A to-do list for Abilene, Texas

The central Texas city of Abilene balances traits of  the old West with the advantages of a contemporary city.

Find adventure at Frontier Texas!
Frontier Texas! Is an interactive museum that also houses a free regional visitor center. It introduces visitors to the region and its rich history. You can meet — at least figuratively — real people who lived and died on the Texas frontier between 1780 and 1880.

Guests can listen to “firsthand” tales from historical characters and experience the ferocity of a prairie thunderstorm; the terror of a buffalo stampede; and the inspiring tenacity and grace of the hardy people who first settled this area.

Ask for discount coupons or purchase a Round-Up Pass for Texas-size savings to attractions. Open daily.

Historic Downtown Abilene — 625 North First St.; (325) 437-2800

Feed giraffes at the zoo.
Get up close and personal to the tallest Texans on the frontier. The Abilene Zoo is just the right size, allowing visitors to get great views of the animals and their habitats. Among the residents is an elephant who is known for her abstract paintings.

Open daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Highway 36 and Loop 322; (325) 673-9453

Bite into a juicy rib-eye steak.
This is cattle country, and Abilene folks know how to cook a steak. You can’t go wrong if you choose among popular, locally owned spots.

On the east side of town, try Sharon Riley’s Lytle Land & Cattle Company; Copper Creek, or Joe Allen’s Pit Barbecue. Bedford Street is on the west side. Remington’s has fine dining in the MCM Eleganté Suites, and famous Perini Ranch is in nearby Buffalo Gap. Other sure bets are Cypress Street Station or the Beehive Saloon in Abilene’s fabulous downtown.

Be amazed at The Grace Museum.
This beautifully restored 1909 hotel houses three museums: a History Museum, a Children’s Museum and an Art Museum. The Mallouf Boot Shop highlights the unique craft of custom cowboy boots, while the musical sculpture “Grace Notes” is a delight for all ages.

Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays. Free on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.

Historic Downtown Abilene — 102 Cypress St.; (325) 673-4587

Catch a star at the Paramount Theatre.
This grandly restored 1930s Art Deco movie theatre hosts classic films, art films, ballet, opera, live musicals and concerts — truly a jewel of downtown.

Historic Downtown Abilene — 352 Cypress St.; (325) 676.9620

Step Back into time at Buffalo Gap Historic Village.
Stroll the grounds and learn the story of a budding civilization on the frontier. The Village is a collection of 21-vintage buildings with a premier collection of artifacts, weapons and historic maps. It also houses the Texas History Store, which includes Texana and a large selection of historical books.

133 N. William St., Buffalo Gap, Texas; (325) 572-3365

See artists in action at the Center for Contemporary Arts.
The Center is home to more than 75 artist members and 10 working studios. Galleries feature local, regional and national artists. Admission always is free, but the art is for sale.

Closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays.

Historic Downtown Abilene — 220 Cypress St.; (325) 677-8389

Book time for the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature.
This beautiful gallery and activity center is the only one of its kind in the nation. It features art exhibits and illustrations from children's books.

Admission is free. Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Historic Downtown Abilene — 102 Cedar St.; (325) 673-4586

Shop, shot till you drop.
If you’re looking for Western chic or urban trendy, Abilene has stores galore — from clothes, home furnishings and antiques to custom-made cowboy boots, hats, chaps and saddles.

The retail districts span from Shops at Abilene to the Mall on the southwest side of town. Gift shops, jewelry, fabulous home furnishings, original art and more can be found downtown.

Boutiques and popular chains are scattered throughout the city, and with Abilene’s easy driving and 10-minute rush hour, shopping is a breeze.

Review WWII at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.
This educational museum houses this WWII Division’s historical collection and serves as a teaching museum. The 12th Armored proudly freed many concentration camp victims and accomplished other proud victories during the war.

Closed Mondays and major Holidays.

Historic Downtown Abilene — 1289 N. 2nd St.; (325) 677-6515

Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.abilenevisitors.com