air power for the warfighter.”Dyess AFB has also become an important part of the Abilene community. On July 3, the base hosted its 4^th annual fireworks/military appreciation show, complete with games and live music. Starting August 9, the Dyess Chapel will feature a free Vacation Bible School focusing on the story of Joseph. It’s refreshing to see a site give so much back to the community that it protects.Several high-ranking commanders are on base at any time. Col. Robert F. Gass leads the 7^th Bomb Wing, making him responsible for more than 12,000 people, including civilians and family members of those in service. Col. Kenneth Tatum Jr. assists him as Vice Commander, and Chief Master Sergeant David Goldie is Command Chief, responsible for advising the commander on issues of morale, training, welfare, and more.There’s plenty of reasons to come and spend a day at the Air Force Base, whether you have family there or not. Check in at the Inns of Dyess, conveniently located within walking distance of the dining facility, club, commissary, and base exchange. The whole family will enjoy learning more about how this site helps to protect our American way of life.

Invest in a Round Up Pass

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:04:29 +0000

If you’re visiting Abilene and need fun ways to fill up your days, the Abilene Round Up Pass will show you a great time for a great price. The pass grants access to six of Abilene’s best attractions for one low price. Check out the great opportunities the pass can open to you:

12^th Armored Division Memorial Museum: this Memorial Museum is an educational and inspiring collection of World War II memorabilia. The displays provide a visual and an interpretation of the events that shaped our countries history.
Abilene Zoo: the Zoo is Abilene’s most visited attraction, and for a reason. Home to over 500 animals in over 160 species that include (but are NOT limited to) jaguars, black rhinos, bison, maned wolves, giraffes, black bears, lions, white tigers, and monkeys, the zoo provides a full day of fun for the whole family.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village: a long time ago, Indians dominated the land of Texas we Americans now call home. The Historic Village offers a rich collection of artifacts once owned by these Indians as well as frontier firearms we used to conquer them. Learn about the history of Abilene in the 1870s-1920s, see the two room school house where the children from back in the day got their education, and watch entertaining films to help you understand the towns accomplishments.
The Grace Museum: this collection of 3 dynamic museums contains a world-class Art Museum, a hands-on Children’s Museum, and an educational History Museum.
Frontier Texas!: Featuring life-sized holographic figures, this one of a kind museum showcases the Texas frontier from 1780 to 1880. The realistic displays of wolf attacks, buffalo stampedes, and shootouts are just a warm up for the Century of Adventure where you’ll watch a video on Buffalo hunters, Comanche warriors, and explorers and pioneers.
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL): Acknowledge the greatness of your favorite children book authors at the NCCIL. Featuring exhibits of their original artwork, the displays will stimulate creativity, promote literacy, and increase appreciation for the arts.

All You Need to Know about Abilene’s Nightlife

admin — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:22:08 +0000

Spice up your nightlife by going out to one of Abilene’s fun hot spots. Whether you’re looking to have a good time at a bar, jam to live music at a concert venue, or relax in a drive-in movie theater, Abilene has the right place for you.Town and Country Drive-in Movie TheaterDid you know Texas was the home of the 3rd ever drive-in theater in America? Abilene has kept the tradition alive with this retro drive-in theater. Only 5 per person (2.50 for kids), this theater allows you to relive the past while living out the drama on the big screen.BarsCheep beer, drink specials, and fun for all are what the bars in Abilene are all about. We recommend trying El Sombrero Bar, The Long Branch Saloon, Firehouse Bar & Grill, Lucky Mule Saloon, and Chelsea’s Street Pub. Many of these southern lovin’ bars double as concert venues for local talent and even national superstars.DiningFood. We all love it. But it can be hard to find the right place for it in a new city. Abilene has a restaurant for everyone’s taste preferences. The people’s top picks are Harold’s Pit Bar-B-Q, Cypress Street Station, Joe Allen’s Pit Bar B Que (they love their BBQ), Alley Cats Restaurant, Texas Roadhouse, Lytle Land and Cattle Company, Betty Roses Little Brisket, and Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy.

Discover Abilene: The Grace Museum

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:19:13 +0000

Located at 102 Cypress St, just off of Interstate 20, The Grace Museum provides the quaint city of Abeline with a rich foundation for both arts and education. The beautifully sprawling brick building houses actually houses 3 separate museums in 1 as it serves not only as an art museum for the city, but also houses a historical museum and a children’s museum within its 55,000 square foot edifice.Grace’s art museum mixes an eclectic blend of both today’s contemporary artists and exemplary exhibitions of old. More than just paintings on the wall, the art museum comes to live through a wide variety of lectures, symposiums and family activities. The historical museum is a window into Abeline’s unique past, complete with various restored period rooms, painting a picture of what life was like for Abeline resident’s from 1910-1948. The Malouf Boot Shop, a recreation of Albert J. Malouf’s actual boot shop in the 1940′s, gives the museum a distinct West Texas flavor. Still intact and on display are the shop’s original equipment, handmade tools, original cash register, along with various Malouf made boots that would’ve been worn by real Abilene old-timers. The children’s museum provides Abeline’s youth with endless fun that’s also educational. Play areas include replications of the famous Paramount Theater, complete with realistic backdrops, costumes and lighting, and a two-level West Texas landscape, fully padded for their protection. Also in the children’s museum, kids can enjoy the “Whisper Phone,” to pass messages back and forth, the “Interactive Clock,” teaching mechanical functions, and the “Health Zone,” with various activities ranging from a life size “Operation” game table to a “Body Atlas,” showcasing how the body works through a series of movable panels.Admission to the Grace Museum is free on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., but still affordable for the whole family throughout the week. Only 6 for adults, 4 for Senior Citizens and Students and Military with ID, 3 for Children and free for Children under 3.