ABILENE: What We Saw In This Old Wild West Texas City

We visited Abilene, Texas.
Travel vlog 196

[@kennycook8212]

Thank you for coming to Abilene! I am actually the guy you saw at the front desk of the Paramount Theatre. As a younger person born and raised here, I have always heard the same old excuse about Abilene from those who go to school here or have lived here a long time and that is: "There isn't anything to do." I do not agree with this statement. There is so much to do here, if you know where to look. Plenty of people who have lived here for more than ten years have told me that they have never even heard of the NCCIL, or that have never been to Frontier Texas, or have never seen a movie at the Paramount. I am so grateful that someone has come and seen the beauty of this seemingly mundane town. It's a lovely place, one really just needs a sense of adventure, and a free afternoon. Thank you for having a spotlight on the wonders of a West Texas town.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, cool! :)

[@atilaestebangosztonyi5284]

Dear mr Spoda. I am watching your video in Puerto Madryn, Argentine Patagonia. Among the hundreds and hundreds of videos available in UA-cam, I find those you upload the most interesting and fascinating ones. They give insight of rural US, usually not covered by the usual channels and a humanistic approach. Yours truly Atila Gosztonyi

[@StevenSchoolAlchemy]

Greetings!

[@morriganwitch]

Wow I’m Welsh and I hear there are Welsh speakers in Patagonia ? Amazing xxz

[@StevenSchoolAlchemy]

@@morriganwitch good morning!

[@CsImre]

Wow, a Hungarian (or part Hungarian?) from Patagonia? Üdv Magyarországról, Budapestről (Greetings from Budapest, Hungary). I also like Lord Spoda's videos. He appears a cool guy, with a beautiful wife too. And they are touring the entire contiguous US. I've been to Norteamerica (US and Canada, long ago) but didn't have the chance to see so many places of course.

[@StevenSchoolAlchemy]

@@CsImre i hear you!

[@pjsmith4716]

I'm from Abilene and have lived here most of my life. Thank you for coming.

[@amandaingram4903]

Abilene, my home town. Lots of great small towns outside of Abilene.

[@davidmoorecatdaddy6994]

I used to live in Tuscola .

[@joelm1955]

That theater is beautiful!! I remember going to theaters like that.

[@danielsate21]

I'm from El Paso, Texas, and I'm planning on moving abroad to Abilene to continue my studies at McMurry University. I definitely needed and enjoyed watching this video as it showed me how beautiful this town actually is outside from the campus. Thank you!

[@roycroftmichael9374]

My wife and I have twice visited Abilene (From New Zealand). First time in October 2018 we stopped by for a coffee break of about 30 minutes on the drive from Stephenville to El Paso. The second time, in 2022, we stayed overnight and spent over a half day exploring. Both times we stopped in at Monk's Coffee shop up the road and opposite the Paramount Theatre (you passed it on the right at the start f the video).
Fort Phantom Hill is a bit out of town but well worth the drive, although if you want to walk around where the buildings were, wear jeans and stout boots, the sign at the entrance starts out "Beware of Rattlesnakes".
Oh, and Big Nose Kate got her name for always "sticking her nose into other peoples business" in Tombstone and elsewhere.

[@cgragg88]

Ah yes, where I live in good ole Abilene. Thanks for the praise and visiting our dear city! That one statue you didn't know is Santa Claus, from a particular children's book story.

[@gregkerr725]

There is a museum dedicated to my Father's ww2 outfit in Abilene. It's called the 12th Armored Division Museum. It's in Abilene because that's where the division was organized and trained prior to going to France. I've never been there but would love to go.

[@paulgardner5079]

that is a great museum. My grandfather fought with the 45th infantry in WWII

[@raidernation8481]

My grandfather was in ww2 in the 12th Armored Division I have his purple heart as well as few things from his tour of service hes been gone since 2001 and i miss him and his story's

[@MNWILD43]

I'm 56 and a Minnesotan my whole life, but as a kid during the winter, we'd vacation for 3 weeks in the whole state of TX. I loved the northern part the best, though. I love TX! I always wanted to live, there! Now I'm an old man, and it's to, late.

[@jasonroberts9357]

You're exactly who we need in TX feel free to move on down. We welcome you!

[@bobmanfre5083]

I was in Abilene during the Summer of 1972 and was staying at the Grace Hotel. It just so happened that Neil Young and his band 'Crazy Horse' was playing at the Paramount Theater that weekend. It was their 'Harvest' tour. They were also staying at the Grace. I wasn't even familiar with Neil Young at that time, but I was talking to a guy at the bar who turned out to be their Drummer. He invited me up to their floor (they had booked the entire third floor) for a party that night. WOW! I was introduced to 'Mushrooms' and I lost my innocence to one of the Groupies. Lots of fond memories!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

That is an amazing story.

[@gretchenburton7184]

You do a wondetful job and service everywhere you go❤

[@jamesbasaldua100]

Thank you sir for the memories. I was born there and it was good to see the town again
Take care and be safe. See you on your next video. Maybe Yoakum Texas.

[@saiyan_prinxe4889]

I am from Abilene, it’s really nice to see you explored my hometown and show casing it, there are some places you missed and maybe will come back in the future.

[@BillPierpont]

Really neat video here. My dad retired from the USAF here in 1969. I lived here and attended public school grades 8-12 (Go AHS Eagles!), then graduated from McMurry College, later University, in 1978. Those schools both prepared me exceedingly well for the rigors of dental school. Married my high school sweetheart, also an AHS class of ‘74 grad, just about 3 weeks before starting dental school. Now retired in San Antonio, but my wife and I have fond memories of our years in the “Key City.” Went to concerts by Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Chicago there, believe it or not. We get back on occasion. Sadly, I just lost my older brother about a week ago who was retired there. Great place to live and grow up. Thanks!

[@NBJArvindSoni]

i watched your video's and enjoyed. Thanks keep it up. Love from INDIA

[@lyndarobertson1590]

Just came across your video. Love that you came to Abilene (my home) thank you for showing the wonderful places we have

[@nolanfajardo7794]

I've been waiting for days! Thank you for another upload!

[@45AMT]

Wow! That theater was stunning! Looks nice out there. The museum looks great. We're thinking of moving to Texas and Abilene is a contender . Thanks for the tour!

[@toomanyjstoomanyrs1705]

Thank you for the video.
On my yearly pilgrimage to visit family in Texas, I've stopped twice in Abilene and loved it. If I was younger and had the opportunity to move anywhere, this would be my first choice. Love the downtown area.
I have lived in California most of my life. I'm a foreign born transplant and now a US citizen. Go USA!!!!!!

[@ThanksForSubscribingWeLoveYou]

Awesome, I can't wait to watch this one. Love all your videos. Thanks..

[@kyleelsbernd7566]

One of the best YT channels

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Kyle!

[@jackiegentry6722]

My Dad was military we spent a few years in Abilene as a child loved it.I wanna move back.I lived 765 Forrest Ave.

[@donaldsmith1920]

This brought back memories, as I was born in Sweetwater, 40 miles west. Made many trips to Abilene.

[@jennywilson9731]

Yes..Texas, loved the video, ..seeing that beautiful theater was so nice...loved all that you shared with us..thank you good "Sir.🌼

[@gypsyboomer]

Stayed at Abilene State Park last spring, Abilene is a pretty town with a lot of western history and odd statues, but missed the museum. Buffalo Gap Historic Village just outside of Abilene is worth the stop. Happy travels and stay safe.

[@TalmenTX]

I live here in Abilene. Been following your videos for a while and wondering if you'd ever show up around here :). Glad you enjoyed it! The city as a whole is growing and there are lots of new houses being built up on the far south side of town in and around the Wylie part of Abilene as well as out towards some of the smaller towns south of us (Buffalo Gap, Tuscola and Potosi)... That whole area is seeing huge growth. I'm not sure who all is moving here but all the new houses being built are selling. Quick Note: I think the construction you saw was the new Hotel+Convention center going in that the city is partially funding.

[@imontheyoutubes]

As someone who grew up in Abilene, it really brings me joy to see someone actually enjoy it so much. Seeing it through new eyes really makes it feel special. Growing up, we were all ready to get out of there one day and when I got older, I moved away. This inspires me to revisit some places I haven't been to since childhood next time I'm in town. Although I had a 'keep Abilene boring' shirt and wore it proudly, I'd love to think that I could be proven wrong.

[@dennisromero4757]

Lot's of history in the South and South East, and Abilene, Texas is not short on that. I like the fact that you can see it's still alive and doing well. It reminds of a lot of town's in Texas. Thanks for the ride along.

[@IamAlwaysRight1622]

Been living here over 10 years and this is the first time I've seen a video like this about Abilene, thanks!

[@marks2997]

I have to say I am enjoying your videos. Your vibe matches my own which makes the viewing a relaxed thing to do. You strike me as a decent guy (and couple). Thanks for posting.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome! Thank you! :)

[@coffeesnob7600]

Watching from the UK, I love that part of the US. I really hope to visit one day.

[@olinwright7628]

was waiting for this on a rainy day in Tulsa. Thank you!

[@bobspeer6774]

I love you guys. I get a real chuckle when the wife corrects your in tow.

[@ANDRSNS]

The theater made me go WOW as you were discovering the grand interiors. Man, this is one marvelous treasure of a building!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It is. :)

[@johnbersuch1767]

I spent a year in the early 70's chasing the Abilene college girl's while being stationed at the Dyess AFB on the edge of town. Very fun town! Thanks for the memories.

[@mse7501]

Bad boy.

[@johnbersuch1767]

@@mse7501 I'm probably why they wrote the law outlawing flirting in the streets. 😄

[@mse7501]

I was born in Fort Worth. Live 20 mins from there. Nice to meet you Casanova.

[@johnbersuch1767]

@@mse7501 Thanks and like wise...

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Sounds fun! :)

[@yazmin443]

Thanks to come visiting us.
Our Abilene is beautiful

[@ashleyfisher188]

I love this ❤

[@jeremylove8837]

We do have parking meters downtown, but only at a few places, mainly city government buildings (City Hall, Posy office, courthouse.) I live in Abilene, about 1.5 blocks away from the parking lot where your drone video began.

[@JohnPriceAutowerks]

Hell man, I wish I knew that you were going to be in town, we could of had drinks, anyway thanks for showing up

[@tmmetz08]

I'm traveling vicariously thru you my friend ....thanks....didn't want to say living.......lol

[@CC-oq2mj]

This was such a great video to watch, thank you for sharing it with us.

[@tulsabillh]

Thank you for giving all of us a tour of so many places. We appreciate it very much. I believe you grew up for a few years in Tulsa, where I grew up.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I was born in Tulsa! :)

[@brandyparker8961]

Great Tejas content!

[@sheryld1957]

Thank you for coming to Abilene. The Paramount Theater just underwent a renovation to bring it back to better accommodations. You were very close to where I worked. Hope everyone treated you ok.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It was great. Friendly people. :)

[@Emily_Marilyn]

I like seeing all the old buildings and architecture in your videos.

[@patriciaguenzler9150]

Thanks 👍 for the video 📸📷📸

[@bettinaparker3652]

Thank you both so much, for showing us the great and the bad places to visit. What a beautiful place, I would've never guessed otherwise. " God bless and stay safe ! "

[@joseleswopes1400]

Awesome I always loved the Marty Robbins song Abilene 💕🙏

[@lorriebeckhusen9351]

Great video! That was a beautiful theatre. And thanks for showing Norton. I loved him!

[@Gia.325]

I live here! Thank you for sharing our town!

[@patm5594]

Abilene is a very nice looking city. That theater is just stunning

[@rajeevdeshpande7666]

Hi Lord Spoda
Abilene is a nice town. Liked the video. Thanks for unloading the same.

[@Trexie19]

You know I just found this video 4 months late but it's always great to see somebody visit my hometown. I hope you enjoyed yourself and you should always feel welcome to come on back!

[@Laura-nm3rn]

What a beautiful city! That museum looks awesome!

[@donaldmilhoan6379]

Nice Museum!!!

[@shannonjohnson1706]

I love your videos! Imagine my surprise when I saw you in my town of Abilene! Glad you liked it!!!

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

What a terrific city! Great architecture and the park! The theatre was very nice. I love the red doors on the church. The houses are certainly unique. The murals are gorgeous. The museum was nice too. Thank you for a great video and drone footage.

[@handsomeX]

"Abilene, Abilene. Prettiest town I've, ever seen..."

[@makiwa]

That Meatloaf Sandwich looked mighty-mighty! Nice town..... Liked it. Thanks.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It was good. :)

[@geo7918]

thanks for the deopt shot grate to see

[@holly5791]

Just a thought about 'Big Nose Kate'. She may have been the town gossip. When I was young and even now, it's not unusual to hear someone who gossips or is a busybody described as "sticking their big nose where it doesn't belong." Also used to describe a snitch. Just a thought...

[@Sarahbetterlatethannever]

Absolutely love this one. Great short vacation idea.🙏🏼❤️

[@elenafrankel623]

Really enjoyed this video and was surprised at the town of Abilene. Always heard it mentioned in westerns and it seems like a nice and interesting place to visit. Thanks so much

[@ProfPistolPete]

Love your videos and it's so awesome that you got to stop in Abilene. I went to college here and it's a wonderful and friendly city that I will always love dearly.

[@TexasGirl24]

As an Abilenian Native! Thank you for visiting the Storybook Capital of the United States! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We loved it there!

[@TRL1967]

I live in Abilene. 6 blocks from downtown. I wished i could have meet you. I love your Channel, I watch it all the time. Have you thought of selling t-shirts and coffee mugs of your Channel?!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

We have, just haven't had time to set it up yet.

[@lodipizzaguy]

Love the video. Abilene was a city I lived in as a kid. Thanks for sharing

[@claytonabbott]

Just found your channel and ABILENE was the second trip I've watched. Hope that future trips we get to see MORE of your wife and how she responds to you. Keep up the good work.

[@davisbridjey4583]

This is one of your better shows, I enjoyed the Wild West Museum.. Thanks...watching from Trinidad and Tobago. I visited Dallas and spent some time in Huston many moons ago.

[@emycanlas5493]

I'm always watching

[@RedProg]

Howdy Folks. Love Texas

[@maryannsmith3815]

Love y’all thanks for sharing

[@lesterbreeze2004]

thank you for the video. loved Abilene.

[@peterparr3079]

Loved the Theatre, well done going inside.

[@mmm7m672]

This town is about 20 minutes away from my home. We have good Dr's & lots of places to eat. All kinds of stuff for families to do & churches everywhere. Also we have a zoo & idk what all you showed on your videos yet? But I watch a lot of them. My grandsons go to the gym & are involved in some of rodeo things. But all of our rural communities around go to Abilene especially for shopping & Dr's. Thank you for visiting in our area. God bless 🙌

[@victorialee1239]

I grew up dancing ballet in that theatre. It has recently undergone further restorations to restore it closer to the original state. The seats were a part of that. Still the most beautiful theatre I have ever performed in.

[@dbunch904]

Lived in Abilene for 3 years. It’s not a terrible place, but I will say one of the happiest days of my life was leaving it for good. There’s things to do, but if you’re super adventurous you’ll run out of things very quickly. Eventually you’ll have to drive 3-4 hours in one direction just to go see something new. It wasn’t for me. But made some great memories there.

[@elainelovig6913]

Loved this video! Would love to visit!

[@markgoben2812]

I read that Big Nosed Kate got her nickname since she was always prying into other’s personal business. Believe it or not.

[@dbob7899]

Home!!!!

[@mohammadtayyab3471]

Dear Lord Spoda, I have future business plans in Texas. I must pass my heartiest thanks to you as I have learnt a lot about Texas from your efforts and hardship. You are doing great job. Greetings from Pakistan.

[@catlover614]

Wonderful video, so interesting. I love the old theatre, absolutely gorgeous, so much character and history in there. Thank you so much. Greetings from Australia !!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!! 👍😀

[@mse7501]

Thanks

[@sonofbelz]

It's so weird seeing someone going to my hometown. It's an important city in west/central texas and nobody talks about it or mentions it when talking about cities in texas.

[@bigbadjohn7053]

The Santa statue is part of the Guardians series by William Joyce (A movie called Rise of the Guardians was made based on it).
Abilene has a yearly festival in the summer called CALF that celebrates a children's author or illustrator. They always build statues based on the person's characters and placed them throughout the downtown area.
Most are by the Civic Center or old train depot.

[@lisablackman3960]

Great video...my dad is from Abilene and several of my relatives have moved back.

[@shawndarixey4678]

Years ago some Disney Imagineers came and light our statues throughout downtown. Please correct me if I get that wrong people who live in Abilene.
Also Grain Theory is also downtown. So you should come back.

[@corduroytm]

I adore living in abilene, small but a lot to do. Thanks for coming :)

[@toomanyjstoomanyrs1705]

Both times I stopped in Abilene I photographed many of the beautiful bldgs.

[@patriciawilhite7038]

Abilene is a beautiful city! Very clean! Gorgeous homes! I was disappointed you didn’t give any stats on it. Change in your videos Mr Spoda? Especially loved the theater and museum. I kept thinking of that old country song “Abilene”.
Abilene, Abilene,
Prettiest town I’ve ever seen
Women there don’t treat you mean in Abilene, My Abilene

[@sharonatl]

Just a guess but maybe that statue you didn’t know what it was is old king Cole? He was a merry old soul and a merry old soul was he

[@StevenSchoolAlchemy]

A merry ol soul!

[@chiconian49]

From what I have seen, I like the place.

[@verohamer8245]

Great show 🙌👍😘

[@jerryjohnson7004]

The theater is awesome.

[@lindalocklin6981]

IVE BERN TO ABILENE TEXAS WITH MY PARENT'S WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER / I LOVE ❤️ YOUR VIDEO'S/ YOU AND YOUR WIFE HAVE A BLESSED DAY EVERYDAY ALWAYS AMEN 🙏

[@surinfarmwest6645]

Good morning from Isan with my early morning coffee and fag before sun up ........ and wow! Hotel Wooten Apartment building, Paramount cinema/theatre, O'kelly office supplies, several churches, sculptures, the museum ..... the list goes on. Very nice architecture all around the place. The cinema remined me of the ones I went to as child, sadly no more due to town planners in the 1970's doing more damage than the Luftwaffe could ever achieve. I must tear myself away from Google street view and get working but I'm impressed. Thank you for the tour and as always, be safe.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks, Surin. :)

[@jonathonhansen6005]

Love the video today. You continue to capture everything I would enjoy if I was there myself. The artwork you find is just awesome. Very cool to see. Puts my mind at ease. I also like the intensity of the music that you include in on your drone shots. Thank you for taking the time to upload these videos. Safe travels and much fun!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you!! :)

[@tipptopproperties7337]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Have you visited Snyder Texas ?

[@quake2u]

Your videos are very interesting. It's amazing and sad how small towns across the U.S. look so similar.

[@Dave-ty2qp]

No it isn't.

[@StevenSchoolAlchemy]

Abilene!