Fort Worth is a thriving city brimming with rich architectural history, deep western roots, an extensive museum and art culture, and quality foodie and shopping options that rival big cities without the hassles of them.  When my husband was relocated for a work assignment in Fort Worth in 2017, it did not take long to understand why locals love this town.  Working off a bucket list of things to explore, I embraced Fort Worth wholeheartedly.  My top ten recommendations for making the most of this town are:

1. Take a tour – There is no better way to learn about the rich history of this town than by gleaning from someone else’s knowledge.  Fort Worth historian Dawson Granade gives a detailed four-hour tour of the city.  But if you are short on time, I recommend the Authentic Fort Worth walking downtown tour for 75 minutes, which provides a quick overview of the layout and history of Fort Worth, “Where the West Begins.”
2. Walk the Stockyards – Step back in time, by starting with a short video presentation of the role of the Stockyards in the cattle business and a wrangler tour through the historic stockyards. Make sure to catch the daily Longhorn cattle drive down Exchange avenue!  There is plenty of shopping and lots of restaurants to visit in the area. 
3. Spend time in the Museums – Amon Carter was a huge civic booster and visionary for Fort Worth and his museum of American Art anchors the Museum district.  The Kimbell Art Museum next door, designed by Louis Kahn, is an architectural masterpiece with the concrete vaults used to display masterpieces.  Last in the line of museums is the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, including Magnolia at the Modern which features critically acclaimed films.  All three museums offer docent tours and special exhibits.  For the best overview, I recommend booking a cultural district walking tour through Authentic Fort Worth Tours by Brendan.  His passionate knowledge of art and architecture breathes such life into these museums!  The Sid Richardson Museum located downtown is also a nice compliment to the museum district and offers docent tours as well.
4. Explore the Trinity River by walking, running, biking, paddling or floating – Trinity Trails has over 40 miles of trails that follow along the Trinity River connecting parks, gardens, historic locations and downtown Fort Worth.  Backwoods Paddle Sports rents SUP boards, kayaks and canoes to help explore the river with.  There are pedestrian and equestrian trails.  During the summer, Rockin’ the River allows for tubing the Trinity River while listening to live music near the Panther Island Pavilion.  Don’t miss the most picturesque natural waterfall in the DFW area and butterfly gardens located at Airfields Falls Conservation Park! The Trinity River brings a nice waterfront feel to the town of Fort Worth and there many ways to enjoy it.
5. Sit in Sundance Square – This well-designed plaza in the heart of downtown offers fantastic water fountains, seating under giant umbrellas and a stage which features bands, a yoga class and even outdoor movies.   Surrounded by restaurants and shops, this outdoor space is an enjoyable place to hang out year around.  The Chisolm Trail Mural displayed in the square is an artistic reminder of the rich cowboy history of the town.  This is a great place to bring guests to introduce them to downtown Fort Worth with glimpses of its architectural history.
6. Enjoy dessert – Fort Worth does frozen treats well!  Melt Ice Creams on W. Magnolia Avenue touts that they are “purveyors of fine Texas dairy”.  They serve probably the best and most unusual flavored ice creams I have ever tried anywhere.  The never-ending line out of the door all year long proves their popularity.  Steel City Pops raises the bar for gourmet pops!  These fresh all natural pops never get old.  My favorite seasonal flavor is cucumber lime. Last but not least, Curly’s Frozen Custard rounds out the frozen treat genre by offering signature frozen custard in a fun outdoor seating area.
7. Catch a production at the Bass Performance Hall – This performing arts venue is another example of maintaining classic architecture in the downtown area.  The hall, characteristic of a European opera house, is home to symphony, ballet, opera, stage, musicals and concerts including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.  With its close proximity to fine restaurants, it is easy to make a special evening in downtown.  Docent tours of the hall are given on Saturday mornings and they highlight the history and architecture of the building.
8. Visit Historic Fort Worth buildings – Schedule a tour of Thistle Hill which was designated as the first Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmark.  This Georgian Revival mansion is a great example of the grandeur of the cattle barons.  The McFarland House also offers tours which highlight the queen Anne Residence.  The Fairmount National Historic District provides a self-guided driving tour with emphasis on the architecture and history of the area.  Home tours are offered on Mother’s Day weekend.
9. Wander in the Fort Worth Botanical, Japanese Gardens and Water Gardens – Walking through the oldest botanic garden in Texas throughout the four seasons offers a nice variety including rose gardens, a native Texas boardwalk, cactus garden, trial gardens and water features.  The Japanese Gardens are outstanding with a traditional stroll garden, winding paths, and ponds filled with Koi fish.  To truly appreciate these gardens, I highly recommend scheduling a docent tour and participating in a public tea ceremony.  The Water Gardens are designed to provide a peaceful sanctuary in the midst of downtown.  They are truly an architectural water marvel that allows you to experience water as a form of moving art.
10. Watch money being made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing – With only two locations in the US printing money, you do not want to miss this unique opportunity to learn about the science of making money.  This is an amazing tour which offers an elevated walkway above the printing machines and headsets and displays that teach in more detail.  You will appreciate the dollar bill even more after this free tour!

As my husband’s work assignment ends in Fort Worth, my heart has developed an affinity for this western town.  After learning how to navigate the one way streets, I began to love the small town charm of this city.  I will miss the evidence of this town’s history on the facades of buildings, and in the many museums and parks.  I will miss living near the Courthouse, a stunning marble masterpiece that glows at night.  I will miss driving the Camp Bowie’s Thurber brick lined roads that transported me back in time.  I will miss seeing the police mounted on horses and cowboys with their hats and boots walking down the street.  I will miss driving by the beautiful historic churches that sit on so many corners of the town including Fort Worth United Methodist church built to mimic Notre Dame in Paris, France.  I will miss working out at the historical downtown YMCA which has the original suspended walking track and a museum honoring Amon Carter.  I will miss the downtown lights reflecting along the Trinity River and the beautiful bridges that span it.  This small town has left a big impression on me and I am grateful to be a part of its history.