Ever since going to school in Abilene, I've been partial to the west side of the Metroplex/state, which is probably why I fell in love with Fort Worth so quickly. (If only they'd get a Nordstrom!) I love this city. The culture, the food, the people, every aspect of it makes me proud to be a Fort Worthian. It's tough to narrow down my favorite things about Cowtown, but here's my attempt.
1. Tex-Mex - It's impossible to pick the best place for Tex-Mex in the Fort, so here's my top four:
- Right next to Dickies Arena, Taco Heads not only has the best chips and queso in town, but also the best margaritas. I'm partial to the "Best in Texas," but my best friend prefers the Jalapeño.
- Right off West 7th is Austin City Taco Co., which has the mouth-watering Midnight Craving and State Fair tacos. Tip: get their "cheat day" queso with their fries!
- Clearfork's Mesero is also a great spot to enjoy their Tejanos enchiladas and a micorita. The patio is perfect for a spring day!
2. Rodeo - You're not a true Fort Worthian until you go to the annual Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. It's the first year in the new Dickies Arena, so I'm sure there will be a few changes, but the spirit and tradition of the rodeo is alive and well. Attendees are decked out in their cowboy hats and boots, turquoise belt buckles and gorgeous fur coats. After the rodeo, grab a drink at the Reata Backstage Club before heading to the Roadhouse tent for some live music and two-stepping. Then, head to Magnolia Motor Lounge, which always has a fantastic lineup of Texas country artists.
3. Concert in the Gardens - On summer nights throughout June, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and special guest artists fill the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens with toe-tapping tunes. It's an easily family night or a fun date night! You can reserve a table and picnic from Central Market or bring your own snacks and lawn chairs to watch from the lawn seating. All the concerts conclude with fireworks, and I love attending the "Old Fashioned Family Fireworks Picnic," which features patriotic music the weekend before July 4!
4. Gypsy Scoop - Yes, I am dedicating an entire number to an ice cream parlor. Don't let people tell you that Melt is better, because it's not. I'd recommend checking out Gypsy Scoop's newer location in Near Southside, but you can also see its food truck around town at community events or even weddings. Their homemade ice cream flavors are always changing, but I highly recommend Cookie Monster. Get a scoop with a Belgian waffle, you won't be disappointed.
5. Kayak on the Trinity - Although I would never encourage anyone to get into the Trinity River (home to a blind, old alligator named Hollywood), kayaking is perfectly fine. Backwoods Paddle Sports rents out kayaks and canoes at Panther Island Pavilion, March - September. It offers great views of the Fort Worth skyline!
6. Coyote Drive-In - Just minutes from downtown, the best place to catch a movie in town on a warm night is the Coyote Drive-In! Tuesday nights are $5 double features, and the canteen offers a wide menu that includes anything from thin crust pizza to churros. In the winter, check out the Panther Island Ice Skating Rink.
7. Angelo's BBQ - Located off White Settlement, Angelo's BBQ has been cooking the best barbecue in Fort Worth for 60 years. It's definitely a hole-in-the-wall, but if you can get past the interesting taxidermy decorations and ridiculously-dim lighting, you're in for a delicious meal. The BBQ stuffed potato is my favorite, but the loaded mac-and-cheese is also popular!
8. MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival - Without fail, April showers bring MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival. I'm a bit biased since I helped manage their PR for years, but it's really quite spectacular! For a weekend in April, the festival takes over downtown Fort Worth and draws hundreds of thousands of attendees with art, cuisine and live music. The best part is, it's free to attend!
9. Mr. Jon's Snow Cones - A cash-only snow cone stand on Camp Bowie makes the best snow cones I've ever had. Mr. Jon always has a treat for your dog and offers me free sour spray for my margarita snow cone! Tip: If you get a snow cone on the same night as Concerts in the Gardens, you can see the fireworks from the concert!
10. Colonial - Also in the spring is the Charles Schwab Challenge at the Colonial Country Club. On Memorial Day Weekend, fan favorites Jordan Spieth (swoon), Ricky Fowler and Justin Thomas can be found teeing off, as attendees clamor for a glimpse of their favorite golfer. I love getting a fun new outfit and going with a group of friends! Tip: be prepared to walk and for the heat, because Texas doesn't understand the true meaning of spring.
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