I ♥ Abilene

Growing up in Fort Worth meant traveling to places that, as a kid, I thought were SO far away. One of those places was Abilene, Texas. I don't know why, but I was always taken back at how there were no street gutters in that town. I guess that's what they're called. Those drain openings where water dives into when we have downpours, or where I see raccoons, cat and opossum dart in when coming to work while most of y'all are still sleeping. Why that's a memory of mine is beyond me, but I digress.

I also use to think "wow, how can anyone survive in such a tiny town"? That is until we lived there from 1991-1995. As a young family stationed at Dyess AFB with 3 children under the age of 5 I quickly discovered what a fabulous place Abilene, Texas could be!

A large town (or is it a small city) exactly 2.5 hours west of Fort Worth, Abilene is home to approximately 100,000. The humidity is low, and you are almost always on 'skirt alert' from ever present breezes. Yes, there's shopping, movie theatres, BBQ spots, ballet studios, museums, a zoo and Big Country Soccer.

If you are single in need of a serious night-life, then this may not be the place for you. For young families looking for a slower pace, this is a community worth considering. Regardless, there's always a great view of the stars on a clear night and amazing Texas sunsets.

I would recommend a day trip to Abilene to check out a few favorite spots:

Grace Museum

The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (often referred to as The 'nickel'):

this lovely spot houses some amazing works of art by beloved children's illustrators

Harlow's Smokehouse at 2002 N Clack: one of many Yummy Abilene BBQ spots, but you visit this one for the dirt floors and the Chuck Yeagar room