Entire home

The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center

Photo gallery for The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center

A single-story house with a garage, a covered porch, and a solar panel roof.
A living room with a white sofa, a coffee table, a fireplace, and a ceiling fan.
A dining area with a table set for six, surrounded by chairs, a chandelier, and a sign on the wall.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a black stove, and a dining area with a table and chairs.
A room with a ping pong table, a foosball table, a washing machine, and a laundry basket.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Taylor County Expo Center
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Air-conditioning
  • Pet-friendly
  • Refrigerator
  • Garage parking available
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View in a map
Abilene, TX
  • Place, Taylor County Expo Center
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Abilene Zoo
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Camp Barkeley Dog Park
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Abilene, TX (ABI-Abilene Regional)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Office
Balcony
Garden

About this property

The Gathering Place: Near Zoo/Park & Expo Center

Summary:

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:

🏡 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



🛏️ 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 with detergent provided

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



Guest Access:

✅ 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 (respect the neighbors!)



The Neighborhood:

🏘️ 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



Other Things to Note:

🛏️ 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
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Up to two dogs under 80 lbs are allowed. There is
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
There is no smoking within 20' of any structures,

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4949634vb
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.
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
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

About the area

Abilene

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. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Taylor County Expo Center or Moody Coliseum.
View more Holiday homes in AbileneOpens in a new window
Map
Abilene, TX

What's nearby

  • Taylor County Expo Center - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Abilene Zoo - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Camp Barkeley Dog Park - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Abilene Christian University - 6 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Hardin Simmons University - 10 min drive - 15.0 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Lytle Land & Cattle Co. - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪KFC - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Whataburger - ‬20 min walk

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?

Situated in Abilene, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Taylor County Expo Center and Camp Barkeley Dog Park. Abilene Zoo and Frontier Texas are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 6 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 6 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

8.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

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 review

8/10 Good

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
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Home Away From Home for the OTRA Finals

We stayed at The Gathering Place while we were in town for the OTRA Finals, and it was absolutely perfect! From the moment we arrived, we felt so welcomed with the sweetest little gifts waiting for us. The house was incredibly clean, cozy, and well cared for. The A/C kept up with the 100+ degree Texas heat without any problem, which we definitely appreciated! The kitchen was fully stocked with any pots/pans/utensils/etc. you could need or want The backyard was such a cute space to relax, and we loved all the thoughtful extras, from the s’mores kit and games to the firewood ready for the fire pit. The game room was a huge hit and gave everyone something fun to do after long days at the arena. The location couldn’t have been better for us. It is just minutes from the Taylor County Expo Center, making it so convenient for the Finals. You can really tell the hosts have put a lot of thought into making guests feel at home. Every little detail made our stay even more enjoyable. We hope to qualify for the OTRA Finals again next year, and if we do, we’ll definitely be hoping The Gathering Place is available because we’d love to stay here again. Highly recommend!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stay was great. Home was as described. Our stay was pleasant and process was seamless.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jun 2026
Thank you for your review! We're glad to hear the home met your expectations and that you had a pleasant stay. It's also great to know the process was smooth and seamless from start to finish. We appreciate you choosing to stay with us and would be happy to host you again in the future! 😊🏡✨
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay and the host and owners were very welcoming and kind. There were special and welcoming touches that made our arrival very happy. The bathrooms could use some TLC, as the non-suite bath had a very clogged drain that made the shower unusable, and the main bath toilet needed some securing due to wobbles. If those two things are addressed, it would make a five star for sure.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2026
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Cozy and Homey

We loved staying at The Gathering Place. There’s a private backyard, fully equipped kitchen, and the neighborhood is so peaceful. We will def rebook for our future work stays.

About the host

Hosted by Nathan & Kristi Harwell (B&B Hosting)

Host profile image
📞 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!"

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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