Entire home

The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center

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Exterior - The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center (Abilene)
Outdoor dining - The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center (Abilene)
Exterior - The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center (Abilene)
3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets - The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center (Abilene)
Dining - The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center (Abilene)
Consider a stay at The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center and take advantage of a water park, a firepit and a garden. Free in-room WiFi and an arcade/games room are available to all guests.

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Add dates for prices

About this property

The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center

  • Perfect for Families, Friends & Memory-Making: Welcome to The Gathering Place – where West Texas charm meets modern comfort! This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom brick home sits in a quiet neighborhood just minutes from Abilene's top attractions. With its open floor plan, and thoughtful touches throughout, this is the perfect home base for your Abilene adventure.
    🏡 The Space
    Living Areas:
    Spacious open-concept living room with stunning brick fireplace
    Beautiful white shiplap accent walls and exposed ceiling beams
    Large dining area with seating for 8 under elegant chandelier
    Bonus game room with ping pong and foosball tables
    Bright, fully-equipped kitchen with granite countertops and stainless appliances

    Bedrooms:
    Master Suite: King bed, vaulted ceilings, en-suite bathroom
    Bedroom 2: Queen bed with cozy navy and gold accents
    Bedroom 3: Queen bed with nature-inspired green tones
    All bedrooms feature ceiling fans, blackout shades, and comfortable furnishings

    Bathrooms:
    2 full bathrooms with modern fixtures
    Fresh towels and basic toiletries provided

    Outdoor Spaces:
    Large fenced backyard perfect for kids and pets
    Covered patio with outdoor dining table and umbrella
    Fire pit area with s'mores supplies included
    Plenty of space for outdoor games and relaxation

    🎯 What Makes Us Special
    ✨ Perfectly Located: Walking distance to Nelson Park, Abilene Zoo, and Expo Center
    🔥 Cozy Atmosphere: Wood-burning fireplace for chilly Texas evenings
    🎮 Entertainment Hub: Game room with ping pong, foosball, and board games
    🏡 Family-Friendly: Fenced yard, outdoor fire pit, and kid-friendly amenities
    ☀️ Solar Powered: Eco-friendly solar panels help keep costs down
    🅿️ Convenient Parking: Spacious driveway

    📍 Prime Abilene Location
    Within Walking Distance:
    Nelson Park (0.3 miles) - Playgrounds, walking trails, sports courts
    Abilene Zoo (0.4 miles) - Home to 1,000+ animals and family fun
    Dodge Jones Youth Sports Complex (0.5 miles) - Sports tournaments and events

    Within 10 Minutes:
    Downtown Abilene Cultural District (5 min) - Museums, restaurants, shopping
    Frontier Texas! (7 min) - Interactive Wild West museum with holograms
    The Grace Museum (6 min) - Art galleries and children's activities
    Paramount Theatre (6 min) - Historic theater with live performances
    Mall of Abilene (8 min) - Shopping, dining, and entertainment

    Nearby Attractions (Within 10 Miles):
    Abilene State Park (16 miles) - Swimming, hiking, and camping
    Buffalo Gap Historic Village (18 miles) - Living history museum
    Fort Phantom Hill (15 miles) - Historic military ruins
    Dyess Air Force Base (8 miles) - Military base and memorial museum

    🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
    Fine Dining:
    The Beehive (6 min) - Upscale steakhouse with craft cocktails
    Cork & Pig (8 min) - Sophisticated dining with wine selection and premium cuts
    Copper Creek (12 min) - Hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood
    Perini Ranch Steakhouse (Buffalo Gap, 20 min) - James Beard Award winner

    Local Favorites:
    Taylor County Taphouse (8 min) - Texas comfort food and craft beer
    The Shed (10 min) - Rustic atmosphere with amazing barbecue and live music
    Jay's Bar-B-Q (7 min) - Local favorite for authentic smoked meats
    Vagabond (6 min) - Trendy spot with creative cocktails and elevated comfort food
    Cypress Street Station (8 min) - Historic venue with great steaks and atmosphere
    Apertivio (12 min) - Wine bar and small plates with sophisticated atmosphere
    Grain Theory (9 min) - Farm-to-table cuisine with local ingredients and craft beer

    Coffee & Casual:
    Front Porch Coffee (10 min) - Artisan coffee and pastries
    Monk's Coffee Shop (8 min) - Local favorite with homemade treats
    Mezamiz Coffee House (12 min) - Full menu with beer, wine, and happy hour specials
    Summer Moon Coffee (Allen Ridge, 10 min) - Oak roasted coffee and signature Moon Milk
    Mad Coffee (15 min) - Texas Cuvee coffee roaster, best coffee in town

    Weekend Brunch Spots:
    Taylor County Taphouse (8 min) - Famous Aye Captain French toast and chicken-fried bacon
    Grain Theory (9 min) - Saturday brunch with breakfast tacos and Maple Butter Chicken Biscuit
    Copper Creek (12 min) - Monthly brunch with $1 mimosas (first Saturday)
    Peacock Patio (15 min) - Outdoor brunch with live music and craft cocktails
    The Flipping Egg (12 min) - Hearty breakfast served until 2 PM, perfect for late risers
    The Dixie Pig (10 min) - Abilene institution since 1931, family-owned diner

    🛏️ Amenities & Comfort
    Kitchen Essentials:
    Full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher
    Coffee maker, toaster, blender, and basic cooking utensils
    Dining for 8 plus breakfast bar seating
    Complimentary coffee, tea, and basic condiments

    Entertainment:
    Smart TVs in living room and master bedroom
    High-speed WiFi throughout
    Board games, books, and family-friendly activities
    Ping pong and foosball tables in game room

    Practical Comforts:
    Central heat and air conditioning
    Washer and dryer
    Hair dryer, iron, and ironing board
    Ceiling fans in every room
    Blackout curtains for restful sleep

    Outdoor Fun:
    Fire pit with seating area (firewood provided)
    S'mores kit included
    Outdoor dining table with umbrella
    Large fenced yard perfect for pets and kids


    🏘️ The Neighborhood
    The Gathering Place sits in a peaceful residential area that perfectly captures the friendly spirit of Abilene. Tree-lined streets, well-maintained homes, and proximity to parks make this an ideal location for families. You're close enough to walk to major attractions but far enough from busy roads to enjoy quiet evenings.
    Nearby Parks & Recreation:

    Nelson Park offers playgrounds, walking trails, and sports facilities
    Multiple golf courses within 10 minutes
    Lake activities at Kirby Lake and Lake Fort Phantom Hill
    Abilene Zoo rated as one of Texas's top family attractions

    ✅ House Rules
    Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
    Maximum Occupancy: 8 guests
    Smoking: Outdoor areas only
    Pets: Welcome with prior approval ($50 pet fee)
    Parties/Events: Please inquire for special occasions
    Quiet Hours: 10 PM - 8 AM (please respect the neighbors!)

    🌟 Guest Experience
    From the moment you arrive, you'll feel the warm hospitality that makes Texas special. We've thoughtfully curated every detail to ensure your stay is comfortable and memorable. Whether you're visiting family at Dyess AFB, exploring Abilene's rich history, or attending events at the Expo Center, The Gathering Place provides the perfect home base.

    What Guests Love Most:
    "The location is unbeatable - walked to the zoo with our kids!"
    "Perfect for our family reunion - everyone had space to spread out"
    "The fire pit was the highlight - s'mores every night!"
    "Beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean"
    "Felt like staying at a friend's house, not a rental"


    📞 About Your Hosts
    We're local Abilene residents who love sharing our city with visitors. We're always available to provide recommendations for restaurants, activities, and hidden gems that make Abilene special. Our goal is to help you create lasting memories during your stay.
    Book The Gathering Place today and discover why Abilene is known as "The Friendly Frontier!"

    The Gathering Place: Where every stay becomes a cherished memory. 🏡❤️

    Please note: To give you the best possible experience, our professional management team requires a mandatory Guest Portal to that allows you to access the house. As a part of the booking process you will be given the choice between a damage waiver or a refundable damage deposit hold. You are welcome to choose either option! Whichever is most convenient for you.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Coin laundry
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: There is no smoking within 20' of any structures,

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Foosball table
  • Table tennis
  • Water park
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in and check-out are available

Minimum check-in age - 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets are allowed

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Note from host: Up to two dogs under 80 lbs are allowed. There is

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

There is no smoking within 20' of any structures,

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Abilene is home to this holiday home. Frontier Texas and Grace Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Abilene Zoo and National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature. Travelling with kids? Consider Prime Time Family Entertainment Center, or check out an event or a game at Taylor County Expo Center. With waterskiing, power boating and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water. Visit our Abilene travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Abilene
Map
Abilene, TX

What's nearby

  • Hardin Simmons University
    Hardin Simmons University
    7 min drive - 14.2 km
  • Abilene Zoo
    12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Taylor County Expo Center
    12 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Camp Barkeley Dog Park
    15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Abilene Christian University
    4 min drive - 3.4 km

Getting around

  • Abilene, TX (ABI-Abilene Regional)
    8 min drive

Restaurants

  • Sonic Drive-In
    19 min walk
  • McDonald's
    4 min drive
  • Whataburger
    20 min walk
  • Lytle Land & Cattle Co.
    14 min walk
  • Rosa's Cafe and Tortilla Factory
    4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center located?

This family-friendly Abilene holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Taylor County Expo Center and Camp Barkeley Dog Park. Abilene Zoo and National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center Reviews

Reviews

Very good

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 2 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

Andrew K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was very clean and welcoming. The host was excellent to deal with and we enjoyed or stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Katie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was nice and clean. But, for the price was a bit disappointing. The Abilene price gouging has really out-priced the normal families that need to stay for various reasons.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026