Title: The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center Reviews, Deals & Photos 2025 - Expedia.co.uk [See all properties](http://www.expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?regionId=&adults=2&children=&sort=RECOMMENDED&useRewards=false&semdtl=&userIntent=&vip=false) Entire home # The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119330000/119324400/119324357/734b3e4c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=598&ra=fit) ![Smart TV, table football, ping pong](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119330000/119324400/119324357/aaf2a34d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Outdoor dining](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119330000/119324400/119324357/d6511176.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![3 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119330000/119324400/119324357/bae45090.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) ![Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119330000/119324400/119324357/7fae494e.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=297&ra=fit) - Overview - Amenities - Policies - Location Take advantage of a water park, a firepit and a garden at The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center. In addition to an arcade/games room, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi. 10 Exceptional ### Entire home 3 bedrooms2 bathrooms ## Popular amenities - Dryer - Parking available - Washer - Pet-friendly - Kitchen - Outdoor space ## Add dates for prices Check-in Check-out Travellers ## About this property ### Entire place You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party. ### 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. 🏡❤️ ## 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 ## 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 ### 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 This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. 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 If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. ### We should mention A car is recommended for transport to and from this property ### Property is also known as orp5b70b08x ## 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. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. [Visit our Abilene travel guide](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Abilene.dx266) [View more Holiday homes in Abilene](https://www.expedia.co.uk/Abilene-Private-Holiday-Homes.d266-aaPrivateHolidayHomes.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) ![Map](https://maps.googleapis.com/maps/api/staticmap?&size=660x330&map_id=3b266eb50d2997c6&zoom=13&markers=icon:https%3A%2F%2Fa.travel-assets.com%2Ftravel-assets-manager%2Feg-maps%2Fproperty.png%7C32.44154%2C-99.69866&channel=expedia-HotelInformation&maptype=roadmap&scale=1&key=AIzaSyCYjQus5kCufOpSj932jFoR_AJiL9yiwOw&signature=F2JqVc-RsbyhLwXJ6y6lAV-jpP4=) Abilene, TX ### What's nearby - Taylor County Expo Center - 12 min walk - 0.7 miles - Abilene Zoo - 14 min walk - 0.8 miles - Abilene Christian University - 5 min drive - 2.4 miles - Hendrick Medical Center - 7 min drive - 3.8 miles - Hardin Simmons University - 8 min drive - 3.8 miles ### Getting around - Abilene, TX (ABI-Abilene Regional) - 8 min drive ### Restaurants - ‪Braum's - ‬4 min drive - ‪Lytle Land & Cattle Co. - ‬14 min walk - ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive - ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬19 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. ### 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). ## Have a question? Beta Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews. Ask a question ## The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center Reviews 10 ### Exceptional 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 information](https://www.expedia.co.uk/lp/b/content-guidelines) 10 - Excellent 1 8 - Good 0 6 - Okay 0 4 - Poor 0 2 - Terrible 0 This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified. ### 10/10 Excellent #### Chris A. 29 Jul 2025 #### Super clean and centrally located! Great host! House is super clean, inviting and decorated nicely. The beds are comfy with great pillows! Communication was very quick and accommodating. I highly recommend this home for your next trip to Abilene. ##### Chris A.