This Is Abilene

This Is Abilene Do you enjoy West Texas sunsets, cultural vibes,and a big city feel in a small town? We do. This is home. This Is Our Abilene.

Created by The Tonya Harbin Real Estate Team to share our favorite things about Abilene.

Something NEW is coming to Abilene! 🌵👀We got a sneak peek inside Angry Cactus today before they officially open and this...
08/24/2026

Something NEW is coming to Abilene! 🌵👀

We got a sneak peek inside Angry Cactus today before they officially open and this is definitely more than just another new restaurant coming to Abilene.

They already have a location in San Angelo, and now they’re bringing Angry Cactus to our community.

The menu is pretty unique. Think chicken fried steak, meatloaf, lamb and even quail with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.

But what really caught my attention is what’s happening beyond the restaurant.

Angry Cactus also has a Learn to Work culinary school, giving students hands on culinary training and real world experience. Working here over the next two years, students will be able to earn a culinary degree.

How cool is that for Abilene?!

We’re filming a full video so I can take you inside, show you the food and share more about the people and the story behind Angry Cactus. 🎥

I love getting to show you what’s NEW and coming to Abilene especially when it’s something that’s investing in our community at the same time.

Who’s ready to try Angry Cactus when they open?

And tell me which are you ordering first: chicken fried steak, meatloaf, lamb or quail?

08/01/2026

After sitting vacant for nearly 20 years, one of Abilene's most historic landmarks is back, and what they've done with it is absolutely incredible! Join us for a full tour of Abilene Heritage Square, the stunning revitalization of the old Abilene High School building (built in the 1920s) that is now home to the brand new Abilene Public Library, the Spark Science Center, and gorgeous event spaces available to rent for weddings, banquets, conferences, and more.

🔬 SPARK SCIENCE CENTER (Extension of the Grace Museum)

Interactive exhibits indoors covering biology, chemistry, engineering, physics & more
Outdoor Innovation Park interactives — water tables, bubbles, race track & more
Summer camps for all ages (1st grade through high school) — robotics, engineering, Rube Goldberg machines, watercolor & science
Fall homeschool programs & school field trips
Grace Museum members get FREE entry to Spark
Discounts for military, seniors, educators & income-based need

Spark Science Center

08/01/2026

After sitting vacant for nearly 20 years, one of Abilene's most historic landmarks is back, and what they've done with it is absolutely incredible! Join us for a full tour of Abilene Heritage Square, the stunning revitalization of the old Abilene High School building (built in the 1920s) that is now home to the brand new Abilene Public Library, the Spark Science Center, and gorgeous event spaces available to rent for weddings, banquets, conferences, and more.

🏛️ ABILENE HERITAGE SQUARE EVENT SPACES
The original auditorium — beautifully restored with a bride suite & groom suite
The original Eagles gymnasium — now an event space with screens & AV capabilities
A full commercial kitchen for catering
A stunning courtyard

Abilene Heritage Square

07/31/2026

After sitting vacant for nearly 20 years, one of Abilene's most historic landmarks is back, and what they've done with it is absolutely incredible! We did a full tour of Abilene Heritage Square, the stunning revitalization of the old Abilene High School building (built in the 1920s) that is now home to the brand new Abilene Public Library, the Spark Science Center, and gorgeous event spaces available to rent for weddings, banquets, conferences, and more.

📚 THE NEW ABILENE PUBLIC LIBRARY (68,000+ sq ft!)
3rd Floor: Adult section — nonfiction, reference, conference rooms, study rooms, charging tables at every seat, book club kits, computer labs
2nd Floor: Family & kids section — reading nooks, storytelling room, brand new Lego table, craft room, comfort room, computer stations
1st Floor: Best-sellers, computer tables, conference rooms, recording studio, Maker Space (3D printers, Cricut, heat press), teen lounge, Texas history & genealogy section
FREE to all Abilene residents!

Check out the entire tour on our YouTube (Link in the comments!)

07/31/2026

After sitting vacant for nearly 20 years, one of Abilene's most historic landmarks is back, and what they've done with it is absolutely incredible! Join us for a full tour of Abilene Heritage Square, the stunning revitalization of the old Abilene High School building (built in the 1920s) that is now home to the brand new Abilene Public Library, the Spark Science Center, and gorgeous event spaces available to rent for weddings, banquets, conferences, and more.

Whether you're a lifelong Abilene resident, a former student who walked these halls, or new to Abilene, this one is a must-see! Abilene Heritage Square is one of the most exciting things to happen to downtown Abilene in years, and we got an exclusive tour with the director of the Spark Science Center herself.

In this video we tour:

🏛️ ABILENE HERITAGE SQUARE EVENT SPACES

The original auditorium — beautifully restored with a bride suite & groom suite
The original Eagles Nest gymnasium — now an event space with screens & AV capabilities
A full commercial kitchen for catering
A stunning courtyard

📚 THE NEW ABILENE PUBLIC LIBRARY (68,000+ sq ft!)

3rd Floor: Adult section — nonfiction, reference, conference rooms, study rooms, charging tables at every seat, book club kits, computer labs
2nd Floor: Family & kids section — reading nooks, storytelling room, brand new Lego table, craft room, comfort room, computer stations
1st Floor: Best-sellers, computer tables, conference rooms, recording studio, Maker Space (3D printers, Cricut, heat press), teen area, Texas history & genealogy section
FREE to all Abilene residents!

🔬 SPARK SCIENCE CENTER

Interactive exhibits indoors covering biology, chemistry, engineering, physics & more.
Outdoor Innovation Park interactives — water tables, bubbles, race track & more
Summer camps for all ages (1st grade through high school) — robotics, engineering, Rube Goldberg machines, watercolor & science
Fall homeschool programs & school field trips
Grace Museum members get FREE entry to Spark
Discounts for military, seniors, educators & income-based need

👇 COMMENT BELOW: Did you attend Lincoln Middle School or Abilene High School in this building? Tell us when you went, we want to hear your memories!

🔗 More information:

Abilene Heritage Square : www.abileneheritagesquare.org

Spark Science Center : thegracemuseum.org

Abilene Public Library : abilenetx.gov/library

07/29/2026

This Saturday, we are proud to be a sponsor of one of our favorite events of the year. 🎒❤️

🎒 7th Annual Hearts BBQ Backpack Giveaway
📅 Saturday, August 1st | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
📍 Drug Emporium Parking Lot | 2550 Barrow St, Abilene

Backpacks are FREE for students Pre-K through College. No registration required, child must be present. First come, first served.) While you're there, enjoy a petting zoo, bounce house, face painting, free snow cones, free hot dogs, Sassy the Clown, Abilene Spiderman, and more. 🎉

Seven years ago, Sharleene Jacques of Hearts BBQ started collecting cash tips from her food truck to buy backpacks and school supplies for kids in need. What started as a small act of generosity has grown into one of the most beloved community events in the Big Country , and this year they're aiming to put 2,000 filled backpacks into the hands of Big Country students before the school year starts.

One more thing, they need YOUR help!
The Hearts BBQ team is still about $4,000 short of their goal to reach 2,000 students. If you'd like to donate, call Sharleene at (325) 518-5643. Every dollar goes directly toward a backpack for a Big Country kid who needs one.

This is what Abilene is all about. 🤠❤️

🔗 heartsbbqbackpackgiveaway.com
📲 To donate or volunteer: (325) 518-5643

05/20/2026

Abilene is GROWING fast 👀🚧
From new restaurants to shopping and new airline routes, there are SO many businesses opening, starting construction, or already opened in 2026!
Whether you love the growth or hate it 😅, there’s no denying Abilene is growing quickly, and the number of places to eat and things to do is increasing!
In this video, we’re breaking down:
🌮 Fuego Tortilla Grill
🍔 Freddy’s & Five Guys
🌵 Angry Cactus
🦞 Hook & Reel Cajun Seafood
🎣 Bass Pro Shops
✈️ New flights from ABI Airport
…and more!

👇 We want to know:
What business or restaurant do YOU want to see come to Abilene next?

If you’re looking for heavy-duty pots for your home, check out The Perch in Abilene. I searched everywhere trying to fi...
05/13/2026

If you’re looking for heavy-duty pots for your home, check out The Perch in Abilene.

I searched everywhere trying to find affordable planters, and these were not only super durable and HEAVY but also less than half the price of many other places I visited.
I wanted huge pots but they have all sizes.

I honestly had no idea they even sold these until I walked through there one day!

If you know of other local gems let me know!

03/09/2026

We all know that Tonya loves cheeseburgers, but her second favorite food is Fro-Yo! So when she heard there was a brand new Fro-Yo shop here in town, we had to check it out! Welcome to Frozen Ropes Yogurt & Açaí Bowls!

Frozen Ropes Yogurt & Açaí Bowls
📍6382 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, TX
📞 (325) 704-1003
🕒 Monday-Thursday 12-9. Friday-Saturday 12-10

02/05/2026

Valentine's Day is almost here! If you haven't figured out your date night, don't worry! We've got you covered! Here are 5 date ideas for this Valentine's Day weekend here in Abilene!

🩷 Valentine's Dinner at The Mill
📅 February 13th and 14th 5:30-7:00
Live musician each night. You get a 3 course meall with dessert and wine options to choose from! Suggested attire is black tie/formal.
Reservations can be made at https://themillwinery.com/store

🩷 Caberet Under the Stars at Paramount Abilene
📅 February 12th-14th
Happy hour with hors d'oeuvres begins at 7:00pm, and the show starts at 8:00pm.
Love is in the air on Broadway this February at Cabaret Under the Stars! Join several of Abilene's versatile local performers as they transport you from the Paramount stage to the lights of 42nd Street, brimming with some of Broadway's most famous love songs. Your ticket includes the performance, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and a dessert from local vendors; beer and wine will also be available for purchase at our bar.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://bit.ly/4tjrEtz

🩷 Eller Hall's Beloved Dance
📅 February 13th 7:00-10:00
Eller Hall will have live music provided by Swing Machine, the Toasted Traveler food truck out on the curb, and plenty of space to dance, talk, laugh, and create those vintage memories with family and new friends in the Grace Museum parking garage! This is a famiily friendly event!
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or at https://www.ellerhall.com/

🩷 Swenson House Chocolate Fest
📅 February 14th 7:00-9:00
This year the theme is Rom Com & Cabernet: Great Films. Fine Wine. Sweet Endings. Each station will be themed after a classic romantic comedy film! Feel free to dress like your favorite rom-com characters or like you’re attending the red carpet! Chocolate Fest is a celebration of chocolate and wine. Visit tasting stations throughout the house and enjoy carefully curated selections of chocolates and wines sure to satisfy any chocolate lover. Music and door prizes are included. For non-drinkers who love chocolate, we will have a non-alcoholic punch that tastes very similar to sparkling wine or champagne. This is a 21+ Event!
Tickets can be purchased here: my.allevents.in/chocfest

🩷 Singles and Sing Along Brunch at Grain Theory
📅 February 14th 11:00-2:00
Single on the big day? Come have brunch at Grain Theory for a chance to meet your soulmate! They will have a Live DJ, color coded wristbands to show if you're single and ready to mingle or you’re just there for the vibes and to be the best wingman! There'll even be people bingo to help break the ice and start your next conversation! You don't actually have to sing, but its' more fun if you do!
This is a 21+ event!
Tickets are $10 at the door, and 100% proceeds go to All Kind Animal Initiative!

We hope you have a great Valentine's Day weekend!

Address

4357 S. Treadaway Boulevard
Abilene, TX
79602

Telephone

+13256033550

Website

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