2017 Abilene Community Guide

ABILENE NIGHTLIFE CULTURE

downtown and around Historic Downtown Abilene. For anyone who has
spent time in Abilene, “Historic” isn’t an adjective.
It is part of who we are and what we take pride in
– our history. For generations, Historic Downtown
Abilene continues to offer its community and visi-
tors a variety of unique museums, children’s art and
literacy centers, classic movie theaters and concert
halls.

Recently though, new ideas and exciting visions
are coming together to create a Nightlife District
among Historic Downtown Abilene. Thanks to a
few locals pulling up their sleeves and pulling out
their wallets, old, worn-out buildings of the past are
being revamped, refreshed and bringing new life
into our beloved Abilene.

51 Abilene Magazine

CULTURE

THE MILL WINERY 239 LOCUST ST., ABILENE, TEXAS

Hours of Operation:
Wednesday and Thursday 5 pm – 11 pm
Friday and Saturday 5 pm – midnight
Owners/Operators:
Blake and Mindy Howard, Bridget and Gary McDowell
Outdoor seating capacity:
250
Cover charge:
None
Age requirement:
All ages welcome – 21+ to consume alcoholic beverages
Specials:
Thursdays starting at 6:30 pm – “Steak Night” $20
Parking:
Dedicated lot Attire: Casual
More info:
themillwinery.com
Instagram - @themillabilene

Set in an old flour mill building originally opened in 1910, The Mill charcuterie boards and dessert flights from the inside bar.
Winery is grand and cozy. As soon as you enter The Mill, get comfortable The vineyard is usually in budding season from May to September, but
in one of her outdoor silos with a glass of The Mill Original House Wine
1 and stay forever. The Mill Winery is open year-round. Fire pits, stacks of wool blankets and
vinyl coverings provide warmth in the colder months.
The Mill Winery is one of Abilene’s largest nightlife venues. Ninety per-
cent of the seating is outdoors and includes small nooks with tables and Owner Mindy Howard, a former high school science teacher, said her
chairs for two as well as large covered silos for groups of 10+. The atmo- family couldn’t pass up the opportunity to “create the ideal hangout spot”
sphere is relaxed and inviting with strings of lights scattered from rooftop out of this beautiful old mill building. When asked what inspired her to
to bar top. Live acoustic music fills the air and a patio bar serves wine and take on the task Howard said, “We just want to create a place for people to
craft beers on tap. Servers stop by periodically to refill drinks and offer celebrate and an atmosphere that lends itself to that.”

Effectively serving businesses
and individuals for

OVER 30 YEARS.

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79601 325-698-4861

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FAX (325) 673-4413
52
ARN436275

Abilene Magazine

CULTURE Photo courtesy of Emmanuel Navejas

CRU BAR AND VENUE We make it personal.®
Cru Bar and Venue is one of downtown Abilene’s newest establish-

ments.
The bar and events venue is in a building from the 1920s, but has a

modern twist and a wide selection of whiskey, scotch and bourbon, along
with a full bar.

Cru has more than 75 different whiskeys, scotches and bourbons.
The signature cocktails, bear names from around Abilene, and are truly
creative concoctions.
How about an Abilene on Rye with Bullet Rye and red wine fusion?
Or the Crurita with house infused cilantro-lime Patrol with a chili salt rim
Cru Bar and Venue is “more loungey” than most bars in town. It’s cli-
entele range from 22-65, and fills a gap, a place where you would take
someone for a drink, maybe even your parents,” according to co-owner
Alexandria Ybarra.
Most recently, 50 years ago, an optical store used the building. But
about all you will see from those days are some of the metal ceiling tiles
decorating the bar and beautifully refinished original wood flooring on
the mezzanine and third story.
Cru Bar and Venue is a great addition to historic downtown Abilene.

258 PINE STREET, ABILENE, TX

Hours of Operation:
Thursday & Friday, 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Saturday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Special events and private events throughout the week
More Info:
cruabilene.com

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CULTURE

BEEHIVE RESTUARANT THE STAIRS CLUB

The Beehive Restaurant is rated #1 in Abilene by TripAdvisor.com. The Stairs Club isn’t new to Abilene. Since fall
Texas Monthly magazine calls it “The best country steakhouse in the state.” of 1978, The Stairs Club has been opening un-
Southern Living magazine says it has “one of the best chicken fried steaks der different variations of the name in the same
in Texas. Tender and flaky, it nearly fills the plate.” building. When The Upstairs Club closed in 2014,
The Beehive’s menu features mouth-watering steaks, delicious seafood, construction company owner Lance Johnson had
hearty sandwiches, scrumptious appetizers and more. If you are thirsty and to have the beautiful old building. With no idea
adventuresome, try their version of Long Island Ice Tea. what to do with it, Lance started stripping the old
The iconic eatery is owned by brothers Ali and Nariman Esfandiary who hardwood floors and pulling 20 tons of turquoise
came to the United States from Iran, many decades ago. mortar off the brick walls. Lance said once the
space was restored to its natural beauty, he knew
442 CEDAR STREET, ABILENE, TX it needed another try.

Hours of Operation: One flight of stairs takes you into the newly re-
Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. & 5-10 p.m. opened second story nightclub. The recognizable
Saturday, 5-10 p.m. name is the only thing Lance and his partners ha-
Sunday & Monday, closed ven’t changed since their re-opening of The Stairs
SPECIALS: Club. The walls are no longer filled with neon beer
Daily lunch and dinner specials signs and loud paint, now original brick walls ex-
ATTIRE: pose their beauty. A wall of original windows has
Casual been uncovered and downtown Abilene now pro-
More info: vides the backdrop to the DJ booth. Six low sitting
beehivesaloon.com VIP tables line the main dance floor in front. The
massive bar is filled with only the classics, and a
shots bar in the back allows for group celebrations
without holding up the line.

With no wine or craft beers, nor any plans to of-
fer food or live music, The Stairs Club is going to
stay true to its vision to offer Abilene a fun, safe,
true nightclub experience.

141 OAK STREET, ABILENE, TEXAS

Owners/Operators:
Lance Johnson, Tim O’Connor, J.C. Eagle
Hours of Operation:
Thursday and Friday 7 pm – midnight, Saturday 7
pm – 1 am
Capacity:
264
Cover charge:
Varies nightly based on specials ~$10
Parking:
No dedicated lot. Open parking along S. 2nd and
Oak St.
Attire:
Nightclub casual. No large bags or excessively
loose clothing.
Specials:
VIP tables available for reservation. Includes dedi-
cated waitress and optional bottle service menu
More info:
facebook.com/the-stairs-club

Abilene Magazine 54

PAPPY SLOKUM BREWERY CULTURE CYPRESS STREET STATION
Inspired by one of the creator’s moonshining
Pappy, three locals have come together to cre- LYTLE LAND & CATTLE CO. Cypress Street Station has been a part of
ate bold, daring and unique beer experiences Abilene’s downtown landscape since 1993. The
that begs the question- who’s yer Pappy? No, An original Texas mesquite steakhouse, spe- menu offers their refined take on classic pub
really… they want to know. Headquartered cializing in hand-cut steaks and Texas favorites food like fish’n’chips and pizza, as well as tradi-
in Abilene, Pappy Slokum is quickly gaining for over 15 years. Lytle Land & Cattle Co. cel- tional favorites like the seared scallops and yel-
national notoriety in the craft beer uprising. ebrates local products, people and music. Ev- low-fin tuna. Drop in on an evening the Piano
Pappy’s headquarters is a small brewery that ery Wednesday night from May-October catch Man is playing, grab an original Rag’s Red Ale,
currently only distributes its beer in kegs and the Live@Lytle music series on the patio. With and enjoy classic downtown Abilene.
opens its doors for tours, tastings, and food seating capacity around 150, Live@Lytle brings
truck gatherings on Saturdays. Pop a top, pull Texas country artists like Charlie Robison, Larry 158 CYPRESS STREET, ABILENE, TEXAS
up a stool and tell Pappy Slokum who inspires Joe Taylor, and Cody Canada to guests in an
you. intimate, table seating atmosphere. Order the Hours of Operation:
jalapeno poppers, West Texas Sunset (careful, Monday through Thursday 11 am – 2 pm, and
409 S. TREADAWAY, ABILENE, TEXAS you’re cut off at two) and listen to live music 4 pm -9 pm
from Texas greats under the Abilene sky. Friday 11 am – 2 pm and 4 pm -10 pm
Hours of Operation: Saturday 11am - 10pm
Open to public Saturday 11 am – 7 pm 1150 E. S. 11TH STREET, ABILENE, TEXAS SSupnedciaaylCs:losed
Age requirement: Happy Hour Monday - Friday 4 - 6pm Ros’e
All ages welcome, 21+ to consume alcoholic Hours of Operation: For Rosie - $5.00 Ros’e Every Thursday Every
beverages Monday through Sunday 11 am – 10 pm Saturday - $5.00 Mimosas
More info: facebook.com/PappySlokum Specials: Attire:
pappyslokum.com Monday $2 wells and margaritas 3 pm – close Casual
Tuesday through Thursday $2 wells and mar- More info:
garitas 3 pm – 7 pm cypress-street.com
Friday and Saturday $6 beer pitchers and $3
Texas liquors 3 pm – close
Attire:
Casual
More info:
facebook.com/LytleLandandCattle
lytlelandandcattle.com

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Abilene Magazine

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Abilene Magazine 56

CULTURE We’ve Been
Serving Abilene
Make It Yours
Since 1890
For the Good Deal Lover
Since first opening our doors in Abilene in
Get Your Cowboy On and Round Up Savings 1890, First Financial Bank has taken great
Save a bundle by purchasing the “Abilene Round-Up Pass” that give pride in being a part of this amazing city.
you access to Abilene’s best attractions at a fraction of the cost! En- Whether coaching kid’s sports, volunteering
joy some of the most celebrated places in Abilene such as The Grace for a local nonprofit or providing educational
Museum,Taylor County History Center, Frontier Texas!,The National workshops, you’ll find our bankers actively
Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, 12th Armored Museum working to make Abilene a great place to live,
and The Abilene Zoo! Adult passes are only $17, but saves $15 off
actual ticket prices; children passes are $8, which saves $7.50. The work and enjoy time with family.
best part? The passes are good for an entire year, so you can take Whatever your banking needs, large or
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Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1101 North 1st St. proud to serve the Abilene community.

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Abilene is known for its whole-hearted love affair with all things art
and culture. It’s evident with things like our biennial Outdoor Sculp-
ture Exhibition, “Scupt-TOUR”, that brings abundant and beautiful,
thought-provoking, award winning outdoor art to areas of town
where the public can enjoy them. It’s seen in action at the Center
for Contemporary Arts, a 70+ member studio with five galleries
featuring local, regional and nationally renowned photographers
and contemporary artists working with a variety of media, right in
the heart of downtown Abilene. We could go on, but we think you
should find the artist in you and get to exploring the other artistic
gems Abilene has to offer.

For the Short Road Tripper Abilene Magazine

Watch History Comes Alive
Explore the legendary history of this area starting with The Taylor
County History Center features the original county courthouse,
jail and 17 other buildings with genuine western and Indian
artifacts, a gallery with historic documents and local art, an in-
teractive radio tour and more. Just 14 miles south of Abilene on
State Parks Highway 80, this short drive will be jam packed with
other activities like the Abilene State Park, complete with fishing,
bike trails, hiking and camping. Stop into the internationally
acclaimed, Perini Ranch Steakhouse, for their beloved Sunday
brunch or their exquisite cuisine any other day of the week. This
short drive will make long lasting memories with local shopping,
craft activities and much more.

57

Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News
Randy Gilman, artist and model
maker for Walter Wick, puts to-
gether the sixth posable Seymour
character, to be unveiled at a press
conference at the NCCIL Tuesday,
June 4, 2013. Seymour is a charac-
ter from Wick’s “Can You See What I
See?” book. The six sculptures will
be permanently placed at various
tourist locations around Abilene.

Abilene Magazine 58

CULTURE

STORYBOOK
CAPITAL OF
TEXAS

By Sidney Levesque pages of children’s illustrated literature and transformation into the Storybook Capital of
Marketing director, Abilene Cultural Affairs Council into people’s hearts. There are 23 storybook Texas.
sculptures around downtown Abilene, includ-
Childhood’s great adventure really does ing six Dr. Seuss characters in Everman Park The newest addition to the Storybook Sculp-
begin in Abilene, the official Storybook Capital and a bronzed scene from the William Joyce ture Project is the Adamson-Spalding Story-
of Texas. book “Santa Calls” titled “Childhood’s Great book Garden, which opened June 8, 2017 at
Adventure.” the Abilene Convention Center. It features five
Nowhere else in Texas – or any state for sets of sculptures based on characters illustrat-
that matter – can you find as many bronze Downtown Abilene continues its magical ed by Garth Williams. These are Charlotte and
sculptures of characters that have leapt off the
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CULTURE

Wilbur from “Charlotte’s Web,” “Stuart Little,” and all the characters from TRenDInG
the Golden Book “Three Bedtime Stories” – The Three Little Pigs and the
Big Bad Wolf, The Three Little Kittens and Mama Cat, and The Three Bears From on sale
and Goldilocks. to on you!

Our city received the Storybook Capital designation from the 84th Stock up on the
Texas Legislature in 2015, and we are unceasing in our efforts to grow latest trends
and expand on that image. We now have all of the Storybook Sculptures from Buckle,
professionally lit as well as twinkling lights in trees, making downtown francesca’s,
enchanting and safe at night. We plan to continue creatively lighting American Eagle
our Storybook Sculptures in the future. We have a major installation Outfitters,
of multiple characters planned for 2017 that includes illustrator Garth Journeys
Williams’ iconic images of “Stuart Little” and “Charlotte’s Web.” and more!
Get all the buzz at
The Children’s Art & Literacy Festival hosted by the Abilene Cultural Facebook.com/MallofAbilene
Affairs Council the second weekend of June each year is growing. In
2015, registrations were up 36 percent, with nearly 4,000 people
attending the dramatic readings and art activities, magic shows, movies
at the Historic Paramount Theatre and Abilene Philharmonic Instrument
Petting Zoo.

Year round events at the Storybook Capital include story times at the
Abilene Public Library; an interactive Children’s Museum and monthly
book readings at The Grace Museum; professional, nationally touring
theatrical shows for children at the Paramount and the Abilene Civic
Center, including “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” on June 11,
2017; and free theatre shows in the summertime thanks to Young
Audiences of Abilene.

At the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL), the
original artwork of best-selling and award-winning artists are on display
each year. Those exhibitions tour the nation after they debut in Abilene.
Children who visit the gallery can also create art in the studio based on
the style of the artist on display.

These are just some of the many things families can do when they visit
the Storybook Capital! Start your adventure today.

Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News
Patty Rae Wellborn, left, and Sujata Shahane, right, show kids how to fill a cookie shape with wet
papier mache mixture and sprinkle seeds on top during Camp Caldecott at the NCCIL Friday, June
21, 2013. The campers received inspiration from illustrations from award winning Caldecott
books and explored a variety of art mediums.

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61 Abilene Magazine

CULTURE

Kids watch the Christmas parade from atop the Childhood’s Great Adventure sculpture in Everman Park in downtown Abilene.

Sculpture Garden
Some say Abilene is its own special world.
Joy Lewis/Reporter-News That’s particularly true in the downtown area, and especially if you are a
The Cat in the Hat loves the downtown Abilene life. kid.
The cat and other characters complement the pres- Literature comes alive for children here, proclaimed as the “Storybook Cap-
ence of the National Center for Children’s Illustrated ital of Texas,” by the Legislature.
Literature. We have the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, the annu-
al Children Arts and Literacy Festival and a gaggle of sculptures, straight out
Abilene Magazine of the pages of books for kids.
We have the largest public collection of storybook character sculptures in
the United States, boasting 18 outdoor and six indoor sculptures. Iconic char-
acters from Dr. Seuss, William Joyce, Walker Wick and David Shannon color
Abilene with whimsy and fun.

62

CULTURE

Nellie Doneva/
Reporter-News
City of Abilene
workers pour con-
crete at the base
of the Duck on
a Bike statue by
Vleta’s Candies.

The newest addition is the Adamson-Spal- National Center for Children’s Illustrated
ding Storybook Garden outside the Abilene Literature, said that the existing and future
Convention Center, featuring the work of statues are a “nice tie-in to the exhibitions
Garth Williams. that the NCCIL organizes.”
You’ve read his books like “Charlotte’s
Web,” “Stuart Little” and popular Little “They are certainly highly visible to the
Golden Books characters “The Three Lit- community and visitors and a fun draw for
tle Pigs,” “The Three Little Kittens,” and families to downtown Abilene,” she said.
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” They will
Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News all be represented in the garden which was Lynn Barnett, executive director of the
The Seymour sculpture is located on the set to open during the 2017 CALF in June. Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, conclud-
Debra Lillick, executive director of the ed, “I think everyone understands how im-
balcony at N. 2nd St. and Cypress St. portant it is – the value of getting children
into books and enjoying books.”

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63 Abilene Magazine

CULTURE

OnAlyin bilene
STORYTELLING AT attacked by Native Americans
Frontier Texas!: in this area. Find them online to Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News
plan your memorable experience The Charlie Daniels Band performs during the 2015 Outlaws
This a one-of-a-kind museum at www. frontiertexas.com And Legends Music Festival at The Back Porch of Texas.
marries history with the lat- CHARACTERS ABOUND IN
est technology to share the rich ABI: of the Abilene Cultural Affairs ries of family-friendly festivities.
past of real men and women who Council. It’s one of the reasons Williams’ original illustrations
lived and died on the frontier For three days each June, that Abilene was designated the for such classics as Charlotte’s
here over a century ago. Fron- downtown Abilene is trans- “Official Storybook Capital of Web, Stuart Little, the Little
tier Texas! allows visitors to meet formed into a storybook adven- Texas.” In 2017, June 8-1, CALF House on the Prairie series as
those people who played a role ture for children and families. is celebrating the work of Garth well as numerous beloved Little
in that time period using holo- The Children’s Art & Literacy Williams in big way with a se- Golden Books. An entirely new
graphic images, interactive dis- Festival celebrates the artist on
covery stations and a theater ex- exhibit each summer at the Na-
perience that brings the beauty tional Center for Children’s Illus-
and terrifying challenges of the trated Literature. Past honorees
frontier to life. The museum also were Dr. Seuss, Walter Wick,
showcases the natural history of William Joyce and David Shan-
the Texas Forts Trail region from non. The festival draws about
1780 to 1880 and artifacts such 3,000 people from all over Tex-
as the world’s most famous buf- as and beyond and is a program
falo gun and the scalps of settlers

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64

CULTURE

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News

Characters walk down Pine Street during the Storybook Pa- Daniel Gomez/Special to the Reporter-News

rade to open the Children’s Art & Literacy Festival. The Wolfe Family tours an exhibit at Frontier Texas!

well as numerous beloved Lit- ARE YOU AN OUTLAW OR inspires tailgates, camping, as Monthly, Texas Highways
tle Golden Books. An entirely A LEGEND? backyard games and a com- and many more. Legendary
new Storybook Sculpture Gar- munity spirit of togetherness. acts like Merle Haggard, Robert
den will complement the over- Abilene is proud to play Named a top 5 “Festival of the Earl Keen, Charlie Daniels Band,
all Storybook Sculpture Project host to its own bona fide coun- Year” by Texas Regional Ra- Jamey Johnson, Pat Green and
(thought to be the largest of its try music festival. The 3-day dio Music Awards, the festival more have graced the stage for
kind and several of his works event draws crowds from has also been featured in the this one of a kind experience.
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ceptional music on the “Back Airlines Spirit Magazine, Tex- lawsandlegends.com.
Porch of Texas,” a venue that

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65 Abilene Magazine

CULTURE

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News
Dyess airmen and their families get their plates loaded up during the “World’s Largest Barbecue”, following the Dyess Big
Country AirFest at Dyess Air Force Base.

Texas is known for having the best of

the best in all things BBQ and Abilene is

no exception. With a plethora of celebrat-

TASTY ed eateries like Sharon’s BBQ, Stillwater

BBQ BBQ, Betty Roses and more, there is

ON EVERY something to tantalize your palette. In
LEVEL
addition, for over 50 years, the Military
Abilene Magazine
Affairs Committee of the Abilene Cham-

ber of Commerce has planned, prepared,

and served a free all-you-can-eat barbe-

cue for Dyess AFB members and their

families.

The meal is the Committee’s way of

expressing Abilene’s appreciation to all

Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, and

DoD Civilian personnel for being part

of the Abilene community and for what

they do for our country. The barbecue is Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News
no small undertaking, to be sure. It takes Tim Akens cuts up meat during the
more than 200 volunteers several days 51st Annual World’s Largest Barbe-
to prepare over 3,300 pounds of beef, cue hosted by the Abilene Cham-
600 pounds of sausage, 1,000 pounds ber of Commerce Military Affairs
of coleslaw, 300 gallons of ranch-style Committee at the Abilene Conven-
beans, and 500 gallons of iced tea, tion Center.
among other favorites.

While it is not open to the general pub-

lic, approximately 5,000 military members and civilian employees and their

families attend to enjoy the feast every year. Now that’s tasty.

66

Carefree.That’s how you
want her to stay.

There’s a way to always be there for your family. Whole life insurance can help
protect them in the future while providing living benefits. And, even in turbulent
times, it’s guaranteed to build cash value, which you can borrow from when your
family needs it most.1 To learn how your family can benefit from whole life insurance,
contact us today.

Shane Robertson
Financial Services Representative
MassMutual Dallas-Fort Worth
3402 North 1st Street, Suite 101
Abilene, TX 79603
325-513-3100
wrobertson@financialguide.com
www.massmutual.com/dallas-ft-worth

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LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE + ANNUITIES

MassMutual Financial Group refers to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual), its affiliated companies and sales representatives.
Local sales agencies are not subsidiaries of MassMutual or its affiliated companies. Insurance products issued by MassMutual (Springfield, MA
01111) and its subsidiaries, C.M. Life Insurance Co. and MML Bay State Life Insurance Co. (Enfield, CT 06082). 1Access to cash value through
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General Agents with whom they contract. CRN201812-166620

CULTURE

#Abilene #AbileneProud: Residents
and visitors alike have a tre-
mendous amount of pride in
the Abilene community. This
diverse and unique commu-
nity has a lot of things that
make us all proud. Follow
this hashtag to get a feel of
what there is to be proud
of in Abilene and use it to
share your own! From bright
murals in historic downtown
to the stranger you meet
that helps you find your way,
you’ll find these posts to be
widespread!

#AbileneChamber: With Joy Lewis/Reporter-News
over 1,000 strong members,
the Abilene Chamber works Outlaws & Legends Music Festival
hard to live its mission: to
develop and promise the good business happens for #FABilene: What is more
economy and quality of life an organization, its employ- fabulous than our communi-
in the Abilene area. When ees or its industry, we all ty? Nothing! FABilene are all
know it’s good for Abilene. things that make up Abilene

In Business Texas Lic. 2227, 2541
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AB-1273357

Abilene Magazine 68

CULTURE

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News

Dogs take off at the start of the finals race in the 2015 Rescue the Animals Dachshund Races at Nelson Park.

friendly locals who greet everyone with a fabulous #SplishSplash: After your Abilene Zoo adventure,
West Texas Welcome. head over to one of our ever growing splash pads!
Located in Nelson Park, next to Fort Imagination
#Centerstage325: Keep up to date with our music playground, the splash pad promises fun for the
events and festivals that come in and out Abilene whole group. Pack a picnic lunch and relax under
such as Outlaws and Legends, Key City Rhythm the covered pavilion while the kids have a splash-
and Blues Festival, celebrated artists and up many ing good time for free!
more!

Services and Conditions Treated Include:

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• Pediatric ENT Care • Asthma • Sleep Apnea • Dizziness/Vertigo

ENT SPECIALISTS
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Dr. Gary Goodnight, D.O. 325-261-6005
Dr. Taylor Tidmore, M.D.
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Dr. Steven J. Hamlett, Au. D.
Paula Parkhill, FNP
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ENT ALLERGY, ASTHMA
AND IMMUNOLOGY CENTER

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325-437-3600
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AB-1329732 AB-1345703

69 Abilene Magazine

CULTURE

#HomeToTheBrave:
Abilene is proud
to be home to the
brave men and
women of Dyess Air
Force Base. While
we realize we serve
as only a tempo-
rary home for these
courageous families
while are stationed
here, we work to
ensure that our
community leaves a
lasting impact of the
story of your life.
We know you all do
in ours.

Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News

Civil war re-enactors fire a cannon during an event at Frontier Texas! museum for
the Annual Cushman Club of America national meet.

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Abilene Magazine 70





RECREATION

Abilenians
have fun in
the water

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News Abilenians know how to have fun with water.
Kids stand under the water bucket Just look at our new aquatics park and splash-
to get splashed at the Nelson Park pads.
splash pad.
The City of Abilene’s new aquatics center is
targeted for opening by early summer 2017,
said Wayne Lisenbee.

The project is somewhat at the mercy of the
weather because of its outdoor nature, Lisen-
bee said.

The new $6.6 million aquatics center was a
full renovation and expansion of the Rose Park
Pool, giving way to a modern water recreation
facility.

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AB-1264857

73 Abilene Magazine

RECREATION

A leisure pool, a lazy river, The leisure pool has a beach
a pair of water slides, a party entry area, slowing sloping
pavilion, a covered patio, and a down into the pool, so small
new bathhouse are the primary children and toddlers can play
features, with the whole project in it.
designed to provide space for
added features in the future. The lazy river sports a capacity
of 250 people, who can either
“The leisure pool will have swim or tube. Slide structures
a beach entry, which (means) are about three stories tall, one
it just gradually slopes down a body slide, the other a tube
into the pool,” he said. “So it slide, the latter entering the lazy
goes from zero depth to down I river.
believe four, four and a half feet.
And there’s plenty of room for “This is going to be a family
people to get in there and do aquatic center where families
aerobics or any kind of water can come enjoy the water and
exercise that they might want to have a good day, but it is not
do.” going to be Schlitterbahn, that
is not the intent,” Lisenbee said,
Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News referring to the famous park in
David Solis-Huestis celebrates New Braunfels.
his eighth birthday on the Splash
Pad. By some time in 2018, the city
will sport five neighborhood
splashpads. Abilene got its

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AB-1273809 6410 Buffalo Gap Rd., Suite C, Abilene, TX 79606
Call Today for Your Appointment
Abilene Magazine (325) 692-4410
www.screening4life.us

AB-1309664

74

RECREATION

Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News
Children play in the new splash pad in Scar-

borough Park after the ribbon cutting.

An artist rendering of the new first in 2012 at Nelson Park on Ambler and Redbud Park on the
aquatic center. the east side of town. The city city’s south side.
opened two new ones in 2016
at Scarborough and Stevenson “We’re going to have a lot of
parks. Two more are scheduled water options for people to take
to open in 2018 at Sears Park on advantage of,” Lisenbee said.

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Abilene Magazine
75

RECREATION

Abilene

cultivates tennis
players

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News
Wylie’s Nikhil Kalla returns a ball in his doubles match
with partner Spencer Lin during the Bulldogs’ team tennis
match against Brownwood on Thursday at Wylie High
School.

TENNIS COURTS

ABILENE COUNTRY CLUB
(Private)

It’s a racquet. It’s a ball. It’s a 4039 S. Treadaway Blvd.
net. It’s exercise. It’s great fun.
(325) 692-2583
It’s tennis.
Abilene has long been known FAIRWAY OAKS
as a hotbed for tennis.
Players start as young kids. (Private)
They move to summer leagues.
As teens, they get on the high 34 Fairway Oaks Blvd
school tennis team. They may
play on a college squad. As (325)698-4971
adults it can become recreation
or competition. ROSE PARK TENNIS CENTER
(Public)
Abilene Magazine
810 Portland Ave.

(325) 676-6292

SEARS PARK RECREATION CENTER
(Public)

260 Sandefer St.

VAUGHN CAMP PARK
(Public)

4709 Robertson Dr. ACU tennis
WILL HARE PARK
(Public) Most public middle and high schools also

101 Ambler Ave. have tennis courts.

76

Abilene’s Landmark

Restaurant

Catering and Brew Pub

Our Staff and restaurant have
received 14 Reader’s Choice
Awards, featured in the New
York Times, Southern Living,
CNN and ABC Nightly News.

Most of all we take pride in
being here all these years to
serve our West Texas guests.

Downtown Abilene
158 Cypress St.
325.676.3463

www.cypress-street.com

RECREATION

Joey D. Richards/Reporter-News
Plano’s Parker Coody watches his tee shot from No. 3
during the third and final round of the American Junior
Golf Association’s Action Zone/Bob Estes Abilene Ju-
nior at Abilene Country Club’s Fairway Course.

TEE ‘EM UP Improve your tee shot or your drives at
one of Abilene’s premier golf courses. The
course websites will have information on
club rentals and access requirements.

ABILENE COUN- MAXWELL GOLF
TRY CLUB COURSE
(Private) (Public)
4039 S. Treadaway 1002 S. 32nd St.
Blvd. www.golfmaxwell.
www.abilenecoun- com
tryclub.com (325) 692-2737
(325) 692-2583
MESQUITE
DIAMONDBACK GROVE
GOLF CLUB (Public/Military)
(Private) www.dyessfss.com/
1510 E. Industrial golf-course.html
Blvd. (325) 696-4384
www.diamond-
backgolfclub.biz
(325) 690-9190

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News FAIRWAY GOLF
Sydney Roberts, from Brownwood, tees COURSE
off on the 12th hole during the final (Private)
round of the West Texas Junior Open golf 34 Fairway Oaks
tournament at the Abilene Country Club’s Blvd.
club course. (325) 698-4971

Abilene Magazine 78

RECREATION

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News
Riley Casey holds a water bottle in his mouth as he
adjusts his golf bag while walking along the 15th
hole during the first round of the AJGA Bob Estes
Abilene Open at the Abilene Country Club’s Fair-
way Course.

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THE HOMEPLACE abilenechristian.com
2034 CR 131 • Tuscola, Texas 79562 • 325-554-9610
Abilene Magazine
AB-1267121 www.thehomeplacetexas.com AB-1286086

79

RECREATION

LACE ‘EM UP

Joy Lewis/Reporter-News
Runners begin the 10th Annual Turkey
Trot at Shotwell Stadium.

Abilene’s a great place to run around. People do it all the time Joy Lewis/Reporter-News
Here are a couple of the best places in Abilene for your run, ac- Dayna Huffington closes in on the finish line of the Mayor’s
cording to a number local enthusiasts: 5k/10k and Family Fun Run with her three-year-old twins, Alexa
Redbud Park • Nelson Park • ACU Path and Creed on North Sixth Street south of the Abilene Conven-
These family-friendly paths are short, safe and lighted – but that tion Center.
doesn’t mean you can’t break a sweat. Redbud and Nelson park trails
are about 1.5 miles each. If you’re looking for something a little lon-
ger, the scenic path around the ACU campus is 1.8 miles.
Lake Kirby
If you’re training for a half-marathon or 10K, consider hitting the
trail around Lake Kirby. Be sure to bring shoes for varying surfaces
as the route takes you along dirt and paved ground.
Visit the Abilene Runners Club web site for course maps on
Abilene’s other running hot spots.
http://www.abilenerunners.com/course-maps.html

Abilene Magazine 80

RECREATION

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

JUNE 16 Joy Bonala/Special to the Reporter-News APRIL 16
10th Annual Summer Sol- The annual Mayor’s 5K
stice Endurance Runs with Competitors in the YMCA Resolution Run start their or 10K run/walk, or our
5-mile, 3-hour and 6-hour 5K race at Redbud Park. 1-mile family fun run!
events at Redbud Park This event is open to
JULY 4 JANUARY 1 USUALLY IN MARCH the public, and because
Wear Red, White and Blue The YMCA Resolution An avid runner called the race route follows
for the Firecracker 4-miler Run/Walk 5K and 1 Mile the Steamboat Mountain the downtown streets of
7:30 a.m. at Redbud Park. Kids Fun Run starts the Challenge half-marathon Abilene, the course is flat,
It’s not about the medals year off on the right foot and 10K in Buffalo Gap fast and family-friendly!
(there are none); it’s about … and the left. “one of the toughest and All 3 races will begin and
celebrating America. most scenic courses.” end in front of the Civ-
THANKSGIVING DAY ic Center, on North 6th
The largest run in Abilene Street. The 5K and 10K
is the Abilene Runner’s are chip timed.
Club Turkey Trot 5K held For more information
on Thanksgiving Day about these and other
attracting more than 1,500 races in Abilene visit
runners and walkers each abilenevisitors.com and
year to “Run in the morn- abilenerunners.com
ing and eat guilt free all
day”.

AB-1269978

81 Abilene Magazine

RECREATION

Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News

People set off on the 34th Annual Tour de Gap at the Old Settlers Reunion Grounds in Buffalo Gap.

Gearing up for Saturday, July 22, 2017: The same se-
lection of routes you’ve come to love, plus
Tour de we’re stretching out the 52 miler to become
Gap 2017! a Metric Century! (62 mi.)

Sunday, July 23, 2017: A brand-new
morning event revolving around a 7.2 mile
hill climb, the hardest one in the hills of the
Callahan Divide!

Abilene Magazine 82

RECREATION

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News

Riders in the 56-mile race cruise down a hill
on FM-1086, west of Bradshaw, during the
2015 Tour de Gap.

“2 Convenient Locations to Serve You”

3818 So Treadaway
Abilene, TX 79602

325 691 1110

249 S 11th St
Abilene, TX 79602

325 676 3333

www.jacksonbrosfeed.com

Like us on

AB-1328667 Abilene Magazine

83

RECREATION KEEP IT LEGAL

INTO THE GREAT A hunting license is re-
OUTDOORS
quired of any person, re-
gardless of age, who hunts
any animal, bird, frog or
turtle in Texas (except fur-
bearers, if the hunter pos-
sesses a trapper’s license).
No license is required
for nuisance fur-bearing
animals, depredating hogs
or coyotes. Non-residents
under 17 years of age may
purchase and hunt with
the Youth Hunting License
(Type 169).

If you’re going to hunt in
Texas, make sure to com-
plete the Hunter Educa-
tion Training Course; it’s
required for every hunter
born on or after Sept. 2,
1971, including visitors
from out-of-state. Youth
hunters must be accompa-
nied.

In Abilene, you can buy
hunting and fishing
licenses in person:

Abilene LEO
(325) 673-3333
281 North Willis

HEB #070
(325) 690-5000
1345 Barrow St.

Wal-Mart S/C #0535
(325) 695-3092
4350 Southwest Dr.

Wal-Mart Store #0536
(325) 677-5584
1650 State Highway 351

Abilene Magazine 84

RECREATION

Early-day pioneer would hunt and fish to feed their as Parks and Wildlife Department said hunters are re-
families. quired to wear “hunter orange,” and make sure they
are carrying their hunting license at all times.
Today, hunters and fishermen in our area do it for
fun, for a chance to be in the outdoors, and also for A public lands booklet/map is available at the pur-
food. chase of a hunting license.

We love our hunting and fishing and around these Completion of a state-mandated hunter’s education
parts there are plenty opportunities to do both. course is required by law to get a hunting license.

In our backyard, we can hunt for dove and deer, and If a rod and reel are more your style, you’re in the
several other species. right place. Fishing may be equally as popular as hunt-
ing.
The state of Texas has plenty of public land on which
to hunt, and some of these areas hold good populations There are many lakes here and in within just a short
of doves. The alternative to public land is leased prop- drive that offer bountiful chances to catch the big one,
erty, available either season or day lease agreements. and lots of other ones, too.

For those going to public lands to hunt, State Game And, Nelson Lake, just south of the Abilene Zoo, is
Warden James Cummings of the Abilene office of Tex- stocked with trout.

WHERE THEY’RE BITING

Visit www.TPWD.state.tx.us and select “Water”
from the menu. Click “Lakes” under the Hab-
itat section and be sure to select Panhandle
Plains to see a map of area lakes their char-
acteristics. Here are some of the options you
might consider:
Lake Abilene
Lake Fort Phantom Hill
Lake Brownwood
Possum Kingdom Lake

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85 Abilene Magazine

FINAL THOUGHTS

Chet Garner

Chet Garner, Emmy Award winning host of the “Day Tripper”
and Texas Highways Magazine contributor
“The story of Abilene seamlessly blends its Wild West past
with a lively present. It’s full of stories, artwork, and meals as big as
Texas is wide, confirming that there are big times to be had in Big
Country. So whether you follow my footsteps or forge your own path,
I hope to see you on the road.”

Abilene Magazine 86

FINAL THOUGHTS

Katie Rose Gloyna

Katie Rose Gloyna, 3rd
Generation Abileneian
“After spending over a
decade out of Abilene, I was ea-
ger to find a way to come back.
Yes, there are some creature com-
forts you can get in bigger met-
ropolitan areas like where I was
living, but as I soon found out,
there is a lot of living you forsake
for that: time away from your
family, your friends, your pas-
sions to keep up with that type
of lifestyle. As Abilene contin-
ually grows and prospers, we’re
seeing more of those comforts
here…all the while truly LIVING
life with those we love. It’s the
best of both worlds out here in
West Texas and I’m grateful to be
back.”

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AB-1281293 AB-1311231

87 Abilene Magazine

FINAL THOUGHTS

Helen Anders

Helen Anders, Freelance Journalist: Texas Highways, Austin
American Statesman, Dallas Morning News
“Drive through downtown to see why it calls itself the
Storybook Capital of Texas. Abilene hosts a yearly Children’s Art
and Literature Festival (the next one’s June 8-10, honoring Char-
lotte’s Web illustrator Garth Williams and the 75th anniversary of
Little Golden Books), and 21 sculptures of kid-book characters —
the Cat in the Hat, the Man in the Moon, Father Christmas and
more — are all over town. Walk down Cypress Street and see the
restored 1930 art deco Paramount Theater, which sometimes hosts
vintage movies along with concerts and private events.”

Abilene Magazine 88

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News
The Hardin-Simmons Universi-
ty Six White Horses make their
way down Pine Street during the
Western Heritage Classic parade.

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Abilene Magazine
89

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thomas Metthe/Reporter-News

Volunteer Ryder Appleton serves pie to diners during the HEB Feast of Sharing at
the Abilene Convention Center.

Need Here are some!
More
Reasons A SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY
to Call
Abilene The Chronicle of Philanthropy estimates that Abilene is among the Top 20 percent in median
Home? community contributions among metropolitan cities in the U.S.

MORE HOME FOR THE MONEY

Abilene home prices are nearly 35 percent below the U.S. average. That’s an extra 764 square
feet. It also leaves $323 extra in your pocket every month, based on a 30-year mortgage.

COMMITMENT TO PROGRESS

Initiatives by the Chamber of Commerce, the City of Abilene and by the private sector are
currently underway across the community that are resulting in new schools, new roads, down-
town revitalization, and workforce development. As a spirit of cooperation and entrepreneurship
sweeps across the Big Country, Abilene is moving forward at a progressive and exciting pace. We
invite you to partner with us!

TAXES TAKE LESS HERE

Texas is one of only seven states without a state income tax, allowing Abilene residents to keep
more of their earnings.

LIFELONG LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

In addition to two highly regarded public school systems, Abilene has six institutions of high-
er learning and more than 10,000 students pursuing higher education.

Abilene Magazine 90

FINAL THOUGHTS

Dyess We Care
Team’s Dallas
Conrad removes
concrete from
the back of a
trailer before
participating
in the building
of the Reagan
Elementary’s new
playground.

Reporter-News file photos

Parent volunteer Sher-
idan Cruz, left, helps

3rd graders from Wylie
Intermediate School se-
cure their bike helmets

at the Melvin Martin
Center for Children’s

Safety.

Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News

Dozens of volunteers
unload a truck by pass-
ing pumpkins down the
line at Disability Re-
sources Inc. The pump-
kin patch will be avail-
able to visitors during
the month of October.

Nellie Doneva/Reporter-News Abilene Magazine
91

ABILENE’S REAL ESTATE LEADERS

325-669-3087 325-260-6501 325-669-6857 325-439-9144 325-338-2700 325-669-1667 325-725-2593 325-668-7417

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Phone - (325) 695-3730 • Fax - (325) 695-5313

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