Rambling RV Rat: Visiting Abilene, Texas - The Storybook Capital of America

We had tremendous amounts of rain overnight, but it brought cooler temperatures as we departed Meridian State Park for our next destination, Abilene, Texas. We made an unscheduled pitstop in Abilene back in January 2015 during our first cross-country trip. You can read about that here: Dad's Droopy Drawers and the Shots Heard Around the World.

We realized our route to Abilene included passing through Hico along US-6. We noted a sign indicating that they had RV/tour bus parking. So, we made another attempt to visit the Billy the Kid Museum. We phoned at 10:35 a.m. to see if the Museum opened as scheduled (since we never received any response to our phone message the day before when we arrived to find the Museum closed). Yep, the docent said she opened at 9 and will be there until 3 p.m. Oh, good! Mom explained that we tried to visit the prior day and that we were excited for the opportunity to come by today. We were in-transit and would arrive in about 20 minutes. Not so fast, Sista, says the docent. She takes her lunch at 11 a.m. and does not reopen until noon—Strike 3 for me. Guess learning “the rest of the story” on Billy the Kid is not in the cards for me. Public Service Announcement: If you plan to visit, PHONE AHEAD OF TIME. And after your visit, please give this Rambling RV Rat a shout to provide me with the scoop and the poop on Billy the Kid/Ollie Roberts/Brushy Bill.

Due to road construction thereafter, we had to deviate from our planned route to Abilene State Park. So, it took us about 45 minutes longer than anticipated to arrive for our 3-night stay. Once again, we were more than pleased with another Texas State Park. We had a private, spacious electric/water site for an average cost of $21/night with our Texas State Park Pass (and a minimum 2 night stay). The Park has several hiking and nature trails and a pond. About a mile beyond the main entrance to the Park (along Park Road 7) is Lake Abilene, created by the damming of Elm Creek. I watched from a bird blind as lots of hummers, cardinals, and slightly overweight squirrels enjoyed the goodies at the Park-provided feeders. The Park’s pool and pavilion area, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the early 1930s, is closed this year for construction, which may be why the Park seemed extremely quiet. But that’s just the way we like it.

Elm Creek.

Lake Abilene.

Structures courtesy of...

...the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

A mere 14 miles north of the State Park is the City of Abilene, known as the Storybook Capital of America. Combining art and literacy, Abilene dedicates itself to bringing the adventures of reading alive through sculpture (https://storybookcapitalofamerica.com). Abilene is a terrific place for young children to visit (although “big kids” like my parents and this stuffed Rambling RV Rat enjoyed it immensely, too)! You can download the free apps, Abilene Storybook Experience and GooseChase (available at Google Play) to engage the young ones and give them an opportunity to earn a sticker or button. Here is just a tiny preview of the dozens of sculptures within the Storybook Capital of America, and more are added each year.

We started our adventure in Everman Park, which featured sculptures of beloved Dr. Seuss characters.

Horton the Elephant.

The Grinch.

The Cat in the Hat.

Beautiful magnolia tree bloom.

The Convention Center hosts this storybook sculpture garden that features characters from classic and contemporary children's books.

3 Little Pigs.

My Rodent Pal, Stuart Little...

...sure has good advice for us.

3 Little Kittens. Their Mamma sure don't look happy. She is probably giving them that old-time lecture: Money doesn't grow on trees, ya know. I just bought them there mittens you lost, so get your behinds out there and find 'em! Oh, and stop your crying, or I'll give ya something to cry about!

Good Night Dinosaur.

Wilbur. Charlotte is hard to see, but is in the upper left corner, within her web.

Goldilocks and the 3 Bears.

Throughout Downtown, there are several other interesting sights and fun things to do.

The Paramount Theater, with its Art Deco architectural design, shows various films, including ones for children (Shrek was playing while we were there).

You never know where you will spot a sculpture!

Abilene Public Library has various programs for children, some of which are free of charge.

I thought for a minute I was on a wild goose chase. But following this goose brought me to a chocolate shop! Yum!

Abilene City Hall.

Mural at 12th Armored Division Museum.

Enormous Elk Antlers.

Another fun activity is to pick up a passport for the “Find Seymour Project” at the restored T&P Train Depot and stamp it at each location where you locate a hidden Seymour (a character from the children’s book, “Can You See What I See?”). Additionally, our homeschooled kiddies can get a history lesson by visiting Abilene’s Frontier Museum or nearby Buffalo Gap’s Historic Village.

T&P Train Depot.

Even if you don't go into the Frontier Museum, you can view the giant longhorns on the grounds.

Speaking of Buffalo Gap, we came upon Perrini Ranch, where the acclaimed Perrini Steakhouse is located. Prior to Dad’s heart attack in 2017, my parents were heavy beef eaters, and Mom continues to be an avid carnivore and passionate lover of a good steak, medium rare. They had dined at several New York City steakhouses named “Best Of” through the years, including Peter Luger (excellent beef, informal setting, very noisy), Gallagher’s, Old Homestead (established in 1868, it is considered 1 of the longest continually operated restaurants in the U.S.A.), and Benjamin Prime (our all-time favorite for porterhouse steak for 2, elegant and romantic atmosphere, top notch service from Ricky, and somewhere we would visit thrice annually). Hence, my parents were tempted to sample the fare at Perrini Ranch. But I pled my case to protect my future cheese inheritance. I pointed out that dropping $200+ buckaroos on a meal that will bring short-term pleasure was a bit frivolous. Furthermore, limited time slots were available for reservations (I was confident we did not want to eat dinner at 10 p.m.). This Rambling RV Rat is quite persuasive. My parents nixed the steak dinner and opted instead to view the Roadside America attractions there.

Where's the beef?

Dad and the Longhorns, HOOK'EM!

Now that is a Texas-sized armadillo!

We spent considerable time hiking in Abilene State Park. We were successful in logging a few more geocaches, some of which had very unusual “containers”.

And we saw quite a few local “residents”, 1 of which decided our Starlink cable was an appetizer! Thankfully, Dad (once a Boy Scout) is always prepared. He whipped out the “spare” he had purchased a while back.