Destination: What’s New in Georgetown, Abilene and Killeen

GEORGETOWN

With a unique combination of natural beauty, historic architecture and southern charm, Georgetown has something to offer for everyone. You can visit the Georgetown Art Center to explore the work of local and national artists or pick up a ticket to a live show at the Palace Theatre, a nonprofit community performing arts center. With 281 seats in its main stage and 87 in its blackbox theatre, the Palace Theatre is also a perfect venue space for lectures, meetings, speaking events, or movie screenings.

For a taste of Victorian architecture, charming antique stores and rustic boutiques, head to historic downtown Georgetown, which offers visitors a glimpse into the past. Georgetown’s town square, known as the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” is home to many local cafes and eateries that will quench your thirst for fresh, local cuisine. Live music concerts take place in the town square every Friday night, and the area is transformed into an open-air farmer’s market on the second Saturday of every month.

Whether you’re in Georgetown for business or leisure, at the end of a long day a cool-off at Blue Hole — a scenic lagoon on the South San Gabriel River — is a must.

ABILENE

Located in the heart of Texas, Abilene is home to several rustic, Southern-inspired eateries. If you’re looking to try authentic Texas comfort food, stop by Taylor County Tap House for delicious handcrafted entrees and a wide selection of local craft beers and cocktails. For an upscale rustic atmosphere with fine Texas dining, a full-service bar and corporate catering options, try Copper Creek — a local favorite and great place to relax and unwind.

Another unique feature of this central Texas town is its numerous storybook sculptures, scattered throughout various parks, local businesses, and public spaces across the city. These art installations, featuring characters from popular children’s books such as the Lorax, Charlotte and Wilbur from “Charlotte’s Web,” and the three little pigs, transform Abilene into a paradise for children and booklovers alike — truly earning the town the title the “Storybook Capital of America.”

For an interactive history experience, be sure to save time for a visit to Frontier Texas. This museum, located in downtown Abilene, uses state-of-the-art technology, interactive discovery stations and life-size displays of real historical artifacts to bring the Old West frontier to life. With a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces available for reservation, the museum facilities would also be an interesting venue for event receptions or conferences.

KILLEEN

Home to one of the largest military bases in the world, Killeen is a city rich in military history. Visitors to Killeen can tour the 1st Calvary Division Museum located on the Fort Hood military post for impressive exhibitions of cavalry artifacts and historic contributions.

If outdoor recreational activities are more your style, there are three public golf courses near the town, with a combined 63 holes of golf and over 15 miles of rolling hills framed by dense forests that showcase Killeen’s scenic beauty. The nearby Killeen Civic & Conference Center has many first-class meeting and conference rooms, with outdoor spaces that also capitalize on the town’s abundance of natural scenery. If you’ve been searching for a conference or event venue that truly encompasses the spirit of the south, look no further — adventurous guests can also check out the complex’s rodeo arena.

Another popular destination in Killeen is the Mayborn Science Theater, one of only a handful of planetariums in the entire state of Texas. Located on the campus of Central Texas College, the 60-foot dome of Mayborn Planetarium is well-known by both residents and visitors alike for its educational planetarium star shows, artistic laser light shows and high-quality IMAX movie presentations.

Author Megan Palm is a writer and content intern with Naylor Association Solutions.
Photo credit: ©iStock.com/swcargill