Fort Worth Travel Guide, Texas

Less exposed than Dallas, Fort Worth is a lot calmer, enjoyable and relaxed city and, according to some, a lot friendlier. Dallas might be more sophisticated and cosmopolitan than its neighbor, but the locals prefer their town’s gentler pace and sense of comfort and visitors might agree.

Fort Worth has always been a gateway to the West. It had many roles beginning as a frontier army town protecting settlers from Native American attacks, then growing to be the last major stop along the major thoroughfare of the great Texas cattle drives; this might be the reason why the city was nicknamed "Cowtown”. The next step was that the city became a busy trading post and a place for ranchers to keep their herds before moving them for sale. With the arrival of meat-packing plants the city developed into one of the country's top livestock markets and a major cattle shipping center. “Cows” have made the wealth of the city in the early 20th century, but people soon switched to oil as major business.

Who would have imagined that this cowboy town would turn out to have an artistic soul? Even if cowboy culture is still present in the city, modern cowboys have adopted high culture making Fort Worth one of the most authentically Texan city in the state with a rich cultural scene including a symphony orchestra, several theater companies and the many exquisite collections of art hosted at the highly appreciated museums - like the spectacular Museum of Modern Art, the Kimbell Museum and the Amon Carter Museum of Western Art - made many call the city the Museum Capital of the Southwest.

Fort Worth's downtown is a beautifully laid-out, well organized for visitors, charming and dignified center of business and entertainment with a newly revitalized historic area. No matter what type of person you are and what you fancy there are plenty of things to do.

It is easy to get around if you consider its three distinct parts. One of them is the Stockyards National Historic District that focuses on maintaining the look of the Old West when cattle-raising and livestock auction ruled. It does a great job especially with the world's only daily longhorn cattle drive that is a must see.

Another show that takes you back to the end of the 19th century is Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo held at the end of January at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. Entertainment is guaranteed and you'll be able to see all sorts of livestock while horse shows and auctions are particularly interesting.

From the end of the 19th century we pass on to the turn-of-the-20th-century with the Grapevine Vintage Railroad that features a 100-year-old steam train and a diesel train. Both trains deliver interesting trips.

When night comes those satisfied with a fairy big scene should stay in town instead of going to Dallas as there are a few good nightlife options to choose from depending on what they like high culture or cowboy culture. Cowboy culture lovers should head towards Exchange Avenue in the Stockyards on weekends while Sundance Square welcomes theater, bars, restaurants and cafes fans. Ladies will definitely like City Streets as there they can do some shopping and having some fun at the many bars and lounges.

Fort Worth is absolutely worth a visit, it is inexpensive (you can have a lot of fun and visit many attractions for free or with Coupon Discounts), you don’t need a lot of time to spare and last but not least it is a place that will enhance your culture.

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• H3 Ranch
  travel tip by norfolkjon posted more then 30 days ago
  You can get a bit of a Texas taste in this traditional restaurant in the heart of the Stockyard District. The H3 Ranch serves excellent food with fresh salads, delicious dessert and great wine. The staff was courteous, helpful but not...
• White Elephant Saloon
  travel tip by blackangel_66 posted more then 30 days ago
  Known mostly from the TV series, Walker, the Texas Ranger, the White Elephant Saloon offers live music every night and is the place to be if you would like to feel a bit of the modern and still traditional Texas. If not for the food or...
• Lili's Bistro
  travel tip by athenalove posted more then 30 days ago
  A bit hidden behind trees, Lili's Bistro is a cozy little restaurant with fresh, innovative food and warm, friendly service. Once you found it, you will definitely return many times. They have a large lunch and dinner menu to choose...

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