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City in Texas, United States
Photo: Americandude2011 at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Abilene is a city in the North Central Plains of Texas, possibly best known as the destination the fictional family of the Abilene paradox travels to.
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Fifth largest zoo in the state.
This historic depot was built by the Texas & Pacific Railroad in 1910. In 1967 the last passenger train left the depot with a total of 39 passengers on board. In 1994 the exterior of the depot was restored to its exact appearance during the 1920s. The depot is the home of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau and Cultural Affairs Council. Admission is free.
A unique 4-day event held in early May to preserve western heritage. Includes a ranch rodeo, a chuckwagon cookoff, a bit and spur show, cowboy poetry, western art show, and a western parade.
Expansive and well-maintained campus. Unique and beautiful architecture mixes with a large number of artworks. A 1.86 mile walking trail encircles the campus. Various theatrical, musical and athletic events occur throughout the year.
Founded in 1891, HSU is a private Baptist liberal arts university. With a small, beautiful campus, HSU is worth a peek.
Founded in 1923, McMurry is a small, tightly knit community of students and educators in Abilene's bustling south side.
Spooky remnants of an abandoned 19th century Confederate and US Army frontier fort. There is also the turbid Fort Phantom Hill Lake along the way for those desperate for a swim.
Abilene's newest and largest theater. All stadium seating.
10-screen theater in the Mall of Abilene. Renovated, with all stadium seating. There is a great bar/restaurant next door for easy post-movie lounging.
6-screen theater. All stadium seating.
3 museums under one roof: an art museum, a history museum and an interactive children's museum spread out over the three floors of the beautiful former Grace Hotel built in 1909.
Beautiful art-deco theater built in 1930 by H.O. Wooten whose namesake skyscraper looms overhead. The Paramount plays host to a slew of theatrical and musical productions, and to screenings of classic and contemporary films. The 2,000-seat auditorium is built to look like an outdoor Spanish courtyard, complete with twinkling stars and drifting clouds on the ceiling.
A small but wonderful museum showcasing the works of children's authors and illustrators. The NCCIL ("nickel") has played host to everyone from the Berenstain Bears to the works of Eric Carle. Exhibits are rotational and admission is free. One block from the Grace Museum.
A museum that tries to encapsulate life as it was on the Western frontier around Abilene, with a museum, gift shop, visitor center, and theater showing "Blood and Treasure on the Frontier." Out front you'll find a buffalo statue and grounds for the Abilene farmer's market.
Custom-made sandwiches on fresh-baked bread.
Popular local barbecue/steakhouse.
Great steak and seafood.
Decent Chinese fare with large portions.
Famously good steaks. Voted best burger in America by the Today show in 2009. Catered several of President Bush's events.
Wonderful and well-priced casual fine dining in the heart of downtown.
Fine Texas dining: unsurpassed atmosphere and wonderful waitstaff coupled with delicious food and potent drinks.
The college-town burrito joint inside United Supermarkets. Try the local improvement on Chipotle. Go for the seasoned chips and Spicy Ranch. Ask for the Kid's Burrito, its plenty big.
Inside the impressive MCM Elegante Suites, Remington's is a popular local hotspot.
Expansive sports bar with pool tables, darts and numerous TVs.
Quaint, quiet and comfortable hotel.
Large rooms, convention space and an indoor pool.
Built as an Embassy Suites, MCM Elegante remains Abilene's premiere hotel. Lovely 2-room suites, a full-service restaurant and ample meeting space.
Anchored by JCPenney, Sears, Dillard's, Best Buy and Books-A-Million. Home to dozens of smaller specialty clothing and gift stores and restaurants.
Anchored by Bed Bath & Beyond, Ross, Old Navy, Petsmart, Michael's and Beall's. Also home to The Children's Place, James Avery, Shoe Carnival, Rue21, Catherine's, Lane Bryant, Payless Shoes, Oreck, AT&T, Red Robin, Coldstone Creamery, Gamestop, SportClips, Smoothie King and several others. Wal-Mart is at the same intersection and Kohl's is just down the street.
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Abilene · Regional · ABI
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