Fort Worth, Texas


While Dallas is a modern, exhilarating city, Fort Worth falls back on its western heritage to provide attractions that blend now with then. Known as "the City Where the West Begins," it is common to see cowboys walking the streets looking for activities in between errands or rodeo events. Rodeos are treasured events within Fort Worth, and you can experience the sounds and breathtaking nature of rodeo events throughout the year.

Fort Worth makes it easy for tourists to experience the array of activities because of the city's lay out.

• The Cultural District is to the west of downtown.
• Downtown is accessible via the I-30, 280 and 287. Streets running east to west are numbered making it easy for tourists to walk around the city.
• The Stockyards District is in the northern portion of Fort Worth.

Cultural District:

Located approximately two miles from downtown Fort Worth, the Cultural District houses the area museums, as well as the Will Rogers Memorial Center. In this area, tourists can visit:

• Amon Carter Museum: Amon Carter is a celebrated photographer, but the museum offers art from other artists such as Georgia O'Keeffe or John Singer Sargent.
• Casa Manana: This theater offers child-friendly theatrical performances throughout the year.
• Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Here children and their chaperones/parents have a chance to explore history and science in a hands-on environment.
• Kimball Art Museum: Works by Matisse, Picasso, Rembrandt and others are found in this small, yet fascinating art museum.
• Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth: The 53,000 square foot museum houses a 1.5-acre pond, auditorium and artwork by many modern artists including Bernd and Hilla Becher, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol.
• National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame: This one of a kind museum provides visitors with a chance to view the role of cowgirls throughout the centuries.
• Omni Theater and Planetarium: Located within the Museum of Science and History, the planetarium and Omni Theater take you on a star gazing adventure.
• Will Rogers Memorial Center: Will Rogers Memorial Center houses both the Amon Carter Exhibition Hall and the Will Rogers Equestrian Center. Conventions and horse riding events each find a home within this center.

The Residence Inn by Marriott is located in the center of the Cultural District. Many area museums and restaurants are within walking distance. Lockheart Gables Bed and Breakfast is a little farther out, but if you are seeking quieter accommodations near the Cultural District, Lockheart has become the number one choice of couples.

Downtown:

Downtown Fort Worth finds most tourists stay in the city and make day trips to the adjacent districts. There are dozens of Fort Worth hotels from which tourists can choose.

• Ashton Hotel: Ashton Hotel is the most elegant hotel in the city. Lodgings are upscale and perfect for newlyweds or those wanting to be pampered.
• Courtyard by Marriott: Situated in a historic building, the hotel is close to many downtown restaurants and shops.
• Embassy Suites: Embassy Suites are connected to the Bass Performance Hall and five blocks from the convention center.
• Hilton Downtown: Prices at the Hilton are reasonable at $150 a night, but many choose it because it is a block from the Fort Worth Convention Center.

Sundance Square is in the heart of downtown and is one of the nation's largest pedestrian-friendly areas. The twenty-block span offers exciting restaurants, movie theaters and nightclubs. The Fort Worth Water Gardens is another popular attraction. Adjacent to the convention center, the Water Gardens offer breathtaking water features and ponds filled with vibrant aquatic flowers.

Del Friscos is a charming steakhouse not far from the convention center. They do require business casual attire, and suggest making a reservation as tables fill quickly throughout the week.

Stockyards District:

All rodeo events take place in the Stockyards District between 14th and 28th. If you don't mind a short walk, you can easily leave your car at the hotel and walk from downtown to the Stockyard District. The majority of events take place at Rodeo Plaza on 23rd and Exchange Avenue. The Cowtown Coliseum and Livestock Exchange Building are both in this stretch. Stockyards Livery Stables and Arena, and the offices to arrange historic walking tours are all central to this area. If rodeo events are not to your liking, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and Grapevine Vintage Railroad are also excellent tourist attractions. Those who want to experience Old West will find plenty of things to do in this region of Fort Worth.

Within the Stockyards District are three major hotels:

• Hyatt Place: Located next to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and Stockyards Station, Hyatt Place offers free continental breakfasts and a superior location.
• Stockyards Hotel: Surrounded by the amazing stores and restaurants along Exchange Avenue, Stockyards Hotel is affordable and all rooms are western themed. Look for special packages that include tickets to the Stockyards Rodeo and dinner at H3 Ranch.

Stockyards District offers a number of restaurants and old-fashioned saloons. Billy Bob's is the most famous in Fort Worth. Billy Bob's claim to fame comes from being the "World's Largest Honky-Tonk." After opening in 1981, music lovers flock to the 127,000 square foot establishment to see their favorite country stars and a few surprise musicians (Gloria Estefan, Rick Springfield, ZZ Top, Ringo Starr, etc.) from time to time. There are more than thirty bars, bull riding and a huge dance floor within the establishment.

Hands down, Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant is a favorite eatery within the Stockyards District. There are numerous meal possibilities, but diners love the family-style dinners that come with nachos, enchiladas, tacos, refried beans and all the trimmings for a set price. H3 Ranch is another favorite. Here the hickory wood-fired grills allow chefs to create mouthwatering meals like spit-roasted pig or the 32-ounce porterhouse!

Finally, the White Elephant Saloon is an authentic western saloon where live country music and line dancing keep patrons happy. Once upon a time, notorious criminals like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid frequented the area. White Elephant Saloon dates back to the days of the Wild West and patrons can enjoy a cold beer and view at some of the memorabilia from long ago.

On the outskirts of Fort Worth, there are other important attractions. The Fort Worth City Zoo is not as large as some zoos, but for children who want to see rhinos and elephants, the zoo will not disappoint. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is loaded with walking paths that wind in and out of the beautiful gardens. These activities both serve children and adults well.

Racecar enthusiasts will want to make sure they've saved time to visit Texas Motor Speedway. The second-largest speedway in the United States, Texas Motor Speedway offers Indy racing and NASC



Texas Tourist Guide - Fort Worth





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