Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beehive
( 325-675-0600;
www.beehivesaloon.com
; 442 Cedar St; mains from $10; 11am-1:30pm Tue-Fri, 5-9:30pm
Tue-Sat)
This is the place for a tasty lunch or dinner after the high culture of the sights
downtown. The menu takes supper-house standards such as shrimp cocktail and steaks
and does them up just right (the lunchtime burgers are also good). The cocktails are
renowned in teetotaling Abilene for not only having alcohol but being made just right.
STEAKHOUSE
$$
Entertainment
Check to see what's on at the beautiful Paramount Theatre.
Big Country Raceway
( 325-673-7223;
www.bigcountryraceway.com
; 5601 W Stamford St; admission from $10)
Racing cars is a
Texas tradition and Abilene's drag strip is open to everyone. Watch dudes in their pickups
challenge each other or go nuts and trash your minivan. The track is generally open Friday
nights and all day weekends from spring to fall. It's just off I-20 exit 281, Shirley Rd.
SPECTATOR SPORT
Shopping
Hickory St, between 5th and 8th Streets near downtown Abilene, has a good selection of
antique and gift shops selling everything from fudge to stained glass to vintage clothing.
Abilene has several noted small manufacturers of custom-made Western gear.
James Leddy Boots
( 325-677-7811;
www.jamesleddyabilene.com
;
1602 N Treadway Blvd; 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri)
A le-
gendary maker of custom boots, this family -run store has prices ranging from $500 to
five figures. You can usually get a tour of the shop and work area. Breath deep.
WESTERN WEAR
WESTERN WEAR
Art Reed Leather
( 325-677-4572;
www.artreedchaps.com
; 361 East S 11th St; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
Art Reed has a month-
long waiting list for saddles that start at about $2000. Chaps can also be had, perfect for a
starring role as a cowpoke on the range or in some urban leather bar.
Information
Tourist info is available at Frontier Texas!.
