A Weekend Getaway in Abilene
Escape the noise and city traffic (pedestrian traffic too!), bust out of the I-35 corridor and head to Abilene. Find room to roam and breathe.
Pictured Above: Take a glimpse of the artist’s inspiration through rough sketches from initial ideas to the final work of a children's illustrated book at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature.
When people think of Texas, often cities like Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston come to mind. However, when it comes to a getaway, quiet destinations can be more appealing than bustling cities. Escape the noise and city traffic (human traffic too!), bust out of the I-35 corridor and head to Abilene. Find room roam and breathe.
Located 180 miles (2.5 hours drive) from Dallas and 216 miles (3.5 hours) from Austin, Abilene is a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered. This small city is known for its warm hospitality and eclectic attractions found in the heart of downtown, through the outskirts of the city and along the historic trails – Abilene is well worth a trip to explore. This is a comprehensive guide for the ambitious ones who want to knock out all the attractions on a weekend.
Start off the trip at Abilene downtown, which offers several attractions and eateries that are within walkable distance.
Friday
10am: Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas! is the perfect place to kick start the Abilene getaway. Located in downtown Abilene, Frontier Texas! is a heritage museum that allows visitors to relive the Old West through the magic of state-of-the-art technology. The museum offers an engaging and interactive way to learn about history during the 1700s – 1800s.
Watch “spirit guides” from the past, a Comanche warrior, buffalo hunter, former slave and frontier woman come as holograms that share stories about their lives on the frontier. The guides paint a picture of how the buffalo hide trade decimated Comanchera life and the conflicts that emerged from buffalo hunting.
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/frontier-texas-1-big-50-rifle.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=dd66214854ba7e08ae4717bd8d1d5966 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/frontier-texas-1-big-50-rifle.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=3319eb07fea4007aa84a9f2ba8e2e381 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/frontier-texas-1-big-50-rifle.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=bb830e8bcd5610555876e32696249c33 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/frontier-texas-1-big-50-rifle.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=80d06b76630c3f8f0fce66fde711e530 1024w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/frontier-texas-1-big-50-rifle.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=d97fcffbb841dde4d29c3133ae867c54 1200w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/frontier-texas-1-big-50-rifle.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=f7dd1c194ce36a8eac469c3903aabc2f 1440w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/frontier-texas-1-big-50-rifle.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=9309614df4270d950e30a728a1b8e229 1600w)
The chronological exhibitions depict life from 15,000 years before the Texas Frontier was settled to the Comanche Empire and frontier towns. In the grand finale, guests meet the spirit guides once again in a full-sensory 360-degree experience theatre. Find yourself in the middle of an Indian attack, a stampede, a thunderstorm out on the prairie and a shootout in the Beehive Saloon.
Don’t forget a photo op with the giant buffalo skull and bronze buffalo before you leave Frontier Texas!
12pm: Lunch
Ask the locals for the best restaurant downtown and they will probably say The Beehive Restaurant & Saloon. Established by two Iranian immigrant brothers 37 years ago at Fort Griffin, Merchandise Store in Albany Texas, The Beehive has earned a top spot among the elite steakhouses in the Lone Star State. Texas Monthly names it as the “best country steakhouse in Texas.” Their signature Long Island iced tea is everyone’s favorite! If you want a spicy kick, you will not regret getting a Friday special at Ann's Thai.
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/Beehive_82103019.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f53e3dee6de906ea24e5e73eea5d09af 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/Beehive_82103019.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=cfb4df1fb8a442ba70bbe06a53dd8cc3 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/Beehive_82103019.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d83cc9fd90a49b52de53a8b8da47e2a6 750w)
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/The-Beehive-Long-Island-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=d1e38da0948dd4bd4387c4974c50b1be 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/The-Beehive-Long-Island-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=dad5a3b15ab03d9ae80d89572bc077c8 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/The-Beehive-Long-Island-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f516708e35962ed440aaf84d739d0824 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/The-Beehive-Long-Island-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=e950e5c079da543b1928e486a8055a11 839w)
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/Beehive_78417459.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=f29702193807eaa2170ceba2fedbabd2 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/Beehive_78417459.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9fc6c626fa8ad3e952511432bf56ae66 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/Beehive_78417459.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=68318d9e5795524e7d7a155202c209e0 675w)
2pm: The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
Driving pass downtown Abilene you will notice that this beautiful city is decorated with bronze statues of familiar storybook characters. For those who don’t know, Abilene is the Storybook Capital of America. It all started when the city built a museum that was the first of its kind called the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL or “Nikel”). The NCCIL is a heaven for kids and adults who love illustration, storybooks and storytelling. Spend an hour or two at the NCCIL to read books from celebrated children’s book artists or take a glimpse of the artist’s work-in-progress and inspiration through rough sketches from initial ideas to the final work at the exhibition. Admission to the NCCIL is free, so it’s a perfect place for those who are on a budget.
Hit a Sweet Spot
Stroll across the street from the NCCIL to Candies by Vletas, to grab some handmade taffy, chocolate and candies. The candy shop was founded by two brothers who migrated from Greece to the United States in 1912. Their credo was quality. The shop doesn’t use preservatives, and candies are still hand-dipped with techniques handed down through generations. Their famous pralines were selected to be served at George W. Bush’s inaugural dinner! Not sure what to get? Feel free to ask for a free sample!
4pm: The 12th Armored Museum
The 12th Armored Division WWII Memorial Museum is a true hidden treasure. The humble-looking three-floor museum on N 2nd St. holds an extensive collection of WWII artifacts such as uniforms, letters and weapons donated from former servicemen.
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/12th-armored-3A.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=b69e27e5a387508d00247015fb5c79f8 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/12th-armored-3A.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=5948a701d6d731ca92754ca9a0e8bf66 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/12th-armored-3A.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=b37c4d2ffc8167bbb4ece3033983fd05 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/12th-armored-3A.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=dbf261ce2c852264549afa8241e9be07 1024w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/12th-armored-3A.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=710613be4678d74c136a16f8e9e37a3d 1200w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/12th-armored-3A.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=bba812b121670235b76c20da60c41c4a 1440w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/12th-armored-3A.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0d41d14f6eeab92709d6f8796cbf87ba 1600w)
Start from the first floor of the museum to learn about the build-up to WWII, then walk through the first exhibit to understand the organization of the 12th Armored Division and how the Hellcats became the “Suicide Division.” Learn how that armored tank division advanced a siege that had never succeeded in history. It’s all in the audio guide device given to each visitor.
Unlike most WWII museums, the 12th Armored Division Museum focuses only on the stories of one unit's combat history in WWII. Handwritten letters and diary entries of soldiers provide the perspective of the guys who were on the ground and more personal experience on how events unfold. A few of the 12th Armored Division’s veterans are still scattered throughout the country, but those numbers are dwindling.
6 pm: Dinner
For dinner, you have many delicious options in downtown Abilene. Enjoy Ginger Citrus Quail at Cypress St. Station or The Mac Attack from R Sports Bar & Grill. For those who are craving for pizza, head to Vagabond Pizza for wood-fired pizza based on seasonality, new ingredients and enjoy a beer on tap!
If the night is still young, check what’s showing at the historic Paramount Theatre or Town & Country Drive-in theatre for double feature night. The Mill Wine Bar & Event Center is also a great place for drinks, live music and dancing.
Saturday
Start your day at breakfast hot spot, The Dixie Pig – Abilene’s oldest diner for Mr. Pig omelet. Expect a line. This place is popular.
8am: Abilene Zoo
Head to the wild side at Abilene Zoo, which houses more than 1,000 animals of 250 species, reptiles to animals from the tropics. Get up close with giraffes on the feeding deck, where you get a chance to hand feed them lettuce. Keep your eyes peeled for lions, camels, tigers, rhinoceros and many other species. For the adventurous ones, sign up for an affordable VIP tour to get a behind-the-scenes peek of select species. In the summer, you can rent a swan boat and paddle around the adjacent Zoo Lake. Don’t forget to hydrate yourself with a cup of freshly-squeezed lemonade available at the Watering Hole.
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-3.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=c87fe94347df4bd3306884b383b67090 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-3.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=f72774c17e88dde7954c8220db454e8d 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-3.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=416b514a84c4c58fd959e59aa81002e8 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-3.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=a4208c8fed71e927f58e7f5ce4584108 800w)
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=dd3aba7e5a529fa93d8b3dfdfddee965 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=cf2e4b7362d6dcce3dc2a1d451114528 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=31e2665266bb41647cf9319704063f92 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=0d80e1eb0ac42d5cd91b57d5f1a47be6 800w)
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5f3df93ee1281a6e670f11b88509d0ec 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8fe6e112af03ac42645b930174ceaec5 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=0f9ebb10f85718ba147a10b19b65c2d7 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/abilene-zoo-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=c2b90ca55ac1071fd33eb5a8add6942b 800w)
12pm: Lunch
For lunch, you don’t have to drive too far for delicious local food. From the zoo, drive 4 minutes to Lytle Land and Cattle Company for The Abilenian, their famous ribeye steak, or taste the Mesquite Grilled Tilapia. On nearby Judge Ely Boulevard, check out the fish platter at the Lone Star Diner. If you fancy some barbeque, Sharon’s Barbeque is not too far away, their chopped brisket is a must.
Circle back to downtown for The Grace Museum if you don't want to miss the collection of American art with Texas connections and the history collection that tell the story of sociocultural evolution of late 19th and early 20th century Abilene and West Texas.
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/grace-museum-tgm-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5618cab2be4bc29da7a972f1d11bad7d 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/grace-museum-tgm-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=77173e38f4ca7e212ec5dd6512bb4215 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/grace-museum-tgm-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=38b9a3f95fecfe3acd2a19ae74acafc2 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/grace-museum-tgm-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=4195a76cea457146b422a633509f9e76 1024w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/grace-museum-tgm-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b5793a264368c5625bbccafa6b432442 1200w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/grace-museum-tgm-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=27c3799cc69c44edd76495ff4b2b997f 1440w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/grace-museum-tgm-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=804c18b48737fb6fd9a818414d3c8be2 1600w)
Get a chance to relive the old days at the Historic Period Rooms and witness the urbanization of Abilene home from 1910 to 1948, when the city first had electricity and secure water supply. The Grace Museum frequently has new collections of art exhibition, don't forget to check it out while you're there!
For liquid refreshment, grab a cup of joe at Monks or The Hallows.
4pm: History
A 20-minute drive to scenic Buffalo Gap takes you to the Taylor County History Center, a collection of buildings and artifacts from early civilization on the frontier. Grab a written guide or sound wand at the reception and step back in time in the Taylor County Courthouse, Knight-Sayles cabin or a train depot built in the 1880s. The history center features original bank, post office and school preserved from the 18th to 19th century, and a blacksmith shop, barn and print shop mimic living conditions from the past.
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/taylor-county-history-center-railway-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7071d26353bc91ebe20559a906f9aadc 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/taylor-county-history-center-railway-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6cc255ca9779df96b3cb0f9d1f7b612b 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/taylor-county-history-center-railway-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=eccc8eb457bc11c5930b719e331ea185 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/taylor-county-history-center-railway-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=ec5b186d516d9401707804ea366af3fe 1024w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/taylor-county-history-center-railway-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=293560d2036f6b3434b622d758c303cf 1200w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/taylor-county-history-center-railway-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=e980f52ac94b9728b267418894bcdb94 1440w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/taylor-county-history-center-railway-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0b17945e7e3dc6800ccc103759e529be 1600w)
5pm: Nature, Then Steak
While you're at Buffalo Gap, nature is just around the corner, an 11-minute drive takes you to the Abilene State Park. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors has a vast range of health benefits, it also gives you a chance to unplug, and unwind from the stress of city life.
Before starting, pick up a guide at the visitor center to map out your hiking trails. The 529-acre park has 8 trails for you to choose from—ranging from easy to moderate. Observe the rich diversity of birds and wildlife at the Bird Viewing Blind and the Buffalo Wallow. Take a stroll or fish along Lake Abilene to relax and fully immerse yourself in nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing gear!
No Abilene trip is complete without visiting the World famous Perini Ranch Steakhouse. This award-winning restaurant is Buffalo Gap pride—tourists from all over the United States flock to this little-known town to try Tom Perini's mesquite-smoked peppered tenderloin and juicy ribeye.
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/perini-ranch-exterior-2020-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=fb67c7f7330ec4bfef9389810b8143bf 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/perini-ranch-exterior-2020-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ec0a9ef32ea60f780857824dd467102b 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/perini-ranch-exterior-2020-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=bfce4031d32b7b3d1749f550c9625f25 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/perini-ranch-exterior-2020-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=68b19bb693054c1f9a3e26157f025d05 1024w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/perini-ranch-exterior-2020-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a7fa884074ee30b522f8187928460178 1200w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/perini-ranch-exterior-2020-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=b9f6363242e559deeb02b4c8d0dc77f5 1440w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/perini-ranch-exterior-2020-2.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=d65fdea4fd79a167a10ae2c3a2cb94ef 1600w)
Since its 1983 opening, Perini has earned countless accolades and achievements, from being listed is one of the best steakhouses and burger places in the state to being honored as an America's Classic by the James Beard Foundation, to cooking for the Congressional Picnic at the White House. Last but not least, Tom Perini even graced Texas Monthly's April 2011 cover for a story about traditional Texas fare, “Cook Like a Texan.”
Pro tip: Perini is so popular that it's strongly advised to book a reservation a few days beforehand. Make a reservation on their website.
If you have some time before dinner, stop by Perini Ranch Country Market for seasonal produce from Perini's garden and from other local farmers and souvenirs to bring home.
Sunday
Sleep in on Sunday. Grab brunch at the Taylor County Taphouse, which offers a variety of brunch options from Shrimp and Grits to Southern Benedict.
Embrace your inner child at with a storybook characters scavenger hunt in downtown. Start from Everman Park, you won't miss the Childhood's Great Adventure sculpture from William Joyce's Santa Calls, then spot your favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Use the Storybook Sculpture Map to help you to locate all 25 sculptures, including Nicholas St. North, Jack Frost, The Three Little Pigs and Charlotte & Wilbur.
Lastly: Before you head the road, visit the rustic Historic Fort Phantom Hill, one of the most pristine historic sites in the Lone Star State. Established by the U.S. Army in 1851 and occupied until 1854, the post protected the trails to Sante Fe, the California gold fields and served as a sub-post for Fort Griffin. Shortly after abandonment, the fort burned to the ground. However, chimneys and a few ruins remain. Pick up a brochure on-site that includes the sketch of the original fort to help you navigate your self-guided tour.
![](https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/fort-phantom-hill-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=be910247262d2330bdd127c78b925b30 320w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/fort-phantom-hill-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=be4b97e40f011c49690b83a58ba2f937 540w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/fort-phantom-hill-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=d5c4dcf702d0d72ef6b4007a00733335 768w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/fort-phantom-hill-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=b9c1814e05d462be7957875071b47603 1024w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/fort-phantom-hill-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=1a7de45a4d63cd6663ee60cb14844507 1200w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/fort-phantom-hill-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=44af88a824aed85a3859b215db93870d 1440w, https://visit-abilene.imgix.net/images/fort-phantom-hill-1.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=1b2db2494b3a3f7f39b3ac716e4e3a0c 1600w)