On June 8, 2017, the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden was unveiled on the southeast lawn of the Abilene Convention Center with thousands of people in attendance, including the family of late artist Garth Williams. The family traveled to Abilene from Mexico and took part in the ribbon cutting and in the weekend’s festivities during the Children’s Art & Literacy Festival.

The Williams family authorized five sets of sculptures for the garden depicting some of Garth’s most iconic characters from best-selling books “Charlotte’s Web,” “Stuart Little,” and the popular Little Golden Book “Three Bedtime Stories.” From that book, sculptures were created of “The Three Little Pigs,” “The Three Little Kittens” and “The Three Bears.” Garth Williams was the most revered illustrator of his generation, and these works will be a permanent part of his legacy and Abilene’s cultural landscape.

The garden now includes “Good Night Dinosaur,” a storybook sculpture dedicated in 2016, and has room for future sculptures to be installed. New bronze pieces are added to the Storybook Sculpture Project by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council each year during the CALF festival based on the work of the artist on exhibit that summer at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in downtown Abilene.

If you go…

The garden is free to tour year round.

The garden is lit at night.

The garden is handicap accessible.

The garden is pet friendly, but please keep your pet on a leash and pick up after it.

We specialize in high quality deli sandwiches. We have many to choose from or you can design your own. We also have salads and burgers year round and soup and chili during the winter. Our breakfast can’t be beat! Try one of our signature bagel sandwiches and you’ll be coming back for more. We also provide sandwich trays (breakfast and lunch) for any occasion and a back room that seats up to 30, available upon request. Check our website for more information or to make inquiries.

Special blends of milk, dark, and white chocolates are used in making our candy. With a variety of chocolates, dipped fruit, brittles and pralines there is something for everyone to choose from.

Celebrating over 110 years of candy making, handed down from generation to generation.

Located in the REA Baggage Depot in the Historical District of Downtown Abilene.

The Dyess Memorial Center is the Heritage Museum for Dyess AFB and the Dyess Linear Airpark, showcasing 34 US Air Force aircraft along a 3-mile roundtrip loop.

Heritage Stories are told at the Museum and Escorted Tours are conducted through the Airpark.

The Museum is located at Arnold Blvd and Military Drive.

The Escorted Airpark Tours begin at the Dyess Memorial Center/Museum.

Please call 325-696-2099 to arrange a tour.

Our tours are free to individuals, families, groups, the public, schools, and organizations.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DyessMemorialMuseumAndLinearAirPark/

Life of Pie Abilene offers savory & sweet pie options. We serve lunch daily from 11-2 featuring quiche, chicken pot pie, pizza and more!! You can grab a slice or a whole pie from our daily sweet pie options. Shop The Pantry at Life of Pie for all your snack and dinner entree needs. We offer keto, gluten free friendly, and sugar free options as well!

The Grace Museum is a place for all ages to explore art, history, and creativity. Our 1909 building was originally the Hotel Grace, and was built to welcome travelers on the railroad. Since 1992, The Grace Museum has been a cornerstone to Abilene’s downtown revival into a welcoming center for the arts and family attractions.

Grace Museum visitors can explore three floors of galleries with rotating art and history displays, a fully interactive and creative space (SPARK), a library and children's book area, as well as an education classroom.

Family owned and operated we are Abilene's only craft winery specializing in both sweet and dry wines. You can visit our Tasting Room, located on South Treadaway, and enjoy locally crafted wine by the glass or bottle. If you need help finding that perfect wine or have never tried wine before, we offer wine flights any day of the week! No reservations required.