For lunch today, why not head over to the Center for Contemporary Arts for their mid-month movie? From noon to 1 p.m. learn how contemporary art addresses the idea of consumption by watching the documentary entitled, “21^st Century Art: Consumption,” which explores different questions through the work of such artists as Barbara Kruger, Michael Ray Charles and more. Admission is free. Call the Center at 325-677-8389 for more information.

Also starting today is the Taylor County Livestock Show and Sale. The show runs through Friday, the 20^th in the Horse Barn and Griffin Arena. Daily show times do vary. Contact the Taylor County Expo Center at 325-677-4376 with any questions.

Watch our local talent slam-dunk the completion this season! Thursday night the Hardin Simmons University Cowgirls and Cowboys will challenge Mary Hardin Baylor in basketball; game times are 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Hardin Simmons. Both teams will play again against Concordia on Saturday at 1 p.m. and 3p.m. Tickets are $3 to $6. Call Kim O’Dell at 325-671-5768 for more information.

Friday through Sunday grab your little ones and head over to downtown Abilene to see the Paramount Production of Disney’s the Jungle Book Kids! Watch as this exciting stage adaption of the Disney classic is brought to life with live music, song and dance! A local cast of children aged 8 to 14 are featured in this colorful and lively production.  Show times are 7:30 p.m Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors military and children.

Need a laugh this weekend? The Abilene Community Theatre brings to Abilene the wildly funny farce, “Love, Sex and the I.R.S.” Starting Thursday and running through Saturday, watch two male and out of work musicians room together in New York City try to save money by filing their tax returns listing them as a married couple. Chaos ensues when the IRS sends an investigator to check out the happy husband and wife, a fiancée and ex-girlfriend make an appearance to stir the pot, as well as one of the gentleman’s mother. Showtime starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets for adults are $10, students, seniors and active military are $8 and children 12 and under are $5. Contact the box office at 325-673-6271 if you need more information.

The West Texas Rehab Center Telethon is back this weekend! On Saturday from 7 pm to midnight, watch your favorite television and country western stars, including headliner Summer Sweeney, perform at this annual fundraiser at the Abilene Civic Center. Tickers are $10-$15 dollars a person. Don’t forget to check out their online auctions at www.rehabauction.org to shop a tremendous variety of pieces. Auctions will close at midnight on the 21^st.  Have questions? Call the West Texas Rehab Center at 325-793-3529 to get them answered.

Post what you picked to do after the jump!

This Thursday evening the Abilene Civic Center will host the 3^rd annual “Dancing with the Abilene Stars” at 6:30 p.m. This entertaining fundraiser benefits Hendrick Home for Children. Twelve local celebrities are paired up with professional dancers to perform a variety of dances and are judged by a panel of four for the following categories: Best Male Dancer, Best Female Dancer, Best Costume/Showmanship. The overall winner is chosen by the audience who purchases votes for their favorite dancer by paying a dollar each time they vote. Seating is limited! Purchase tickets directly from Hendrick Home for Children or through one of the dancers. Call 325-692-0112 for more information.

Also this Thursday, the Center for Contemporary Arts will host the first ArtWalk of 2012 from 5 pm  to 8:30 pm! The theme is “Poetry in Motion: The Beat Generation” and will feature the readings from the Wyile Poetry Club and other area poets from 6 pm to 8 pm. ArtWalkers are encouraged to recreate the 1950’s by dressing the part! Wear your 50’s clothing and enjoy all of historic downtown Abilene. Need more information? Call 325-677-8389.

Also, until Jan. 14, you have the opportunity to visit the Grace Museum to view the “Melissa Miller: Habitat” exhibit, which features her methodical and thought-provoking paintings of the animal kingdom in their current environment conditions. Take advantage of the Grace’s museum featuring a history gallery reconstructing the story of Abilene and their interactive children’s museum! Open 10 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday. If you need more information, call 325-673-4587.

The Texas Gun and Knife Show will be held at the Abilene Civic Center on the 14^th from 9 am to 5 pm and the 15^th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $5 per person! Contact Texas Gun and Knife Show at 830-285-0575 for more information!

The Buffalo Gap Historic Village (BGHV) is hosting two valuable events this weekend! Participate in the Chautauqua Learning Series from 11 am to 1230 pm on Saturday. The Chautauqua movement spread through the rural United States in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries providing educational lectures and entertainment for the average Americans before mass mediums like television and radio were available. Cost is $7 for non-members and free to BGHV members. Call 325-572-3365 for more information. The BGHV will also hold a Military Appreciation Day for active and retired military members and their families on Sunday from 12-5 p.m. Take the short drive out to Buffalo Gap to enjoy this free event as a thank you for all that you do for our country. If you need more information on either of these events, call 325-572-3365.

What is this sport that people celebrate so joyously in West Texas? Cutting is an equestrian event where a rider and their horse work together to separate a single animal away from a cattle herd and keep it away a certain amount of time. The dynamic duo is judged on how well they accomplish that feat!

The Abilene Spectacular Cutting is currently running and ends Jan 14th.  This event, coupled with the Abilene Winter Circuit that ended Jan 2nd, generate $813,000 into Abilene’s economy during a typically slow visitor season with over 600 visitors expected!

Competitions begin at 8:00 a.m. and are free to the public. The Gully Ranch produces the spectacular show; for interviews, contact Carolyn Gully at 325-669-3660.  Plan to attend the Abilene Spectacular Cutting events and meet some of the worlds’ best cutting horses and owners!

January 1, 2011 the ACVB launched a new revamped hospitality training class for hospitality employees entitled, “In Your Own Backyard.” The purpose of the class is to raise awareness about Abilene among hospitality employees, as well as teach them customer service traits so they can provide visitors with a positive experience! Participants visit Abilene attractions and learn what all there is to do in Abilene. In 2011 the ACVB educated over 75 hospitality employees in the Abilene area. This class is 4 hours and offered 6 times a year. It is free!  Contact us for dates in 2012 if interested!

Abilene was host to: Outlaws & Legends Music Fest, a first ever music fest that included over 6,000 residents and visitors in attendance on March 4-6. In addition the event was able to generate a donation of $31,810 to Disability Resources, Inc. The biggest 1 day, 1 stage event in Texas will return! The second annual Outlaws and Legends music fest will be held March 2-3, 2012. For more information check out www.outlawsandlegends.com.

Another first was our Your24 social media campaign. The premise of the contest was to video-capture, in four minutes or less, Your24: the hours that make up (or made up) your day in Abilene. Entries did not have to be professionally shot or edited, but were encouraged to be creative, energetic and include positive content about the entrant’s twenty-four hours in Abilene. All videos were professional panel and will be evaluated based on overall appeal, creativity and uniqueness to Abilene. Broken up into four categories in the Your24 Video Contest: Students, Locals, Visitors, and Businesses/Professionals. The campaign was a smashing success and we plan to continue it in 2012.

It was a banner year for the ACVB’s social media in general! Our bureau was selected as one of the 25 recipients for an Austin American-Statesman Texas Social Media Award. The Statesman reported that they received more than 358 nominations for the 2011 Statesman Texas Social Media Awards, a record. “We had a very strong lineup from which to choose the 25 winners,” said Robert Quigley, Statesman social media editor. The Abilene CVB social media strategy began a year-and-a-half ago with a simple Facebook page and it has since grown into several channels for communication to keep up with the times. The ACVB’s marketing programs promote an awareness of Abilene as a tourist destination. Social media has become an integral part of the ACVB’s overall marketing strategy, because it connects consumers to Abilene and allows us to connect with people around the world!

For the 22nd year, Abilene welcomed the Texas High School Rodeo State Finals in June. Each year the finals bring 660 contestants and over 1,200 visitors to Abilene. The event is held at the Expo Center and generates over $1.5 million into Abilene’s economy. We love having them and hope Abilene is called home for many more years!

What’s more West Texas than high school football? This year Abilene was host to 14 high school football playoff games from over 25 schools like Snyder High, Arlington High, Bronte and Windthorst. Over 42,000 people attended those games with an economic impact of over $630,000 dollars in just 4 weeks!

Through the efforts of the Abilene Sports Alliance and generosity of our community, a $1,000 college scholarship was awarded to awarded to one male and one female graduating student athlete from Abilene Christian, Abilene, Cooper and Wylie high schools. Since 2004, the ACVB Sports Alliance Committee has given out $53,000 in scholarships. We are looking forward to contributing to the futures of more deserving Abilene high school athletes.

These were just a few of our highlights from the past year. Time really does fly when you’re having fun. We look forward to new and exciting promotions and campaigns in 2012 and continuing to serve this great community!

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!

Christmas Lane, Photo courtesy of the Abilene Reporter-News

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s the best time to start planning a trip to visit your family! While I can’t help with the rise in gas prices, the screaming baby in the back seat or make your annoying mother-in-law any more tolerable, I can help make your trip to Abilene more than just an ordinary road trip. If you are looking for family fun, I am here to help!

First and foremost, don’t forget to make a stop at the 21^st Annual Christmas Lane, located at 2501 Maple Street. This lighted outdoor Christmas display consists of a multitude of booths lined along a winding path for your viewing pleasure.  People can tune their car radios to 101.3 FM to listen to Christmas music during the tour. Also, don’t forget to let your children stop and take a picture with Santa ($5) and or even get out and call the  North Pole with their last-minute Christmas wish (free). This is an ongoing Abilene tradition that can’t be missed. Dec. 6 through Dec. 24, 6-10 p.m.

If you have any last-minute shopping once you roll into town, don’t hesitate to pack up the kiddos and head on out to the Mall of Abilene to get you’re shopping done and even visit Santa. Let your kids give Santa those last minute requests and get their holiday photos made. Photos are provided by Cherry Hill Photo with various packages available.

In Abilene, not only will you find the streets full of holiday lights and decorations, but if you get tired of using gas to drive all over town to look at Christmas lights, you have the option to visit McMurry University for their annual light display, located at S. 14th St. and Sayles Blvd. Visitors can enjoy holiday songs synched to a spectacular light show. The show is held daily from 6-7 p.m. and again from 8-9 p.m. and the best part is that it is free!

Looking for something to do that isn’t Christmas themed? Don’t worry, Abilene has you covered there as well. With over 13 local attractions, there is definitely something to keep you busy while you are in town. From art, science, games, history and even animals there is a little something for everyone. So, don’t forget to check out our Top 10 Things Ya Gotta Do in Abilene or visit our website for visitor coupons and more information.

Happy holidays and have safe travels!

Christmas at the Paramount. Courtesy of DRI Abilene.

Lately, I have been spending a lot of time in Austin – the live music capital of the world – visiting my little brother. As I sat down to write my blog this week, it got me thinking about what kinds of live music acts are coming to Abilene this month. Taking your significant other on a date to see some live music would be a fun night out, plus a nice way to spend some quality time together before the hustle and bustle of the holidays. After doing some research, I found a number of performances that I think would make for a different, fun and affordable date night. It all depends on what type of music you’re in to, but I think there’s something here for everyone. When you look around, Abilene has quite the variety of things to do night after night!

First up, for all who love Broadway musicals – Broadway is back in Abilene tomorrow night with “Young Frankenstein.” This event will be at the Abilene Civic Center and the production is based on the classic Mel Brooks movie. 7:30 p.m. Cost: $35-50 per person. Purchase tickets online at www.celebrityattractions.com.

When it comes to music, you can’t forget about the classical forms either. More than 200 students will perform duets and ensembles at the Abilene Music Teachers Association Ensemble Festival on Saturday in HSU’s Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall and Choir Room, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. On Monday, Nov. 21, the ACU Department of Music will host the Manhatten Piano Trio at 7:30 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Free.

For country western music, check out the Lucky Mule Saloon. This Thursday, Kyle Bennett along with The Swindlers will perform and on Saturday, Aaron Watson will take the stage. Doors open at 6 p.m. Info and tickets: 325-232-8561. Coming up in December, the Zach Harmon Band will play at Chelsea’s Pub; Friday, Dec. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 31 – both at 9 p.m. Info: 325-695-9200.

For all who seek to get into the Christmas spirit, the Abilene Community Band will perform their annual Christmas Concert at the historic Paramount Theatre on Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Free to the public. On Dec. 8, the Quebe Sisters Band will perform at the Paramount for the Big Country Christmas Concert, benefitting Disability Resources, Inc. 8 p.m. Lastly, the Abilene Community Theatre along with Chorus Abilene will host their second annual “Home for the Holidays” event – a holiday musical variety show. Dec. 16-17, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $12 for adults, $8, 12 and younger.

While this is only a quick glimpse of what’s to come, to see what shows are coming to Abilene, visit our calendar.

Travel Matters!

Did you know? The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is the destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Abilene. We focus on generating tourism activity; that plays a significant role in the long-term economic development of the city. Look at it a continuous flowing pipeline, pumping millions and millions of dollars into our local economy and BILLIONS into the states’ economy!

A DMO imports temporary tax payers with every new visitor they attract to your community. Think about it this way – every new traveler that visits a destination and spends money in local businesses including hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions is also a temporary tax payer contributing to the tax base of that destination.

Benefits of tourism and visitors:

Real revenue generator; pumps cash into local businesses and public coffers; enhances the lifestyle of residents; and creates jobs.

Tourism marketing is one of the smartest, most efficient and immediate returns for generating new and much needed revenue for destinations.  Investing in tourism is one of the best investments any city, state or country could make!

The Homeplace in Tuscola

If you’ve skimmed through some of my previous postings, you probably already know that I have an appreciation for all things delicious. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new foods and interesting atmospheres in which to enjoy them. This passion tends to lead me to find the best restaurants and tastes in and around the Abilene area. We are fortunate to have such a great (in my opinion) food scene. Not only do we have numerous chains, we have plenty of terrific mom-and-pop stops as well, that specialize in what I call “West Texas” fare. You know, your down-home, comfort food.

So, if you’re in search of ol’ fashioned home cooking, you should consider venturing out to The Homeplace. It’s located at 2034 CR 131 in Tuscola, approximately 20 minutes outside of town. I visited on a Sunday, when they have their full buffet. Including: chicken fried steak, fried chicken, macaroni-and-cheese, green beans, potato salad, house salad, mashed potatoes and yeast rolls. Everything is piping hot, fresh and made from scratch. Let’s just say, Grandma would definitely approve. The staff is also very attentive and gracious, bringing that added element of southern hospitality. They keep a watchful eye for empty drinks or those needing extra napkins! After your meal, you can choose from several dessert options from the menu. Those are not on the buffet. I opted for one of my favorites – hot bread pudding – while my mom (and travel buddy for the day) got the traditional chocolate cake. Not ready for dessert just yet? Just go back for seconds on the buffet. It’s totally allowed. The price is also very reasonable. For under $25, we got our buffets, 2 desserts and 2 drinks.

Delicious "West Texas" fare at The Homeplace

After your meal, browse the Country Store (their gift shop). It is filled with fun treasures for any budget – canned sauces and preserves from the restaurant, cookbooks, jewelry, gardening tools and a wide variety of fresh lavender products from their own patch. Meanwhile, outside, you can take in the ambiance of the farm area that surrounds the restaurant. It is beautifully landscaped and taken care of. They have several different gardens of vegetables, herbs, flowers and even have some antiques placed amongst walking paths. We had a blast trying to figure out what some of those antiques were used for “back in the day.” Not in the mood to do the walking tour? That’s okay, they have plenty of benches that invite you to sit and enjoy the serene surroundings – or if you want a little more action (great for the little ones) they have a basket of different balls on the porch – perfect for play on the lush lawn. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, The Homeplace is open at 5 p.m. and seats until 8 p.m. On Sunday, they open at 11 a.m. and seat until 1:45 p.m. Their buffet items change day-to-day, so for more information, check out their website.

Look for next week’s blog as I share Part 1 of great outdoor dining options in Abilene!

Myra Dean, Center - Right

Myra is one of our most loyal board members and volunteers at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. Not only does she tirelessly devote her time with our group, but to many other boards around town. Needless to say, she is one of Abilene’s most colorful and vivacious characters. This week, you get to meet “Ms. Myra Dean of Abilene” and see what her must-dos around town are.

SS: 1. Give a brief bio about yourself. What brought you to Abilene?

MD: I am the Development Dir. at KACU-FM, AbilenePublicRadio. I’ve been at KACU almost five years and I served as a volunteer for many years prior to working at the station. I currently serve on the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and I’m on the Executive Board of Goodwill-West Texas. I am a graduate of Leadership Abilene, Leadership Texas, Abilene Citizen’s Police Academy and Abilene Citizen’s Fire Academy. I’ve also served on several other local boards and task forces over the years. I am also very active in Abilene’s Rotary Club. I came to Abilene approximately 32 years ago by way of Dyess AFB.

SS: 2. What does Abilene have that other cities don’t? / What makes Abilene unique?

MD: Abilene has such an abundance of quality activities and attractions for it’s size! There’s always something to do. What makes Abilene unique is the unexpected attractions like Frontier Texas! and the Grace Museum, the Zoo, the Paramount Theater, the NCCIL, the WWII Museum, the Center for Contemporary Arts, the artist studios downtown and all the live performances such as “The Producers”, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe”, “Annie”, “The Drowsy Chaperone” and so much more. The thing that makes Abilene so unique is the way people make things happen and offer hospitality that blows folks from big cities out of the water! They are always astonished at the way they are treated in Abilene and I’ve truly had people from cities like Dallas and Houston say “How could we top this!” when they’ve attended conferences and meetings in Abilene. I’m proud to say I am from Abilene. Abilene is a unique combination of big city/small town. We have the best of both.

SS: 3. What is your favorite thing about Abilene?

MD: The unbridled hospitality, incredible talent and giving spirit of the people.

SS: 4. Do you have a favorite restaurant in Abilene?

MD: Actually several…Lytle Land and Cattle Company, Bogies, Cypress Street Station and the Hickory Street Cafe just for starters!

SS: 5. Where do you take your out-of-town guests? What is your must-do?

MD: I take my guests to Frontier Texas and The Grace Museum, but I also take them down South and North First streets and downtown to see the amazing artwork along the railroad tracks. I try to take them by the ACU campus to see Jacob’s Ladder, the amazing sculpture depicting angels climbing the ladder to Heaven. I usually ask my guests about their interests and I can assure you…we will have something here that will interest them.

SS: 6. What outdoor activities do you enjoy in Abilene?

MD: Mostly fishing. We have Fort Phantom and Kirby Lake close by and we have several reservoirs within driving distance. I used to horseback ride and play golf. I loved playing golf in Abilene and the communities nearby.

SS: 7. What about indoor activities? Do you have a favorite?

MD: I love to dance and attend plays and musicals. Amazing talent in our theater community here in Abilene.

SS: 8. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

MD: Again, we have the best of both worlds…big city/small town.