Fort Worth, home of the important trading post for cowboys at the end of the Chisholm Trail and famous for it’s stockyards, rodeos and the National Cowgirl Museum, is the ultimate destination for adventure and history lovers alike. This thriving city is now home to museums designed by internationally known contemporary architects, such as the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Fort Worth is a beautiful combination of forward-thinking design and historical country living. This summer, we invite you and your family to discover the modern west. Come explore a city rich in Texas history and culture–everyone’s family in Fort Worth!
Where to Stay
When arriving in Fort Worth, check yourself into the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. The architecture of this building is photo-worthy in itself. The Omni Fort Worth Hotel is the highest rated place to stay on Tripadvisor, and for a good reason. Boasting top notch valet service and located in vibrant downtown, you’re just a ten minute walk from Sundance Square!
Find contemporary comfort in the heart of downtown Cowtown at the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel. This hotel lives up to its name with a classic and historical style and feel to it. It is also rated very highly and provides top notch customer service.
While these are just some of our favorites, you’re bound to find the perfect lodgings for your family getaway, with options fit for every budget here.
Where to Shop
You’re not going to want to miss shopping at Beehive. This boutique will have you walking out of the store as if you were walking out of a magazine. The best way to describe their clothing is “modern vintage,” with the owner claiming cover girl Rachel Bilson as her style muse.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-6pm
If staying hip and relevant is something you strive for, head to one of our Best Store favorites, Esther Penn. They quickly update their inventory, so you’re guaranteed to find a new gem each time you stop in to “window shop”!
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm
If you’re looking to unwind with some antiquing, Montgomery Street Antique Mall is the place to be. Not only do they have a casual atmosphere, wall-to-wall antiques and great prices, but they also have a Secret Garden restaurant, making it easy for you to take a break and have something delicious before you head out again to find your treasure.
Mall Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10am-6pm and Sunday: 12pm-6pm
Restaurant Hours: Monday-Friday: 11am-3pm, Saturday: 11am-4pm, Sunday: 12pm-4pm
Have you been looking for a pair of boots that are unique to your personality? Well, you deserve the best, and the best handmade boots in Fort Worth (and maybe even Texas!) come from M.L. Leddy’s. We’re all about being unique here at Shop Across Texas, and custom boots are certainly the most authentically Texan way to do so!
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am-6pm
Need to add a little more character to your home? Old Home Supply House is full of unique vintage pieces that will set your place apart. Be forewarned: if you’re anything like us, you’ll end up spending the day dreaming up all the fixer upper possibilities upon visiting Fort Worth’s “home renovation headquarters.”
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Simple Things Furniture has the best sofas and chairs in Fort Worth, hands down. These people care about what you sit on and how your sofa will change the atmosphere of your home. They care about the quality of each piece that is picked to be in the store, too. Great collections and worth your stop. Period.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11am-4pm or call (817) 332-1772 to schedule a private appointment
Where to Eat
No trip to Fort Worth would be complete without a meal at the famous Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, or “Joe T’s,” as the locals call it. A Funkytown staple since 1935, this cash only restaurant is known for its short and sweet menu, beautiful and expansive patio, and last but not least, margarita pitchers!
If you’re craving authentic Cowtown cuisine, head to Angelo’s BBQ for simply amazing ribs. Established in 1958, they’re still serving up award-winning chopped beef sandwiches, sliced brisket and sausage plates, having been named Fort Worth Magazine’s Best of Fort Worth’s Reader’s Pick in 2019.
Hours: Friday and Saturday: 11am-10pm, Sunday: 11am-9pm, continuing to provide curbside service stopping at 8pm
Lonesome Dove Western Bistro is a perfect choice for delicious Texan fare. The food ranges from rabbit and rattlesnake appetizers to an excellent steak that will make your mouth water. Whether you are new to Texas or just visiting the Fort Worth area, this bistro will give you something to write home about.
Hours: Dinner: Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-10pm, Lunch: Friday 11:30am-2:30pm
It doesn’t have to be breakfast time to eat pancakes. Ol’ South Pancake House has fourteen fun ways to have your pancakes prepared. We recommend the Elvis pancakes with peanut butter and bananas!
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 6am-10pm, Friday: 6am-12am, Saturday: Open 24 hours, Sunday: 12am-10pm
Bonnell’s restaurant not only serves culinary masterpieces, it teaches us all to follow our dreams, like owner Jon Bonnell did after he quit his day job and opened this restaurant. Not only did opening Bonnell’s work out from him, it worked out for all the locals’ taste buds. His Texas dishes include fresh gulf seafood, grass-fed beef and wild game specials. We say it’s a must-visit for any foodie!
Hours: Monday-Sunday 4pm-7pm for curbside pickup. Currently offering $40 family packs for four.
Inside a renovated 1920s church is Fort Worth’s pride and joy, The Blue Bonnet Bakery. This adorable little piece of history not only has a fun past but an exciting future, as it gains new sweet toothed fans daily. They provide doughnuts, monkey bread and (for the ones who want to visit, but skip the sweets) breakfast and lunch selections.
Hours: Monday-Friday: 7am-6pm, Saturday: 7am-4pm
What to Do
Fort Worth is known to many as the beginning of the West, and that reputation is put on display at the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. Should have been a cowboy? Well, now’s your chance! This summer, the Stockyards boasts a new program, The Herd Experience, providing visitors an engaging overview of cattle drive history, featuring nine steers and the Herd drovers. Each experience lasts 15 minutes and takes place at the top of each hour from 11am-4 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Be sure to book a free ticket in advance!
From the Stockyards to the Trinity Trails, cruise around Fort Worth with Cowtown Segway Adventures. All four of their unique tours are perfect for adventure-seekers of all types, plus, riding a segway easy! We recommend the sunset downtown cruise, because what could beat a beautiful Texas sunset on a segway?
Just around the corner is Burger’s Lake, an ideal destination for an outdoor family day. Their one-acre spring-fed lake is topped with two sandy beaches to get your tan on, plus plenty of diving boards and slides to bring out every inner-kid.
It’s always important to stop and smell the roses, especially when you’re at Fort Worth’s Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the refreshing beauty of the oldest botanic garden in Texas and home to more than 2,500 species of plants in 23 specialty gardens. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a relaxing picnic, or snap some new pictures of the family.
Sundance Square, in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, is where you can grab a bite to eat, treat yourself to some retail therapy, and experience amazing performances at one of the various theatres. Take a stroll through this 35-square block urban oasis and soak up all of the excitement and culture Fort Worth has to offer.
Fort Worth’s cultural scene is pretty impressive with the Kimbell Art Museum. The museum adds to the beautiful architecture of Fort Worth. The Kimbell has special exhibits and collections of masterpieces from around the world. If you’re unable to fit a visit into your schedule, check out The Kimbell From Home by exploring the collection, downloading family art activities, or taking an audio tour.
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth maintains one of the foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. It’s dedicated to collecting and interpreting international developments in post-World War II art. Opening July 1, in the meantime, explore The Modern’s virtual outlets including their blog, podcast series, and YouTube channel highlighting interesting aspects of the exhibitions and weekly lecture series.
The world-renown Bass Performance Hall is home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. This classic European opera house seats 2,042 people every seat is a great seat. While the Bass Performance Hall is currently closed, it’s only an intermission! Stay up to date with changes to upcoming events and read up on what happens behind the stage door with the Bass Hall blog.
