Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Abilene and its partners. All opinions and photos are mine.
Are you someone who likes to cruise to estate sales or antique stores on the weekends? Set the GPS to Abilene, Kansas, a hub of antique shops and historical districts with noteworthy attractions.
The North Central Kansas town is known for its Chisholm Trail and President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s history; however, travelers will also love following its antique stores trail. Abilene Antique Fest, the second Saturday in May, is not to be missed.
FOLLOW THE ANTIQUE SHOPPING TRAIL
You don’t have to twist my arm to go antique shopping, and Abilene’s long list of antique shops is its own trail. Most of the stores are located within walking distance of one another. A few outliers are worth the short drive to find them.
Buckeye Antiques Mall
At Buckeye Antiques Mall (310 N. Buckeye Ave), you’re bound to find a treasure as you meander around overstocked store areas. After talking with the owner, I learned that over 80 percent of the vintage goods for sale are from her personal collection.
Pickers could easily spend up to an hour searching for specific items in the store. Over the years, I’ve discovered that it’s easier to ask a storekeeper if they stock what you’re looking for to cut down on time.
From big items like old handmade furniture and saddles to delicate antique glassware and jewelry, Buckeye Antique Mall stocks it.
Countrypolitan
Talk about variety! Countrypolitan (317 N. Broadway St.) sells a mix of old and new home decor. Smaller in size than one of the local antique malls, it is a worthwhile stop if you’re shopping for a unique piece to add to your collection.
I appreciated the front store display that focused on seasonal decor. The owner offered a warm welcome, and I perused the store. It’s likely a place I’ll return to when I need a gift for someone.
Mud Creek Antiques
Welcome to Mud Creek Antiques (319 N. Buckeye Ave.), a store with over 7,500 square feet of antique items. Between Mud Creek Antiques and its neighbor, Abilene Downtown Antique Mall, shoppers can access 52 booths stocked by individual sellers.
Serious shoppers will want to devote at least an hour or more to scanning shelving and peering into glass cases at Mud Creek Antiques. The items are stocked in a semi-organized way and the store is clean and brightly lit.
Abilene Downtown Antique Mall
Entering Abilene Downtown Antique Mall ( 313 N. Buckeye Ave.) is like a walk down memory lane. As I walked in and out of each booth, I noticed relics from my childhood. Drinking classes. Old toys. Vinyl record collections.
Two store employees quickly asked me if there was anything they could help me find, but I wasn’t in search of anything specific. Because the store’s vast collection can seem overwhelming upon entry, it may help to preview featured items on the Facebook page before visiting.
Yesterday’s Rose Antique Mall
Appreciators of antiques need to make the short drive to the edge of town to Yesterday’s Rose Antique Mall (101 NE 21st St.). One word to describe the store? Massive.
The sound of a trickling water fountain garnered my attention, a welcoming spot for shoppers who want a relaxing space to sit while others shop.
I systematically navigated through the store, shopping each booth, starting on the right, and walking around. If you’re hoping to find extensive collections of depression glass, Fiesta ware, coins, toys, and china, you’re in luck.
Some of the booths’ owners did an excellent job of displaying items by theme, and I was surprised to find handcrafted items like unique lamps or embroidered tee towels nestled amongst antiques.
PRO TIP: Ask about layaway options if you want to add an investment piece to your collection.
Vintage Bling & Antique Things
Make no mistake, if you’re on the hunt for sparkly vintage jewelry to wear for a night out on the town, Vintage Bling & Antique Things (300 N. Broadway) is the place to shop. As the name suggests, the store’s inventory includes antiques such as depression glass, cigar boxes, and period pieces.
PRO TIP: The charming store, located in a historic building, is an antiquity. Walk to the back of the store and look up at the tin ceiling and architecture.
Abilene Antique Fest
You can expect dozens of antique dealers’ booths set up in historic downtown Abilene Antique Fest, making it a must-shop experience combined with the town’s permanent stores. The one-day event on the second Saturday in May includes food vendors.
MORE PLACES FOR HISTORY LOVERS TO DISCOVER
As someone who loves history, I love visiting a local museum to unlock the stories of the town’s earliest residents and learn more about the industries that put the town on the map.
Dickinson County Heritage Center
Dickinson County Heritage Center (412 S. Campbell) never fails to disappoint. I continue to revisit the museum to dive deeper into Abilene’s visit, spending over an hour each trip reading its displays.
A moderate admission fee gains visitors access to the indoor museum and a self-guided tour of the grounds complete with original buildings from the 1800s.
Because I stayed in a historic home now Airbnb built by C. L. Brown, I took a keen interest in information about the entrepreneur who ran a transmission power line to Abilene. His company became Kansas Power and Light Company.
Eventually, he told the city council to give him a franchise, and he’d add two or three hundred telephones in less time than the current rate. By 1925, Brown’s United Telephone Company served around 50,000 Kansans. His company eventually became known as Sprint.
PRO TIP: When checking in at the museum, ask about a $4 ride on a 1901 hand-carved C. W. Parker Carousel. Will you ride a horse or sit inside a chariot?
Flint Hills Quilt Trail
Do you quilt or appreciate the handiwork of those who do? Abilene in Dickinson County is one of several stops along the Flint Hills Quilt Trail, which includes the Eisenhower Barn Quilt Trail.
Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum
You’ve never seen anything like Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum (321 N. Broadway) in Kansas. Or at least I hadn’t until I walked into its doors, but anything to do with antique cameras or photography interests me.
Three generations of Jeffcoat family members worked in the photography business.
It houses a collection of vintage photographs, antique cameras, and Dickinson County artifacts. Aside from dozens of cataloged cameras, perhaps the most interesting part of my tour was peering into Paul Jeffcoat’s original dark room illuminated by a red developer light.
The darkroom was left untouched, including images drying on a clothesline. It was a kind of life-size diorama and an unexpected addition to my experience that I’ll never forget. If only I could have interviewed the photographer who left the darkroom, as he had decided to retire.
PRO TIP: Follow the museum’s Facebook page to learn about rotating exhibits on display to the public at no cost. Donations welcome.
Old Abilene Town
If you’re fascinated with pioneer life or the cowboy lifestyle, visit Old Abilene Town (200 SE 5th St.), open on the weekends. The replica cowtown is the site of costumed interpreters who act out dramatic scenes of gunfights in the street.
Although I didn’t visit during one of those events, I still found it worthwhile to tour. Beyond the “main street,” it includes the Grove Ill Schoolhouse relocated from the Lincoln Township. A 1859 settler’s cabin is also a noteworthy sight.
Old Abilene Town is located next door to Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, a historic depot that offers passenger train rides. Read more about my previous train ride and what to expect if you purchase tickets.
AIRBNB ACCOMMODATIONS IN HISTORIC ABILENE
Charming Spanish Colonial Airbnb on Naroma Court
When you picture an Airbnb, I bet you don’t imagine a home this picturesque and luxurious. My overnight stay at Charming Spanish Colonial in Historic Abilene on Naroma Court was such a delightful experience that I’ve already told multiple people about it. It was a 5-star stay, indeed.
It’s easy to see why the home is listed as a Guest Favorite on the vacation rental website. One of only a few historic homes on a cul-de-sac, the two-story house is part of a duplex located only four blocks from downtown.
From the moment I walked into the home, I felt relaxed and happy with my accommodations. The owners considered every detail of the guest experience, and it felt just as comfortable as my home.
The full kitchen was equipped with anything I needed to cook a meal, plus the coffee station included several options of ground Starbucks coffee and tea. Because my itinerary included in-town restaurants, I used the spacious dining room table to plug in the laptop and get some work done.
The owners, who live next door, have meticulously renovated the home from its wood floors to modernized bathrooms, which included shower products.
I can’t offer enough high praise for this Airbnb. Its original owner, C. L. Brown, would be proud of the owner’s touches on an already beautifully crafted home. If you’re interested in renting it for an overnight or extended stay, visit its Airbnb listing.
NOTEWORTHY RESTAURANTS YOU MUST EXPERIENCE
Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro
I prefer to spend early mornings on the road at a locally-owned coffee shop. The coffee is always served hot, and the bakery case is filled with tempting goodies.
Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro (302 N. Broadway) is a place I’ve enjoyed repeatedly. I like to start the day there by stopping in for only a cup of drip coffee or ordering breakfast. It’s where the locals gather, and anywhere the locals meet up is where I want to dine.
PRO TIP: Ask about their latest addition to the baked goods line-up, miniature homemade pies. The day’s menu special is written on a wall chalkboard.
Hapisoul Café & Juicery
If you’re seeking a healthier meal option, visit Hapisoul Café & Juicery (118 NW. 2nd St.). I rarely discover an eatery on a road trip that serves freshly prepared lighter fare using locally sourced ingredients, but when I do, I tell everyone about it.
The owner moved back to town to be with family and then opened the café in historic downtown. The menu, mainly consisting of sandwiches, wraps, and salads, includes items named after musicians, a nod to the owner’s love of music.
I happily devoured my lunch while watching customers order at the counter and grab a seat at tables and a nearby couch. Surrounded by music-themed artwork, I felt relaxed while enjoying the sounds of vintage rock music.
PRO TIP: If you’re in a hurry, order outside of the peak lunch hour or order your lunch for pick-up. It’s a popular spot mid-day, and because the owner freshly prepares each meal, you may need to wait a few minutes. The food is worth it.
M&R Grill
Dining at M&R Grill (1720 N. Buckeye Ave.) is the hometown experience you crave when traveling on the road. The service is prompt, and the menu selections offer comfort classics. Since I spent the afternoon admiring the best of the historic cattle town, I ordered a Chicken Fried Steak dinner fit for a cowboy.
Dinner took centerstage, well, until I glanced at the dessert menu. I trusted the server’s recommendation and ordered Chocolate Lave Cake.
She was right about one thing. It was decadent and delicious. She was wrong about another thing. It wasn’t “small” in size but worth it.
PRO TIP: If you’re a sports fan, M&R is a great place to watch the game, with TV views from a dining room booth. Carve out time to visit the Big Spur next door at Rittel’s Western Wear, a stop on the Cowboy Art Trail and Gunsmoke Trail.
During my return trip to Abilene, I plan on stopping at Midwest Creamery & Q (102 N. Buckeye Ave.) when they’re open. Unfortunately, the new addition to the restaurant scene was closed during my visit. I hear the homemade ice cream and barbecue are to die for.
BONUS MUST- DO ACTIVITIES
Explore the Cowboy Art Trail
There is only one thing to do in a town that celebrates its cowboy culture and roadside attractions. Follow the Cowboy Art Trail.
The World’s Largest Belt Buckle
They said it was big. They said it was worth pulling the car over for, and they weren’t kidding. The World’s Largest Belt Buckle (400 N. Pine St.) lives up to the hype.
Standing 19 feet by 10.5 inches wide and 13 feet by 11.25 inches tall, it’s situated so high on its frame that stairs are provided on the backside. A view from the top not only serves as an entertaining photo opportunity, but it provides views of Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden and an amphitheater.
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to walk next door to the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds to locate another Cowboy Boot Art installation. You can’t miss it.
Big Spur
One look at the Big Spur (1810 N. Buckeye Ave) in the parking lot of Rittel’s Western Shop, and you’ll feel inspired to go inside and shop for a pair of cowboy boots. The store’s resident greeter, a cattle dog named Rio, will welcome you.
The Big Spur stands 28 feet high and weighs one ton. Constructed in 2002 by Larry Houston, it’s certified by Guinness World Records as the largest.
Cowboy Boots
Abilene’s Cowboy Art Trail includes nearly a dozen hand-painted boots throughout town. As they say, you must follow the cowboy boots in a town with cowboy roots. This wannabe cowgirl found most of them.
The boots are a tribute to T. C. McInerney’s Drovers Boot Store open in the 1870s. He made the first pointed toe boot. A fitting tribute since Abilene was a major stop on the Chisholm Trail.
PRO TIP: Each boot is located at a commercial building, so parking is usually not an issue. View the Cowboy Art Trail brochure to find each location.
Murals
I can’t resist hunting for street art, and Abilene’s murals are well worth one’s time. Each includes people or symbols of the town’s history.
Whether it’s an artist’s nod to President Eisenhower or homage to the railroad that brought cattle to market via Abilene, they are uniquely individual in concept and style.
PRO TIP: Access the Abilene Mural Tour Map to locate almost a dozen artists’ creations.
The Abilene Cowboy
Just around the corner from Longhorn Mural at Abilene Middle School is a sight you don’t want to miss. A major attraction on the Cowboy Art Trail, The Abilene Cowboy sculpture (1300 N. Cedar St.) adorns the lawn at Abilene High School.
Artists Jason Lahr and Donnie Knauss designed the more than 15-foot sculpture, representing the school’s mascot, Cowboys/Cowgirls.
Admire Architecture in Downtown
Visitor’s Center/Depot
I make a point of going to the Abilene Travel Information Center/Union Pacific Depot (201 NW 2nd St.) whenever I’m in town. It is a one-stop resource for gathering information about points of interest, and the building’s architecture is worth appreciating.
The depot building, designed by California architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, was built in 1928 and features detailed stone carving and trim work. Plus, it’s home to the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, where tourists can ask questions, buy merchandise, and park for free.
Across the street, a similarly designed blonde brick building once used as the Union Pacific Freight Station (110 N. Cedar St.). Also built in 1928 by the same designer, it resembles a Mission/Spanish Revival architectural style.
Abilene Public Library/Carnegie Library
Whenever I stumble upon a Carnegie Library, its architectural design details take my breath away. Abilene Public Library (209 NW 4th) is worth an in-person visit to admire its grand size and beauty. Take a moment to snap a photo of the building and the sculptures that dot its landscape, including one of Benjamin Franklin.
More Abilene Travel Itineraries
It’s hard to fit all of Abilene’s points of interest in one overnight stay, so I’ve returned more than once to enjoy the town fully. Read another blog post, Tour the Award-Winning Town of Abilene, Kansas, to view bonus must-see attractions, including mansions and museums.
History seekers who love of presidential stories will appreciate reading about my experience touring Abilene Kansas: The Boyhood Home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Like Eisenhower, I’m proud to be from Kansas. I know you’ll come to love Abilene just as much as me.
Do you have questions about antiquing in Abilene or other places to explore? Leave your comments below.
I appreciated the detailed feedback, including the club face angle, stroke speed, and the ball’s trajectory. The ForeSight technology offers users various golf courses to select from, plus families with kids love its carnival game option.
PRO TIP: 
Artists can reserve a day pass to gain unlimited access to the warehouse’s equipment during open studio hours. Summer is a busy time for the studio when about a dozen instructors teach classes. Are you interested in painting, ceramics or paper crafts? They have a 
My instructor, Darren, taught me the step-by-step process of making a linocut drawing using a provided pattern. Admittedly, I wasn’t the best at carving intricate lines into the linoleum square (it’s more difficult than it looks!), but he patiently talked me through the process until it was ready for inking and rolling through the press.
I watched Problemista, a film about a mild-mannered young man working toward getting a VISA 
During your stroll downtown, you’ll quickly notice vibrant -olored murals peeking out from around corners and down alleyways. Each October, selected artists from across the globe converge on Salina to paint street art during the 
PRO TIP: Surround yourself with multiple murals by walking 
I took my time enjoying breakfast in the dining room as I watched the owner, Taylor, and her staff serve breakfast to drive-up window and dine-in customers.
The museum is known for hosting thematic events featuring specific makes and models of cars. 
PRO TIP: If you’re looking for a place to reserve for a group event, consider their 
While strolling Douglass Avenue downtown, I noted the 1800s architecture and how local businesses are working to maintain its authenticity. What would Wyatt Earp, who allegedly walked these streets in 1873, think of it today?
The coffee shop sits adjacent to an active railroad track and the town’s downtown corridor, a bustling location for locals who stop in for a quick caffeine boost and delicious breakfast.
It was challenging to decide what I wanted to eat from the menu’s extensive list of affordable pub fare options, but I eventually settled on a simple but savory taco salad. We sat in the quiet company of a few locals who also stopped by for a late lunch.
The select-your-meal menu includes beef or chicken sliders or baskets of fried appetizers. Small but big in flavor, my Original Chicken Sliders reminded me of a Chick-fil-A meal. If you’re extra hungry, I suggest ordering extra sliders, as the combo meal with fries is a light lunch.
Of course, we had to try out 900 Club’s indoor golf simulator. The setup is available to the public to practice their swing, and the local high school team is known to use it when outdoor conditions are unfavorable for play.
PRO TIP: Museum-goers who like to stroll the grounds leisurely and its buildings will want to carve out at least two hours for a tour and, of course, allot time to shop the gift shop’s inventory of homemade goods.
I purchased a large container of pure raw honey produced by Sylvan Grove’s Labertew Honey Co., an affordable purchase given its size.
PRO TIP: Prefer to create art rather than shop for it? Check the 
Less than 1,000 people call Wilson home today. The tight-knit community is a welcoming town with a thriving Czech culture and tourism stops, which include a hometown eatery.
One can expect almost a dozen fruit flavors ranging from pumpkin to cherry. The Dutch Apple pie with added vanilla ice cream didn’t disappoint for its flaky crust and extra cinnamon and sugar.
Half of the store is devoted to home decor and gift merchandise, while the other half serves as gallery space featuring Betty Kepka’s artwork. The impressive collection features Czech folk art consisting of mostly handprinted eggs with various patterns. The Wilson native worked as an art teacher.
PRO TIP: The sister boutique to Midland Railroad Hotel, the store features a DIY Plant Bar. Visitors can purchase and build a terrarium using succulent plants. Check their 
Open seven days a week, the store stocks everything from candles and crafts to gift baskets and backed goods. A secondary room’s inventory includes colorful t-shirts of various designs and an assortment of books by Kansas authors.
Each time I visit Lucas, I discover something new to me. The positive messages and vibrant colors of the Lucas Public Library mural caught my eye, and I wasn’t leaving town without taking a selfie photo with the polar bear sitting on a Main Street bench. Yes, a polar bear.
I was enamored by the intricate wheat-weaving creations by Kansas artist Doris Johnson. All of the art is for sale, should you decide to bring home a shadow box featuring pin-cushion figurines, a stained glass window, or a framed photo of a Midwest landscape.
Other fascinating spaces to view while in town include 
The gallery’s featured artists rotate every two months, and the public is invited the 2nd Friday of the month to an exhibition reception. The artists give talks about their work.
PRO TIP: Walk to the gallery’s rear to shop the gift shop for affordable artwork.
PRO TIP: Arrive for dinner when they open. Locals fill up the dining room quickly. Save room for dessert. I wish I had tried the banana pudding or skillet cookie.
After a day of exploring, we sat in the one-time parlor, reading stories of the home’s first residents and the generations that followed. Then, a tour of each room containing family heirlooms completed the family’s story.
We were pleased with the home’s comfortable amenities, including high-speed WiFi, laundry facilities (robes provided!), a walk-in shower with toiletries, and a full kitchen (breakfast pastries and French press coffee, anyone?).
The home sleeps six people. Each bedroom contained a Queen-sized bed with plenty of space to store one’s belongings. We slept peacefully thanks to blackout curtains and the home’s peaceful surroundings.
Families will appreciate the home’s spaciousness and proximity to the park across the street. It’s a safe, lovely neighborhood. 
PRO TIP: Parking in front of the home on the gravel driveway. Read the house manual, located in the kitchen before unpacking.
I suspect you’ll appreciate the enormity of the the museum and its high-tech displays. The Children on the Homefront: Growing Up With War may leave you speechless.
Outside, a sidewalk winds visitors through the Plaza of Presidents, Memorial Courtyard, and Japanese Garden of Peace. There, the sound of falling water and koi splashing create a peaceful setting.
PRO TIP: Learn about Fredericksburg native Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who led the United States naval force over Japan. His statue is visible from Main Street.
You’ll enjoy strolling to many of these shops, and the public art and historical markers dotting the district’s landscape make shopping the area entertaining.
One of the newest additions to Downtown Shawnee’s storefronts, Chicken Creek Co. by The Flower Chick, caters to women who love brightly colored, fun, and sometimes whimsical gifts. The hilarious greeting card selection makes gift-giving easy.
Each item in the store is hand-selected by its owner. I appreciated that she stocks handcrafted items by other independently-owned businesses, ranging from jewelry to candles.
Shoppers can expect fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
Don’t be surprised if you find a gift for someone else while shopping for your next book. A hand-curated selection of whimsical greeting cards are for sale.
Many of the gift items are adorned with funny sayings and hilarious phrases. Shoppers know that the owner frequently replenishes the inventory with new items; sometimes, a line of customers forms outside the storefront before it opens.
Known for their handmade selection of individual chocolates, I also love the extensive line of confections. Don’t leave the store without asking for a sample of the Milk Chocolate Covered Toffee. One bite and you’re likely to buy a bag of it.
Melt-in-your-mouth Sea Salt Caramel, Imperial filled with creamy, chocolate ganache, and Vanilla Bean chocolates are some of my top recommendations if you’re creating a bag or box of sweet treats.
Animal lovers will appreciate the selection of domestic and exotic animals. The family owned and operated store’s greeter, Frankie, a Capuchin monkey, excitedly jumps around its cage attracting shoppers’ attention.
For me, the chirping colorful birds and fluffy bunnies were the highlight of the visit.
As I perused the shelves, I noticed the owner carries mostly Midwest brands of bath bombs, personal hygiene products, and household cleaners.
If you’re someone who prefers a sustainable lifestyle, you’ll appreciate the store’s thoughtfully selected inventory.
Suds Refillery hosts a candle filling event every third Thursday of the month, so bring an empty vessel with you when you arrive.
