 |
|
Abilene Named One of the Best Historic Small Towns
The USA has a rich and exciting history, and visiting the places which most affected it is so much more fun than reading about it. These 10 nominees for Best Historic Small Town have big histories and small populations - fewer than 30,000 people as of the last census - making them fun and affordable ways to dive into our nation's past.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Historic Small Town are as follows:
- Granbury, Texas
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Angola, Indiana
- Clarksdale, Mississippi
- Williamsburg, Virginia
- Natchez, Mississippi
- Natchitoches, Louisiana
- Abilene, Kansas
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Haddonfield, New Jersey
A panel of experts (listed below) partnered with 10Best editors to picked the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
|
|
Big highways blah? Don't dis them. Why and when to travel interstates--happily
by Catharine Hamm, LA Times
When we think about road trips - and, now that schools are out or mostly so, we may be - we rarely think about the road itself, especially the big, rumbling, boring interstates that lace together our country.
Why should we? They're the method, not the merriment.
But consider this: More than half of traveling families will vacation by car this year, AAA reported, as they explore America. For this we must thank President Eisenhower (with a tip of the hat to his predecessors) for this amazing grid of roadways. The interstate highway system is the mother of Road Trip 2.0, which means the big roads often do the work of getting us to the two-lanes of blacktop where the adventure begins.
|
|
Five Events To Plan Your Trip Around
by Cecilia Harris, Abilene CVB Guest Writer
There's no better way to celebrate summer than to schedule your visit to Abilene around one or more of these special events:
1. D-Day 75th Anniversary Commemoration Week
June 1-6, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Start with the World War II Show and Tell Pop-Up Museum, re-enactments, and Symphony at Sunset Concert on June 1 and stay all week to learn more about D-Day through IKEducation programs, guest speakers, and panel discussions culminating in Remembrance Ceremony on June 6. Learn more >
2. Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
July 4, Eisenhower Park
Watch the frog and turtle races - or bring your own and participate - during this family-friendly event. A hot dog feed, water balloon toss, baby beauty contest, city band concert, pedal power tractor pull, mud volleyball, and more activities occur all day preceding the fireworks display. Learn more >
3. Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo
July 31-Aug. 3, Eisenhower Park Fairgrounds
Cheer for nearly 500 professional cowboys and cowgirls, from world champions to newcomers, competing in bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback and saddle bronc riding, calf tie-down roping, barrel racing, and team roping at this award-winning outdoor rodeo. Kids compete in the Mutton Bustin' contest! Learn more >
4. National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo
Aug. 2-3, Shockey and Landes Building
Listen to real cowboys recite both humorous and serious poetry, much of which is original, about their unique lifestyle and other topics during this national competition that culminates in a program featuring the award winners and musical entertainment. Learn more >
5. 10th Annual Vintage Baseball Game
Aug. 3, Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Learn about baseball in the 1860s as teams in period uniforms play the game on grass using the rules of that time period. Pitching is underhand, an out is called if a fair or foul ball is caught after one bounce, and there are no gloves, leading off, base stealing or sliding, making for a rousing game. Learn more >
|
|
Ted Stillwell: Eisenhower's formative years
by Ted Stillwell, Hannibal Courier-Post
Abilene, Kansas rose to fame as a cow to
wn, the northern terminus of the Chisholm Trail that brought cattle from Texas to the Kansas Pacific Railway railhead for shipment into the Kansas City stockyards.
Cowboys with a thirst for drink and a hunger for excitement accompanied the cattle. Businesses sprung up along Abilene's Texas Street to serve their trail-whetted appetites. Marshal Wild Bill Hickok was among those who broke up the resulting fights.
Dwight David Eisenhower wasn't born in Abilene, nor did he die there. But the years he spent in the central Kansas town were among the most important of his life. For it was in Abilene that the boy who would grow up to become general of the U.S. Army and the 34th president of the United States developed the skills and first displayed the character that would see him and the nation through some of the most perilous times the world has ever known.
|
|
Eisenhower Memorial Update
Last week the Eisenhower Memorial con
struction team celebrated the installation of the fifth (and final) beam that spans the 435' colonnade. Collectively, the beams will support the cable net system from which the woven stainless steel tapestry will be suspended. Tapestry panels are being shipped from the fabrication warehouse in Los Angeles and will begin to arrive on site over the course of the summer. You can follow the installation progress via a
live construction camera
.
|
|
Get Your We Like Ike Sign!
Click
here for more information about the contest,
how to participate and where to get your Ike sign.
|
|
*Now Available* We Like Ike Buttons
Stop by the Abilene Travel Information Center to pick up your We Like Ike button!
Buttons are only $1 and the perfect addition for front line employees, community cheerleaders and Ike fans.
|
|
Throwback Thursday - C.W. Parker Carousel
|
|
|
The Salina Journal, August 28, 1983
|
|
|
5 Star Reviews -
Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum
|
Share your news!
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
[email protected].
|
ATTRACTION & EVENT UPDATES
|
|
Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home
May Lunch & Learn: The Road to Abilene
Join a conversation with Tim Rives and William Snyder about the all new museum exhibits.
The next Lunch & Learn program is Thursday, May 23 at 12 p.m. in the Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center Auditorium, 200 SE 4th, Abilene. Free and open to the public, a light lunch is provided on a first come, first serve basis. A sign-language interpreter will be available.
"Ike and Mamie deserve the best." That mantra, referencing 34th president Dwight D. Eisenhower and his wife Mamie, has driven a full redesign of the museum exhibits at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas. The all new 25,000 square feet of museum exhibits will open in late July! The most recent innovations in technological components and interactives are guaranteed to engage audiences of all ages and learning styles. The layered-learning approach gives all visitors the opportunity to make a personal connection to Ike and Mamie during their visit.
Tim Rives, supervisory archivist and deputy director of the Eisenhower Library and Museum, and Curator William Snyder will examine the ambitious project and lead an interactive discussion of the function and importance of presidential libraries.
This interactive program concludes a series coinciding with the exhibit "Eisenhower's Middle Road" at the Central Kansas City Public Library. This exhibit and programming was made possible by a grant to the Eisenhower Foundation from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City, Missouri.
The Lunch & Learn series is made possible courtesy of the Eisenhower Foundation and the Jeffcoat Memorial Foundation.
-------------------------
A Five Star Commemoration
On June 6, 1944, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, led the Allied Forces in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France. Code-named Operation OVERLORD, this was the greatest invasion in human history that, less than a year later, led to the liberation of Europe from Adolf Hitler's Nazi tyranny.
The Eisenhower Foundation, in partnership with the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas, will mark the 75th anniversary of this historic event by hosting a week of events commemorating D-Day, as well as honoring Dwight D. Eisenhower and the soldiers who bravely served the U.S. during World War II.
|
|
Great Plains Theatre
Our first show of the season kicks off on June 14 with Pirates Of Penzance. Get your tickets now!
The Pirates of Penzance; or, The Slave of Duty is one of the most beloved Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. A ridiculous premise provides many opportunities for rambunctious physical comedy and a delightful score. Winner of the 1981 Tony award and made into a popular film version with Linda Rondstadt and Kevin Kline.
Rated PG
Individual Tickets for all 6 shows are on sale now! Advance tickets are $35, tickets purchased at the door are $37.50, and Thursday Theatre tickets are $20.
Showtimes:
Friday, June 14 @ 7:30 PM (Follow by Afterglow)
Saturday, June 15 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, June 16 @ 2:00 PM
Tuesday, June 18 @ 2:00 PM
Wednesday, June 19 @ 2:00 PM
Thursday, June 20 @ 7:30 PM
Friday, June 21 @ 7:30 PM (Followed by Cabaret)
Saturday, June 22 @ 7:30 PM
|
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
|
| The Road to Abilene with Tim Rives and William Snyder |
Thursday, May 23 @ Noon - 1 pm |
Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center Auditorium |
|
| Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) |
Saturday, May 25 @ 6:30 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive) |
|
| Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides |
Saturday, May 25 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Sunday, May 26 @ 2 pm
Monday, May 27 @ 10 am & 2 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad |
|
|
Symphony at Sunset
|
Saturday, June 1
|
Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds
|
|
| 75th anniversary of D-Day |
Thursday, June 6 |
Eisenhower Presidential Library |
|
| Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides |
Thursday, June 6 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Friday, June 7 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Saturday, June 8 @ 10 am & 2 pm
|
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive) |
|
| Historic Home & Barn Tour |
Saturday, June 8 @ 12:30 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad |
|
| Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse |
Saturday, June 8 @ 6:30 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive) |
|
| Pirates of Penzance |
June 14-23 |
Great Plains Theatre |
|
| Heart of America Greyhound Gathering |
June 20-22 |
Sterl Hall |
|
| Dinner Train (Fried Chicken by Brookville Hotel) |
Saturday, June 22 @ 6:30 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Diesel Locomotive) |
|
| Disaster! |
July 12-21 |
Great Plains Theatre |
|
| Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration |
July 4 |
Eisenhower Park |
|
Steam Locomotive #3415 train rides
|
Thursday, July 4 @10 am & 2 pm
Friday, July 5 @ 10 am & 2 pm
Saturday, July 6 @10 am & 2 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad |
|
| Dinner Train (Prime Rib by Mr. K's Farmhouse |
Saturday, July 6 @ 6:30 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (Steam Locomotive) |
|
| Historic Home & Barn Tour |
Saturday, July 13 @ 12:30 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad |
|
|
Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
|
Wednesday, July 31 - Saturday, August 3
|
Dickinson County Fairgrounds (Abilene)
|
|
|
Central Kansas Free Fair
|
Wednesday, July 31 - Monday, August 5
|
Dickinson County Fairgrounds (Abilene)
|
|
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
|
August 2-18 |
Great Plains Theatre |
|
| National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo |
August 2-3 |
Shockey & Landes Building |
|
| Vintage Base Ball Game |
Saturday, August 3 |
Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds |
|
| Historic Home & Barn Tour |
Saturday, August 10 @ 12:30 pm |
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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) |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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) |
|
| 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) |
|
| Tombstone Talks |
Saturday, October 26 |
Abilene Cemetery |
|
| 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.
|
Sign Up!
Receiving this email from a friend?
Join the Abilene Tourism Advocate e-newsletter list.
|
|
|
|
|
|
