What to do in Abilene

Looking for something to do while you're in town and not at the Western Heritage Classic? Here are some local restaurants we recommend along with a short list of places to visit and have fun.

Where to Eat

The Beehive Restaurant- Hungry for chicken fried steak? Head to Downtown Abilene for what Texas Monthly says is "The best country steakhouse in the state." Click here for menu items and hours.

Bogie's - Located in Downtown Abilene, Bogies is a sandwich deli favorite! Themed around Humphrey Bogart and his movies from the 1940's; even the menu items are written as cast members from his classic films.

Bonzai Japanese Steak House - Looking for something different? Offering steaks, sushi, seafood, and hibachi, your meal is served with an artistic twist. Their chefs are fun to watch and the food is delicious and unique to West Texas. Bonzai has 13 large hibachi grills and a fantastic party room for your work or family gathering. Click here for menu items and hours.

Lytle Land & Cattle Company - Lytle Land & Cattle Company has a complete menu to satisfy any appetite. With a wide selection of seafood that is cooked in the same fashion as a steak, Lytle Land and Cattle's mesquite grill give its Texas Style flavor to an unforgettable dining experience. From steaks, chicken, and seafood, you won't leave Lytle Land & Cattle Company hungry. Click here for menu items and hours.

Perini Ranch - Head down to Buffalo Gap, just a few miles south of Abilene, and have some of the best BBQ Texas has to offer. Known for their steaks and bread pudding with a Jack Daniels whiskey sauce, Perini Ranch has been featured in Texas Highways and catered for George W. Bush in Washington, D.C. at the Congressional Picnic at the White House. Make sure to reserve a table, Perini Ranch is a very popular place! Click here for menu items and hours.

Sharon's BBQ - A local favorite, Sharon's BBQ has some of the best sausage, turkey, potato salad and the classic, chopped bbq sandwich. Who could forget the jalapeno corn and homemade bread! A quick drive from the Expo Center, Sharon's BBQ is quick, delicious, and served with true Texas charm. Click here for menu items and hours.

Szechuan Chinese Restaurant - Named in the top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the nation! Szechuan Chinese Restaurant offers palatable and delicious Szechuan and Hunan cuisine featuring the finest and freshest ingredients. Accompanied by excellent service and soothing atmosphere, we are sure that you will have an unforgettable dining experience in Szechuan Chinese Restaurant! Click here for menu items and hours.

Copper Creek Restaurant - Copper Creek Restaurant opened in 2005 to rave reviews. Owned and operated by Ryan and Deidre Stockard, the restaurant is still going strong today and now offers full service catering and event planning as well. Copper Creek offers fine Texas dining with an up-scale rustic atmosphere. Click here for a full dinner menu.

The Sights

Abilene Zoo - Discover the wonderful world of wildlife at the Abilene Zoo! With recent improvements and expansion to the exhibits, the Abilene Zoo is home to over 600 animals from around the globe. Admission is $7.00 for adults (ages 13-59), $6.00 for seniors (60+), $4.50 for children (ages 3-12) and children under 3 are free! So grab your family and friends, pack a picnic basket, and visit the Abilene Zoo!

Buffalo Gap Historic Village - Take a quick drive to the town of Buffalo Gap and visit their Historic Village with more than 15 historic buildings for you to explore including a historic playground for kids! Take a tour through their gift shop filled with old fashioned snacks, candy, and a soda bar, and an endless supply of gifts and books published by the local State House Press. Make a reservation for Perini's Steak House located just outside of Buffalo Gap.

Frontier Texas! - If you're interested in learning more about the history of West Texas and "The Big Country" then check out our local museum Frontier Texas! Frontier Texas is a western heritage center that allows visitors to relive the Old West with the help of state-of-the-art technology. Frontier Texas brings the frontier to life and lets visitors meet people who played out their lives on the Texas frontier. Frontier Texas also serves as the official visitor center for Abilene and the Texas Forts Trail Region.

The Grace Museum - The Grace Museum maintains a unique position among West Texas attractions. Housed in a historically significant 105 year-old building, The Grace Museum is recognized as an asset for its cultural heritage as well as its educational opportunities. If you have young children, we recommend taking them to the 2nd floor of the Grace Museum to their Children's Museum where they can learn and play in a safe and air conditioned environment.

Prime Time Family Entertainment Center - In the mood for some bowling, laser tag, batting cages, miniature golf, and arcades? Then head down to Prime Time for a night of family fun.

For more information regarding activities, places to stay and eat, visit the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau's website http://www.abilenevisitors.com/