Summer Vacation Ideas

It's a great day in Abilene! There's still time to take a family vacation before school starts. 

I recently hosted my nine-year-old niece in Abilene. If you're looking for family-friendly activities, check out Adelyn's list of the top 5 things to see in Abilene:
  1. 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel - It's just like a trip through history and it's really fun. The carousel is huge - much larger than the ones outside of stores or in shopping malls.
  2. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - It's a really good show! My favorite part is when Joseph finally reunites with his brothers.
  3. All-new exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home - I liked looking at Mamie's dresses and her engagement ring was really pretty. They even have a piece of Ike and Mamie's wedding cake! The interactive exhibits were amazing, and the gift shop is huge! And - you can tour Ike's house. It's really neat to see where Ike grew up
  4. Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad - It's a lot of fun to travel by train, I like how you can sit outside or inside. And - you get to keep your ticket as a souvenir!
  5. Murals - The new murals are really pretty and it's like stepping into a whole new dimension. I like the mural that has a hook and makes it look like you're being picked up by a giant. I even got to meet the artist, Whitney Kerr III!
Honorable mention: Petting Gary & Ginger at the Greyhound Hall of Fame, seeing the flowers at the Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden and getting a special treat at Russell Stover Chocolates.

For my next visit: Seelye Mansion and Can-Can Dancers at Old Abilene Town.

Have a great weekend!

Julie Roller Weeks, director
Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
5 things to do in Abilene - Week of 8/5/2019
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Looking for something to do? Check out these 5 things to do in Abilene this week!

Secret Spots: Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad

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Barn Quilt Fan Favorite Contest Winners

Thanks to the more than 500 people who voted in the Barn Quilt Fan Favorite Contest!

And the winners are:
1. April Barker 
2. Kaitlyn Black
3. Donna Reynolds



Murals, murals, murals!

It only seems fitting that this beautiful mural is at the end of the rainbow.

Work begins on another mural next week!



Who were Dwight & Mamie Eisenhower?

On a visit to Pennsylvania years ago I was honored to interview Stanley Wolfe. Stanley once owned Dwight D. Eisenhower's Blackhawk Cockshutt tractor. It was a cool piece of machinery that if I read it right is now owned by the Gettysburg Park District. It was cool to see that  President Eisenhower had a bit of the Kansas boy still instilled in him years after he left the state and the White House!

My husband Keith and I toured the Eisenhower home in Gettysburg Pennsylvania. After our visit I was excited to learn about the early time in his life. We wanted to see his boyhood home and go through the Presidential Museum and Library in Abilene, Kansas.

Did you know?

The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home has 28 handbags, 68 pairs of shoes, and 118 hats from Mamie in its collection? Check out the new display in Mamie's gallery!


Throwback Thursday - Free Fair

The Abilene Weekly Chronicle and the Dickinson County News - August 20, 2019
5 Star Reviews - Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
 

 

If this is not on your travel radar, get it on it now! Truly a top-notch museum that has been brought into the 21st century, saluting one of America's finest presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
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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  Julie@abilenecityhall.com.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2019 marks 150 years since the City of Abilene's official incorporation. Community events make Abilene not only a great place to live, but also a great place to visit. Make plans now to visit Abilene, Kansas and enjoy these great events! 

Take the Abilene Event Challenge - how many can you attend? Snap a photo and tag us in your Facebook posts @VisitAbilene.


EVENT

WHEN

LOCATION
LEARN MORE
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
 August 2-18 Great Plains Theatre
Christian Motorcyclists Association State Rally Friday, August 16 - Sunday, August 18 Dickinson County Fairgrounds / Sterl Hall
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, August 31 @ 6:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive)
Chisholm Trail Days Saturday, August 31 - Sunday, September 1 Old Abilene Town
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Saturday, August 31 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Sunday, September 1 @ 2 pm
Monday, September 2 @ 10 am & 2 pm		 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Oktoberfest Saturday, September 14 Downtown Abilene
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, September 14 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Hitching Post Restaurant)
 Saturday, September 14 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, September 28 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Cowtown Classic Charity Bike Ride Sunday, September 29 @ 7 am Eisenhower Park
Heritage Day Saturday, October 5 Dickinson County Heritage Center
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Saturday, October 5 @ 10 am - 3 pm (hourly departures)

 Dickinson County Heritage Center
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
 Sunday, October 6 @ 2 pm (last steam run of the year)
 Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Abilene Fire Department 150th Celebration Saturday, October 12  Abilene Fire Department
Historic Home & Barn Tour Saturday, October 12 @ 12:30 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse Saturday, October 12 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
National Greyhound Association's Fall Meet Monday, October 14 - Saturday, October 19  National Greyhound Association
Empires Fall October 18-27 Great Plains Theatre
Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) Saturday, October 26 @ 6 pm Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive)
Makin' Magic - 25 Years of Fun November 29 - December 15 Great Plains Theatre
Abilene's Victorian Inn Christmas Afternoon Tea Saturday, December 7 Abilene's Victorian Inn
Heritage Homes Association's Homes for the Holidays Tour Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8		 Varies each year
Night of Christmas Magic Saturday, December 7 Downtown Abilene
About us
The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau  is the marketing arm of the City of Abilene and provides services to tourists and groups convening in Abilene.
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