"The Key City"
Abilene, situated on U.S. 83, 277 & 84 and I-20, is the home of 106,654 friendly people. It preserves the traditional heritage of the Old West while providing all the exciting advantages of a thriving, contemporary city. Abilene is famous for its friendly, helpful people and that attitude extends to the motels (over 2,300 rooms), restaurants, and businesses.
The entire family will enjoy the award-winning Zoo and Discovery Center or the collection of vintage aircraft at Dyess Air Force Base’s Linear Air Park. Visit the remains of Fort Phantom Hill, a colorful reminder of the early days of Texas. A visit to the Grace Cultural Center is a must. Inside the Grace, a restored and renovated 1909 hotel, you will find a historic museum, children’s hands-on museum, and a fine arts museum. The Taylor County Expo hosts the Western Heritage Classic and Ranch Rodeo in the spring, the West Texas Fair and Rodeo in the fall, and many equine events throughout the year. Golf is great at any of Abilene’s three 18-hole courses. Enjoy boating, sailing, camping, and fishing at Lake Fort Phantom. Camping, picnicking, hiking, and swimming are a pleasure at Abilene State Park.
Just down the road from the State Park, enjoy fishing at Lake Abilene. Buffalo Gap Historic Village picturesquely preserves life as it was 100 years ago. At the “Gap” you will find several unique shops and restaurants. Abilene is the home of many cultural and educational centers. The Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra, Paramount Theatre, Abilene Community Theatre, Abilene Repertory Theatre, Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University and extension campuses for Cisco Junior College and Texas State Technical College. Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1101 North 1st, Abilene, TX, 79601, 915/676-2556 or 1-800-727-7704.