Experience the Unexpected in Fort Worth
Fort Worth, Texas is a picture of the modern west. Downtown provides a sprawling urban environment, with a refreshing density that harbors a unique sense of comfort, creating a place that even those foreign will find somewhat oddly familiar. With the Near Southside bursting with creativity and innovative dining options, Fort Worth is as up-to-date as it is a step into the western frontier!
We spoke with Bob Jameson, 38 year Fort Worthian and President & CEO of Visit Fort Worth, to learn more about the city’s “unexpected” locales, sights, and sounds for those new and familiar. Along the way, you’ll realize why Fort Worth is an unexpected stop for your next Texas journey!
The Unexpected for Those New
Fort Worth has an exciting mustsee cultural district, with several world-class museums all within walking distance. From the Kimbell Museum showcasing masterpieces from around the world, to the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, which displays a comprehensive collection of Remington and Russell paintings, there is a variety of artistic representation. In addition, travelers can find the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame for an incredible telling of women’s lives in the west. Or you can make a family outing with the youthful exhibits at Fort Worth’s Museum of Science and History.
Jameson starts, “I’ve heard people describe the city this way so many times; it has big city attributes, but it has a small-town feel, and some of that is geography and the human scale that you feel when in Fort Worth. But some of it is the nature of the people.”
Peek into the origins of the populace & the west with Fort Worth’s Stockyards National Historic District. This famed locale yields the world’s only twice-daily longhorn cattle drive, highlighting the western heritage and the impact of the Texas livestock industry. Saddle up where the cowboys once did and enjoy the frontier architectural design, walking tours, and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. And while your adventuring through the 1870s, turn up your western fashion as Fort Worth embraces the style-savvy wear of cowboy hats, boots, and jackets. Feel free to go all out!
The Unexpected for Those Familiar
“For as long as I’ve lived here, it has been great to watch so many parts of the city grow and flourish, and one thing we see locals just love is the trinity trails,” Jameson recommends for those knowing of Fort Worth. This one-hundred-plusmile trail collection is perfect for walking, running, biking, or riding a horse along the trinity river. These trails connect from the west side of Fort Worth, through Arlington, and eventually up to Dallas. Hence, with seemingly endless trekking miles and options, make your unique path and lose yourself in nature’s serenity.
Jameson continues, “Other things that cause us to stand out, of course, is the diversity of attractions and experiences.”
Another excellent recommendation for those who believe they’ve seen everything is the timed local festivals and events. Schedule ahead and take advantage of the year-round activities nearly every weekend. Make the most of the western experience with the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in January & February, or dive into a foodie haven with the Fort Worth Food and Wine Festival during March. The Cowtown Marathon, Juneteenth Walk, Main Street Art Festival, and Fort Worth Music Festival & Conference represent only a fraction of the incredible variety of outdoor events hosted by the city. You’re bound to find something interesting!
The Unexpected for Food & Stay
For those primarily interested in flavorful escapes, Fort Worth boasts a diverse selection of tastes with no drought of incredible, innovative eateries. While we can’t break down every signature dish, here are some must-visit places. And if you are interested in a comprehensive dish list, visit here!
Joe T. Garcia’s is a standout restaurant that started in 1935 and has passed down four generations of family. Serving lunch and dinner, this Mexican dining spot is famous for its authentic barbeque that started it all. In addition, it cultivates a beautiful garden-like environment with memorable indoor spaces. Joe T. Garcia’s is essential to the Fort Worth food scene, whether you’re with a small gathering or a private party.
Jameson adds, “I think a new favorite of mine is a restaurant that’s been open for about a year called Don Artemio, and for the 2023 James Beard Foundation Award, they just surfaced as a semi-finalist for the Best New Restaurant. And I would say, the sea bass with a marvelous tasting mole sauce is about the best thing you could even think about having!”
In addition, Fort Worth strives for the best barbeque in the state, with Goldee’s barbeque ranked number one in Texas this past year, also by Texas Monthly. But be warned, their brisket is first-come-first-serve. So be there bright and early to grab a bit before it’s all gone!
“There is an energy in this community that comes from an entrepreneurial spirit and a source of innovation. That is part of a visitor’s experience because new restaurants constantly develop. It is not unusual for a brick-and-mortar restaurant to have been operating out of a food truck years ago,” Jameson says.
Besides award-winning food and restaurants, be bold, stay the night at Fort Worth, and use the extra time to soak in any further adventures. When asked where someone could find a comfortable overnight getaway, Jameson comments, “one of the newest additions on the Fort Worth scene, again in the stockyard’s national historic district, is the Hotel Drover, and it is just a beautiful hotel.” The hotel provides an upscale western experience across the building’s exterior, interior, and restaurant. Also, the lavish back garden includes an outdoor bar, creating a fantastic relaxing atmosphere in the late afternoon and early evening.
Easy to Visit, Easy to Enjoy!
“There are artisans, creatives, and musical venues. All of that is continuing to expand what’s always been here. So people who travel and learn about a possible destination like Fort Worth are often drawn to stories that reflect that kind of energy. And say, Oh, I want to go there and see that, and see what that feels like,” Jameson explains.
Although Fort Worth is more populated than many well-known cities, ranking the twelfth largest in the United States, it appears merely a handful recognize the abundant culture present. The only thing limiting this town is word-ofmouth. So be the first to uncover the unexpected entertainment, tastes, and wonders of Fort Worth. And hurry because, in a few years, it’ll undoubtedly be the new Texas hotspot.
Jameson concludes, “This is as much a personal response as a professional observation, but there’s something very special about this combination of western and southern hospitality that helps create a warm and welcoming environment that Fort Worthians love to share with people from other places. And you feel that as a resident, and you feel that as a visitor.”