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The Kirby House Cookbook
Longing for a slice of warm coconut walnut bread? Nearly four years ago, Abilene lost its iconic Kirby House Restaurant.

Celebrate this beloved restaurant by purchasing an out-of-print copy of The Kirby House Cookbook. 

The Abilene Visitors Center has several copies in stock waiting to be purchased and loved by fans of this much-missed landmark restaurant. 
Kansas Tourism Division's eLearning Program

Thank you to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism for offering the following online classes free of charge:

  • Search Engine Optimization - 100 Tips in 100 Minutes - Part 1 - December 22
  • Search Engine Optimization - 150 Tips in 150 Minutes - Part 2 - December 29

 

 

Click here to learn more!
Featured R estaurant: Brookville Hotel at Abilene


"Brookville Hotel at Abilene serves up family-style fried chicken dinners and is the perfect spot for everything from small family dinners to large group parties. We trace our roots all the way back to the 1870's, when the railroad spread its tracks out across the prairie to meet the expected rush of Longhorn cattle coming up from Texas along the Chisholm Trail.

What you'll find here is down home, traditional comfort food. Along with your chicken, order from a selection of excellent appetizers like Mashed Potatoes, Cream Corn, Biscuits, and a Sweet-Sour Cole Slaw that's a family Pennsylvania recipe. Our chicken recipes go back more than 100 years, and standing the test of time, they're sure to make your mouth water each time. We have a large dining room, but it doesn't stop there. Order take-out at Brookville Hotel or let us cater your next big event!"

-Mark & Connie Martin


Fun fact: The Brookville Hotel at Abilene can accommodate four tour buses at once!


Attraction Update:
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

Exciting things are happening in Enterprise! Kansas-made flour is now available from the Hoffman Grist Mill in Enterprise. Flour is available for purchase from the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad or at the Cedar Street Market in Abilene. 

Tours of the mill are available by appointment or when the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad train is running.
Dickinson County Heritage Center


Kansas State Ball
Join in the fun on Saturday, January 28 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at Sterl Hall for a chance to celebrate Kansas with the State Ball. Come learn dance and etiquette from a time gone by. 

Period dress requested but not required. 

$6 Admission
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum


From the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum:

On December 17, area Boy Scouts were able to take part in a special ceremony while attending the Citizenship in the Nation workshop. Thanks to an area CVMA member the scouts helped place a wreath at the Ike statue. Thank you CVMA 21-1 for always going the extra mile.

Visit their Facebook page to learn more!
Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum

An 8 Wonders of Kansas - Customs finalist, the Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum tells the story of how greyhound racing started in Kansas.

Open:
Daily - 9:00-4:45
Free Admission  



Click here to learn more!
Great Plains Theatre

New Year's Eve Lock-In

Looking for a fun, safe place to spend New Year's Eve with your friends? GPT is having a lock-in for middle and high school students from 9:00 PM, Dec. 31 to 6:00 AM, Jan. 1. Snacks, movies, games, and karaoke for $25 per person/50 people maximum. 

Registration ends Dec. 27. Call 785-263-4574 for more information and to register.

An Evening Of Celtic Music
Saturday, January 7 - 7:00 p.m.

The Maguire Brothers, Mick & Mischief, Turtle & The Hair and Cheeks & Phoenix will be here for an evening of Celtic Music! These four bands have been seen at the Kansas City Renaissance Festival and are favorites there!

General Admission: $15, Table for Four $80

Cinema

Free Movies over Christmas Break
Tuesday, December 27 - Friday, December 30 (Christmas break), Great Plains Theatre Cinema will be offering free movies at 10:00 a.m. Movie titles will be announced when availability has been confirmed. Please watch the website for more information. 

Disney's Moana
Two week run 
Starting December 23

Musical Theatre Performance Classes in January at GPT

Classes are $55 for all five; $50 for PGP members; $5 to audit. Each class is $15 if taken separately, however participants are encouraged to take all five as they are designed to be sequential.

Registration is limited. Call now for a reservation: 785-263-4574.

All classes Mondays 3:30-5:30 p.m. 

Tabletop Thursday at GPT!

Every Thursday night, anyone and everyone is welcome to come to GPT and play games! This is open to all ages, and is designed to be an opportunity to get out of the house and have some fun!  We have some games that will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your favorite game to play as well! Got a game at home that you don't play anymore?  We welcome the donation!

Board games, card games, dice games are all welcome!  Grab your family and friends and come out, it doesn't cost a thing!  Doors open at 7, and we'll play until 9:00 or 9:30.

Visit www.greatplainstheatre.com for more information.
Russell Stover

On Monday, more than 100 school kids rushed the doors of Abilene's Russell Stover gift shop for a chance to purchase Kansas-made chocolates.

Russell Stover has a great selection of holiday gift boxes for everyone on your list!
Shop Abilene
Cypress Bridge


Last minute shopping? Check out Cypress Bridge's great selection of hand poured candles!

Open:
Monday-Thursday - 10:00-6:00
Friday - 10:00-4:00
Sunday - 11:00-4:00

Stay in Abilene
Is that former President George W. Bush? No, it's Jerry Baxley, the owner of the Super 8 in Abilene. His photo proudly hangs above the hotel's registration desk.

The Super 8 has fifty-nine available rooms for guests and accepts Corporate Lodging. 

Click here to learn more about places to stay in Abilene!
Help us, help you
Have an upcoming event? Help us, help you. We do our best to stay up-to-date, but please make sure to include us in your event and special promotions. Please send announcements to: director@abilenecityhall.com.
Where in Abilene?
Where in Abilene can you find this unique mural?





Answer: Brookville Hotel. This mural depicts members of the Brookville Hotel family. 

Visit the Brookville Hotel to learn more!
We do our best to make sure all information is correct. 
It is advisable to always call ahead before visiting.
Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau | 785.263.2231 | Email | Website

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