8 Cool Things You Didn’t Know About Abilene, TX
You may have heard the famous song ‘Abilene,’ but these tidbits might catch you by surprise.
Amid the vast, wide-open ranchlands of West Texas is Abilene, a regional commercial, retail, medical and transportation hub. While the area once served as a cattle shipping point on the frontier, it’s gone through quite the transformation over the years. Today, it’s known for its higher education institutions, festivals and innovative spirit. Plus, it’s flourishing with outdoor activities, an amazing arts scene and a variety of food and beverage options that will have your tastebuds singing. Curious what else this great city has to offer? Here are eight things you didn’t know about Abilene.
In This Article
1. It’s a hub of technology and innovation.
Abilene is growing in leaps and bounds and quickly becoming a center for technology and innovation. Abilene and Taylor County recently partnered with Houston-based energy technology and infrastructure company Lancium to build a $2.4 billion data center campus that will be powered by renewable energy and host bitcoin mining and other energy-intensive applications.
Abilene Christian University has created the NEXT Lab. The university is leading a research alliance with The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University and the Georgia Institute of Technology to build a molten salt reactor that creates the same clean nuclear energy as traditional nuclear reactors, but in a safer, more cost-effective way.
2. Abilene’s independent business community is thriving.
Abilene loves supporting its local independent businesses. Several can be found within the city’s quaint, historic downtown, but Abilene is especially known for its treasure trove of antique stores. It touts dozens of shops stocked with items of days gone by, from mall-style outlets, like Vintage Marketplace, to boutique-style stores, like Living Chic. Abilene even has a handful of flea markets for those who like a mix of old and new.
3. You can get outdoors at Abilene State Park.
Approximately 15 miles southwest of town, Abilene State Park feels like a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Centered around Lake Abilene, it offers more than 529 acres of space to hike, fish, camp and stargaze.
Among the park’s highlights are its yurts, circular tent/cabin hybrids that offer a novel alternative to RV or tent camping (although you can do that here, too). Anglers can enjoy Lake Abilene or Buffalo Wallow Pond, both of which are stocked with a variety of fish. Bird nerds and wildlife watchers alike have plenty to see, and history buffs can enjoy a swim in the 1930s-era pool.
4. Abilene’s brewery (and distillery and winery) scene is buzzing.
Breweries, distilleries and wineries are about much more than the beverages they serve — they’re also community gathering spots that offer things like yard and board games, trivia nights, live entertainment and fire pits. In other words, they are the perfect place to unwind. Grain Theory, a brewery and taproom located downtown, doesn’t shy away from twists on tradition and unique ingredients. While focused on aroma-packed and flavor-driven beer, Grain Theory also offers a curated wine list, coffee, and a full kitchen.
Other great spots? Peacock Patio is a funeral home turned bar that’s known for its tropical vibes. The Ice House at Lone Star Dry Goods, a full-service bar that focuses on Texas-made beers and cocktails, is the perfect place to grab a beverage and listen to live music. Belt Buckle Distillery, which strives to bottle the taste of West Texas, offers bourbon and gin. And Amendment 21, a whisky bar located in the heart of Abilene’s historic SoDA District, offers a range of craft cocktails and 20 beers on tap.
Plus, The Mill Wine Bar boasts a two-step dance night, a food truck, a stellar signature sangria and plenty of patio space. And if you’re looking for something different, Abilene is home to Amber Dragon Meadery, which creates delicious honey wine. For a drive-thru delight, grab a beverage from Eskimo Hut Frozen Daiquiris To-Go — you don’t even have to leave your vehicle.
5. You won’t go hungry in Abilene.
The range of dining options in Abilene is, well, Texas-sized. Naturally, there are half a dozen places to get classic Texas barbecue, cute coffee shops and cozy lunch spots, like Hickory Street Cafe, which is located in a historic home and serves up favorites like quiche, chicken salad and soups. In cattle country, steakhouses are a must — Beehive Restaurant & Saloon, Perini Ranch Steakhouse and Lytle Land & Cattle Co. are a few local favorites.
Abilene has the requisite Tex-Mex options, like Mi Ranchito Sur, where recipes were passed down from abuela and there’s an in-house tortilla factory. But the area is also home to loads of ethnic eateries that range from Thai and Vietnamese to Italian and Japanese. While there are dining options aplenty in Abilene, don’t get overwhelmed — explore the dining scene with Abilene Food Tour, which gives participants a sampling of several locally owned eateries.
6. Abilene is the Storybook Capital of America.
Your favorite storybook heroes come to life in Abilene, which is dedicated to celebrating the magic of children’s literature. In 2000, the city established the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the first museum of its kind to showcase the artwork of children’s books. Exhibits go beyond museum walls — sculptures like “Stuart Little” and “Good Night Dinosaur” are spread throughout town. There’s even an annual event held downtown called Children’s Art + Literacy Festival.
Need more family-friendly options? Abilene has its own zoo, and it’s home to Frontier Texas!, an interactive museum dedicated to the region’s western history, and The Grace Museum, which creatively engages visitors in the arts and the area’s history.
7. There’s a thriving arts scene in Abilene.
Abilene was established as one of Texas’ first Cultural Districts in 2010, putting the arts at the forefront. There are arts and culture events downtown almost every day of the week. The Center for Contemporary Arts offers exhibits, classes and camps for kids and adults as well as ArtWalk, a monthly arts festival that includes food and drink options, live artist demos and vendors.
Abilene has a vibrant performing arts scene, too. Ballet Abilene offers classes and performances; The Paramount Theatre (one of the few atmospheric theaters left in the country) hosts live music performances and screens films; and the Abilene Philharmonic keeps orchestral music alive. The city also has a community theater group, and traveling Broadway shows and other productions take the stage at the Abilene Convention Center.
8. Abilene is a hotbed of noteworthy festivals.
The residents of Abilene love their festivals, whether that’s the well-known Children’s Art & Literacy Festival held in June or the West Texas Fair & Rodeo held in September. In December, Winter Lightfest fills the air with more than 2.5 million lights as guests sip hot chocolate. March brings music from some of country’s greatest performers during Outlaws + Legends Music Fest.
This article was sponsored by the Abilene Regional Growth Alliance, a division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. The Abilene Chamber is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian organization that advocates for pro-business policies that create jobs and grow our economy.