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.
The woman behind the counter the added two donuts to my to-go bag and thanked me for coming into the bakery for the first time. She (and the owner) had worked since 8pm the night before to prepare donuts. Wow!
My 
The rest of the hotel’s amenities were equally as nice. Every morning, guests enjoy a full complimentary breakfast adjacent to the lobby. For those not staying for a morning meal, a self-serve coffee bar is available just beyond the spacious lobby.
Although the hotel had an indoor pool and fitness equipment on-site, I opted to get my exercise by walking directly across the street to The Legends Outlets for a little retail therapy. If you choose to stay at the hotel, I know you’ll find it impressive. To search for available rooms and rates, visit 
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor sculptures and public art displays at almost every turn. As you wind your way around the complex, you’ll notice that each one pays homage to legendary Kansans who made their mark in history. The courtyards and corridor showcase the stories of Amelia Earhart, Clyde Cessna, and Buster Keaton.
In fact, if you happen to have someone in your group that doesn’t prefer shopping, they can easily be entertained by walking the grounds and learning about the movers and shakers who made Kansas what it is today. A yellow brick road gives a nod to the Wizard of Oz while native grasses surround towering sculptures.
At Christmas time, the annual lighting of the holiday tree in the center of the courtyard brings hundreds to the area. Families can follow the event with a movie night at AMC Theatre Legends 14. The movie theatre includes 14 screens and one of them is four stories tall with a VIP balcony lounge. Later, the family can head to Santa’s Mail Station to drop the kids’ letters to the North Pole.
Aside from racks and shelves filled with the latest outdoor gear, the retail store is filled with taxidermy including the world’s largest collection of trophy mule deer.
The second floor of the retail store is where deal hounds need to shop. Clothing and shoes labeled with end-of-the-year deep discounts on outdoor equipment are found in the Blowout Sale Room. If you’re looking for a new coat, pair of boots, or flannel shirt that is slightly out of season, you’ll find it here.
As I was exiting the salesroom, I heard a familiar sound “Ho ho ho, big guy! Do you like candy canes?” It was Santa! He was greeting children waiting in line with their parents to have their photo taken with the jolly fellow. Cabela’s is known for hosting events like this one, so be sure to check their 
I noticed dozens of table games including roulette and craps. Walking through the casino, it was easy to find a game to play. The 12-table Poker Room was bustling. Prefer video poker? Pull up a chair and inside your casino card to start a game.
With access to several bars and restaurants, casino players can satisfy their cravings for a delicious meal between gameplay. Final Cut Steakhouse’s menu offers fine dining selections and they promote meal deals during the holidays. What could be better than celebrating a jackpot with a steak dinner and a cocktail?
A friendly bartender greeted me and served up a heaping bowl of chips with salsa and an ice-cold Corona. The menu has more entree choices on it than you can imagine, and by the looks of the plates in front of diners around the restaurant, the portions were going to be massive.
When I have a food craving, there isn’t any denying it. I created a combination meal consisting of a chile relleño and a taco with rice and refried beans. I’ve ordered chile relleños in many places and I know a good one when I taste it. The cheese was delicious and the battered and fried pepper was perfectly crisp.
The restaurant’s setting was colorful and vibrant from the plates to the decor on the walls. TVs surrounded the bar area allowing patrons to watch the game at any time. About eight varieties of tequila bottles lined the back of the bar. The bartender stayed busy filling the margarita machine with fresh-made mix (he makes about 20 gallons a day!).
My recommendation is to bring someone with you to the tasting room and each purchase a different flight so you can sample all of the wines. When in doubt, choose the dry to semi-sweet flight. Bottles range from $17-$18 and fruit wine bottles are $16. View the current list of wines available 
Directly across the street, I spotted a gigantic mural depicting what appeared to be a laborer. Kansan Printer (901 N. 8th St.) is a mural highlighting a printer at a hand press to honor the workers of the Kansas City Kansan newspaper. The building it is painted on housed the newspaper plant for 80 years.
Before leaving the downtown area, I spied another beautiful mural worthy of a photo, Facing the Past, Looking Into the Future (751 Minnesota Ave.). It showcases the story of the modern and traditional Hmong culture by highlighting work, play, and celebration. The vibrant colors can’t be missed as you drive down Minnesota Avenue.
To view an online map of the Avenue of Murals Project and other street art finds including sculptures in the area, click 
The bbq joint is known for its ribs, serving perfectly charred but moist burnt ends, and a host of mouthwatering side dishes. They’ve been in the biz since the Pearce brothers began touring the barbecue competition circuit. The restaurant serves healthy portions of smoked meat to diners looking for authentic Kansas City bbq.
I took my place in line and waited about 20 minutes until it was my turn to order dinner. The outdoor seating area was filled with families, so I ordered a meat combo plate to go.
When in Kansas City, you simply must eat at 
Kansas City, Kansas is where you go when you want to eat like the locals. It’s also a mecca for destination shopping, mural hunting, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Rich with history dating back to when Lewis & Clark arrived at Kaw Point in 1804 to today’s vibrant community, Kansas City is an urban area that quickly wins you over.
You’ll love the food options, from sandwiches stacked tall with flavorful meats and veggies to hearty, big-plate dinner entrees. The food is lovely, the waitstaff is incredibly friendly, and the dining experience was terrific. Ree Drummond has put considerable effort into every detail of your experience, from the menu options to the red gingham employee shirts.
After finishing our meal, we walked over to The Merc, and I was immediately overwhelmed with a delightful feeling that only comes from retail therapy. Another female shopper heard me say, “I’m not responsible for the amount of shopping I may or may not do in this store,” and then we giggled. My boyfriend rolled his eyes and laughed nervously as I located a shopping basket.
Don’t forget to head upstairs to check out The Bakery. I recognized the space from an episode of The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network. Less crowded than the downstairs areas, you’ll appreciate taking the time to savor a homemade cookie or a few pieces of retro candy.
You can make a day of your visit to Pawhuska. Many people make it a weekend, stay at one of the town’s bed and breakfasts, and then shop downtown. Next time, we’ll visit 
Have you traveled to Oklahoma? Are you a fan of The Pioneer Woman? Feel free to ask me travel questions in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.
