This is where the real West begins. Forget the sophistication of Dallas, neighbouring Fort Worth likes to keep it real. For those who like their America with more than a touch of the cowboy about it, Fort Worth, sometimes referred to as Cowtown, is sure to delight. In days gone by more than 10 million head of cattle were driven through the city on the Chisholm Trail. Today, the event is remembered by mini–cattle drives every morning and rip-roaring rodeos every Saturday night. Fort Worth is the place to check out the world's biggest honky-tonk at Billy Bobs, but there is also the Cultural District, Cowgirl Museum and some amazing art collections to take in too. Lest it get a bit too arty, though, Sundance Square's restaurants and bars make sure everything has a spit and sawdust feel. Pack your chaps but leave your pistol at the counter.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Fort Worth
Stockyards National Historic District – The historical heart of Fort Worth is one-part theme park city and one-part authenticity but that never detracts from its wholehearted sense of fun. Cowboys patrol the streets, old-time stores invite you in, saloons pound the piano and steakhouses sit in genuinely old buildings. Welcome to Stockyards – keep your wits about you and your camera at the ready.
Cultural District – The area’s museums cluster together here and Will Rogers takes his eternal last bow at the Will Rogers Memorial Centre.
Downtown – Sundance Square is 14 blocks of colourful architecture, some astonishingly good art galleries and some lip-smackingly good restaurants. Quench your thirst and fill your boots here before you head out to the wild yonder.
Things to See in Fort Worth
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is held every January to the cheers of over half a million spectators. If you can’t make it for that you can always catch something of its atmosphere at the rodeo held every week. The ‘authentic’ Texas cowboy houses, shops and bars in the Stockyards National Historic District are a really fun way to bring the history of the West to life and they offer plenty of photo opportunities. The art in the Cultural District is surprisingly good and helps to confirm that Fort Worth is more than a one-trick pony of a city.
Things to Do in Fort Worth
A night out at the world’s largest honky-tonk has to be on the cards – and Billy Bobs in Fort Worth obliges with a tip of the hat. If you fancy getting away from the city there are many small towns worthy of a road trip nearby, including Waxahachie and McKinney. Beyond these you are in the West proper, marooned from civilisation. Take a tour to experience the Panhandle and Central Plains, where nothing but sprawling cattle ranches, endless flat plains and vast canyons will disturb your views. Except, of course, the odd stray bit of rolling tumbleweed.
