Hotels in Abilene, Texas

A little about Abilene...

Abilene is a city in Taylor County, Texas, United States, at the eastern border of West Texas. The population was 115,930 at the 2000 census. It is the principal city of the Abilene, Texas Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is the county seat of Taylor County. Dyess Air Force Base is located to the west of the city.

The cultural aspects of Abilene center around a mix of the three religiously affiliated private universities: Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, and McMurry University, as well as the Abilene Campus of Cisco Junior College, a West Texas campus of Texas State Technical College, American Commercial College, the agriculture community of the surrounding area, and the numerous affluent evangelical churches present.

Abilene is also home to the restored Paramount Theater, The Abilene Philharmonic Association, the Grace Cultural Museum, the Center for Contemporary Arts, The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature, The Abilene Zoo, Frontier Texas, the 87th Armored Division Museum, Taylor County Coliseum, five libraries, twenty-six public parks, six television stations and an ever variable number of radio stations, including one National Public Radio Station (89.7 KACU).

The West Texas Fair & Rodeo, ten days in mid-Sept., features exhibits and amusements reflecting early days of Abilene, plus modern attractions of West Texas.

The Western heritage classic in early May features ranch rodeo, campfire cook-off, sheep dog trails, farrier competition, Cowboy Pœts Society, Western art show and many other activities.

The first weekend in April features Celebrate Abilene, an outdoor festival held in the historic downtown area bringing the arts, history, railroad and family entertainment.

On every second Thursday evening of the month, Artwalk is held in downtown Abilene. During Artwalk all the local museums are free, the Paramount theater shows a "Art Film", local musicians and performers busk, and several crafters and artists set up booths and sell their wares.

There are also several special interest conventions, festivals, and shows scattered throughout the year including: The Abilene Gem and Mineral Show, the West Texas Book and Music Festival, The Abilene Gun and Knife Show, The Friends of the Abilene Public Library Book Sale, and The Erinshire Folk Festival.