Panhandle Plains
AbileneVisitors.com; Facebook.com/AbileneTX; @VisitAbilene
Abilene offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern innovation, says Robert Lopez, vice president of Abilene CVB. “Positioned centrally in Texas, our accessibility is unparalleled, while the vibrant Downtown Cultural District provides a rich backdrop of storytelling and heritage.” The DoubleTree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center, which opened in summer 2023, “stands as a testament to Abilene’s dedication to providing top-tier facilities without losing its touch of Western hospitality,” he adds. “Beyond the conference room, visitors can immerse themselves in local culture at such attractions as Frontier Texas, The Grace, and the Storybook Capital of America, or unwind amid the natural beauty of Abilene Zoo.”
Abilene’s downtown revitalization has created an inviting urban environment celebrating the city’s heritage while embracing the future,” according to Lopez. “In 2024, downtown Abilene underwent a major streetscape project, making the Downtown Cultural District the epicenter of tourism for the region,” he says. Abilene Regional Airport (ABI) has also undergone upgrades to enhance the travel experience for visitors, including upgraded facilities, enhanced security measures, and increased flight options, according to the CVB.
The 200-room Doubletree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center has 11,600 square feet of function space with 13 meeting rooms. It is adjacent to the convention center, which has a 2,100-seat auditorium, 40,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 20,000-square-foot exhibit hall. MCM Eleganté Suites Abilene has 175 guest rooms and 12,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. Taylor County Expo Center, adjacent to Abilene Zoo and Dodge Jones Youth Sports Center, has an 8,000-square-foot hall with a capacity of 500 guests, a coliseum with 30,000 square feet of exhibit space, a stage, and a covered pavilion seating 1,000, and other function space.
