The heart of Texas is an urban rodeo
Anne Seymour, a national crime victims’ advocate in Washington, D.C., lived in Fort Worth from 1984 to 1992. She loves the region so much that she returns to visit friends every summer and Christmas. A member of USA TODAY’s panel of Road Warriors, Seymour
BEST PLACES FOR BUSINESS LUNCH OR DINNER
The Bird Café in Fort Worth is a quiet, excellent place with attentive food service — a generally nice place to have a good meal. In Dallas, Café Pacific in Highland Park is classic, old-school dining and cuisine. And the Highland Park area of Dallas is my favorite neighborhood. People go to Dallas, and they usually go straight downtown. When I go to Highland Park, I want to get dressed up and go out for an evening. It’s off the beaten path.
BEST LEISURE DINING SPOTS
In Fort Worth, Benito’s on Magnolia Avenue, a new hopping area of town, has outstanding Mexican food. In the past couple of years, there has been development, with new restaurants and shops there. Folks also love Joe T. Garcia’s, a landmark with indoor/outdoor dining. The food’s not as great, but it’s a “must visit” for out-oftowners and close to the popular north side — and it can usually accommodate bigger parties. The outdoor areas, with the fountains and everything, is just wonderful. In Dallas, Deep Ellum was a ragged part of town 25 years ago. By day and evening, there are many galleries and restaurants to explore.
BEST SITES/ATTRACTIONS TO SEE ON A WEEKEND
In Fort Worth, the museum district is simply amazing and aweinspiring. Kimbell Art Museum is world-renowned and has a beautiful new addition that I got to see during construction. Also check out the National Cowgirl
Museum and Hall of Fame and
the Modern Art Museum of
Fort Worth. The Amon Carter
Museum of American Art has the best collection of Western art, I believe, in the nation. An entire day doesn’t have enough hours to do it all. The north side is also a fun place to get your country Western on or just walk around, shop, visit some cows, see some horses, listen to great tunes. In Dallas, the museum district, with its beautiful new outdoor park, is packed on weekends. Lots of folks visit the JFK memorial, but that just makes me sad.
BEST NIGHT SPOTS FOR FUN
Over the Christmas holiday, I had a blast at Lola’s, which always has amazing music — rock, blues, a little country — and indoor/ outdoor areas. And I’m really picky about my music. It’s a little divey, a little worn at the edges, but that’s what makes it fabulous. In Dallas, try anywhere in Deep Ellum. Bars, clubs, theaters, all in one really fun area.
BEST PLACES FOR OUTDOOR EXERCISE OR TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS
In Fort Worth, hiking or biking on the Trinity Trails; strolling around the amazing Fort Worth
Zoo or Botanic Garden — they are across from each other — and my favorite, canoeing and fishing on the Brazos River. It’s a little out of town but well worth the drive, simply beautiful for nature buffs. In Dallas, similarly, the
Katy Trail has miles and miles for biking, walking, running.
BEST DAY TRIP FROM THE CITY
Granbury, a charming place with an old town square, antique stores, lots of history and beautiful Lake Granbury for swimming, boating, just hanging out and getting some sun. It sponsors the most charming July Fourth parade and celebration. It’s like something out of the 1950s.
Archer City is another small town about an hour away from Dallas/Fort Worth, famous for its old bookstores on the town square. Some say it’s the best collection of old books anywhere. And, of course, Austin.
PLACES TO AVOID OR THAT ARE OVERRATED
DFW airport. Just kidding! But it is my least favorite airport. I don’t really have a response to this. I love both cities. A lot of people might think the north side of Fort Worth is touristy, but I think that’s the point — cowboys and culture.