KTXS-TV Parade of Lights in Downtown Abilene.

Mark your calendars for the 23rd Annual City Sidewalks on Nov. 29!

You might ask “What is City Sidewalks?” City Sidewalks is the Abilene Downtown Association’s Christmas Open House. It’s the Association’s gift to the City of Abilene and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit. You are invited to discover the charm of “an old-fashioned Christmas” as you shop, dine and play in historic downtown Abilene.

I have my evening nearly planned out. First, I’ll check out the Woodson Handbell Choir at the Abilene Reporter-News and Salt Kreek Bluegrass band at The Center for Contemporary Arts. Then, I kickoff my holiday shopping by purchasing myself a Christmas present (I do this every year). Next, it’s dinner with my husband at Cypress Street Station & Abilene Brewing Company. We love to watch the KTXS-TV Parade of Lights from their large windows. After that, it’s more shopping or maybe the Community Tree Lighting at the Abilene Civic Center.

To plan out your special evening, visit the Downtown Association’s website to view the complete list of restaurants, entertainment and shopping available from 5 to 8 p.m. that evening.

Hope to see you there!

Cubs photo courtesy of the City of Abilene

Have you ever gone to the Zoo in the evening?

I had the privilege of attending our Abilene Zoo during the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. I purchased the VIP Passes for my husband Steve, our daughter Elizabeth and her fiancé Timothy. The evening included admission to the zoo (from 6 to 9 p.m.); a tasty sandwich, drinks and chips from Sharon’s Barbeque and Catering; a reserved parking pass and best of all – front row seats to the fireworks. (That adventure was fantastic and I definitely plan on going again next year.)

Now, back to the Zoo – I have never been to the Zoo in the evening and discovered a lot of animals are very active when the day begins to cool off. We enjoyed all of the animals, but stayed nearly 30 minutes watching the lions. The lioness and her cubs were playing like small kittens. Everyone was enjoying a game of “pounce” – except dear ol’ dad. The cubs tried to get him in on the action, but he decided to catch a quick nap instead. If you missed this event, you still have a chance to attend an evening at the Zoo. From now until Labor Day, the zoo is open on Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You also might want to mark your calendar for the last two “Spots and Stripes Forever Summer Concert Series.” On July 28, Derek Brown and the Chauffeurs will celebrate summer with a lively classical jazz set at 6:30 p.m. and on August 18, Frankie y Sus Hommes will close out the series with a variety of familiar Hispanic and Tex-Mex tunes, also at 6:30 p.m. Admission to the Zoo, including the concert, ranges from $2.50 to $5 per person. Info: 325-676-6085.

Are you ready for a B!G DAY DOWNTOWN?

You can jumpstart your day at the Farmer’s Market. They will open at sun up until produce is sold out. Music lovers will enjoy the “Abilene for Japan” benefit concert in Minter Park, Cypress St. and N. 2nd, featuring ten bands. Performances include: Magic Lamp Belly Dancers, 11 a.m.; Blinded By Bears (indie rock), noon; Catclaw Creek (bluegrass), 12:30 p.m.; Joie De Vivre (soul), 1:30 p.m.; Fraid Knot (original), 2 p.m.; Shane Cannedy (blues/rock), 3 p.m.; Smokin’ Blues Primos (blues), 3:30 p.m.; Philip Mahon (classic rock/folk), 4:30 p.m.; Hungry Mother (rock), 5 p.m.; and Kirk House (blues/rock/soul), 6 p.m. The entertainment is free, but donations will be accepted. “Abilene for Japan” also features a silent auction at Cockerell Galleries and Studios and t-shirts “Hope for Japan.” All donations and proceeds benefit Abilene’s own, Global Samaritan Resources.

Downtown merchants will be open offering give-away items, special sales and/or discounted admissions. Frontier Texas! is also hosting a living history day complete with cowboys and cannon fire, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Round out your day with dinner at the Beehive Restaurant & Saloon or Cypress Street Station & Abilene Brewing Company followed by more live music and coffee at Monks Coffee Shop, 7 p.m. to midnight.

For complete details, pick up a flyer at any downtown Abilene business or visit the event website.

Historic Downtown during Downtown Dayz - Photo courtesy of Steve Butman Photography

The Abilene Downtown Association has been busy working on Downtown Dayz, scheduled for Oct. 9, 2010. Downtown Dayz features a wide variety of events, from the Hitchcock movie “The Birds” at the historic Paramount Theatre to shopping discounts at many of downtown’s unique shops. Everyone will want to make sure to attend the concerts in Minter Park, N. 2nd St. and Cypress St.  Four bands will play throughout the day.

“Last April’s Downtown Dayz was well attended, but with the great fall weather the association is hoping for an even bigger crowd on October 9,” said Carolyn Cockerell, president of the Abilene Downtown Association. Cockerell is also looking forward to performing in Minter Park at noon with the Magic Lamp Belly Dancers.

Bill Minter of the Abilene Preservation League will be doing two downtown walking tours. Meet at Minter Park at either 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. After your walking tour, visit the history museum at The Grace or catch the excitement at Frontier Texas! Both are offering discounted admission if you mention “Downtown Dayz.”

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Unique shops, artists, museums and galleries, entertainment and great dining await the entire family. For a complete list of activities, pick up a flyer from almost any downtown shop or restaurant, the Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar St., or at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1101 N. 1st St. You can also find a complete list of activities on the Abilene Downtown Association’s website.

Hope to see you there!

The Loft Inside Under One Roof

As everyone rushes to get ready to go back to school, avoid the crowds at the “big box” stores during tax-free weekend. Shop and dine in historic downtown Abilene this weekend. Items that are tax-free this weekend include clothing and footwear under $100, as well as backpacks for elementary and secondary students. It also includes layaway items and many of these items can be found in our downtown area.

One of my favorite places to browse and shop is Under-One-Roof, located at 244 Pine St. in the former Minter Department Store. Under-One-Roof has over 30 specialty shops in one location, hence the name. From backpacks, shoes, umbrellas, children’s and chic clothing to gifts, you can find something for everyone. Under-One-Roof still offers layaway (like department stores used to) on all purchases for no additional fee.

After shopping, enjoy lunch at The Loft, located on the mezzanine of the store. The Loft offers sandwiches, salads, soup and luscious desserts. My husband’s favorite lunch is the meatloaf sandwich, while I’d recommend the lemon bar for dessert…although you can’t beat the hot brownie either!

Don’t forget all there is to see and do in historic downtown Abilene. If your day permits, stop by Frontier Texas!, 625 N. 1st Street, and tour this high-tech attraction. While inside the visitor’s center, pick up a Downtown Shopping, Dining and Museum Guide. This will help you as you spend the rest of your day discovering historic downtown Abilene with all its charm and family-friendly atmosphere.

I promise, you won’t miss the crowds at the “big box” stores or fast food restaurants around town!

You won't want to miss out on this great summer sale!

The Abilene City Council adopted the SoDA district (south downtown Abilene) master development plan at this week’s council meeting. Many of us are looking forward to seeing the SoDA district evolve into something grand. I hope it is sooner than later. As I told the city council, if we wait to move on this any later, I will be 80 years old before they finish redevelopment!

The Outlaws & Regulators!

If you are looking for something fun to do this Saturday, April 10, head to historic downtown Abilene for the semi-annual Abilene Downtown Association’s Downtown Dayz. The weather forecast says it should be sunny with temperatures in the mid 70s, making it a perfect day to be and about. Grab your family, friends, in-laws and out laws, history buffs and music lovers, art fiends and avid readers—and enjoy a day in downtown. Don’t forget to make plans to enjoy one of downtown’s many restaurants for lunch and/or dinner or sample some beer at Abilene’s only brew pub beer, Cypress St. Station.
Entertainment, Exhibits, Art & Activities Schedule

• 7th Annual Mayor’s Round-Up 5K Run/Walk/WheelBeginning and finishing at the Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th St.8:30 a.m. Start – $10 to $20/person
• The infamous “Outlaws & Regulators” Wild West ShootoutsT&P Depot, N. 1st and Cypress – 11 a.m.; Noon; 1 p.m.; 2 p.m.
• Free showings of “History in Plain Sight” video by Jay Moore. Abilene Preservation League, Elks Building – 1174 N. 1st.10 a.m.; 11 a.m.; 1 p.m.
• Historic Downtown Walking Tours – Departs from the Abilene Preservation League Building, 1174 N. 1st. 10:50 a.m.; 11:50 a.m.; 1:50 p.m.
• Living History Weekend Bivouac – 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum, 1289 N. 2nd – Demonstrations of field cooking, hygiene and weaponry. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Texas Tech University Abilene Segway Demos – Various locations throughout Downtown.10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Abilene Public Library, 202 Cedar St.> Earth Day Family Fun Activity, 2 p.m.>Children’s Story Time, 2 p.m.
• United Way “family safe” Activities KinderPrint child safety and ID kits, co-sponsored by Atmos Energy. Update your family disaster preparedness plan. Free popcorn. United Way, 240 Cypress St.
• Free Tax Preparation – United Way of Abilene’s Center for Economic Opportunity, 1102 N. 3rd.
• Everman Park Music, Art & More (N. 1st & Cypress St.)> Music by: Catclaw Creek – 10 a.m.; George Pendergrass – Noon; Tony Barker Band – 1 p.m.> Magic Lamp Belly Dancing – 11 a.m. > Henna Tattoos – by Amanda Pettit benefiting Sanctuary House – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. > Artists:  Fran Hilliard and other artists from Premier HS Cooper HS Art Club, art button sale
• Free gift with $20 purchase – Candies by Vletas, 1201 N. 1st
• Music by: Mike Wheeler, Bobby Deegan & Lane Frizzell. 11 a.m. through lunch. Cypress Street Station and Abilene Brewing Company, 158 Cypress St.
• The Center for Contemporary Arts, 220 Cypress St. > Caricatures by Patty Rae Wellborn, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.> Pianist Kyle Barnes from Sherry Frush Studios. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. > Exhibits: “Full Circle” by Kathie Walker-Millar and “Prevailing Wind” by Harry Geffert, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sidewalk Sale and Demos by Lynette Walters “Creative ideas using hand-crocheted lace from India.” Eternal Threads, 101 Walnut St.
• Family Fun Saturdays: Create a “work of art” – National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, 102 Cedar St. – 1 to 4 p.m.Free
• Sidewalk Sale. YaYa Gurlz, 1315 South 1st – All day
• The Grace Museum, 102 Cypress St. – $1 off admission by mentioning Downtown Dayz.”> Chorus Abilene’s Chorale, directed by JonathanKrake, Van Hayes as accompanist. 1 p.m. > Art, History and Children’s Museums – “John James Audubon Exhibit,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Special Sale, Refreshments, Weaving Demonstration – The Honeycomb Tree, 1166 N. 2nd. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Under One Roof, 244 Pine St.> Music by: Abilene’s Own Memory Men Barbershop Singers, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. > Gourmet tastings and basement sale.
• Cooking demos with free samples; sale merchandise. The Fire Escape, 501 Hickory St.
• Free “hands-on” sculpting opportunities for adults. Cedar Break Fine Arts Gallery, 957 N. 2nd – 10 a.m. – 3 p.m
• Book signings:  B.P. Galloway, The Ragged Rebel; Robert Hall, Grandpa Says; and Wanda Middleton, Best Foot Forward 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sidewalk Sale – Texas Star Trading Co., 174 Cypress
• Movie “Red River” starring John Wayne – The Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St., 2 & 7 p.m.
• “Riding with Pancho Villa” Premier Photo Exhibit – FreeMuseum Admission: $1 off by mentioning Downtown Dayz. Frontier Texas!, 625 N. 1st. – 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Art Exhibit “17 Resurrections” by Dan McGregor – ACU-Cockerell Art Gallery, 1133 N. 2nd. Noon to 3 p.m.
• Art Studios & Fun Activities at Cockerell Galleries and Studios, 1133 N. 2nd. Studios open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless noted. Events in studios and outside include:> Bri, Fearfully Made: T-shirts, jewelry, paintings> TMGandfineart.com: art, journals, more> The Zamarippas of Studio Two-One-Two will make  & sell specially designed t-shirts, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.> Live pottery throwing, Marion Ivy, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.> Wood whittling, Dennis Regan > Discount packages, A Moment in Time Photography.
• Sidewalk sale, eclectic musical entertainment, free frozen margaritas. RELICS Home, 1292 N. 1st
• Annual Central Texas Gem & Mineral Show – Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Food and Drink:

• Bogie’s, 241 Cypress – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• McKay’s Bakery, 266 Cypress – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• The Loft at Under One Roof, 244 Pine – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Cypress Street Sta. & Abilene Brewing Co., 158 Cypress – Lunch and Dinner – 11 a.m. to closing
• Monk’s Coffee Shop, 233 Cypress – 9 a.m. to midnight
• The Leaf, 202 Cypress St. – 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• The Beehive, 442 Cedar St. – 5 to 10 p.m.

Valentine’s Day or not, I encourage you to shop (or go antiquing!) in historic downtown Abilene. In north downtown, you will find The Antique Station, 703 N. 3^rd St., and The Honeycomb Tree, 1166 N. 2^nd St. In south downtown, Butternut Street, is becoming “antique row.” Our favorite shop is called Classic Collections, 833 Butternut St., but be sure to hit up every shop on the street! An Antique Guide to Abilene can be found on our website, www.abilenevisitors.com or stop by the Texas & Forts Trail Visitor Center at Frontier Texas!, 625 N. 1^st, and pick one up. Happy shopping!