Once upon a time, the people of Abilene were so inspired by a children’s book that they decided to transform their city into the Storybook Capital of America. The book was 1993’s Santa Calls by William Joyce, a fanciful Christmas adventure set in Abilene in 1908. Now, the historical, revitalized downtown is home to more than 50 bronze sculptures of literary characters, including Stuart Little, Sam-I-Am, and Queen Toothiana. The figures adorn sidewalks and three sculpture parks including the Clear Fork Bank storybook garden, which added nine new Winnie the Pooh characters during the annual Children’s Art + Literacy Festival last June. But the town’s first sculpture, from Santa Calls, is perhaps the most beloved: three local kids in a flying canoe, transported by the magic of storytelling. Located 150 miles west of Fort Worth, the city of 131,000 also has a rich frontier history, a vibrant arts scene, and West Texas charm. That’s especially true in the walkable downtown, a cultural hub with museums, eateries, and a new pedestrian plaza.
DISTANCE FROM
Dallas
3 hours
Austin
3.5 hours
San Antonio
4 hours
Houston
6 hours
El Paso
6.5 hours
EAT
PERINI RANCH STEAKHOUSE
The smell of mesquite smoke greets you at this rustic steakhouse located in the ranchlands south of Abilene. Chuckwagon cook Tom Perini and his wife, Lisa, have turned an old barn into a dining destination with a down-home vibe that is pure Texas. Save room for a slice of jalapeño cheesecake.
stay
WHITTEN INN
Recently renovated, this hotel right off US 84 provides an expansive hot breakfast with real maple syrup, a spacious cocktail lounge, and an outdoor swimming pool. Rooms start at $149/night.
learn
NATIONAL CENTER FOR CHILDREN’S ILLUSTRATED LITERATURE
This museum honors the illustrators who draw and paint the worlds within children’s storybooks. Peruse the fine art gallery and explore hands-on exhibits, including a digital experience that turns your paper drawings into animated 3D characters.
DRINK
MONKS COFFEE SHOP
Dip into this downtown hangout for a café au lait or hot chocolate. Popular with Abilene Christian University students, the coffeehouse showcases a mural of the neighborhood and its Queen Toothiana statue. Snag a seat in the book-lined nook—just look for the old-school gramophone.
SHOP
SEVEN AND ONE
This imaginative bookstore features DIY book embossing and a type-your-own postcard station, plus cushy chairs and clever gifts like leftie journals, paper dolls, and build-your-own miniature book nook kits.
eat & drink
grain theory
With a sunny wraparound balcony and long communal tables, this family-friendly brewpub offers crisp lagers, flavorful IPAs, and rich brown ales. The global-leaning menu features 11 handmade sauces; try the peri-peri remoulade or mango habanero mayo with fish and chips.
