Christmas Events at the Civic Center in Abilene

It is hard to believe, but it is getting to be that time of year again! The holidays have always been my favorite time, but they are especially special in Abilene because there is always something to go see, do and celebrate with your friends and family. Check it out:

Christmas Belles will open next weekend at the Abilene Community Theatre. If you’re in town and in the mood to see a show, here’s the scoop: It’s Christmas time in the small town of Fayro, Texas and the Futrelle Sisters – Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye aren’t exactly in a festive mood! Their hilarious holiday journey through a misadventure-filled Christmas Eve is guaranteed to bring joy to your world. November 10-12, 17-19, 25 and 26. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. each night. Cost: $5-10 per person.

You can also celebrate Christmas in November at the American Business Women’s Association annual arts, crafts and gifts sale at the Civic Center. 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13. No charge for admission. Info: 325-673-1142.

Stroll through stunning homes brimming with holiday décor at the Abilene Philharmonic’s annual Holiday Home Tour, Saturday, Nov. 12. Home enthusiasts are invited to tour homes in the Fairway Oaks area, while receiving a special treat from local area musicians with live Christmas music performances throughout the homes. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. $20 per person. Purchase tickets here. Self-guided, map brochure included.

You can also enjoy the annual performance of the classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” performed by Abilene Ballet Theatre, Abilene’s regional ballet company, featuring special guest artists. The ballet will run at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2:30 and 8 p.m.; and on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2:30 p.m. at the Paramount. Cost: $10-$30 per person. Info: call 325-675-0303 or click here.

For even more holiday events in Abilene, click here.

Jessica Jackson of Betty & June prepares for the Fall Trend Show

Over the past week, we’ve had a definite drop in the temperature! It is beginning to feel more like fall across the Big Country. The change in season always inspires me to do a little cleaning and clear out my closet…to make room for more clothes of course! You can count that I’ll be heading down to Betty and June this weekend.

A few entries ago, I wrote about a new boutique in town called “Betty and June.” If you missed it, this shop’s inspiration comes from the grandmothers of owner, Jessica Jackson and her husband. “Betty” was the fashion forward of the two, while “June” was more of a tomboy. Over the past few months, Jackson has successfully lived out her mission to merge the two characters into one central style. This Friday, Jackson and her team will have a chance to show off what they’ve been striving for. Betty and June is hosting a Fall Trend Show in historic downtown! The event will be held at the One-Eighty-One Event Center next to the shop. It will begin at 8 p.m.

You will not only get to see the runway show packed with stylish must-haves for the season, you’ll also get to participate in the “Meet and Greet” with the pros from Glow Beauty Studio and Neal Parker Salon.

Tickets are $35 per person, but all proceeds go toward a great cause – Young Life Abilene. Your ticket also includes hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats and cocktails. Afterwards, the store will be open late so you can stock up on the items from the show. Ninety percent of the prices at the boutique are under $100.

For more information about Betty and June or to find out more about the Fall Trend Show, check out their Facebook page, tweet @shopbettyjune or call 325-672-1522.

Hand stamped luggage tags and shopping bags. Love.

Okay, okay – I fibbed. I don’t actually know either of them personally, but I have been to their boutique.

If you haven’t been shopping in the downtown area lately (tisk, tisk), here’s the scoop: at the beginning of April, the historic downtown area welcomed a super cute new shop called, “Betty & June Boutique.” If you’re anything like me, I get very excited when something new (and locally owned) opens in Abilene. With the buzz surrounding this newbie, I knew I had to get down there – pronto.

Hand-painted mural behind the register. Pictured: Owner, Jessica Jackson.

What’s in a name? Owner, Jessica Jackson, said that the inspiration behind the name “Betty & June” is derived from the grandmothers of both her and her husband (an Air Force pilot). Evidently, “Betty” was the more fashion-forward of the two, while “June” was the tomboy. Her goal? To merge the two into one central style. In my opinion, she’s accomplished it. You can feel the vibe throughout the store.

One of the things that I love most about the boutique is that Betty & June’s stories live on in a hand-painted, black and white mural behind the register. If you go, take notice, dear ones. Oh and P.S. Jessica is known to have chilled champagne or mimosas on hand by the register. Another thing that I adore about the store is that she left the floor “as is” and dressed up the location with colorful furniture and interesting hardware.

Overall, I believe one of the best things about Betty & June is the sheer uniqueness of what they carry.  There are items at the boutique that you simply can’t find elsewhere – especially not in “big box” stores. Betty & June currently carries clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories by brands such as: Havaianas, AG Denim, Seychelles, Judith March and Tolani – just to name a few. The majority are under $100.

Speaking of Tolani, if you saw me at Stephan Pyles’ dinner during the Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit, the silky tunic dress I wore was Tolani from Betty & June.

Fun furniture and unique hardware jazz up the space and help display items.

If you’re ever in the Abilene area, stop by and welcome these newcomers. Betty & June is located at 189 Pine St. in historic downtown. They are open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (even later during ArtWalk and B!G Day Downtown). For more information, visit their website or call 325-672-1522. Jessica also does a great job of posting new items to the Betty & June Facebook Page, so be sure to take a look. Can you tell I am anxiously awaiting my next visit?

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.

Merry Christmas! Many fun & unique holiday gifts can be found in Abilene.

6. Local décor store, RELICS Home is known for carrying unique furniture from around the world, including Abilene and the region. However, they recently made me aware of the fact that they also have a large amount of fair trade and eco-friendly décor products and gifts for the home, including: candles, pottery, wall art and more. These products, along with jewelry made by local artists, are very popular for the holiday shopping season. Another great thing about RELICS is the fact that the owner, Rebecca, transformed the original Boyd Building bathrooms into a small cantina that servers complimentary margaritas every Saturday to shoppers. It might be just what you need after all your Christmas shopping! Cost: gifts range from $5 and up. Info: 325-670-9282.

7. For the foodie or for those who need a ‘taste of Abilene,’ Texas Star Trading Co. makes customized “Taste of Abilene” baskets that include Perini Ranch Steak Rub, DRI salsa, Harold’s BBQ sauce and more. Baskets start at $12. We also just got word that Texas Star will now carry the rustic ‘Abilene’ bricks from Abilene Brick Co. Bricks will include a historical information card and are great for a nostalgic piece, collector or historian. Cost: $9.99. Info: 325-672-9696.

"Taste of Abilene" gift baskets can be customized at Texas Star Trading Co.

8. Candies by Vletas. A delicious, handmade assorted chocolate gift basket from Candies by Vletas is a holiday gift that everyone will enjoy. Candies by Vletas also has other handmade candy selections, including peanut and pecan brittles, pralines, divinity, taffy and sugar-free options. The perfect gift for your boss, neighbor, teacher or friend. Located at 1201 N. 1st St. Information: 325-673-2005.

9. Send West Texas to a loved one. This next gift is ideal for a friend or family member who has visited the Abilene/Buffalo Gap area and just couldn’t make it back for the holidays or even the foodie. Order a mesquite-smoked peppered beef tenderloin from Perini Ranch or send them “Texas Cowboy Cooking” by Tom Perini. You can order both gifts online.

10. For the person on your list who seems to have it all, how about a gift card or gift certificate to one of their favorite local restaurants, shops or attractions? That is a great way to keep your gift personal, as well as choose the dollar amount of the gift according to your budget. For children or teens, what about a gift card to Prime Time Family Entertainment Center?

Abilene's Round Up Pass, Saves you money!

Another great certificate or “pass,” is the Abilene Roundup Pass; this admits you into all attractions for one low price, $15 for adults and $7 for children 16 and younger. This would be the perfect way to welcome a new family in town over the holidays that hasn’t been to any of the attractions yet! Passes can be purchased at any Abilene attraction or at the Abilene CVB. Info: 325-676-2556.

Lastly, don’t forget your stocking stuffers! As you can see, Abilene merchants have plenty of options. Don’t forget about the Abilene Zoo, their 3,400 sq. ft. gift shop is filled with children-friendly stocking stuffers and gift ideas that are both fun and educational.

From the friend that has it all to the youngster on your list—one of our top 10 items is sure to be the answer for the perfect Christmas gift. Do you have any recommendations or questions about the gifts? Tweet to us in our ‘Twisitor Center.’ Include #abilenevisitors in your post. For the most up-to-date details, follow us @AbileneCVB, or find us on Facebook.

Abilene's Christmas Village Collectibles

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift? Pick up something that is unique to Abilene for friends and family. In doing so, you’ll keep your dollars local. Better yet, you’ll save time and money by not traveling out of town just to shop and overall, you’ll help stimulate our local economy! To celebrate our Top 10 Things Ya Gotta Do in Abilene, every year I ask our local attractions and businesses what the latest and greatest gift item is for the holiday season; so here is this year’s edition of the Top 10 Uniquely Abilene Christmas Gifts:

1. Christmas Village collectibles. Lighted ceramic replicas are the perfect addition to any collector’s Christmas Village, or start a new Abilene collection this year. Available Abilene landmarks: T&P Depot, The Grace Museum, the Paramount Theatre, and the Old Weather Bureau. Cost: $50-60 +tax. Replicas may be purchased at the Abilene Preservation League or at the Abilene CVB. Be on the lookout for the Swenson House coming soon! Info: 325-676-3775.

"Early Abilene" by Jack North

2. “Early Abilene.” Several of our attractions tell us that this new book is quite the hot item and they’ve all received new shipments in for the holiday shopping season. “Early Abilene” is a pictorial history of Abilene, Texas from 1881-1930. Local historian, Jack North, chose 200 photos from his collection of thousands to put the best together in this paperback. This book would make a great keepsake for anyone who loves Abilene or would be perfect for any history buff. Cost: $19.80-$21.99. Available at Texas Star Trading Co., Frontier Texas! and Buffalo Gap Historic Village.

3. Speaking of the village, this year they have six specialty ornaments depicting buildings from historic Buffalo Gap. Scenes are imprinted on each ornament and include: the post office, the Hill House, the gas station, the blacksmith, the Clyde Trade Depot and the Cottonwood Flat School. Cost: $14.95 each or $75 for all six. Rumor has it that the rustic chapel at Buffalo Gap will be added soon! Judging from our social media platforms, I know there are some huge Buffalo Gap fans out there. Have you taken a visitor out to the historic village this year? The set of ornaments would be perfect for them, the decorator or—of course, the history buff. Info: 325-572-3365.

4. Audio Tours/Local Music. Windshield History CDs are a great gift for anyone who has to make a long return trip home from the holidays. They are educational and entertaining. CDs available: “Audio Tour I: Fort Worth to Abilene, the Immigrants Trail West — U.S. Hwy 180 and TX Hwy 351” and “Tales of the Texas Frontier Audio Tour II: Abilene to Fort Worth I-20.” Other great musical CDs as you drive those long Texas miles: “Texas Road Trip,” “Texas to a T” from the Ball Ranch Family, “The Best of Travelin’ Texas.” Cost: $6 and up. Available at Texas Star Trading Co., Frontier Texas!, Buffalo Gap Historic Village, the Abilene CVB and various locations around town/Texas Forts Trail. Info: 325-676-2556.

Photo courtesy of Joyce Lavender Ranch

5. Frontier Texas! General Store is known for always being stocked with great Texas-themed gifts, toys, books, home furnishings and more. This year, the most popular buy are the regionally made lavender products from Joyce Lavender Ranch. The General Store carries oils, room/linen sprays, lotions/soaps, dried lavender, bath salts and more. Think mom, aunt, grandmother, sister, wife, girlfriend or best friend on this one! Cost: $3 and up. Frontier Texas! also mentioned their Texas-themed Trivets, a locally-made and Go Texan product. This is a fun kitchen item for anyone who loves to cook or decorate. Cost: $19-$28 depending on size and cut. Info: 325-437-2800.

Clothing available only in-store at DFS

Recently jilted? Then, a trip to Dead Flower Society just might be the thing you need to get over that ex in your life. This store is a business unlike any other you’ve seen. As seen on Texas Country Reporter, the Dead Flower Society in Abilene will deliver customized Texas Cow Patties, Stinky Fish, Moldy Mistletoe for the holiday season, or their signature—Dead Flowers—to anyone that you feel has done you wrong! (Well, maybe just that pesky coworker or neighbor).

Surprise! It's "Bothersome Bob!"

You can order these bizarre and funny gifts online, by phone or in person. If you visit their storefront, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. These gals enjoy the finer things in life too. They also carry Circle E and Cowboy Candles, as well as handbags and cute, colorful designer clothing! They are located at 4613 S. 14^th St. and are open daily. To place your custom order, or just for more information, check out the Dead Flower Society online or call 325-627-6556. However, owner, Connie Rose advises, “When ordering your cow patties, please keep in mind that processing time is 48 hours for glazing and drying. We feel sure you’ll understand!” Customized cow patties at Dead Flower Society are typically shipped or delivered within 72 hours from the time of order and cost between $19.99-$28.99.

Great finds at It's About Time

If you haven’t been antiquing in Abilene, well then I’d say, “It’s About Time.” Personally, I enjoy refinishing furniture and love the challenge of attempting to turn the old piece into something somewhat shabby chic. So, a hunt to find another fixer-upper, coupled with a suggestion from a loyal reader sent me right into “It’s About Time.”

What intrigued me most to stop by and check out the store was actually the suggestion. She told me that women come from all over Texas and stay the night at her Abilene guesthouse, just to shop at this store the next day.

Owners and business partners, Pam Sumrall, Susan Pittman and Terri Whipple will agree. Their customer base drives in from Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland/Odessa and even as far south as Fredericksburg just to see what they have in store.

What I found most interesting is that “It’s About Time” is not just your average antique store. They actually retail many new items, as well as the gently worn. You may recognize well-known brands, such as: Volcano Candles, Nouvelle Candle Company and Tokyo Milk Perfume as you walk amongst the rooms. I think one of the most fascinating and appealing factors about the store is the way in which they display their merchandise. These ladies say that while everything is for sale in their store, they are also selling ideas…ways to display old things, yet incorporate new trends into a room or even an entire home. Sumrall sums it up best with the statement, “Not everyone gets to start with entirely new stuff or new furniture, so we like to teach our clients and shoppers how to display and organize what they already have with a touch of something new from our store. We enjoy inspiring others to decorate with soul, to breathe new life into a room and to incorporate the art of wabi-sabi.” Having never heard this term before, I was definitely fascinated and had to inquire further. “Wabi-sabi,” explained Sumrall, is actually the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection and accepting the natural cycle of age and time. I believe I first heard the term from Leonard Cohen.”

You will definitely see this theme carried throughout the three ‘rooms’ in the store. As you look around the store, you will see that it is all about contrast. Mixing the shiny with the matte, rustic and elegant, organic and formal…you get the idea. Overall, the store has a very good and warm energy. It is bright, eclectic, antique—yet fun! While visiting Abilene, making a stop at “It’s About Time” is definitely worth your time! You just might find the perfect birthday or holiday gift, personal home décor or accent, or even a larger item—such as a chair, desk or mirror—that you just can live without. You definitely want to spend some time browsing amongst all the unique finds inside!

Sumrall shows off pendants, jewelry & more.

Lastly, something that I immediately observed while visiting was the level of customer service these ladies offer their clientele. It is apparent—right down to the cheerful conversations and custom gift wrapping—that the owners have developed solid relationships with their shoppers over the years and they pick up right where they left off. One lady told me as she was walking out, “This is a fabulous place! I have never left without something new in my hands!”

It’s About Time is located at 1395 Albany Street in Abilene, Texas. The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For additional information, call 325-692-7239.

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!