Whether you're planning a birthday getaway, a long-overdue girls trip or simply need a weekend away, Abilene has plenty of ways to fill your days with good food, local shopping, fall fun and time to catch up.

Kick Things Off With Texas BBQ

Arrive in Abilene in time for lunch at Jay's BBQ Shack, one of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints. This local BBQ joint started out as a food truck and quickly became a staple for lunch. The line can get long but the food is worth the wait. Popular choices are the brisket elote, pig candy, and banana pudding.

After lunch, head downtown to shop in local boutiques and explore the public art across Abilene's cultural district.

Spend the afternoon shopping local boutiques along Cypress, 2nd, and Pine Streets. Looking for a little something to take home to the men in your life? Lone Star Dry Goods has you covered. And, of course, save room in your shopping bag for handcrafted chocolates from Vletas.

Make time for a visit to the Grace Museum or Center for Contemporary Arts to soak in the arts as you explore downtown.

Feeling spontaneous? Plan ahead and get matching tattoos at Ink Therapy.

Be sure to take a shopping break at one of the coffee shops downtown or grab a fresh squeezed lemonade at Limone Rush.

Make a little art walk of it. As you explore Downtown and the SoDA District, keep an eye out for murals, sculptures and other public art tucked throughout the districts. They're the perfect backdrop for a few group photos.

Pro tip: Free parking is available at 1101 N. 1st Street and 150 Cedar Street, as well as along the main streets throughout Downtown. Street parking is free and untimed after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

Grab your boots and put on your favorite western wear for an evening at this legendary West Texas steakhouse surrounded by the wide-open landscape of Perini Ranch. Order some of Perini Ranch's favorites, from jalapeño bites and green-chile hominy to a ribeye and Mesquit-a-ritas and don't forget to save room for the strawberry shortcake.

Be sure to make a reservation in advance, especially for a weekend visit. And don't forget to take a photo with the giant armadillo when you arrive at the ranch.

After dinner, keep the fun going at Abilene Axe Company and see who in the group has the best aim. Once you’ve worked up a little friendly competition, walk over to The Mill Wine Bar for an evening of great wine and fresh sangria under the stars. Then head downtown to the Adamson-Spalding and Clearfork Bank Storybook Gardens. In the calm of the evening, the storybook sculptures light up beneath the West Texas sky, creating the perfect backdrop for a few more photos before calling it a night.

Coffee, Pastries, and a Slow Morning

Start your Saturday morning with coffee downtown at Monks Coffee Shop, then make your way to Salty Roan Bakehouse for fresh-baked pastries and sweet treats. Prefer a plated breakfast? Head to Grain Theory and enjoy your meal on the balcony overlooking Downtown Abilene.

Pro tip: Arrive early at Salty Roan Bakehouse for the best selection of pastries. The popular favorites can go quickly!

Give yourselves a few hours to slow down and recharge at one of Abilene’s local spas. Enjoy a facial or Swedish massage at Healthy Skin Day Spa, or unwind in the Bee Room or Halo Salt Room at Rest Wellness

Once you’re feeling refreshed, head to Cypress Street Station for lunch. A Downtown favorite housed in a historic building, Cypress Street Station offers a seasonal menu that changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try.

Make your way to Denton Valley Farms for their Pumpkin Patch, where fall activities, seasonal treats and plenty of photo opportunities await. Take on the corn maze, wander the Forgotten Forest Trail, hop on a hayride and cool down with pumpkin spice ice cream. Set aside plenty of time for photos because there are so many fun fall backdrops to discover.

Savor artisan pizza at Vagabond or enjoy an upscale dinner with a Western flair at The Beehive. Then keep the night going with cocktails, wine, and live music downtown, or head to The Winery at Willow Creek for a glass of local wine. Be sure to try their Pomegranate Zinfandel or grab a bottle to take home.

One Last Breakfast

Start your morning at The Flipping Egg with pancakes, eggs and one of their giant cinnamon rolls.
Pro tip: Call ahead and add your name to the waitlist because weekends can get busy.

If a leisurely brunch is more your style, make a reservation at Taylor County Taphouse for Captain Crunch French Toast, biscuits and gravy, or chicken fried steak.

Before you hit the road, spend your final few hours at the Abilene Zoo. Hand-feed giraffes and kangaroos, wander through the zoo at your own pace, and enjoy one last little adventure together before heading home.

Pro tip: Plan to spend about 2–3 hours at the zoo, then stop by Statesman Coffee for a caffeine boost before your drive home.