Day Trip to Abilene 🤿 (FULL EPISODE) S5 E4
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 พ.ย. 2023
- THROWBACK EPISODE - This episode originally aired on PBS on May 8, 2014. Some of the locations may have changed. Check thedaytripper.com for the most up-to-date information.
Abilene is the heart of Texas’s “BIG COUNTRY.” It’s a region of our state with big skies with breathtaking sunsets, big prairies and REALLY BIG legends.
I suggest you jump right into its history at Frontier Texas! This amazing museum covers the entire story of the frontier, from the native Indians, to settlers, to buffalo hunters, all the way up to the steam engines that conquered the Wild West. There are holograms, a 360 degree theater and jaw-dropping first-hand stories of the struggles of living on the frontier.
If you want to really dive into Abilene’s military past, I suggest you head to Dyess Air Force Base. They have a small museum open to the public. If you can find an escort to get you inside the gate, you can walk around the aircraft park complete with a B-1 bomber, C-130 and B-17 flying fortress. They are amazing.
While there are tons of great places to eat in Abilene, those that want to partake in a legendary Texas experience can head to Buffalo Gap (pop 463). The Buffalo Gap Historic Village is a great collection of old buildings such as the original Taylor County Courthouse and various others from the last 50 years of the frontier.
North of town, you can walk through the remnants of the Wild West. See the ruins of this fort that was occupied by U.S. soldiers that helped pave the way for westward expansion into unsettled parts of Texas. It’s so strange to imagine this desolate place bustling with soldiers going about their daily duties.
Candies by Vletas is definitely the sweetest spot in town. They’ve got some amazing candy and chocolate-covered everything, all made in house. Some of the recipes go back 100 years!
You’ll want to polish off your day trip with a big hunk of beef at Perini Ranch Steakhouse. Folks routinely drive 2-3 hours just to eat here (and lucky for you it’s only about 20 minutes away from Abilene!) So since you’re in the neighborhood, you should definitely stop by. Of course they have more than just beef, so enjoy! Just make sure you get some bread pudding for dessert.
Rustic chophouse offering mesquite-fired steaks & seafood, plus a full bar & live music nights. Lytle Land & Cattle offers the largest selection of mesquite grilled steaks and seafood in the area. Upon ordering, request to pick out your very own steak and enjoy the Lytle experience!
Sadly, ABI-Haus has permanently closed since we filmed this episode.
The truly adventurous (with a SCUBA certification) shouldn’t miss the chance to dive the Valhalla Missile Silo that once housed an Atlas nuclear missile in the 1960s. Today this silo is filled with ground water going 120 feet deep and those that are brave enough to head into the darkness can SCUBA dive it. It is only open to private groups - so you’ll need to join up with a group to get inside. Family Scuba Center in Midland can give you the details.
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Traveled through Abilene many a time. The “secret” ingredient in peanut brittle is baking soda. Those B-1’s take off with there after burners, loud for sure and really spectacular at night.
Abilene is a nice town.
Awe my home town. I don’t live there anymore but I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Abilene.
Don’t mess with Texas! Thanks for showcasing Abilene.
Abilene, Abilene..Prettiest town that I’ve ever seen
I flew the Star of Abilene several times during my time as a B-1B instructor at Dyess AFB. That was in the 1980s & 1990s, and a lot of what you showed wasn't there yet. I did make a few trips to Perini Ranch, however, and I definitely recommend it. The second-best thing about Abilene was watching from the end of the runway as a Bone was taking off at night. Spectacular to see, hear and feel.
I'm in the Abilene area and have been for over 30 years, and yet you taught me about some hidden gems here. Thanks!
Abi-Haus is no longer in existence. Also Frontier Museum is currently closed for renovations, just in case anyone goes soon. WE were just there this week! Went to college there!
Chet is amazing. Growing up in California ( jokes) we had Huell Howser. Chet is the modern-day version and he really brings you into the stories of the towns to visit.
Thank you for putting the original air date in the comments!
Perini Ranch Steakhouse has earned a James Beard Award which is about on par with a Michelin star, I think you can only win one James Beard Award every 10 years
This vid is from 2014 but still intrigues me as San Antonio outgrows its pants .... I'm SO ready to move to a smaller community that moves at a slower pace!
Best darn video I've seen so far for day tripper
You did my hometown good Tripper! Thank you!
dont forget La Pops bakery! my ex family has had bakeries there for a long time and they're amazing!
.oved there in 75 went to Bowie ele mm entary and Jackson elementary spent 30 yeaars there ,liveinLubbock now still. Have famiy in Abilene
Cool Chet! Looks like your numbers are getting bigger right on
We will be traveling thru the area within the next few months and will eat at the steak house. Thanks for showcasing them. Your videos are excellent my friend.
Sir Chet ..You are a true carnivore!!
Please do Humble,Tx That’s a real challenge lol I love your videos